News without the noise · Toronto Edition
Monday, April 13, 2026 · 193 stories
The U.S. military is preparing to blockade Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz, causing oil prices to exceed US$100 per barrel. Iran has responded with threats against ports in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, following failed ceasefire talks in Pakistan.
A Canadian man from Windsor, Ontario was killed by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon last week while attempting to aid a wounded caretaker on his family property. The incident occurred amid intensified Israeli attacks on Lebanon as part of renewed conflict with Hezbollah, which has resulted in over 1,700 deaths according to Lebanese authorities. The victim had traveled to Lebanon in November to be with his wife and five children, and remained to care for horses despite moving his family to a safer location.
A collision occurred near the Highway 427 on-ramp to Highway 401, resulting in a man being hospitalized in critical condition. The ramp was closed overnight for a police investigation but has since reopened to traffic.
Brent crude surged above $103 a barrel after weekend talks between the US and Iran failed to reach a deal, escalating a global energy crisis. The US plans to implement a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which could transform a regional conflict into a global one and potentially cause oil prices to rise to $140-$150 per barrel if fully enforced.
Israeli forces conducted strikes on a key Lebanese border town ahead of scheduled diplomatic talks between Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors in Washington. Canada has condemned the Israeli military action while calling on Hezbollah to disarm and pursue diplomatic solutions, as Hezbollah leadership criticized the planned meeting as pointless and vowed to continue confronting Israeli attacks.
A Bank of France survey of about 8,500 companies indicates the share of firms planning price increases will double in April compared to March, rising from 11% to 23%, largely due to cost pressures from the Iran war. The survey also found uncertainty has spiked to levels not seen since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, though most planned price increases are expected to be moderate. European Central Bank officials are monitoring how strongly surging oil prices will affect the broader economy and whether monetary policy tightening may be required.
The United States has initiated a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement from President Donald Trump. Iran has threatened retaliatory actions against ports in neighboring Gulf states. The disruption has contributed to a rise in global oil prices above $100 per barrel.
The United States has initiated a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, with the stated intent of increasing pressure on Iran. This action follows the breakdown of peace talks between the two nations, though both sides are reportedly considering further negotiations.
US crude oil prices increased by nearly 8%, reaching US$104 per barrel, following statements about potential actions regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Approximately 1.85 million barrels of crude oil per day were exported by Iran through the strait in March.
Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl continues rehabilitation from a knee injury sustained in March, with his availability for the start of the NHL playoffs uncertain. Coach Kris Knoblauch indicated Draisaitl may not be ready for Game 1 but could return later in the series, while other injured players including Zach Hyman and Jason Dickinson also have unclear timelines.
The Toronto Blue Jays have transferred pitcher Shane Bieber to the 60-day injured list. This move creates roster space for infielder Lenyn Sosa, who was acquired from the Chicago White Sox.
Former NBA All-Star John Wall, now an analyst for NBA on Prime, appeared on The Raptors Show to discuss the Toronto Raptors' upcoming first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He also shared his perspective on which Play-In Tournament matchup he finds most compelling.