News without the noise · Toronto Edition
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 · 72 stories
The Ontario government will maintain supervision of eight school boards, including Toronto's public and Catholic boards, despite education reforms that keep elected trustees in place with limited authority. Education Minister Paul Calandra stated that government appointees will continue running these boards, and supervision will not end immediately.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Toronto and the GTHA, warning of 10-20 mm of rainfall with potential thunderstorms. Officials caution that water pooling on roads and low-lying areas could create hazardous driving conditions during the morning commute, and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority advises that all shorelines, rivers and streams should be considered dangerous due to rapidly changing water levels.
Durham Regional Police are investigating a homicide after a person was found deceased at a residence on Shorten Place in Ajax shortly after 1 a.m. on Tuesday. The cause of death is unclear, but authorities are treating it as a homicide with an ongoing investigation and heavy police presence at the scene.
Chinese President Xi Jinping made his first public statement on the Middle East conflict since U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran began in late February, emphasizing China's commitment to promoting peace and dialogue. He presented a four-point proposal for regional stability during a meeting with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed in Beijing.
BP reported exceptional oil trading performance in the first quarter as the Iran war caused oil, gas and fuel prices to surge, with Brent crude up more than 60% this year. The company's net debt is expected to rise to $25-27 billion, driven by a $4-7 billion working capital build due to higher prices, while its natural gas trading results were average and oil production was down slightly from the previous quarter.
Rising fuel prices across Canada, influenced by conflict in Iran, are prompting increased consumer interest in electric vehicles. A recent poll indicates one in three Canadians is open to purchasing an EV.
China's exports grew 2.5% in March from a year earlier, a significant slowdown attributed to rising costs from the conflict in Iran. The war has disrupted global supply chains and increased shipping expenses, impacting international trade.
The US has enforced a blockade on Iranian ports, prompting accusations of piracy from Iran and protests in Tehran. Diplomatic efforts continue, with Pakistan offering to host talks, while Israel intensifies its invasion of southern Lebanon, where a Canadian national has died. The blockade is disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with about 20,000 vessels reported stranded.
Since the US-Israel war on Iran began on February 28, 2026, ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped by over 95%, with only 279 ships transiting between February 28 and April 12 compared to a pre-war average of about 100 per day. A US naval blockade of Iranian ports took effect on April 14, 2026, applying to vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. According to ship-tracking data, 22 ships have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the war, with hundreds of tankers stranded in the Gulf, cutting global oil and gas supply by 20% and boosting oil prices by about 50%.
The 2026 WNBA Draft saw the Toronto Tempo select UCLA guard Kiki Rice as their first-ever draft pick, marking the first time an international team has chosen a player. UCLA became the first school to have six players selected in a single draft, while three players with Canada Basketball ties were drafted for the first time in a decade. The draft featured 45 players across three rounds, with expanded roster spots and increased rookie salaries under a new collective bargaining agreement.
A new trial begins Tuesday in Argentina with seven members of Diego Maradona's medical team charged with negligent homicide. The case follows a previous mistrial nearly a year ago.
Azzi Fudd was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Fudd stated that her existing on-court chemistry with former teammate Paige Bueckers will facilitate her transition to the professional team.