Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed …

U.S. and Iran vie for Strait of Hormuz, waterway key to global energy supplies, in latest attacks

The ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated recently, focusing on the significant Strait of Hormuz. After a weekend marked by a series of attacks across the Middle East, both nations are asserting control over this critical waterway. Historically vital for the global energy supply, the Strait of Hormuz sees a fifth of the world’s traded crude oil and natural gas passing through it. These recent confrontations jeopardize diplomatic efforts aimed at concluding the ongoing conflicts between the two nations.

Iran and the U.S. are approaching the halfway point of a 60-day interim deal meant to initiate discussions for a permanent resolution. However, ongoing hostilities cast doubt on any potential progress in peace talks.

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Turbulent month of economic data leaves Bank of Canada right back where it started

This week, it is anticipated that the Bank of Canada will maintain its benchmark interest rate unchanged for the sixth consecutive time. This decision is made in light of new strains on inflation due to the renewed conflicts in the Middle East, which threaten to escalate costs further. In May, inflation rates exceeded three percent for the first time since late 2023, largely influenced by rising fuel prices attributed to ongoing global crises.

Economist Tony Stillo of Oxford Economics noted that prior to recent developments, there was hope that an impending peace deal could help stabilize prices. He warned that the renewed strikes from the U.S. and Iran might reverse any positive trends in market stability.

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CN Tower dims lights in tribute after deadly shooting at Toronto street festival

In Toronto, the CN Tower honored the victims of a tragic shooting during the Salsa on St. Clair festival, which took place on Saturday. The incident resulted in two fatalities and left several individuals injured, prompting a swift police response and a public safety issue during the busy event that had attracted approximately 13,000 attendees at the time of the shooting.

City officials indicated that the iconic tower would dim its lights at the start of each hour in memory of the deceased. As investigations by the Toronto police continue, no suspects have been identified or apprehended. The shooting has raised concerns about safety during public gatherings.

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Lyme disease isn't the only tick-borne illness. Anaplasmosis is on the rise: doctors

A new publication in the Canadian Medical Association Journal emphasizes the rising threat of anaplasmosis, a tick-borne illness that is being reported alongside Lyme disease as tick populations grow in Canada. Dr. Michael Quon, a senior author on the paper, urged physicians to consider anaplasmosis when evaluating patients who present with unexplained fevers, particularly in regions known for tick activity.

The report discusses the case of a 79-year-old man treated successfully with doxycycline for anaplasmosis, despite having no memory of being bitten by a tick. The Public Health Agency of Canada attributes the increase in tick-borne illnesses to climate change, which is leading to a population surge of blacklegged ticks in areas such as Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.

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New Zealand actor Sam Neill, known for ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘The Piano,’ dies at 78, his family says

Sam Neill, a distinguished New Zealand actor famed for his performances in "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano," passed away at the age of 78. His family reported his death, noting that he had been diagnosed with a rare type of lymphoma in 2023, but they clarified that he was considered cancer-free at the time of his passing. A cause of death has not been publicly shared.

Neill was a prominent figure in the film industry, gaining international recognition following a surge of Australian films during the late 1970s. His diverse filmography also included notable works like "Dead Calm" and "Event Horizon," cementing his legacy as a talented and versatile actor.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 13, 2026.