Wednesday's top stories in 10 minutes

Canada clears NATO's 2% spending target — after years of lagging and a last-minute lift.  Air raid sirens sound across Jerusalem as Iranian missiles arrive during a public war of words over peace talks. Former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro is back in a New York court as the new leader tries to stabilize the country. Two men arrested in the Dominican Republic for the fatal shooting of Quebec teenager Tristan Primeau-Poitras. RCMP Commissioner expresses regret about 1970s spy operation targeting Indigenous leaders, exposed this week by CBC News. BC’s police watchdog to investigate officer sexual misconduct within all municipal forces. IOC officially bans transgender women from Olympic female categories.

United States prepares to send at least 1,000 more soldiers to the Middle East, despite US President Donald Trump's optimism that a deal with Iran is coming.  Senate Republicans try to push forward bill to end to the ongoing issues at airports across US.  RCMP probe corruption allegations at Calgary city hall; warrants executed on former mayor Jyoti Gondek, councillors.  "Longest Ballot" protest prompts Elections Canada to switch to write-in ballot for upcoming byelection in Quebec's Terrebonne riding. Prime Minister Mark Carney criticizes Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau for English-only condolence video. Montreal saw record 12 frostbite amputations in 2025, but none this year — thanks to a new drug, and new policies.  North of North, Heated Rivalry, 40 Acres lead Canadian Screen Award nominees. 

Formerly secret intelligence files obtained by CBC show RCMP spied on respected Indigenous leaders in 1970s.  Civil jury in California finds Bill Cosby liable for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in 1972, awards her $59.25 million.  Despite US President Donald Trump's talk of negotiations, more missiles fired at Iran, Israel, and Lebanon overnight.  War in Iran fuels concerns about "sleeper cells" in North America, CBC investigates how likely that is.  Information from Air Canada flight data recorders could be released today, shedding light on deadly collision at LaGuardia airport.  Scientists in Geneva transport anti-matter for the first time. 

2 Air Canada pilots killed in collision with ground vehicle at New York's LaGuardia airport.  Incident at LaGuardia heightens concerns about air travel safety in the US.  US President Donald Trump says talks with Iran are productive, extends 48-hour deadline to open Strait of Hormuz to 5 days.  Tax lawyers who help American-Canadians renounce their citizenship say they're seeing increased interest.  Supreme Court of Canada begins hearing into Quebec's use of notwithstanding clause to protect its Bill 21 secularism law.  3 months after Australia banned anyone under age 16 from accessing social media -- is it working? 

US President Donald Trump warns Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or the United States will "obliterate" Iran's power plants". Six people have been killed in a helicopter crash in Qatari territorial waters. Israel intensifies operations in southern Lebanon. Cuba is suffering through its second nation-wide power outage in a week. Thousands of people in France are voting to choose their mayor today and parties will get a peak into their popularity amongst voters. Ottawa and Alberta are negotiating on a number of energy deals and climate advocates are concerned Canada is sliding back on its climate goals. Donald Trump is sending ICE agents to screen passengers at American airports. And Britain launches it's own version of TV's Saturday Night Live.

Canada's government says it is ready to contribute to efforts to unblock the Strait of Hormuz. Trump sends more troops to Middle East while signaling an end to the war. Protests against the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran erupt in London England. Global talks this week in Jamaica aimed at regulating deep-sea mining end in stalemate.  Hawaii's island of O'ahu is dealing with some of its worst flooding in 20 years. The U.S. has presented Hamas with a written proposal on the next phase of the Gaza peace plan. Drummer Andrew Scott, from Canadian rock band Sloan, being honoured by the Halifax university he once dropped out of to pursue music.

Israeli airstrikes pound Tehran on Nowruz as Benjamin Netanyahu claims Iran’s military is "decimated." U.S. deploys 2,500 Marines and three more warships to the Middle East as Iran threatens global tourist sites. Iran’s military warns "parks and tourist destinations" worldwide are no longer safe for its enemies. Hollywood has lost its ultimate tough guy. Martial arts legend Chuck Norris has died at 86. U.S. Republicans introduce a bill to trigger tariffs over Canada's "Netflix tax." Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle is battering Australia's northeast coast with powerful wind and heavy rain. For the first time in 43 years, Vancouver has officially ended winter without a single centimetre of snow. An 87-year-old Alberta man is fighting extradition to Scotland after being accused of sexually and physically assaulting 17 students in 1960s and 1970s.

Middle East energy war looms as Trump issues ultimatum and oil prices test $114.Viktor Orbán blocks 90-billion-euro Ukraine loan at EU summit over ongoing oil pipeline feud.At least 16 dead in Karachi as heavy thunderstorms and high winds trigger wall collapses.Pierre Poilievre hits New York for final tour stop as Joe Rogan interview set for release.Colt Canada wins $307M contract to replace the Canadian military's aging rifle fleet.The Supreme Court hearing Facebook appeal that could change the laws around privacy and consent.New Brunswick teen upset over losing access to her psychiatrist due to inactivity.Canada hits record low of 25th in World Happiness Report as youth well-being plunges.

Iran renews attacks on Israel in retaliation for the death of security chief Ali Larijani.  Bank of Canada holds key interest rate at 2.25%, saying war will boost global inflation. Confirmation hearing for Markwayne Mullin as Secretary for Homeland Security begins in Washington. Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard promises to present sober and responsible budget in time of global turmoil. Montreal Police charge Émile Benamor, owner of Old Montreal building that caught fire in 2023, killing 7.The federal government going to the Supreme Court of Canada to try to justify its use of the Emergencies Act. Indigenous group raises concerns about Ontario's plan to exempt Premier Doug Ford and cabinet from freedom of information requests. 

Israel strikes targets in Iran and Lebanon, while Iran hits gulf neighbors. Director of US National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, resigns over ongoing war in Iran. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says Strait of Hormuz should not be weaponized. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says support for Ukraine must not wane in response to conflict in Iran. Taliban government accuses Pakistan of targetting a civilian hospital in Kabul with airstrike, killing more than 400 people. An atmospheric river is bringing heavy rain to British Columbia, increasing the risk of flooding, avalanches and landslides. Canadian Food Inspection Agency fines another Loblaw store, investigates Sobeys, for promoting imported food as Canadian. Mayor of Waterloo, Ontario demands answers from police after a sniper was deployed to a St. Patrick's Day street party.