Wednesday's top stories in 10 minutes

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. 

Japan, Australia say they will not send ships to the Strait of Hormuz, at request of US President Donald Trump.  Beijing is a major exporter to Middle East and China is feeling the squeeze from US-Israel war in Iran. Canada's annual inflation rate fell to 1.8% in February.  Prime Minister Mark Carney meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street on the final leg of his overseas tour. Scientists map genome of MSX, a deadly oyster disease that affects the Atlantic oyster industry.  Canadian filmmaking talent bring home Oscars from 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles. 

Iran expands threats to UAE ports as the U.S. looks to build a global naval coalition for the Strait of Hormuz. It has been nearly two weeks since the Strait of Hormuz has been closed off by Iran, essentially choking off the world's oil supply. Three Iranian soccer players return home after seeking asylum. President Zelenskyy warns that Russia is supplying Iran with drones and intelligence as Ukraine faces a fresh wave of strikes. Prime Minister Mark Carney meets with Nordic leaders in Oslo to address Arctic security and strategic cooperation. Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty meets with Kashechewan evacuees in Niagara Falls as the community's water crisis enters its third month. The future of a historical courthouse in London, Ontario has locals questioning Canada's preservation of heritage sites. 

President Trump warns he may destroy Iran's oil infrastructure following a major bombing raid on Kharg Island. A missile strike hits the U-S Embassy in Baghdad. PM Mark Carney pitches Canada as a "low-risk" energy partner during a visit to Norway that also included a stop at the Nordic World Cup. Former NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg warns the war with Iran is a boost for Russia and a threat to Ukraine. War in the middle east continues to spill over, a Jewish school in Amsterdam attacked, adding to multiple attacks on Jewish community across Europe and North America. One year into the review of Canada’s F-35 contract, the government admits relations with the U-S are complicating the deal. Japan's fishing industry is concerned that crude oil shortage due to war in middle east will affect their industry.

Israel renews attacks on Iran and Lebanon as Iran targets financial districts and key energy routes in Gulf region. U.S. officials confirm six airmen are dead after a refueling plane crash. Investigators have ruled out combat fire as the cause remains under review. Global oil prices fluctuate as the G7 releases record reserves and the U.S. considers waiving shipping laws to bypass the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Canada’s economy unexpectedly sheds 84,000 jobs in February — a sharp reversal that pushes the unemployment rate to 6.7 per cent. The widow of an Edmonton man who died in the E-R slams a new provincial report, calling its 16 recommendations "a joke." March is one of the deadliest months for avalanches; predicting them is difficult.

New Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vows to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed in first public address.  Global price of oil hovers around $100/barrel again as Iran carries out overnight attacks on ships in the Persian Gulf.  Israeli drone strike kills eight on Beirut's seafront as families sleep in nearby tents.  Mark Carney's government tries again to give law enforcement more power to intercept communications and seize data.  Trump administration to report on its plan to refund billions of dollars in tariffs deemed illegal by US Supreme Court.  Remote First Nations in northern Ontario partner with Ornge air ambulance service to launch community-led emergency response teams.  Newfoundland and Labrador judge sparks a national debate by calling "jail not bail" rhetoric inflammatory while releasing a repeat offender. 

Iran continues to step up its attacks across the Middle East, the US and Israel launch counter attacks.  Mulitple commericial ships hit by projectiles in Strait of Hormuz.  Countries to start releasing emergency oil reserves.  NDP MP Lori Idlout crosses the floor to join Liberal caucus, bringing Carney government within 2 seats of a majority.  Major ice storm forecast to hit southern parts of Ontario and Quebec.  Canadian Cancer Society says colorectal cancer screening should start earlier than recommended age of 50. 

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says today will be the most intense day of strikes on Iran. Israel launches new wave of airstrikes against Hezbollah, more than 100,000 people in Lebanon register as displaced today alone. Persian Gulf countries continue to come under ballistic missile attacks from Iran. Toronto Police say someone discharged a firearm at the U-S Consulate. Parent from Tumbler Ridge BC files civil lawsuit against Open AI, parent company of Chat GPT, after daughter injured in school shooting. TikTok and Canadian government reach agreement to allow Chinese-owned company to maintain physical presence in Canada. CBC Exclusive: Canadian-led business fuelled Myanmar’s civil war with ‘blood pearls,’ despite international sanctions.