Police probe fire that destroyed central Alberta home, displaced neighbours

Former U.S. President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as delicate cease-fire talks in Gaza continue. The discussion, which took place privately, comes at a tense moment in Middle East diplomacy, though neither side has disclosed specific details about what was agreed—or disagreed—on.

Editor’s Note: High-profile meetings like this always raise eyebrows, especially when they involve figures as polarizing as Trump and Netanyahu. While it’s unclear if this chat will directly impact Gaza negotiations, it’s a reminder of how intertwined U.S. and Israeli politics remain—and how unofficial conversations can still ripple through official diplomacy. If nothing else, it’s fuel for speculation.

The US is holding off on some planned tariff hikes but is still rolling out new duties for certain countries. President Trump framed this as a temporary pause tied to "Liberation Day," but businesses and trade partners are bracing for fresh costs.

Editor’s Note: Tariffs are like economic speed bumps—they slow down trade and often raise prices. Even with delays, new tariffs mean businesses could face higher costs, which might trickle down to consumers. This move keeps trade tensions simmering, and markets will be watching closely to see who gets hit next.

The TSA is rolling out a small but welcome change for air travelers: at many major airports, you won’t have to take off your shoes when going through general security. No more awkward hopping on one foot or scrambling to untie laces—just walk right through.

Editor’s Note: This might seem like a tiny tweak, but anyone who’s ever fumbled with their sneakers in a crowded security line knows it’s a big deal. It signals a shift toward smarter, less invasive screening—and honestly, anything that makes flying slightly less annoying is a win. Plus, it could speed up those notoriously slow TSA lines. Win-win.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has doubled down on his stance against a fully independent Palestinian state, arguing it would threaten Israel’s security. He insists Israel must maintain security control over Palestinian territories, effectively rejecting the idea of Palestinian sovereignty as a viable option in any future peace deal.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another political soundbite—Netanyahu’s remarks signal a hardline position that could stall (or outright kill) any renewed peace talks. With tensions already high in the region, his rejection of Palestinian statehood reinforces a long-standing deadlock, making a two-state solution seem even more distant. For anyone hoping for progress, this is a discouraging step backward.

The TSA is finally ditching the post-9/11 rule that made travelers remove their shoes at airport security—a small but symbolic win for hassle-free travel. While the change won’t apply to everyone (high-risk passengers may still need to comply), it marks a shift toward more efficient screening tech and fewer headaches for most flyers.

Editor’s Note: For over two decades, shoe removal has been a universal annoyance—a relic of the "shoe bomber" era. Scanners have gotten smarter, and this move signals trust in that tech. It won’t fix all security line gripes, but it’s a tangible step toward making air travel slightly less tedious. Plus, fewer bare feet on dirty floors? Everyone wins.