Ontario’s minimum wage goes up to $17.60 per hour

Ottawa is committed to collaborating with a northern Ontario paper mill that recently announced it would pause operations due to insufficient support. This partnership is crucial as it highlights the government's dedication to sustaining local industries and protecting jobs in the region.

Ontario is finally increasing juror pay to $120 per day from the first day of service, a change that has been long overdue since the fee structure hadn't been updated since 1989. This adjustment is significant as it acknowledges the vital role jurors play in the justice system and addresses the financial burden they face while serving.

Algoma Steel Group Inc., based in Ontario, is set to receive a significant boost of $500 million in loans from both federal and provincial sources. This financial assistance is crucial for the company as it navigates the challenges posed by U.S. tariffs. The support not only helps Algoma Steel stabilize its operations but also underscores the government's commitment to protecting local industries and jobs, making it an important development for the region's economy.

Australia kicks off their title defense in the Women's Cricket World Cup against New Zealand in Indore. The match, held at Holkar Stadium, is set to start at 3 PM local time. This game is significant as it marks the beginning of the tournament for Australia, who are looking to maintain their championship status. Fans are encouraged to share their thoughts on the match.

The US government has officially shut down for the first time since 2018 after competing funding bills were rejected in the Senate. This shutdown is particularly concerning as it is expected to have a more severe impact on federal workers and services. The ongoing partisan conflict between Republicans and Democrats has led to this impasse, highlighting the challenges in reaching bipartisan agreements. This situation matters because it affects millions of Americans who rely on government services and the stability of the federal workforce.

PPE Medpro, a company linked to Baroness Mone, has been ordered by the court to repay £122 million in damages related to a PPE contract. This ruling highlights the ongoing scrutiny and legal challenges surrounding government contracts during the pandemic, raising questions about accountability and transparency in public spending.

The ringleader of a grooming gang in Rochdale has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for his role in the repeated rapes and assaults of two girls starting from the age of 13. This case highlights the ongoing issues of child exploitation and the importance of justice for victims, as it sheds light on the dark realities faced by vulnerable youth in communities.

Roy Schwartz critiques Trump's recent peace plan, which he argues is more of a fantasy than a feasible solution for the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While the plan promises a return to normalcy that many Israelis desire, it overlooks the complexities of the situation and the future of Gaza. This matters because it highlights the gap between political promises and the realities on the ground, raising questions about the effectiveness of such proposals in achieving lasting peace.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has expressed grave concerns about Europe's current geopolitical landscape, describing it as the most challenging since World War II. She supports the European Commission's initiative to provide a reparation loan for Ukraine, backed by frozen Russian assets. Additionally, Latvian Prime Minister Siliņa emphasizes the urgency of advancing the EU's drone capabilities, countering criticism about the timeline for development. This situation highlights the pressing need for European unity and swift action in response to ongoing conflicts.