Andy Donato cartoon, Jan. 19, 2025

The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping lane for global oil and gas, connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea and is bordered by Iran and Oman. With over 25% of the world's oil passing through it, the potential for Iranian disruptions—such as mining the channel or blockading it—poses a significant economic threat, though previous threats have not resulted in actual closures, partly due to the detrimental impact on Iran's own economy. Need More...

A total of 145 people were assaulted with syringes during France's Fete de la Musique festival, leading to 12 arrests and investigations into the incidents. Social media calls for syringe attacks prompted heightened police presence, with some victims hospitalized for toxicology tests, while authorities are working to identify additional assailants following reports of widespread assaults across various cities. Need More Context? 🔎

Yvette Shmilovitz, a 95-year-old Holocaust survivor, was confirmed as the fourth victim of an Iranian missile strike in Petah Tikva on June 16, which also killed three others. The city mayor expressed deep condolences and support for her family, while the Holocaust Survivors’ Rights Authority honored her legacy amidst escalating tensions due to Iran's nuclear ambitions and missile attacks, which have resulted in 24 deaths and over 1,300 injuries in Israel. Need More Context? 🔎

Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser expressed openness to potentially including the term “femicide” in Canada's Criminal Code, responding to advocacy for better recognition of gender-based violence. While police departments vary in their classification of such killings, Fraser's acknowledgment is seen as a positive step towards addressing and accurately reporting these crimes. Need More Context? 🔎

Forty years after the Air India bombing, which killed 329 people, over half of Canadians believe it has not been treated as a national tragedy, with 32% unaware of the event. A majority support a memorial exhibit and education on the bombing, but knowledge is particularly low among younger Canadians, highlighting an urgent need for awareness about this significant incident in Canadian history. Need More Context? 🔎

Ontario's civil servants have advised the province's new municipal affairs minister that the government's target of building 1.5 million homes by 2031 may fall short of demand, suggesting that up to 2.1 million new homes are needed to enhance affordability. This recommendation comes as part of ongoing discussions on addressing housing challenges in the region. Need More Context? 🔎