Claudia Sheinbaum Warns U.S. Against Drone Strikes in Mexico, Defends Sovereignty
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has issued a stern warning to the United States, rejecting any unilateral military actions, including drone strikes, on Mexican soil. She emphasized that such actions would not solve the issues at hand and firmly stated that Mexico would not tolerate any foreign interference.
Speaking during a press conference on April 8, Sheinbaum responded to a report by NBC News, which claimed that U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration was considering using drone strikes against Mexican drug cartels to combat narcotics trafficking across the border.
“The people of Mexico will not accept any intervention, interference, or any other act from abroad under any circumstances,” Sheinbaum said, reiterating Mexico’s firm stance on maintaining its sovereignty. She added that while Mexico is open to collaboration and coordination with the U.S., it would not be subjected to any form of subordination or meddling.
NBC News cited unnamed current and former U.S. military, law enforcement, and intelligence officials who suggested that drone strikes in Mexico were being considered, though no final decision had been made. The proposed strikes were aimed at combating criminal gangs trafficking drugs into the U.S.
Sheinbaum emphasized that the U.S. and Mexico have an ongoing dialogue on security matters, and she expressed confidence that the U.S. would not resort to unilateral action. “This cannot be an opportunity for the U.S. to invade our sovereignty,” Sheinbaum stated. “With Mexico, it is about collaboration and coordination, not subordination, interventionism, or invasion.”
She also clarified that her government was not consulted by the U.S. about the inclusion of Mexican cartels, such as the Sinaloa cartel, the United Cartel, the Michoacana Family, and the Jalisco New Generation cartel, on the U.S. list of global terrorist organizations. Sheinbaum underscored that Mexico does not negotiate its sovereignty, and that no foreign power could interfere with the country’s internal matters.
“We both want to reduce drug consumption and the trafficking of illegal drugs,” Sheinbaum concluded, reaffirming Mexico’s commitment to addressing these issues through mutual cooperation, not external imposition.
Toronto Targets Construction Contractors to Ease Traffic Gridlock
Toronto is ramping up its efforts to tackle the city’s persistent traffic congestion by focusing on construction projects that often block lanes. The latest strategy aims to reduce the time contractors occupy live lanes of traffic with a new fee structure designed to encourage faster work.
As part of its ongoing congestion management efforts, Toronto’s transportation division updates its plan every six months. This April, the city introduced changes to further build on successful initiatives, such as the traffic warden program, which is steadily expanding to include more staff to manage busy intersections and keep traffic flowing smoothly. While the number of high-visibility agents will rise from 22 to 60 by this summer, city officials are looking to address a larger issue — the disruptions caused by construction.
“The No. 1 cause of traffic on our roads is construction,” Mayor Olivia Chow said during a news conference on Wednesday. A key element of this year’s plan, effective as of April, involves changes to the Road Disruption Activity Reporting System (RoDARS). Previously, contractors paid a flat permit fee, but now, they will be charged a daily fee based on the length of the lane closure. The fee varies depending on whether the disruption is on an arterial route or not.
Chow pointed to a recent example where a utility contractor was charged under the old system for just under $5,000 for closing two lanes on Lake Shore Boulevard for nearly a month. Under the new fee structure, that same contractor would face a hefty charge of $280,000. “The faster they do the work, the less they pay,” Chow explained.
The new system is not without its critics. Michael Giles, from the Residential Construction Council of Ontario, voiced concerns at the city’s Infrastructure and Environment Committee. He warned that the additional costs would likely be passed on to homebuyers, potentially slowing down housing starts. “While it may seem like a small amount, it’s simply another fee that’s being added onto the cost of building,” he said.
Despite the pushback, Giles Gherson, president and CEO of the Toronto Region Board of Trade, expressed support for the city’s direction, though he noted that more progress is needed. “I think we’ve seen some progress and that’s great, but we need to see a lot more,” Gherson said, acknowledging the ongoing struggle with traffic management.
City officials have already begun to see signs that the new fee structure is having an effect. Roger Browne, director of traffic management, shared a recent example where a utility company revised its eight-week lane closure plan down to seven weeks after being informed of the new charges. “In the past, we didn’t have much leverage. But now, with the RoDARS fees, we’re starting to see a bit of a trend,” Browne said.
Barbara Gray, head of transportation services for the city, noted that the revenue generated from these new fees will go toward funding traffic management programs. In addition, the city plans to install automated enforcement cameras this summer to track road-related infractions, such as drivers blocking intersections. While the cameras will gather data for now, the city is still awaiting provincial approval to issue tickets.
Toronto’s ambitious approach to managing construction-related traffic disruptions is part of a broader effort to improve the flow of the city’s roads and reduce congestion — a problem that has long been a source of frustration for commuters.
How Many Coffees Would You Need to Give Up to Afford a Home in Ontario?
You’ve probably heard the familiar advice: cut out your daily latte and you could afford a house. But is that really the case? A recent study by a Toronto-based real estate company suggests that for many Ontarians, this strategy might fall short in today’s housing market.
As home prices continue to climb across Ontario, many Canadians are searching for creative ways to save for a down payment. One common suggestion? Cutting out that daily coffee run. According to data from ZooCasa, saving an average of $5.19 per day — the national cost of a latte — won’t come close to solving the homeownership dilemma.
The study looked at average home prices across the province and calculated how long it would take to save for a 20 per cent down payment solely by giving up coffee. In the London-St. Thomas area, where the average home price is $608,500, a 20 per cent down payment totals $121,700. If you relied on your coffee savings alone, it would take you an astounding 90 years to reach that goal.
While cutting out a daily latte may help your budget, it seems that homeownership requires more than just skipping a cup of coffee — it might take a lot more than just a few mornings of restraint!
Man Critically Injured After Vehicle Drives Off with Gas Nozzle Attached in Etobicoke
A man is in critical condition following a disturbing incident at a gas station in Etobicoke on Monday evening. Toronto Police report that a driver drove off with the gas nozzle still attached to their vehicle, leading to a tragic accident.
The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. at a gas station near Burnhamthorpe Road and Renforth Drive. As the driver left, the nozzle became detached from the pump, striking a man who was standing nearby. The impact caused the man, who is in his 60s, to fall, and he was hit in the head by the flying nozzle.
Paramedics rushed the victim to the hospital, where he remains with life-threatening injuries, according to emergency services. The driver, whose identity has not been released, is under investigation.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers at gas stations, highlighting the importance of ensuring all equipment is properly secured before driving away.
Experts Warn Home Insurance Costs Will Increase in 2025 Due to Extreme Weather
Home insurance rates are rising in 2025, with a 5.28% increase reported, significantly outpacing inflation. According to a report from My Choice Financial, a Canadian insurance comparison website, this rise follows a 7.66% increase in 2024, marking a consistent upward trend in insurance costs.
While several factors contribute to this rise, climate change is considered a major driving force behind the surge. Jason Clark, the national director of climate change and federal issues at the Insurance Bureau of Canada, explained that extreme weather events have led to record-breaking insured losses. “In 2024, we saw over $7 billion in insured losses in a single quarter, which is a staggering figure,” Clark said.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada reported that total insured losses for 2024 amounted to $8.5 billion, more than three times the losses recorded in 2023 and 12 times higher than the average annual losses from 2001 to 2010. This figure also surpassed the previous record of $8 billion set in 2016 after the Fort McMurray wildfires in Alberta.
Clark highlighted that the risks are increasing across Canada, from hurricanes in Atlantic Canada to hailstorms in Alberta and wildfires nationwide. However, flooding remains the costliest and most destructive event in Canada. According to Clark, approximately 1.5 million homes in Canada are unable to secure flood insurance due to high flood risks.
The Canadian government has been working on a national flood insurance program for high-risk areas, with funding allocated in the 2024 federal budget. However, Clark noted that the program has not been implemented yet due to Parliament being prorogued.
Mary Kelly, a finance professor at Wilfrid Laurier University, pointed out that as extreme weather events become more common, “everywhere in Canada is now a danger zone,” leading to rising insurance rates across the country. Even areas once considered safe from extreme weather are now vulnerable to events like microbursts and heavy rainstorms that overwhelm drainage systems and cause flooding.
Kelly also emphasized the need for government intervention in addressing gaps left by private insurance companies. “We are one of the few countries in the world where the government has no role in insurance coverage,” Kelly said. She cited California as an example, where government programs help provide earthquake coverage in high-risk areas when private insurers refuse to offer coverage due to the risk.
In the future, Kelly advocates for a government-backed safety net for the insurance industry. “If things get really bad, we’ll need a backstop so people don’t face financial ruin,” she explained.
Kelly also recommends that homeowners take proactive steps to make their properties more resilient to climate change. She suggested consulting resources such as the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction to understand potential risks and get advice on safeguarding homes.
Both Kelly and Clark agree that more needs to be done to address climate change and its associated risks. “There is an urgent need for all levels of government to invest in community risk protection and climate adaptation,” Clark said. “The rising risks and increasingly severe weather events we’re seeing across the country require immediate action and investment.”
Home Insurance Rates Set to Rise in 2025 Due to Extreme Weather, Experts Warn
Home insurance rates in Canada are climbing higher in 2025, driven largely by the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. A recent report from My Choice Financial, a Canadian insurance aggregator and comparison site, reveals that home insurance rates have surged by 5.28% this year, significantly outpacing inflation. This increase follows a 7.66% rise in the previous year.
Experts say that while several factors are contributing to the rise, climate change is the primary driver. Jason Clark, national director of climate change and federal issues at the Insurance Bureau of Canada, noted that the country faced historic insured losses in 2024, including a particularly severe quarter last summer. “We saw over $7 billion in insured losses in just one quarter,” Clark said.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada reported that 2024 set a new record with $8.5 billion in claims, more than triple the losses of 2023 and 12 times higher than the annual average from 2001 to 2010. Notably, this surpassed the previous record of $8 billion set in 2016, following the devastating Fort McMurray wildfires in Alberta.
Clark highlighted that extreme weather risks are escalating across Canada, citing threats such as hurricanes in Atlantic Canada, hailstorms in Alberta, and wildfires across the nation. However, he emphasized that flooding remains the costliest and most destructive weather event in the country. Around 1.5 million homes in Canada are deemed uninsurable for flood risk due to their high exposure.
The federal government has been working on a national flood insurance program for high-risk areas, and it allocated funding for it in the 2024 budget. However, the program has not been rolled out yet due to Parliament’s prorogation.
Mary Kelly, a finance professor at Wilfrid Laurier University, explained that as climate-related events become more widespread, “everywhere in Canada can now be considered a danger zone,” leading to insurance rate hikes nationwide. Even regions once deemed “safe” are now vulnerable to unexpected weather events, such as microbursts and rainstorms that overwhelm sewage systems, potentially flooding homes.
Kelly also stressed the importance of government involvement in bridging the insurance gap. “We’re one of the few countries in the world where the government doesn’t participate in insurance coverage,” she noted. She pointed to California, where the government provides earthquake coverage in areas where private insurers consider the risk too high.
“What we need to see moving forward,” Kelly said, “is a government backstop, so that when things get really bad, people don’t go bankrupt due to catastrophic events.”
In addition to government intervention, Kelly encouraged homeowners to take steps to make their properties more climate-resilient. She recommended using resources like the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction website to better understand and mitigate potential risks.
Both Kelly and Clark agree that more proactive efforts are needed to combat climate change and mitigate its impacts. “There is an urgent need for all levels of government to invest in community risk protection and climate adaptation,” Clark concluded. “These rising risks and severe weather events are challenges we must address collectively to protect homes, communities, and economies from further devastation.”
‘Pure Act of Evil’: Court Hears Disturbing Details of TTC Subway Stabbing
A chilling confession was revealed Friday in a Toronto courthouse, as Neng Jia Jin, a 55-year-old Chinese national, admitted to a brutal and unprovoked stabbing attack aboard a TTC subway car in December 2022. Jin, who is seeking revenge for an incident in which a Canadian doctor blinded him, pleaded guilty to the first-degree murder of 31-year-old Vanessa Kurpiewska and the attempted murder of 37-year-old Sulakshana Srijeyarayah.
The violent attack occurred on December 8, 2022, when Jin boarded a subway train traveling eastbound from Runnymede to High Park station. Both victims, strangers to Jin, were sitting on the subway when they were suddenly stabbed without warning. Jin confessed to investigators that he had harbored resentment toward Canadians due to an incident with a doctor, which left him blinded.
“I stabbed two people today. They are innocent. My eyes were blinded and I’m innocent … I was harmed by you Canadians and now I feel balanced inside,” Jin told a Mandarin-speaking police officer shortly after his arrest.
Jin explained that his initial intent had been to attack passengers on a TTC bus, but due to his impaired vision, he was unable to clearly identify his targets. It was only after boarding the subway that he felt able to proceed with the violent attack.
The court was also shaken by emotional outbursts from the family of victim Vanessa Kurpiewska. During the hearing, Kurpiewska’s mother, overcome with grief, stood up and rushed toward the prisoner’s box where Jin was seated. She sobbed and spoke briefly in Polish before being restrained and escorted out of the courtroom by officers. Later, Kurpiewska’s father also attempted to confront Jin, lunging toward him and shouting, “Hey, wake up!” before leaving the courtroom. Superior Court Justice Joan Barrett warned those present that further disruptions would result in ejections from the courtroom.
This case, which has left the community in shock, will continue to unfold as Jin faces sentencing for his violent actions.
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On the eve of his trial, a Toronto man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his on-and-off-again girlfriend, Brittany Doff, in a downtown courtroom on Thursday.
Kadeem Nedrick, who was originally facing a charge of first-degree murder, admitted to killing 30-year-old Doff in January 2022. His plea came just before jury selection was set to begin.
Doff, a devoted mother to the couple’s four-year-old son, had been trying to leave what friends and family described as a volatile and emotionally turbulent relationship. In the days leading up to her death, she confided in loved ones that she was afraid of Nedrick and wanted him out of her life.
“The relationship was in crisis. She didn’t want him at the home or sleeping over,” said assistant Crown attorney Mary Humphrey, reading from an agreed statement of facts in court.
On January 3, 2022, Doff had been out with a friend before returning to her apartment near College and Clinton Streets. Shortly after arriving, the friend heard a terrified scream from within the unit.
Earlier that day, Doff had left the apartment because Nedrick’s behavior had frightened her. She returned later to collect some belongings and went to the basement bedroom. According to court testimony, Nedrick suddenly appeared and began frantically searching for her, yelling, “Where is she? Where is she?”
He then grabbed several knives and began swinging them, demanding the friend to leave.
Doff was fatally stabbed during the attack.
Sentencing details are expected in the coming weeks. A conviction for second-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence with parole eligibility set by the court between 10 and 25 years.
Toronto Man Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Murder in Death of Girlfriend
On the eve of his trial, a Toronto man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his on-and-off-again girlfriend, Brittany Doff, in a downtown courtroom on Thursday.
Kadeem Nedrick, who was originally facing a charge of first-degree murder, admitted to killing 30-year-old Doff in January 2022. His plea came just before jury selection was set to begin.
Doff, a devoted mother to the couple’s four-year-old son, had been trying to leave what friends and family described as a volatile and emotionally turbulent relationship. In the days leading up to her death, she confided in loved ones that she was afraid of Nedrick and wanted him out of her life.
“The relationship was in crisis. She didn’t want him at the home or sleeping over,” said assistant Crown attorney Mary Humphrey, reading from an agreed statement of facts in court.
On January 3, 2022, Doff had been out with a friend before returning to her apartment near College and Clinton Streets. Shortly after arriving, the friend heard a terrified scream from within the unit.
Earlier that day, Doff had left the apartment because Nedrick’s behavior had frightened her. She returned later to collect some belongings and went to the basement bedroom. According to court testimony, Nedrick suddenly appeared and began frantically searching for her, yelling, “Where is she? Where is she?”
He then grabbed several knives and began swinging them, demanding the friend to leave.
Doff was fatally stabbed during the attack.
Sentencing details are expected in the coming weeks. A conviction for second-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence with parole eligibility set by the court between 10 and 25 years.
Trump Imposes Reciprocal Tariffs on Global Trade Partners
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping set of reciprocal tariffs aimed at nearly 200 international trading partners. The move comes in response to what he claims is the U.S. being “looted” and “pillaged” by other nations, and the tariffs are intended to level the playing field.
The new tariff structure outlines a baseline of 10% on imports from various countries, with significantly higher duties for several others. Notably, Canada is not directly impacted by these new tariffs—yet—although it continues to face existing tariffs, including those on automobiles, which are set to take effect on Thursday.
The U.S. will charge the following tariffs on imports, with the highest rates applied to specific countries:
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Lesotho: 50%
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Saint Pierre and Miquelon (French overseas territory): 50%
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Cambodia: 49%
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Laos: 48%
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Madagascar: 47%
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Vietnam: 46%
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Sri Lanka: 44%
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Myanmar (Burma): 44%
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Falkland Islands: 41%
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Syria: 41%
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Mauritius: 40%
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Iraq: 39%
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Guyana: 38%
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Liechtenstein: 37%
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Reunion (French overseas territory): 37%
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Bangladesh: 37%
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Serbia: 37%
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Botswana: 37%
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Thailand: 36%
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Bosnia and Herzegovina: 35%
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China: 34%
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North Macedonia: 33%
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Taiwan: 32%
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Indonesia: 32%
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Angola: 32%
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Fiji: 32%
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Switzerland: 31%
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Moldova: 31%
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Libya: 31%
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Algeria: 30%
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Nauru: 30%
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South Africa: 30%
The list continues with a range of tariffs from 29% to as low as 10%. Countries including Norfolk Island (Australian territory), Pakistan, Tunisia, Kazakhstan, India, and South Korea are all hit with varying duties, with South Korea facing a 25% tariff and Japan seeing 24%.
The European Union is also targeted with a 20% tariff, alongside countries such as Jordan, Brazil, Singapore, and Chile.
Other countries, including Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, face a 10% tariff, in line with a larger group of nations that fall into this category. These include both larger economies and smaller territories or island nations.
A full list of countries, including Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Jamaica, and Paraguay, all face the 10% tariff, which is applied widely across various regions, affecting both developed and developing nations.
The tariff list is extensive and covers a wide array of global trading partners, with some countries facing higher duties based on their trade practices or perceived imbalances. While the tariffs aim to protect U.S. interests, the long-term economic impact remains to be seen, particularly as countries look for ways to respond.
As these new tariffs roll out, the global trade landscape is set to undergo a significant shift, and businesses, both in the U.S. and abroad, will need to navigate the complexities that these reciprocal tariffs create.