MORNING NEWS SCRAMBLE

Dozens feared dead after commuter plane crashes mid-air with U.S. army helicopter in Washington, D.C.

New two-phase Trump tariff threat

The U.S. is threatening a two-stage tariff plan in which Canada and Mexico could get hit with initial trade penalties within days, then face broader penalties this spring.

Harsh reality from Bank of Canada

The Bank of Canada has cut its key interest rate by another quarter-point to 3%. At the same time, Governor Tiff Macklem is warning us there’s not much he can do to offset the impact of tariffs: "The reality is the economy is going to work less efficiently.  Canada's going to produce less.  It's going to earn less.  Monetary policy can't change that."

Who’s who: Leader profiles

Want to learn more about the folks running to be premier? The Canadian Press has put together profiles of the PC, NDP, Liberal, and Green parties if you’re interested.

🟩 Green: Mike Schreiner

🟦 Progressive Conservative: Doug Ford

🟥 Liberal: Bonnie Crombie

🟧 NDP: Marit Stiles

Family sues after vacation deaths

A Toronto family are suing a hotel and travel company after a mother and son died after allegedly getting food poisoning at a resort in the Dominican Republic. The family alleges staff were negligent in handling and preparing food and their requests for help were dismissed. The allegations have not been proven in court.

Toronto gymnast dies celebrating Eagles’ win

Sticky fingers

Police in Brampton have arrested six people for stealing $60,000 worth of butter and ghee (clarified butter popular in South Asian cooking) from different grocery stores. This is such an issue in the area that police have even created a code name for it called “Project Flaherty”. They’re still investigating and trying to figure out which businesses are “accepting the stolen products.”

A PERSONAL NOTE FROM COCKADOODLE NEWS’ STEPHANIE SMYTH

Hi Cockadoodle News Crew!

I want to give you a heads up on some exciting personal news, and I’ll have much more to share in the coming days.  I’ve decided to run in the upcoming provincial election as the Liberal candidate in Toronto-St. Paul’s.

I was recently approached to consider running.  After some serious thought, I’ve decided to go for it.  I’m at the stage in life where I want to serve.

In terms of Cockadoodle News, it’s business as usual.  The newsletters will continue every weekday morning, and our social media presence will continue to grow.

We’ll take our inspiration for handling news vs. opinion from how newspapers have always handled it.  Our newsletter will continue to be focused on news, and I won’t be writing any of the political content.  Another member of the team will handle that.  Our “opinion section” will be on social media, where I’ll continue to do our “walk and talks” but give more of my views and occasional insights on the campaign trail.

Thank you for your support as we’ve grown Cockadoodle News.  We appreciate your readership, feedback, and friendship as we navigate what comes next!

Steph

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KEEP THE CHANGE

A 68-cent loonie?

Another analyst is predicting the Canadian dollar could drop to 68-cents U.S. if tariffs are implemented. The Globe and Mail reports a Citi analyst making the prediction, and he says the drop could happen quickly. Back in November, another prominent economist told the Financial Post that there was “nothing but dead air” stopping the loonie’s drop to the 68-cent mark given the threat of tariffs.

Tariffs could spike U.S. pump prices

An American MarketWatch article says U.S. drivers would notice a spike in pump prices within weeks if tariffs kick in. The article highlights how 52% of U.S. oil imports come from Canada. The article quotes one analyst who says Americans need Canadians for “heavy crude oil to refine into products like diesel and jet fuel. Without it, prices at the pump and in supply chains could surge.”

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HEALTHY START

Rucking rules!

Have you heard of rucking yet? It’s a hot fitness trend which involves going for a hike with something weighing you down, like a heavy backpack. It was originally a military training exercise for soldiers. USA Today reports a normal 30-minute walk can burn 125 calories, but adding a “rucksack” will increase the burn to 325 calories on the same walk.

What’s an “active recovery day” vs a “rest day”?

The team at Well+Good breaks down the difference between the two. Active recovery generally involves some light, cool-down type exercises like walking or stretching. Despite its popularity, one celebrity trainer isn’t a fan. Magnus Lygdbäck tells Business Insider “It’s more like a cardio session, even if it’s a lighter one.” He recommends just taking a break.

AND… ANOTHER THING!

Does separating lights and darks before doing laundry really make a difference?

Separating your laundry into colours can be a pain, but according to a second generation dry cleaner and TikTok creator, you should always take the time to do it. Click here to find out why.

Did you know croissants are actually from Austria?

The French seem to get the credit for this delicious pastry, but most experts believe it originated in Austria as the Kipferl, which has been around since the early 13^th century. Anyway, it’s National Croissant Day! If you’ve ever wondered how they’re made, Sally’s Baking Addiction shows you how!

Have a teriffic Thursday!  Thanks for subscribing to Cockadoodle News!