Asteroid Nears Earth, Debt Soars, LCBO Strike, India's T20 Win, Ganga Treaty Renewal!

🌍 An asteroid called 2024 MK is heading our way, set to pass close to Earth this Saturday. Discovered recently, it's quite big—between 120 to 260 meters wide. Thankfully, it won't hit us, but it's a reminder of the ongoing asteroid threat. This comes during Asteroid Day, highlighting efforts by scientists and NASA to track and study these objects for our safety. (Read More)

💰 Canadian households have hit a new high—with debt levels now the third highest in the world. Thanks to record-low interest rates starting in 2020, debt surged by 25% by 2024. Surprisingly, a small group holds most of this debt. Wealthier Canadians borrowed the most, leaving the bottom 60% struggling with rising costs and negative savings. Now, with interest rates slowly dropping, relief is limited and the economic stress continues. 🌟(Read More)

🍷 LCBO workers are set to strike starting Friday morning, accusing the LCBO of not meeting their demands. The main issue? Ford's plan to sell alcohol in corner stores, which the union says will hurt LCBO revenue and jobs. If no deal is reached by midnight, all LCBO stores will close starting July 5. Limited weekend hours will start on July 19. (Read here)

🏠 High rent costs are making many Canadians in their 20s and 30s delay having kids. A study shows 55% of Canadians aged 18-34 say the housing crisis affects their decision to start a family. Anna Smith, 27, lives in a tiny Toronto apartment with her partner, paying $1,550 monthly. She's been putting off having kids for two years. Canada's fertility rate dropped to a historic low in 2022, with affordability being a major concern. Experts say increasing the housing supply is crucial. (Read here)

🤠 The Calgary Stampede, known as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, is a huge money-spinner for Calgary and Alberta. CEO Joel Cowley says it pumps $540 million into the province annually, with $282 million coming in just 10 days during the festival. Brad Parry from Calgary Economic adds that it's not just about rodeos and fun; investors flock here during Stampede to check out business opportunities, showing off Calgary's friendly vibe and great business environment. (Read here)

🚇 Calgary's Green Line LRT project is moving forward with preparations underway for construction, including building bridges and tunnels in the southeast. The city council faces crucial decisions this month due to concerns over rising costs, which could lead to adjustments in the project's scope or funding. Over $1.5 billion has already been invested in land acquisition and design. A final report in mid-July will guide council's decision on the future of this transformative transit initiative. (Read here | Watch Video)

🔥 Suncor Energy has shut down its Firebag oilsands project near Fort McMurray because of a nearby out-of-control wildfire.  The fire, about 70 km northeast of Fort McMurray, is getting close to oil facilities. Alberta Wildfire is on it with crews and helicopters, battling tough conditions like hot, dry weather and gusty winds pushing the fire eastward. With over 60 fires blazing across Alberta, things are pretty intense up north, with the fire risk soaring. (Read here)

🏆 What a victory parade it's been for Team India! 🏏 After being honored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, the T20 World Cup champions have taken Mumbai by storm. Led by captain Rohit Sharma, they paraded through Marine Drive, greeting ecstatic fans on their way to Wankhede Stadium for a BCCI felicitation.

📢 You might have heard about the NEET paper leak case—it’s been making headlines! The CBI has now taken over seven cases, digging deep into impersonation and exam irregularities. These cases involve biometric mismatches and have already led to several arrests. One shocking twist? MBBS students and a coaching academy operator from Patna, who allegedly used fake IDs to promise guaranteed admissions. Stay tuned as the CBI continues its investigation, uncovering more about this complex scandal! 🕵️‍♂️👨‍⚕️ (Read here)

🌊 India and Bangladesh are gearing up to renew their Ganga Waters Treaty, which decides who gets how much water from the Ganga. This treaty, up for renewal in 2026, considers flow conditions at the Farakka barrage and deals with the impacts of climate change. The West Bengal government’s stance will be critical because it can affect deals involving rivers that cross borders. (Read More)