News
In local news, a 15-year-old boy has been charged following an incident that triggered a lockdown at a west end Belleville school yesterday. Belleville Police responded to a report of an individual inside Centennial Secondary School with a firearm around 12:30 p.m.
Upon arrival and further investigation, officers located a teenager nearby in possession of a replica firearm and several knives. The school was placed on lockdown for just over 10 minutes while the investigation was conducted. No injuries were reported.
The School Board sent a message out to parents right after the incident happened, and the school also gave a full explanation to parents at the end of the day.
Today, the accused was charged three weapons offences, forcible confinement and uttering threats. He is awaiting a bail hearing.
In another weapons related incident on Wednesday night, the Northumberland OPP discovered a loaded rifle in a vehicle during a stop for suspected impaired driving. Yesterday they has charged a 19-year-old male from the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand with impaired driving and weapons offences. The accused was also wanted on an outstanding warrant.
LEGAL FEES
In legal news, indigenous lawyers who had over $500 million in legal fees struck down by an Ontario court are appealing the decision, arguing the case could have wider implications.
In 2023, the lawyers negotiated a landmark $10-billion settlement for 21 Anishinaabe First Nations, for breaches by the Crown of the 1850 Robinson-Huron Treaty. The case started in 2007.
While the lawyers were paid throughout the course of their work, they charged a reduced hourly rate, totalling more than $17 million. In addition, the fund agreed to pay a contingency fee of 15 per cent for the first $100 million of an eventual settlement, and five per cent on any amount above that.
Two of the First Nations disputed the $510 million in legal fees that their lawyers claimed. In October 2025, a Superior Court of Justice decision determined the amount — based on an agreed five per cent cut of the settlement — was neither fair nor reasonable. Justice Fred Myers ruled that it be reduced by $487 million.
In Court of Appeal filings, the firm representing the lawyers argued that the decision will have a “chilling effect” on other cases, particularly for lengthy and complex cases involving “under-resourced” groups. Of note, Last year, the Ontario Court of Justice approved more than $900 million in contingency fees for lawyers who spent decades litigating against tobacco companies.
IRAN
Iran appears to be setting itself up as the gatekeeper for the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important artery for oil shipments. The move could cement Tehran’s de facto chokehold over the crucial waterway and formalize its ability to keep its own oil flowing to China.
Iranian has advised the United Nations maritime authority of the fees it charges. Ships transiting the strait suggest that Iran has created something akin to a “toll booth.” Ships must enter Iranian waters and be vetted by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps before proceeding.
Only about 150 vessels, including tankers and container ships, have transited since March 1. That’s a little more than one day’s normal traffic before the war. Conversely Iran’s Kharg Island terminal loaded 1.6 million barrels of oil in March — largely unchanged from prewar monthly loading totals.
And finally, did you know that today is National AI Literacy Day. It is a nationwide initiative aimed at empowering educators and students to understand, use, and think critically about artificial intelligence. The event features classroom activities, professional learning opportunities, and community events to build skills for AI fluency and responsible digital citizenship.
Sports
F1
The Japanese Grand Prix this weekend will be the last F1 race until May. The 2026 Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix originally scheduled for April have been cancelled due to safety concerns from the conflict in the Middle East. These cancellations reduce the 2026 calendar to 22 races, creating a five-week gap between races.
With the time zone difference, only the hardy may stay up late or get up early to watch the race. The race goes ta 1 AM Sunday.
Mercedes has won both of the first two races with their drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli swapping finishing first and second. Last week in China if was the first win for the 19-year-old Antonelli.
NHL
In the NHL, there are less than three weeks left in the regular season. No Canadian teams play tonight but they all hit the ice tomorrow. In key games for playoff spots tomorrow afternoon, the Ottawa Senators are on the road in Tampa Bay for a 1:oo start. At 3:00, the Edmonton Oilers are at home to the Anaheim Ducks. Tomorrow night the Montreal Canadiens are on the road in Nashville.
NBA
Over the NBA, with 10 games to go in their regular season, the Toronto Raptors are still in contention to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. Tonight they are at home to the New Orleans Pelicans.
