OTTAWA – Cases of invasive meningococcal disease are at their highest level in more than a decade across Canada, according to a CBC News broadcast Thursday evening.

Data compiled by CBC News shows at least 155 countrywide infections were reported in 2025, a significant increase from a record low during the pandemic. The majority of cases have been identified in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. Health officials are urging vaccination as the illness, while rare, can be deadly.

Fragile US-Iran Ceasefire

The U.S. President announced a temporary two-week ceasefire with Iran approximately 90 minutes before a deadline set by Donald Trump demanding Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz. According to the broadcast, Trump warned that failure to comply would result in devastation.

CBC News’s Janice Stein described the ceasefire as “very fragile,” noting that Iran continued to fire missiles at Israel after the announcement, with Israel responding in kind. The ceasefire was reportedly facilitated by Pakistani intermediaries, and Stein stated there is “zero trust” between the U.S. and Iran, a sentiment she believes is mutual.

Stein characterized the situation as a “huge strategic defeat” for the United States, asserting that Iran is now “functionally in control” of the Strait of Hormuz. She added that while Israel’s objectives were not achieved, the situation is less detrimental for them. Iran’s foreign minister stated that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will require coordination with Iran’s armed forces, which Stein interpreted as a confirmation of Iranian control.

Stein highlighted several significant sticking points in potential negotiations, including the presence of U.S. bases in the Middle East, potential reparations from Iran, and Iran’s continued pursuit of uranium enrichment. She cautioned that the ceasefire is primarily intended to buy time and expressed concern if missile exchanges continue.

Finally, the broadcast also included a segment on Canada’s housing construction labour shortage and potential solutions, including expanding training programs for underrepresented groups and adopting new construction technologies.