On this day in history – May 26
1521 – Reformation milestone: The Edict of Worms formally bans Martin Luther’s writings and declares him a heretic, helping set the stage for centuries of religious and political upheaval across Europe.
1908 – Oil reshapes the Middle East: The first major commercial oil strike in the region is made at Masjed Soleyman in Persia (now Iran), a discovery that transforms global energy markets and regional geopolitics.
1918 – New nation in the Caucasus: The Democratic Republic of Georgia is established, an early step in the modern struggles over independence and influence in the post-imperial Caucasus.
1940 – Dunkirk evacuation begins: Under intense German attack, Allied forces start evacuating from Dunkirk, France; nearly 340,000 troops will eventually escape, altering the course of the Second World War.
1966 – Guyana becomes independent: British Guiana gains independence as Guyana, marking a key moment in decolonization in South America and the Caribbean.
1972 – A brake on the arms race: The United States and the Soviet Union sign the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, a central pillar of Cold War nuclear arms control for three decades.
Canada – biggest political stories
a) Yesterday (May 25, 2026):
Prime Minister Mark Carney heightened tensions over Alberta’s upcoming separation referendum, warning the move could “backfire” and raising national debate about the future of Confederation.
b) Expected focus today (May 26, 2026):
Ottawa and the western premiers are expected to keep the spotlight on Alberta’s referendum and possible fiscal and constitutional fallout, as western leaders meet and respond to the PM’s comments.
United States – yesterday’s biggest political story
May 25, 2026:
Washington remains consumed by negotiations over a potential U.S.–Iran deal to end the current conflict: U.S. officials say a framework is close, while Tehran publicly insists that agreement is “not imminent,” leaving allies and markets on edge.
Worldwide – what yesterday is likely to be remembered for
May 25, 2026:
The evolving push for a U.S.–Iran ceasefire-and-sanctions package, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz, is emerging as a pivotal test for Gulf security and global oil flows, with any deal likely to shape energy prices and regional alliances for years.
Ongoing concerns about a dangerous chemical-tank incident and mass evacuation in Orange County, California, highlight the long-term policy debate over industrial safety, urban risk management, and climate-stressed infrastructure in major metropolitan areas.
Quotation of the day
“In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit.” – Anne Frank
Ottawa, Ontario – sky and sun
Sunrise: about 5:22 a.m.
Sunset: about 8:37 p.m.
Moon: Waxing gibbous, roughly 80% illuminated, on its way to full in the coming days.
Ottawa – regular gas price (approximate)
Recent reporting suggests the Canadian average is around 1.70–1.75 CAD per litre, and Ottawa typically tracks close to that national level; an approximate working figure for today would be about 1.70–1.75 CAD/L, recognizing that local station prices can vary by several cents.
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