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Canada’s snap election has seen a dramatic turnaround: after trailing badly in 2024, the Liberals under new leader and Prime Minister Mark Carney have pulled slightly ahead of Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives. Carney’s arrival after Justin Trudeau’s resignation, combined with renewed US tariff threats under President Trump, has rallied centre-left and anxious voters to the Liberals. Carney is pitching steadiness and economic credibility, leveraging his central banker background and incumbency during the trade flare-up; Poilievre emphasizes change, affordability, housing, crime, and a “Canada First” message while distancing himself from “Trump lite” comparisons. Smaller parties like the NDP and Bloc are sagging as strategic voting coalesces around the two main parties. The race remains tight, shaped by patriotism, US-Canada tensions, and voter frustration over affordability, with both major parties vying to surpass 38% of the vote for the first time since 1975.

Eighty years after British and Canadian troops liberated Bergen-Belsen in April 1945, survivors and families gathered to commemorate the camp’s victims. Troops found about 13,000 unburied corpses and 60,000 starving survivors; thousands more died soon after liberation due to disease and complications from refeeding. Unlike eastern camps that were destroyed or emptied, Belsen remained intact, making its horrors widely documented by soldiers and journalists, including the BBC’s Richard Dimbleby. With no gas chambers, deaths stemmed from overcrowding, typhus, malnutrition, and Nazi neglect, claiming 50,000–70,000 lives, many in the war’s final months; among the dead were Anne Frank and her sister Margot. Today, the camp’s huts are gone—burned to stop disease—but memorials and a visitor center mark the site, where dignitaries, including UK officials and Jewish leaders, paid tribute.

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo signed a US-brokered agreement in Washington to respect each other’s sovereignty and draft a peace plan by 2 May, with anticipated US-facilitated investments. The deal comes amid intensified conflict in eastern DR Congo, where Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured Goma and Bukavu, displacing hundreds of thousands and leaving about 7,000 dead since January. Despite commitments to peace from DR Congo and M23 earlier in the week, fighting reportedly continues. Rwanda denies backing M23 despite UN and US assessments to the contrary. The accord marks a rare step toward dialogue after severely strained relations.

The UN World Food Programme says it has run out of food in Gaza after a seven-week Israeli blockade halted aid deliveries, forcing community kitchens—previously serving about one million hot meals daily—to exhaust their last stocks. WFP warns malnutrition is rapidly worsening, with acute cases among children doubling in recent weeks, while fuel and medical shortages deepen the crisis. Food prices have surged up to 1,400%, and displacement continues amid renewed Israeli offensives. WFP urges immediate reopening of border crossings, noting over 116,000 tonnes of food are ready to enter once allowed. Israel says it complies with international law and denies an aid shortage, blaming Hamas for diverting supplies; the UN disputes this. The humanitarian situation has reached a breaking point, WFP says, with many Gazans resorting to bartering, selling belongings, and begging to survive.

Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested and charged with obstruction and concealing an individual after allegedly helping an undocumented Mexican national, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, evade immigration agents at a Milwaukee courthouse. According to an FBI affidavit, Dugan became angry upon learning agents were waiting to arrest Flores-Ruiz, directed them to the chief judge’s office, and then ushered the defendant toward a jury exit; agents caught him after a brief chase. Dugan was released pending a May 15 hearing and faces up to six years if convicted on both counts. The arrest sparked partisan reactions: Democrats criticized it as an overreach threatening judicial independence, while Republicans framed it as enforcing the law. The incident follows a similar high-profile case in Massachusetts where obstruction charges against a judge were later dropped.

A miniature dachshund named Valerie was rescued alive on Kangaroo Island after 529 days in the wild. Lost during a 2023 camping trip, she survived heat and predators. Kangala Wildlife Rescue led a 1,000+ hour, 5,000 km search using cameras and a remote trap baited with food, the owner’s clothes, and Valerie’s toys. A scent trail using the owner’s T-shirt helped guide her to the trap. Rescuers ensured she was calm before remotely closing the door. Valerie is fit and well, and her owner urged others not to lose hope if a pet goes missing.

Russia’s FSB says it has detained a Ukrainian agent, identified as Ignat Kuzin, accused of planting a car bomb that killed Gen Yaroslav Moskalik, a senior Russian military official, in Balashikha near Moscow. The device, reportedly a homemade explosive in a Volkswagen Golf, was allegedly detonated remotely from Ukraine. The FSB released video of a purported confession and arrest. Ukraine has not commented. The Kremlin blamed Kyiv for the attack. Moskalik, a former negotiator in the 2015 Minsk talks, was deputy head of the General Staff’s main operational directorate.

Maashorst municipality in the Netherlands says it “most likely” threw away 46 artworks during town hall renovations, including a 1980s Andy Warhol silkscreen of former Queen Beatrix valued around €15,000. An investigation found the pieces were stored carelessly—some in wheelie bins—amid a lack of policies for registration, storage, and security. The total collection was worth about €22,000, and officials say the works are unlikely to be recovered. The Warhol print was part of his 1985 Reigning Queens series. Mayor Hans van der Pas expressed regret over the mishandling.

Debora Rodrigues, a 29-year-old Bolsonaro supporter, was sentenced by Brazil’s Supreme Court to 14 years in prison for participating in the January 2023 unrest in Brasília. Though she became known for writing “You lost, idiot” in lipstick on a statue outside the Supreme Court, judges emphasized her conviction was for multiple offenses, including involvement in a criminal organization aiming to undermine democracy. Rodrigues apologized, denied violence, and said she acted impulsively. The case has polarized Brazil, with critics calling the sentence excessive and Bolsonaro allies citing it as proof of a partisan judiciary. Bolsonaro, who has called for amnesty for participants, also faces criminal proceedings over the alleged coup attempt.

Authorities arrested a suspect in the theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s handbag at a Washington restaurant on April 20. The Secret Service said the individual, described as a serial offender, attempted to use Noem’s credit card and access her devices, and did not appear to target her because of her position. The purse contained identification, keys, a badge, passport, blank checks, medication, and $3,000. Noem called the suspect a “career criminal” and an undocumented immigrant; the U.S. attorney in Washington confirmed the suspect entered the U.S. illegally and said more arrests are possible. Multiple agencies, including D.C. police and ICE, are involved. The incident adds to scrutiny of the Secret Service following recent security controversies.

The DEA raided an underground nightclub in Colorado Springs, detaining 114 undocumented immigrants among more than 200 patrons and seizing weapons and drugs, including cocaine, meth, and “pink cocaine.” Over a dozen active-duty service members, allegedly working security and involved in crimes, were detained and referred to the Army’s CID. The club had been under surveillance for months and was linked to drug trafficking, prostitution, and violent crimes; agents reported sightings of members of Hell’s Angels, MS-13, and Tren de Aragua. About 300 officers participated, with ICE taking custody of the immigrants for processing and likely deportation. The Trump administration amplified the raid on social media amid broader, controversial crackdowns on illegal immigration, which critics say have wrongfully deported U.S. citizens.

Pop Mart’s Labubu — fuzzy, snaggletoothed elf key-ring dolls created by Hong Kong–born artist Kasing Lung — has surged from niche collectible to global craze. Since partnering with Pop Mart in 2019 and launching major series in 2023, Labubu drops sell out in minutes, fueled by “blind box” releases, celebrity cosigns from Lisa (Blackpink), Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Emma Roberts, and high-visibility pairings with luxury bags. Pop Mart’s 2024 revenue hit $1.8 billion, with The Monsters/Labubu contributing about $400 million, up 726% year over year. The frenzy has sparked long store lines, site crashes, reselling concerns, and thriving micro-economies for doll outfits and accessories on Etsy and AliExpress. Fans cite comfort, escapism, and community as drivers — even as demand creates chaotic releases and frequent sellouts.

Israel struck a residential area in Beirut’s Dahiya, a Hezbollah stronghold, saying it targeted a missile storage site and took steps to avoid civilian harm. Lebanon’s president condemned the attack as a threat to regional stability and urged France and the U.S. to enforce the cease-fire. The U.N. warned the strike stoked fear and risked undermining the truce. No injuries were reported by Lebanon’s Civil Defense. The incident follows renewed Israeli strikes near Beirut in recent weeks amid an otherwise fragile cease-fire, as Lebanon faces an estimated $14 billion in war damages and unresolved questions about bringing Hezbollah’s weapons under state control.

The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner proceeded without a president or comedian amid escalating tensions between the Trump administration and the press. Journalists emphasized press freedom and solidarity, with Eugene Daniels rejecting labels like “enemy of the people.” Attendance by celebrities and officials was sparse, reflecting a somber mood as media organizations face lawsuits, access restrictions, subpoenas, and corporate pressures. AP and Voice of America drew strong support after clashes with the administration, while the cancellation of comedian Amber Ruffin underscored the event’s effort to avoid divisive politics. Despite subdued festivities, some parties continued, highlighting a mix of resilience and unease within Washington media.

F.B.I. agents arrested Milwaukee County Judge Hannah C. Dugan, accusing her of obstructing justice by guiding an undocumented defendant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, through a nonpublic courthouse area while federal agents awaited his arrest. Dugan allegedly challenged the agents’ authority, citing the need for a judicial warrant and deferring to the chief judge, who advised arrests shouldn’t occur in courtrooms but allowed hallways. Flores-Ruiz, wanted for illegal re-entry and present on misdemeanor battery charges, was later arrested outside after a brief chase. Dugan, a longtime legal advocate for low-income clients and a judge since 2016, was charged with obstructing immigration officers and concealing a person to prevent arrest; she was released on recognizance and will contest the charges. Her arrest, hailed by federal leaders as a deterrent and condemned by Democrats, sparked protests and concerns that courthouse enforcement will deter immigrant participation in the justice system and chill judicial independence.

Malaysia’s Jalur Gemilang flag has become the focus of national debate after AI-generated and media depictions showed inaccuracies, such as missing or extra elements. A recent incident saw the education ministry apologize for publishing an AI-generated classroom image displaying a flag with two crescents. The errors touched a nerve in a multiethnic nation where the flag is a unifying symbol and deviations are viewed as disrespectful. The controversy underscores both the flag’s precise design standards and the limitations of generative AI in accurately reproducing culturally sensitive symbols.

China has tightened anti-corruption oversight of rural governance by revising its regulations on the conduct of grass-roots officials for the first time since 2011. The updated rules, effective March 28, expand disciplinary supervision to include township cadres, village officials, and personnel assigned to rural areas under President Xi Jinping’s poverty alleviation campaign. The move formalizes and broadens Beijing’s anti-graft framework in the countryside after years of campaigns; the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection reported that 19,000 village officials were investigated in the first quarter of 2025.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is negotiating a “minerals-for-security” deal with the United States, offering access to its vast copper and cobalt resources in exchange for security guarantees, military support, and investment to counter rebel violence and reduce reliance on China. The proposed arrangement, likened to China’s 2007 minerals-for-infrastructure model, could challenge Beijing’s dominance in the DRC’s mining sector. However, analysts note significant hurdles remain, including security complexities, implementation risks, and entrenched Chinese presence and contracts in the country.

Tens of thousands protested in Taipei against Taiwanese leader William Lai, in a Kuomintang-organized rally amid a broader recall-campaign controversy targeting legislators. KMT claimed over 200,000 attendees, while a media report citing police estimated at least 60,000. Demonstrators gathered near the Presidential Office with ROC flags and anti-Lai banners. KMT chairman Eric Chu accused Lai and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party of authoritarianism and attempting to eliminate opposition parties. The rally reflects escalating political tensions and legislative turmoil over recalls.

Hong Kong’s government is expanding subsidies and offering new incentives, including monthly allowances, to encourage elderly residents to move into mainland China (Guangdong) care homes, citing larger spaces and lower costs. While some, like a 74-year-old on social assistance, find the offer attractive, uptake remains slow due to concerns about emergency medical access in Hong Kong, care quality across the border, and difficulties adapting to a new environment. The decision to relocate is seen as significant and uncertain despite the financial and space advantages.

Three large steel fish-farming structures in overlapping EEZ waters of the Yellow Sea have heightened China–South Korea tensions, drawing comparisons in Seoul to China’s island-building in the South China Sea. Beijing says the installations are commercial and compliant with the bilateral fisheries agreement, offering talks to resolve the issue. South Korean critics suspect they bolster China’s maritime claims. Chinese analysts warn the dispute risks inflaming anti-China sentiment in South Korea and undermining efforts to improve ties as Beijing seeks regional support amid U.S. tariff pressures.

Former Taliban commander Haji Najibullah, 49, pleaded guilty in Manhattan federal court to providing material support for terrorism and conspiring to take hostages. He admitted supplying weapons and serving as a commander in Wardak Province from 2007–2009, knowing his support would be used to attack U.S. forces, resulting in the deaths of three U.S. soldiers and an Afghan interpreter in a 2008 ambush. He also acknowledged orchestrating the 2008 kidnapping of New York Times reporter David Rohde, Afghan journalist Tahir Ludin, and their driver, producing proof-of-life videos and forcing the hostages into Pakistan, where they were held for seven months before escaping. Najibullah faces an Oct. 23 sentencing, with federal guidelines recommending life in prison. The New York Times and Rohde praised the prosecution, underscoring ongoing risks to journalists worldwide.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated after a deadly attack near Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir killed 26, mostly tourists. India labeled it a Pakistan-backed terror attack, though Pakistan denies involvement; a little-known group, Kashmir Resistance, claimed responsibility. Cross-border firing along the Line of Control occurred for a second night, with no reported casualties. India suspended the water-sharing treaty, closed the main land crossing, and revoked Pakistani visas; Pakistan retaliated by canceling Indian visas, closing airspace to Indian airlines, and suspending trade. Pakistan warned of potential flooding after alleging India released large volumes of water into the Jhelum River. Iran offered mediation, and the U.S. urged calm. India intensified crackdowns in Kashmir, detaining about 1,500 people and demolishing suspected militants’ family homes, a tactic that also damaged nearby houses.

A sabre personally ordered and used by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 will be auctioned in Paris on May 22, with an estimated price of $800,000 to $1.1 million, according to auction house Giquello. Napoleon later gave the sword to Marshal Emmanuel de Grouchy, and it has remained in Grouchy’s family since 1815. An identical copy is held at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. The sale follows strong demand for Napoleonic memorabilia, including his pistols (€1.7 million) and a bicorne hat ($2.1 million) sold in 2023.

Ecuadorian soccer player Jackson Rodriguez’s 24-year-old wife and 5-year-old son were kidnapped during a home invasion in Guayaquil; Rodriguez hid under a bed. The kidnappers demanded $500,000, which the family refused to pay. Police rescued the pair in the El Fortín neighborhood after operations late Thursday; both received medical attention and are safe. The incident occurred amid a state of emergency targeting organized crime in Ecuador, where violence and gang activity have surged, particularly in Guayaquil.

Sky News found 2026 World Cup tickets listed on resale site Vivid Seats for up to £46,000—even though FIFA hasn’t released any tickets yet. FIFA warned fans to avoid unofficial platforms and buy only through official channels when sales begin this summer. Listings included group-stage seats in Los Angeles for over £44,000 and final tickets at MetLife Stadium priced up to £46,412. Fan group Football Supporters Europe called the listings worrying, citing potential exploitation of ticketing loopholes. Vivid Seats did not comment on the World Cup listings; amid separate criticism over inflated Chelsea ticket resales and links to club chairman Todd Boehly, Chelsea announced a shift to digital-only tickets with Ticketmaster to combat touting.

North Korea unveiled a 5,000-ton “multi-purpose” naval destroyer that Kim Jong Un says can launch nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as anti-air and anti-ship weapons. Presented as the first in a new class built in roughly 400 days, the ship is framed as boosting pre-emptive strike and operational range amid perceived US-allied threats. Kim signaled a nuclear-powered submarine as the next goal. Analysts question North Korea’s ability to achieve such advanced capabilities without outside help, as regional tensions rise and Pyongyang deepens military ties with Russia.

Virginia Giuffre, 41, who accused Prince Andrew of sexually assaulting her when she was 17 and trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein, has died by suicide at her farm in Neergabby, Western Australia, her family told NBC News. Police said her death is not suspicious. Giuffre, a prominent advocate for survivors who founded the charity SOAR, settled a civil case against Prince Andrew in 2022 without admission of liability, with a reported donation to her charity. Tributes from her attorney and representatives praised her courage and advocacy. Recent social media posts indicated health struggles following a car accident.

A CNN/SSRS poll finds President Trump’s approval at 41% at the 100-day mark of his new term—the lowest for any newly elected president since at least Eisenhower, and below his first-term 100-day rating. Strong approval is 22% vs. 45% strong disapproval. Support has dropped notably among women and Hispanics (both down 7 points) and among independents to 31%. Trump’s approval on key issues has eroded, particularly on the economy (39%, a career low), inflation (35%, down 9 points), and tariffs (35%, down 4). Confidence in his economic stewardship fell 13 points since December to 52%. Ratings for managing the federal government also declined (42% approve), and fewer believe he appoints the best people (46% confident). A majority (57%) say his approach is unnecessarily risky rather than a necessary shake-up. Republicans largely approve (86%) while Democrats overwhelmingly disapprove (93%).

CNN’s Harry Enten reports that a new CNN/SSRS poll shows President Donald Trump approaching his second-term 100-day mark with historically poor approval ratings—described as the worst on record at this point in a presidency—reflecting deeply negative public views of his early-term actions.

India and Pakistan have escalated tensions after 26 mostly Indian tourists were massacred in Kashmir, an attack India links to Pakistan and Islamabad denies. The flare-up risks: triggering limited strikes that could spiral into broader war; raising nuclear escalation dangers; drawing in China and potentially the U.S. due to regional alliances and overlapping borders; igniting a water conflict after India suspended aspects of the Indus Waters Treaty, which could devastate Pakistan’s agriculture; and intensifying scrutiny of human rights abuses and militant violence in Kashmir. The situation threatens regional stability with global implications.

President Trump said he urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow more food and medicine into Gaza, telling him to “be good to Gaza” because civilians are suffering. The stance marks a shift from Trump’s earlier hardline rhetoric, including threats of escalating pressure if hostages weren’t released. Israel has restricted aid entry pending hostage releases amid concerns that supplies are diverted to Hamas, though Israeli officials say large volumes entered during a previous deal. International concern over the humanitarian crisis has intensified as aid trucks have been largely halted since March 2.

Meta faces new legal action in Ghana over alleged psychological harm to content moderators employed by contractor Majorel (owned by Teleperformance). Moderators in Accra report depression, anxiety, insomnia, substance abuse, and inadequate mental health support after reviewing extreme content, including graphic violence and child abuse. UK nonprofit Foxglove and Ghana’s Agency Seven Seven are preparing two lawsuits: one for psychological harms (potentially a group action) and another for unfair dismissal after a worker who attempted suicide was terminated. Workers also allege low pay below living costs, punitive performance targets, cramped housing, and secrecy about their work for Meta. Teleperformance disputes the claims, citing licensed mental health staff, high relative pay, and quality housing; Meta says contractors must meet standards for pay and support. The case follows a 2023 Kenyan lawsuit where Facebook moderators were diagnosed with severe PTSD, and could set a Ghanaian precedent recognizing psychological injury as a workplace harm.

Taiwan has intensified enforcement against citizens and residents holding Chinese identity documents amid rising security concerns over Chinese influence, propaganda, and espionage. Authorities have revoked Taiwanese status for at least 19–20 people and scrutinized tens of thousands of Chinese-born residents, including long-term spouses, demanding proof they relinquished China’s hukou. The push followed revelations that Chinese authorities covertly offered IDs to Taiwanese, and the deportation of three Chinese-born influencers accused of promoting pro-CCP narratives. The measures sparked a national debate over identity, loyalty, free speech, and due process, with critics warning of rights violations and social division, while officials argue national survival justifies limits. After backlash, the government announced case-by-case leniency for elderly residents, those long absent from China, or at risk of persecution if they return.

Multiple new polls show President Donald Trump’s approval rating dipping to 39%–45% near his 100th day in office, the lowest for a newly elected president at this stage in over 70 years. Voter confidence in his handling of the economy and immigration has declined: 52% express confidence on the economy (down 13 points since December), 72% believe his policies could trigger a short-term recession, and approval on immigration has fallen to 45% from 60%. Majorities disapprove of his approach to trade/tariffs (61%) and inflation/cost of living (60%). Opinions remain sharply polarized by party, with independents leaning negative (58% disapprove).