Policy shift
Japan lifts ban on lethal weapons exports, ending decades of postwar limits
Takaichi’s cabinet clears sales of fighter jets, missiles and warships to select partner nations, with approvals and wartime restrictions still in place
Latest News
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- Energy pricing overhaul UK plans shakeup to electricity pricing to blunt gas-driven bill spikes Government sets out consultation to weaken the link between power bills and gas prices within about a year; windfall tax on some generators to rise to 55% from July
- Diplomacy Ottawa summons Israeli ambassador, seeks probe into Canadian’s killing in Lebanon Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says Canada requested a “full and transparent” investigation into the death of Mohammad Hassan Haidar; Israel has not claimed responsibility
- Education policy England to make phone-free school days a legal requirement under government plan Ministers will table an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to put guidance on a statutory footing; details, enforcement and potential exemptions are still to be set out
Military discipline in southern Lebanon
Israel jails two soldiers for smashing Jesus statue in Lebanon; statue replaced
The IDF says both troops will serve 30 days in military detention and be removed from combat duty. The viral incident in Debel drew condemnation from Israel’s prime minister and abroad; the statue has since been replaced
Gulf crisis and markets
Europe eyes Hormuz role but remains sidelined as Strait swings shut again and markets wobble
A British-French security plan would give Europe a stake, but decisions by Tehran and Washington continue to drive events while investors whipsaw ahead of a cease-fire deadline
Parliament
Ottawa tables Canadian Space Launch Act to enable homegrown rocket launches
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon says Bill C-28 would create a framework to authorize and regulate launches and re-entries from Canada as the country seeks a “sovereign way to space
Spaceflight
Blue Origin’s New Glenn grounded after launch ‘mishap’; FAA opens probe
Blue Origin says an engine produced insufficient thrust, leaving an AST SpaceMobile satellite short of its target orbit and unusable. The FAA will oversee the company’s investigation and decide when flights can resume
U.S.–Iran diplomacy
Vance’s Pakistan trip on hold as Iran balks at talks; Trump extends ceasefire
The vice president remains in Washington for White House meetings as Tehran criticizes the U.S. port blockade and withholds commitment to attend Islamabad talks
CUSMA review
Carney names broad 24-member team to steer Canada–U.S. trade talks
Committee spans Conservatives, business and labour as Ottawa braces for a contentious CUSMA review; first meeting set for April 27 amid tariff tensions and warnings the deal could lapse
U.S.–Iran standoff
U.S.-Iran talks in limbo as Trump extends ceasefire but keeps port blockade
A proposed meeting in Pakistan remains unconfirmed by Tehran as the Strait of Hormuz stays largely shut and oil nears $95 a barrel
Apple leadership
Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO; John Ternus to take over Sept. 1
Cook, 65, will become executive chairman after 15 years leading Apple. The board approved the plan following a long-term succession process, the company said
Strait of Hormuz
Tankers stack up outside Hormuz as U.S. blockade holds and Iran keeps waterway shut
CENTCOM reports no breaches of the U.S. blockade since April 13; traffic remains minimal with vessels queueing to UAE ports as talks and warnings escalate
Antalya Diplomacy Forum
Turkey hosts 150-country summit, pushing alternatives to Hormuz
Ankara’s high-level gathering centers on mediation around the Iran war and momentum for the Trans‑Caspian “Middle Corridor” to keep energy and goods moving
World Cup 2026
Infantino says Iran will ‘for sure’ play at U.S.-cohosted 2026 World Cup
The FIFA president argued sport should stay outside politics as war fuels doubts; Iran has two group games slated in Inglewood and Seattle
Good news for Canada's soccer team
Alphonso Davies Shows Positive Signs as He Builds Toward World Cup Return
Canada captain plays extended minutes for Bayern Munich in Champions League win over Real Madrid
Space Exploration
Artemis II Crew Back on Earth, Ready to Share Story of Historic Moon Mission
Astronauts return from record-setting lunar flyby and prepare to discuss mission highlights and challenges
Public Health Alert
Respiratory Illness Hospitalizations Surge in Canada as Vaccination Rates Decline
New data shows COVID-19, flu, and RSV driving a sharp rise in preventable hospital admissions
Culture & Generations
When Coachella Stops Feeling Like It’s For You
Justin Trudeau’s festival appearance reignites the question: is there an age when music festivals lose their appeal—or just their dignity?
10 Must-See Films at Hot Docs 2026
From zombie origins to Myspace nostalgia, this year’s festival lineup offers bold stories from around the world
Trump–Meloni Clash Escalates Over Pope’s Anti-War Stance
Italian PM Rebukes Trump’s Criticism of Pope Leo XIV, Signaling Growing Rift on Religion and Foreign Policy
Fresh Majority, First Move: Carney Suspends Gas Tax to Tackle Affordability
Gas Tax Paused, Prices Dip
Carney temporarily suspending federal fuel excise tax on gas, diesel and aviation fuel