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5-Year-Old Girl and Her Parents Among Victims in Vancouver Vehicle Ramming at Filipino Festival

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Emmanuel
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VANCOUVER, British Columbia — What was meant to be a joyful celebration of Filipino heritage turned into a devastating tragedy Saturday when a vehicle plowed into a crowded street festival in South Vancouver, killing 11 people, including a 5-year-old girl and her parents.

The Le family — father Richard Le, stepmother Linh Hoang, and young Katie Le — were among those killed when a black Audi SUV sped through the Lapu Lapu Day festivities, honoring the Filipino chieftain who resisted Spanish colonization in the 16th century. Richard’s 16-year-old son had opted to stay home to complete homework, escaping the tragedy but now grappling with unimaginable loss, said Richard’s brother, Toan Le.

Katie Le, who was preparing to graduate from kindergarten, was remembered as a “vibrant and joyful child” on a GoFundMe page set up by her uncle. The shocking event marked one of the deadliest mass-casualty incidents in the city’s recent history.

Among the other victims was Kira Salim, a beloved teacher and counselor at the New Westminster School District. Her friend, Makayla Bailey, recounted their final conversation, expressing disbelief that an ordinary greeting could be their last. Salim was known for her lively drag king performances and her vibrant spirit.

The attack unfolded just minutes after Filipino-American artist Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas performed, according to a statement he posted on Instagram, urging his followers to pray for the victims.

Authorities identified the suspect as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, who now faces eight counts of second-degree murder. Lo, who appeared briefly by video before a judge on Sunday, has not yet entered a plea. Investigators ruled out terrorism as a motive, noting Lo’s significant history of mental health issues. Additional charges are pending, officials said.

At least 32 people were injured, 17 of whom remained hospitalized late Sunday, some in critical condition, according to British Columbia’s Health Ministry. Victims ranged in age from five to 65 years old.

The suspect was detained by bystanders immediately following the attack. Video circulating on social media shows a young man in a black hoodie pressed against a chain-link fence while surrounded by security personnel and an angry crowd. In the footage, the man is seen holding his head and apologizing. Vancouver Interim Police Chief Steve Rai confirmed the suspect’s apprehension but declined to comment on the video.

“This was intended to be a safe, fun, family-friendly community block party,” said police spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison. “The actions of one person stole that away from them.”

Investigators spent Monday collecting evidence at the scene and executing a search warrant at a related Vancouver property. Officials are also reviewing bystander videos, which could be key to understanding the full sequence of events.

Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Vancouver on Sunday, canceling his final campaign events before Monday’s national election to stand with victims’ families. “Last night, families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, a father, a son or a daughter. Those families are living every family’s nightmare,” Carney said, lighting a candle at a growing memorial site.

British Columbia Premier David Eby and other leaders joined mourners across several vigils citywide, emphasizing the shared grief and resilience of the community. Vancouver Mayor Kenneth Sim said, “The Filipino community and our entire city are heartbroken, sad, scared — and yes, there’s some anger too.”

The attack bore painful echoes of a 2018 tragedy in Toronto, where a man used a van to kill 10 pedestrians.

Festivalgoers described scenes of chaos and heartbreak. Witness Carayn Nulada, attending with her grandchildren, pulled the children off the street and shielded them with her body as the SUV barreled through the crowd. Her daughter narrowly escaped serious injury after being struck on the arm.

“I can still hear the screams,” Nulada said, speaking from Vancouver General Hospital, where she was awaiting updates on her brother, who was seriously injured.

Vendor Kris Pangilinan, who was selling clothing and lifestyle goods at the festival, witnessed the SUV slowly bypass a barricade before accelerating. “It looked like a bowling ball hitting bowling pins,” he said, describing bodies being thrown into the air.

Business owner James Cruzat initially mistook the loud sounds for gunshots before witnessing the horrifying aftermath. “There were people crying, others running and shouting for help,” he said.

As Vancouver mourns and authorities continue their investigation, questions remain about how future community celebrations can be protected against such unimaginable acts of violence.

Suspect in $10M Kim Kardashian Paris Robbery Vows to Apologize as Trial Opens

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PARIS — A gang member involved in the infamous $10 million armed robbery of Kim Kardashian vowed Monday to personally apologize to the reality television star as their long-awaited trial gets underway.

Yunice Abbas, 71, who has admitted to taking part in the 2016 Paris heist, said he intends to offer Kardashian a sincere apology when he faces her in court. “I mean it sincerely,” Abbas told reporters ahead of the proceedings.

He is among ten defendants charged with armed robbery, kidnapping, and other related offenses stemming from the high-profile crime that sent shockwaves through the entertainment world nearly a decade ago.

Kardashian, 44, is expected to testify about the harrowing night when she was held at gunpoint inside her luxury penthouse suite at the Hôtel de Pourtalès. At the time of the attack, she was dressed in a bathrobe and pleaded for her life, telling the armed men, “Don’t kill me, I have babies.”

The case has taken a dramatic turn following the recent death of one of the accused, 72-year-old Marceau Baum-Gertner. Sources confirmed Baum-Gertner “died suddenly” in Paris on March 6, amid reported threats from criminals believed to have purchased Kardashian’s stolen jewelry. There were suggestions he might have cooperated with authorities to lessen his potential sentence by naming others involved in the criminal network.

According to prosecutors, the robbery was meticulously planned. Three members of the gang, dressed as cyclists in bright yellow safety vests, arrived at the hotel courtyard and parked their bicycles. Two additional accomplices approached on foot. All wore black balaclavas and police armbands to disguise themselves as law enforcement officers.

Once inside, the gang confronted the property’s sole concierge, Abderrahmane Ouatiki, threatening him with an antique Mauser 7.65mm pistol. Under duress, the concierge led the robbers to Kardashian’s penthouse suite, where she was resting alone — her bodyguard, Pascal Duvier, having left earlier to accompany her sisters on a night out.

The attackers spent 49 minutes inside the penthouse, during which they bound and gagged Kardashian before making off with an estimated $10 million haul of jewelry, including her prized 20-carat engagement ring. Duvier was later dismissed from Kardashian’s security team following the incident.

Another key defendant, Ait Khedache, 68, known as “Old Omar,” has also admitted his role in the robbery but disputes the prosecution’s claim that he masterminded the operation.

French investigators pieced together the case through a combination of security footage, DNA evidence, and confessions from some of the accused. The crime was notable not only for its brazenness but also because it exposed vulnerabilities in the celebrity security world and dramatically altered Kardashian’s public life and personal sense of safety.

Security has been heightened around the Paris courthouse as the trial begins, with Kardashian’s testimony expected to be a pivotal moment. Sources close to the legal proceedings say the star remains determined to confront her attackers in court, despite the traumatic memories the case may reopen.

If convicted, the defendants face lengthy prison sentences under French law. The trial is expected to last several weeks.

Massive Power Outage Hits Spain and Portugal: Russian Cyberattack Suspected as Cities Plunge Into Chaos

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admin
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MADRID — Vast swaths of Spain and Portugal were plunged into darkness Monday after a massive power outage disrupted electricity, internet services, and transportation across the Iberian Peninsula, sparking fears of a cyberattack possibly linked to Russia.

The outage, which also affected parts of southwestern France, left airports, hospitals, supermarkets, and public transport systems paralyzed. Spanish officials confirmed that the country’s entire train network ground to a halt, while Madrid’s metro system was evacuated and city streets descended into gridlock as traffic lights failed.

Emergency responders were deployed across major urban centers to manage the cascading chaos. In hospitals, surgeries were canceled, and medical staff scrambled to safeguard patients reliant on oxygen machines, whose lives were at immediate risk.

Spain’s national electricity operator, Red Eléctrica, reported a precipitous drop in the national power supply shortly after midday, indicating a sudden and massive system disruption. The company said full restoration of services could take between six and ten hours, and vowed to commit all available resources to the recovery effort.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rushed to Red Eléctrica’s headquarters in Madrid to oversee the response personally. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of a cyberattack, and both Spanish and Portuguese cybersecurity agencies have launched urgent investigations.

Juanma Moreno, president of Andalusia’s regional government, said that early signs point to a “deliberate cyberattack,” warning that hospital generators might only sustain operations for 24 hours without additional support.

The Portuguese Ministry of Internal Administration similarly stated that it was not excluding the possibility of a cyberattack. The Spanish Cybersecurity Coordination Office said it was “too early” to identify the cause but confirmed that a cyberattack was among the scenarios being examined.

The blackout paralyzed daily life. In Madrid and Lisbon, thousands of traffic lights went dark, resulting in severe traffic congestion and numerous accidents. Drivers in Barcelona navigated intersections without guidance, while Valencia suspended all metro services.

Hospitals in Madrid prioritized transferring chronically ill patients dependent on oxygen supplies, as some could not survive more than an hour without power. Healthcare workers described a race against time to protect the most vulnerable.

Shoppers in Portugal and Spain rushed to ATMs as card payment systems collapsed, creating long queues at cash machines. Many supermarkets shuttered for “safety reasons” amid the uncertainty.

Eyewitness accounts captured the scale of the disruption. Lottie Feist, a British student in Lisbon, described the streets as “absolute carnage” with no working traffic lights or public services. “It’s terrifying,” she said. “People are trapped in elevators and nobody knows what’s happening.”

Another resident, Pius Bentgens, reported that a tram in Lisbon suddenly halted mid-journey as the air conditioning system cut out, signaling a broader failure. “It felt eerily quiet,” he said. “Then messages started pouring in from friends across the city — the power was out everywhere.”

The outage also disrupted major events. At the Madrid Open tennis tournament, British player Jacob Fearnley’s match was interrupted by a loud “bang” before play was suspended entirely.

Airports across Spain reported significant disruptions, with air traffic reduced to “half capacity” as flights were canceled or delayed. Passengers were stranded as terminals lost power and emergency lighting systems took over.

The European Commission said Monday it was in contact with Spanish and Portuguese authorities to “understand the underlying cause” of the blackout.

Speculation about Russian involvement mounted quickly. European security officials pointed to recent incidents, including a fire last month at London’s Heathrow Airport, where cyberattack suspicions had also surfaced. While no evidence has yet been made public, experts note that large-scale cyberattacks on critical infrastructure have long been a part of Moscow’s toolkit.

As recovery efforts continue, Spanish and Portuguese authorities are under intense pressure to determine the cause and bolster defenses against future incidents. For millions across the peninsula, Monday’s outage served as a chilling reminder of the vulnerabilities of modern infrastructure.

Russia Declares Ceasefire in Ukraine for May 8–10 to Mark Victory Day

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MOSCOW — Russia on Monday announced a full ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8 through May 10 to commemorate Victory Day, a major national holiday marking the defeat of Nazi Germany during World War II.

The Kremlin said the truce would begin at 12:00 a.m. on May 8 (2100 GMT on May 7) and continue through the end of May 10. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the cessation of hostilities on what officials described as “humanitarian grounds” tied to the May 9 holiday.

The move comes amid heightened diplomatic efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to broker a comprehensive peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Until now, Putin had resisted calls for an unconditional ceasefire, instead tying any truce to a halt in Western military support for Ukraine and a suspension of Kyiv’s mobilization efforts.

The ceasefire declaration followed another night of intense long-range strikes between the warring sides. Russian officials said their forces downed 119 Ukrainian drones overnight, primarily over the Bryansk region along Russia’s border. In Ukraine, air raid sirens sounded across multiple regions early Monday, though no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage were available.

Despite the announcement of a ceasefire, questions remain about the durability of any peace effort. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized on Sunday that this week would be “very critical” in determining whether the Trump administration continues to invest in mediation efforts.

“We need to make a determination about whether this is an endeavor that we want to continue to be involved in,” Rubio said on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” warning that future American military aid to Ukraine could hinge on the outcome of negotiations.

Trump, speaking over the weekend, cast doubt on Putin’s sincerity in the peace talks, criticizing Russia for continuing attacks on civilian areas even as negotiations progressed. Nevertheless, Trump suggested a settlement was “close” to being reached.

European officials have accused Moscow of deliberately prolonging the war to allow Russian forces to capture more territory before agreeing to any terms. Western diplomats insist that a durable ceasefire is essential before formal peace talks can proceed.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a phone call with Rubio on Sunday to discuss the situation. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the conversation centered on “consolidating emerging prerequisites for negotiations,” though specific details were not disclosed.

Moscow has so far resisted a U.S. proposal calling for an unconditional, 30-day cessation of hostilities. Ukraine has indicated its willingness to accept the American plan, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed, although both sides remain deeply distrustful of each other’s motives.

While peace negotiations continue, Ukraine remains firm on not ceding territory to Russia as part of any settlement, a stance Washington has suggested might need to soften. A potential leverage point for Ukraine is an emerging agreement with the United States over access to Ukraine’s critical mineral resources.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said Sunday after meetings in Washington that Kyiv and Washington had made “good progress” on a minerals agreement. Crucially, he emphasized that American aid already provided to Ukraine would not count against the terms of the new deal.

“We clearly defined our red lines: The agreement must comply with Ukraine’s Constitution, legislation, and European commitments, and must be ratified by Parliament,” Shmyhal said.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict, which erupted with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has grown into Europe’s largest war since World War II, involving a growing web of international alliances.

Putin on Monday publicly thanked North Korea for sending thousands of troops to support Russia’s operations against Ukraine, according to U.S. estimates. Western officials have also accused Iran of supplying Russia with Shahed drones and China of providing machinery and microelectronics used to manufacture weapons.

Despite these alliances, Ukraine’s primary support continues to come from the United States and European nations, whose military and economic aid have been crucial to Kyiv’s defense.

As Russia prepares to celebrate Victory Day, the announced ceasefire offers a temporary pause in hostilities. However, it remains unclear whether it will serve as a bridge toward a lasting peace or merely a brief respite in an increasingly brutal war.

Putin Thanks North Korea for Troop Support in Kursk as Pyongyang Confirms Deployment

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MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday publicly thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for deploying troops to assist Russian forces in reclaiming territory in Ukraine’s Kursk region, in a move that underscores deepening military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.

“The Korean friends acted, guided by sentiments of solidarity, justice, and real camaraderie,” the Kremlin quoted Putin as saying during a televised address. “We appreciate it greatly and are deeply thankful to Comrade Kim Jong Un personally, and to the North Korean people.”

Putin’s remarks came just hours after North Korea officially confirmed for the first time that it had dispatched troops to Russia. The admission, reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), revealed that North Korean soldiers had actively participated in combat operations aimed at recapturing areas in Kursk that Ukrainian forces had seized during a surprise offensive last August.

General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the Russian General Staff, also praised the North Korean forces over the weekend, lauding their “heroism” and crediting them with playing a “significant role” in Russia’s battlefield successes in the contested region.

The KCNA report quoted North Korea’s Central Military Commission as stating that its soldiers “participated in the operations for liberating the Kursk areas,” confirming months of speculation and intelligence reports. Western and South Korean intelligence agencies had previously estimated that Pyongyang deployed more than 10,000 troops to support Russian operations in Ukraine late last year.

Kim Jong Un framed the deployment as fulfilling obligations under a mutual defense treaty signed between North Korea and Russia. In his comments, Kim described the North Korean soldiers as “heroes and representatives of the honor of the motherland,” according to KCNA. He announced that a monument honoring their “battle feats” would soon be erected in Pyongyang.

In a rare acknowledgment of casualties, Kim also referred to “the tombstones of the fallen soldiers,” and pledged to “take important national measures to specially honor and care for the families of war veterans.”

The deployment of North Korean forces marks a significant development in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, further isolating Pyongyang internationally and heightening tensions on the Korean Peninsula. South Korea’s Defense Ministry swiftly condemned North Korea’s admission, calling it a clear violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions that prohibit the dispatch of military forces abroad without UN authorization.

“North Korea has admitted to its own criminal acts,” the South Korean Defense Ministry said in a statement Monday, warning that the move could trigger additional sanctions and further destabilize regional security.

The news of North Korean boots on the ground in Ukraine highlights the increasing strain faced by Russian forces as the war grinds on into its third year. It also signals a tightening of strategic alliances between nations sanctioned by the West, with Moscow and Pyongyang expanding both military and economic cooperation under growing international pressure.

Neither Russia nor North Korea has disclosed the exact number of troops deployed, the length of their deployment, or the scope of their engagement beyond the operations in Kursk. However, analysts suggest that the involvement of North Korean forces could set a troubling precedent for expanded military collaboration between the two nations.

As the conflict continues, Western leaders are expected to raise the issue of foreign troop deployments at upcoming sessions of the United Nations and the G7, where discussions about tightening sanctions on both Russia and North Korea are already underway.

Trump Urges Russia to Halt Attacks, Hints Zelenskiy May Cede Crimea for Peace Deal

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BEDMINSTER, N.J. — President Donald Trump on Sunday called on Russia to immediately halt its military offensive in Ukraine and suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy might be prepared to concede Crimea as part of a broader peace settlement with Moscow.

Speaking to reporters at his New Jersey golf club, Trump expressed disappointment that Russia had continued its assaults despite ongoing negotiations. His remarks came a day after he met privately with Zelenskiy at the Vatican while attending the funeral of Pope Francis, a meeting Trump described as “going well.”

Asked directly whether Zelenskiy might be willing to give up Crimea — the Black Sea peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014 — Trump replied, “Oh, I think so, yeah. Look, Crimea was 12 years ago.” Trump then turned his criticism toward his Democratic predecessors, blaming former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden for allowing Russia to seize Crimea “without a shot being fired.”

“So, don’t talk to me about Crimea. Talk to Obama and Biden about Crimea,” Trump said. “And remember, this is Biden’s war. This isn’t Trump’s war. I came in to try and solve a problem. And the problem is so many people are being killed.”

Current U.S. proposals for ending the nearly three-year conflict reportedly involve offering de facto recognition of Russian control over Crimea and other occupied Ukrainian territories. This contrasts sharply with Ukrainian and European proposals, which insist on postponing any discussion of territorial status until after a ceasefire is established.

Trump, who has emphasized the need for a swift resolution, portrayed Zelenskiy as increasingly pragmatic. “I see him as calmer,” Trump said. “I think he understands the picture, and I think he wants to make a deal.”

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled growing impatience with the stalled negotiations. Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press Sunday, Rubio warned that the United States could pull back from its mediation efforts if significant progress is not made soon. “It needs to happen soon,” Rubio said. “We cannot continue to dedicate time and resources to this effort if it’s not going to come to fruition.”

Trump’s face-to-face with Zelenskiy marked their first meeting since a tense encounter at the White House in February, and comes amid urgent international efforts to halt the bloodshed. Their meeting at a Vatican basilica was seen as a critical step in reviving peace talks that have faltered in recent months.

Following the Vatican talks, Trump issued a rare public rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticizing ongoing missile strikes against Ukrainian civilian areas. “There is no reason for Russia to shoot missiles into civilian areas,” Trump wrote on social media Saturday night.

Despite Trump’s appeal, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov defended Moscow’s military strategy during a pre-taped interview aired on CBS’s Face the Nation. Lavrov insisted Russia targets only sites with military relevance, even in cases where civilian casualties have occurred. Referring to a deadly strike on Kyiv last week, Lavrov claimed, “The target attacked was not something absolutely civilian.”

On Sunday, Zelenskiy reported that Russia had conducted nearly 70 attacks in a single day, underlining the intensity of the ongoing conflict. “The situation at the front and the real activity of the Russian army prove that there is currently insufficient pressure on Russia from the world to end this war,” Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram.

European allies, including Germany, have voiced skepticism about the U.S. approach to ending the war. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned Sunday that Ukraine should not agree to Washington’s proposal, saying it risked sacrificing too much Ukrainian territory for the sake of a ceasefire.

Inside the Trump administration, officials continued to express frustration with both sides. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said Trump remains determined to broker a deal, despite setbacks. Waltz also indicated that discussions between the United States and Ukraine would eventually address access to Ukraine’s rich reserves of rare earth minerals, seen as critical to future economic stability.

Democrats in Washington, meanwhile, raised alarms about Trump’s stance toward Russia. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he fears Trump could “cave in to Putin,” warning that abandoning Ukraine would be a “moral tragedy” after years of Western support and sacrifice.

“To just abandon Ukraine, after all the sacrifice that they made, after so much loss of life, and with the rallying of the whole West against Putin, it would just be a moral tragedy,” Schumer said during an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union.

As Russia’s offensive grinds on and international pressure mounts, the path forward for Ukraine remains fraught — with Trump, now at the center of peace efforts, navigating a fragile and deeply contentious diplomatic landscape.

Canada Votes in Pivotal Election Shaped by Trump’s Impact on US-Canada Relations

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TORONTO — Canadians are heading to the polls Monday in a high-stakes federal election that has been dramatically reshaped by the influence of US President Donald Trump, with tensions over tariffs and sovereignty dominating the political landscape.

At the beginning of 2025, the Conservative Party appeared poised for a decisive victory. However, Trump’s aggressive policies — including the imposition of 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and inflammatory remarks about making Canada the “51st state” — galvanized nationalistic sentiment across the country. The resulting political backlash has reinvigorated the Liberal Party under Prime Minister Mark Carney, setting the stage for a fiercely contested race.

Final polls suggest the Liberals have gained a narrow edge over the Conservatives, but the margin remains razor-thin. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre maintains his party has the momentum to prevail, making Monday’s vote one of the most unpredictable in recent Canadian history.

The final day of campaigning was overshadowed by tragedy. An SUV plowed into a crowd attending a Filipino cultural festival in Vancouver on Saturday night, killing 11 people and injuring several others. In response, Carney canceled a campaign stop in Hamilton on Sunday morning to address the nation, while Poilievre added a visit to Mississauga to meet with members of the Filipino community, highlighting the somber mood gripping the country.

Despite the tragedy, Carney pressed forward with campaign events across Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, seeking to bolster Liberal support in the western provinces, traditionally strongholds for the Conservatives. Meanwhile, Poilievre concentrated his final efforts in Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, where 122 of Parliament’s 343 seats are up for grabs and could determine the election’s outcome. A party must secure at least 172 seats to form a majority government.

Trump’s actions have loomed large over the campaign. His decision to levy tariffs on Canadian goods, coupled with repeated remarks about annexing Canada, has shattered decades of friendly bilateral relations and stirred intense debate about national identity. Scenes of Canadian hockey fans booing the American national anthem became a potent symbol of the sudden strain between the two nations.

The election has effectively become a referendum on how Canada should navigate its future relationship with its southern neighbor during Trump’s second term. Carney, 60, has consistently warned voters about what he calls an “existential threat” posed by the US president, arguing that Trump seeks to “break us so the US can own us.”

Throughout his campaign, Carney has presented himself as uniquely equipped to steer Canada through this period of uncertainty, citing his experience leading Canada’s central bank during the Great Recession and serving as the Governor of the Bank of England during the Brexit crisis. Speaking in Saskatoon on Sunday, he urged Canadians to strengthen trade ties with “reliable partners” like the United Kingdom and the European Union, stating that the “old relationship” with the United States was effectively “over.”

In contrast, Poilievre has focused his campaign on domestic issues, lambasting what he calls the “lost Liberal decade” under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Poilievre has appealed to voters frustrated by soaring housing prices, rising costs of living, and growing concerns over crime.

“We need change so you can afford food and homes again,” he told supporters during a rally in Peterborough, northeast of Toronto.

The battle between the Liberals and Conservatives has squeezed smaller parties out of the spotlight. The left-wing New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Jagmeet Singh, is facing an uphill battle to retain its seats, particularly in the face of rising support for the separatist Bloc Québécois in Quebec.

Singh, visibly shaken by the Vancouver attack — which occurred shortly after he attended the same festival — canceled several events on Sunday. Throughout the campaign, Singh had positioned the NDP as a crucial check on Liberal or Conservative dominance in Ottawa.

The Bloc Québécois, despite initially showing signs of resurgence, has struggled to maintain momentum amid voter anxiety about Trump’s aggressive posturing toward Canada. Many voters have instead gravitated toward the two major federal parties, historically the only ones to govern Canada.

President Trump himself has refrained from commenting publicly on the Canadian election, though members of his administration have continued to fan the flames. Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Trump’s controversial stance, saying, “The president has stated repeatedly he thinks Canada would be better off as a state.”

Polling stations open at 8:30 a.m. local time in Newfoundland and Labrador (12:00 GMT), with voting taking place across six time zones. The final polls will close at 7:00 p.m. PST (03:00 GMT Tuesday) in British Columbia. A record-setting 7 million Canadians have already voted in advance polls, signaling high turnout in a nation grappling with its future identity.

The outcome of this pivotal election will not only determine Canada’s next government but could also redefine its place in a rapidly shifting global order — with its relationship to the United States under President Trump at the very heart of the debate.

68 African Migrants Killed in US Strike on Yemen Detention Center, Houthis Say

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SAADA, Yemen — At least 68 African migrants were killed and another 47 critically wounded after a United States airstrike reportedly targeted a detention center in Yemen’s Houthi-controlled Saada province, according to Houthi-affiliated media outlets.

The devastating strike on Sunday night left the facility in ruins, with harrowing footage aired by Houthi-run Al Masirah TV showing mangled bodies beneath the rubble. Most of the victims were migrants from African nations who had been detained at the center, which was reportedly housing 115 individuals at the time of the attack.

There was no immediate response from the United States military regarding the incident. However, the reported bombing came just hours after US Central Command (Centcom) announced it had conducted over 800 airstrikes against Houthi targets since President Donald Trump ordered a heightened military campaign against the Iran-backed group on March 15.

Centcom said its strikes have eliminated “hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous leaders,” particularly those involved in missile and drone operations. The US has intensified its military actions in Yemen in recent weeks, aiming to cripple the Houthis’ ability to disrupt international shipping lanes and to degrade their operational capabilities.

Despite US assurances that its campaign is focused on military targets, Houthi authorities claim civilians have borne the brunt of the attacks. They contend that dozens of civilian casualties have occurred, though they have provided minimal confirmation of deaths among Houthi combatants.

Sunday’s strike has amplified concerns from humanitarian groups already alarmed by Yemen’s dire situation. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the conflict has not deterred desperate migrants — primarily from the Horn of Africa — from crossing the treacherous Red Sea in hopes of finding work in neighboring Saudi Arabia. Many instead find themselves trapped in detention centers, facing exploitation, violence, and the hazards of ongoing conflict.

The IOM reports that nearly 60,900 migrants have arrived in Yemen in 2024 alone, despite the extreme risks. “Migrants often arrive with no means to survive and face severe human rights violations,” the organization said in a statement earlier this month.

Sunday’s tragedy follows another major incident earlier in April, when Houthi officials claimed that a US airstrike on the Ras Isa oil terminal on the Red Sea killed at least 74 civilians and wounded 171 others. Houthis have labeled the strikes “war crimes,” while Centcom maintains that attacks on Ras Isa were necessary to disrupt the Houthis’ revenue streams funding terrorism.

“The destruction of Ras Isa will severely impact the Houthis’ ability to conduct operations and finance their terror activities,” Centcom said following that strike.

The Trump administration, returning to a hardline stance against the Houthis, has vowed relentless pressure. After taking office in January 2025, Trump redesignated the Houthis as a “Foreign Terrorist Organization,” a classification the Biden administration had previously revoked in an effort to ease Yemen’s humanitarian suffering.

On Sunday, Centcom reiterated that the US mission would continue: “We will ratchet up the pressure until our objectives are met, which remain the restoration of freedom of navigation and American deterrence in the region.”

The Houthis, however, remain defiant. Since late 2023, they have launched dozens of attacks against merchant vessels traversing the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, claiming these strikes are acts of solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite their assertions that they only target ships linked to Israel, the US, or the UK, indiscriminate attacks have killed four sailors, sunk two vessels, and severely disrupted international shipping.

Western efforts to secure these critical waterways — including the deployment of warships and multiple retaliatory airstrikes — have so far failed to deter Houthi aggression.

The backdrop to these developments is Yemen’s protracted civil war, now stretching into its second decade. The conflict erupted in earnest when the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, and much of the country’s northwest from the internationally recognized government in 2014. A Saudi-led coalition, backed by the United States, intervened militarily in 2015 in an attempt to restore the deposed government’s authority.

Since then, the fighting has claimed more than 150,000 lives, according to estimates from international monitors. The United Nations reports that roughly 4.8 million Yemenis remain displaced, while 19.5 million — more than half the population — urgently require humanitarian assistance.

The latest tragedy underscores the profound dangers facing migrants and civilians trapped in Yemen’s ongoing war.

As of Monday, search and recovery efforts continued at the destroyed detention center, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise as critically injured survivors fight for their lives in overwhelmed local hospitals.

The US military has yet to address the specific allegations concerning the Saada strike, but the incident threatens to further inflame tensions in a conflict that shows little sign of abating.

Man Charged With Murder After Deadly Car Ramming at Vancouver Festival Celebrating Filipino Culture

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia — A man has been charged with multiple counts of murder after authorities say he deliberately rammed a vehicle into a crowd gathered for a Filipino cultural festival in Vancouver on Saturday evening, killing 11 people and injuring dozens more in what officials describe as a tragedy rooted in mental health issues rather than terrorism.

Police announced Sunday that Kai-Ji Adam Lo, a 30-year-old Vancouver resident, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, with authorities signaling that additional charges are likely as the investigation continues. Lo was apprehended at the scene by members of the crowd and turned over to law enforcement.

“The charge assessment is ongoing and further charges are anticipated,” Vancouver police said in a statement Sunday evening, noting that the death toll could still rise as some of the injured remain in critical condition.

The attack unfolded at approximately 8:14 p.m. local time at the intersection of East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street during the city’s Lapu-Lapu Day celebrations, an annual festival honoring Filipino history and culture. Witnesses described scenes of horror as a black SUV accelerated into a pedestrian-only area lined with food trucks, turning a joyous block party into a scene of chaos and devastation.

Graphic videos circulating on social media and verified by NBC News captured the immediate aftermath: first responders attending to victims scattered across the street, distressed bystanders weeping and comforting one another, and the crumpled remains of food trucks and vendor stands. The suspect’s vehicle was seen wrecked in the middle of the street, having crashed after mowing down attendees.

“This was supposed to be a celebration of community, culture, and heritage,” said Steve Rai, Vancouver’s interim police chief, during a somber press conference on Sunday. “Instead, lives were senselessly stolen, and many others forever changed.”

Rai described the victims as diverse in age and gender, ranging from five to 65 years old. He also emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting the attack was an act of terrorism or motivated by hate, stating, “Mental health appears to be the underlying issue here.”

Mayor Ken Sim echoed that sentiment, expressing deep sorrow for the victims and their families. “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident,” Sim said on social media, promising support for Vancouver’s Filipino community during this difficult time.

Officials confirmed that Lo had a well-documented history of mental illness and prior interactions with both police and health care services. However, authorities stressed that there had been no recent encounters with Lo leading up to Saturday’s tragedy.

At the time of the incident, no specific threats had been reported against the festival or the broader Filipino community. As a result, police determined that heavy security measures such as barricades and a substantial officer presence were not necessary. Rai said a full review of the event’s security planning would now be conducted.

More than 100 Vancouver police officers are actively involved in the investigation. Victims were rushed to nine area hospitals, including Vancouver General Hospital, the city’s primary trauma center, which confirmed it had received multiple patients in critical condition.

Yoseb Vardeh, co-owner of one of the food trucks stationed at the event, recounted the horror to the Vancouver Sun. “I got outside my food truck, I looked down the road, and there’s just bodies everywhere,” Vardeh said, describing how he heard the engine revving moments before the SUV barreled through the crowd.

“It’s the kind of thing you hear about happening in the States, not here,” Vardeh added, still visibly shaken by the night’s events.

The annual Lapu-Lapu Day commemorates the victory of Indigenous Filipino leader Lapu-Lapu over the forces of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, a historic event celebrated as a symbol of resistance to colonialism. British Columbia officially recognized Lapu-Lapu Day in 2023, highlighting the rich contributions of the Filipino community to Canadian society.

Canada is home to nearly one million people of Filipino descent, according to the 2021 census, making them one of the largest immigrant communities in the country.

Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the nation on Sunday morning, offering condolences and solidarity. He described the attack as “every family’s nightmare” and urged Canadians to support the Filipino community through unity and compassion. Carney referenced the Filipino concept of bayanihan, a spirit of communal cooperation and support, as a guiding principle for the nation’s response.

British Columbia Premier David Eby also expressed grief, assuring residents that his government was coordinating with Vancouver officials and offering all necessary assistance.

Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada’s New Democrat Party, wrote on social media that he was “horrified” by the tragedy and voiced his support for the victims and the grieving Filipino community.

A vigil was planned for Sunday evening at a community center in Vancouver, where Mayor Sim and other officials were expected to meet with members of the Filipino community and offer condolences. The gathering was scheduled from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. local time.

Police have asked witnesses and those with video footage of the incident to come forward as the investigation remains active. Rai said identifying all the victims continues to be a priority and pledged transparency in updates moving forward.

“This is a dark moment for Vancouver, but together, we will heal,” Sim said, urging the community to stand united against hatred and division.

Liverpool Crushes Tottenham 5-1 to Clinch Record-Equalling Premier League Title

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LIVERPOOL, England — Liverpool sealed their place in English football history on Sunday, thrashing Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 at Anfield to secure the Premier League title with four matches to spare.

Needing only a single point to clinch a record-equalling 20th top-flight championship, Liverpool momentarily stumbled when Tottenham took a surprise early lead. Dominic Solanke, a former Liverpool player, stunned the home crowd in the 12th minute by rising highest to head the visitors ahead against the run of play.

However, the initial shock barely slowed Liverpool’s relentless march toward glory. The hosts quickly regained composure and responded in emphatic fashion, putting on a breathtaking attacking display to turn the match around before halftime.

Luis Diaz leveled the score with a close-range tap-in, setting off celebrations that grew louder as Alexis Mac Allister unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box to put Liverpool ahead. Cody Gakpo added a third, coolly slotting past Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to all but confirm Liverpool’s grip on the Premier League trophy by the break.

The second half only deepened Tottenham’s misery. Mohamed Salah, enduring a rare scoring drought that had stretched to six matches, found the net in the 63rd minute with a low, composed finish. The Egyptian forward, a cornerstone of Liverpool’s title campaign, celebrated his 28th league goal of the season in memorable fashion by snapping a selfie with a supporter at the edge of the Anfield stands.

Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie compounded the visitors’ dreadful afternoon by inadvertently bundling the ball into his own net, completing Liverpool’s dominant five-goal performance.

While Liverpool basked in the adulation of their home crowd, Tottenham were left to contemplate another disappointing result in a turbulent season. Sunday’s defeat marked their 19th loss in the Premier League this campaign, highlighting the vast gulf in quality between the two sides.

The victory lifted Liverpool to 82 points after 34 matches played, leaving them far ahead of their closest challengers, Arsenal, who sit second with 67 points. Liverpool’s achievement means they have now matched Manchester United’s long-standing record of 20 English league titles, cementing their status as one of the country’s most successful clubs.

Under the guidance of manager Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool showcased the flair, resilience and firepower that have been hallmarks of their season. Klopp, who previously led Liverpool to a Premier League title in 2020, praised his team’s character and determination to bounce back after falling behind early.

“This team is incredible,” Klopp said during the post-match celebrations. “To come from behind, to play with such bravery and intensity — it shows what Liverpool is all about. I couldn’t be prouder.”

Anfield was a sea of red throughout the afternoon as thousands of fans sang, waved scarves, and celebrated a triumph that few will forget. The title was Liverpool’s second of the Premier League era and a fitting reward for a team that has consistently dazzled with their attacking prowess and defensive solidity.

Liverpool will now turn their attention to completing the season on a high note, with an eye on setting new records for points and goals, while Tottenham face questions about their direction after another sobering defeat.

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