Canada & MonarchyKing Charles made a historic visit to Canada, opening Parliament for the first time since 1957. His speech, carefully worded, was widely seen as a rebuke to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to make Canada the “51st state.” Charles praised Canada’s strength and independence, referencing the national anthem and affirming the country’s sovereignty. The event comes amid rising debate over the monarchy’s role, with polling showing a slight warming toward the Crown as Canada’s relationship with the U.S. becomes more strainedUS-Canada Relations & DefensePrime Minister Mark Carney’s government is navigating tense relations with the U.S., balancing Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile defense proposal and a $6-billion Arctic radar investment with a commitment to join the EU’s ReArm Europe defense plan. Carney has repeatedly asserted Canada’s independence, even as Trump continues to float the idea of annexation, albeit with less intensity since Carney’s electionGaza & IsraelThe humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached new lows. Israeli troops opened fire near a distribution center as desperate Palestinians tried to access food, highlighting the chaos and hunger after an 11-week siege. The newly formed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, chosen by Israel to deliver aid, was quickly overwhelmed. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert publicly accused the Netanyahu government of committing war crimes, calling the conflict a “war of devastation” and a humanitarian disasterGermany & IsraelGermany, traditionally a staunch supporter of Israel, has shifted its tone, threatening steps against Israel and stating it will not export weapons used to break humanitarian law. This reflects a broader shift in European attitudes as the situation in Gaza worsens and public opinion turns against continued military supportUkraine & RussiaPresident Trump warned Vladimir Putin he is “playing with fire” after Russia’s record drone and missile attacks on Kyiv. Trump’s criticism of Putin triggered a wave of online attacks by Russian bots, a notable shift as Trump had previously avoided harsh criticism of the Russian leader. Germany’s internal debate over lifting restrictions on weapons for Ukraine further complicates the Western response to the ongoing warAfrica & AsiaNigeria suffered deadly attacks blamed on herders, highlighting ongoing ethnic and land conflicts. In Sudan, the U.S. imposed new sanctions after accusing the government of using chemical weapons in the civil war. Pakistan’s capital banned child marriage, a rare victory for women’s rights in the regionChina & Global EconomyChina’s industrial profits are up, but the country faces mounting debt repayment pressures from developing nations, many of which are struggling to pay back Belt and Road loans. The Lowy Institute warns of a “tidal wave” of debt repayments due in 2025, raising concerns about China’s influence and the risk of debt trapsTech & SocietyThe Trump administration halted new student visa appointments as it expands social media vetting, targeting foreign students and universities with alleged ties to China. The EU opened investigations into major adult websites over child safety, and a new AI tool in the UK is being trialed to cut food waste by millions of meals.Other NotablesPresley Chweneyagae, star of South Africa’s Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, died at 40.A New Zealand teen died after a viral “Run It Straight” challenge, raising alarm over social media-driven violence.France faces scrutiny over its nuclear legacy in Polynesia, while Japan introduced new rules to curb outlandish baby names.Italy’s mafia groups are reportedly collaborating more than competing, and a controversial mural in Rome depicting Netanyahu kissing Hitler has sparked outrage.

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