Canada has appointed Kevin Brosseau as its first fentanyl czar to tackle the flow of the synthetic opioid and placate US concerns. This move is in response to President Trump's threats of imposing tariffs on Canadian imports unless more stringent measures are taken to curb fentanyl smuggling.
Related news
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden held a crucial discussion about progress in Gaza ceasefire negotiations and the release of hostages. Both the outgoing US president and the president-elect are pressuring Israel to strike a deal as Netanyahu faces opposition from within his cabinet and the far-right coalition.
A US biotech company successfully edited genes in mouse embryos to produce thick, woolly hair, marking a step towards creating a mammoth-like elephant. Colossal Biosciences aims to use similar modifications on endangered Asian elephants, sparking debates about the true impact of such de-extinction efforts.
As part of the ceasefire, Israel released 600 Palestinian prisoners, including long-serving inmates and those convicted of deadly attacks, in exchange for the remains of four Israeli hostages. Since January 19, nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners have been freed. Meanwhile, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, including 13 Israeli soldiers and five foreign nationals.
A 29-year-old Uzbek man confessed to planting the bomb that killed Russian Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov in Moscow on Tuesday. He claimed he acted under the direction of Ukraine's security service, promised $100,000 and EU residency. Kirillov, head of Russia's NBC Protection Troops, died instantly when the scooter bomb detonated. Russia vows revenge for this act of terrorism.
A North Carolina man, George Lesniak, fatally shot his wife, Cathleen, and confessed in a Facebook post before committing suicide. The incident occurred in their Fuquay-Varina home, prompting an ongoing investigation. The couple had been married for over 34 years. Authorities and community members are urged to keep the family in their thoughts.
A widespread power outage plunged Puerto Rico into darkness, affecting all 1.4 million clients as the island prepared for Easter weekend. The blackout disrupted daily life, impacting businesses, tourism, and essential services like water supply. Officials are investigating the cause and working to restore power, facing public anger and calls to overhaul the island's energy infrastructure.
President Trump announced he will discuss tariffs on Canada and Mexico, acknowledging that Americans may experience economic pain but insisting it will be worth it. He also reiterated his call for Canada to become a US state amid escalating trade tensions, with Canada and Mexico planning retaliatory measures.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth denied sharing sensitive 'war plans' with a journalist accidentally included in a Signal group chat. The group discussed operational specifics about Houthi terrorist airstrikes, with Hegseth and other officials involved in coordinating the US response.
Panama has raised concerns at the United Nations over President Donald Trump's threat to reclaim the Panama Canal while also auditing a Hong Kong-linked company's Panama Ports operation. Trump alleges China's growing influence over the canal, which Panama maintains under a neutrality principle. The canal serves significant US container traffic.
Amnesty International on Thursday called for a global, legally binding treaty to regulate the production and use of electric shock equipment such as stun guns and electric shock batons. Amnesty backed by a network of over 80 organisations globally is calling for torture-free trade treaty to regulate the trade and use of a range of law enforcement equipment.