Tuesday, April 28
Ottawa's Pride parade was abruptly cancelled after pro-Palestinian activists blocked the route, demanding Capital Pride support boycotts against Israel and apologize for officials boycotting the 2024 event. The group, Queers for Palestine, halted the march near Parliament Hill, leading to disappointment among participants. Despite the cancellation, the Pride street festival continued as planned.
Creators HQ, launched in January 2025 in Dubai, has quickly become a global hub for digital creators. In just six months, it attracted 2,415 members from 147 countries and 78 companies from 24 nations, representing 2.45 billion followers. Backed by the UAE’s leadership, the initiative offers facilities, visas, training, and events to grow the global content economy.
Zelenskyy wants direct talks with Vladimir Putin to end the war. He spoke as Ukraine celebrated its Independence Day. Celebrations happened amid drone attacks and ongoing battles. Russia rejected immediate meetings. Ukraine and Russia exchanged prisoners. Fighting continues in Donetsk. Both sides are far from a ceasefire after more than three years of war.
On Ukraine's 34th Independence Day, global leaders, including Donald Trump, extended support amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Trump lauded Ukraine's resilience and advocated for a negotiated settlement safeguarding its sovereignty. Volodymyr Zelensky affirmed Ukraine's resolve and self-respect. Other leaders like Xi Jinping, King Charles, and Mark Carney also conveyed their support.
Lyle Menendez, convicted with his brother Erik for the 1989 murder of their parents, has been denied parole after his first hearing since resentencing. The decision follows a similar rejection for Erik, keeping both brothers incarcerated despite their reduced sentences.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man wrongfully deported and later charged with human smuggling, was released from a Tennessee jail to await trial in Maryland. Despite a 2019 ruling protecting him from deportation to El Salvador, the Department of Homeland Security is considering removing him to another country.
A tour bus, carrying mostly Indian, Chinese, and Filipino nationals, crashed in upstate New York on Friday, resulting in fatalities and injuries. The bus, en route to New York City from Niagara Falls, overturned near Pembroke for unknown reasons. Rescue operations are underway, with a child among the deceased. Many passengers were ejected or remain trapped.
Winnie Greco, ex-advisor to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, claims a cash-filled potato chip bag given to journalist Katie Honan was a misunderstood birthday gift rooted in Chinese culture. Greco suggests Honan intended harm, a claim Honan denies. Greco's attorney insists the money was a kind gesture, not a bribe.
