51 dead and more than 100 injured in nightclub fire in North Macedonia

New data from the Toronto Police Service indicates a 19% rise in reported hate crimes in 2024, with the Jewish community, comprising under 4% of the population, targeted in 40% of incidents. Jaime Kirzner-Roberts from the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center highlighted that the Jewish community faces the highest volume of hate crimes, primarily "mischief" offenses like graffiti and vandalism. Despite increased charges for hate crimes, the low arrest rates signal a systemic issue, prompting...

Israel will not participate in food distribution under a US-led plan for Gaza but will provide necessary military security, according to Ambassador Mike Huckabee. Despite Israel's blockade of aid aimed at Hamas, Huckabee acknowledged a humanitarian crisis, urging the involvement of the UN and NGOs in the new initiative, which has drawn international criticism for sidelining existing organizations. Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza are facing dire food shortages, with many struggling to find basic essentials as...

In a historic moment for Chicago, childhood friend Sherry Stone congratulated Robert Prevost on his election as Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, while the city celebrated with humor and pride. Local officials, including Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, highlighted the significance of this event, with residents sharing personal connections to Leo and expressing confidence in his ability to unite people. Born in Chicago in 1955, Leo's deep-rooted faith and community ties...

Cassie Abel founded Wild Rye, a women's outdoor apparel brand, after realizing the lack of female-focused companies in the industry. Despite facing significant challenges, including $1.2 million in tariffs on imports from China due to policies implemented by the Trump administration, which threaten her business's survival, Abel is navigating these obstacles while advocating for support from lawmakers. The broader economic impact of these tariffs has also affected small businesses nationwide, contributing to a decline in...

SummaryAs more sunshine returns, temperatures are expected to rise over the weekend, reaching between 19-24°C, although not as hot as the record warm start to May. Starting Sunday, some areas may experience heavy rain and thunderstorms, providing much-needed precipitation. However, this rainfall is unlikely to be sufficient to alleviate the risk of drought this summer. Full Article

A cardinal's account of the conclave to elect Pope Leo XIV contrasts sharply with the dramatic portrayal in the film "Conclave." Cardinal Vincent Nichols described the experience as a fraternal and spiritual retreat, devoid of the tension depicted in the movie, noting a refreshing atmosphere among the 133 cardinals. He emphasized that there was no sense of pressure or scheming during their time together, describing it instead as a congenial gathering where all participants felt...