President Donald Trump is standing by his pick for a top intelligence position, while U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra is reportedly being considered as a possible replacement, according to the Associated Press. The developments come amid ongoing political shifts in Washington.
Hoekstra Called to Washington
CTV News' U.S. Political Analyst Eric Ham noted that it is 'not surprising' that Ambassador Hoekstra has been summoned to Washington, given the administration's focus on key diplomatic and intelligence roles. Hoekstra, who has served as ambassador to Canada since 2024, is a former Republican congressman from Michigan.
Other News Highlights
In other news, an Ontario man with travel insurance faced a $147,000 hospital bill in Mexico. The World Cup has begun, with Canada bracing for a wave of matches and festivities. Vancouver police have deployed drones and upgraded body cameras. Three convicted killers of an elderly British Columbia couple have filed a constitutional challenge. A recall petition against Alberta MLA Peter Guthrie was deemed invalid. A stabbing in East Village has police searching for a suspect. Ottawa is experiencing hot and humid conditions with a humidex making it feel like 38 degrees Celsius. FIFA World Cup watch parties and extended last call hours are set in Ottawa bars and restaurants. An Edmonton woman fell in love with Montreal during a 14-day food tour. Three teens charged in a killing at a Montreal Walmart have been granted bail with conditions. A community group has pulled support for a new Harbin Gate in Edmonton's Chinatown. Edmonton now offers a new trolley service and discovery pass. A murder trial heard from police officers who responded to the scene. Drugs and panhandling are growing issues on Halifax's Spring Garden Road. Air Canada Window Park has reopened in downtown Winnipeg. A Winnipeg man flipped his vehicle on a rural road near Kenora. Regina was hit with hail ranging from toonie to golf ball size during a severe storm. A tornado tore through southeast Saskatchewan. An OPP officer killed in the line of duty previously worked in Kitchener, Ontario. A former Ontario junior hockey player was sentenced to prison in a child exploitation case. A Saskatoon podcaster cut ties with co-host Mark Drapak after a criminal charge. Saskatoon philanthropist Irene Dubé has died. Thunder Bay Police charged a 50-year-old man with child sex abuse offenses. The province announced $8 million for critical minerals projects. Tenants are concerned over the Berkshire Village redevelopment. A former London Transit Commission chair is seeking a city council seat. A feral dog that mauled an 11-year-old boy remains at large. A murder charge was laid in the death of an OPP officer killed in the line of duty. Essex County municipalities are eyeing development charge deals. A string of vandalism in Windsor has raised concerns. An arrest was made after shots were fired toward a group in a Nanaimo park. The Rifflandia Festival has ended its 18-year run. A B.C. murder suspect claims his ex-wife stabbed herself. Details emerge about Tarun Bali, the OPP officer from Brampton killed in northern Ontario. Alabama is asking an appeals court to allow nitrogen gas executions. A reactor reboot at the world's largest nuclear plant highlights flaws in Japan's radioactive waste plans.
Politics
Canada's secretary of state for sports dismissed cost concerns as the World Cup kicks off. Canada is not expecting a traditional joint communique after G7 leaders meet in France. President Trump said he is 'not looking to renew' the North American trade deal, stating, 'We don't need anything that Canada has.'
Business
Visa has plugged its payment network into ChatGPT, allowing AI agents to shop and pay for users. Honda Canada's recall affects more than 130,000 vehicles. The UAE's state energy giant is eyeing Canadian LNG.
Health
Health Canada warned parents about a wooden pacifier clip sold on Amazon.ca. About one-third of adults misunderstand medical directions, and one question could change that. Canada launched a new preventive health advisory committee after disbanding a task force.
Entertainment
A singer who cancelled shows in Canada has been charged with rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault. Laurence Olivier was honoured with a plaque at his London childhood home. As FIFA entices a new generation of fans, a Brazil influencer's platform will stream all 104 games.
Sports
The Knicks completed a record rally from 29 points down to beat the Spurs 107-106 for a 3-1 NBA Finals lead. A look at how Canada could work its way through the FIFA World Cup. Madison Square Garden cancelled a Game 4 NBA Finals watch party after the venue blasted the city for security measures.
Lifestyle
6-7, Bad Bunny, and AI: Pope targets the young. 'Read the air': A Japanese hot spring expert shares naked truths about bathing. Burial rituals involving removing the brain and sharpening bones provide clues to Iron Age connections.
Climate & Environment
Manitobans face major ruin after massive floods. Scientists warn of record heat and threats to climate monitoring. Human-driven sea-level rise has increased the frequency of extreme coastal flooding, according to a study.
Sci-Tech
The privacy commissioner will release results of a Grok deepfake investigation. How would Canada's social media ban work? Platforms and apps are not sure. An investigator warns of a Russian disinformation campaign targeting Zelenskyy.
