Global National: April 25, 2022 | US ramps up rhetoric against Russia amid war in Ukraine

Credit: Global News

The U.S. is doubling down on its support for Ukraine, as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visit Kyiv, vowing millions of dollars more in military aid. Blinken added that an independent Ukraine will outlast Russian President Vladimir Putin. Redmond Shannon reports on the rhetoric, the new rocket attacks on Ukraine’s railways, and the new assaults in Russia and Moldova.

Despite initially thwarting a hostile takeover from the world’s richest man, Twitter has now struck a $44-billion deal with Elon Musk, the CEO and co-founder of both Tesla and SpaceX. He will become the social media giant’s sole owner. Abigail Bimman explains Musk’s promises to make the platform “better than ever,” and how his controversial reputation raises questions on what that could mean.

In Canada, an independent public inquiry has now been launched into the federal government invoking the Emergencies Act in February to stop the protests and blockades at border crossings and in Ottawa. Ross Lord explains who will oversee this inquiry, the key questions that will be explored, and the concerns about how much the government will cooperate.

The systemic racism running through the Canadian Armed Forces is repelling recruits and hindering the country’s security, according to a blistering new report from a panel of former military members. David Akin reports on how the federal government is vowing to combat the problem and the panel’s less obvious suggestions for change.

In Europe, French President Emmanuel Macron has won a second term, France’s first president to be re-elected since 2002. But Macron’s victory has implications beyond the country’s borders. Eric Sorensen explains why many world capitals are relieved Macron won.

And Canadian Mattea Roach keeps making history as the current champion of ‘Jeopardy!’ The 23-year-old has 14 wins under her belt, one of the popular quiz show’s longest streaks. So what’s her secret to success? Mike Drolet spoke with Roach’s father Phil for the answer.