EU chief proposes Canada as first 'associate member'

The European Union is considering a landmark proposal to grant Canada associate membership, a strategic move to strengthen economic and security ties amidst trade tensions with the United States. In Gaza, a residential building collapse has resulted in at least 20 deaths, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the severe lack of resources for emergency rescue operations. Tensions between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels have escalated following unverified reports of drone attacks near Mecca and the downing of a fighter jet. Elsewhere, the International Criminal Court has sentenced former Kosovo president Hashim Thaci to 25 years for war crimes, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces political instability following electoral losses to the far-right. Additionally, Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour faces disruption after support acts withdrew in protest over the removal of rapper Macklemore, and London’s Natural History Museum has reopened a long-sealed gallery to explore humanity's relationship with nature.