Global National: May 8

Dozens of active wildfires in Alberta have prompted nearly 30,000 people escape their homes, as the military prepares to lending a helping hand, and Premier Danielle Smith says financial assistance will be made available. The relief among thousands of Edson residents after being allowed back home; the fight to contain the flames threatening the town of Drayton Valley; and what’s ahead in the forecast. The federal government has now expelled Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei for allegedly intimidating Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family in Hong Kong. The reaction to Wei being declared “persona non grata.” A fresh wave of Russian drone strikes has hit several Ukrainian cities, ahead of Victory Day, which celebrates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. Why several Russian cities have already scaled back festivities. People in Texas are in mourning after yet another mass shooting. On May 6, a gunman went on a rampage at an outlet mall in Allen, a suburb of Dallas, killing eight people. What’s known about the victims, the shooter, and the never-ending lack of political will to stop gun violence. And Royal succession: while Prince William, now the heir apparent to the throne, has managed to live his life largely without controversy, he’ll still face the challenge of keeping the British monarchy relevant in the public eye. What’s likely in store for the future king.