Venezuela deports Maduro ally Alex Saab to US for criminal proceedings
Venezuela announced on Saturday that it had deported Alex Saab, a close associate of former President Nicolás Maduro, to face multiple criminal investigations in the United States. This dramatic reversal comes after Saab was pardoned by former US President Joe Biden less than three years ago in a prisoner exchange deal. Once fiercely defended by Maduro after his arrest in 2020, Saab may now be called to testify against the former Venezuelan leader, who is awaiting trial in New York on drug-related charges.
In a brief statement, Venezuela’s immigration authority confirmed the deportation but did not specify Saab’s destination. Referring to him only as a Colombian citizen appeared intended to comply with Venezuelan law banning the extradition of nationals. Saab built a fortune through state contracts but lost influence after Delcy Rodríguez replaced Maduro in January. US prosecutors are also investigating his alleged involvement in corruption linked to Venezuela’s subsidised food import programme.
Canada cruise passenger 'presumptive positive' for hantavirus
Canadian health officials said a passenger from the cruise ship MV Hondius has tested presumptive positive for Andes hantavirus, a rare strain capable of spreading between humans. The individual and their spouse are in hospital isolation. Authorities stressed the overall risk to the Canadian public remains low despite three global deaths linked to the outbreak.
Canadian HC to India holds talks on defence cooperation
Canada’s High Commissioner to India, Christopher Cooter, met Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Saturday to discuss expanding defence cooperation between the two countries. The talks followed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to India in February 2026, during which he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to India’s Ministry of Defence, both sides reviewed steps to strengthen bilateral defence ties, including maritime security and opportunities for joint naval activities. During Carney’s visit, India and Canada also signed several agreements covering energy, technology, defence and critical minerals.
North America’s largest commuter rail system shuts down as workers strike
The Long Island Rail Road shut down on Saturday after union workers launched the system’s first strike since 1994. Contract talks over pay and healthcare collapsed, disrupting travel for thousands of commuters and raising concerns over severe traffic congestion if the strike continues into the workweek.
Bulgaria's 'Bangaranga' beat sweeps Eurovision Song Contest
Bulgaria won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest on Sunday as pop singer Dara triumphed with her energetic dance anthem “Bangaranga”. The victory marked Bulgaria’s first Eurovision title after missing the previous three editions. Israel finished second despite controversy surrounding its participation, while Romania came third. Dara, 27, gained momentum during Eurovision week following a standout semi-final performance featuring elaborate choreography. Speaking after her win, she described “Bangaranga” as a song about choosing love over fear and embracing harmony. The final, held in Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle arena, drew around 10,000 fans. However, the event was overshadowed by politics, with Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland and Slovenia boycotting over Israel’s involvement amid the Gaza conflict. Israel’s Noam Bettan had led the public vote, but Bulgaria surged ahead in the closing moments. Bulgaria ended with 516 points, comfortably ahead of Israel’s 343. Pro-Palestinian protests also took place outside the venue during the event.
