Crowds gather for Ottawa's first in-person Canada Day since 2019

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For the first time in three years, thousands of people were able to party without COVID-19 restrictions at the Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa. David Akin explains why this year's event changed venues, how it made history, and how it recognized the road to truth and reconciliation with Indigenous communities.

Police in Ottawa also say they were ready for the anti-government demonstrators expected to make their voices heard on Canada Day. While the morning started quietly, Abigail Bimman looks at how crowds grew as the day progressed.

In Ukraine, Calgary trucker Matthew McGill is among thousands of volunteers who have joined the country's international legion, to defend it against Russia's invasion. Seán O'Shea spoke with McGill about what drove him to the front lines, and his harrowing experiences in this war.

The trial has begun in Russia for WNBA star Brittney Griner, who's facing drug smuggling charges. Griner's wife, along with critics, says the athlete is a political pawn. Her arrest was a week before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Crystal Goomansingh looks at the fight for Griner's freedom, and the legal odds against her.

When Britain handed Hong Kong back to China's rule, China promised the territory's independence would be preserved for at least 50 years. Instead, Beijing has rolled back democratic freedoms. On the city-state's 25th anniversary of the handover, experts say this serves as a warning for China's intentions with Taiwan. Jackson Proskow reports.

And after a long hiatus due to the pandemic, many people from coast to coast to coast were once again able to celebrate Canada's birthday together, while subdued events acknowledged the work that still needs to be done for Indigenous people. Heather Yourex-West reports.