World Report - March 29: Sunday's top stories in 10 minutes

Episode Date: March 29, 2026

Filmmaker Avi Lewis wins the federal NDP leadership on the first ballot with 56 per cent of the vote.The Pentagon reportedly prepares for ground operations in Iran as diplomatic talks begin in Pakistan.Pope Leo XIV tells Palm Sunday crowds that God rejects the prayers of leaders who start wars and have "hands full of blood."Volodymyr Zelenskyy signs major Middle East defence deals while accusing Russia of aiding Iranian strikes on U.S. forces.Beeping Easter eggs help children with vision loss join the hunt in cities across Canada.The Juno Awards are being held tonight in Hamilton, Ontario.

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Avi Lewis, a former journalist and filmmaker, won the leadership on the first ballot this morning with 56% of the vote. The victory seen as a potential major turning point for the New Democrats as they struggle to regain official party. status after a devastating loss in the last federal election. The CBC's Marina von Stackleberg is at the convention in Winnipeg. So, Marina, a decisive win. What was the mood like on the floor? Yeah, I just came from the front of the convention center where Avi Lewis just gave his victory speech and there was a noticeable excitement and energy there from his supporters.

Not everyone here, though, cheering for him. All candidates were lined up right at the front to get the news. When he won, he turned to high. hug his biggest opponent, Heather McPherson. She smiled, composed, but you can see the disappointment in her eyes. She also got a hug from Libby Davies, who was a big Lewis supporter, but also a very important NDP here. Lewis invited all the other candidates up on stage, the caucus with him.

Not necessarily how McPherson hoped to get onto the stage. But Lewis really was seen as the frontrunner here. He raised more money, brought in new members. He had the biggest sort of public campaign. And he really excited a base of people, including environmentalists, youth, and activists. Have a listen to some of his speech. After seven months of campaigning across this country and speaking to thousands upon thousands of Canadians, here's one thing I know for sure, and I want to say it out loud.

Canada, mark your calendar. The NDP comeback starts now. So, Marina, what challenges does Avi Lewis face as the new leader? He's got to internally unite this party, and he also has to now sell himself to Canadians, which is going to be a big task. It's something that he says he's going to start right this moment, but it'll be interesting to see how Canadians feel about this new leader. CBC's Marina von Stackleberg in Winnipeg.

Thanks, Marina. You're welcome. And now overseas. That was the sound over Tehran as strikes hit a key security facility. The violence is now turned. triggering a massive military escalation. The Washington Post reports the Pentagon is preparing for weeks of ground operations inside Iran. The plan involves targeted raids by U.S. Marines to seize coastal missile sites and key oil hubs.

President Trump hasn't signed off on the plan yet, but thousands of troops are now in position. What you're hearing there is the arrival of a high-stakes motorcade in Islamabad this morning. The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt are media. for an emergency summit. Pakistan is acting as the middleman, relaying a 15-point U.S. peace proposal to Tehran, but the exit ramp is narrowing. Fresh strikes hit the Gulf overnight, with air raid sirens sending people to shelters in Kuwait and Bahrain. One of the targets, a massive aluminum plant in Bahrain, where at least two workers were injured. sharp rebuke to global leaders as the war in Iran enters its second month.

During a Palm Sunday Mass before tens of thousands in St. Peter's Square, the Pope said God rejects the prayers of those who wage war and have, quote, hands full of blood. While Leo didn't name names, his homily follows weeks of criticism toward both the U.S. invasion of Iran and Israel's operations in Lebanon. Ukraine's president is rallying support for his cause in the Middle East. Volodymyr Zelensky is signing a 10-year defense cooperation deal with several Gulf states, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia. In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Zelensky also made a bold claim about Russia's involvement in the war against Iran. Dominic Volaitis has more. This is NBC Nightly News with Jose Diaz ballard.

Ukraine's president, Zelensky. NBC's interview with Velodomir Zelensky last night covered plenty of ground. And during the recording, there was a rare moment of candor from the Ukrainian president when he was asked about U.S. President Donald Trump's commitment to his country. Let me just ask you very directly. Yeah. Do you think President Trump cares about the future of your country? Hope so.

But you don't know for sure. You know, the policy of the United States today, they care. about the United States more. During the interview, Zelensky also claimed Russia had shared satellite intelligence with Iran before it attacked a U.S. base in Saudi Arabia on Thursday. A number of American troops were wounded in the strike. NBC's interview was recorded in the Middle East, where Zelensky has announced new 10-year defense agreements with Qatar and Saudi Arabia,

A similar deal is expected with the United Arab Emirates in the coming days. The Gulf states are hoping to leverage Ukraine's knowledge of countering drones and missiles in exchange for investment in its defense industry and supplies of fuel. Dominic Volitus for CBC News, Bristol, England. Well, there is something special inside those eggs. That's the sound of an Easter egg hunt designed for accessibility. The Canadian National Institute for the Blind has teamed up with groups across the country to make sure every child can join the search using eggs that beep.

The CBC's Sam Sampson was there. That's what hidden treasure sounds like. Dozens of palm-sized, colorful, beeping Easter eggs are hidden among an Edmonton Science Center. And 7-year-old Kamey Duncan is ready to hunt them down with her baby brother. I can hear them by my sense of hearing and I can, and when I get close to them, I pick one up and then Jackson and I will take turns. The annual event lets children who are blind and low vision in on the holiday tradition.

A U.S. police officer started this in 2005 for his blind daughter. That's why police services across Canada help out every year. This Easter, the hunt is on in Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary, and Edmonton, where Detective Ryan Catcher has volunteered with the event for five years. I've seen kids come from year one, very timid, not wanting to go out there on their own to year two, three, and four were there, gung home. they're running out there on their own. It's really exciting to see the growth and development in the kids.

Yeah, I'm expecting me to do something better than the last time. Do you find a few more eggs? Yeah. In Calgary, six-year-old Zander Bertram and his mom, Nancy, have made this their Easter tradition. Having opportunities where all kids can come and play together and be equal. Making accessibility less of a barrier and more of a commonplace thing is just wonderful. The CNIB hopes the hunt helps children feel included

and reminds adults to build accessible events. I even found a special Easter egg. So everyone can hop in on the fun. Sam Sampson, CBC News, Edmonton. And finally, the Juno Awards are being held this evening in Hamilton, Ontario. But last night, several artists received their awards during the opening gala. The CBC's Griffin Yeager has more. It was a night of Canadian pride and some empty seats.

Tate McCrae swept the Juno opening night gala winning Best Pop Album, Single, Album, and Artist of the Year, beating out Giants like The Weekend and Justin Bieber, with fan choice still up for grabs. But like many winners Saturday, she did not attend, opting to thank fans on Instagram writing she's so honored. Stars who did show brought the heart. The Beaches took Rock album of the year and told Press to becess, Despite their global fame, they love coming home to celebrate. You know, we do have the privilege of getting to travel all over the world, but we'll never feel as supported and loved as we do in Canada. The night had some history, too. Alex Cuba, also not in attendance, won the inaugural Latin recording of the year.

And first nominated in 96, hip-hop star Socrates took home his first win this year for rap single of the year on his track with Julie Black and rapper Toby, who took the mic to thank him. I listened to their voices growing up, so to do this with them is so beautiful. This all leading up to the main show set to be packed with performances and big honors for Nellie Furtado, Joni Mitchell, and Daniel Caesar. Griffin Yeager, CBC News, Hamilton, Ontario. And that is the latest national and international news from World Report.

I'm John Northcott. Thanks for spending part of your Juno's weekend with us here at CBC News. For more CBC podcasts, go to cBC.ca.ca slash podcasts.