THE BIG STORY

The Ukrainian jetliner tragedy dealt a huge blow to Canada’s academic community

More than 20 Canadian schools said they lost distinguished faculty members, mentors, scholars, longtime professors, and students after Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was shot down. The incident killed all 176 people on board.

Stunned and stricken, their classmates and colleagues have spent the past few days holding candles at vigils on campuses, writing condolences, sharing photos, and trying to grapple with the enormous loss from which they say their schools and fields will never recover.

The plane had about 60 Canadian citizens, but all told, most of the people on board — 138 people — were on their way to Canada.

Two days after blaming the incident on a “mechanical failure,” Iran’s government admitted it accidentally shot down the plane. Iran said the jetliner was shot down during heightened fears of US military retaliation.

Geoff Robins / Getty Images

STAYING ON TOP OF THIS

Three stories about the US presidential election

First: Donald Trump is starting to fixate on Bernie Sanders. Trump's reelection campaign, after spending much of 2019 focused on other Democrats, keeps talking about Sanders in 2020.

Second: Julián Castro is Elizabeth Warren’s new hype man, after months of hearing his would-be supporters were voting for her instead. A week after ending his campaign, Castro is happily taking on the role of a prominent voice for Warren.

Third: Marianne Williamson’s campaign is over, but the memes will transcend. The famous author and spiritual guide who briefly stole the focus of the early Democratic primary debates, has ended her campaign for president.

IMPEACHMENT TODAY

Do the Democrats have a plan? Nancy Pelosi says she will send the impeachment articles to the Senate this week. That means it’s just about go time. We look at the strategy the 47 Democrats will put in place to try to make things go their way. Listen and subscribe.

SNAPSHOTS

The eruption of a volcano in the Philippines has forced thousands to flee. Taal Volcano, one of the Philippines' most active volcanoes, erupted Sunday. Experts said the ongoing eruption has sent a plume of ash and smoke about 6 to 9 miles into the sky. The photos are surreal.

No, Australia’s bushfires were not deliberately lit to clear the way for high-speed rail. This false conspiracy theory began to spread rapidly online, so we debunked it. One expert told us, “I'm sorry but I don't have time for this.”

Oprah Winfrey said Prince Harry and Meghan Markle “do not need my help” after she was dragged into the royal drama. After reports surfaced that the media legend had “encouraged” the royal couple to consider living in America and build their own brand, Oprah denied having anything to do with the decision.

A Bachelor contestant is getting roasted after getting caught writing gushing Instagram comments on her own post. People are speculating that Madison Prewett made herself a fan page, and had meant to comment from that account but forgot to switch.

WAR IS CHANGING

Why it’s harder to lead America to war now

It all seemed rather familiar — a rush to substantiate a threat, with little evidence; a barely-known figure in the Middle East is the embodiment of evil; Democrats are accused of being supporters of the enemy.

All of the elements of Trump’s campaign against Iran are reruns of American foreign policy. But, as Ben Smith writes, “Trump, it turns out, wasn’t actually making the case for war. He was barely trying to make a case at all.”

There was no coalition to be built. As Republicans echoed his talking points, the kind of Democrats who have backed military strikes in the past — Joe Biden, first of all — suppressed their old instincts and refused to endorse the killing of Qassem Soleimani.

Smith makes the case that Trump’s hectic targeting of Iran reveals a new reality: “It’s hard, maybe impossible, to make the case for military action, or really any kind of foreign policy move, these days.”

FEAR THE DROP BEAR

A TV reporter got pranked with a koala and it’s a joy to watch

Debi Edward, a reporter for Britain's ITV, is in Australia to cover the devastating bushfires. While there, she decided to cover how the fires are affecting the wildlife.

While visiting Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, she was told that “drop bears” are responsible for the third most common injury in Australia, and wore a protective suit in order to meet one.

One problem: “drop bears” don’t exist. Edward was being pranked with a cuddly big koala bear. It takes a minute for the penny to drop, but when it does, it’s golden.

I wish you the clarity and courage to pursue the things that excite you today,

Elamin