McIlroy Claims Back-to-Back Masters Title

Rory McIlroy has won the Masters Tournament for the second consecutive year, solidifying his place among golf’s all-time greats. The victory came after a dramatic finish on the 18th hole at Augusta National, where McIlroy overcame a shot into the trees and a subsequent bunker shot to secure the win.

Commentators noted McIlroy entered the 18th hole with a two-stroke lead. After his tee shot went into the trees, he hit his next shot into a bunker located just in front of the 18th green. He then successfully got the ball onto the green and tapped in the winning putt. Celebrations included his parents from Northern Ireland, his wife, and his child.

The green jacket presentation was unique this year, as McIlroy was both last year’s and this year’s winner. Instead of receiving the jacket from the previous champion, Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley presented it to McIlroy. Analysts suggested that McIlroy could have “played both parts” in a choreographed presentation.

Experts stated McIlroy is already considered one of the all-time greats, having won the career Grand Slam last year. He is now among the six golfers to achieve this feat and has now won the Masters twice in a row, joining Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods as recent multiple consecutive winners. Nicklaus won in the 1960s, Faldo in 1989-1990, and Woods in 2001-2002. McIlroy, 36, is expected to have many productive years ahead of him and potentially win more major championships.

Toronto By-Elections: Scarborough Southwest Race Features Party Switcher

Polls are now open in Toronto for two federal by-elections. One of the ridings, Scarborough Southwest, was previously represented by Liberal Bill Blair before his resignation. The race is being closely watched as it could potentially help Prime Minister Mark Carney win a majority government.

The Scarborough Southwest by-election is particularly noteworthy due to the candidacy of Dolly Begum. Begum, formerly the Ontario NDP deputy leader, is now running as a Liberal candidate. Her decision to switch parties caused “shockwaves” in both the nation’s capital and the provincial capital of Toronto. She is attempting to replace Blair, who won the riding with over 60% of the vote in the last federal election.

Megan Fitzpatrick reported that seven other candidates are running against Begum. A voter in the riding told Fitzpatrick he plans to vote for Begum, believing she has done a good job as a provincial MPP and preferring to vote for the person rather than the party. A provincial by-election will also be triggered by Begum’s resignation from the Ontario legislature, though Premier Doug Ford has not yet called it.

University-Rosedale By-Election Focuses on Key Issues

The other Toronto by-election is taking place in the University-Rosedale riding, a long-time Liberal stronghold previously represented by Chrystia Freeland since 2013. Dr. Danielle Martin, a family physician and hospital leader, is running for the Liberals in an attempt to keep the riding in their hands. Ten candidates in total are competing in the race.

CBC News has been speaking to voters in University-Rosedale about their priorities. Key issues include affordability, housing, health care, the environment, and the Canadian economy in the face of U.S. tariffs. Voters expressed concerns about investing in green energy, the economic threat from the U.S., and ensuring their children can afford to live in Toronto.

More than 10,000 voters in Scarborough Southwest and over 9,000 in University-Rosedale cast their ballots during advanced voting last weekend. Despite rainy weather on election day, CBC News is reporting live from a polling station in Scarborough Southwest, interviewing voters about their choices.

Other News Briefs

Opposition leader Peter Madja’s party achieved a landslide victory in Hungary, with a viral moment featuring Zolt Hegedus. A Russian scheme was also mentioned. The Toronto Raptors secured their spot in the NBA playoffs, defeating the Brooklyn Nets 136-101 and will face the Cleveland Cavaliers in a best-of-seven series.

Chris Murphy reported on the weather in the Prairies, noting a rollercoaster of temperatures. Churchill, Manitoba is currently at minus 22 degrees Celsius, while cities like Saskatoon, Red Deer, Calgary, and Edmonton are experiencing temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. A wintry storm is expected to arrive Tuesday night in northern areas and Wednesday evening in southern Alberta. Southern Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes are expected to experience warm temperatures and thunderstorms.

Justin Bieber performed at Coachella, with Justin Trudeau spotted in the audience with Katy Perry. A video of the pair was posted on social media. A dog named Sadie was also featured, excitedly greeting her owner, astronaut Christina Cooke, upon her return home.