Global National: Feb. 4, 2024 | US, UK launch new wave of strikes on Yemen’s Houthis over weekend

After months of trying to contain tensions in the broader Middle East conflict, the U.S. is escalating its military involvement in the region. In 48 hours, Washington launched two major operations against Iran-backed targets, striking 36 Houthi targets in Yemen with help from the U.K. and support from Canada. Not only is Washington promising further action, the Houthi rebel group says the attacks will not go unpunished. Redmond Shannon has more. A sexual assault case involving players from Canada's 2018 World Junior Hockey Team goes to court on Monday. Five hockey players, four now in the NHL, are facing charges of sexually assaulting a woman in a London, Ont., hotel room almost six years ago. All five are expected to plead not guilty. Eric Sorensen reports. In Alberta, protests were held again Sunday, in opposition to provincial policy proposals that take aim at transgender rights. Premier Danielle Smith says she believes her government is striking the right balance when it comes to kids, but criticism across Canada has been swift. As Heather Yourex-West explains, the pushback could have political implications beyond Smith and her United Conservative Party (UCP). Across Nova Scotia, people are contending with a winter storm, with up to 80 centimetres of snow having fallen in some places over the weekend. In Halifax, residents were urged to avoid non-essential travel while many flights canceled or delayed. Yvonne Schalle has the forecast. Meanwhile in Chile, there are scenes of devastation after deadly wildfires tore through the country's Valparaiso region. The blazes have destroyed more than a thousand homes, killing at least 64 people with hundreds remaining missing. The country's president warns that the death toll is expected to rise. Abigail Bimman has more on the destruction and the uphill battle to extinguish the flames. A coalition of several environmental groups is demanding a full study before a massive $7 billion EV battery site is built in McMasterville, Quebec about 45 minutes west of Montreal. Despite an injunction, a Superior Court Judge ruled last week that the Swedish manufacturer Northvolt had all the necessary permits to continue its preparatory work, and many residents are extremely concerned. Elizabeth Zogalis reports. Finally, Canadians are well known for strapping on skates or skis at this time of the year. Now, a traditional summer sport is becoming a big smash during this winter: tennis, under inflatable domes. Tennis Canada is sanctioning the sport under these bubbles to encourage more people to pick up the game. And as Tim Sargeant reports, players are swinging into it. For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca Subscribe to Global News Channel HERE: http://bit.ly/20fcXDc Like Global News on Facebook HERE: http://bit.ly/255GMJQ Follow Global News on Twitter HERE: http://bit.ly/1Toz8mt Follow Global News on Instagram HERE: https://bit.ly/2QZaZIB #GlobalNews #GlobalNational