World News for Students of English

23-06-2025 07:00

Three-year-old Claire Bell remains missing following a disturbing series of events that have led to criminal charges against her mother, 34-year-old Rachel-Ella Todd.

Todd appeared in court via video conference and was charged with child abandonment likely to cause permanent harm.

Authorities in Quebec, Canada, launched an extensive search across the region, deploying helicopters, drones, and ground teams along highways 20 and 30, where the body of Claire’s dog was found. Public concern intensified after a TikTok video emerged showing Todd holding Claire and warning, “You try that again, and this is going to get ugly,” captioned with, “Have you ever faced a mother with nothing left to lose?”

Police say Todd also made online searches related to children’s funeral urns. Though she has no prior criminal record, the Crown has opposed her release, and no psychiatric evaluation has yet been requested. Further charges may be added as the investigation continues and the search remains active.

Difficult words: disturbing (worrying), intensify (to become stronger or more serious), funeral urn (a container holding the ashes of a cremated body).

You can watch the video news lower on this page.