Author: Sophie Mitchell

Heavy-rock band previews August album with politically charged single and Western Canada tour Edmonton-based heavy rock band Famous Strangers has released the official music video for “As Your Leader,” the second single from its upcoming self-titled debut album, scheduled for release on August 21, 2026. The new track arrives as the group continues building momentum ahead of its first full-length record and a supporting tour across Western Canada. The single is among the heaviest songs on the upcoming album, blending dense guitar work, driving bass and drum rhythms, and an emotionally intense vocal performance. The project was co-produced with Phil…

Demonstrators Call for Sanctions on Israel as New Labour Leader Prepares to Take Office LONDON, U.K. — Tens of thousands of demonstrators are expected to gather in central London on Saturday for a major pro-Palestinian march aimed at pressuring incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham to adopt a tougher stance on Israel and Britain’s relationship with the Israeli government. The National March for Palestine, organized by a coalition of Palestinian solidarity groups and anti-war organizations, comes just days after Burnham was confirmed as leader of the Labour Party and ahead of his formal assumption of office as Prime Minister. Organizers say…

Jumpstart-Led FIFA World Cup 2026 Legacy Project Brings New Recreation Infrastructure to West Alexander WINNIPEG, MB — Residents of Winnipeg’s West Alexander neighbourhood are set to benefit from a new artificial turf soccer pitch at Burton Cummings Community Centre after City Council approved funding arrangements for the project, marking another investment in community recreation ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The new facility will be constructed at the community centre located at 790 Arlington Avenue and will feature a high-quality artificial turf playing surface, perimeter fencing, goals, lighting, player benches and other supporting amenities. City officials say the project…

Water Treatment Plant Meets Quality Standards Despite Temporary Discolouration Reports PRINCE ALBERT, Saskatchewan — The City of Prince Albert says it continues to closely monitor water quality conditions following reports of temporary water discolouration in several areas of the city, with officials confirming that treated drinking water remains safe and compliant with provincial standards. The update follows an earlier notice issued on June 30 regarding changes in the North Saskatchewan River that have affected the city’s water treatment process. According to municipal officials, elevated levels of naturally occurring organic matter in the river continue to influence water treatment operations, resulting…

Rush Hour and East Hill Routes Shift to Hourly Service as Core Express Suspended PRINCE ALBERT, Saskatchewan — Prince Albert Transit has introduced temporary service adjustments affecting several bus routes, with changes taking effect immediately as the city works to maintain transit operations. Under the revised schedule issued on July 16, 2026, both the Rush Hour and East Hill bus routes are operating on reduced hourly service, while the Core Express route has been temporarily suspended. Transit officials said all other routes across the network continue to operate according to their regular schedules. The temporary measures are intended to provide…

Equipment Access Program to Deliver 375 Goalie Gear Sets Over Five Years RICHMOND HILL, Ont. — TRUE Hockey and the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) have announced a new five-year partnership aimed at increasing youth participation in goaltending across Ontario by addressing one of the sport’s most significant challenges: the cost of equipment. The agreement names TRUE Hockey as the Official Equipment Partner of the OMHA and includes a long-term commitment to support local hockey associations in recruiting, developing and retaining young goaltenders throughout the province. At the centre of the initiative is the TRUE Hockey Goalie Assist Program, which…

Province Invests More Than $202 Million in State-of-the-Art Facility Expected to Add Over 100 Beds and Expand Specialized Care WINDSOR, Ont. — The Ontario government has officially broken ground on the new Fancsy Family Hospital in Windsor, marking a major milestone in the province’s long-term plan to expand health-care capacity and improve access to hospital services across Windsor-Essex and Southwestern Ontario. Supported by a provincial investment of more than $202 million, the new hospital will add space for over 100 additional beds, bringing total capacity to nearly 600 beds. The project is part of Ontario’s broader strategy to modernize health…

Open-Air Burn Ban Remains in Effect as City Prioritizes Public Health CAMBRIDGE, Ont. — The City of Cambridge has extended a series of temporary service adjustments as poor air quality continues to affect the region, prompting municipal officials to maintain restrictions and protective measures aimed at safeguarding residents and city staff. The measures, announced Thursday, include the continued suspension of all open-air burn permits, the closure of outdoor pools, and the relocation of city-operated programs and events indoors. Officials say the actions will remain in place until air quality conditions improve. According to the City, all existing open-air burning permits…

Fire Department Halts New Permits and Existing Open-Air Burning Activities Across City The City of Cambridge has suspended all open-air burning permits effective immediately as worsening environmental conditions increase the risk of rapidly spreading fires across the community. The Cambridge Fire Department announced on July 16, 2026, that all open-air burning permits issued within the city are temporarily suspended until further notice. The department said the decision was made to protect residents, properties, infrastructure, and natural areas amid elevated fire risks caused by current weather conditions. No new open-air burning permits will be issued while the suspension remains in effect.…

City Surpasses Provincial Housing Goal by 16%, Unlocking New Funding for Infrastructure and Growth PETERBOROUGH, Ont. — The Ontario government has awarded the City of Peterborough more than $1.65 million through the latest round of the province’s Building Faster Fund after the municipality exceeded its provincially assigned housing target in 2025. The funding, totaling $1,653,397, was announced as part of the third round of the Building Faster Fund, a provincial initiative designed to reward municipalities that make significant progress toward increasing housing supply. Peterborough qualified for the funding after recording 545 housing starts in 2025, surpassing its annual target by…