Author: Sophie Mitchell

Second Advance Track Signals Sharper Focus Ahead of May 8 Album Release Montreal-based teenage punk trio General Chaos are doubling down on urgency and control with their latest single, “The Idiots Have Taken Over,” released April 10, 2026, via Stomp Records. The track serves as the second advance offering from their forthcoming album Can’t Please ’Em All, due out May 8, and marks a stylistic shift that underscores the band’s rapid artistic growth. Built around a steady, mid-tempo groove, the song trades the raw speed of earlier material for a more deliberate and weighty approach. Driven by sharp downstrokes and…

Province calls tariffs unjustified as cross-border trade tensions persist Ministers say removal of duties key to affordability, supply chains and economic stability Toronto — The Ontario government is renewing its call for the complete elimination of U.S. duties on Canadian softwood lumber, even as early signals from American regulators suggest a possible reduction in tariff rates later this year. In a joint statement released Thursday, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products Kevin Holland, Minister of Natural Resources Mike Harris, and Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli responded to a preliminary indication from the U.S. Department…

Proposed one-year program aims to address teacher shortages and reduce tuition burden The Ontario government is preparing legislation that would significantly overhaul teacher education, compressing the current two-year program into a single year in an effort to reduce costs for students and accelerate the entry of new teachers into classrooms. Announced April 10 by Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, the proposal would restructure teacher education into a 12-month program delivered over three consecutive semesters. The change is expected to save students up to $3,000 in tuition while helping address ongoing demand for qualified K-12 educators…

Province shifts focus from supervised consumption to treatment-based care KINGSTON, Ont. — The Ontario government will close the province’s last remaining provincially funded drug injection site in Kingston and replace it with a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub, marking a significant shift in its approach to addiction services toward treatment and recovery. The transition, announced by the Ministry of Health on April 10, will see the current site cease operations on Sept. 30, 2026, with the new HART Hub opening the following day to ensure uninterrupted care. The move is part of the province’s broader strategy to…

Core Express Suspended, Reduced Frequency on Key Routes Prince Albert transit riders are facing temporary service disruptions as the city adjusts operations on several bus routes, with officials urging commuters to plan ahead and monitor updates closely. The changes, effective April 10, 2026, include the full suspension of the Core Express service for the day, alongside reduced frequency on both the East Hill and All Day routes. The adjustments appear to be short-term, though no definitive timeline has been provided for a return to normal operations. Hourly Service Introduced for East Hill and All Day Routes Under the temporary schedule,…

All Scheduled Routes to Return to Normal Operations on April 10 Prince Albert Transit will return to its regular operating schedule on Friday, April 10, restoring full service across all scheduled routes after a temporary disruption, according to an update released Thursday by municipal transit officials. The return to standard operations means commuters in Prince Albert can expect all regularly scheduled transit routes to resume service as normal beginning Friday morning, providing relief for residents who may have experienced altered schedules or limited service during the temporary adjustment period. Transit officials said the regular operating schedule will remain in place…

Province awards 14 projects as electricity demand expected to surge and long-term energy expansion plans accelerate Ontario has approved 14 new electricity generation projects through what the province says is the largest competitive power procurement in its history, securing more than 1,300 megawatts of new supply in a move the government says will provide enough electricity to power about 350,000 homes. The procurement, administered by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), forms part of the province’s broader strategy to meet rapidly rising electricity demand while keeping rates affordable for households and businesses. New generation from the projects is expected to…

Ontario Coroner to Examine Circumstances Surrounding 2019 Death of Inmate Jury May Make Recommendations to Help Prevent Similar Deaths An inquest will be held into the death of Levi Brown, a 29-year-old man who died in hospital after being transferred from the Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton, Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General announced Wednesday. Dr. Kenneth Peckham, regional supervising coroner for the Central Region’s Central West Office, said the inquest is being convened under the requirements of Ontario’s Coroners Act, which mandates inquests in certain custodial deaths. “Dr. Kenneth Peckham, Regional Supervising Coroner, Central Region, Central West Office, has…

Ontario coroner says mandatory inquest will examine circumstances surrounding 2018 death The Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General has announced that an inquest will be held into the death of Drew Pearson, a 29-year-old man who died after being transferred from the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre in London, Ont. Dr. Elizabeth Urbantke, regional supervising coroner for the West Region, London Office, made the announcement Wednesday, confirming that the proceeding is required under Ontario’s Coroners Act. “An inquest will be held into the death of Drew Pearson,” Dr. Elizabeth Urbantke, Regional Supervising Coroner, West Region, London Office, announced in the release.…

Halifax-based orchestra broadens programming with mix of traditional repertoire, pop culture concerts and marquee guest artists HALIFAX/KJIPUKTUK, N.S. — Symphony Nova Scotia has announced its 2026/27 concert season, unveiling a broad slate of performances that blends core classical repertoire with contemporary crossover programming as the organization looks to attract both longtime patrons and new audiences. The Halifax-based orchestra said the upcoming season will feature performances ranging from Beethoven and Brahms to ABBA, anime soundtracks and Broadway favourites, with programming spread across its Spotlight, Fusion, Baroque, Mozart+ and Special Concert series. “We invite audiences to experience the breadth of live music…