Author: Sophie Mitchell

Montreal artist explores emotion, memory and landscape through textured oil paintings Montreal visual artist Bob Venafro is returning to Galerie ERGA this summer with About Time, his sixth solo exhibition at the gallery, presenting a new collection of textured forest and seascape paintings that reflect on emotion, change and the passage of time. The exhibition will run from June 30 to July 5 at the Montreal gallery, with an alcohol-free vernissage scheduled for July 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The showcase features new works created using Venafro’s signature palette knife and impasto techniques, styles that have earned the…

Research report urges sweeping reforms to reduce recidivism and improve continuity of care A newly released research study examining mental health, substance use and incarceration in Nova Scotia has identified significant shortcomings in provincial correctional facilities, including inadequate mental health and addiction supports, poor release planning and limited continuity of care for incarcerated individuals transitioning back into the community. The report, led by researcher Dr. Laura Beach in partnership with Mobile Outreach Street Health (MOSH), a program of the North End Community Health Centre, outlines 32 recommendations aimed at reforming health care and support systems within provincial custody and reducing…

Amazon MGM Studios greenlights second season ahead of July global debut Prime Video has released the official trailer and key art for Elle, the upcoming prequel series to the Legally Blonde franchise, as Amazon MGM Studios continues to expand its investment in established entertainment properties with global audience appeal. The eight-episode first season, produced in association with Hello Sunshine, is scheduled to premiere July 1 on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories. Ahead of the launch, the streaming platform has already approved a second season, signalling strong internal confidence in the franchise’s commercial potential and audience demand.…

Canadian folk artist expands children’s storytelling franchise with music, live events and community outreach Simcoe, Ont.-based singer-songwriter and author Tia McGraff is expanding her growing children’s entertainment catalogue with the release of a new single, “Caterpillar Song,” timed to coincide with the upcoming launch of her middle-grade book In Your Dreams, Jake later this fall. Released through Bandana Records, the track marks McGraff’s latest venture into children’s music and storytelling, a segment that has become an increasingly visible part of her career alongside decades of work in Canada’s roots and folk music scene. Produced by McGraff’s husband and longtime collaborator…

Five graduate students recognized for research supporting dairy producers and agricultural innovation ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) has selected five graduate students conducting research aimed at advancing the dairy industry as recipients of the organization’s 2026 National Dairy Leadership Scholarships. The scholarship program, which supports academic research relevant to dairy cooperatives and producers, recognizes students whose work addresses challenges and innovation opportunities across animal science, food safety, dairy manufacturing and environmental sustainability. The recipients were confirmed during the NMPF Board of Directors meeting held June 9 in Arlington, Virginia. “Congratulations to each recipient of this year’s…

Province launches first phase of largest campground expansion in more than 50 years PORT ELGIN, Ont. — The Ontario government is adding 67 new campsites across three of the province’s busiest provincial parks as part of a broader effort to expand outdoor tourism infrastructure ahead of the peak summer travel season. The expansion, announced Tuesday by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, will introduce nearly 5,000 additional reservable camping nights at MacGregor Point, Killarney and Driftwood provincial parks beginning later this month. The new sites form part of the first phase of a nearly $60-million, multi-year provincial investment…

BCCLA and Policing-Free Schools call on provincial government to prohibit police presence in public schools VANCOUVER — The BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) and advocacy group Policing-Free Schools (Canada) are calling on the British Columbia government to immediately end all police-in-school programs across the province, arguing that the presence of law enforcement in educational settings creates significant risks for students, staff and marginalized communities. In a letter sent to the BC Minister of Education and Child Care and the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, the organizations urged the province to prevent the reintroduction or expansion of school policing…

Civil liberties group to participate in legal dispute over land acknowledgments, EDI policies and statements on Israel The BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) has been granted intervener status in an ongoing legal challenge involving the University of British Columbia’s policies and public statements related to land acknowledgments, equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and the conflict in Israel and Palestine. The case, Irvine et al v University of British Columbia, centres on claims brought forward by petitioners who argue that several actions taken by the university violate British Columbia’s University Act. The petitioners contend that UBC’s use of land acknowledgments, implementation…

Premier Doug Ford pushes for renewed continental trade co-operation and stronger CUSMA agreement WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ontario Premier Doug Ford has concluded a two-day mission to Washington aimed at advancing the province’s renewed “Fortress North America” strategy, a plan focused on strengthening trade ties and economic co-operation between Canada, the United States and Mexico through an updated Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). During meetings with U.S. senators, members of Congress and business leaders from key industries including automotive, aerospace and agriculture, Ford argued that deeper continental collaboration would help create jobs, reduce costs for consumers and strengthen North American security. “Ontario…

Founding member of Rhinoceros releases blues-driven single “Put Back My Heart” alongside family-centred album project Alan Gerber, the Chicago-born and Val-David, Quebec-based singer-songwriter and founding member of the late-1960s Elektra Records supergroup Rhinoceros, has released his new single “Put Back My Heart,” the opening track from his latest album The Well, now available. The release marks another milestone in a career that has stretched across more than five decades and positioned Gerber as one of Canada’s enduring blues and roots performers. Co-written with his son Eli Gerber and jointly produced by the pair, the new single combines upbeat rhythm-and-blues energy…