Author: Sophie Mitchell

Florida’s underground metal festival returns to Brass Mug for two nights of extreme music TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Death Fest will return to the Brass Mug in Tampa, Florida, on Sept. 4 and 5, 2026, with organizers unveiling a lineup that blends established extreme-metal acts with emerging underground performers from across the United States and Puerto Rico. Now entering its eighth year, the independent festival has become a staple within Florida’s underground death-metal scene, drawing attention for its focus on raw and uncompromising acts tied to the genre’s roots. The 2026 edition will feature more than a dozen bands across…

Province backs modernization project at Bernie McGlynn Lumber amid ongoing trade pressures The Ontario government is investing $1.6 million in a major expansion and modernization project at Bernie McGlynn Lumber Ltd. in Mildmay, a move aimed at strengthening the province’s forestry sector, increasing domestic wood production and supporting jobs in rural communities. Announced Tuesday by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the funding will support a $5.3 million project that will more than double the company’s production space and increase output by 47 per cent. The initiative is expected to create five new jobs while protecting 13 existing positions at the…

Dairy Executive Urges Congress to Address Canadian Trade Practices and Protect Export Growth ARLINGTON, Va. — A senior executive from Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) told U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday that stronger enforcement of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be critical to maintaining growth and stability in the North American dairy sector as the trade pact approaches a formal joint review. Michael Lichte, Chief Insights and Optimization Officer for DFA, appeared before the House Committee on Agriculture to outline concerns over Canada’s handling of dairy market access commitments under the agreement and to emphasize the importance of preserving export…

Downtown London to host two-day celebration highlighting culture, community and Canadian heritage The London Heritage Council is preparing to welcome thousands of residents and visitors to downtown London later this month as the organization launches Night Market London and Canada Day London, two large-scale public events tied to the city’s bicentennial celebrations. Set to take place on June 30 and July 1 at Dundas Place and Talbot Street in London, Ontario, the events are expected to showcase the city’s cultural diversity, local businesses and community spirit through live entertainment, food, artisan markets and family programming. Organizers say the celebrations are…

Province expands funding to improve community safety and emergency preparedness Essex County among municipalities benefiting from legacy wells program The Ontario government is investing an additional $7.8 million to help municipalities manage the risks associated with old and inactive oil and gas wells, bringing the province’s total investment for the current year to $10.8 million. The funding announcement was made Tuesday in Essex County by Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources as part of the province’s broader strategy to strengthen community safety, improve emergency preparedness and address aging energy infrastructure across southwestern Ontario. The province said the investment will support efforts…

Federal government unveils performer lineup and programming for annual national celebration Artists, astronauts, athletes and Order of Canada recipients to take part in Ottawa ceremony The federal government has unveiled the official program for the Canada Day 2026 National Noon Ceremony, featuring a nationally broadcast celebration that will combine music, cultural performances and tributes to Canadians who have made significant contributions to the country. The announcement was made Tuesday in Ottawa by the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, as preparations continue for one of the country’s largest annual public celebrations.…

Toronto teenager brings self-produced indie pop project to streaming platforms Award-winning young artist builds momentum with summer festival appearances Toronto-based musician Cooper Benaiah, the 16-year-old singer-songwriter, guitarist, multi-instrumentalist and producer who won the 2026 Canadian High School Songwriter of the Year award for his single “Falling,” has released his debut album CRUSH on Spotify and major streaming platforms. The eight-track indie pop album was written, recorded and produced entirely by Benaiah in a basement studio at his family home, marking a significant milestone for the emerging Canadian artist as he begins to expand his audience beyond local performances and online…

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.…