Author: Sophie Mitchell

Vancouver heavy metal band prepares for nationwide run and international album rollout through new label partnership Canadian heavy metal band IRON KINGDOM has announced updated dates for its 2026 cross-country tour as the Vancouver group prepares to release its sixth studio album, Shadows and Dust, on June 6 through a new partnership with Steel Shark Records. The upcoming release marks a significant step for the band, which has spent more than a decade building a following within the traditional heavy metal scene through extensive touring across Canada, the United States, Europe and Brazil. Under the agreement with Steel Shark Records,…

Province launches major phase of highway project aimed at reducing congestion in York Region and Simcoe County BRADFORD, Ont. — The Ontario government has officially begun major construction on the long-awaited Bradford Bypass, advancing a key infrastructure project intended to ease traffic congestion and improve transportation links between York Region and Simcoe County. The province said construction of the new four-lane highway is expected to reduce travel times across the region by up to 35 minutes while supporting approximately 2,200 jobs annually and contributing as much as $286 million to Ontario’s gross domestic product. Premier Doug Ford said the start…

Federal and Provincial Funding Supports Market-Ready Farming and Food Processing Technologies Investment aims to improve competitiveness, resilience and sustainability across Ontario’s agri-food sector The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing nearly $1 million through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to help Ontario farmers and food processors adopt innovative technologies and commercialize new agricultural solutions. Announced by Ontario’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness on May 14, the funding is intended to support projects that transform research into practical, market-ready products and services for the agri-food industry. The initiative is part of a broader effort by both levels…

City exceeds provincial housing target as Ontario pushes ahead with homebuilding strategy PICKERING, Ont. — The Ontario government is providing the City of Pickering with more than $4.4 million through the province’s Building Faster Fund after the municipality exceeded its provincially assigned housing target in 2025. The funding, announced Thursday, rewards municipalities that achieve at least 80 per cent of their annual housing goals. Pickering surpassed its target by 14 per cent last year after construction began on 1,477 new homes, according to the province. The city will receive $4,410,987 in the third round of funding under the Building Faster…

Palestine Solidarity Campaign Analysis Highlights Growing Political Support in Wales New analysis from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) indicates that nearly 40 per cent of newly elected Members of the Senedd support the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, including a majority of members within the newly formed Welsh Government Cabinet. According to the figures released by PSC, 36 of the 96 Members of the Senedd (MSs) signed the organisation’s “Senedd Pledge for Palestine,” which includes support for BDS measures aimed at Israel. Among those who signed are 33 members from Plaid Cymru, both Green Party MSs,…

604 Records Revives Long Out-of-Print Debut From Vancouver Island Power Pop Group Victoria-based band 64 Funnycars is returning to the spotlight with the reissue of its debut album Happy Go Lucky, a project that captures a formative era in Canada’s independent music scene and the influence of campus radio culture in the late 1980s. The reissue, released through 604 Records’ 604 Decades imprint, arrives May 27, 2026, preceded by a three-song teaser on May 6 featuring “The Barbeque Party,” “Flat World,” and “Dull Daddy-O.” The release marks a renewed push to introduce the band’s melodic punk and power pop sound…

Federal judge finds Fish and Wildlife Service violated Endangered Species Act in pesticide assessment WASHINGTON — A U.S. federal court has ruled that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service failed to adequately protect more than 1,500 endangered species from the harmful effects of the pesticide malathion, marking a significant legal setback for federal regulators and a major victory for environmental advocacy groups. The ruling stems from a legal challenge brought by the Center for Biological Diversity against the agency’s 2022 biological opinion on malathion, an insecticide widely used in agriculture and mosquito control. In that assessment, the Service concluded that…

First championship in franchise history to be honoured with parade and public celebration at City Hall The City of Cambridge is preparing to celebrate a milestone moment in local sports history after the Cambridge RedHawks captured their first Sutherland Cup championship in franchise history. City officials announced plans for a public parade and community celebration on Saturday, May 16, inviting residents and hockey fans to recognize the team’s achievement and meet players during an afternoon of festivities in the downtown core. The celebration will begin at 3 p.m. with a parade departing from Galt Arena Gardens and travelling through several…

Community Fundraiser Returns June 6 with Charity Walk, Performances and Family Activities The Mon Sheong Foundation will bring back its annual Walk & Fun fundraiser on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Richmond Green Sports Centre & Park in Richmond Hill, with proceeds supporting the organization’s development of new long-term care centres. The event is expected to draw families, community organizations, donors and volunteers for a full day of outdoor activities focused on fundraising and community engagement. Organizers say the initiative aims to combine health, recreation and charitable giving while highlighting the growing need for long-term care services in Ontario. The…

Province Expands Junior Exploration Support to Strengthen Critical Mineral Supply Chains Funding aimed at boosting exploration, job creation and economic growth across Northern Ontario The Ontario government is investing $10 million through the newly revamped Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) as part of its broader strategy to strengthen the province’s critical minerals sector and support long-term economic growth in Northern Ontario. Premier Doug Ford announced the investment during the Ontario Mining Association Annual General Meeting in Toronto, describing the initiative as a key component of Ontario’s efforts to build a more competitive and self-reliant economy amid rising global demand for…