Author: Sophie Mitchell

TORONTO — Canadian country-rock recording artist Bree Taylor is positioning herself for international growth with the release of her new single and upcoming album “Worship,” a project that has already generated significant streaming traction and marks a strategic turning point in her career. The single, released this week, is the title track from Taylor’s forthcoming album and was recorded at Saxman Studios in Nashville, a key hub for the global country music industry. The track was produced by Grady Saxman, known for his work with major country acts including Luke Combs and Jelly Roll. The release represents a commercial and…

LOS ANGELES — Emerging indie rock act Kid Sistr is looking to build momentum in 2026 with the release of its latest single, “American Teenage Prophecy,” as the Los Angeles-based trio continues to expand its profile in the highly competitive North American music market. Released Wednesday on major digital streaming platforms and accompanied by a YouTube music video, the single underscores the band’s artistic direction while positioning the group for broader commercial growth following a string of high-profile supporting performances and prior releases. The new track centres on themes of youthful romance and identity, reflecting both personal storytelling and wider…

Snow-clearing operations in the City of Prince Albert are entering a critical phase as municipal crews move into school zones following a major winter storm that delivered about 35 centimetres of snow, affecting transportation, commuting, and daily business activity across the northern Saskatchewan city. City officials said Friday afternoon that crews have completed clearing all Priority 2 roads — key routes that support significant traffic volumes and access to essential services — and have now shifted their focus to school zones, the remaining component of that priority category. Clearing in those areas began earlier in the day and is expected…

TORONTO — The Ontario government has awarded a $1.04-billion contract to build and maintain a new Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place, advancing its plan to redevelop the waterfront site into a year-round tourism and cultural destination expected to open as early as 2029. The 400,000-square-foot facility will include a new main building, modernized iconic pods and a fully upgraded Cinesphere IMAX theatre, forming a cornerstone of the province’s broader revitalization strategy. The project is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs in construction and tourism, while contributing to wider economic growth in Toronto and across the region. “With state-of-the-art…

Rome remains one of the most visited cities in the world, yet many travelers still underestimate how much planning is required to enjoy it comfortably. In recent years, timed-entry systems, visitor caps, and high seasonal demand have changed the way major attractions operate. A stress-free visit in 2026 depends less on spontaneity and more on strategic organization. The good news is that Rome is entirely manageable with the right approach. Understand How Timed Entry Works Most of Rome’s major landmarks now operate with pre-booked time slots. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, and even smaller sites frequently sell out days…

SAINT JOHN, N.B. — New Brunswick’s financial regulator is warning residents about the growing threat of artificial intelligence-driven scams after more than $6.2 million was lost to investment fraud in the province last year, underscoring the rising economic and consumer risks linked to emerging technologies. The Financial and Consumer Services Commission (FCNB) said most of the reported losses in 2025 were tied to online schemes, reflecting how fraudsters are increasingly leveraging digital tools — including AI and deepfake technology — to target victims. “These days, fraudsters are using AI and deepfakes to make scams look and sound real,” said Marissa…

VANCOUVER — Community organizations in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and Chinatown are raising concerns about potential human rights impacts tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that the city’s draft Human Rights Action Plan falls short of protecting vulnerable residents as preparations accelerate. An informal coalition of neighbourhood groups says the plan, released Feb. 19 by Vancouver’s FIFA Host City Committee, relies too heavily on existing laws and lacks concrete measures to prevent harm, particularly for people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. “On behalf of an informal coalition of organizations and collectives in the DTES and Chinatown communities (“the Coalition”),…

PETERBOROUGH, Ont. — Peterborough Musicfest has been named one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events, a designation that underscores the free concert series’ growing cultural and economic impact and reinforces its position as a major tourism draw in the region. The recognition, awarded by Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO), places the long-running summer concert series among the province’s most influential and well-executed cultural events. The honour comes as organizers prepare for the festival’s 39th season, set to begin June 27 at Del Crary Park. For Peterborough Musicfest, which has spent nearly four decades transforming the city’s waterfront into a…

OZAMIZ CITY, Philippines — Students and teachers in Ozamiz City are taking a more direct role in shaping how health and safety information is delivered to young people, co-creating a new generation of educational materials designed to be more relevant, accessible, and effective for adolescents. The initiative, led by Jhpiego Philippines under its BRAVE Project and funded by Olivia Rodrigo’s Fund 4 Good, brought together 35 participants for a two-day workshop on Feb. 25 and 26 at Bethany Gardens Resort. The effort reflects a growing emphasis among educators and development organizations on participatory approaches that involve end-users — in this…

TORONTO — Canadian alternative rock musician Melissa Auf der Maur will return to Toronto next month for an encore launch of her memoir, after an earlier event sold out quickly, underscoring continued audience demand for artists reflecting on the influential 1990s rock era. The Montreal-born bassist, best known for her work with Hole and The Smashing Pumpkins, will appear March 22 at The Garrison as part of the Wavelength Music Festival + Conference 2026. The event, presented with Sonic Boom in partnership with TO Live, will centre on her new book, Even the Good Girls Will Cry: A ’90s Rock…