Author: Sophie Mitchell

Portland, Oregon-based punk rock band Guerrilla Teens have released their latest EP, Sympathy for the Decibel, on October 16, 2026, through Sonic Jett Records. The new recording continues the five-piece group’s exploration of garage punk, classic rock ’n’ roll and the raw energy associated with the American underground music scene. Led by vocalist Scott “Deluxe” Drake and guitarist Jeff Fieldhouse, Guerrilla Teens bring decades of experience to the project. The musicians previously performed together in The Humpers, a Southern California garage-punk band that gained recognition during the 1990s and released music through Epitaph Records. The new EP follows the band’s…

Toronto-based grunge-punk band Mensa Dropout has released its debut EP, Nuclear Slush Breaker, bringing an end to a recording journey that began more than two decades ago. Featuring musicians associated with several established Canadian alternative rock acts, the project marks a new chapter for a group whose earlier recording efforts were repeatedly interrupted by its members’ professional commitments. The release follows the band’s return to recording in 2025 with the single “Disconnection” and brings together musicians whose collective experience spans USS, Walk Off The Earth, Econoline Crush, The Birthday Massacre and A Primitive Evolution. Combining grunge, punk and alternative rock…

Los Angeles-based alternative rock collective MASHA. and the Fam have released their new single, “New Normal,” a politically charged track examining social unrest, police brutality and the public’s growing acceptance of recurring crises. Originally written in Baltimore in 2015 following the death of Freddie Gray in police custody, the song took frontwoman Masha Alexis nine years to complete. The release arrives amid renewed debates over immigration enforcement, civil rights and political accountability in the United States. Combining theatrical alternative rock with a 15-piece brass arrangement recorded in South Africa, the single reflects both the anger surrounding its origins and the…

Toronto-based jazz vocalist Ori Dagan will release his fifth studio project and first live album, Live in the Market, on October 23, 2026, through G-THREE Records. The eight-track recording features interpretations of jazz standards performed with a trio of Canadian musicians, followed by an album release concert at Toronto’s Heliconian Hall on October 24. Recorded before a live audience at Kensington Sound in Toronto’s Kensington Market neighbourhood, the album marks a new chapter in Dagan’s recording career. It draws inspiration from influential jazz vocalists including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday and Dinah Washington. Live Recording Captures Toronto Jazz Performances…

The governments of Ontario and Canada have announced up to $19.6 million in infrastructure funding for St. Thomas, tied to a three-year reduction in municipal development charges aimed at lowering construction costs and supporting the development of more than 6,000 new homes. Announced on October 15, 2026, the funding will be delivered through the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP) and is intended to support a new wastewater treatment facility as the southwestern Ontario city prepares for continued residential and economic growth. Under the agreement, St. Thomas has committed to reducing development charges by 30 per cent for single-detached homes and…

TORONTO, October 15, 2026 — The Ontario government has announced a $12.75-million investment through its Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant (AHSP) program, expanding financial assistance for faith-based, cultural and community organizations seeking to improve security and prevent hate-related incidents. Applications are now open for the program, which provides eligible organizations with grants of up to $10,000 for security improvements and prevention initiatives. The funding will support measures including surveillance cameras, security personnel, building upgrades, cybersecurity and community education programs. Ontario Expands Anti-Hate Grant Program With Two Funding Streams The Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism said the expanded program will address…

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan — Prince Albert Transit issued a service update for October 14, 2026, confirming hourly operations on the All Day Express and East Hill bus routes while maintaining regular schedules across the remainder of the city’s public transit network. According to the municipal transit notice, the All Day Express departs from the downtown transfer station at 15 minutes past each hour, while the East Hill route leaves at 45 minutes past each hour. All other transit routes are operating according to their existing schedules. The city has advised passengers to consult Prince Albert Transit for the latest route…

Decimate Metalfest 2027 is entering its next planning phase as the deadline for performer applications arrives on October 15, 2026. The independent, all-ages heavy music and arts festival will return to the Millet Agriplex Arena in Millet, Alberta, on June 25 and 26, 2027. The woman-led festival is inviting applications from Canadian and international musicians, youth performers and entertainers, while also seeking business partnerships to support its continued development. Decimate Metalfest Expands Its Reach Beyond Alberta The festival’s growing profile was reflected in applications for its 2026 edition, which attracted performers from 15 countries, eight Canadian provinces and 25 U.S.…

KINGSTON, Ontario, October 14, 2026 — The Ontario government has announced $104 million in funding to create 3,604 additional student seats at Queen’s University, expanding access to programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), education and health care. The investment forms part of a broader $1.7 billion provincial initiative supporting more than 70,000 additional postsecondary seats in high-demand fields. The government said the expansion is intended to address labour shortages, strengthen Ontario’s workforce and support long-term economic competitiveness. Students could begin enrolling in the newly funded programs as early as the fall 2026 academic year. Queen’s University to Expand STEM,…

Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General has announced that a coroner’s inquest into the death of Kaylee Martha Dallas Crowchild, a 29-year-old member of Tsuut’ina Nation in Alberta, will begin on November 16, 2026. The proceedings will examine the circumstances surrounding her death following an incident at the Kenora District Jail in northwestern Ontario. Crowchild died on September 20, 2022, at the Lake of the Woods Hospital. Under Ontario’s Coroners Act, an inquest into her death is mandatory. The announcement was made on October 14, 2026, by Dr. Kevin Miller, Regional Supervising Coroner for the North Region, Thunder Bay Office.…