Nine people were killed Friday in a shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania, Gov. Josh Shapiro said Saturday. Police said the suspected shooter was also dead.

“I have not seen anything like this in my 28-plus years,” Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah told a local news station. “I’m not sure that the city of Erie has ever seen the loss of life and the devastation that we just witnessed.”

Lorah declined to provide more details but said the circumstances of the shooting were “deeply disturbing.”

Shapiro said Saturday he offered his administration’s “full support” to Erie Mayor Daria Devlin.

The city of Erie posted late Friday night that the suspected shooter was dead and there was no threat to the public.

Erie is about 188 kilometres north of Pittsburgh.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

Lotto Spot street teams will be out across the prairies next week asking people one thing: “What would you do with $85 million?”

With no ticket matching all seven numbers on Friday night’s Lotto Max draw, players now have the chance to win $85 million, the largest jackpot in the history of Canadian lotto.

“This is a first for LOTTO MAX, and we want to celebrate it with players right here in the Prairies,” Kevin van Egdom, a spokesperson for Lotto Spot said in a news release. “It’s been exciting to watch the conversation grow across the Prairies as this jackpot has climbed.”

The last major Lotto Max win came in December 2024, when a player from Hamiota, Man. shared the jackpot with a winning ticket sold in Quebec.

Earlier this year, Lotto Max upgraded its jackpot cap to $90 million and added new $100,000 prizes on every draw.

The $85 million draw will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Alongside the $85 million jackpot, the draw will offer 16 prizes of $1 million and 85 additional prizes of $100,000 each.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms.

Forget squeaky springs and stiff mattresses – today’s best sleeper sofas are designed for real life, from condos and small spaces to year-round use and overnight guests. Whether you’re searching for a compact sleeper sofa, sectional sleeper sofa or stylish pull-out couch, these sofa beds combine comfort, durability and easy conversions without sacrificing looks, no matter your need. From Canadian favourites Article, Simons and Cozey to Walmart, Amazon and more, there is something to suit every budget, style and need.

 

Quick Pick Summary

Best Sectional Sleeper Sofa: Vati 114 Inch Right Storage Sleeper Sectional

Best Modular Sleeper Sofa: Neptune Collection

Best Reclining Sofa: Jonas 87.5 Inch Power Recliner Sofa

Best Budget Sleeper Sofa: GEARIVY Convertible Sleeper Sofa Bed

Best for Everyday Use: Sundays Sleep Over Sofa Bed

Best for Small Spaces: Cozey Orian 1 Seater Single Sofa Bed

 

What to look for in a sleeper sofa

To find the best sleeper sofa for you, consider how often it will be used for sleeping, the size of your space, mattress or cushion construction, ease and type of conversion, as well as what storage features you’d want and the overall style that best suits your home. The good news is, with so many options today, you’re sure to find what you need.

 

Best Sectional Sleeper Sofa 

With its low-profile, curvaceous silhouette and ultra-cushy cushions, the Vati makes a strong case for a sleeper sectional that looks as good as it functions. Its hidden chaise storage offers a convenient spot to stash throw pillows and blankets, while the pull-out memory foam mattress transforms it into a comfortable sleep space for overnight guests—making it a stylish, practical pick for those who want extra functionality without sacrificing their living room aesthetic.[/product_listing]

 

Best Modular Sleeper Sofa

The Cozey Neptune Collection transforms from a modular sofa into a bed, making it a practical choice for hosting overnight guests without sacrificing everyday comfort. Removable, washable covers, hidden storage and tool-free customisable configurations make it easy to adapt to your space and keep looking fresh.[/product_listing]

Best Reclining Sofa

Designed for laid-back evenings, the Jonas Power Recliner Sofa lets you kick back with reclining seats and adjustable headrests on both sides. Its stain-resistant Clover performance fabric stands up to everyday spills, while the rich espresso finish brings a polished look to your living room.[/product_listing]

Best Budget Sleeper Sofas 

Made for flexible, busy lives, this corduroy sofa bed shifts effortlessly from everyday seating to a roomy sleep surface for visiting friends or family or even for lounging. Its soft, textured upholstery adds warmth to any space, while the modular, no-assembly design makes setup instant. Washable covers and a generous floor-level layout enhance practicality and ease, making this a top pick for both functionality and comfort.[/product_listing]

 

For a more traditional take on a sleeper sofa, the compact BIGSYY Linen 3-in-1 sleeper sofa also wins. It transforms from sofa to recliner to twin-size bed in seconds. At 95 lbs, it’s lightweight and made for small spaces and for anyone who requires multifunctional furniture (that may need to be moved around, occasionally). A stepless adjustable backrest lets you find your preferred lounging angle, while supportive high-density foam, breathable linen upholstery and handy side-pocket storage make it a practical choice for everyday life.[/product_listing]

 

Best for Everyday Use 

The Sleep Over Sofa Bed is designed with comfort at the forefront. Its generously cushioned seat creates a cozy spot for reading, relaxing, or accommodating overnight guests, while the low-profile silhouette and soft upholstery lend it a relaxed, designer-approved look. It’s an excellent choice for a home office that may serve double duty, or multipurpose spaces where you want the feel of a bed but still want your space to look good.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Silk & Snow Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets – $162

Google Fitbit Charge 6 Advanced Health and Fitness Tracker – $139.95

Blackout Curtains for Bedroom – $18.82

 

Best for Small Spaces 

A modern modular sleeper made for small-space living, the Orian shifts from everyday lounge seating to a flat, supportive sleep surface in moments. Ideal for condo dwellers and frequent hosts, it features washable covers, flexible configurations and hidden storage options – delivering a clean, elevated alternative to traditional pull-out sofa beds.[/product_listing]

 

Our top pick with kids in mind, this modular foam play couch doubles as seating, creative play space and a soft sleeping surface for the children in your life. Lightweight pieces stack, fold and rearrange into forts, lounges, or an impromptu bed for naps and sleepovers. With washable covers and durable foam, it’s ideal for families seeking flexible, an easy-clean sleep option that adapts to daily life. And hint: Adults can sleep on it too, if needed.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Kitsch Satin Pillowcase – $25.99

Utopia Bedding Bed Pillows – $33.99

Deep Sleep Pillow Spray 75 ml – $48.19

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Pope Leo XIV on Saturday declared capital punishment ”inadmissible” as he marked the World Day Against the Death Penalty and his native United States announced plans to livestream an execution by firing squad.

In a post on X, the American pope quoted the revised Catholic teaching on capital punishment ushered in by Pope Francis that the death penalty attacks the inherent dignity of a human being.

“The common good can be safeguarded and the requirements of justice can be met without recourse to capital punishment,” read the post under Leo’s official handle, @Pontifex. “Effective systems of detention have been developed that protect citizens while at the same time do not completely deprive those who are guilty of the possibility of redemption.”

The post ended with the hashtag #NoDeathPenalty.

The U.S. Defense Department announced Thursday that the firing squad execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, convicted of a 2009 shooting at the Fort Hood military base, will be livestreamed. Hasan, scheduled to be executed at Fort Hood on Dec. 3, was convicted of killing 13 people and wounding 32 others.

Leo didn’t refer specifically to the planned execution, or the botched lethal injection in Tennessee earlier that has revived debate over the death penalty in the United States. Saturday is World Day Against the Death Penalty, and it is common for the pope’s official social media accounts to post messages marking such commemorations.

But Leo’s post came just hours after his top deputy, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, said explicitly that the planned U.S. public execution was “unacceptable.”

Pope Francis declared capital punishment ‘inadmissible’

Pope Francis in 2018 amended official Catholic teaching to declare capital punishment “inadmissible” in all circumstances.

Previously, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the official compendium of church teaching, said the church didn’t exclude recourse to capital punishment “if this is the only possible way of effectively defending human lives against the unjust aggressor.”

Past popes had upheld that position, though St. John Paul II began urging an end to the practice and stressed that guilty people were just as deserving of dignity as innocent ones.

Like Francis before him, Leo has made visiting prisons a key part of his papal travel in a bid to give a message of hope to inmates and underscore their inherent dignity, that God loves them and that there is always a chance for redemption.

“If any of you fear being abandoned by everyone, know that God will never abandon you, and that the church will stand by your side,” Leo told inmates at the notorious Bata prison in Equatorial Guinea during his visit in April. Leo is to visit a prison in Buenos Aires during his upcoming tour through Latin America.

Speaking specifically about the United States, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, said the planned livestreamed execution was “truly incomprehensible” and “unacceptable to turn death into a spectacle.”

“The Church’s position is one of total opposition to the death penalty; it is incompatible with human dignity and serves as no deterrent…,” Parolin said in comments carried by Vatican News. “It is truly incomprehensible that anyone would want to use this system today — I don’t know for what purpose. It is certainly unacceptable to turn death into a spectacle; even if the person is guilty, of course, there are other methods.”

The head of the U.S. bishops conference, Archbishop Paul Coakley, expressed “shock” and “great sorrow” at the Pentagon’s plans.

“In no way can Hasan’s actions be condoned but this decision is a barbaric promotion of a culture of death and must be reconsidered,” he said in a statement Friday. “The public execution even of one who has done grave harm will only further undermine the moral fabric of our nation and be a blight on the conscience of its people.”

© 2026 The Canadian Press

Toronto police are searching for a suspect following a break and enter and sexual assault in the city’s Old Town neighbourhood.

Police said they received the call for help Friday around 5 a.m.

Officers were dispatched to the area of Richmond Street East and Sherbourne Street.

Through the investigation, police determined the victim was asleep in their residence when they were awoken by an unknown suspect.

The suspect then allegedly assaulted and sexually assaulted the victim.

The victim was able to escape their apartment and call for help, police said.

Officers said the suspect exited the apartment and left the scene in an unknown direction.

The suspect is described as a white male with a skinny build and scruffy facial hair, according to a police news release.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Toronto police.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Tommy Stevens arrived in Saskatchewan with a reputation as a short-yardage specialist. This season, he has become much more than that.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback has quickly become one of Rider Nation’s biggest fan favourites with his bruising running style, growing list of nicknames and seemingly constant trips to the endzone making “Tommy Time” a regular occurrence.

“He’s usually no-fail on the third down, so I can’t say anything bad about the guy,” Said one fan, while another added, “I think he’s great; it’s really nice to have someone short yardage that in the past we haven’t had anyone that’s really dependable for it”.

Stevens told Global News that he can feel the love, saying, “Since the day I arrived here I’ve always felt the love from Rider Nation … But it definitely feels like things went to new heights after that Ottawa game at home.”

Stevens is referring to the Riders’ Week 9 matchup where he had 9 carries for 35 yards and scored his second hat trick in two games.

Through 15 games this season, Stevens has rushed 86 times for 273 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 3.2 yards per carry. His 15 rushing majors rank second in the entire CFL, trailing only B.C. running back Zander Horvath, who has 16.

The production is even more remarkable considering Stevens isn’t Saskatchewan’s starting quarterback or backup. Stevens is listed as QB3. His primary role remains short yardage situations, but the Riders have increasingly found other ways to use the six-foot-four, 245-pound quarterback.

“Being able to install with other quarterbacks but still have my own role is unique, but you know it’s really cool for me, and I’m glad to help in any capacity,” said Stevens.

Stevens sits just one rushing touchdown away from matching legendary Roughrider George Reed’s franchise record of 16 rushing touchdowns in a season, set in 1986. He is also just three touchdowns away from the Roughriders’ overall single-season touchdown record of 18, set by Ken Carpenter in 1955.

“It’s always Tommy time around here; I’m really happy to see recognition where it’s deserved, and I’m really excited to see how he continues throughout the season here cause good things are brewing, I think,” said one fan.

Stevens has put together some historic individual performances along the way. He became the first Roughriders quarterback to record three rushing touchdowns in consecutive games, doing it against Edmonton and Ottawa.

The production has come with plenty of personality.

“I don’t know, he seems very enthusiastic when he gets in there and does his thing,” said a fan, even adding, “He’s kind of cute.”

That energy has translated into a newfound level of popularity among fans, with Stevens’ jersey now joining the options available at the Rider Store.

“You know one of those moments you think about when you’re a kid, right, like you sit there and actually see that it’s your jersey on the shelf and that’s kind of surreal in a way,” Stevens said.

“You think about it happening possibly one day but actually seeing it is a little bit different. It’s really, really cool and I’m glad people are having fun with it.”

Stevens credits his success to his team, especially the offensive line, allowing him to have such success in those short yardage situations.

“It wouldn’t be possible without the guys up front, the receivers, whatever personnel package we have in there; everybody’s got a hand in it,” said Stevens.

Whether you call him Touchdown Tommy, Stone Cold Stevens, or just Tommy, one thing is simple: Saskatchewan has caught a case of Touchdown Tommy fever.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

It’s been a busy few months for Saskatoon’s Friendship Inn, serving 55,000 meals in September, marking the third consecutive month they plated over 50,000 meals.

With a growing demand, CEO Sandra Kary says it won’t slow down for Thanksgiving weekend.

“Thanksgiving is always our favorite event of the year. I mean, Christmas is fantastic, but Thanksgiving has its own really special charm,” Kary said.

“It’s our biggest meal of the entire year. And there’s just a really great vibe in the community to come together and offer that wonderful traditional turkey dinner on that day.”

The team works to prepare the food about a week in advance, so they are ready to go on the day.

Kary said they are anticipating serving many meals this year.

“This is probably our highest one. Last year, we did do I think, close to 2,500 meals, and we might go over that this time,” she said.

“But every year grows, and every year we’re just amazed at how it all comes together.”

As to why the numbers are increasing, Kary said the cost of living and the growth of the city play a role.

“When those costs increase and people are struggling to make ends meet or they’re on a fixed income, like say someone who has a pension that is a fixed income. Food is the first thing that gets pushed to the side, and I think we see that directly.”

The friendship Inn is all set for volunteers and food for the holiday, but they will always take more donations.

“We are always excited when the community still supports us with turkeys or whatever else is on our wish list for donations. We’re always looking for things like coffee and peanut butter and jam. And of course, finances is the best way you can help us right now. It takes five dollars per plate to make a meal,” said Kary.

Watch the video above for more on the demand for food

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

MIAMI (AP) — Simon has strengthened into a powerful Category 4 hurricane as it barrels toward Mexico’s coast.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami said early Saturday Simon’s maximum sustained winds increased to 145 mph (230 kph). A storm of that strength or greater is considered a major hurricane. Simon could bring as much as 10 to 20 inches (25-50 cm) of rain over parts of southwestern Mexico, with some areas receiving up to 30 inches, the center said.

The bulletin also urged residents to take immediate action to prepare, saying the hurricane will make landfall late Saturday or early Sunday, but tropical storm-strength winds could arrive much sooner.

Simon is expected to bring heavy rainfall to parts of southwestern Mexico, possibly concentrated along Jalisco’s coast and in parts of Michoacan, Colima and Nayarit.

“This rainfall will produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain,” the NHC said.

Jalisco suspended classes on Friday and Monday in 22 coastal municipalities and began evacuating dozens of people from at-risk areas. It also asked the tourism sector in Puerto Vallarta, a popular destination for U.S. tourists, to ensure that both workers and visitors are fully accommodated in shelters or safe zones by Friday afternoon.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

GULF BREEZE, Fla. (AP) — Isaias weakened overnight and was no longer considered a hurricane but flash flooding threats and the potential for tornadoes persisted Saturday as the storm moved inland across Alabama.

The storm, now considered a post-tropical cyclone, made landfall Friday as a Category 2 hurricane, then quickly moved north through Alabama as its wind speeds dropped sharply to 35 mph (55 kph). But the possibility of life-threatening storm surges still loomed for parts of the Florida Panhandle, along with a potential for 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) of rain across southern Alabama, the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend over the weekend.

Early Saturday, Isaias was about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south-southwest of Montgomery, Alabama and nearly 105 miles (170 kilometers) south of Birmingham, Alabama, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (55 kph), the NHC said Saturday. It is expected to move into the Tennessee Valley later Saturday and Sunday.

All tropical storm and storm surge warnings have been discontinued. But forecasters warned that conditions could stir up tornadoes across parts of the Florida Panhandle and into Georgia and the Carolinas.

Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, as the first hurricane of the Atlantic season. Hurricane-force winds lashed the Gulf shoreline in the low-lying coastal area known for powdery white-sand beaches dotted with vacation homes, waterfront bars, and seafood shacks.

“The storm is here. Buckle down at this point. Don’t be getting out on the roads,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference Friday.

Roads in Destin were flooded, while in nearby Pensacola, police warned residents to stay off the streets because of debris across roadways. While the extent of the damage was not immediately known, many area residents posted pictures online of downed trees and power lines, and one social media video showed a roof being ripped off an inn in Pensacola.

Some Panhandle counties temporarily suspended emergency response Friday night because of dangerous conditions.

Parts of southern Alabama also were flooded, with officials in Mobile reporting downed trees and power lines. Roads in Houston County, which is in the southeastern corner of the state, were closed because of similar conditions.

More than 911,000 customers in Florida, Alabama and Georgia were without power early Saturday, according to poweroutage.com.

Tim Mowry, who rode out the storm from his home in Pensacola, said the wind was so intense it sounded like a train whistle as it whipped through a crack in his patio door. He lost power around 4:30 p.m. but was able to rely on a generator. Standing water also covered his backyard, and parts of his fence were ripped down, but overall he said the storm wasn’t as bad as he expected.

“As far as Pensacola-wise, we really got fortunate,” Mowry said.

Mowry said his son, who lives about 15 minutes away, tried to drive to his home after losing power but had to turn around because downed trees and power lines blocked the roads.

Isaias, the first hurricane to hit the eastern U.S. since Milton tore up the Gulf Coast of Florida in 2024, is also expected to bring heavy rain and potential flooding to much of the Southeast over the weekend, then to parts of the Midwest and Northeast into Monday.

The storm also grounded most Friday flights at several panhandle airports, including all flights into and out of Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, scrapped his plans to attend Saturday’s football game between the University of Georgia and the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. He said he didn’t want to disrupt emergency response efforts.

Meanwhile, in the Pacific, Simon strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane as it approached Mexico’s coast.

Tropical Storm Rachel was also expected to bring heavy winds and rain to northern Mexico and Southern California over the weekend.

___

Megnien reported from Panama City, Florida, Golden reported from Seattle, and Seewer reported from Toledo, Ohio. Seth Borenstein and Collin Binkley in Washington; Rio Yamat in Las Vegas; Gerald Herbert in Pensacola, Florida; Dave Collins in Hartford, Connecticut; Sarah Raza in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama; and Laura Turbay in Little Rock, Arkansas contributed to this report.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

BEIJING (AP) — A former mayor of a Chinese city hit by the coronavirus outbreak more than six years ago was sentenced Saturday to 14 years in prison after being convicted of bribery.

While Zhou Xianwang has drawn criticism for his handling of the early stages of the outbreak in Wuhan, a city in central China, the court statement did not mention that, but focused on him receiving bribes. The court also fined him 5 million yuan ($747,000).

The Shangqiu Intermediate People’s Court said Zhou used his various positions to assist others on matters such as business operations and administrative approvals between 2003 and 2025. He accepted money and valuables totaling more than 60.5 million yuan ($9 million), it said, adding the amount was exceptionally large.

The court decided that his sentence could be reduced because he confessed to his crimes and cooperated with authorities and most of the proceeds were recovered, it said.

Government anti-corruption drives have become a signature policy of Chinese leader Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Thousands of officials have been purged, including high-profile political rivals.

Addressing allegations of Wuhan’s failure to disclose information early in the COVID-19 outbreak, Zhou then said that local governments are restricted from releasing information about infectious diseases without authorization.

In December 2019, patients began showing up in Wuhan hospitals complaining of flu-like symptoms, including high fever, cough and breathing difficulties. Soon after, a Chinese lab assembled a near-complete sequence of the virus, showing it to be similar to the coronavirus that caused the 2002-03 SARS outbreak. The lab alerted health authorities, but the information was kept under wraps.

In mid-January, Chinese health officials said in an internal meeting that “clustered cases suggest human-to-human transmission is possible” and ordered emergency preparations for a pandemic. In public, though, they downplayed the virus’s ability to infect.

As infections spread, Wuhan was placed under a 76-day lockdown beginning Jan. 23, 2020.

© 2026 The Canadian Press