This probably won’t come as a shock, but I’m something of a nerd when it comes to technology. Yeah, I like gadgets and devices and toys and machines that go “ping,” but I’m especially interested in the tech that affects music—and vice versa.

Back around 2013, I got involved with a company that created a touring museum exhibit that went to science centres around North America. The owner of the company came up with the idea when he heard an “Ongoing History” program called “Format Wars,” which looked at all the different ways music was captured, stored, and distributed: vinyl, tape, CDs, and so on.

We called the exhibit “The Science of Rock’n’Roll,” and it explored how science and music have influenced each other, not just over the years, but over the centuries. The two things go hand in hand, each affecting the other and providing ways for creativity to expand into directions that were once thought impossible.

The exhibit did okay, too, booking runs at science centres in Toronto, Boston, Kansas City, Detroit, Cleveland, and a few other markets.

“The Science of Rock” spun off into a children’s book I co-wrote called “The Science of Song.” It’s aimed at kids 13 and under and STEM teaching: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

It’s been a minute since the book, the museum exhibit, and that original “Format Wars” show, so I thought it might be time to revisit the subject. And with that in mind, here’s a timeline of the biggest technological advances in music.

Prepare to geek out.

Songs heard on this show:

• Beck, Where It’s At
• Bjork, Headphones
• The Kills, Tape Song
• Kraftwerk, The Model
• SSQ, Walkman On
• Red Hot Chili Peppers, Give It Away
• Evanescence, Bring Me to Life
• Sarah McLachlan, Building a Mystery

Here’s Eric Wilhite’s playlist.
The Ongoing History of New Music can be heard on these stations:

• 102.1 The Edge/Toronto – Sunday night at 7pm
• Q107/Toronto – Sunday night at 9pm
• Live 88-5/Ottawa – Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 6pm
• 107.5 Dave-FM/Kitchener – Sunday nights at 11pm
• FM96/London – Sunday nights at 8pm
• Power 97/Winnipeg – Sunday nights at 10am and 10pm
• 107-3 The Edge/Calgary – Sundays at 10am and 10pm
• Sonic 102.9/Edmonton – Sunday at 8am and 8pm
• The Zone/Victoria – Sunday at 9am and 9pm
• The Fox/Vancouver – Sundays at 10am and 10pm
• The Goat Network/Interior BC
• WAPS/WKTL The Summit/Arkon, Canton, Cleveland, Youngstown – Mon-Fri at 9pm

© 2026 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Hollerado is a weirdly creative bunch of guys. Take the case of their album, 111 Songs.

Someone in the group came up with the idea of writing a song for every fan who wrote in and asked for one. The initial concept was to release a special promotional bundle with the record, a T-shirt, a poster and a custom song that would go with their second album, White Paint. Fantastic.

But so many fans wrote in—more than a hundred people paid to be a part of this—that the project took two years to complete. The result is equivalent to more than five full-length albums and was finally released on March 24, 2015. Hollerado went to iTunes who then refused to sell a five-hour collection for nine dollars.

The band wouldn’t compromise—Apple wanted to sell it for $35—so the 111 Songs album has gone down in Hollerado history as a fantastic money-losing passion project.

© 2026 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

On November 18, 1993, Nirvana went to Sony Music Studios in New York to perform an unplugged gig for MTV.  It was broadcast on TV and turned into a CD that came out after Kurt Cobain died. At first, MTV and the band’s label thought it was going to be a disaster because Nirvana insisted on playing some of the band’s more obscure stuff along with a couple of covers.

Kurt refused outright to do “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” which freaked everyone out.  There were also concerns about Kurt’s health because he was going through withdrawal and vomiting blood.  Only a standby supply of Valium kept things on the rails.

At the end of the day, though, it was a magnificent performance.  Unplugged in New York is available in its full form on DVD and Blu-ray.  If you’re a Nirvana fan, it’s definitely worth it.

© 2026 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Think buying music is too expensive? If you look at things from a historical point of view, music has never, ever been cheaper.

If you go back to the 1950s, the average price of an album was about $5.50–and that’s in 1950s dollars. If you adjust for inflation, that’s over 60 bucks today.  Single digital albums sell for around 10 dollars on iTunes today. A CD certainly goes for less than 20. In the 70s, a 7-inch single sold for between 99 cents and $1.29. Adjust that for inflation, and that’s equivalent to over $7.50 at the high end.

Today on iTunes, singles go for between 69 and a buck twenty-nine. Talk about DEflation.  And that’s for physical and digital product. When you look at the free streaming from Spotify and YouTube, music costs nothing.

So, is it worth less or worthless? That’s where the discussion gets interesting.

© 2026 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Manitoba’s Progressive Conservatives have chosen legislature member Konrad Narth as interim party leader.

Narth, who represents La Vérendrye in the province’s southeast, quickly spoke with reporters after a closed door caucus meeting.

He says the party is united and will select a new leader at a later date.

His appointment comes after Obby Khan on Monday abruptly stepped down as leader and quit caucus.

Khan cited internal fighting in the party and said he would sit as an Independent.

The legislature resumes sitting today.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

The U.S. Coast Guard said that it rescued at least 40 people in open waters after a boat capsized near an uninhabited island west of Puerto Rico.

Two people were found dead, with boat crew members reporting an estimated 60 people aboard the boat before it capsized, according to the agency.

“The makeshift vessel reportedly capsized, Sunday, at about 11 p.m., after a fight broke out and people were severely injured by a machete, forcing people to jump into the water and attempt to swim to Mona Island. No one was wearing life jackets,” the U.S. Coast Guard said in a press release on Monday.

Survivors spent more than 12 hours in the water before a boat passing near Mona Island spotted them on Monday around noon and called authorities, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

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It remains unclear where the boat originated from.

Units that are still searching for the missing people include Sector San Juan, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, Dominican Republic Air Force, Puerto Rico Police, Joint Forces Rapid Action and more.

The incident comes a week after police in the Turks and Caicos Islands detained a makeshift boat carrying 60 Haitian migrants.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) announced on Sept. 22 that it “successfully intercepted an illegal migrant vessel carrying sixty (60) persons in Turks and Caicos Islands waters” in partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) and United States Maritime Operations personnel.

“The vessel was detected during ongoing maritime surveillance and border security operations aimed at combating illegal migration and safeguarding the territorial integrity of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” police said in a media release.

“Following the interception, all individuals onboard were safely brought ashore and are being processed in accordance with established immigration and law enforcement procedures,” police added.

“This successful interception demonstrates the value of strong partnerships and coordinated border security operations. The RTCIPF remains committed to working alongside the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, OPBAT and the U.S Maritime Operations, and our local partners to protect our borders, disrupt illegal migration activities, and ensure the safety and security of our communities,” said Acting Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams.

—With files from The Associated Press

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

Toronto police say three people have been arrested and 15 firearms seized after a months-long investigation, with police alleging a registered gun owner acting as a supplier.

Dubbed “Project Playfight,” Insp. Steve Matthews said officers “infiltrated” an alleged firearms trafficking network.

The operation began in February after police received information that a person was trafficking guns through an online platform.

An undercover operation was launched, with officers communicating with the person suspected of trafficking the weapons.

Through this conversation, police were introduced to additional people involved in selling firearms and were provided a list of guns that were available to buy.

“What began as an investigation into one individual selling firearms online quickly grew into something much larger,” Matthews told reporters Tuesday. “Investigators uncovered a network that was allegedly supplying firearms outside lawful channels.”

The weapons were then traced back to domestic sources by police, specifically to a person who was registered to possess firearms and acting as the supplier.

Months later, officers supported by the emergency task force and other specialized units executed multiple search warrants on July 29 in Toronto and Markham.

Three people were arrested and charged with a total of 45 firearms-related offences. It’s alleged one of the people arrested acted as the supplier, while the other two allegedly sold the weapons.

In addition to 15 firearms seized, Matthews said 1,000 rounds of ammunition were also recovered. Among the weapons were several overcapacity magazines and an auto sear, which could convert a handgun into a fully automatic weapon.

More than $7,000 and a 2.5-gram gold bar were also seized.

“Every illegal firearm removed from circulation is one less firearm that can be used to threaten the safety of our communities,” Matthews said.

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

A Saskatoon judge says he will spend at least the next 24 hours considering whether to grant an order pausing the city’s dismantling of an encampment in its west end.

Justice Richard Danyliuk told a Court of King’s Bench courtroom Monday afternoon that the decision is expected in a matter of days, given the importance of the issue that “needs to be decided swiftly.”

Saskatoon-based attorney Crystal Fafard filed for an injunction last Wednesday to prevent the clearing of an encampment at 301 Avenue K South and two other nearby sites, located at 1112 and 1202 19th Street West, until those living there can find shelter.

In her brief, Fafard told the court that there are reasonable constitutional and human rights concerns associated with moving encampment residents out without available housing options, adding that she wants the city to provide residents with measures such as sanitation as a temporary solution until they can find adequate housing.

Last Thursday, the City of Saskatoon planned to dismantle two encampments on 19th Street West, but the fire department stopped after protests and disruptions from advocates.

In a news release, the city called the protestors “aggressive,” saying they made the site unsafe by blocking contractors’ equipment and climbing atop fencing stacked on vehicles.

Fafard identified herself as an Indigenous advocate in a Court of King’s Bench courtroom Monday afternoon, filing the application on behalf of encampment residents seeking temporary relief until the status quo can be restored for them.

“Our concern is that this is now going to force people into other parts of the city. I mean, does Saskatoon want that?” Fafard told reporters Monday outside the courthouse.

The city says it started noticing the encampments around 20th Street growing in size earlier this month, noting dozens of structures stretching to nearby lots and an escalating number of complaints from nearby residents, businesses and an elementary school.

“There are growing concerns for public health as fire inspectors have observed human waste and rotting food, which have attracted insects and rodents,” the city said in a Thursday news release, adding it offered residents support alongside the Salvation Army, but many people refused them.

Attorney Alan Rankine, who is representing the City of Saskatoon, argued that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that removing the encampments will cause irreparable harm to those living there, noting the fire department’s right to act quickly in emergency situations.

The province’s attorney general is also a respondent in the case because of constitutional issues raised by the applicant. Lawyer Noah Wernikowski highlighted Fafard’s lack of civil court experience and weak evidence from witnesses in her affidavit in his remarks made over the telephone.

“We had a very short time to pull this application together,” Fafard told reporters following Monday’s proceedings outside the courthouse.

“We were unable to get all the evidence needed for this particular application. We brought public policy issues forward, and we are hoping the judge will look at those instead of the rules of the court.”

David Fineday, an advocate who says he lives in the encampment, was emotional following Monday’s proceedings and says he is not optimistic about what will happen.

“From the feelings I got there, what the city talks about, have no heart,” Fineday said.

“It made me cry to hear the city talk down to us like that. Like, what if you were homeless, would you want me to talk down to you?”

The city’s lawyer says Saskatoon will not take further action against the encampments until there is a court decision or an emergency requiring it to step in.

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

Dennis Haskins, the actor best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on the hit sitcom Saved by the Bell, has died at the age of 75.

Haskins’ death was confirmed early Tuesday by his agent, Jay Schachter, who told Variety, “It’s a tragic loss. Everyone loved Mr. Belding and those of us who got to know Dennis, loved him even more.”

“He was a great person, and he loved, I mean absolutely LOVED his fans. He always had time for them, no matter what. He was my client and dear friend for over 20 years, and I will miss him terribly. I’m heartbroken,” Schachter added.

Further details of Haskins death were not revealed.

Saved by the Bell, which ran from 1989 to 1993, followed on the antics of a group of students at the fictitious Bayside High in Southern California. The school often appeared to be run more by the teens than their principal, Mr. Belding.

Haskins reprised his role as Mr. Belding on Saved by the Bell: The New Class, which aired from 1993 to 2000.

His other acting credits include Magnum, P.I., The Twilight Zone and How I Met Your Mother.

Lark Voorhies, who played Lisa Turtle on Saved by the Bell, took to Instagram to share her condolences once news of Haskin’s death spread.

“Knowing Dennis Haskins for almost 40 years has been one of the truest blessings of my life, which makes losing him hurt so deeply,” her post began.

“We shared so much history together from our earliest days, and through it all, he remained a fabulous person, a loyal friend, and someone with such a kind, gentle heart. I am truly heartbroken by his passing and will miss his warmth and laughter more than words can say,” she continued.

“Rest in peace Dennis, you will always hold a special place in my heart,” Voorhies added.

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The official Instagram account for Mario Lopez’s radio show, who played A.C. Slater on Saved by the Bell, shared a photo of Lopez and Haskins with the caption, “RIP Dennis Haskins. Everyone’s favorite principal.”

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—With files from The Associated Press

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

A BASE jumper died in Utah over the weekend after his wingsuit malfunctioned, Salt Lake City authorities confirmed Monday.

Gabe Reilly, 27, was a firefighter with the city’s fire department, his colleagues wrote in a Facebook statement.

“Gabe proudly served the Salt Lake City Fire Department for the past four years, following in the footsteps of his father, who retired from SLCFD in 2024,” it reads.

“Gabe was known for his infectious smile, kind-heartedness, and his free-spirited nature. Gabe’s commitment to the department, his fellow firefighters, and the community will not be forgotten,” the statement continued.

The accident happened near Leetham’s Hollow in Millville Canyon, in northern Utah, a popular BASE jumping location known for its mountainous landscapes, local media outlets reported.

NBC News said he jumped from about 700 feet and described the area where Reilly was found as having “walls and cliffs not unlike the Grand Canyon’s.”

Cache County Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Doyle Peck told the U.S. outlet that search and rescue crews were called to Leetham’s Hollow at 9:10 a.m. Sunday, where he was declared dead at the scene.

“On today’s jump, something went wrong and he did not have enough lift with his wingsuit,” Peck said. “He impacted the ground at a high rate of speed, resulting in his death.”

Global News reached out to the Cache County Sheriff’s Department for comment but did not receive a response.

This is not the first BASE jumping fatality in Utah to occur this year.

In June, Andy Lewis, an extreme athlete and daredevil best known for performing onstage with Madonna at the 2012 Super Bowl, and another individual died in a tandem jump, the Associated Press reported at the time of the incident.

Grand County Sheriff Jamison Wiggins confirmed the other person who was killed was Danny Joe Kregle, a 68-year-old father and grandfather who was described by a family member as an accomplished businessman.

Lewis owned BASE Jump Moab, a business that offered tandem jumps to inexperienced thrill-seekers who would be harnessed to a guide wearing the parachute.

Promotional videos on the company’s social media show people stepping off the edges of cliffs and skyscrapers and briefly freefalling before their parachutes open.

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BASE jumping is a dangerous sport that involves parachuting to the ground after jumping from a tall fixed object such as a building, a bridge or a desert cliff overlooking a deep canyon.

There have been 15 BASE jumping fatalities in 2026, according to the BASE fatality list, and 548 deaths since official tracking records began in 1981.

— with files from the Associated Press

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