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I absolutely love Christmas. I call myself a 6-foot elf! This is my time to shine as bright as the decorations. I love it all: the decor, getting dressed up, and hosting friends and family with fabulous food and drinks. It may feel early for some of you. But I know many of you like to get started early, so you can take the pressure off and enjoy every moment of the season.

 

The Star of the Show

 

Every great holiday look starts with the tree. Every year in our house we have the same debate: all white lights (my pick) or multicoloured (my husband’s pick). We agreed to alternate each year. To be honest, though, we usually end up with the classic white *wink wink*. This tree settles the argument, with 11 light options, over 2,200 pre-lit lights and more than 3,300 tips. It also has pole-to-pole connection, so setup couldn’t be easier. It’s the perfect canvas for any style, and a tree you’ll keep for years to come.

Here’s what I love about Walmart’s holiday collections this year: each one is built around a different style. The decor and ornaments are designed to work together, so you can carry one look from your tree right through your living room. Have more than one tree? Give each room its own theme! I’ve styled three looks to show you how.

 

Cranberry Spice: Classic Christmas, Elevated

This one is for the traditionalist. You decorate in classic Christmas colours every year and wouldn’t have it any other way, but you want it to feel fresh and current. Cranberry Spice is warm, sophisticated and timeless, with rich reds, velvet and gold. It’s how I dressed my tree.

Dress the Tree

Velvet, gold and berries make this tree feel like a classic with a modern twist. Mix textures and sizes for that full, collected look:

• Holiday Time Gold Mercury Reindeer Ornament  | $3.48

• Holiday Time CS Flocked Red Bell Wreath Ornament, 11cm  | $3.48

• Holiday Time CS Holly Berry Ornament, 14cm  | $3.48

• Holiday Time Christmas 2 Pack Red Velvet Bows  | $6.98

• Holiday Time 3 Hanging Metal Bells Ornament, Gold  | $6.98

• Holiday Time 6″ Santa Face Ornament   | $4.48

 

Don’t Forget the Base

The space under the tree deserves some love too. Layering a few pieces there makes the whole setup look finished.

 

Remember the decorations that felt special when you were a kid? They usually weren’t the most expensive ones. They were just special. This bear in his red soldier coat and plaid hat could become one of those pieces for your family. It’s classic, cute and timeless.[/product_listing]

 

A lantern adds a warm, cozy glow at floor level. Group it with the nutcracker for an instant vignette.[/product_listing]

 

This is pure snowy-cabin charm. The soft flocked finish gives it that just-came-in-from-the-forest feel, and it’s perfect tucked in beside the presents.[/product_listing]

 

 

Whispers of Winter: Quiet Luxury

If your Pinterest boards are full of soft neutrals and natural textures, this is your collection. Whispers of Winter is muted, warm and effortlessly elegant. It looks like it walked straight off a mood board and into your living room.

Made from real marble with beige, white and grey veining, so no two are exactly alike. Set it on a coffee table or console for a sculptural, grown-up take on the Christmas tree.[/product_listing]

 

Made with real pinecones, this little potted tree brings a natural, organic touch. Pair it with the marble tree for a beautiful tabletop moment.[/product_listing]

 

 

Maison de Noël: Holiday with the Volume Turned Up

This one makes me smile! Maison de Noël is joyful, colourful, whimsical and unapologetically pink, with a big dose of Parisian charm. If you want your Christmas to feel like a celebration, this is your look.

 

A little glass tree that lights up is just pure joy. Tuck a few onto your bookshelf or cabinet and let them sparkle.[/product_listing]

 

With 1,610 snowy tips, this garland gives your shelves a frosted, fairy-tale base to build on. You can use it indoors or out.[/product_listing]

 

 

A Sprinkle of Magic

Whichever theme you choose, finish it off with this!

 

Talk about feeling special! You plug your lights into the included box, then give the wand a wave to switch them on and off. The wand is topped with an LED-lit star. It’s a little extra magic for the season, and the kids (and grown-ups!) will love it.[/product_listing]

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

REGINA – Tommy Stevens admits landing in the CFL record book is a bit surreal for him.

Stevens, the short-yardage specialist for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, scored two rushing touchdowns in Saturday’s 16-9 victory over the Edmonton Elks to break the league’s single-season mark for rushing majors.

In his second season with the Riders, the 6-foot-4, 245-pound Stevens tied the league record on a one-yard plunge in the second quarter and then grabbed the record for himself with another one-yard run in the fourth quarter.

After the game, Stevens was still trying to come to terms with topping the previous mark that was held by Saskatchewan legend George Reed and former Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Caleb Evans.

“It hasn’t really set in yet, but I’m not going to sit here and act like I didn’t want it. I knew what was at stake. I knew that it was a possibility. Maybe it was selfish, I don’t know,” said Stevens, who has scored 47 rushing touchdowns in 86 games.

“Obviously, with what George meant to this team, this province, it’s surreal to have your name mentioned alongside his and I’m so incredibly thankful. But like I told guys in the locker room, it’s not just my name, this is our award. It’s not about me but I’m so thankful to have my role and try to bring as much value as I can.”

Reed, who was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1979, set the initial record of 16 rushing touchdowns in 1968. Evans tied the record in 2022.

Stevens joined the Riders last season after spending his first three CFL seasons with the Calgary Stampeders. Under the tutelage of head coach Corey Mace and Riders offensive coordinator Marc Mueller, he has become a pivotal part of the Saskatchewan offence.

Stevens’ reliability makes Mace’s job easier and although Stevens is remarkably successful in his offensive role, he also has a wider impact on the Riders.

“I’ve never seen it before, like people are chanting his name. When he goes out there, I can look at other things because I just have so much trust and faith in the guy and what he’s able to do for us,” said Mace.

“He brings so much to this locker room, it’s not even just how he plays, but I think even the words that he shares with his teammates. He means a lot to this team. I’m so happy for him.”

After struggling in the latter stages of the season, the Riders have now won their last two games. The victory, which improves the squad to 10-8, lifted Saskatchewan into third place in the West. The defending Grey Cup champions will travel to Vancouver to take on the B.C. Lions on Oct. 31.

The first-place Elks, who dropped to 13-5 with the setback, will host the Saskatchewan-B.C. winner in the West Division final on Nov. 7.

The Riders and the 10-8 Lions played three times during the regular season. The Riders won the first game in Regina 31-27 with the Lions winning the next two games in Vancouver by scores of 30-16 and 31-24.

Despite those two defeats, Stevens says the Riders are looking forward to a third game at B.C. Place against the Lions.

“We’re excited for the opportunity to go back to B.C., to play them there. I mean, at least we’ll be inside, so guys won’t complain about being cold, right? We gave ourselves a chance to move on into the post-season, and it starts this week,” said Stevens.

“. . . We’re excited for the opportunity, and yeah, the stakes are high. But when you have championship DNA, I think that puts you at ease a little bit, knowing that we have the right guys in the room to get the job done.”

Penalties played a major role in Saturday’s game as the Elks took 14 penalties for 146 yards. Both of Stevens’ touchdowns were set up by pass interference penalties.

The first major was on a 67-yard drive with 65 of the yards coming from Edmonton penalties, including a 42-yard pass interference call against Elks defensive back Royce Metchie. Stevens’ second touchdown came after Laddarius Tennison was flagged for pass interference in the end zone on a third-and-goal play from the 10-yard line.

Mace wasn’t apologizing for scoring points off of Edmonton’s undisciplined play.

“Penalties equal points. That’s amazing. We’ll take that. However you can get it and keep us moving down the field, we’ll take it. You’ve got to play it clean, that’s just what it is,” said Mace.

“It’s going to be cross teaching for us as well, but we say it all the time: penalties equal points, whether you’re going forward or backwards.”

Jack Coan started at quarterback for the Riders with Mace deciding to rest Trevor Harris. In first CFL start, Coan was 15 of 26 passing for 178 yards and one interception. Brett Lauther had a 32-yard field goal and punter Oscar Chapman added a 58-yard single.

Edmonton’s lone touchdown was scored by backup quarterback Cole Snyder on a one-yard run coming on their first drive of the game. Vincent Blanchard kicked a 24-yard field late in the fourth quarter.

The Elks also rested Cody Fajardo, their starting quarterback, with Taylor Powell taking the reins. He finished 26 of 30 passing for 236 yards. Tailback ShunDerrick Powell had an impressive game, gaining 101 yards on 11 carries.

UP NEXT

Roughriders: Travel to Vancouver for the West Division semifinal against the B.C. Lions on Saturday, Oct. 31.

Elks: Host the winner of the West Division semifinal in the West final on Saturday, Nov. 7.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 24, 2026.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

A police sergeant has been suspended with pay following an investigation by Peel Regional Police and York Regional Police (YRP).

Sgt. Kin Pong Wong, 44, was arrested on Oct. 23.

He is facing seven charges including breach of trust, unauthorized use of a computer, possession of property obtained by crime, possession for the purpose of trafficking, attempt to obstruct justice, possession of a counterfeit stamp and accessing data.

Pong Wong has been employed with YRP since 2009.

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

A legal expert says a lawsuit by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) doesn’t hold up and threatens to delegitimize the results if Republican incumbent Dan S. Sullivan loses November’s Senate race in Alaska.

“I see no possibility of any literate voter being unable to distinguish the two Daniel Sullivans on the ballot,” Emily L. Waters, a professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage, told Global News.

On Thursday, the DOJ filed a lawsuit to block Alaska from certifying its Senate election results if Sullivan, the incumbent, doesn’t win.

President Donald Trump said he ordered the lawsuit because there will be two Dan Sullivans on the ballot.

Both identify themselves as Republicans.

“They have two guys named Dan Sullivan running,” Trump said. “So the Democrats put up a guy, I don’t think he ever voted before. All of a sudden he decides to run for the Senate and his name is Dan Sullivan.”

In the court filings, the DOJ claims the second candidate, Daniel J. Sullivan, is running with the intention of misleading and confusing voters to benefit Democratic rival Mary Peltola.

The documents further argue that, should the incumbent Sullivan lose, certifying the results would compromise the integrity of the election.

The Alaska Supreme Court previously ruled that both names could stay on the ballot.

Even if the second Sullivan was running to misdirect voters, Waters said that does not justify a legal battle.

“Judge Zeman addressed this previously in state court and said there’s no problem if somebody enters a race to harass or distract, as long as they follow procedures, their motivations for being on the ballot are irrelevant.”

She added that credit needs to be given to the voter to be able to distinguish between the candidates.

In a statement on social media, Peltola said the lawsuit represents the “corruption is fed up with.”

“Sullivan has enriched himself at our expense for 12 years,” she said. “Now he’s using his DC allies to try to keep himself in power and put his own interests ahead of Alaskans.”

If Peltola wins the race in Alaska, it will give Democrats one out of four seats needed to gain control of the Senate.

– With files from Global News’ Candice Cole

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

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry is urging international governments to take “clear and firm positions” on escalating violence in the West Bank just days before Israel’s parliamentary election.

A day after attacks by Palestinian gunmen killed two soldiers, Israel imposed widespread closures, with more than 1,000 residents displaced in the city of Hebron.

All gates leading in and out of the city were closed to vehicles, according to Basma Radio, a Telegram channel Palestinians use to monitor checkpoints and road closures. Hebron’s mayor accused the Israelis of laying siege to his city.

On Friday, Israel’s army said that in response to the attacks, its forces had begun “conducting precise, targeted and thorough searches” in the area where the gunmen had operated.

In a statement on social media, Palestine’s Foreign Ministry said Israel’s actions included the “forced displacement and destruction, and the closure of the Ibrahimi Mosque sanctuary.”

The ministry accused the Israeli army of targeting Palestinian citizens and their properties, warning against a repetition of what it called the “ongoing crimes in the Gaza Strip.”

The statement said Israel is “constituting measures to reproduce the Nakba with renewed military and colonial tools, amid the Israeli electoral race and the pursuit of political gains at the expense of Palestinian national rights.”

The escalating conflict comes just three days before Israelis vote in a national election.

Polls suggest three years of war have eroded Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s support.

With more than 1,500 Palestinians killed in Gaza since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect in October 2025, Israelis in Canada said they are returning to vote in what feels like a “last chance” election.

The death toll numbers come from Gaza’s health ministry. The ministry maintains detailed records and is regarded as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts. Part of the Hamas-run government, the ministry does not distinguish between civilians and militants but says women and children make up nearly half of those killed.

“This feels almost like the last chance, the last heartbeat, to beat the Netanyahu movement and to get this country back on course. The desperation is palpable. It’s always been stressful and hard, but at this time it seems like it’s really the last chance,” one Israeli-Canadian told the Associated Press.

He said his family, many of whom still live in Israel, have been pleading with him to return and cast a ballot.

“And I just realized it would be really obnoxious of me to keep saying no and no and no,” he said.

While these Israelis live outside of the Middle East, they still feel the effects of what one called a “vendetta” on Gaza.

“I’m embarrassed to say I’m from Israel,” she said. “I feel I have to apologize. I’m sorry that I’m from this country that’s doing such horrible things.”

She said she owes it to her friends, family and fellow Israelis to return and have her vote counted.

Netanyahu, 77, is Israel’s longest-serving prime minister and longtime leader of the Likud Party.

In 2024, the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. He is also embroiled in a years-long legal battle at home, having been charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes. He denies any wrongdoing.

Netanyahu’s main opponent in the election is Gadi Eisenkot, 66, who positions himself as a moderate alternative.

Eisenkot rose through the ranks of the Israeli military, eventually becoming chief of staff.

He also served as an observer in Netanyahu’s war cabinet, but resigned after eight months, accusing the prime minister of lacking a clear strategy.

Also on the ballot are former prime minister Naftali Bennett, national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Mansour Abbas, the leader of the Arab-Muslim political party Ra’am.

– With files from The Associated Press

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

B.C. voters probably did not expect to be voting in a provincial election until 2028.

However, BC NDP leader David Eby announced on Sept. 22 that he is calling a snap election, which takes place one week after the 2026 municipal election.

In his speech in September, Eby said “for British Columbians and for Canadians, this is an existential moment. The prime minister has called this a rupture, and he is absolutely right.

“Donald Trump is attacking our workers. He’s targeting our businesses, and he is threatening our sovereignty.”

However, Eby changed his messaging shortly after that announcement, moving away from Trump and to the more traditional issue of housing and affordability.

An Ipsos poll, released on Oct. 13, showed that while the BC Conservatives appeared in disarray one month previously, they gained a five-point lead over the BC NDP.

The BC Conservatives appeared to be in disarray when Eby called the snap election.

On Sept. 20, BC Conservative MLA, Kerry-Lynne Findlay resigned as leader of the party after 13 MLAs either left or were ousted by party leadership.

Lorne Doerkson took over leadership of the party, with most of the MLAs rejoining.

As the election campaign entered the final week, a new poll showed that the BC Conservatives were leading by five points among decided voters.

BC Green Party leader Emily Lowan performed well in the leaders’ debate, according to experts.

Just after the municipal election results were in, Lowan said: “David Eby called this snap election two years early for nobody but himself.”

Vancouver mayor-elect Pete Fry endorsed Lowan in the final week before election day, and many wonder whether the municipal election’s changes could echo in the provincial race.

Voters will decide who will represent their riding during the upcoming B.C. provincial election on Oct. 24, 2026. Visit this page on election night for a complete breakdown of up-to-the-minute results.

See the graphic below for information on the popular vote.

View Link »

You can keep an eye on the closest races below.

View Link »

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

Ahead of the BC election on Oct. 24, Global News has profiled all 93 ridings in the province so you can find your riding, learn more about the local candidates running in your riding and see how your riding has voted in past elections.

B.C. voters probably did not expect to be voting in a provincial election until 2028.

However, BC NDP leader David Eby announced on Sept. 22 that he is calling a snap election, which takes place one week after the 2026 municipal election.

Use the tool below

List of all BC ridings in the 2026 election

-with development from Max Hartshorn

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

Toronto Police say they are looking for a new person of interest in the alleged abduction of three children Friday.

Ionut Stroe, 25, is the owner of a white 2017 Ford Expedition vehicle with Ontario licence plate DJJS 875 that police say was used in the alleged abduction of the three children.

The children’s mother, Somerda Miclescu, 22, is wanted to face allegations of parental abduction.

Police say the children, four-month-old Anastasia, 3-year-old Irina and 6-year-old Daniel, were taken during a semi-supervised visit with another family member at a home in the Midland Avenue and Eglinton Avenue East area on Friday around 11:30 a.m.

Police say Miclescu does not have legal custody of the children and her location is unknown.

She is described as 5’7″, and approximately 180 pounds, with long, dark, black hair. She was last seen wearing a long black skirt and a dark-coloured top.

Police say Stroe is also wanted for an unrelated matter. He is wanted for four counts of failure to comply with a release order.

Stroe is described as 5’11” and 235 pounds, and has a tattoo on his right forearm.

– With files from Global News’ Catherine McDonald

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

The biggest songs. The hottest stars. The stories behind the songs.

Every week, American Country Countdown with Ryan Fox counts down the Top 30 songs in Country music, featuring exclusive artist interviews, songwriter insights, and the latest news from Nashville.

Catch American Country Countdown with Ryan Fox every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon on CISN Country 103.9 Edmonton and Country 105 Calgary.

Lauren Alaina and Chase Matthew have reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart with “All My Exes.” The duet jumps four spots to the top, giving Alaina her fourth No. 1 and Matthew his second.

“All My Exes” is from Lauren Alaina’s fourth studio album, Stages, released August 28. Written by Alaina, Ben Johnson, Jimmie Gutch and Whitney Phillips, the song was inspired by an argument Lauren had with an ex-boyfriend in downtown Nashville when she was in her early twenties. After several years of rewrites, it eventually became a duet with Chase Matthew.

View this post on Instagram

Lauren Alaina and Chase Matthew shared their excitement on Instagram, thanking country radio and everyone who helped make their No. 1 possible.

View this post on Instagram

Lauren’s husband, Cameron Arnold, had a hand in bringing Chase Matthew onto “All My Exes.” Lauren and Chase became friends while touring with Jason Aldean in 2024, and Cameron was convinced they’d make a great pairing on the song. He reached out to Chase himself, encouraging him to record it with Lauren. When Lauren later played Chase the song, he pretended he was hearing it for the first time, even though Cameron had already let him in on the idea.

For Lauren, this latest No. 1 is another milestone in a career that began on American Idol in 2011. In a personal Instagram video, she reflects on 15 years of chasing her country music dreams, the sacrifices along the way and her gratitude to country radio.

View this post on Instagram

Lauren’s latest album, Stages, tells the story of that journey. Released August 28, the 17-song collection reflects on her life growing up in Rossville, Georgia, chasing her dreams in Nashville and becoming a wife and mother. Through heartbreak, love, loss and new beginnings, Lauren says the album is her story from beginning to end.

View this post on Instagram

From an idea that began during the pandemic to a No. 1 hit on country radio, “All My Exes” has been quite a journey for Lauren Alaina and Chase Matthew. Here’s the official music video for the song that brought them together.

 

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

It is B.C. election day, the final opportunity for residents to vote for the next provincial government.

Polls are open until 8 p.m., but if voters are in line at a polling station after 8 p.m., they should stay in line, as they can still cast a ballot.

B.C. voters probably did not expect to be casting ballots in a provincial election until 2028.

However, BC NDP leader David Eby announced on Sept. 22 that he was calling a snap election, taking place one week after the 2026 municipal elections.

In his speech in September, Eby said, “For British Columbians and for Canadians, this is an existential moment. The prime minister has called this a rupture, and he is absolutely right.

“Donald Trump is attacking our workers. He’s targeting our businesses and he is threatening our sovereignty.”

However, Eby changed his messaging shortly after that announcement, moving away from the U.S. president and to the more traditional issues of housing and affordability.

An Ipsos poll, released on Oct. 13, showed that while the BC Conservatives appeared in disarray one month previously, they gained a five-point lead over the BC NDP.

As the election campaign entered the final week, a new poll from Innovative Research Group showed that the BC Conservatives were leading by five points among decided voters.

On Friday, the last poll before election day showed that the BC Conservatives have maintained that five-point lead.

The BC Conservatives appeared to be in disarray when Eby called the snap election.

On Sept. 20, BC Conservative MLA Kerry-Lynne Findlay resigned as leader of the party after 13 MLAs either left or were ousted by party leadership.

Lorne Doerkson took over leadership of the party, with most of the departed MLAs rejoining.

BC Green Party leader Emily Lowan said just after the municipal election results were in: “David Eby called this snap election two years early for nobody but himself.”

Vancouver mayor-elect Pete Fry endorsed Lowan in the final week before election day, and many wondered whether the municipal election’s changes could echo in the provincial race.

Global BC will have complete coverage of the provincial election on all platforms.

Starting with the News Hour at 6 p.m., Global BC will be streaming live on our website and on YouTube.

Watch our coverage, hosted by Chris Gailus, Sophie Lui and Keith Baldrey on:

• Global BC
• BC1
• Global Okanagan
• STACKTV

The show will be simulcast on CKNW.

Ben O’Hara-Byrne will be providing live results and reporters and panelists will be at the BC NDP and BC Conservative headquarters on election night.

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