The middle two weeks of August can be hit or miss for New Music Friday because almost all the big summer album releases are out by now. However, this New Music Friday is different in that there’s a lot of big names on both the singles and albums front.

Singles

1. Beck, Disappearing Act (Capitol/Universal)

Another taste of the new album, Ride Lonesome, which arrives on September 18. And Beck fans already know this album is a spiritual cousin/successor to Sea Change, which came out in 2002. It’s mellow, lush, and very mesmerizing. This could be one of the most important albums of the fall.

2. Fontaines DC, Marianne (XL Recordings)

I’ve been on board with Dublin’s Fontaines DC since the first album. Their fifth, Dopamine Chamber (due October 16), has got some major anticipation around it. The first single from that album is a brooding, atmospheric thing that apparently was partly inspired by the 2024 miniseries, Ripley.

3. Young the Giant, Evergreen (Fearless/Concord)

Young the Giant (est. Irvine CA, 2004) released this single to radio a few weeks ago and now has it available to everyone. The album, Victory Garden, was produced by Brendan O’Brien (Pearl Jam, The Killers, AC/DC, My Chemical Romance). The band has already been through Canada once, but there are more dates coming.

Albums

1. The Afghan Whigs, Soft Control (Royal Cream/BMG Rights Management)

When some asks you “What 90s band should have been WAY bigger than they were?”, thing about replying “The Afghan Whigs” and you can’t go wrong. Their first go-round was from 1986 to 2001 when they became grunge-adjacent indie darlings. (Check out 1993’s Gentlemen for The Whigs at their 90s best). This reunion started in 2011 and has stuck. This is their tenth album.

2. Brandon Flowers, THRASHER (Island)

After 11 years, The Killers frontman has decided that it was time for another solo album. First caveat: This is a country album. Yes, you read that correctly. Second caveat: It still deserves a listen. He’s asking everyone to leave their pre-conceived notions at the door. I’ll leave it with you, then.

3. Paul Heaton, Jenius (EMI)

Here’s one for those who remember The Housemartins and The Beautiful South. He was and is an excellent songwriter with a distinctive voice, a knack for melody, a way with lyrics, and generally a critical darling. This is his eleventh solo album.

4. Robyn Hitchcock, The Confuser (Tiny Ghost)

Hitchcock, one of Britain’s great quirky songwriters, is also a critical darling. A former member of The Soft Boys (google them), he’s now living in Nashville with his wife tossing off more charming indie pop songs with ease. What kind of ease? This is his 25th solo album. This single encapsulates his headspace on this record.

5. Mystery Jets, A Hole to See the Sky Through (Fiction)

More London-based indie rock and the only band that I’ve ever heard of claiming they were formed on Eel Pie Island. It’s been a while since we’ve heard from them. This is their first album since the spring of 2020 and their eighth overall. Trivia: The album cover artwork was borrowed from Yoko Ono–with her permission, of course. There’s a bit of Thom Yorke/Radiohead to their sound.

6. The Tragically Hip, Live July 22 – August 20, 2016 (Universal)

As far as Canada is concerned, this may be the most important album of the summer. Ten years after that final show with Gord Downie in Kingston, The Tragically Hip return with an album culled from dates on the last tour. You may need a box of tissues for this one.

7. Twenty One Pilots, More Than We Ever Imagined (Fueled by Ramen)

Another live album, this one recorded in Mexico City during The Clancy World Tour. The dates were February 19-20 at Estadio GNP Seguros in front of 65,000 people. If you’re a vinyl person, there’s a special red edition available.

8. Weezer, The Gold Album (Reprise)

Another colour of the rainbow for Weezer to join the blue, green, red, white, teal, and black albums. Add in all the other records with titles and you’ll realize that this is Weezer’s 20th album. They’re one of the few 90s bands that can still release new material and have fans pay attention. A rare thing. This album has something of a blue album feel. The intro to this video sets the stage.

9. Westside Cowboy, It Goes On (Island)

There’s been quite a bit of hype around this Manchester band. Would they live up to it with there release of their debut album? Turns out, yes, they can. If there’s a British breakout equivalent of Geese, then these guys are it. If you’re going to listen to one debut album front-to-back this week, here you go.

10. Finn Wolfhard, Fire from the Hip (Night Shift Productions/AWAL)

Let’s finish off with something Canadian. Finn, of course, is known as one of the stars of Stranger Things, but what he really wants to do is rock. After albums with The Aubreys and Calpurinia, he’s back with his second solo album.

 

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

In the mid-70s, David Bowie was a mess. He was drinking a lot. His cocaine intake was off the charts. And he was convinced that he was some kind of alien who was being pursued by witches looking to steal his vital essence, which is why he took to storing his urine in the fridge. Oh, and for a while, he fell to less than 100 pounds because all he would eat for meals was milk and red peppers.

This being the 70s, the police were often curious about what sort of illegal things rock stars like Bowie were up to. On December 1, 1974, after the final show of the Diamond Dogs tour, there was a party. It was decadent.

Suddenly, a bunch of plainclothes cops armed with handguns broke down the door. Bowie retreated to a bedroom where he was able to flush his stash. Whatever was left was claimed by Bowie’s bodyguard, Tony Mascia.

He took the rap for his boss, keeping Bowie from being arrested on serious drug charges.

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

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew isn’t committing to returning American alcohol to Manitoba shelves, in response to an ask from Prime Minister Mark Carney as Canadian and American officials close in on a trade deal.

Kinew saying he’s open to the idea if it will help secure a good deal for Canada, but he still has a message for customers.

“What I would say to Canadians is, leave it there,” said Kinew on Thursday. “If we put the booze back on the shelves, don’t buy it, let it sit on the shelf where the Liquor Mart employees will be putting it and buy the Canadian stuff instead.”

Kinew says he still wants to fight back against Donald Trump, and Manitoba would reserve the right to remove the products again.

Meanwhile, Martin Pacak, brand manager of Baltic Brothers at Capital K Distillery in Winnipeg, said their business has seen a major boost from “Buy Canadian” sentiment since the tariff threats began.

He wants to see Canada continue to fight for the industry, saying it could serve as useful leverage in future negotiations.

“To figure out that the alcohol, the American alcohol is something that sticks in their side, should give us some insight into how we should actually protect ourselves,” said Pacak.

Watch the video above for the full story.

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

The Panama Canal Authority will cap daily transits as of early September as it gears up for a longer-than-usual El Niño season expected to reduce water levels, it said on Thursday, walking back a previous pledge to not limit vessel passage.

Under the new measures, the canal will limit daily transits as of September 4 to 34 vessels, and reduce the number to 32 as of September 15.

The canal had registered an average of 35 daily transits through June 2026, corresponding to vessel demand, with the capacity to handle around 40 crossings per day.

In May, canal authorities told Reuters that the waterway was not planning vessel passage restrictions this year, and had already been taking water conservation measures since 2025.

According to an advisory issued Thursday, daily capacity as of September 4 at the canal’s Neopanamax locks will be capped at nine slots, while capacity at the older Panamax locks will be limited to 25 slots.

As of September 15, capacity at the Panamax locks will be further reduced to 23 slots.

The canal authority had previously tightened draft limits several times as part of its water management strategy.

The authority also disclosed that rainfall from May through August was 34% below the historical average, while watershed inflows plummeted 44% below normal.

It warned that the anticipated severity of the 2026-2027 El Niño event could further reduce precipitation, threatening the long-term sustainability of the waterway and local water supplies.

Additionally, the authority is postponing previously scheduled reductions to maximum authorized drafts. A planned adjustment to 14.63 meters (48.0 feet) in the Neopanamax locks was delayed until September 2, while a subsequent move to 14.48 meters (47.5 feet) was pushed back to October 1.

Draft is the depth of water a ship needs to float safely; a lower draft limit means vessels may have to carry less cargo in order to pass through the canal.

Panama Canal administrator Ricaurte Vasquez said El Niño this year could last much longer than before, requiring the canal to limit transit capacity, as it did during a drought in 2023 and 2024, in addition to imposing draft restrictions.

“The experience of 2023 and 2024 has prepared us well for what we know and has given us the discipline to deal with what we do not know. The canal does not improvise,” Vasquez said on Wednesday at a business event.

© 2026 Reuters

One person has died and two others were injured when a plane made an emergency landing on a road in Prince George.

RCMP said they were called at approximately 2:20 p.m. to Foothills Boulevard, about 1.5 kilometres north of North Nechako Road.

When investigators arrived on the scene, they saw two vehicles were involved in the incident and one person inside one of the vehicles died.

RCMP are urging people to stay away from the landing sight.

“Investigators would like to remind the public that this is an active investigation and that they need to stay away from the area. It removes valuable police resources from this investigation as well as the regular calls for service if RCMP must station police officers at every access point to Foothills Boulevard to keep the curious onlookers away, of which there have already been too many.

“Please allow room for our first responders to work safely,” states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer for the Prince George RCMP said.

Foothills Boulevard has been closed to vehicle traffic in both directions and will remain that way overnight and into Friday; drivers should make plans to use alternate routes in the meantime, RCMP said.

The Transportation Safety Board has assumed conduct of the investigation.

The reason for the emergency landing has not been disclosed at this time.

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

This weekend people are returning to where history was made.

On Aug. 23 and Sept. 9, 1876, at Fort Carlton and Fort Pitt, Treaty 6 was signed, establishing an agreement between the Crown and the First Nations leaders.

“It’s about honouring that original vision, how we’re supposed to live together in peace and harmony and friendship on these lands, sharing these lands together,” said Kathy Walker, Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan.

Treaty 6 was signed by representatives of the British Crown and leaders of First Nations, primarily Plains Cree, Woods Cree, Assiniboine, Saulteaux and Dene.

At the time, in 1876, the Crown wanted to settle in the west.

Walker said during negotiations, First Nations leaders wanted to ensure a bright future for younger generations, especially with a bison population in decline and smallpox taking its toll.

“And so, it was to address those things, but it was also because they knew that newcomers were coming to settle. And they wanted to make sure there was a framework in place so they could relate with one another in a good way,” Walker said.

The four-day gathering at Fort Carlton, which got underway on Thursday, is an opportunity to reflect on a pivotal moment in Saskatchewan history.

Walker said it’s about taking stock of where we’re at, reaffirming and recommitting 150 years later. Those attending this weekend will be able to do that with the actual, original parchment in their midst.

Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation Chief Ed Ananas arranged to bring it back to Saskatchewan for the event.

He said he got the idea during a trip to Ottawa last year, seeing it for the first time in person.

“To view that document, that close to me, it was very humbling,” said Ananas.

It will be the first time ever the historical document has left archives. Along with the original parchment, the Red Pheasant First Nation treaty medal will also be on display.

Medals exchanged in 1876 were symbolic of a commitment to relationship building, depicting a handshake and a buried hatchet.

“We are all treaty people, yourself and myself included. And everyone who comes to see this beautiful medal is on the journey with us,” said Darlene Brander, president of the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.

At Fort Carlton this weekend, the focus is on remembering the agreement and reflecting on what it asks of everyone who lives here today.

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

What’s old is new again: Valleyview IGA has reopened along 142 Street at 91 Avenue in west Edmonton.

The return of an IGA to the Valleyview Shopping Centre in the Parkview neighbourhood was announced earlier this summer and store manager Stuart Trenchard said there’s been a lot of interest.

“Customers have been knocking on the doors for two months since we’ve been doing construction — they’re so excited to see us come back,” he said. “They’re so excited to see the IGA brand come back.”

University of Alberta school of retailing director John Pracejus said with rising food prices in recent years, having a neighbourhood grocery store under a familiar name is a big draw for some shoppers.

“I think going back to the IGA banner is going to be very helpful to them,” Pracejus said. “People that remember that store being there for decades and decades are probably going to give it another shot and maybe return.”

Trenchard has decades of experience in the grocery business, starting as a bag boy at the Morinville IGA and working his way up to managing and owning other Sobeys properties in the Edmonton region.

He says there’s nostalgia tied to the IGA brand more commonly seen in smaller communities.

“I grew up at IGA, I started when I was 14 years old so this brings back a lot of memories, feelings, emotions for me,” he said. “I get what they mean when they want to come back to an IGA.”

He also feels having a local grocery store is important to residents of established neighbourhoods.

“I think it means a lot to the customer, from what they’re telling us. They can walk here now, they have a community store. They don’t have to drive 10 or 15 minutes anymore,” Trenchard said.

The IGA replaces the short-lived artisan grocer L’OCA Quality Market, which shut down this past March after only operating in the space since January 2025.

Some of the former L’OCA staff have been brought on at the new IGA, which has hired about 45-50 people, according to the city councillor Thu Parmar.

“That’s hiring students, that’s hiring people in this neighbourhood who can also work and live in their neighbourhood,” she said.

Prior to L’OCA, the space was home to Andy’s IGA for nearly six decades, before owner and namesake Andy Taschuk retired in 2024.

“Operating the store for 59 years meant a lot to us and our family,” said Taschuk, who worked in the supermarket business his entire career and lived within blocks of his store for decades.

“The community around this IGA store is the best community in Edmonton. They really appreciate the independent grocer.”

Taschuk was one of dozens of people waiting Thursday morning for the store to reopen.

He said grocery stores act almost like a community gathering space, and he hopes to see the new version of the IGA thrive.

“I’m sure they’ll be supporting it wonderfully in the next 59 years.”

The grocery store will be open 9 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.

Gates Guarin has more information in the video above.

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

A 21-year-old driver from Alberta recently had an expensive trip to B.C.

On Aug. 13, just after 12:45 p.m., a black Chevrolet Trax was stopped on Highway 97 south of Taylor, after a B.C. Highway Patrol officer clocked a speed of 142 km/h in a 70 zone.

“Whether you’re a visitor or a local, it’s your responsibility to know the speed limit and stay within it,” Sgt. Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol said in a release.

“Some people have the idea that police officers don’t patrol rural roads. That can be an expensive mistake.”

The driver from Athabasca was issued a seven-day impound for excessive speeding (with the tow and impound at her expense), a ticket for excessive speed with a fine of $483, and at least three years of high-risk driver premiums and escalating insurance that will bring the total costs to over $2,000.

“If the monetary cost of excessive speeding doesn’t bother you, consider the hassle,” McLaughlin added.

“Nobody wants to be calling for a ride on the side of a rural highway. Better decision-making will make your life safer and more convenient.”

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

Toronto’s transit agency says it is on schedule to open its new Scarborough busway by the end of September, completing the transformation of a decommissioned subway line.

On Thursday, the Toronto Transit Commission announced it would open the busway on Sept. 30, a date it said will see the project wrap up half a year earlier than originally scheduled.

“Scarborough residents are getting faster, more affordable transit,” Mayor Olivia Chow said. “By September 30, more than 118,000 riders each week will save over an hour travelling on the speedy Busway. With fare capping also coming into effect in September, the more you ride, the less you pay. Most evenings and weekends will be free for people who work five days a week and take the TTC.”

Since decommissioning the Scarborough RT following its summer 2023 derailment, the TTC had been considering alternatives to the rapid transit route.

Converting the now-abandoned rail infrastructure into a busway has been favoured by city hall, with staff suggesting buses running along the old route would reach Scarborough Town Centre seven minutes quicker than if they were forced to drive in traffic.

Initially, there were concerns about the plan from staff at city hall, who said it was over budget, unfunded and would take three years to complete.

Last year, however, the city said the TTC had been able to speed up construction and that the route will open in September 2026 rather than 2027.

“Transit riders in Scarborough deserve high-quality, reliable transit service that works for them,” said TTC chair Jamaal Myers. “The Busway will serve thousands of TTC customers while the subway extension is being completed and will continue to expand and enhance transit in the city.”

Over the past two and a half years, the TTC has operated replacement buses on the road route once covered by the Scarborough RT.

The replacement busway will run for four kilometres along the route of the old Scarborough RT, and riding it from one end to the other is estimated to take 15 minutes.

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

Organizers of Edmonton’s Pride parade say they stand by their decision to have a police presence at this weekend’s procession recognizing the LGBTQ+ community.

The Edmonton PrideFest Association announced plans for additional security and police presence this week after attacks at Lapu Lapu Day events in Vancouver and at Pride celebrations in Berlin.

In response, multiple groups, including the non-profit RaricaNow, said they would cut ties with the festival over the presence of police, among other issues.

The parade, one of the biggest Pride events on the Prairies, returned last year after similar disagreements over law enforcement involvement and reports that marginalized groups were being sidelined.

Festival producer Trevor Watson says police involvement is a reasonable precaution to protect attendees and ensure they return home safely after Saturday’s parade.

RaricaNow founder Adebayo Chris Katiiti says police have historically mistreated LGBTQ+ and racialized communities.

“We cannot honour Pride while ignoring its history and the voices that made it possible,” Katiiti said in a video on social media. “We cannot claim safety while welcoming the same systems that have harmed our communities.”

Edmonton police apologized in 2019 for officers’ mistreatment of the LGBTQ+ community, noting the brutal 1981 raid of the Pisces Health Spa, a former downtown bathhouse frequented by gay men.

© 2026 The Canadian Press