There’s nothing like having the window open or the top down on a great day with tunes blasting from the car stereo. Chances are you’ve got your favourite driving song, if not a series of driving playlists. Is it your imagination, or do some songs sound better while driving?

It has to do with the brain’s sweet spot when it comes to rhythm. The background noise of a car—the engine, the road noise, the vibrations—is pretty consistent. But when you combine that with the slightly less consistent rhythm of a song, your brain shifts into a space where it’s more likely to enhance the novelty of the music.

Driving fast (which adds a sense of danger) while knowing you’re in control (which inspires confidence), combined with a great song (which makes you want to move), results in a little extra adrenaline that just makes everything sound better.

Hey, it’s science.

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

The Black Keys have come a long, long way since that first gig in Akron, Ohio, sometime in early 2002.  They played a show in front of just ten paying customers.  The total take for the night was five dollars for guitarist Dan Auerbach and five dollars for drummer Patrick Carney.

Things improved slowly. Their first album was recorded in the basement of Pat’s family’s house. The third album was recorded in an abandoned tire factory. But with each new album, life got a little better–for an indie band, anyway. There was a lot of critical acclaim and much hipster love, but it wasn’t until their 2008 album, Attack & Release, that the rest of the world began to figure out what the Black Keys were all about.  And, of course, things blew up real good with their 2010 album, Brothers.

And where did the band get their name, anyway?  Pat’s father used the phrase “black key” as something that wasn’t quite right.  I wonder what he thinks of his son’s job?

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

Be honest: When you are faced with a dialogue box that wants you to read the terms and conditions of whatever software or service you’re using, you just click “agree” or “okay” and move on. No one reads these end-user license agreements.

A Manchester company called Purple tried a social experiment. In an offer for free Wi-Fi, they buried a “community service clause” deep in the license agreement. They were prepared to offer a prize to anyone who found it.  By blindly clicking “agree,” users agreed to community service activities such as cleaning porta-potties at music festivals.

Some 22,000 people signed up, and only one person read the whole thing.

Purple won’t hold anyone to the clause in their contract, but they did make their point, didn’t they?

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

The City of Vancouver has announced that a one-night fireworks show will take place this summer.

Called Summer Lights in English Bay, it will take place on Friday, July 31, at English Bay Beach Park and will be free for everyone.

It will also kick off Vancouver Pride Week’s closing weekend.

“Summer Lights in English Bay is about bringing people together for a spectacular evening in one of Vancouver’s most iconic settings,” said Mayor Ken Sim in a statement.

“This is a free, welcoming celebration for residents, families and visitors to enjoy during what will be an extraordinary summer for our city.”

This news comes after the annual Celebration of Light event was announced as cancelled due to funding issues.

Further details, including fireworks timing, viewing areas, road closures, transit recommendations, accessibility information and public safety reminders, will be shared in the coming weeks.

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

The BC Conservatives say non-residents have racked up more than $200 million in unpaid health bills in British Columbia since 2020.

In a release, they pointed to research from SecondStreet.org, which obtained the information through a freedom of information request.

The organization said it found that people from outside Canada are coming to B.C., receiving health services and then not paying their bills.

“The government should definitely be taking a look at this problem,” SecondStreet.org president Colin Craig said in a release.

“This is costing B.C. taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars while access to health care for residents continues to deteriorate. B.C.’s situation is the worst we’ve seen in Canada so far.”

In a breakdown, it found that there are $94,595,000 outstanding in the Fraser Health region, $54,129,000 in Interior Health, $20,900,000 in Island Health, and $30,982,000 in Vancouver Coastal Health, for a total of $200,606,000. Northern Health did not provide any data.

“British Columbians are not guaranteed timely access to healthcare, be it treatment or diagnostics, and this situation continues to deteriorate under the NDP,” Anna Kindy, MLA for North Island and Critic for Health, said in a statement.

“Taxpayers are footing the bill for tourists’ health treatments to the tune of over $200 million, enough to cover over 21,000 hip replacements in this province while British Columbians wait months to years for that surgery.”

B.C.’s health minister doesn’t believe it’s typically visitors to B.C. who are exploiting the system, but those who need unexpected urgent care.

“While any unpaid amount is concerning, health authorities are required and do take action to ensure they do everything possible to recover those costs,” Health Minister Josie Osborne said.

The organization behind the research also has some suggestions to avoid these bills, including requiring visitors from abroad to pay up front before receiving medical treatment except for life-saving cases, urging Ottawa to require visitors to have travel insurance before entering the country as part of the visa process and the federal government banning re-entry to Canada for non-residents with outstanding medical bills.

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

The federal government on Tuesday said it is willing to shorten the time electronic service providers would be required to keep users’ metadata under a proposed lawful access bill, but is dismissing Conservative calls to split the controversial bill in two.

The provision that could require service providers to retain certain metadata — including transmission and location data — for up to one year is included in Part 2 of Bill C-22, which has also prompted pushback from tech companies for measures they say could weaken encryption and security.

That section has raised alarm from privacy experts and opposition parties, while businesses have threatened to leave Canada over its sweeping powers it would grant to cabinet.

In a letter Tuesday to Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, Conservative public safety critic Frank Caputo said the party was prepared to support quickly passing the more broadly supported Part 1 of the bill on its own, which would give police and spies expanded powers to access subscriber information through judicial warrants.

“This would give law enforcement a large chunk of what they have requested from Parliament,” Caputo wrote. “Part 2 requires further study on encryption, metadata, significant government powers and secret ministerial orders.”

Speaking to Global News, Anandasangaree’s spokesperson Simon Lafortune dismissed the Conservatives’ request.

“Our position is that splitting the bill is not an option,” he said.

Lafortune, however, said the government was prepared to shorten the metadata retention period after further consultations on the bill, which Anandasangaree first told the Canadian Press in an interview.

Lafortune told Global News the government was aiming to change the retention period to at least six months, and shorter than one year.

The minister recently said the one-year maximum was reasonable and wouldn’t be changed, but that the Liberals would be putting forward other amendments to make clear that encryption would not be compromised by the measures in C-22.

The government is expected to propose changes to the bill at the House of Commons public safety committee, which is going through the legislation clause by clause.

Part 1 of the legislation would allow authorities to demand that a telecommunications provider such as Bell or Rogers reveal whether it provides service to an individual or a number of interest — a measure intended to speed up investigations.

The second part would require electronic service providers to develop and maintain the technical capabilities to enable police and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service to obtain communications and information for their probes. Tech companies have warned this would create “backdoors” into their systems, which the government has denied.

University of Ottawa law professor Michael Geist told the public safety committee last month that the stored metadata — despite only containing digital traces of a communication, rather than the email or text itself — would amount to “a comprehensive surveillance map of virtually every Canadian.”

“The government’s building this massive haystack of data with the thought that they might need to find the needle every once in a while,” Geist told Global News in an earlier interview.

Police and the government have said Canada’s lawful access regime needs to be urgently updated in line with Five Eyes and G7 partners and to give investigators what they need as criminals move increasingly online.

Caputo argued Tuesday that splitting the bill and leaving Part 2 for further study and revisions would achieve just that, particularly with Parliament just 10 days away from rising for a summer break.

“We can get Part 1 dealt with before we rise,” he said at committee. “If the whole point of this exercise is to get the bill right … and law enforcement wants what’s in this bill, I would hope that they would want part of what is in this bill.”

Conservatives repeatedly pressed government, RCMP and CSIS officials at the committee on whether they would support the quick passage of Part 1 and if its provisions would be sufficient.

Officials declined to explicitly make that distinction, however.

“There is no doubt that Part 1 is important, but so is Part 2,” said Richard Bilodeau, the acting senior assistant deputy public safety minister.

“They’re distinct parts of the legislation, but they are both equally important to solving some of the gaps that have been identified in various lawful access regimes and how they can help law enforcement and intelligence services fill those gaps.”

Chief Supt. Richard Burchill, the RCMP’s director general of technical investigations, said both parts of the bill as written “gives us timely access to data in a structured, uniform way.”

Both the Conservatives and the Bloc Quebecois said Tuesday they wanted to hear more from federal privacy commissioner Philippe Dufresne on his proposed amendments to the legislation, which are centred on further protections against potential data breaches and cyber attacks.

—With files from the Canadian Press

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

The Global Energy Show kicked off Tuesday in Calgary with an address from the federal natural resources minister, followed by sessions featuring a diverse slate of political and corporate leaders from Canada and abroad.

The annual trade show and conference, which is taking place between June 9 and 12, is expected to draw 30,000 attendees from more than 100 countries, including a record number of pavilions from international companies, including China, India and other Asian countries.

The event is taking place this year as the war in the Middle East has rattled global energy markets, prompting the Mark Carney government to promote Canada as a reliable energy supplier.

“We’ve just seen a tremendous surge and I think a lot of that’s in line with this new message that Canada is sending to the world that we’re open for business, whether that’s energy superpower and we’re looking to trade and supply safe, secure and reliable energy to new customers around the world,” said organizer Nick Samain, senior vice-president of DMB Events.

“We are in Calgary, the energy epicenter — but we’ve got projects on the East Coast, whether that’s offshore, whether that is electrification, you’ve got a big presence here from the nuclear sector, renewables, hydrogen,” Samain added.

“Canada’s got such a tremendous opportunity for energy and that message is really driving some strong optimism here at the conference.”

In his opening remarks, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson told delegates that “Canada can be a supplier you need in a volatile world.”

Referencing Canada’s abundant energy resources, environmental regulations, entrepreneurial workforce and the federal government’s focus on major projects, including ports, energy corridors and clean energy initiatives, Hodgson said, “the world needs what Canada has and Canada understands that we need the prosperity that our energy and natural resources properly developed (have) created.”

“The world is not waiting for Canada. But Canada is not waiting, either. We’re rising to the moment,” Hodgson added.

While Samain said there are no discussions planned about the possibility of Alberta’s separation from Canada, he expects those discussions will take place.

“I’m looking forward to that debate. That’s what these conferences are all about, is to be able to talk about how that could affect investment,” Samain said.

“I expect that to be part of the conversation and we welcome that here at the show.”

–with files from The Canadian Press.

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

Supporters of Villa Maria College brought their concerns to Quebec City on Tuesday, urging the Congregation of Notre-Dame to provide clarity on the future of the historic school.

Villa Maria, a private co-ed high school that’s operated for more than 170 years, sits on land owned by the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre-Dame.

In 2023, it announced plans to eventually sell the property once the school’s lease expires in 2030.

Since then, the uncertainty surrounding the school’s future has sparked protests, legal action and a growing concern from families.

“My understanding is that the board in the coming days and weeks is going to be coming forward with recommendations,” said Désirée McGraw, NDG MNA. “We want to send a very strong signal both to the board and especially the congregation that the community and the public interest is best served by Villa Maria staying where it is.”

Liberal MNA Desiree McGraw tabled a petition at the National Assembly on Tuesday, signed by nearly 4,000 people, calling on “all stakeholders to explore every possible avenue to allow the school to remain on its current site.”

Community leaders say they’re not only looking for answers — but also solutions.

Among the ideas being discussed once again is the possibility of subdividing the property, which could allow the school to remain on part of the site.

“The borough and our new administration is fully open to receiving any deposit of a new project that is in line with preserving the school in its current location,” said Stéphanie Valenzuela, CDN-NDG borough mayor.

While supporters continue to advocate for the school, Suzanne Gouin, chair of the board of directors, says it’s working tirelessly to come up with its recommendations, which should be submitted to the congregation by the end of the month.

“Give us just a little bit more time,” said Gouin. “So that we can finalize our work, and making sure that when we come up with the proposal to the congregation, that nobody, I mean, people may not be happy with the end result,  but nobody will be able to say that we haven’t done our homework to the T.”

Gouin says she hopes a final decision will be made by the start of the upcoming school year.

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

Saskatchewan’s premier says a large majority of residents appear in favour of a youth social media ban in the province as the federal government is set to announce its own.

Premier Scott Moe said in an interview with Global News Tuesday that most who have returned their survey so far support a ban.

Last month the province sent out postcards asking what age restrictions would make sense for a ban and what platforms should be considered. The postcards have started to be completed over the past two weeks, with a deadline of them being returned by June 30.

“There’s really an overwhelming support from parents for some degree of limitations on social media access for children,” Moe said.

“It’s about 86 per cent.”

Moe did not say how many postcards had been received so far, but said he plans to share parents’ opinions with the federal government.

A federal government source confirmed to Global News on Monday that Ottawa plans to propose a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16 as part of its anticipated online harms bill that will be introduced Wednesday.

Other provinces are also considering restrictions or outright bans.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew was the first premier to say he planned to place a ban on both social media and AI chatbots for youth. Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra said he wants to work with the federal government on the issue. British Columbia Attorney General Niki Sharma previously said it should be the federal government that takes the lead.

Legislation that would put the age limit for social media at 15 was approved by Quebec’s National Assembly in January and is approaching a final vote, with officials aiming to have it in place for the start of the school year.

Angus Reid polling released in late March also showed broad Canadian support for a ban.

With a federal ban looming, Moe said he believes provinces could make alterations for their own jurisdictions, but a national ban is the best way to start.

“So you may see some subtle differences province to province but I think it’s important and it definitely is most effective if there are going to be limitations that those do happen nationally and they’re somewhat standardized across the country,” Moe said.

Manitoba’s premier said Tuesday he will be watching the proposed federal ban “closely.”

“Little too soon to say because we haven’t seen all the specifics,” Kinew said. “We’re very interested including, potentially, working with the federal government but it will depend on the details and how they plan to approach it.”

The Ministry of the Attorney General of B.C. said in an emailed statement it has been calling on the federal government to “act urgently and decisively” to regulate online spaces, especially to protect children and youth.

“Our online safety proposals have been well received by the federal government, and we look forward to seeing the legislation they table,” the ministry said.

Canada’s privacy commissioner, Philippe Dufresne, said last month when asked about a potential social media ban that such a move shouldn’t  come at the expense of ensuring platforms have strong privacy protections.

“I think at the heart of these considerations should be what is in the best interest of children,” he told reporters. “The first step need not necessarily be a ban.”

—with files from Global’s Sean Boynton, Bryan Mullan and Mackenzie Gray

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

The City of Pickering, Ont., is taking action against a sitting councillor after an independent investigation determined harassment allegations against her were substantiated.

In 2025, city staff filed a complaint against Coun. Lisa Robinson under the Respect in the Workplace Policy, citing bullying, intimidation and harassment beginning in 2024.

Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe told Global News the complaints were first handled by human resources before an investigation was outsourced to Turnpenney Milne LLP. The findings were presented in-camera at a special council meeting Monday.

Following the meeting, Ashe posted a statement on social media saying the process involved “a comprehensive review of evidence, including emails, letters, meeting recordings, published social media posts, videos recorded and shared by the councillor, integrity commissioner’s reports, and witness evidence.”

He said the “broader pattern, repetition, tone, platform, and foreseeable impact of the councillor’s public communication in the workplace” were also assessed.

“Following several months of review and analysis, the independent investigator concluded that the allegations were substantiated, finding that the cumulative effect of Councillor Robinson’s statements and actions directed at staff constituted workplace harassment and created a poisoned work environment,” Ashe said on social media.

He said the findings were then referred to an independent municipal law firm to recommend corrective actions.

Ashe told Global News that Robinson will now face three consequences.

He said administrative restrictions that have been in place for the past few years, including limiting contact with staff to email, restricted access in City Hall that only includes her office, and an inability to use her office for social media or public meetings.

“Second thing was the recommendation to remove her ability to attend council meetings when we return to the chamber in September in person,” Ashe said, noting Robinson will only be able to attend virtually.

He said the city will also be updating its indemnification clause so staff and members of council can access legal advice if harassment continues.

“I would have hoped that the integrity commissioner’s sanctions and reports would have course corrected,” Ashe said. “Unfortunately, that has not been the case.”

Robinson has been at the centre of multiple controversies since she was first elected to council in 2022. She has been accused of homophobia and racism dating back to 2024. She has also been subject to several, separate, investigations by the integrity commissioner including for cyberbullying and intimidation, resulting in pay suspensions ranging from 30 to 90 days.

Ashe told Global News the ongoing actions of the councillor have negatively impacted the work environment.

“We’ve lost some good people. We’ve had to physically change our council chamber. We had to go online. We now have police at our council meetings when they return to our public meetings,” he said. “So it’s a cascading effect in terms of the negativity that’s occurring to our staff.”

Ashe told Global News that Robinson had “at least eight” opportunities to share her side of the story during HR’s review and the external investigation. He said she declined to do so every time.

Following the meeting Monday, Robinson took to social media stating her disagreement with council’s decision to accept the recommend penalties, claiming it was an “unfair process.”

“No one, not me, not council, not the public, has ever seen the evidence or the investigation report,” she wrote. “Today, in our in-camera meeting, I was not permitted to question the process, challenge the allegations, or defend myself in any way.”

“I have never threatened City staff. I have never encouraged violence. I have never directed anyone to act against any employee. What I have done is criticize government decisions, wasteful spending, policies, and the conduct of public officials. That is not harassment;  it is democratic accountability,” she continued.

Ashe said he feels Robinson’s statement is unfounded and the corrective action taken by council is fair.

“I don’t think Coun. Robinson’s observations are accurate, and in fact, I think they’re very hurtful. And I’m hopeful that she’ll see the error in her ways,” he said.

On May 31, Robinson announced in a video that she would be running against Ashe for mayor in the upcoming municipal election.

That campaign could be halted if regulations involving Bill 9, which was passed unanimously by the province last month, are put in place before October.

Municipal officials had been petitioning the provincial government since 2024 for a bill that would allow for the creation of a standard code of conduct for all municipalities, and penalties up to the removal and disqualification of a member of office if they are in serious violation of the code.

Ashe said provincial officials have eluded the law won’t take effect until after the next election, but he said it is a welcomed pursuit to maintain a safe work environment in the future.

–with files from The Canadian Press

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