The good news: It’s official summer. The band news: The days will now start getting shorter. Best immerse yourself into New Music Friday for some tunes that will help you forget that the next stop is fall, then winter.

Singles

1. Featurette, Xanax (Division 11)

Featurette, a trio from Toronto, has been apparently been recently immersed in trip-hop, resulting in a new track that’s all about anxiety and numbness. Oh, there was also a trip to the emergency room that included a Xanax prescription following what vocalist Lexie Jay calls “a stress-induced cardiac event.” Given what’s going on the world today, I hear you, sister.

2. Hollerado, Keep on Moving (Royal Mountain)

Hollerado’s not-retirement continues with another single from their Start a Band EP. They’re also back on tour (Europe with Billy Talent, Hillside Festival, an RBC Amphitheatre Show on July 18). It looks like this non-retirement will continue for a while.

3. Lazarettes, Undertow (Independent)

Here’s a happy-sounding song from a Toronto band that features lyrics that are pretty dire when it comes to commenting on existing in today’s messed up word. Gotta love the Farfisa organ, which gives everything a cool New Wave feel. The line-up includes Chris Tait (Chalk Circle), Bryce Thomas, Richard Peirce, Chris Monster and Adam Warner. Some of their collaborations have been with Jill Barber, Royal Wood, and Ron Sexsmith

4. Marilyn Manson, Exit Wound (Nuclear Blast)

Perennial #MeToo problem child Marilyn Manson continues to record and tour, most recently with Rob Zombie with the “Freaks on Parade” tour. A new album, One Assassination Under God – Chapter 2 (the follow-up to 2024’s Chapter 1) will arrive on August 14. Once again, the producer is Tyler Bates, who scores horror films and gory video games. Sounds like a perfect match, don’t it?

5. Valley, Vending Machine (Universal)

More Canada. Valley is a trio who have been nominated for multiple Junos. This song begins with a very simple question, the answer to which is “Yes. Most definitely.”

Eddie Vedder and Guitars Over Funs, Better Believe (Republic)

If you saw the entertainment surrounding the opening of the Obama Presidential Library in Chicago yesterday (June 18), you will have seen Eddie perform this song. The Obama Foundation helped organize this project, bringing in Audio Arts students from Columbia College Chicago. All royalties will go to Guitars Over Guns, an arts-based youth development group that uses music and mentorship to help empower young people.

Listen on Spotify.

Albums

1. Belvedere, Seven Years of Bad Luck (Thousand Island Records)

Our list of the week’s new albums begins with the seventh full-length record from Calgary punks Belvedere. These guys have been at it for more than 30 years, Respect.

2. Haircut One Hundred, Boxing the Compass (October is Orange Ltd.)

Yes, this is the Haircut One Hundred that had hits like Fantastic Day, Love Plus One, and Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl) back in the early 80s. Original vocalist Nick Heyward is back with the crew (he left in 1982) for the group’s first album since–wait for it–1984. Forty-two years is a long time between records, innit? This track sounds like it’s 1983 all over again.

3. Pond, Terrestrials (Mangovision/Secretly Distribution)

From the white boy funkiness of Haircut One Hundred, we move to some Australian psych featuring Pond, originally from Perth. (I’ve been to Perth; I found that they really like their psych and shoegaze.) This is their 11th studio record, with which they say they tried to capture a “goths at the pub” sound.

4. Stupidity, Beyond Stupidity (Wicked Cool)

I had to include this Swedish garage band just because of their name. This is their eighth album and will no doubt get some love from Little Steven and his Underground Garage channel on SiriusXM.

5. Tired of Fighting, And Then It Suddenly Hits You (Punkerton)

We end with some English emo featuring Tired of Fighting, a trio from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (est. 2019) who mine the angst of the early 2000s via bands like Taking Back Sunday and crossing it with a little Gaslight Anthem, followed by a dash of Paramore. This is their debut album.

 

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

Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off on Friday after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, three officials said, raising questions about a nascent agreement to end the war in Iran.

Iranian officials didn’t travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing mediation to try to get the talks rescheduled. U.S. Vice President JD Vance also cancelled his trip.

Israel’s military struck targets in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, and Hezbollah reported intense fighting. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said at least 21 people were killed, and Israel said four soldiers died.

The conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah is the most precarious part of the Iran deal. Neither Israel nor the militant group signed the agreement — but it is supposed to end their fighting, and Iran has signaled its willingness to risk renewed war in the region for the sake of its interests in Lebanon and its most important regional ally.

Mediators are now scrambling to reschedule the meetings, which were supposed to begin addressing how to restrict Iran’s nuclear program — the core issue over which Israel and the U.S. went to war on Feb. 28.

The talks are also supposed to bring about a permanent end to the conflict. The interim deal has already reopened the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping, after Iranian attacks and threats all but stopped the flow of oil and natural gas through the waterway. A new Iranian authority charged with overseeing the strait issued guidance Friday calling on ships to register with it even as transits are currently free — signaling Tehran’s intent to likely start charging.

The Israeli military said strikes were ongoing on Friday after four of its soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel, were killed in an attack on a tank in a village near the southern Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh. An explosive drone attack wounded another five, it added.

Israel then launched multiple strikes against “Hezbollah infrastructure sites” in Nabatiyeh and other areas, according to a military statement, which accused the militant group of “blatant ceasefire violations.”

Later, the military said it also struck targets in the Beqaa Valley in eastern Lebanon, with Lebanese media saying the village of Douris was hit.

“Israel will not tolerate attacks on our soldiers or on our territory, and it will exact a very heavy price from Hezbollah for these attacks,” Netanyahu said in a statement Friday.

Hezbollah acknowledged targeting Israeli tanks and said its attacks were in response to what it called Israel’s own violation of the ceasefire. It said the attacks came after Israeli forces attempted to reach the northern side of Ali al-Taher hilltop, a strategic point that overlooks Nabatiyeh and that Israeli troops have been trying to capture.

In southern Lebanon, many were forced to flee their villages due to the Israeli attacks.

“The situation is lawless, we couldn’t stay,” said Mustafa Zain, who had his six daughters in a pickup truck as he was leaving Akaar through Tyre.

The fighting threatens to unravel the newly signed deal. Beyond ending the hostilities in Lebanon, the agreement calls for ensuring Lebanon’s “territorial integrity and sovereignty.”

It does not say whether that means Israel would withdraw from the large swaths of southern Lebanon it has occupied since Hezbollah joined the war in its early days by firing rockets and drones at northern Israel.

Iran has insisted Israel pull back, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that forces would remain in a “security zone” of southern Lebanon as long as “Israel’s security needs require it.”

Israel’s actions in Lebanon have created a rift between Israel and the U.S., with Trump becoming increasingly critical of his close ally Netanyahu. Netanyahu is also facing increasing criticism at home — and from other quarters.

Tehran is insisting that Israel’s attacks in Lebanon cease before they send a delegation to Switzerland, according to the officials.

The White House, however, blamed logistical issues when Vance put off his trip.

Two other regional officials, similarly speaking on condition of anonymity for the same reason, described Pakistan as being “stunned” by Iran’s decision not to go to the talks.

The discussions in Switzerland are expected to focus on Iran’s nuclear program. Tehran maintains it is peaceful, though it has highly enriched uranium that could be used to build multiple atomic bombs, should it choose to do so, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Those talks are expected to be extremely difficult. The 2015 nuclear deal, which Trump scrapped during his first term, took more than 18 months to negotiate.

The interim deal gives negotiators 60 days to come up with a nuclear agreement but that can be extended. It outlines lucrative incentives if Iran does reach a new agreement, including the eventual lifting of all international sanctions and a US$300 billion fund for postwar reconstruction.

Already Iran has won some concessions. Following the signing of the interim deal, the U.S. lifted its blockade of Iran’s ports and is allowing it to sell its oil freely. The deal also calls for Iran’s assets to be unfrozen — though it’s not clear how quickly.

Oil tankers began freely moving through the Strait of Hormuz this week after months of being unable to use the critical channel. More than 12.5 million barrels of oil were shipped through the waterway on Wednesday night, the U.S. said.

Still, it is expected to take weeks or months for the normal flow of oil and gas to resume, even if traffic fully resumes in the strait.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

A 46-year-old man is wanted after his parents died Thursday following an assault in Mississauga, Ont., Peel Regional Police say.

Insp. Mike Mavity said officers were called to a home near Hurontario Street and Lakeshore Road East just after 7 p.m. They found two people – a 70-year-old and a 71-year-old – with life-threatening injuries.

They were taken to hospital, where they later died.

Mavity said they were the parents of Jordan Sangwin, who investigators are now looking for. Sangwin is considered armed and dangerous, but Mavity said there is no risk to public safety.

Sangwin didn’t live at the home where the incident occurred, police believe.

An investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

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

TORONTO – The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired defenceman Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

The 30-year-old Toronto native signed an eight-year contract extension. Financial terms were not disclosed, but the deal is reportedly worth more than US$8 million annually.

Raddysh is coming off a breakout 2025-26 season, recording career highs with 22 goals and 70 points in 73 games.

His previous career high was 37 points in 73 games with Tampa Bay in 2024-25.

“Darren has emerged as one of the NHL’s premier two-way defensemen, combining elite puck-moving ability with poise, competitiveness, and strong play in all three zones,” Leafs general manager John Chayka said in a release. “He strengthens our blue line in every situation and is exactly the type of player we want helping lead this team.”

Raddysh had 35 goals and 143 points in 249 career games with Tampa Bay and was set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

Undrafted following five seasons with the OHL’s Erie Otters, Raddysh signed with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2018 and spent parts of six seasons in the American Hockey League before becoming an NHL regular.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2026.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

Many artists won’t go back and listen to their previous albums because all they hear are the mistakes and the things they should have done to make it better. But what’s done is done and it’s just best to move on. This happens to Dave Grohl every once in a while. He has a very hard time listening to the fourth album, One By One, from 2002.

Nothing was working during those sessions after three-and-a-half months of work and spending more than a million dollars in studio fees. Production was halted, and Dave went off to do some work outside the band, including a stint with Queens of the Stone Age. Then there was Taylor Hawkins’ near-fatal overdose, which messed things up even further.

The album did eventually come out and sold a respectable four million copies, but Dave feels it doesn’t sound like the band and didn’t feel right. Today, he thinks there are only four good songs on the record and seven bad ones.

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

Bagpipes and ceremonial formality set the tone as the Belleville Police Service, staff, and community members marked the service’s 190th anniversary.

“This has been a long time in the making to have this event,” said deputy Chief Sheri Meeks “But it’s also a 190 years of a long time to celebrate, so very excited and proud.”

The event featured remarks from dignitaries including former chiefs, provincial and municipal officials, as well as the unveiling of a new book chronicling the service’s near two-century history, showcasing how much has changed over time.

“The police service for many years just had a couple of bicycles,” retiree John Lowry said “Then they had motorcycles, then they had a Ford mobile car, and now today you have a whole fleet with various types of vehicles. So there’s various changes and you just have to adapt to and evolve with all those changes.”

However, Meeks added that some things have remained the same since the early days.

“Back in 1836 there were officers walking on foot, interacting with the community, trying to figure out and solve problems that people were having,” said Meeks.

“Maybe the rules and the laws were different, but the people interaction was the same.”

The book, published by the Hastings County Historical Society, also shares some lighter moments from the service’s history. President Gary Nicol recounted one

“This one story where somebody was selling turkeys, and they were putting stones and rocks and feeding them to the turkey so the turkey would be heavier because it was sold by weight, and of course people cooked the turkey, found a rock in it and when to the police.”

As the service celebrates 190 years, Meeks says it owes a debt of gratitude to the people both sworn and civilian who have made the force what it is today.

© 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.

Backyard boredom? Not on our watch. When summer calls for outdoor fun that’s a little extra (literally), oversized games are here to answer. Think your favourite childhood classics like Jenga, Connect Four and UNO–supersized. These giant versions of Connect 4, Jenga, and more turn your backyard into a playground for kids and grownups alike. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just want an excuse to get off your phone, these jumbo picks bring major fun to your next hangout.

 

The classic, but taller. Stack it up, pull one out, try not to send it toppling–it’s just like you remember, only now it’s up to 5 feet tall and way more dramatic. Pro tip: it gets way more intense after sunset and a few drinks.[/product_listing]

 

Bigger discs, bigger bragging rights. This jumbo version of the iconic strategy game is a total crowd-pleaser. Kids love the colours, adults get weirdly competitive–everyone wins.[/product_listing]

 

Beer pong, but backyard-friendly–complete with supersizes red solo cups and ping pong balls. Perfect for cookouts, beach days, or when you want to feel like you’re in college again.[/product_listing]

 

It’s Uno, but make it theatrical. These hilariously oversized cards are a blast for family game night or a themed party. Bonus: it’s impossible to lose under the couch.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Hasbro Gaming: Jenga Classic Game – $24.99

LEGO Speed Champions Ferrari SF-24 F1 – $25.63

Toss and Catch Ball Set – $35.99

 

Strike out—in a good way. This inflatable version of bowling is great for all ages and makes a surprisingly solid workout if you’re the designated pin-resetter.[/product_listing]

 

Chill and competitive. Roll it out on the lawn or the living room floor. This set doubles as a comfy picnic blanket when you’re not playing.[/product_listing]

 

Tic Tac Toe gets wild. Toss bean bags to flip the targets and land three in a row–before your opponent flips them back. Fast, fun, and way more chaotic than it looks.[/product_listing]

 

Heavier than they look! Stack them, line them up, or play a real game if you know the rules (we won’t tell if you fake it).[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Family Charades – $15.84

EastPoint Sports Go! Gater Corn Hole Outdoor Game – $80.06

PlayStation 5 Disc Edition Console – $694.96

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

As extreme weather events become more frequent and destructive, Alberta homeowners are facing steep increases in insurance premiums, with experts warning the trend is unlikely to reverse without significant changes.

Industry officials say the cost of home insurance in Alberta has surged dramatically over the past two decades, rising about 400 per cent as insurers grapple with mounting claims tied to natural disasters.

Some Calgary residents say the increases have been substantial. One northeast homeowner, Sandar Costa, reported their annual premium rose by $500, bringing their total to about $4,000. Another resident, Balwinder Singh, said they now pay roughly $300 a month, or about $3,600 a year, for coverage.

“The reality is that Alberta is the natural disaster capital of Canada. Flood, wildfire, hail — Albertans face all of it,” said Liam McGuinty with the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

Experts say these events are becoming more frequent and more destructive, with insurers paying out billions in claims.

“Because of climate change, we do expect that to continue. The frequency of intense systems moving through is only going to increase,” said Global News meteorologist Tiffany Lizee.

A recent example saw a cluster of storm systems rip up trees and damage homes across southern Alberta earlier this week.

Home insurance may be more expensive in storm-prone areas, but annual increases are being felt by all Albertans. “We’re all paying more for heightened natural disasters because the claims of the few are paid for by the premiums of the many,” McGuinty said.

Experts say rebuilding after every disaster is not sustainable.

“One, you need to make sure that homeowners are incentivized to take steps to protect their homes through retrofit programs and the like. Two, we need stop building in high-risk areas. We also need building codes that result in more safe homes. And third, we need to invest in resilient infrastructure,” McGuinty told Global.

The province says it is partnering with the insurance industry on ways to lower premiums and ensure Albertans receive fair value for their coverage.

In a statement, the press secretary for Alberta’s finance minister said a cross-ministerial working group is exploring options to reduce the cost of property insurance, with a focus on improving home resilience as a key driver of affordability.

The statement said the work is ongoing and more information will be shared once it is complete.

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

A Canadian polling firm has sent Premier Doug Ford a legal letter demanding he corrects the record after Ford claimed the organization published a “fake” public opinion survey showing the premier’s personal approval rating at a record low level.

The Angus Reid Institute’s quarterly cross-country temperature check of premiers’ approval ratings revealed Ford has dropped to 21 per cent support, making him the least approved of provincial leader in the country.

Asked about the poll on Tuesday, Ford claimed it was “fake,” suggesting it had been based on the views of opposition politicians.

“They put this fake poll out. They poll the NDP and Liberal caucus,” he said at an unrelated event in Thunder Bay.

The premier went on to claim the firm’s polling methodology involved going into a “hardcore NDP neighbourhood” to ask its questions.

“It’s little games, and then you guys run with it,” he said.

The comments didn’t sit well with the non-profit polling firm, which immediately issued a statement saying it stood by its research and methodology and noted  that Ford “did not express a problem” with its polling when it showed positive results for him.

On Thursday, Global News learned the firm sent Ford’s office a letter demanding a retraction.

“I confirm the existence of a legal letter sent to Premier Doug Ford,” President Shachi Kurl said in a statement.

“Angus Reid Institute stands by its work and its long record of independent, non-partisan public opinion research. We do not intend to litigate this issue in the media, but we do believe the public record should be corrected.”

The Premier’s Office did not respond to a request for comment.

While Angus Reid’s numbers garnered headlines, the company’s polling is part of a larger trend.

Since early 2026, Ford’s Progressive Conservatives have been experiencing a steady decline in public support as the party entered its eighth year in office.

Public opinion polls, on average, show the PC with 40 per cent support — enough to win another majority government, but with tighter margins.

Polls have also shown the leaderless Liberals catching up to and, at times, beating the PC Party as voters started considering alternatives to the government party.

On Friday, a Liaison Strategies poll found Ford’s PCs sit at 35 per cent support, while the Liberals are at 38 per cent and the NDP at 22 per cent.

The slump in numbers was compounded by the government’s decision to exempt the premier and cabinet ministers from freedom of information laws, Ford’s legal battle to keep his personal cellphone records private and his decision to buy a $28.9 million Challenger 650 jet to accommodate his travel.

On Tuesday, the premier said the poll that had him as Canada’s least popular premier was simply wrong.

“I’ll tell you the reason we’d win another massive majority: because we’re creating jobs, we aren’t raising taxes, we’re putting money into people’s pockets,” he said.

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

An Ontario judge will deliver her decision on the charges of sexual assault laid against Canadian businessman Frank Stronach on Friday, marking the end of a high-profile case.

Stronach is the founder and former head of Magna International, a major Canadian company that makes auto parts.

He has been seen as a landmark Canadian business success story, having started one of the largest companies in the country, one which features in the Fortune Global 500 list every year for more than two decades.

In 2024, Peel Regional Police charged Stronach with 18 offences involving 13 complainants, which were split across two trials.

The charges relate to alleged incidents of sexual assault spanning the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s.

Stronach, who is 93, pleaded not guilty to the 12 charges, related to seven complainants.

As the Toronto trial progressed in the winter and spring, prosecutors withdrew five charges related to three of the women, leaving Stronach with seven charges related to four women.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Anne Molloy, who is presiding over the case, said she “couldn’t possibly” convict the businessman based on the evidence of one of the remaining complainants, whose testimony she deemed unreliable.

Two of the charges are related to that complainant, who alleged Stronach raped her in the early 1980s.

He will also face trial on other charges in Newmarket, Ont., next year.

Stronach, who was born in Austria, rose to prominence and wealth after creating Magna in a rented garage in the 1950s, eventually turning it into a multinational conglomerate.

He also founded the Stronach Group, a company that specializes in horse racing, and later Stronach International in 2018, a company focusing on organic foods and “micro-electric mobility.”

The judge presiding over the trial is expected to deliver her verdict on Friday morning.

— with files from The Canadian Press

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