Campers at Pigeon Lake Provincial Park, located about an hour southwest of Edmonton, are dealing with an influx of visitors this week.

A huge number of forest tent caterpillars have invaded the campground, munching on leaves as they go.

The furry visitors are everywhere — on picnic tables, in fire pits and on the trees, stripping some branches bare.

“They’re not bad if there’s a few of them but anything in large amount of numbers is a little eerie,” said camper Meghan Bodker.

“We’ve been doing our eating inside the trailer,” added camper Robin King.

Alberta Parks told Global News that it’s not an infestation, it’s a seasonal guest experiencing a cyclical boom that happens every 10-12 years.

They have a life cycle of four to six weeks before they build cocoons, or tents, and eventually become moths.

The “very hungry caterpillars” are native to Alberta and provide an abundant food source for birds and other wildlife.

The campground host at Pigeon Lake said he’s getting complaints about them, but they’re mainly just a nuisance.

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

Authorities in Toronto have charged an 18-year-old man in connection with the March 10 shooting at the U.S. consulate.

Sheldon Tracy-Stewart was arrested and charged on Thursday with 11 counts, including discharging a firearm, illegal firearm possession and vehicle theft.

While there were no reported injuries during the incident, the case was linked by authorities in the U.S. to an alleged international campaign from Iranian-backed groups against targets in Europe and North America.

Earlier on Thursday, a veteran police officer died after an early-morning raid linked to the shooting was conducted.

Const. Marc Pinizzotto, a member of the Emergency Task Force, was shot as officers executed the search warrant at 15 Martha Eaton Way, an apartment building near Trethewey and Black Creek drives, at about 5:40 a.m.

The case they were investigating was deemed by Canadian authorities to be a national security case and sparked investigations by the RCMP.

After the March 10 consulate shooting, an Iraqi national was arrested in the U.S. and charged with terrorism offences. U.S. prosecutors alleged Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi and others were behind the Toronto attack, as well as a second attack targeting a synagogue in Canada, while also coordinating nearly 20 attacks across Europe tied to an Iranian-backed militant network.

They claimed Al-Saadi had a role as a senior member of Kata’ib Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

According to the unsealed U.S. criminal complaint, prosecutors alleged Al-Saadi and others “planned, coordinated, and claimed responsibility” for at least 18 terrorist attacks across Europe, along with “two additional attacks in Canada.”

–with files from Aaron D’Andrea and Isaac Callan

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

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From capris to jorts, summer 2026 is shaping up to be a season defined by easy and comfortable fits. Think warm afternoons spent wandering city streets, coffee in hand, or slow weekends that call for pieces you can throw on and still feel put-together. This year’s shorts trends move between polished tailoring, nostalgic throwbacks and laid-back essentials—from pleated high-rise styles and breezy linen blends to boxer shorts and the return of structured denim jorts. Whether you’re dressing for everyday errands, vacation days or casual evenings out, these silhouettes are set to become the go-to staples of the season, with standout picks from brands like Aritzia, Lululemon, Dynamite and more.

 

Satin shorts

Satin shorts blend a soft, luxe texture with casual silhouettes, making them easy to dress up or down.

These Dynamite Lace Satin Shorts in Java Brown are a lightweight, silky pair of mini shorts with a relaxed fit and a subtle stretch. Lace trim detail adds a sultry touch, so they can be styled for a comfy night in or for a night-out.[/product_listing]

 

If you’re looking for an elevated option, these Reformation satin shorts bring everything to the next level. They add a soft, romantic edge to your outfits, finished with a delicate lace hem. The premium satin fabrication and thoughtful tailoring give them a refined drape and structure that feels distinctly investment-worthy rather than purely casual.[/product_listing]

 

Slip these into your luggage for beach holidays, city getaways, or calm evenings when you want something that feels a little more considered than basic loungewear. The combination of a tailored classic fit, subtle sheen, and barely-there 1 inch inseam creates a piece that feels both understated and distinctly detailed.[/product_listing]

 

Bermuda shorts

Bermuda shorts are having a major moment this summer, with relaxed, knee-length silhouettes taking over from shorter cuts as people lean into more vintage-inspired and comfortably tailored looks.

The Daydrift Pleated High-Rise Short from Lululemon have a structured, slightly dressed-up vibe thanks to the pleats, but still feel comfortable because of the stretchy, cool-to-the-touch fabric. They’re the kind of shorts that pair just as easily with a simple tee as they do with something more polished, making them genuinely versatile for a range of everyday outfits.[/product_listing]

 

Made with a comfortable stretch woven fabric, these high-rise bermuda shorts offer a smooth, flattering fit that moves with you. Great for summer workwear, they feature a pull-on design with a hidden elastic waistband and classic tailoring details.[/product_listing]

 

Capri shorts

Capri shorts are making a strong comeback this season, tapping straight into the return of 90s fashion with their cropped, retro silhouette that feels nostalgic and fresh.

A black capri is a summer wardrobe staple, and the Skyline Capri from Aritzia has a modern, easy-to-wear fit. Made from softly structured stretch twill, they have a comfortable yet tailored feel, with a mid-rise waist, flat front, darted back, and subtle side slits.[/product_listing]

 

Designed with a buttery-soft, weightless feel, these high-rise cropped leggings move with you while delivering four-way stretch, sweat-wicking comfort, and a barely-there sensation on the skin. The retro-inspired notched hem and breathable Nulu fabric make them a versatile go-to for everything from yoga flows to off-duty days.[/product_listing]

 

Boxer shorts

If you’re looking for an easy way to stay comfy while keeping stylish, boxer shorts are are a true summer staple. With their loose fit and borrowed-from-the-boys feel, they bring a laid-back edge that works perfectly for casual outings.

If you’re looking for your new favourite summer shorts, these lightweight, breathable boxer shorts are made from soft rayon with a relaxed fit and elastic waistband. Featuring trendy gingham and striped Y2K-inspired designs with pockets, they’re perfect for summer lounging, sleepwear, or casual beach days.[/product_listing]

 

These Papinelle Annabelle Satin Boxer Shorts from Anthropologie are made from a soft satin blend, giving them a smooth, slightly lustrous finish with a comfortable drape. They feature a pull-on elastic waistband, side seam pockets, and a relaxed boxer-inspired fit, perfect for looking chic while lounging.[/product_listing]

 

Linen shorts

Linen is trending for summer thanks to its lightweight, airy fabric and relaxed structure that fit perfectly with the move toward easy, breathable dressing.

Cut from 100% European flax linen, these shorts give you that sun-washed vibe—lightweight, breathable, and quietly put-together in true warm-weather fashion. Finished with a relaxed drawstring waist and practical pockets, they make a practical addition to any wardrobe.[/product_listing]

 

These linen shorts are designed as a lightweight, breathable staple, crafted from 100% linen with a naturally textured finish that feels clean and intentional. The relaxed mid-rise silhouette, elastic waistband, and soft drape create a balanced shape that prioritizes comfort while still feeling refined and well-constructed.[/product_listing]

 

These linen cotton shorts are made from a breathable blend of linen and cotton that feels cool and soft. They have a comfortable elastic waistband at the back with a regular fit and pleat design that makes them easy to wear for both casual and slightly dressed-up outfits.[/product_listing]

 

Jorts

Jorts are trending again thanks to the return of Y2K and 90s-inspired fashion, bringing back their oversized denim silhouette with a modern streetwear edge. Their structured, easy-to-style shape makes them a versatile summer staple.

Love Levi’s? These women’s Middy Jort Shorts are mid-rise, 100% cotton denim shorts with a regular fit and classic zipper fly, designed for a relaxed yet structured summer look.[/product_listing]

These low-rise jorts from Simons’ Twik line are made from 100% cotton denim with a wide-leg fit, coming in light, medium, and off-white washes. They’re a casual, trend-forward summer piece with classic 5-pocket styling and a zip fly, designed to be easy to pair with fitted tops or oversized layers for a relaxed streetwear look.[/product_listing]

You may also like:

Cherry Bag Charm – $120

Women’s Sun Straw Hat Wide Brim – $35.99

Shark ChillPill, The only 3-in-1 personal cooling system – $480.00

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

The Edmonton Catholic School Division said four elementary school students were taken to hospital for precautionary reasons after the bus they were riding on crashed into the ditch on Yellowhead Trail, northeast of downtown Edmonton.

In a written statement provided to Global News, school district officials said there were 49 students and seven adults on the bus when the crash happened. However, the statement said “all students and staff are safe.”

The statement said the bus, which was carrying students from St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School, was returning from a school field trip when it experienced a tire blowout before hitting the ditch.

A spokesperson for the company that operates the bus, Cunningham Transport, told Global News that despite being “shaken up,” everyone has been “checked over by EMS” and appears to be “doing okay.”

A large contingent of emergency crews were called out to the crash, including police, paramedics and fire crews.

The school division said a replacement bus was brought in to transport the students back to the school.

What appeared to be several worried parents or guardians could also be seen arriving at the scene of the crash to collect and console their children.

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

While tailgating has been a staple in cities like Winnipeg, Edmonton and Calgary for years, Rider fans are finally getting their own chance to embrace one of football’s greatest traditions.

After years of asking for it, legal tailgating officially arrives in Saskatchewan Saturday. Located on the Real District grounds, the designated area allows approved pass holders to bring their own food, beverages, fire up the grill and celebrate game day in true football fashion. Fans who do not have passes are welcome to roam the lot by foot.

While the fans prepare their grills and coolers, the team is also thrilled about the addition to the game day experience.

“It’s awesome. I wish I could be out there with them, but yeah, it’s part of the game, especially in this market,” said Riders running back coach Andrew Harris.

“You know there are passionate fans who want to have a couple pops and get all fired up before the game.”

Defensive back Tevaughn Campbell is excited to see how it boosts the home crowd in the Mosaic Stadium.

“Having the opportunity to tailgate, I think it’s going to be more busy than it was before, maybe a little rowdy, but you know in good fashion.” Campbell said.

While it is built to bring that classic football atmosphere to Regina, there will be a police presence and Regina police say they are prepared for all scenarios with officers expected to be on hand.

After a long wait, Saskatchewan is finally joining the party, taking the Riders game day experience to a whole new level. The lot opens five hours before kickoff and closes one hour prior to the start of the game.

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

The charges against the man accused in a vehicle-ramming incident in Vancouver’s West End have been upgraded to murder.

Tadd Bali is now facing one count each of second-degree murder and attempted murder, as well as two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm.

He was initially charged with four counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm.

On May 15, surveillance video captured an SUV allegedly ramming several vehicles, speeding through a section of Nelson Park, and intentionally driving along a sidewalk in the area of Comox and Broughton streets.

Vancouver police said the incident happened around 5:30 a.m. and several witnesses nearby had to scramble to get out of the way of the suspect’s vehicle.

A police cruiser was able to stop the vehicle by blocking its path near Nelson Park.

The senior, who was driving a motorized scooter, had already been struck by the vehicle, police said.

He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but succumbed to his injuries on May 24.

Family identified the victim as Johnny Sudds.

In a message shared by his family, they stated that they are grieving and they have built a small shrine at the corner of Comox and Bute streets.

“If you are feeling blue, we encourage you to visit the shrine,” the message read. “Johnny will be happy to see you there.”

“During this time, we ask others to keep their thoughts on Johnny, the loss many of us feel and the journey toward healing.”

Two police officers were also injured, but were not seriously hurt, police said.

Bali remains in custody.

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

The union representing striking workers at Metro Vancouver says a full-scale strike will start on Monday.

In a statement, the Greater Vancouver Regional District Employees’ Union (GVRDEU) said all outside workers at Metro Vancouver will walk off their jobs on June 15 and only workers needed to maintain essential service levels will remain.

Picket lines will go up at regional parks, watersheds, water and wastewater treatment plants and operations yards.

“Our members are angry and frustrated that after 17 months without a contract, Metro Vancouver management continue to ignore the concerns of the frontline workers who deliver important services across the region,” said Jesse Medeiros, president of the GVRDEU.

“Management will not return to bargaining without the union agreeing to preconditions we’ve previously rejected and that’s capitulation, not negotiation.”

In addition, the members will perform their duties only between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., including this weekend.

In a statement, Metro Vancouver said it respects the right to lawful job action and is committed to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement.

“Metro Vancouver remains willing to return to the table with the assistance of a mediator,” the statement read.

“We have put forward 10 additional dates to resume talks, beyond the five previously declined by the union. While the union has characterized mediation as a precondition, we do not. We see it as an important and practical step, after almost a year of bargaining, to help both parties make progress and reach an agreement.

“Our latest offer includes a wage increase of more than 10 per cent over three years, which is consistent with other recently negotiated agreements in the region, including with our Teamsters union, and exceeds several other public sector employers.”

Metro Vancouver says that essential services will continue without disruption. This includes critical services such as drinking water, wastewater treatment, solid waste management, air quality monitoring, and access to regional parks.

More than 700 GVRDEU members operate and maintain regional services, such as protecting water, air, and natural resources, providing drinking water, sewer, and infrastructure services and stewarding parks, ecological reserves, and housing communities.

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

The Saskatchewan government’s response to last year’s intense wildfire-packed summer was severely lacking and exposed weaknesses in its preparedness measures and emergency organizations, according to an independent report.

Eleven recommendations were put forth in the long-awaited review from accounting firm MNP, which was originally due in February. It found the province had “significant gaps” in several key areas of wildfire management, including prevention, mitigation and emergency preparedness.

“After reading this 107-page review, it is clear the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency must do better,” said Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) Michael Weger at a news conference on Friday.

The 2025 Saskatchewan wildfire season was the second worst on record, with 2.9 million hectares burned by more than 500 wildfires that forced 10,000 people to be evacuated. In Denare Beach, near the Manitoba boundary in northeast Saskatchewan, about 400 homes — half the village — were destroyed.

Weger said the province will be investing in implementing the recommendations but could not provide an estimate of how much it’s expected to cost.

Part of that spending will include hiring new full-time staff to do mitigation work in the winter and firefighting in the summer.

“Many of these immediate actions are born directly from my conversations with residents and business owners from communities that were affected by the wildfires,” the minister said.

One of the issues identified in the report was the four-person fire mitigation team, which was fully staffed by provincial standards, but the report found that the small team needed additional members or a reduced workload.

Weger said staffing decisions will be made later, but he expects to add some new full-time workers to the SPSA.

The report also says the agency “was not fully prepared for a wildfire season of the scale and complexity seen in 2025.”

“The establishment of the SPSA as a joint emergency management and wildfire operations agency does not appear to have been supported by an effective rollout or implementation framework,” it reads.

Marlo Pritchard, the president of the SPSA, told reporters Friday he takes full responsibility for issues outlined in the report.

“I have committed to my board and to my minister that we can do better. We now have a road map to follow,” he said.

The wildfire response itself was also found by MNP to be lacking.

Coordination between government agencies, first responders, and other stakeholders is supposed to be done through the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre but was not, the report found. As a result, the hub was active, “but not operated as a fully functional coordination centre,” it stated.

It identified the major roadblock for the operations team as the SPSA-run response centre. The two centres were being confused with one another, and the report found it was unclear what specific tasks each party was responsible for.

“Staff reported that internal policies were outdated, hard to find, or not followed, contributing to operational confusion and inconsistent decision-making,” according to the report.

Sending out alerts and evacuation orders was found to be delayed and inconsistent.

This made it difficult for evacuees to know if, or when, to leave their home. It also challenged communities welcoming evacuees. Often those communities were “underprepared and forced into reactive decision-making,” the report found.

Saskatchewan’s 2025 fire evacuation process, once the order was in effect, was also insufficient – partly due to antiquated paper forms. The report says there was a backlog in handling the registration paperwork and, in some cases, duplicates were submitted.

Typically, local authorities order and manage evacuations, but if the situation becomes dire, the province steps in as seen in May of 2025. After the province took the ropes, the report said it became unclear who was in charge for those responding to, and dealing with, the wildfires.

Hugh Gordan, the NDP’s shadow minister for community safety, called it “a damning report.”

“The Coles Notes version of the executive summary doesn’t have a lot of nice things to say about how this government planned, prepared, and executed its strategy to fight the wildfires in the north,” said Gordan.

Moving forward, Gordon said it looks like it will be a “long road” to implement the action items and that the NDP will follow up to ensure the recommendations are met.

Dustin Trumbley, a Denare Beach resident, joined Gordon at a press conference Friday following the announcement of the report’s results. After losing everything he had to the fires last year, he said promises are not enough.

“The talk seems to be really good, but I think it’s time to start looking at the management end of things, and maybe it’s time for some of these guys to go to different positions where they’re capable of doing their jobs,” Trumbley told reporters.

Trumbley said that despite being one of the few in his community to rebuild his home, he still suffers from PTSD and wants to see more resources dedicated to those in his community.

Looking to this year, the province’s wildfire season has already begun – with evacuations being ordered in late May for some communities.

–with files from The Canadian Press

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

The U.S. Justice Department’s Antitrust Division said it has cleared Paramount Skydance Corp’s planned $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Department of Justice officials said in a statement released late on Friday that it determined the transaction did not pose a threat to competition in streaming, the traditional television business or film.

The clearance gives Paramount another regulatory green light to point to as it seeks to ward off a potential challenge to the deal by states.

In April, Paramount also asked ‌the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to approve foreign investments backing the acquisition. U.S. senators have raised concerns about Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds and Chinese companies taking part. The FCC has yet to make a determination.

Analysts had expected the DOJ not to challenge the deal because of Paramount’s political connections. Paramount CEO David Ellison’s father, billionaire Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, has cultivated ties with President Donald Trump, and the company has hired former Trump officials.

Assistant Attorney General Omeed Assefi had said that politics would “absolutely not” drive the DOJ’s review of the transaction.

Paramount has argued the deal has no antitrust problems, and said the combined company would increase competitive pressure on Disney and Netflix.

However, several in Hollywood – including actors, directors, writers and producers – have expressed concern that the merger would result in fewer jobs and less diversity of storytelling.

California, New York and other U.S. states are preparing a lawsuit to block the deal, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters last week.

© 2026 Reuters

Pakistan’s prime minister said Friday the United States and Iran have agreed to wording of an agreement aimed at ending their war in the Middle East and that mediators were working with both sides to finalize a deal.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the U.S. and Iran have reached a “final, agreed upon text.” He said Pakistan, which has taken the lead in mediation efforts, was working with the warring countries on next steps.

“Peace has never been this close as it is now,” Sharif said in a post on X.

The apparent breakthrough in negotiations comes after Iran exchanged fire with the U.S. and Israel over three days this week, threatening to return the Middle East to full-scale war.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday an agreement “has never been closer” in a post on X. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has said multiple times in recent weeks the countries are on the cusp of a deal, shared Araghchi’s post on his own social media.

The war launched by the U.S. and Israel on Feb. 28 has rattled the Middle East and virtually shut down oil and natural gas shipments from the Persian Gulf. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since April 7.

Araghchi told Iranian state TV on Friday that both sides were working toward signing an initial agreement declaring an end to the war “on all fronts, including Lebanon.”

Israel has been fighting the Iranian-allied militia Hezbollah in Lebanon since early March. Israel is not a party to the negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, and its leaders have said they don’t plan to withdraw from Lebanon.

Araghchi said terms dealing with Iran’s nuclear program would be finalized in the 60 days after the initial agreement is signed.

He said the parties could agree to extend that period.

Iran’s nuclear program has been a key point of division. The U.S. and Israel fear it could lead to an atomic weapon — a main reason their leaders cited for going to war. Tehran has insisted its nuclear efforts are for peaceful purposes.

A senior U.S. administration official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House, said Friday that the emerging agreement would begin the process of destroying or removing Tehran’s highly enriched uranium.

The official said the 60-day period after both sides sign the deal would be used to work out technical details for removing Iran’s enriched uranium. The official did not detail who the U.S. envisions taking charge of removing the uranium, which is believed to entombed under three nuclear sites that were battered by U.S. strikes last year.

Also critical is Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for oil and natural gas. Disruption of transit through the strait has crimped global energy supplies, driven up fuel prices and made food and other basics more expensive well beyond the region.

The U.S. official said the emerging agreement includes provisions for reopening the strait.

Araghchi said Iran wants a deal that allows Tehran to charge ships “for services rendered” when they transit the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has imposed a toll system during the war, which the U.S. and other nations say violates international law.

“There will be costs involved,” Araghchi said, “and those costs must be paid.”

Three regional officials said the emerging deal is also expected to include the phased lifting of sanctions on Iran and the release of frozen Iranian assets. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations.

They said they expect a signing ceremony for the agreement in the coming days after officials in Washington and Tehran approve it.

Trump on Thursday claimed significant progress in the negotiations, just hours after he threatened to escalate attacks and seize Iran’s oil industry.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel is not a party to the deal being negotiated. He said in a statement Friday that he and Trump were in “full agreement” that Iran must not have nuclear weapons.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a separate statement that Israel also expects Trump to uphold key Israeli interests, including weakening Iran’s missile program and proxy network.

Katz warned that Israel could still act independently toward Iran and that the country would not pull out of the zones it is occupying in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, nor would it withdraw from the northern refugee camps of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The deal was largely being brokered by Pakistan, led by its army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, the regional officials said, with backing from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar.

Price reported from Washington and Bynum reported from Savannah, Georgia. Associated Press journalists Sahar Ameri in Berlin, Julia Frankel in Jerusalem, and Collin Binkley and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed.

© 2026 The Canadian Press