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No doubt humanoid robots are annoying, but what if they had skin that helped them look more like the species they're supposed to imitate? Scientists at the College of Tokyo have developed a new nightmare technology using living skin tissue and human-like ligaments that they can now bind to the surface of robots to give them a more human facial expression, including smiles and frowns.

This so-called "skin equivalent" bonding method, which is still in the prototype stage, is sure to cause a stir. A GIF shared online along with the study shows a small, pink 2D face with glassy eyes contorted into a smile, evoking memories of disturbing claymation cartoons from the 1960s and 70s.

“In this study, we succeeded in replicating the human appearance to a certain extent by creating a face with the same surface material and structure as humans,” Professor Shoji Takeuchi, the team leader, explained the new (and slightly nightmarish) technology in a press release. Last week, an article was published in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science, explaining that the technology could be used in robotics in the future, to endow robots with the healing capabilities inherent in biological skin."

While Takeuchi had previously developed a "living" robotic skin using collagen and human skin fibroblasts, both of which are found in human skin and connective tissue, these latest designs differ in how they are connected to a robotic structure.

Previously, Takeuchi says, scientists had no proven method of attaching the artificial skin to a robot, which meant it often stretched, sagged or became misshapen. Now there is a better adhesion method, in which the skin layer binds to an innovative system of tiny V-shaped perforations on the robot's surface, allowing the skin to be manipulated without sagging, peeling, or tearing.

Furthermore, he added, “We have identified new challenges, such as the need for surface folds and a thicker epidermis to achieve a more human appearance." In addition to the pink blob face that smiles as the machine it's attached to glides, Takeuchi's team also developed a robotic head and gave it artificial skin.

“Realistic facial expressions improve the robot’s ability to communicate and interact with humans more naturally and effectively,” Takeuchi told CNN, explaining that humanoid robots will come into contact with humans more and more frequently in the future. “This is especially important in fields like healthcare, where empathy and emotional connection can have a significant impact on patient care.” The skin equivalent is not only able to mimic human facial expressions but can also cause scars and heal itself — a "big deal," explains Takeuchi.

"Some chemical-based materials can be made to heal themselves, but they need triggers such as heat, pressure, or other signals, and they also do not proliferate like cells,” he said. “Biological skin repairs small tears like ours, and nerves and other skin organs can be added to use them as sensors, for example. In unpredictable environments, small scratches and damage robotic skin inevitably suffers can lead to severe impairment if left untreated,” the scientists explain in their paper. “Therefore, the ability to self-repair becomes a crucial feature for humanoid robots.”

The paper goes on to say that pores, sensors, sweat glands, and fat could be added in future projects. This opens the door to further insights into the development of human wrinkles, which could have an impact on areas such as drug development, cosmetics research, the training of plastic surgeons, and research into skin aging.

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Randy Arozarena's 19-game on-base streak came to an end when he was 0-for-3 when his final at-bat was interrupted by fan interference in the Tampa Bay Rays' 13-2 loss to the Texas Rangers on Sunday. Arozarena hit a foul fly down the right-field line in the seventh inning. Travis Jankowski got under the ball, but a fan wearing a Choo Shin-Soo jersey and glove reached over the railing at the top of the high wall and caught the ball with his backhand.

The umpires ruled, and Arozarena was ejected from the game by first base umpire Mike Muklinski for fan interference. During a video review requested by the Rays, a fan held up a sign that read "Home Cooked." The call was upheld, and the game resumed after a three-minute delay.

"If he's in camp, I totally understand," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "When he's pretty much sprinting… but Jankowski was clearly acting like he was unhappy that the ball didn't go in his glove. So that might have gotten him." Arozarena's career best in the on-base series is 20 games in April and May 2023.

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Shohei Ohtani, a Los Angeles Dodgers superstar, had a rare three-time batting slump on Saturday, a rare occurrence since 1909.

Japanese slugger Ohtani recorded a 2 for 2 with two RBIs in the Dodgers' 5-3 win over the Brewers, including a home run, triple, two walks, hit by a pitch, and a stolen base in five plate appearances.

MLB records Ohtani as the third player to hit a home run, triple, walk, hit by pitch, and stolen base in a game, following Christian Yelich in 2019. The first player was Bert Daniels of the New York Highlanders in 1910.

Manager Dave Roberts said that Ohtani was able to reset himself after taking a few walks and getting the ball up in the zone. His batting average rose to.316, tied with San Diego's Jurickson Profar in the NL and third in the majors.

Jackie Robinson was the last Dodger to have a triple, walk, hit by pitch, and stolen base in a game. Ohtani, who struck out six times in his last three games, was 1 for 12 in his last three and 0 for 5 on his 30th birthday.

Roberts believes Ohtani is being too aggressive in chasing the ball low and out of the strike zone, but may benefit from facing Milwaukee starter Freddy Peralta, who likes to elevate his fastball and reset after a few games.

Roberts predicted a successful game for Ohtani, who walked twice in his first three plate appearances. In the sixth inning, Ohtani hit his third triple of the season, driving off the wall in right-center.

Ohtani hit a solo homer to put the Dodgers up by two runs, his 28th homer of the season. This put the Dodgers in first place in the National League and second in the majors behind Aaron Judge.

Ohtani has reached his 500th career home run on the majors, marking the third time since joining the majors in 2018. His most was 33 in 2021 and 32 last season. Ohtani is one homer away from 200 in his big league career.

Shohei Aoki's 18th stolen base of the season, tied for eighth in the NL, was achieved in the second inning. Roberts praised his ability to simplify his position in the strike zone, stating that he has never seen anything like it recently.

It's not the first time Ohtani has put together a box score line that is rarely seen. He did it on the mound on April 20, 2021. Pitching for the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani became the first starting pitcher since at least 1901 to toss four shutout innings with at least six walks and seven strikeouts. He allowed only one hit in the Angels’ 6-2 win over the Texas Rangers.

Ohtani, along with Tyler Chatwood and Bill Bailey of the 1914 Baltimore Terrapins, is the only starting pitcher to go five innings or fewer, allowing no runs on one hit, with at least six walks and seven strikeouts.

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When the original BMW M5 debuted, it was the answer to a question no one had asked, and what an answer it was — there had never been a proper sports sedan before. The M5 established the practice of incorporating racing technology into a road-going vehicle. The concept first emerged when the then-CEO's security detail, driving a 5 Series, could not keep up with his 7 Series, so they turned to the motorsport division for assistance. The solution was to install the engine from the 3.0 CSL, modify the suspension, and strengthen the brakes. The M5 as we know it today was born.

We take many things for granted these days. In almost every modern car, the brakes brake and the steering steers; before the M5, the brakes slowed and the steering guide. Almost 40 years later, the original E28 M5 is still going strong. When it was launched, it had power, a sharp steering setup with real feedback, and the brakes required to handle the high speeds. Driving one of these beauties proved that it is still up for the challenge of a fast run through the Alps! Here comes the most recent BMW M5. The latest generation, like the previous ones, makes significant progress. As usual, it has more power and handling.

The seventh-generation M5 is larger, bolder, and more attractive, and the sedan will be joined by a wagon for only the third time, and the first in Canada. The Touring is a big deal for those who want a true performance car but have family obligations — it is the ideal anti-crossover; full details will be revealed in August. Aside from touring, the most significant change to the M5 is the adoption of a PHEV powertrain. The electric side provides more elasticity and urgency to the drive. The M5's throttle response has always been quick; however, the addition of an electric motor adds instant torque to the low end, so the throttle response is even faster right now!

It begins with a twin-turbocharged, 577-horsepower 4.4-liter V8 engine that pairs with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. The combination produces a net output of 717 horsepower. The engine produces 553 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 and 5,400 rpm. The electric side adds 206 lb-ft, but there is a twist: there is a gear set between the electric motor and the transmission input shaft, so the effective torque is 332 lb-ft. When the throttle is nudged, the engine responds immediately.

The engine and electric motor combine to produce more torque than the transmission can handle, limiting the power curve to 738 lb-ft (1,000 Nm). This results in a straight line power curve from off idle to near red-line. The refined sledgehammer can reach 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, with an 80 to 120 km/h time of 2.2 seconds. Boost Control mode allows for peak performance by putting the drivetrain and suspension into hyper mode, allowing for speeds between 32 and 144 km/h.

The M5's design focuses on maximizing weight and returns for added weight. A PHEV system, which is not much heavier than a regular hybrid system, brings more energy, with a battery capable of 14.8 kWh of power. This allows the M5 to deliver 40 km of electric-only driving using the EPA test cycle. The PHEV setup sustains the M5's performance over multiple hot laps before exhausting the battery. The electric motor delivers instant torque and doubles as a generator to capture wasted energy and return it to the battery. A regular hybrid setup might only manage one lap at full chat before forcing the system to go gas-only.

The M Adaptive suspension controls body motion with precision, keeping the car flat and the P285/40ZR20 front and P295/35ZR21 rear tires planted. The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system delivers power with authority, and the stability control system can be switched to two-wheel-drive for an "unfiltered performance experience." The M Sport rear differential delivers torque vectoring, allowing the M5 to turn in with less steering input.

The PHEV's battery is placed between axles and low in the body to prevent understeer and maintain the center of gravity. The M5 has a longer wheelbase and wider track to maintain balance and maintain the driving ethic. Rear wheel steering is used to mask curb weight, making the 2,445-kg car feel lighter. The M5's larger size enhances low-speed maneuverability and sharpens steering response at speed, bringing faster response to input and better high-speed stability.

The choice of tire is crucial for a car's performance, and BMW collaborated with tire suppliers like Michelin, Pirelli, and Hankook to find the best rubber for the M5. The M5 is a ballet dancer with grip, despite its 2,500-kilogram curb weight, making it feel nimble and more dialed-in than expected. The M5's grip, combined with the right slippers, masks the car's almost 2,500-kilogram curb weight, making it feel more nimble and more dialed-in than expected.

The answer is yes, and the M5 stuck to the business of cornering even as my nerve was starting to give up. You see, my built-in yaw sensor (the old puck-o-meter) had some defined limits, so it told me when it was time to back off before I became the twit sitting in the gravel trap. The M5’s ability destroyed my previous limits and pushed them to new heights altogether. Even then I admit I didn’t manage to come close to challenging the M5’s extraordinary limits.

The M5's traction and ability were highlighted in three key areas: down the back straight, which is technically not a straight due to its series of turns seven, eight, nine, and 10. When driving at sane speeds, these twists form a near-straight line, but when ramped up, they become real corners generating lateral forces.

The author describes a challenging run, starting with a long looping corner and then a series of twisties before reaching the main straight. They build their speed through the sweeper laps but never reach peak velocity. The final hurdle is the main straight, where the speeds qualify as slow. The author uses the optional ceramic rotors to slow the M5 breathtakingly, ensuring the grip needed for the turn one/two complex.

The author appreciates the M5 for its flawless handling, blazing speed, and raw stopping power, stating that it danced beautifully on the Salzburgring racetrack, even in the hands of a seasoned racer running just shy of ten-tenths.

The 2025 BMW M5 Touring is priced at $135,000 in Canada, making it more appealing than the BMW XM, which starts at $220,000. This price offers better handling and versatility, making it a great deal for those looking for a powerful vehicle.

The author has been a long-time fan of the M5 sedan, which has been the standard for all others. Today, the race for supremacy is tight, with the Audi RS6 being a co-favorite. Both super-sports have chromium-plated credentials and are perfect for twisty roads. Based on the author's experience, they recommend the upcoming M5 Touring as a street-legal race car with a focus on cars. The choice has never been tougher, making the choice between the two super-sports a tough one.

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Summer's dog days are synonymous with the lush smell of fresh basil leaves, as well as unexpected thunderstorms and ice cream truck jingles. However, if you do not know how to store basil, the fragrance will not last very long. Yes, you can buy those little clamshells of basil all year at the grocery store (or dried basil in spice aisle shakers if you are desperate). However, late summer—when farmers markets, CSA boxes, and windowsill basil plants are overflowing—is the best time to use it freely. With great basil abundance comes great responsibility. Do not let it waste away in the back of your fridge or neglect it, like that cluster of bananas in the fruit bowl that you swear you will turn into.

The process for storing most tender herbs, such as dill, cilantro, or parsley, if you are confident you will use them within a day or two, is pretty similar: Rinse in cold water, pat dry or use a salad spinner to remove excess water, then tightly wrap in a slightly damp paper towel and refrigerate in a silicone or plastic bag for up to three days, just like salad greens.

Basil is the notable exception to this rule. Cold weather can quickly turn those lovely green tendrils black and mushy. Take food director Chris Morocco's advice for storing a bunch of basil for more than a few days to keep basil fresh, he says, is to trim the stems like a bouquet of flowers and then place the cut basil in a glass jar, tall vase of, or glass of water. Cover the basil loosely with a plastic bag and store it at room temperature in a shaded corner of your kitchen counter. Change the water every two days. Basil stalks, like flowers, can last from five days to more than.

Chris' method only takes a few minutes, and that peak-summer crowd deserves special treatment. Allow it to flourish and perfume your kitchen while proudly displayed in a flower vase. Summer does not last forever.

The internet is rife with different methods for preserving fresh basil flavor in the freezer, such as blitzing into ice cube trays or swaddling in freezer bags. While it is technically possible to freeze basil, it loses its vibrant green color, fresh flavor, and tender texture. If you are worried about running out of basil (or any other fresh herb), get saucy. Use chimichurri, pesto, chutney, salsa verde, or gremolata: Puréeing tender herbs like basil, cilantro, mint, parsley, and dill in your food processor or blender will extend their life by a few days to weeks thanks to ingredients like vinegar, salt, and olive oil. Store the green sauces in an airtight container in your fridge to spoon over the fish.

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With less than a week until the 2024 MLB All-Star Game on July 16, the league has released its complete American League and National League rosters. The reserves and pitchers were named Sunday, four days after the announcement of the 18 starters chosen by fan vote for the game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers will headline the 94th annual mid-summer classic, becoming the first player in league history to start as a designated hitter four years in a row. Meanwhile, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be the Toronto Blue Jays' only representative as the American League's starting first baseman. Toronto will have only one All-Star for the first time since Marcus Stroman was selected in 2019.

Guerrero's fourth consecutive All-Star appearance and third start in the last four seasons. He joins José Bautista, Roberto Alomar, and Joe Carter as the only Blue Jays who have started at least three All-Star games. Based on the rest of the rosters, the Philadelphia Phillies will have seven All-Stars, the most of any team in MLB this season.

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Yelich, Perkins power Brewers to 9-2 victory over Dodgers and avoid being swept in weekend series

Yelich and Perkins each homered, had three hits, and drove in three runs as the Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-2 on Sunday, snapping a seven-game losing streak at Dodger Stadium. Haase hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning for the Brewers, who avoided a sweep of the National League division leaders this weekend and are one of only three major league teams without a four-game losing streak this season.

In the fourth inning, Yelich hit a two-run home run off Wrobleski, his second deep-to-center in a major league game. In the ninth inning, he hit an RBI double during the Brewers' six-game road trip.

Yelich hit a two-run home run off Wrobleski in the fourth inning, his second deep to center in a major league game. In the ninth inning, he added an RBI double. During the Brewers' six-game road trip, Yelich, named to the All-Star Game on July 16, batted.393 with three home runs and five RBIs.

Chris Taylor drove in two runs for the Dodgers in the seventh inning. Los Angeles went deep eight times throughout the series. Despite the loss, the Dodgers (55-36) are two games ahead of the Brewers (53-38) for the second-best record in the National League. Los Angeles travels to Philadelphia, which has the best record in the majors (58-32), for a three-game series that begins Tuesday.

Wrobleski faced a minimum of three innings before getting into trouble. In five innings, the lefty allowed four runs on five hits, walked two, and struck out four.

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During a visit to Ottawa on Monday, Smith defended her new suite of policies on transgender youth, despite accusations from the federal Liberals that she is promoting an anti-LGBTQ agenda. Smith announced last week that her United Conservative Party government would prohibit puberty blockers and hormone therapy for children aged 15 and under who have not already started those treatments.

Her government intends to require parental consent before allowing children aged 15 and under to use a different name or pronoun at school. Teenagers aged 16 and 17 could make such changes without permission, but schools would be required to notify their guardians.

The policies have sparked several days of protests.

At an event commemorating the opening of a new provincial office near Parliament Hill, Smith stated that there is no "single voice" that can speak on behalf of the entire transgender population. She said she spoke with some transgender people who were concerned about their children's ability to transition. Smith defended the package of proposals as part of a "thoughtful approach" she intends to take toward children with diverse gender identities. The goal is to ensure that children are "fully informed" about their decisions in case they regret them later in life, she said.

Earlier in the day, Liberal Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault said he had requested a meeting with Smith to discuss the proposed changes. Boissonnault, Alberta's only Liberal cabinet minister and an openly gay man claimed Smith is imposing "draconian" measures on the province's most vulnerable young people. After some back and forth between their respective offices, the two were scheduled to meet on Monday afternoon. The federal government's ability to request a Supreme Court reference on provinces' use of the notwithstanding clause is an "important legal tool," according to Boissonnault.

When asked about Smith's policy at a news conference on Monday, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre responded: "Let parents raise children and provinces run schools and hospitals." He did not specifically respond to Smith's proposals. His comments come after his office instructed MPs last week to "refrain" from commenting on Alberta's specific measures and to "flag" any media requests they receive to the office. In Toronto, Ontario Premier Doug Ford indicated that his government would not follow Alberta's lead in limiting the availability of surgeries and treatments for transgender youth.

Meanwhile, local advocates in Ottawa were planning an "emergency" protest downtown later Monday in response to Smith's visit to the capital. According to a news release, Smith's Alberta government office in Ottawa aims to advance the province's priorities and strengthen federal-provincial ties. It stated that the office would "help strengthen relationships with governments in Ottawa and across Canada while increasing the province's advocacy on matters of importance to Albertans." Smith was also scheduled to deliver a luncheon speech to members of the Economic Club of Canada.

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On Monday, a prolonged snowstorm dumped more than 80 centimetres of snow across the province, while winds whipped up much higher drifts. Forecasters say it isn't over yet.

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Kathleen Ganley, a former Alberta justice minister and three-term Calgary MLA, officially launched her bid to become the next leader of Alberta's New Democrats on Monday, becoming the first candidate to replace departing leader Rachel Notley. Notley announced in mid-January that she would resign as party leader as soon as the members chose her successor. The leadership contest, which began today, requires candidates to register by March 15. Ganley told reporters at the Telus Convention Centre in downtown Calgary on Monday that her campaign would focus on delivering a message about the NDP's economic strategy, among other things.

When asked if she was interested in starting talks about the future of the provincial NDP's relationship with the federal NDP, Ganley said she was willing to have that conversation with members.

Political observers anticipated Ganley's leadership bid. Before Notley resigned, Ganley posted a 55-second leadership-style video on X, formerly known as Twitter, discussing her upbringing in northwest Calgary and her awareness of the various challenges that Albertans face.

Lisa Young, a political science professor at the University of Calgary, one of Ganley's distinguishing features is his strategy of being first.

Though the party has a strong base of support in Edmonton, Young believes that expanding support in Calgary will be a top priority for the NDP in the upcoming provincial election. The big question mark moving forward is whether former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi will enter the race, which would alter the race's trajectory.

In the previous election, the Alberta NDP regained seats in Calgary after being nearly eliminated in 2019.

Ganley's former cabinet minister Sarah Hoffman and second-term MLA Rakhi Pancholi are also expected to run to replace Notley, as are Edmonton MLAs David Shepherd and Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse.

According to Young, one of the big questions moving forward will be who can challenge Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.

To vote in the race, members must purchase or renew their membership by April 22. The race will have a $500,000 spending limit per leadership contestant and a $60,000 entry fee. The final day to vote in the leadership race will be June 22 at noon.

In the 2023 Alberta election, the United Conservative Party received 52.6% of the vote to the NDP's 44%.

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When Kinder Morgan first announced its plans to expand the capacity of the Trans Mountain oil pipeline from 300,000 bpd to 890,000 bpd, it probably thought it was another major project. Several years later, the company had given up on the project and sold it to the Canadian federal government for less than $4 billion. For a long time, it seemed like Trans Mountain would never be completed, plagued by opposition and regulatory snags.

Despite all this, it seems the pipeline is about to go into operation this year. And U.S. refiners used to buying cheap Canadian oil might need to reach deeper into their pockets to keep buying it. The idea behind the Trans Mountain expansion was to turn Canada into a true oil exporter, reaching international markets rather than just the U.S. market, massive as it is. One reason this took so long was that the government of the province that was to host most of the pipeline was dead against it.

The John Horgan government was very environmentally minded. It would rather have Alberta stop all oil flows to British Columbia than endure the construction of the expanded Trans Mountain pipeline. That set back the project by months, and so did environmental protests against the pipeline.

Amid all this, the discount at which Canadian crude normally trades to WTI has deepened and hardened. Canadian oil was going to the United States—all the way to the Gulf Coast—and only from there could it reach international markets. It was a complicated situation. Then, when Kinder Morgan had enough and sold the project, the Trans Mountain expansion got a new lease of life—ironically, from a federal government that has made no secret of its distaste towards the oil industry. And it paid for that distaste. From an original $3.4 billion price tag, the Trans Mountain expansion bill swelled to over $23 billion. Inflation and supply chain problems were among the reasons for the sixfold increase in the cost of the project, as were construction challenges due to the geology along the route of the pipe. Oil producers have not exactly welcomed the cost overruns—there were suspicions that to make up for these, Trans Mountain Corporation would charge them higher fees for carrying their crude.

Nonetheless, producers began ramping up production ahead of the launch. Canadian Natural Resources announced plans to increase output by 40,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2024. Cenovus Energy also announced plans to increase investment in production growth. Oil producers are preparing for the 890,000 bpd capacity. Prices have also responded. Following the announcement that Trans Mountain Corporation will begin filling the expanded pipeline in February, with the first crude loading from Vancouver in April, Canadian crude prices rose to their narrowest discount to WTI since August 2023. The current discount is approximately $16 per barrel.

Just a month later, the same CER ordered TMC to halt pipeline construction due to non-compliance with environmental and safety standards. A month later, the regulator decided that TMC could not proceed with the route change due to opposition from the Indigenous community through whose land the section would pass. By December, however, the CER had changed its mind and granted TMC the necessary permit to continue construction on the pipeline.

These types of setbacks have made it difficult to believe that the Trans Mountain pipeline will ever be operational, but it appears that it may be. This means more expensive oil for US refiners. They are about to face some international competition for Canadian crude.

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The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is putting up over $600,000 towards numerous tourism-related developments on the province’s west coast. The city of Corner Brook will receive the bulk of the upgrades, with funding set aside to look at expanding the port to keep up with the growing cruise industry. The Stream Development Corporation will use its funds to make Trailways more accessible for those with mobility issues. The rest of the funding will be spread out throughout the Gros Morne region to enhance infrastructure and recreation opportunities. A six-kilometer, all-season multi-use trail for the National Park is also in the works.

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Real estate brokerage Zoocasa has released its list of the most expensive homes sold in Ontario for January, and it includes a massive property in Whitby. The list of most expensive and most affordable homes also includes a waterfront residence in Cobourg with 112 feet of owned shoreline, a Toronto custom-built home with a four-stop elevator, and the estate home in Whitby with a sauna, wine cellar, six bathrooms, 34 parking spots, and a wet bar, according to Zoocasa's content marketing specialist, Mackenzie Scibetta. The Whitby home at 960 Columbus Rd. W., listed by Keller Williams Energy Real Estate, was on sale for $4,799,900.

It sold on Jan. 24 for $4.6 million. The property is located in the Coronation Gardens neighborhood, with the closest intersection being Columbus Road West and Country Lane.

With 8,854 square feet of living space, a four-car garage, and sprawling entertainment areas, including an in-ground pool, "this property is an entertainer’s dream," according to the listing.

The home is situated on a 9.65-acre lot with "picturesque landscapes and greenspace" and offers a "prestigious retreat" just minutes from Highway 407 and Highway 412, the listing reads. Zoocasa revealed the benchmark price for Ontario dropped for the sixth consecutive month in December, falling to $851,000, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association. Zoocasa says the Ontario real estate market is beginning to heat up with its diverse range of properties.

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A brief hearing for five former players on Canada's 2018 world junior hockey team was held Monday morning in London, Ont., via video link, with their lawyers appearing on their behalf and April 30 set as their next court appearance. None of the five players--Michael McLeod and Cal Foote of the New Jersey Devils, Dillon Dubé of the Calgary Flames, Carter Hart of the Philadelphia Flyers, and former NHLer Alex Formenton--appeared on the video link.

But lawyers for all five were told to expect "substantial" disclosure of case information, including audio and video evidence, to be delivered to them on a hard drive by courier sometime Monday or Tuesday. The lawyers were also informed of a publication ban, requested by Crown Attorney Heather Donkers, on any information that could identify a woman who is a complainant in the case, as well as two witnesses. All five players are charged with one count of sexual assault, while McLeod is also charged with one count of being party to the offense. Their lawyers have said they plan to plead not guilty. It is alleged the incident occurred following a Hockey Canada gala in London in June 2018, when the players were honored for their victory at the World Junior Hockey Championship.

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Céline Dion stepped out at the 2024 Grammy Awards amid her ongoing health issues. The pop icon, 55, made a rare public appearance at the 66th annual Grammys by stepping out to present the final award of the night. Dion graced the stage at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles to present album of the year--an award she first won 27 years ago. The five-time Grammy winner, who was diagnosed with the rare and incurable neurological disorder stiff person syndrome (SPS) in 2022, was greeted by a standing ovation from the star-filled crowd.

Dion has been a favorite among the recording academy for decades. The Canadian star is a five-time Grammy winner--taking home her first Grammy in 1992--and a 16-time total nominee. Dion's appearance at the awards ceremony saw her stepping out in public for the first time since she attended a hockey game in Las Vegas between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Montreal Canadiens last year in November. The sporting event marked her first public appearance in three and a half years.

Although it was a rare sighting for the music legend, she took the opportunity to perform. The "My Heart Will Go On" singer first revealed to fans that she had been with diagnosed a rare neurological disease that can cause debilitating muscle spasms in late 2022. At the time, she shared what she had been going through in a moving video posted to Instagram in late 2022, in which she explained the condition and that it meant she would have to postpone her tour dates.

According to the Stiff Person Syndrome Foundation, the condition affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. "Patients can be disabled, wheelchair-bound, or bed-ridden, unable to work and care for themselves," they say, adding that the neurological disease with autoimmune features can include symptoms like "hyper-rigidity, debilitating pain, chronic anxiety," and muscle spasms "so violent they can dislocate joints and even break bones." As the songstress had to make the tough decision in May 2023 to cancel tour dates for the foreseeable future, she has since revealed that she'll be sharing an intimate documentary with fans about her recent challenges. The project titled I Am: Céline Dion will be directed by Oscar-nominated documentarian Irene Taylor and released sometime on Amazon Prime Video later this year.

In September, the superstar's sister, Claudette, shared an update about her sister's health in an interview with Hello! Canada. “She’s doing everything to recover,” she told the outlet. “She’s a strong woman.”

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The provincial government will not reinstate two outstanding protections on the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve (DRAP), the Pickering News Advertiser has learned. The DRAP in Pickering was one of the 15 parcels of land the Ontario government announced it was carving out of the Greenbelt in 2022 to make way for housing. Last September, Ford reversed his decision and announced all protections would be reinstated.

But so far, only the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Act and Greenbelt protections have been returned. The Central Pickering Development Plan (CPDP) and the minister’s zoning order, O. Reg. 154/03, have not. The CPDP establishes a comprehensive vision for central Pickering: a sustainable urban community in Seaton integrated with a thriving agricultural community in the DRAP, as well as an extensive natural heritage system.

The MZO is a zoning regulation that limits land uses and every erection, location, and use of buildings or structures on the DRAP to agriculture and conservation uses. Stop Sprawl Durham is urging the Conservative government to fulfill its promise by fully reinstating the DRAP protections.

Alexandru Cioban, spokesperson for the minister of municipal affairs and housing, said in an email that through the Greenbelt Statute Law Amendment Act, 2023, the province restored all areas of land removed from or redesignated within the Greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine areas.

Concerning the DRAP, the government is not reinstating the CPDP or the MZO as part of the legislation “as both are now redundant.”

He said because municipalities are required to conform to the Greenbelt Plan in their decisions on land-use planning matters, which include zoning bylaws, the MZO would not be required to ensure these lands are zoned for agricultural and related uses.

But stop sprawling. Durham is concerned that when the next Greenbelt review takes place in 2025, the missing protections could make the DRAP vulnerable to development.

In December, Stop Sprawl Durham co-leads Abdullah Mir and Helen Brenner met with Pickering-Uxbridge MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy, asking him to advocate on behalf of Pickering residents to fully restore the DRAP to its original state, specifically to have all four prior protections returned. They said Bethlenfalvy advised he would take their feedback to MPP Paul Calandra, minister of municipal affairs and housing. Despite numerous requests for an interview, Bethlenfalvy provided a statement instead.

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The City of Prince George's has partnered with Downtown Prince George's to develop a strategy focused on invigorating the downtown. Downtown Prince George will now be leading a team to oversee the overall strategy, with the Prince George's Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Prince George, and the City as team members. As specific goals and initiatives are developed, the team will seek input and involvement from various organizations in the community.

This team will coordinate and lead the implementation of the strategy and seek partnerships, grants, and other support to achieve the goals. The strategy will be discussed as part of the city council's agenda for Monday night's meeting.