'It made us all jump': Lightning hits California home as 6-year-old stands nearby; watch

While downtown Edmonton's Ice District is buzzing with Oilers fans during the Stanley Cup finals, one local bar is carving out its own niche by offering a throwback vibe for those who prefer a more low-key (but still spirited) way to cheer on the team. Think vintage charm, fewer crowds, and the same playoff energy—just with a side of nostalgia.

Editor’s Note: Not everyone wants to elbow through packed downtown crowds to celebrate their team, and this story highlights how smaller businesses are tapping into playoff fever in creative ways. It’s a reminder that big moments in sports aren’t just about the main event—they’re also about the unique ways communities come together.

The Canadian military has been called in to help with wildfire evacuations in northern Ontario as tens of thousands of residents flee raging fires across the Prairies. Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the deployment, signaling the severity of the situation as flames threaten communities and overwhelm local resources.

Editor’s Note: Wildfires are becoming a recurring nightmare for Canadians, and this year’s season is hitting hard. With over 30,000 people displaced, the military’s involvement underscores just how dire things are—this isn’t just a local emergency anymore. It’s a stark reminder of how climate change is fueling more intense and frequent disasters, forcing governments to step in with bigger responses. For folks in the path of these fires, it’s about survival; for the rest of us, it’s a wake-up call.

Two men have been formally charged with murder after a teenager was struck and killed by a car in Sheffield. Authorities are treating the incident as a deliberate act, though details about the motive or circumstances remain unclear. The case has shocked the local community, sparking calls for justice and increased safety measures.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just a tragic accident—it's being investigated as an intentional killing, which raises serious concerns about violent crime in the area. For Sheffield residents, it’s a grim reminder of how quickly everyday life can be shattered, and it’ll likely fuel debates over policing and youth safety in the coming weeks.

A chaotic scene unfolded at a gay pride parade in Kiev when a soldier allegedly struck a police officer with his prosthetic limb during clashes between LGBTQ+ demonstrators and anti-LGBTQ protesters. Authorities are investigating the incident, which highlights the tensions surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in Ukraine.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a bizarre altercation—it’s a snapshot of the broader struggle for LGBTQ+ acceptance in Ukraine, where pride events often face violent opposition. The involvement of a soldier adds another layer, raising questions about societal divisions and state tolerance (or lack thereof) for marginalized communities. Stories like this underscore why visibility and safety at public demonstrations remain critical issues.

Advocates are pushing the Canadian government to officially recognize "femicide" in the Criminal Code—a term already being used by some Ontario police to describe killings targeting women because of their gender. They argue that formalizing the definition would help track and address gender-based violence more effectively, but acknowledge it’s an "uphill battle" to get lawmakers on board.

Editor’s Note: Right now, Canada’s legal system doesn’t specifically classify femicide as a distinct crime, even though police and activists see it as a glaring pattern in violent deaths of women. Adding this definition could force the justice system to take gender-based killings more seriously—not just as isolated crimes, but as part of a broader societal issue. It’s a fight that could change how we document, prosecute, and ultimately prevent these tragedies.