TOPS OF THE WORLD: The most viral stories of the week
There are stories, however, that are more newsworthy to the masses than others.
If you want to keep up with those at the watercooler or on social media, read on to see what stories everyone was talking about this past week:
TIFF reverses decision on Oct. 7 doc after backlash
Joe Warmington pointed out the 'absurd and insulting censorship' of the documentary The Road Between Us at the Toronto International Film Festival after it was pulled from the schedule because the filmmakers used footage filmed by Hamas but — wait for it — didn't obtain the rights from the terrorist group for the clips.
Well, the backlash came fast and furiously, and the film about the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel will be gracing festival screens after all — but only after the pulling of acclaimed director Barry Avrich's film made international headlines, including the front page of the New York Post and being discussed on Fox News.
'It was never my intention to offend or alienate anyone,' TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey wrote in a statement.
'Given the sensitive and significant nature of the film's subject, I believe that it tells an important story and contributes to the rich tapestry of perspectives in our lineup — stories that resonate here at home and around the world.'
Taylor Swift announced new album on Kelce brothers' podcast
Taylor Swift was the special guest on boyfriend Travis Kelce and his brother Jason Kelce's New Heights podcast on Aug. 13 — after confirming on social media that she was in her showgirl era.
The superstar made the big announcement of The Life of a Showgirl, her 12th studio album at exactly 12:12 a.m. on Aug. 12 but for all the details, Swifties and fans alike would have to tune in to the podcast. Crafty buggers.
It's her first new record since her epic Eras Tour ended last December, and Swift has shared stunning images from the album on her socials, admitting the Kelces, 'We're going all out. This is a full send. I care about this record more than I can even overstate.'
The Life of a Showgirl debuts Oct. 3 (but you can already get it in presales, if you follow Swift on social media).
Air Canada's work stoppage
More than 10,000 Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants walked off the job as of 1 a.m. ET Saturday, which was followed by a company-imposed lockout after the airline and the workers' union were unable to reach a deal.
Flights have already been cancelled in anticipation of the work stoppage with a full stoppage now in effect.
Air Canada said it would notify customers of cancellations through email and text message, adding it recommends against going to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking and their flight still shows as operating.
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
Buck Martinez's return to broadcast booth
The Blue Jays are tops in the American League East and, as of press time, leading the AL. And with Buck Martinez back on the Sportsnet broadcast, they are the hottest ticket in town.
A lot has happened in the last two-plus months that he was MIA, with the Jays being far from the team they were on May 28, when Martinez was last in the booth.
But that journey pales in comparison to what Martinez has endured in that time after a diagnosis of lung cancer sidelined him.
He's back now, and that voice is as comforting as ever alongside his long-time play-by-play partner, Dan Shulman.
There's nothing like listening to Martinez talk baseball with such passion, and he had plenty of words of admiration for the Blue Jays and what manager John Schneider has done for the team.
'These guys, the way they are playing, this is how you play winning baseball. This is how you win championships.'
From his lips …
KINSELLA: Is Qatar steering TIFF's ship?
Taylor Swift's new album has everyone seeing orange: An exploration of the colour
What's a Blue Jays TV rally-killer? Another Apple game on Friday to bounce Sportsnet coverage
Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska
U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin kicked off their reunion with a warm handshake before getting to the business at hand: A summit to discuss Russia's war on Ukraine and relations between Moscow and Washington.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the previously planned one-on-one meeting between Trump and Putin is now a three-on-three meeting — but no, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was not in attendance of discussions he should totally be a part of, nor were any other European leaders invited to join in.
Rather, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff made up Team U.S., while Putin had Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov by his side.
'HIGH STAKES!!!' Trump posted shortly on his Truth Social account before he boarded Air Force One for Alaska.
No kidding.
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Associated Press
34 minutes ago
- Associated Press
FLAVOUR NETWORK'S FRIGHTFULLLY FUN NEW SERIES HALLOWEEN BAKESHOP, HOSTED BY LAUREN ASH, PREMIERES SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Eight Talented Bakers From Across North America Face Off for a Chance to Take Home a Deliciously Sweet Prize Host Lauren Ash is Joined by Celebrated Chefs Jordan Andino and Kareem 'Mr. Bake' Queeman as Expert Judges Stream Anytime with STACKTV To watch the Halloween Bakeshop promo, click here For additional photography, click here To share this release socially, use TORONTO, Aug. 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Things are about to get a whole lot sweeter this September! Corus Entertainment's brand-new original series Halloween Bakeshop (7x60) premieres Sunday, September 14 at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT on Flavour Network and streaming exclusively on STACKTV. Hosted by Canadian actress and comedian Lauren Ash, this frightfully fun baking showdown will see eight talented competitors face off in a high-stakes competition for a chance to taste sweet victory, taking home the title of Halloween Bakeshop champion and a $25,000 prize. Week after week the stakes are raised, and the bakers must impress the judges or face elimination. The competition kicks off with a spine-chilling hayride to a haunted farm, where cursed crops grow and the barnyard animals bite back! Using seasonal ingredients, the bakers must craft desserts that capture the eeriness of the haunted countryside. In episode two, it's on to bewitching treats: from bubbling cauldron cakes to mystical flavored potions. Each baker must work their magic to charm the judges with their sinister, spellbinding bakes. The season continues to unfold with more deliciously wicked twists and shockingly sweet surprises each episode. Lauren Ash is joined on the judging panel by celebrated Filipino-Canadian chef, restaurateur, and TV personality Jordan Andino, and James Beard-nominated chef, baking entrepreneur, and TV personality Kareem 'Mr. Bake' Queeman. The skilled contestants battling it out to see who takes the cake on Halloween Bakeshop include: Visit for companion content including full cast and bakers' bios, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews, and more. Halloween Bakeshop will be followed by Holiday Bakeshop, premiering later this fall just in time for the holiday season. Both series are produced by Nikki Ray Media Agency for Flavour Network. For Nikki Ray Media Agency, Mike Sheerin and Tanya Linton are Executive Producers, and Jennifer Pratt is Co-Executive Producer and Series Producer. For Flavour Network, Debbie Brown is Executive in Charge of Production, Lynne Carter is the Director of Original Programming, and Rachel Nelson is VP of Original Programming and Head of Corus Studios. Viewers can stream Halloween Bakeshop and all Flavour Network programming anytime on STACKTV. For a complete list of Flavour Network programs and airtimes, visit Social Media: Follow Flavour Network Facebook: Follow Flavour Network Instagram: @ Follow Flavour Network Pinterest: @flavournetwork Follow Flavour Network TikTok: @ Subscribe to the Flavour Network YouTube: Follow STACKTV on Facebook: @stacktv Follow STACKTV on Instagram: @stacktv Follow STACKTV on TikTok: @stacktv #HalloweenBakeshop #HolidayBakeshop About Corus Entertainment Inc. Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSX: CJR.B) is a leading media and content company that develops, delivers and distributes high quality brands and content across platforms for audiences around the world. Engaging audiences since 1999, the company's portfolio of multimedia offerings encompass 30 specialty television services, 36 radio stations, 15 conventional television stations, digital and streaming platforms, and social digital agency and media services. Corus' roster of premium brands includes Global Television, W Network, Flavour Network, Home Network, The HISTORY® Channel, Showcase, Slice, Adult Swim, National Geographic and Global News, along with streaming platforms STACKTV, TELETOON+, the Global TV App and Curiouscast. For more information, visit About STACKTV STACKTV is Corus Entertainment's premium multi-channel television streaming service that offers thousands of hours of exclusive hit content from 16 of Canada's top TV networks, all on one platform. Stream series, movies and specials from Global Television, Flavour Network, Home Network, W Network, The HISTORY® Channel, Adult Swim, Slice, Showcase, National Geographic, Lifetime, Cartoon Network, Treehouse, YTV, Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior, with new content added daily. STACKTV is available via Amazon Prime Video Channels, Bell Fibe TV app, Fubo, Rogers Xfinity TV and Rogers Xfinity Streaming. For more information, visit SOURCE Corus Entertainment Inc.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Canada Jellystone Park Locations Pack Late Summer and Fall Weekends With Special Activities and Halloween Fun
Costume and campsite decorating contests, trick-or-treating with Yogi Bear, wagon rides start before Labour Day Editor's Note: A limited number of complimentary and discounted stays are available to qualified journalists, influencers and content creators. Visit request form here: SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Aug. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For some campgrounds, summer is the busiest time of year. But at Jellystone Park locations in Niagara Falls, Cavendish, Kingston, and Woodstock, some of the busiest weekends are actually in August and September. 'Families love our late summer festival and Halloween-themed weekends,' said Trent Hershenson, vice president of marketing for Camp Jellystone, which franchises more than 75 Jellystone Park locations across North America in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences. Jellystone Park's themed weekends include trick-or-treating with the Yogi Bear characters, costume and site decorating contests, glow stick parades, kooky and spooky games, pumpkin decorating, and even a late summer beach party. 'Many locations offer a combination of scary and not-so-scary experiences so families can choose the weekends with the types of activities that best fit their children,' Hershenson said. Here's a sampling of the activities planned this fall at Jellystone Park locations across the country: Cavendish, PEI – At this new Jellystone Park location, the hauntings and fall fun begin Labour Day weekend with A Beary Scary Spooktacular weekend. The excitement continues through September 19 when kids will help tuck Yogi Bear, Cindy Bear, and Boo Boo into bed for their winter hibernation. Details here: Niagara Falls, ON – Halloween arrives just in time for Labour Day weekend at this location. Magic pumpkin rides, costume and site decorating contests, a monster-themed dance party and trick-or-treating will make for unforgettable experiences. The fall fun continues with a variety of themed activities, with the final Halloween hijinks happening the weekend of October 11. Details here: Woodstock, NB – Summer's end is celebrated with a Halloween sneak peek, now underway at this location. Howl-o-ween freakishly fun games and activities for kids of all ages pack the schedule. The Boo Boo Boogey Man Ball, trick-or-treating, and site decorating contests are guaranteed to add a little fear to the family fun. Before winter sets in, enjoy a tropical Bear-adise Beach Party on Labour Day weekend. The Hawaiian-themed event promises lots of fun in the Autumn sun. Details here: Kingston, NS – At this location, families will get into the Halloween spirit early with the resort's first fall weekend August 22. A haunted house awaits, as do wagon rides and, of course, trick-or treating. On the weekend of September 12, join the Jellystone Park characters as they light up the park one last time with a glow stick parade, light show, and PJ party before they are put to bed for the winter. Details here: About Camp JellystoneWith more than 75 locations across the United States and Canada, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts feature fun attractions such as pools and water slides, non-stop family activities, up-close fun with Yogi Bear characters, and glamping-style accommodations. For more information about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts, please visit For information on franchising opportunities, please visit About Warner Bros. Discovery Global ExperiencesWarner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences (WBDGE) is a worldwide leader in the creation, development, licensing and operating of location-based entertainment based on the biggest franchises, stories, and characters from Warner Bros.' world-renowned film, television, animation, and games studios, HBO, Discovery, Cartoon Network and more. WBDGE is home to the groundbreaking locations of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal theme parks around the world, award-winning Warner Bros. Studio Tour locations in London, Hollywood, and Tokyo, the iconic Harry Potter New York flagship store, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, The WB Abu Dhabi, The FRIENDS Experience, The Game of Thrones Studio Tour and countless other experiences inspired by Harry Potter, DC, Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, Game of Thrones, FRIENDS and more. WBDGE is part of Warner Bros. Discovery's Revenue & Strategy division. YOGI BEAR and all related characters and elements © & ™ Hanna-Barbera (s25). Contacts:Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-ResortsRitter Communications, Brad RitterBRitter@ Warner Bros. Discovery Global ExperiencesLindsay A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
3 hours ago
- Associated Press
Devo's misunderstood art-rock legacy explored in new documentary
NEW YORK (AP) — You know the band Devo, right? The guys with the funny red plastic hats and jumpsuits? The New Wave musicians behind the silly 'Whip It' video? They had that odd, spiky '80s vibe? Well, it turns out you may not know as much as you think. The new Netflix documentary 'Devo' is an eye-opening examination of an Ohio-born art-rock band that argues they were perhaps the most misunderstood band on the face of the planet. It debuts on the streaming service Tuesday. 'We were trivialized and pigeonholed,' co-founder Gerald Casale tells The Associated Press. 'This documentary allows us to talk about what we were thinking and what we are motivated by to create what we created.' Directed by Chris Smith, 'Devo' uses archival footage and interviews to trace the band's beginnings, rise and fall, with cameos from fans like David Bowie, Iggy Pop and Neil Young. 'What we saw was regression' Devo introduced themselves to the world in 1977 by making a frenetic version of the Rolling Stones' 'I Can't Get No) Satisfaction,' which earned them a crucial slot on 'Saturday Night Live.' On stages, they would wriggle like worms or dress like the guys from 'Ghostbusters.' They released their Brian Eno-produced debut, 'Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!,' in 1978 and reached platinum status with 1980's 'Freedom of Choice,' which featured 'Whip It,' a hit just as their label was getting ready to drop them. But behind the odd neck braces and knee pads were powerful art and literary ideas about where the country was going. They named themselves after the idea that modern society was entering a process of 'devolution.' 'We were seeing a world that was the antitheses of the idealized, promised future ginned up in the '50s and '60s.' Casale says in the movie. 'What we saw was regression.' The nucleus of the band was formed from tragedy: Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh met at Kent State University, where they lived through the 1970 killing of four unarmed anti-war student protesters by the National Guard. That tragedy forged in the pair an antiestablishment, anti-capitalist protest, mixing lofty art history with pop culture. They admired Dadaism and Andy Warhol. The factories of Akron inspired their gray overalls and clear plastic face masks — portraying cogs in a machine like in the art movie 'Metropolis.' 'We had a meta-approach,' Casale tells the AP. 'It was a multimedia, big idea approach. Music was an element, a layer, a dimension, but it was connected to this big worldview.' 'Whip It' video Part of Devo's strength was its visual component and their videos were drenched with political commentary. The upbeat 'Beautiful World' featured footage of police violence, the KKK and bombings, while 'Freedom of Choice' warned against the dangers of conformity. The song 'Whip It' was written after reading Thomas Pynchon's 760-page postmodern sci-fi tome 'Gravity's Rainbow.' The video — featuring cowboys drinking beer, dangerous gunplay and assault — was actually mocking President Ronald Reagan and his macho brand of conservatism. Members of Devo — which also included Mark's brother, Bob, Gerald's brother, Bob, and Alan Myers — performed on TV and chatted with talk show hosts like David Letterman but their satire never seemed never to break through. 'Nobody wanted to hear us talking about the duality of human nature and the dangers of groupthink and the atrophication of people being able to think logically and think critically,' Casale says. 'It was like, 'That's a bummer. Just tell us about drugs and sex.'' A counterculture legacy Rock has always needed bands like Devo, a corrective to the corporate machine. You can see an echo of Devo when M.I.A. raised her middle finger during the Super Bowl halftime show in 2012. The members of Devo cite such bands as Rage Against the Machine and System of a Down as keeping the flame alive. 'The only thing you can hope is that it will create an awareness and get rid of complacency, but it doesn't seem to have done that in the past,' Mothersbaugh tells the AP. 'I always tried to be optimistic that devolution was something that was going to be corrected and that our message would be not necessary at this point, but unfortunately it's more real than ever.' After Devo, Casale directed music videos and commercials, while Mothersbaugh scored movies and TV shows such as 'Pee-Wee's Playhouse,' 'The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou,' 'Rugrats' and 'Hello Tomorrow!' There are signs of optimism when members of Devo play live these days. Mothersbaugh says he sees a lot of young people, who have used their smartphones to bypass media gatekeepers. 'We see a lot of people that look like us, with gray hair out there in the audience. But there's also, there's also a lot kids, which is kind of surprising to me, but I think it's only because they have this thing in their hand that they sometimes use to their advantage.' Devo are set to hit the road later this year in a co-headlining tour with the B-52's. The Cosmic De-Evolution Tour will kick off Sept. 24 in Toronto and wraps Nov. 2 in Houston. You may think of Devo as New Wave or early electronica or synth-pop. but they see themselves differently: 'We were true punk, meaning we questioned illegitimate authority and we stayed in our own lane and did our thing, remaining true to our vision,' says Casale. 'That's punk.'
