MORNING NEWS DESK
Saturday, June 27, 2026
PICKERING / DURHAM REGION
1. (Durham Radio News) DRPS Advances Drone-as-First-Responder Pilot Into Next Phase
Durham Regional Police are launching the next phase of their Drone as First Responder pilot program, with drones expected in the skies across the region this summer. The aircraft will be deployed from docking stations placed strategically based on calls for service, crime data and safety considerations, giving officers real-time overhead information before they arrive on scene. Police say they will keep sharing details with residents about how the system works and how privacy is protected, and will evaluate the program’s effectiveness through the summer.
2. (Durham Radio News) Pickering’s Anne Woolger Appointed to the Order of Canada
Anne Woolger of Pickering is among 61 new appointments to the Order of Canada named by Governor General Louise Arbour. Woolger is being recognized for nearly four decades of welcoming and supporting refugee claimants as founder of Matthew House Toronto, which grew from a single home into a network that has helped more than 5,000 newcomers. She is one of only a handful of honourees from Durham Region in this round of appointments.
3. (Durham Radio News) Veterans Square Officially Opens in Downtown Oshawa
A new public space called Veterans Square has officially opened at the northeast corner of Bond Street East and Simcoe Street North in downtown Oshawa. The City of Oshawa describes the space as a vibrant community hub in the heart of the downtown core. The opening is part of ongoing efforts to revitalize Oshawa’s central district.
4. (Durham Radio News) Motorcycle Rider Dies After Collision With Car in Ajax
A man has died after his motorcycle collided with a car in Ajax. Police responded to the crash near Harwood Avenue North and Kerrison Drive East, close to Rossland Road, at around 3:45 p.m. The collision investigation unit attended the scene to assist with the probe.
5. (Durham Radio News) Clarington Mayor Condemns Hateful Rhetoric and Doxing of Staff
Clarington’s mayor has issued a statement responding to what the municipality describes as a rise in personal attacks, hateful rhetoric and threatening behaviour online and in the community. The statement says residents and staff have been doxxed and subjected to racist, discriminatory and threatening posts. Officials stressed the comments are meant to harm rather than serve as genuine debate or dialogue.
CANADA
1. (CBC News) Ottawa Prioritizes Five Power-Line Projects to Link Provincial Grids
The federal government has moved to prioritize five interprovincial power-line projects, known as interties, aimed at letting provinces share excess electricity more cheaply and easily. Energy Minister Tim Hodgson highlighted upgrades spanning Alberta-British Columbia, the Regina-Winnipeg corridor, subsea cables linking Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, and a line connecting Yukon’s grid to British Columbia. The projects support Ottawa’s broader goal of doubling Canada’s electricity grid by 2050 to meet rising demand from industry, electric vehicles and data centres.
2. (CPAC) Carney Launches Design Competition to Rebuild 24 Sussex Drive
Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a design-and-build competition to restore 24 Sussex Drive, the long-shuttered official residence of Canada’s prime ministers. The competition will be open to all Canadian firms, with the winning team responsible for designing and constructing the new residence. Architect Moshe Safdie will chair the jury recommending the winning design.
3. (CBC News) Governor General Adds Dozens of New Members to the Order of Canada
Governor General Louise Arbour has named 61 new appointments to the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honour. The list includes four companions, the order’s highest rank, along with 19 officers and 38 members drawn from diverse backgrounds and fields. Arbour said the appointees reflect the talent and determination shaping Canada’s future.
4. (Washington Post) Carney Says Canada Should Reopen Embassies in Iran and Venezuela
Prime Minister Mark Carney says he favours reopening Canadian embassies in Iran and earthquake-stricken Venezuela, missions that previous governments had closed. The comments signal a potential shift in Canada’s diplomatic posture toward two countries with which relations have been strained. Venezuela is currently reeling from devastating twin earthquakes that have prompted an international relief effort.
5. (CTV News) Free Fishing Returns Across Ontario for Canada Day Week
Ontario is again offering licence-free fishing to mark Canada Day, running from June 27 to July 5. During the week, residents and visitors can fish anywhere in the province without a licence or Outdoors Card. Natural Resources Minister Mike Harris said the move is meant to make it easier for both seasoned anglers and first-timers to enjoy the province’s fishing.
INTERNATIONAL
1. (CNN) Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Tops 900 as Rescue Efforts Continue
More than 900 people have been killed and over 3,000 injured after back-to-back earthquakes struck northern Venezuela, officials say. Rescue teams from Mexico, Brazil, Cuba, the United States and Spain have joined the round-the-clock search, with at least 172 people still believed trapped under the rubble. The quakes have damaged or destroyed hundreds of buildings, hospitals and shopping centres, leaving many residents homeless in and around the capital.
2. (Reuters) Strike on Cargo Ship Halts UN Evacuation Effort in Strait of Hormuz
The International Maritime Organization has paused its evacuation of thousands of stranded sailors and hundreds of cargo ships from the Persian Gulf after an unknown projectile struck a Singapore-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials say Iran fired on the ship, though Iranian officials have not claimed responsibility. The attack came hours after Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned vessels to coordinate passage through the strait with its navy.
3. (Al Jazeera) Israel to Withdraw From Two Areas in Lebanon Under New Agreement
Israel has agreed to withdraw from two areas in southern Lebanon under a newly signed agreement. The deal comes amid continued tension along the border, where Lebanese authorities have reported recent Israeli airstrikes and operations. The agreement marks a step toward de-escalation in a volatile region.
4. (BBC News) King Charles Reveals He Will Not Live in Buckingham Palace After Refit
King Charles has revealed he will not move into Buckingham Palace following a costly renovation of the building. The disclosure came during a briefing on royal finances at which Charles became the first British monarch to reveal the taxes he pays to the government, including a bill of roughly 17 million dollars. The announcement offered a rare glimpse into the monarchy’s spending and personal arrangements.
5. (Associated Press) Australia Moves to Tighten Under-16 Social Media Ban After Failures [Surprise Surprise]
The Australian government is moving to strengthen its ban on young children holding social media accounts after observers said the rules had failed since taking effect. The ban covers platforms including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube and was introduced in December. Authorities are responding to evidence that the original restrictions were not effectively keeping young users off the platforms.
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