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Abigail Strate Extends Ski Jumping Medal Streak in Poland

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Canada’s Abigail Strate wins bronze in Poland, marking her fourth straight podium at the Summer Grand Prix as momentum builds for the winter season.

Canadian Star Continues Podium Run

Abigail Strate of Calgary captured another bronze medal Sunday at the Summer Grand Prix in Wisla, Poland, marking her fourth straight podium finish in international ski jumping competition.

Performance in Wisla

The 24-year-old delivered a score of 116.4 points, securing third place behind Slovenia’s Nika Prevc, who took gold with 126.2, and Japan’s Nozomi Maruyama, who earned silver at 117.5. Strate’s consistent form underscores her status as one of Canada’s most reliable ski jumpers heading into the winter season.

Building on Back-to-Back Success

This latest result follows a breakthrough run last weekend in France, where Strate earned her first Summer Grand Prix podium with bronze, followed by her first international gold medal. Her return to the podium in Poland — twice in two days — confirms a sustained upward trajectory.

Historic Achievement for Canada

Strate is now only the second Canadian ski jumper to medal in consecutive events across back-to-back weekends, joining teammate Alex Loutitt in achieving the feat. The streak highlights Canada’s growing presence in a sport long dominated by European and Asian nations.

Athlete’s Perspective

“I’m a summer person for sure. I like the sun and have always liked jumping in the summer,” said Strate, who also works as a graphic designer. “The last time I jumped well in the summer, it carried into the whole year, so hopefully this is a good omen.”

How She’s Preparing for What’s Ahead

Training alongside national teammates, Strate is focused on carrying her summer form into the winter World Cup season. She emphasized that while the current medals are encouraging, the ultimate goal is to peak when Olympic qualification races begin.

© 2025 Mapple News Wire

Canadian Sprinters Sparkle at NACAC Championships

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Team Canada earns eight medals at the NACAC Championships in The Bahamas, led by Jerome Blake and Aaron Brown’s sprint victories.

Canadians Shine on the Track

Canadian athletes are making headlines at the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Championships in Nassau, The Bahamas, held from Aug. 15 to 17. With competition still underway, Team Canada’s medal tally has reached eight, led by dominant sprint performances and strong results in middle-distance and throwing events.

Breakthrough Gold for Jerome Blake

Sprinter Jerome Blake captured his first individual international gold medal in the men’s 100m, clocking a personal best of 9.95 seconds. Blake, part of Canada’s Olympic gold medal-winning 4x100m relay squad in Paris last year, became just the second Canadian to meet the 100m world championship qualifying standard of 10.00 seconds.

Aaron Brown Adds to Canada’s Success

Veteran sprinter Aaron Brown delivered another highlight, winning gold in the men’s 200m with a time of 20.27 seconds. Brown and Blake have already secured qualification for the upcoming world championships, while teammate Andre De Grasse is expected to qualify through his global ranking.

Throwers and Middle-Distance Runners Step Up

Canada’s field athletes added to the medal haul. Julia Tunks of London, Ontario, threw 56.78 metres to earn bronze in the women’s discus, while Jillian Weir claimed bronze in the hammer throw with a mark of 69.08 metres. On the track, Lucia Stafford earned bronze in the women’s 1500m, while teammates Foster Malleck and Charles Philibert-Thiboutot finished first and second in the men’s 1500m, giving Canada a 1-2 finish.

Building Toward World Championships

For many Canadian athletes, the NACAC event serves as both a tune-up for the world championships and a last chance to meet qualifying standards. Blake and De Grasse remain Canada’s fastest over 100m, while the men’s 4x100m relay team already punched their ticket with a bronze finish earlier this year at the World Athletics Relays.

What Comes Next

With competition continuing through Sunday evening, more medals may be added to Canada’s total. Nova Scotia’s Sarah Mitton, a two-time indoor world champion, will compete in the women’s shot put final, aiming to build on her international medal record. As the championships close, Canada’s athletes are showing strong form and confidence ahead of the global stage later this season.

 

© 2025 Mapple News Wire

Wilkerson, Humana-Paredes Strike Gold in Montreal

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Canadian duo Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes win Montreal Elite16 beach volleyball title, defeating Germany in straight sets.

Canadian Duo Shines on Home Sand

Canadian beach volleyball stars Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes claimed gold at the Montreal Elite16 tournament on Sunday, defeating Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in straight sets. The Toronto pair, fresh off their Olympic silver in Paris, continued their winning momentum in front of a home crowd.

Victory in Straight Sets

The final at Parc Jean-Drapeau ended with Wilkerson and Humana-Paredes sealing a 21-15, 22-20 win. The triumph marked their second Elite16 title in Montreal, coming exactly two years after their first as partners. Their consistency and composure under pressure reaffirmed their position as one of the top pairs in international beach volleyball.

Road to the Gold Medal

Earlier in the day, the Canadians avenged last summer’s Paris Olympic loss by beating Brazil’s world-class duo Ana Patricia Ramos and Eduarda “Duda” Lisboa in the semifinals, winning 21-11, 22-20. The semifinal victory set the stage for a confident performance in the final. Meanwhile, Müller and Tillmann advanced by outlasting Latvia’s Tina Graudina and Anastasija Samoilova in a three-set battle.

Why the Win Matters

For Wilkerson and Humana-Paredes, the victory is more than just another title. It signals continued dominance as they aim for further success leading up to future Olympic cycles. Winning on Canadian soil also gave them the opportunity to celebrate in front of local fans, reinforcing their status as role models for the next generation of athletes.

How They Prepared for Success

The pair credited their preparation and focus for the win. Having competed at the highest level in Paris just weeks earlier, they carried lessons from the Olympic stage into Montreal. Their seamless teamwork and aggressive play proved decisive against both Brazil and Germany.

What’s Next

With the Montreal title secured, Wilkerson and Humana-Paredes will now turn their attention to upcoming stops on the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour. Each event offers ranking points and valuable experience as they continue their pursuit of global supremacy in the sport.

© 2025 Mapple News Wire

Ford F-150 Recall in Canada Over Axle Defect Expands

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Ford Expands Recall in Canada

Ford Motor Co. has recalled 22,664 F-150 pickup trucks in Canada due to defective rear axle hub bolts. The flaw can cause power loss to the wheels, heightening the risk of crashes or rollaways. Transport Canada issued the alert, urging immediate attention to ensure driver and road safety.

Details of the Axle Defect

According to Transport Canada, the rear axle hub bolts may break, causing axle shaft splines to wear. This defect can result in sudden power loss while driving or uncontrolled vehicle movement if parked without the brake applied. The risk is significant, especially for heavy-duty trucks carrying loads or towing trailers.

Impacted Model Years

The recall affects 2023, 2024, and 2025 Ford F-150 trucks equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package. This latest action expands recall 23S65 (2023-705), which previously addressed the same issue in 2021, 2022, and 2023 models.

Broader North American Recall

In total, about 103,000 F-150 trucks in the U.S. face the same defect, making this a large-scale safety issue across North America. Earlier in May, Ford also recalled 11,409 F-150 Lightning electric trucks in Canada due to steering wheel control concerns.

Next Steps for Owners

Ford confirmed that owners will be notified by mail. The automaker will instruct customers to visit dealerships where rear axle shafts will be replaced at no cost. This action ensures that drivers can continue using their vehicles safely without the risk of axle failure.

Stay tuned to Maple Wire for the latest updates on auto recalls and safety news.

Massive Fire Erupts at Langley Construction Site

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A fourth-alarm fire tore through a Langley construction site early Friday. Crews from Surrey assisted as RCMP seek dashcam footage for the investigation.

Major Blaze Overnight in Langley

An early morning fire in Langley, B.C., escalated to a fourth alarm overnight, drawing in firefighters from both the Township of Langley and Surrey. The fire broke out shortly after midnight on Friday, August 8, 2025, and quickly grew in intensity.

Details of the Fire

The blaze consumed a large structure that was still under construction. Langley RCMP later confirmed that the building was unoccupied at the time, and no injuries were reported. Firefighters battled flames for hours as thick smoke filled the surrounding area.

Community Impact

Authorities are urging the public to avoid the scene while crews continue to secure the site. The Langley City Firefighters Association noted that members remain on standby to support colleagues and extended thoughts to all those affected by the incident.

Why the Alarm Reached Fourth Level

The fire’s size and complexity required multiple units to respond. Surrey Fire Services joined Township of Langley firefighters to provide backup as crews worked to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby properties. Fourth-alarm status typically indicates a large-scale response involving dozens of personnel and equipment.

How Investigators Are Responding

Langley RCMP have launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze. Officers are seeking dashcam footage from 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. in the area, under file number 2025-21746. Police believe video evidence could help determine how the fire started.

Next Steps

With the fire now largely contained, investigators will remain on site in the coming days to assess damage and gather evidence. Updates from Langley City are expected as officials work to restore normalcy in the affected area.

© 2025 Mapple News Wire

Major Discounts Hit iPhone 16 Models

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With the iPhone 17 release just weeks away, prices for the iPhone 16 series have dropped significantly across U.K. retailers. Currys, John Lewis, and Argos are offering discounts of up to £100 ($135), making it the perfect time for buyers to act before Pro models are discontinued.

iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max Deals

Currys has reduced the iPhone 16 Pro 128GB to £899 ($1,220), slashing £100 from Apple’s official price. The 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB models are also £100 cheaper than Apple’s store listings. John Lewis and Argos are mirroring these offers, ensuring consistency for shoppers.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max follows the same pattern. The 256GB version now costs £1,099 ($1,491), down from Apple’s £1,199 ($1,627). Larger storage models, including the 512GB and 1TB options, are also uniformly discounted by £100 across the three major retailers.

Standard iPhone 16 Price Cuts

Apple’s 128GB iPhone 16, normally £799 ($1,084), is currently £699 ($949) at Currys, John Lewis, and Argos. Even the 256GB and 512GB versions see the same £100 discount. Color names may vary slightly across retailers, but prices remain consistent.

iPhone 16 Plus: A Bigger Screen for Less

The iPhone 16 Plus is also on offer before the iPhone 17 arrives. Priced at £799 ($1,084) for the 128GB model, it’s a clear £100 drop from Apple’s store price. The 256GB and 512GB models have also been cut by the same amount, with John Lewis, Argos, and Currys all offering identical deals.

Why These Discounts Matter

When Apple unveils new models, older Pro versions are usually retired. Regular models, like the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, typically remain available at a reduced price. However, retailers are already giving customers that discount early, making this an opportunity worth considering.

Amber Alert Cancelled: Edmonton Police Confirm Child Safe, No Crime Involved

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Amber Alert Issued and Quickly Cancelled

On Saturday afternoon, Edmonton Police Service (EPS) issued an Amber Alert after reports of a two-year-old girl taken in the Steinhauer area. The alert, sent at 5 p.m. across the province, raised immediate concern for the child’s safety.

Just 30 minutes later, Alberta Emergency Alert confirmed on social media and its website that the Amber Alert had been cancelled. Authorities located the child at 5:32 p.m., safe and unharmed.

Police Confirm Child Safe and Investigation Complete

EPS released a statement later in the evening, explaining why the Amber Alert was issued. At the time, officers believed the child could be in imminent danger and acted swiftly to ensure safety.

Following a detailed investigation, police determined the incident was non-criminal. They clarified that no charges are pending against the man involved.

Community Response and Reassurance

Amber Alerts trigger province-wide concern, and residents across Alberta quickly shared information to assist authorities. EPS reassured the community that the alert was issued in good faith based on the information available at the time.

The swift cancellation reflected the successful and rapid response by law enforcement, ensuring the safety of the child while clarifying the absence of any crime.

Stay tuned to Maple Wire for the latest verified updates.

Toronto Shooting: Stray Bullet Kills 8-Year-Old Boy

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Toronto Shooting Claims Young Life

Toronto police confirmed that a stray bullet tragically killed an eight-year-old boy in his sleep early Saturday morning. The heartbreaking incident unfolded in North York, shaking the entire community.

How the Shooting Unfolded

According to investigators, gunfire erupted outside a residential building near Martha Eaton Way and Trethewey Drive at around 12:30 a.m. One stray bullet pierced the child’s bedroom window, striking him while he lay in bed with his family. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, but doctors pronounced him dead shortly after.

Collateral Damage Beyond One Home

The investigation revealed that stray bullets also entered two other apartment units in the same complex. Fortunately, no additional injuries were reported. Still, the incident left families across the building shaken and deeply concerned about their safety.

Police Condemn the Act

Toronto’s homicide unit is leading the case. Officers have not yet released details about possible suspects. However, police condemned the attack as a cowardly act and emphasized their commitment to finding those responsible.

Call for Public Assistance

Authorities are urging witnesses and anyone with information to come forward. Police believe community support will be vital in helping them track down the individuals behind this senseless crime.

Community in Mourning

The loss of a child to random gun violence has sparked grief and outrage. Local residents are calling for stronger action to prevent shootings that continue to put innocent lives at risk.

A life cut short by violence leaves an entire community in pain. Stay tuned to Maple Wire for the latest updates on this developing story.

Vilsaint’s Goal Lifts Toronto FC in MLS Debut

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A Dream Start for Vilsaint

Toronto FC debutant Jules-Anthony Vilsaint delivered a dream start to his MLS journey on Saturday. Entering late in the match, the 22-year-old Canadian striker scored a record-fast debut goal to secure a dramatic 1-1 draw against the Columbus Crew at BMO Field.

His equalizer came just minutes after stepping onto the pitch, instantly rewriting club history and energizing fans with a moment that felt scripted for Hollywood.

How the Equalizer Happened

Vilsaint, wearing No. 99, darted toward the box after teammate Djordje Mihailovic sent in a perfectly timed cross. With sharp instinct, he redirected the pass into the net, leveling the score at 1-1.

Head coach Robin Fraser praised the moment, calling it a “fantastic start” and highlighting Vilsaint’s team-first mentality. The goal, scored within three minutes of his debut, shattered the previous club record of 13 minutes for fastest debut goal.

Columbus Strikes First

Earlier, Columbus opened the scoring in the eighth minute. A deflected pass from captain Steven Moreira fell to Diego Rossi, who slotted it past TFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson for his 14th of the season.

The Crew nearly reclaimed the lead late, but Daniel Gazdag’s effort was ruled offside after video review, sparing Toronto from heartbreak.

Vilsaint’s Emotional Debut

Vilsaint, who joined Toronto just days earlier from Montreal, admitted it felt surreal to score in front of a supportive home crowd.

“It’s different not being booed anymore,” he joked. “The fans had my back, and I’m excited to give everything for this team.”

He also reflected on limited playing time in Montreal, describing the past two months as “hard.” Now, he sees Toronto as a fresh chance to prove himself and contribute meaningfully.

Mihailovic’s Instant Impact

While Vilsaint stole headlines, newcomer Djordje Mihailovic also impressed. Recently acquired in a deal worth up to $9 million, Mihailovic signed with Toronto through 2028 and wasted no time showing his worth.

He provided the assist for Vilsaint’s equalizer and created numerous chances. Fraser called the service “worth every penny,” underscoring how Mihailovic is already raising Toronto’s offensive confidence.

A Team Effort to Secure a Point

Beyond the newcomers, veteran goalkeeper Sean Johnson stood tall with six saves, including clutch stops in added time. Deandre Kerr also threatened Columbus with multiple near chances.

Fraser applauded the group’s resilience, especially after consecutive 1-1 draws against top Eastern Conference teams, Philadelphia Union and now Columbus. He emphasized the squad’s growing cohesion, though he admitted the club still desperately needs three-point victories to push for the playoffs.

Looking Ahead

Toronto FC (5-8-13) remains in the playoff hunt thanks to Vilsaint’s historic debut and Mihailovic’s immediate influence. Meanwhile, Columbus (13-9-5) missed a chance to climb higher in the standings.

With renewed energy and new talent, Toronto appears ready to fight until the very end of the season.

Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more thrilling updates on Toronto FC and the latest MLS action.

Nurse Suspension in B.C. Sparks Transgender Rights Debate

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A Case That Divides Public Opinion

In British Columbia, the suspension of nurse Amy Hamm has ignited a heated transgender rights debate. Hamm received a one-month suspension and nearly $94,000 in fines after a disciplinary panel ruled she made discriminatory remarks online. The B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives said her comments, posted between 2018 and 2021, spread fear and contempt toward transgender people.

Disciplinary Action and Appeal

The panel ruled in March that Hamm committed professional misconduct. Alongside the suspension, she must cover the college’s costs within two years. Hamm has since filed an appeal in B.C. Supreme Court, which pauses the penalties until the legal process concludes.

Defense From Justice Centre and Legal Counsel

The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms defended Hamm, claiming she was punished for supporting women’s access to female-only spaces. Hamm’s lawyer, Lisa Bildy, argued the panel made “legal and factual errors” in its findings. According to Bildy, the ruling penalizes Hamm for views that align with science and mainstream perspectives.

Hamm’s Statement on Freedom of Expression

Hamm rejected claims of hate speech, insisting her stance focuses on biological reality and freedom of expression. In her words, “biological reality matters, and so does freedom of expression.” With more than 13 years of experience and a promotion to nurse educator, Hamm says she feels silenced for holding views she considers reasonable.

College Emphasizes Zero Tolerance for Discrimination

The B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives emphasized its duty to protect the public. In its statement, the college stressed that nurses and midwives hold positions of trust and must uphold non-discriminatory practices. It called the ruling “an important statement against discrimination,” reinforcing its mandate to keep healthcare inclusive and equitable.

Wider Implications and Human Rights Complaints

The decision arrives just weeks after the Justice Centre filed complaints with the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal. The case has since expanded beyond professional discipline into a broader legal and social debate about balancing professional responsibility with personal freedom of speech.

Stay tuned to Maple Wire for the latest updates on this ongoing case.

PNE Fair Returns With Wine Pairings and Family Entertainment

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PNE Fair Brings Fresh Flavors and Classic Fun

The PNE Fair 2025 is back, blending wine pairings with crowd-favorite fair foods to delight visitors. Organizers are adding fresh attractions to ensure every generation—from kids to seniors—finds something exciting.

Wine Meets Fair Food

For the first time, guests can pair a crisp white wine with fried pickles, burgers, or even mini-donuts. Wine experts will guide visitors at the Chalet, while food can be purchased from vendors across the grounds. Carissa Palangio, a wine specialist, noted that wine doesn’t need luxury pairings. “You can pair wine with anything you have in your fridge and anything sold at The Fair,” she explained.

Attractions for All Ages

The PNE spokesperson, Laura Ballance, highlighted the importance of introducing new experiences each year. Beyond food and drink, this year’s lineup includes an interactive sports zone featuring outdoor hockey, ensuring active fun for kids and families.

Concerts That Rock the Summer

Music fans can look forward to a star-studded concert series. Performances include Counting Crows, Flo Rida, Meghan Trainor, and Lynyrd Skynyrd—a mix designed to appeal across generations.

Dates and Schedule

The PNE runs from August 16 to September 1, with closures on August 18 and 25. Visitors can explore food, music, and entertainment throughout its two-week run.

Two Canadians Score $1M in Lotto Max Draw

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Two Canadians Strike Gold in Lotto Max

Two lucky Canadians are celebrating life-changing wins after each claimed a $1 million prize in the latest Lotto Max draw. The popular lottery, known for its massive jackpots, kept the excitement alive as winners from Ontario and Western Canada secured the coveted Maxmillions rewards.

Jackpot Rolls Over, More Prizes Claimed

The draw, held on Tuesday, August 12, revealed the winning numbers: 15, 16, 21, 27, 28, 33, 39, with bonus 10. While no one matched all seven numbers to take home the $65 million jackpot, several Canadians still walked away winners. One ticket holder in Western Canada matched six numbers plus the bonus, earning $241,169.60.

Another 49 players matched six numbers, each pocketing $4,921.80. These smaller but significant wins kept the nationwide buzz alive as hopefuls await the next draw.

Maxmillions Winners Shine

The real headline came from the Maxmillions prizes. Out of eight available, two players hit the jackpot within the jackpot. Winning numbers 13, 17, 23, 31, 39, 40, 48 and 13, 21, 28, 36, 40, 49, 50 gave two lucky Canadians $1 million each. One winning ticket was purchased in Ontario, while the other was sold in Western Canada.

Regional Wins Keep Spirits High

In British Columbia, one player celebrated a $500,000 Lotto Max Extra prize. However, Ontario players missed out on the $1 million Encore prize this time.

The last grand jackpot win came on July 11, when two Quebec residents split $70 million. Entrepreneur Jacques Deschamps and retiree Wilhelmina Van Leeuwen each took home $35 million. Deschamps shared plans to spoil his family and travel, while Van Leeuwen set her sights on first-class adventures.

Next Draw Promises Bigger Stakes

The anticipation now turns to Friday, August 15, when the Lotto Max jackpot climbs to $70 million. Alongside the main prize, players will have 10 Maxmillions prizes up for grabs, raising the stakes for hopeful participants across the country.

Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more updates on the Lotto Max and other major stories shaping Canada’s news.