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Today's World Cup Round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium will feature Folarin Balogun after FIFA suspended his automatic one-match ban following a red card. Donald Trump praised the decision, while Belgium's football association said it was "astonished" and questioned whether the move contradicts World Cup regulations.

FIFA says its disciplinary rules allow sanctions to be suspended under probation. But the decision still raises fair questions about consistency, especially when compared with how FIFA has handled politically sensitive situations involving teams with far less power.

Iran's team and supporters, for example, have faced intense scrutiny around protest symbols, political expression, travel restrictions and broader geopolitical pressure. Those situations are not identical to a red-card suspension, but they do raise the same bigger question: who gets flexibility from FIFA, and who gets strict enforcement?

Whether you agree with Balogun's clearance or not, public confidence depends on more than technical rulebooks. It depends on whether fans believe those rules are applied fairly and consistently.

CBC's reporting helps unpack the rule FIFA relied on, the reaction from both sides, and the broader history of FIFA discretion. In a tournament shaped by politics as much as sport, those details matter.

What do you think? Should FIFA have this much discretion? Should automatic suspensions apply the same way every time? Does today's decision change how you view the tournament?

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According to CBC's reporting, restaurants and bars in Toronto saw only a 3 per cent increase in overall debit and credit card spending during the tournament's first two weeks compared to the same period last year. Hotels performed better with an 18 per cent increase, but restaurant spending still fell well short of what Toronto experienced during Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

Former Toronto mayor David Miller, who helped bring the tournament to the city, argues that the problem isn't the event itself. It's the business model.

His assessment is blunt. FIFA captures much of the financial upside while host cities shoulder most of the costs. Canada is expected to spend roughly $1.07 billion to host the tournament, with Toronto taxpayers contributing about $380 million for six matches.

Urban planning expert Tyeshia Redden echoed that concern, saying mega sporting events are often "stacked" in favour of organizations like FIFA. Cities absorb the infrastructure, policing, security and operational costs while many of the direct revenues flow elsewhere.

At the same time, many Torontonians and visitors embraced the tournament. Streets were lively, fan zones were packed, and Canada had an opportunity to showcase itself to a global audience. Those community benefits are real, even if they are difficult to measure on a balance sheet.

The bigger question is whether future host cities should negotiate much harder before signing on. If taxpayers are investing hundreds of millions of dollars, should communities receive a larger share of the financial return?

Public celebrations can absolutely be worth investing in. Public subsidies with limited public return deserve careful scrutiny.

What do you think? Was hosting the World Cup worth the cost?

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By comparison, pork prices rose 3 per cent and chicken just 1.8 per cent.

The biggest reason is simple economics. Canada and the U.S. are facing historically low cattle supplies while demand for beef remains exceptionally strong. Ranchers are rebuilding their herds after years of drought and high production costs, but that process takes time. Experts say it can take up to three years before additional cattle reach consumers.

At the same time, producers continue to face high costs for fuel, fertilizer and feed. Canadian beef is also in high demand internationally, which helps keep prices elevated.

But supply is only part of the story.

Canada's beef processing industry is highly concentrated. Just 18 federally inspected slaughterhouses handle cattle nationwide, and only two multinational companies, Cargill and JBS, control roughly 85 per cent of Canada's beef processing capacity. Experts warn that concentration leaves the supply chain vulnerable to disruptions and reduces competition.

Interprovincial trade barriers also make the system less efficient. Provincially inspected meat generally can't be sold across provincial borders, even between neighbouring communities. CBC highlighted one example where a farmer near Ottawa had to drive past the city all the way to Montreal just to have livestock processed so the meat could legally be sold nearby in Quebec.

The federal government's new National Food Security Strategy aims to help more provincially licensed facilities become federally licensed, making it easier for smaller processors to sell across Canada and giving farmers and consumers more options.

Unfortunately, experts say Canadians shouldn't expect lower beef prices anytime soon. Herd rebuilding is a long process, U.S. cattle supplies remain tight because of drought, and demand continues to outpace supply.

This is another example of why public-interest journalism matters. CBC isn't just reporting higher grocery prices. It's explaining the supply chain, the market concentration, the regulatory barriers, and the long-term factors that shape food affordability in Canada.

Do you think Canada should do more to strengthen local food processing and remove interprovincial trade barriers?

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Tommy Hunter, affectionately known as "Canada's Country Gentleman," has died at the age of 89, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that helped define Canadian country music and public broadcasting.

Hunter began his CBC journey on Country Hoedown in 1956 before going on to host The Tommy Hunter Show, which evolved from radio to television and ran for an extraordinary 27 years. It became one of North America's most successful country music programs, introducing audiences to Canadian talent while welcoming icons like Gordon Lightfoot, Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash.

He also gave early opportunities to future stars, including a young Shania Twain, Garth Brooks and many emerging Canadian performers whose careers blossomed thanks to his generosity and belief in homegrown talent.

Even after The Tommy Hunter Show ended in 1992, he continued touring Canada until his farewell tour in 2012. Along the way, he earned three Juno Awards, a Gemini Award, induction into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, and was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada.

For generations of Canadians, Tommy Hunter wasn't just a performer. He was a warm, familiar presence who brought music, kindness and Canadian stories into our homes every week.

CBC helped make Tommy Hunter a household name, and in return, he helped shape the history of Canadian public broadcasting.

Thank you, Tommy Hunter. Your music, your generosity and your love for Canada will never be forgotten.

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From devastating floods in Manitoba, to heat domes across Ontario, Quebec and B.C., to wildfires in the North and severe thunderstorms cancelling Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa, Canadians are feeling the impacts from coast to coast.

According to meteorologists and climate scientists interviewed by CBC, there isn't a single explanation. A strong El Niño is developing after several La Niña years, the jet stream has become stuck in patterns that trap heat and storms over certain regions, and Canada's naturally variable climate is adding to the mix.

But experts also point to something much bigger.

Canada is warming at roughly twice the global average, and nearly four times faster in the Arctic. That doesn't mean climate change causes every flood, wildfire or thunderstorm. It does mean it's raising the baseline, making many extreme weather events more intense, more frequent, and more likely to break records.

As one Environment and Climate Change Canada scientist put it: "We are poking Mother Nature with a stick a bit here by warming the atmosphere."

Researchers expect Western Canada to remain warmer and drier through much of the summer, while other regions could continue to see an unpredictable mix of heat, heavy rain and powerful storms. Looking ahead, a strong El Niño could also shape this coming winter.

The takeaway isn't panic-- it's preparation. Stay informed, stay hydrated during heat events, check on vulnerable neighbours, and take weather warnings seriously. The climate Canadians grew up with is changing, and adapting to that reality is becoming increasingly important.

This is another example of why public-interest journalism matters. CBC isn't simply reporting the latest flood or heat warning. It's connecting the science, speaking with multiple experts, explaining the role of El Niño, the jet stream and climate change, and helping Canadians understand the bigger picture behind the headlines.

How has this summer's weather affected you? Have you noticed changes where you live compared with just 10 or 20 years ago?

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Released on Canada Day, 51st State doesn't mention Trump by name, but the message is unmistakable. The two-minute rock anthem pushes back against tariffs and annexation rhetoric while also reminding listeners of the long history shared by Canada and the United States.

Rather than rejecting that relationship outright, Adams draws a line between friendship and sovereignty.

"Maybe you've forgotten, maybe you just don't care, but we've always stood beside you for that liberty we share."

The song ends on a similar note, acknowledging that Canadians and Americans are "better off together" while making clear that the 49th parallel remains "a line drawn in the sand."

It's another example of how artists often reflect the political and cultural conversations happening around them. Over the past year, music, comedy, sports, and popular culture have all become spaces where Canadians have expressed pride in their identity and responded to rising trade tensions and annexation rhetoric.

Whether you agree with Bryan Adams or not, moments like these become part of our cultural history. Public broadcasters like CBC help preserve and document them, connecting politics, culture, and the voices of Canadian artists in ways commercial media often doesn't.

What do you think of 51st State? Does music still have the power to shape public conversations?

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A longtime creator, author and founder of Zine Club, Menezes has spent more than a decade using self-published magazines as a form of storytelling and protest art. When ongoing apartment issues left her feeling unheard, she turned that same creative tradition into a tool for tenant advocacy.

Her story highlights the power of art to build community, document lived experiences and give voice to people navigating housing challenges. Sometimes, creativity isn't just about expression. It's about organizing, educating and pushing for change.

CBC Arts continues to spotlight the artists and grassroots movements shaping conversations about housing, justice and everyday life across Canada.

Have you ever used art, writing or another creative outlet to speak up about an issue that mattered to you?

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The Trump administration's decision not to extend CUSMA made headlines, but the agreement isn't ending. In fact, the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement remains fully in force until 2036, unless one country formally withdraws with six months' notice.

What has changed is the negotiating strategy.

Instead of agreeing to a 16-year extension now, the U.S. wants to renegotiate parts of the agreement. According to U.S. officials, that could include separate bilateral "protocols" or side agreements with Canada and Mexico rather than one comprehensive package.

Washington's priorities remain familiar: reducing its trade deficit, increasing U.S.-made content in automobiles, and seeking greater access to Canada's dairy market. Canada, meanwhile, continues to push for relief from tariffs on steel, aluminum, automobiles and softwood lumber that have affected Canadian industries despite the existence of a continental trade agreement.

The biggest unanswered question is whether the Trump administration is willing to offer meaningful concessions in return. Trade experts interviewed by CBC point out that negotiations only work when both sides have something to gain, and it's still unclear what the U.S. is prepared to put on the table.

The analysis also suggests domestic U.S. politics may be driving the timeline. Some believe Republicans would like to secure a deal before the midterm elections, while others argue Trump sees tariffs themselves as politically valuable and may prefer negotiations to stretch into 2027. One trade expert even noted that, unlike many politicians who campaign on trade deals, Trump often campaigns on tariffs.

Despite Trump's criticism of CUSMA, there appears to be little appetite in Washington to scrap it outright. The agreement enjoys strong support from many Republicans, particularly those representing agricultural states that rely heavily on North American trade. That support is one reason experts believe the administration has chosen renegotiation over withdrawal.

This is exactly why public-interest journalism matters. Rather than focusing only on dramatic headlines, CBC's analysis explains the legal reality, the political motivations, and the economic stakes behind one of Canada's most important trade relationships.

Do you think Canada should stay focused on strengthening CUSMA, or is this another sign that we need to accelerate trade diversification with partners beyond the United States?

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Documents obtained by CBC News through a Freedom of Information request show Ontario's own consultation on expanding strong mayor powers received "predominantly negative" feedback. Respondents described the move as "unnecessary," "undemocratic," and inappropriate for many municipalities.

The government proceeded anyway.

Doug Ford originally argued these extraordinary powers were needed to speed up housing construction. Yet critics across the political spectrum point out there is little evidence they have delivered the promised housing results. Instead, they've concentrated more authority in the hands of individual mayors, allowing them to override traditional council processes on budgets, appointments and some bylaws.

That concentration of power has implications beyond housing. Strong mayor powers can also be used to fast-track major infrastructure and development projects, raising concerns about reduced local oversight on decisions that affect farmland, wetlands, green space, climate resilience, and other environmental protections. When fewer elected representatives have meaningful input, communities have fewer opportunities to challenge projects with significant environmental impacts.

Viewed alongside the Ford government's broader record of weakening oversight, limiting transparency, opening protected lands to development, and pushing ahead despite widespread public criticism, this latest revelation raises an uncomfortable question: are public consultations genuinely meant to shape policy, or simply to check a procedural box before decisions have already been made?

This story also demonstrates why freedom of information laws and strong public-interest journalism matter. Without CBC's reporting and access to government records, Ontarians would likely never have known that the government's own consultation found overwhelming opposition to the expansion.

What do you think? Should municipalities have the right to opt out of strong mayor powers, or should the province be able to impose them regardless of local opposition?

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Today, CBC is bringing Canadians together from coast to coast to coast with a full day of live Canada Day programming, celebrating the people, places and stories that make this country unique.

Beginning this morning, CBC News is taking viewers across the country with live coverage from communities large and small. Throughout the day, Canadians can call in to share what it means to be Canadian in 2026, before the celebrations culminate tonight with Celebrating our Canada!, a live concert from Ottawa's LeBreton Flats Park.

The evening concert features an incredible lineup of Canadian artists, including Alessia Cara, Barenaked Ladies, Beatrice Deer, Diane Dufresne, Paul Langlois of The Tragically Hip, Dominique Fils-Aimé, Lisa LeBlanc, Pierre Lapointe, P'tit Belliveau and many more.

Beyond the broadcasts, CBC is also celebrating in communities across the country with its It's a Canada Thing Summer Tour, while CBC Music, CBC Comedy and Murdoch Mysteries are marking the day with all-Canadian programming that celebrates our music, stories, history and sense of humour.

This is what public broadcasting does best. It connects Canadians, celebrates our diversity, amplifies voices from every region, and creates shared moments that bring us together.

Happy Canada Day from all of us at Save the CBC!

How are you celebrating today? Are you watching the festivities, spending time with family, heading to a community event, or just enjoying a quiet summer day? We'd love to hear how you're marking July 1.

A true Canadian entertainment icon, Dan Aykroyd has spent decades making audiences laugh across film and television. From SCTV and Saturday Night Live to The Blues Brothers, Ghostbusters and his Oscar-nominated performance in Driving Miss Daisy, his impact on comedy is immeasurable.

He's an Emmy Award winner, an Academy Award nominee, a recipient of the Order of Canada and has a star on Canada's Walk of Fame.

CBC has proudly celebrated Aykroyd's remarkable career over the years, from his groundbreaking work with SCTV to interviews, documentaries and retrospectives highlighting one of Canada's greatest comedic talents.

Happy Birthday, Dan, and thank you for helping put Canadian comedy on the world stage!

From small-town Vancouver Island roots to global icon status, Pamela Anderson has become one of Canada's most recognizable figures: a world-renowned beauty, actor, activist, author, and cultural force.

Her story has continued to evolve with courage and grace, from screen stardom to animal rights advocacy, memoir writing, documentary storytelling, and a powerful reclamation of her own narrative.

CBC has helped share that fuller story with Canadian audiences, highlighting not just the icon, but the thoughtful, resilient, creative woman behind the image.

Happy Birthday, Pamela. Canada is so proud to call you one of ours, and we at Save the CBC are delighted to celebrate you today.

The omission has alarmed child safety advocates, researchers, and even members of the government's own advisory panel. Public Safety Canada has described Roblox as an entry point where vulnerable children can be targeted, while the RCMP received more than 1,000 reports involving Roblox between 2024 and 2025.

The story is made even more heartbreaking by the experience of Penelope Sokolowski, whose father says she was groomed through Roblox and Discord by a member of the violent extremist group 764 before her death in 2025.

The government says gaming platforms may eventually be brought under the law by a future Digital Safety Commission, but advocates argue children need stronger protections now, not years from now.

Should platforms with voice chat, messaging, and millions of young users be treated like social media? Are lawmakers using an outdated definition that no longer reflects how kids actually spend time online? And what responsibility should platforms have to keep children safe?

CBC's reporting on stories like this helps bring emerging public safety issues into the national conversation. What changes would you like to see?

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A heat dome is pushing temperatures into the mid-30s and low 40s across parts of Canada this week, and CBC has pulled together practical, evidence-based advice to help people stay safe.

Some of the biggest takeaways:

Wetting your skin can cool your body without dehydrating you.

Fans work well up to about 38°C indoors, but can become dangerous once indoor temperatures approach or exceed body temperature.

Alcohol contributes to dehydration, while fluids with electrolytes are a better choice.

Hot nights can be especially dangerous because our bodies don't get a chance to recover.

Extreme heat affects everyone differently, especially seniors, children, people with chronic illnesses and those taking certain medications.

How are you staying cool this week? Do you have a favourite tip that helps during extreme heat?

This is another example of the practical public service journalism CBC provides every day, helping Canadians make informed decisions when it matters most.

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Terry Fox died at just 22 years old, but his Marathon of Hope forever changed this country. What began as an extraordinary run to raise money for cancer research became one of the most inspiring acts of courage and compassion in Canadian history.

His funeral was broadcast nationwide by CBC, memorial services were held in hundreds of communities, and flags across Canada flew at half-mast as millions mourned together.

More than four decades later, Terry's legacy continues to unite Canadians. The annual Terry Fox Run has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for cancer research, proving that one person's determination can inspire generations.

CBC has helped preserve and share Terry's story over the years, ensuring that new generations understand why his legacy still matters.

Thank you, Terry. You showed Canada what hope looks like. ❤️🍁

Learn more in this excellent deep dive: https://canadaehx.com/2020/06/28/the-marathon-of-hope/

The Alberta Court of Appeal has allowed Elections Alberta to resume verifying signatures on Stay Free Alberta's petition and report the results publicly. But the court stopped short of allowing the results to be sent to the justice minister, meaning the process cannot move toward triggering a constitutional referendum while the appeal continues.

The original petition, which asked whether Alberta should become an independent state, had previously been quashed after a judge ruled the province failed to consult First Nations and that Elections Alberta erred in approving it. Both the provincial government and Stay Free Alberta are appealing that decision.

This story sits at the intersection of constitutional law, Indigenous consultation, democratic process and provincial politics. Whatever your view on Alberta's future, these legal questions matter because they shape how major constitutional issues can move forward.

Independent public-interest journalism is essential during moments like these. It helps separate court rulings from political rhetoric and gives Canadians the context needed to understand what's actually happening.

What do you make of today's decision? Did the Court of Appeal strike the right balance by allowing signature verification to continue while preventing the referendum process from advancing until the appeal is decided?

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It's also worth remembering that Pierre Poilievre currently lives in Stornoway, the taxpayer-funded official residence of the Leader of the Opposition, and Andrew Scheer has lived in both Stornoway and The Farm.

Reasonable people can disagree about how 24 Sussex should be restored or who should pay. But arguing that an official residence shouldn't be maintained while living in one yourself raises obvious questions.

What do you think? Is this a contradiction, or a fair position? How should Canada handle 24 Sussex going forward?

After 90 minutes of relentless pressure, Eustáquio controlled the ball beautifully on the edge of the box before unleashing a precise strike that sent Canadian fans into jubilation from coast to coast to coast.

The victory marks the first knockout-stage win in the history of Canada's men's national team, sending Canada to the Round of 16 for the first time ever.

There was more good news as captain Alphonso Davies made his long-awaited return from injury, coming off the bench in the 75th minute to help see out the historic victory.

After the final whistle, an emotional head coach Jesse Marsch gathered his players and told them, "You are Canadian heroes."

Next up, Canada heads to Houston on July 4 to face either Morocco or the Netherlands, with a place in the World Cup quarterfinals on the line.

Moments like these remind us why CBC Sports matters. Public broadcasting brings Canadians together to celebrate the victories, heartbreaks and history that unite us as a country.

Congratulations, Team Canada! The entire nation is behind you.

From dominating the WHL with the Medicine Hat Tigers to starring at Penn State, McKenna's journey has inspired hockey fans across Canada. Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs, his story is one of talent, determination and representation.

Moments like these are why public sports journalism matters. CBC Sports helps Canadians celebrate not just the biggest stars, but the stories behind them, connecting communities from Whitehorse to Toronto and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Congratulations, Gavin. Canada is proud.

The settlement includes $6.5 million in damages, interest and legal costs. Court filings allege the money was diverted through a hidden bank account, fake insurance invoices, improper expense claims and other methods. His assets, including homes, vehicles and investments, are now being sold to repay the debt, though court documents indicate they're worth only about half of what is owed. No criminal charges have been filed.

This story raises important questions about trust, governance and accountability. How can charities and non-profits better protect donor funds? Should organizations handling millions undergo more frequent independent audits? Is it enough to recover the money through civil court, or should criminal investigations automatically follow in cases involving alleged large-scale embezzlement? What safeguards would you like to see in place?

CBC Investigates continues to shine a light on stories that matter, helping Canadians ask tough questions about the institutions they trust.

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