Members of the military, special guests, and residents paused yesterday afternoon at the Belleville Cenotaph to commemorate two significant battles in World Wars I and II and remember VE Day. The sacrifices of the thousands of Canadians killed and wounded in the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the Battle of the Atlantic, and the celebrations of VE Day were remembered in a ceremony organized by the Belleville Veterans Council.
Canada is to become the first non-European country to attend a meeting of the European Political Community when prime minister Mark Carney joins today’s summit of the 48-plus nation grouping in Armenia. Carney has said he is determined to build a new network of trade and diplomatic alliances after the loss of US markets under US President Donald Trump. His presence will also represent a show of western support for Armenia in its efforts to distance itself from Russia at a time when Washington’s approach to Moscow’s opponents, such as Ukraine, is at best ambiguous. Canadian diplomats have rejected suggestions Ottawa might seek EU membership.
The United States will launch an effort today to “guide” stranded ships from the Iran-gripped Strait of Hormuz, this according to social media posts from Donald Trump, giving few details about what could be a sweeping effort to help hundreds of vessels and some 20,000 seafarers. Trump said in a social media post on Sunday that “neutral and innocent” countries have been affected by the Iran war, and “we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business.” “Project Freedom” would begin on Monday morning in the Middle East, Trump said, adding that his representatives are having discussions with Iran that could lead to something “very positive for all.” Iran’s military has responded this morning by saying that any US or foreign ships entering the Strait will be attacked.
Yesterday, the Picton Community Centre main hall was filled with people eager to know more about emergency situations and being prepared. Our Brenda Little has more…
That’s your County FM news, may the 4th be with you. Sports is next.
Sports
Let’s start with NHL playoff action as the Montreal Canadiens have eliminated the Tampa Bay Lightning in game 7 of their first round series to advance to round two. Alex Newhook scored the go-ahead goal at 11:07 in the third period and Jakub Dobes made 28 saves as the Canadiens beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1, prevailing 4-3 in the hard-fought first-round series despite registering just nine shots Sunday night. The Habs will face the Sabres, starting Wednesday night.
There was no last second miracle shot to save the Toronto Raptors as their playoff run came to a close last night 114-102 to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Raps actually lead through the half, but a 38-19 third quarter sealed the young team’s fate.
World Series star pitcher Trey Yeasavage was back on the mound for the Toronto Blue Jays as they faced the Minnesota Twins in the final game of their 4-game series. In spite of giving up just one run the star rookie didn’t get the support he needed from the rest of the team and the Jays lost 4-3. Next up are the Tampa Bay Rays starting tonight.
Back to hockey, the Toronto Maple Leafs are bringing Mats Sundin back to the team as Senior Executive Advisor, Hockey Operations to join new General Manager John Chayka, with a press conference scheduled for 1pm today. It’s unclear why this is expected to bring any measure of success to the Buds. Chayka has been out of hockey since 2020 after being fired by the Arizona Coyotes and suspended by the NHL.
And finally, the organizers of the Formula One Miami Grand Prix moved the start of yesterday’s race up by three hours to avoid expected thunderstorms and without some rain to change up the show, spectators were treated to Kimi Antonelli’s third consecutive victory of the season. McLaren’s Lando Norris finished second behind the Mercedes driver and Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri finished third.
