Things That Make You Go... Hmmmm! - Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Things That Make You Go... Hmmmm!

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

The Canadian stories from yesterday that made us stop, smile, scratch our heads... and say “Hmmmmm!”

Today’s “Hmmmmm!” Award

One Holiday... Many Names

Yesterday was the Civic Holiday in Ontario, B.C. Day out west, Heritage Day in Alberta, Saskatchewan Day, New Brunswick Day, Natal Day out east and Terry Fox Day in Manitoba.

Hmmmmm! Only Canada could turn one Monday off into a geography quiz.

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Sports That Made You Go... Hmmmm!

Jays Strand the Astros

The Blue Jays beat Houston 3-1 despite the Astros collecting 10 hits and leaving an incredible 13 runners on base.

Hmmmmm! Houston found the bases. Home plate was apparently another matter.

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Science & Technology

Mapping Ontario’s Altered Rivers

Researchers unveiled a new system for mapping how dams, reservoirs and hydro facilities affect streamflow across Ontario’s interconnected waterways.

Hmmmmm! Even a river can apparently have its flow chart.

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Entertainment Oddity

Opera Meets Drag

Montreal Pride welcomed “Drama Queens,” combining live opera, musical theatre and drag into one flamboyant outdoor performance.

Hmmmmm! Carmen probably never imagined this encore.

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Only in Canada

Celebrating the Man Who Built a Canal

Ottawa marked Colonel By Day with activities celebrating Lieutenant-Colonel John By and the history behind the Rideau Canal.

Hmmmmm! Build a canal in Canada and, eventually, you might get your own holiday Monday.

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Business Buzz

Calgary Eats Its Way Through Monday

Taste of Calgary wrapped up with more than 90 restaurants, breweries and food trucks serving sample-sized creations.

Hmmmmm! Finally, a business meeting where “I'll have one of everything” seems reasonable.

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Art That Made You Go... Hmmmm!

Calgary’s Walls Become Canvases

The BUMP Festival kicked off as artists began transforming city walls with new murals and public art.

Hmmmmm! In Calgary, even the buildings are getting summer makeovers.

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The Final Hmmmm...

Canada renamed Monday seven different ways.

Toronto stranded 13 Astros.

Opera met drag.

Scientists mapped rivers.

And Calgary painted the town... literally.

Just another day of...

Things That Make You Go... Hmmmm!

Things That Make You Go... Hmmmm! - Saturday, August 1, 2026

Things That Make You Go... Hmmmm!

Saturday, August 1, 2026

The Canadian stories from yesterday that made us stop, smile, scratch our heads... and say "Hmmmmm!"

Today's "Hmmmmm!" Award

Human... or Bot?

Ottawa is asking Canadians how artificial intelligence systems should identify themselves when we're dealing with them.

Hmmmmm! Soon "Are you a robot?" may be a question we ask the robot.

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You Can't Make This Up

He Stayed Behind... Then Needed Rescuing

A B.C. man reportedly ignored a wildfire evacuation order, only to call for help when the fire became too dangerous.

Hmmmmm! Apparently evacuation orders aren't just friendly suggestions.

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Business Buzz

Canada Tariffs... Cabinets

Ottawa announced a temporary 25% tariff on certain imported wood cabinets and vanities while investigating possible unfair trade practices.

Hmmmmm! Even the bathroom vanity has entered the trade war.

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Political Head Scratcher

Replacement Workers at the Bank of Canada?

Governor Tiff Macklem defended the Bank of Canada's use of replacement workers during an ongoing strike.

Hmmmmm! Labour relations meet the institution responsible for keeping the economy steady.

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Sports That Made You Go... Hmmmm!

Canada Strikes Gold

Canada collected two judo gold medals while Damian Warner added decathlon silver during an eight-medal day at the Commonwealth Games.

Hmmmmm! That's a pretty productive Friday.

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Wild Canada

A Grizzly Goodbye

Grinder, one of Grouse Mountain's beloved resident grizzly bears, died after more than two decades at the B.C. wildlife refuge.

Hmmmmm! A sad goodbye to one very big Canadian personality.

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Music Moment

Music Publishers Head to Ottawa

Canada's music publishers are pushing the federal government to discuss copyright law and funding.

Hmmmmm! Even the people behind the songs want government to change its tune.

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The Final Hmmmm...

Bots may have to introduce themselves.

Cabinets got tariffs.

A wildfire evacuation became a rescue.

Canada collected medals.

And Ottawa heard from the music industry.

Just another day of stories that make you go...

Hmmmmm!

Things That Make You Go... Hmmmm! - Friday, July 31, 2026

Things That Make You Go... Hmmmm!

Friday, July 31, 2026

The stories that made Canadians stop... and say... "Hmmmmm!"

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Today's "Hmmmmm!" Award

A New Mine Gets the Green Light

A Canadian nickel project cleared another major regulatory hurdle, adding momentum to Canada's push to become a global supplier of critical minerals.

Hmmmmm! Yesterday's rocks could power tomorrow's cars.

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You Can't Make This Up

A Spy Story with a Canadian Twist

A Canadian engineer working at NATO remained at the centre of an international espionage investigation in Belgium.

Hmmmmm! Some headlines read more like a streaming series than the evening news.

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Business Buzz

The Loonie Finds Its Footing

The Canadian dollar strengthened as markets reacted to central bank decisions and steadier commodity prices.

Hmmmmm! Even pocket change has good days.

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Only in Canada

Happy 85th, Paul Anka!

Ottawa-born music legend Paul Anka celebrated his 85th birthday, reminding Canadians that one of pop music's most recognizable voices started right here at home.

Hmmmmm! Some hits never go out of style.

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Wild Canada

Wildfire Crews Stay on Alert

Firefighters continued battling major wildfires across several provinces as hot, dry weather kept conditions challenging.

Hmmmmm! Summer is giving Canada's fire crews no vacation.

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Sports That Made You Go... Hmmmm!

Commonwealth Medal Hunt Continues

Canadian athletes kept adding to the medal count as competition intensified at the Commonwealth Games.

Hmmmmm! Red and white keeps finding its way onto the podium.

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Question of the Day

Which story made you go... Hmmmm?

• The new nickel project

• The NATO spy case

• Paul Anka turning 85

• Canada's Commonwealth success

Tell us in the comments!

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The Final Hmmmm...

Canada dug for the future.

Celebrated a music icon.

Cheered its athletes.

And reminded us that sometimes the strangest stories are the true ones.

Until tomorrow...

Keep watching for the stories that make you stop...

...and say...

Things That Make You Go... Hmmmm!

Things That Make You Go... Hmmmm! - Thursday, July 30, 2026

Things That Make You Go... Hmmmm!

Thursday, July 30, 2026

The stories that made Canadians stop... and say... "Hmmmmm!"

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Today's "Hmmmmm!" Award

The Loonie Gets a Lift

Canada's dollar climbed to its highest level in more than a week after stronger oil prices and the U.S. Federal Reserve held interest rates steady.

Hmmmmm! Sometimes good news is measured in pennies.

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Business Buzz

Railway Keeps Rolling

Canadian Pacific Kansas City reported strong quarterly results despite ongoing economic uncertainty, showing freight demand is staying on track.

Hmmmmm! Apparently the economy still has plenty of steam.

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Political Head Scratcher

Trade Clock Keeps Ticking

Canadian officials continued working to resolve trade issues with the U.S. as businesses watched closely for the next move.

Hmmmmm! International negotiations can feel like the world's longest game of chess.

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Science & Technology

AI Keeps Entering the Workplace

More Canadian organizations are expanding their use of artificial intelligence, with experts urging businesses to balance innovation with responsible oversight.

Hmmmmm! The newest coworker doesn't even need a coffee break.

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Wild Canada

Firefighters Stay Busy

Wildfire crews continued battling active fires across parts of Canada as hot, dry conditions persisted.

Hmmmmm! Summer vacation looks very different when you're carrying a fire hose.

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Sports That Made You Go... Hmmmm!

Scoreboard Watching Begins

With playoff races tightening, Canadian baseball fans are paying almost as much attention to other teams' scores as their own.

Hmmmmm! Suddenly everyone becomes a fan of whoever is playing your rival.

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Question of the Day

Which story made you go... Hmmmm?

• The stronger loonie

• AI in the workplace

• Canada's wildfire battle

• The playoff scoreboard watching

Tell us in the comments!

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The Final Hmmmm...

Money moved.

Technology advanced.

Firefighters kept fighting.

And sports fans discovered they suddenly had a lot more teams to cheer for.

Until tomorrow...

Keep watching for the stories that make you stop...

...and say...

**Things That Make You Go... Hmmmm!**

Things That Make You Go... Hmmmm! - Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Things That Make You Go... Hmmmm!

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

The stories that made Canadians stop... and say... "Hmmmmm!"

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Today's "Hmmmmm!" Award

First Across the Bridge

Members of the Gordie Howe family became the first to officially drive across the new Gordie Howe International Bridge before it opened to the public.

Hmmmmm! That's one family road trip for the history books.

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Political Head Scratcher

Wildfire Smoke Meets Politics

As wildfire smoke drifted across borders again, political debate continued over who should pay for prevention, response and recovery.

Hmmmmm! The smoke ignores borders... the paperwork doesn't.

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Business Buzz

Food Hubs Take Centre Stage

Canada is looking at expanding regional food hubs to strengthen local food supply and reduce dependence on major grocery chains.

Hmmmmm! Buying local may soon get a lot easier.

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Only in Canada

Remembering the Great Upheaval

Canadians marked the Day of Commemoration of the Great Upheaval, honouring the Acadians who were forcibly deported beginning in 1755.

Hmmmmm! History isn't just remembered... it's reflected upon.

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Sports That Made You Go... Hmmmm!

Blue Jays Stay in the Hunt

Toronto kept fans watching as the playoff race tightened, proving every game matters a little more this time of year.

Hmmmmm! Baseball season has officially entered scoreboard-watching mode.

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Science & Technology

Canadian AI Debate Grows

Experts continued calling for greater transparency as artificial intelligence takes on a larger role in public services and decision-making.

Hmmmmm! Sometimes the biggest question isn't what AI can do... but what it should do.

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Question of the Day

Which story made you go... Hmmmm?

• The first bridge crossing

• Local food hubs

• The Acadian commemoration

• Canada's AI debate

Tell us in the comments!

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The Final Hmmmm...

History was honoured.

A bridge welcomed its first travellers.

Technology raised new questions.

And Canadians kept finding reasons to say...

**Things That Make You Go... Hmmmm!**

Things That Make You Go... Hmmmm! - Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Things That Make You Go... Hmmmm!

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

The stories that made Canadians stop... and say... "Hmmmmm!"

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Today's "Hmmmmm!" Award

The Bridge Is Finally Open

After years of planning and plenty of political drama, the Gordie Howe International Bridge officially opened to traffic.

Hmmmmm! Sometimes the longest road is the one to opening day. (Medicine Hat News)

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You Can't Make This Up

Police Hear Gunfire... at a Consulate

Toronto police investigated evidence of gunfire outside the U.S. Consulate after shots were reported overnight.

Hmmmmm! Not exactly the kind of diplomatic exchange anyone wanted. (Reddit)

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Health Watch

ER Doctors Are Walking Away

A national survey suggests about one in ten emergency physicians plan to leave Canadian emergency departments because of burnout and working conditions.

Hmmmmm! Canada's busiest waiting room may soon have fewer doctors. (Reddit)

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Only in Canada

Happy Birthday, Insulin!

July 27 marked 105 years since Frederick Banting and Charles Best isolated insulin at the University of Toronto.

Hmmmmm! One Canadian discovery has saved millions of lives. (Reddit)

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Business Buzz

Markets Eye the Bank of Canada

Investors are watching closely as another week begins with interest rates and economic data dominating conversations.

Hmmmmm! Sometimes a fraction of a percent makes all the difference. (Canada News Media)

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Wild Canada

Ontario's Fire Season Continues

Hundreds of wildfires remain active as crews continue battling blazes and protecting communities.

Hmmmmm! Summer keeps firefighters busier than vacationers. (Reuters)

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Question of the Day

Which story made you go... Hmmmm?

• The bridge opening

• The insulin anniversary

• ER doctor shortages

• Ontario's wildfire season

Tell us in the comments!

---

The Final Hmmmm...

A bridge finally opened.

A medical milestone was remembered.

Emergency rooms face new challenges.

And Canada's wildfire season isn't finished yet.

Until tomorrow...

Keep watching for the stories that make you stop...

...and say...

Things That Make You Go... Hmmmm! 

Things That Make You Go... Hmmmm! - Monday, July 27, 2026

Things That Make You Go... Hmmmm!

**Monday, July 27, 2026**

The stories that made Canadians stop... and say... "Hmmmmm!"

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**Today's "Hmmmmm!" Award**

**A Century of Service**

The Royal Canadian Legion marked its 100th anniversary with commemorative events across Canada, honouring a century of service to veterans and communities.

**Hmmmmm!** A hundred years of remembering is worth celebrating.

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**You Can't Make This Up**

**Twelve Fatal Crashes in Twelve Days**

Saskatchewan RCMP reported responding to 12 fatal collisions in just 12 days, renewing pleas for drivers to slow down and stay focused.

**Hmmmmm!** The destination is never worth rushing to.

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**Only in Canada**

**UNESCO Birthday Party**

The town of Lunenburg celebrated 30 years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with community festivities and historical events.

**Hmmmmm!** Not every birthday comes with world-class status.

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**Sports That Made You Go... Hmmmm!**

**No Sargent, No Problem?**

Toronto FC prepared to face D.C. United without star striker Josh Sargent, giving other players a chance to step up.

**Hmmmmm!** Every team is only one injury away from a new hero.

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**Business Buzz**

**Bank of Canada Week Begins**

Investors are watching for fresh economic signals as a busy week of earnings and Bank of Canada updates gets underway.

**Hmmmmm!** Sometimes the biggest headlines are percentages.

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**Science & Technology**

**Canadian Intern Faces NATO Spy Charges**

A Canadian intern working at NATO headquarters in Belgium is facing espionage allegations linked to a third country.

**Hmmmmm!** Real life can sound like a spy novel.

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**Question of the Day**

Which story made you go... Hmmmm?

• The Legion's 100th anniversary

• Twelve fatal crashes

• Lunenburg's UNESCO celebration

• NATO spy allegations

Tell us below!

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**The Final Hmmmm...**

A century was celebrated.

History was honoured.

Markets looked ahead.

And one international story sounded stranger than fiction.

Until tomorrow...

Keep watching for the stories that make you stop...

and say...

**Things That Make You Go... Hmmmm!**