🗞️ They see us pollin'

Happy Monday Halifax,

At a time when literally everything I hear sounds borderline insane, this story of two Halifax women getting stopped by police in Ohio is truly bonkers, even by now’s standards. I have long suspected something was amiss with Ohio and this only adds fuel to my theory.

Folk singers and sisters Cassie and Maggie MacDonald were driving on the interstate when they noticed a police car tailing them. After about half an hour, a second police car joined and turned its lights on. The girls pulled over and were told that they were going to be searched for narcotics.

After, I guess, pee testing the vehicle, the police deemed that the car “tested positive for drugs”— which, that’s. That’s not how that works.

Then the women were separated, interrogated and lectured about the dangers of fentanyl and how much of it is coming across the border from Canada. They were then asked, “which do you like better? Canada or America?” to which they answered very diplomatically that they have been touring in the U.S. for years and have always loved it and felt very welcome.

After 45 minutes, they were allowed to go after being issued a warning for distracted driving—they conceded they had been passing their mobile phone back and forth while on speaker mode as they talked to their mother. But, I…I thought the car tested positive for drugs? 🤷🏻‍♀️

Now prepare for the shock of your life. When contacted about the incident, the police department said the women’s account of the incident was “false reporting and hate mongering”. Because of course they did.

I hope your day makes much more sense than this,

– Julie

📷 @editorjulesl

🌡️ Traffic & Weather

Today: 🌤️ 3°

Tomorrow: ☁️ 12°

Next Day: ☀️ 9°

7-day forecast

🚗 Driving, biking or busing today? Check out the current traffic conditions and ongoing road closures.

ARTS + CULTURE

ZUPPA turns 27 but isn’t scared of dying

Turning 27 can be a cursed year for great creative people, but Halifax-based Theatre Company Zuppa Circus—now known as just ZUPPA— hopes to sail through the milestone without joining the ominous and infamous 27 Club.

The Coast’s Julie Lawrence caught up with three members on a Zoom call, and they seemed healthy and happy. Their beards may be greyer, but otherwise, they show no tell-tale signs of imminent demise.  But 27 years is a long time for anyone to stay in business, let alone continue to be inspired to create work that inspires.

Whether ‘cursed’ or ‘milestone,’ birthdays are a great time for reflection on how far they’ve come, what’s changed and where they plan to go. So let’s do it!

🤔 Need To Know

🇨🇦 Canadians will head to the polls on April 28 after Prime Minister Mark Carney formally met with the Governor General to dissolve the 44th parliament—bringing an end to the longest-running minority government in Canadian history.  

🔌 Nova Scotia has become the latest province to scrap electrical vehicle rebates for Teslas—the PC government joined with the opposition parties in a vote dropping the electric automaker from the rebate program, which provides subsidies that range from $2-3K per purchase.

👚 At a time of year when charities need donations, the Salvation Army says they’re asking people for 25%  fewer donations—the idea is rather than not donating at all, consider donating less if you need to.

🚗 Optimize your vehicle fleet with Jim Pattison Lease! Flexible leasing, telematics, analytics, upfitting, and fleet management tools boost efficiency and reduce costs. Learn more about our services now!*

🌱 Launch your career in the clean economy with the Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program. Apply here.*

🛋️ Buying Canadian matters. Visit independently owned and operated Jordan's Home Furnishings in New Minas or Halifax for quality and service you can trust. On site interior designers make finding the best Canadian manufactured furniture a flawless experience.*

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May 3rd & 4th, 2025
Breaking Circus

🗞️ In Other News

🥀 The family of a 32-year-old Nova Scotia woman who police say was killed in an alleged act of intimate partner violence say she was a devoted mom who worked hard to improve her children's lives.

🎞️ Screen Nova Scotia purchased a soundstage facility to help grow the province’s “thriving” film industry—the government invested $8M in the large sound-proofed building used for filming.

🪦 Residents of the historic African Nova Scotian community of Beechville are planning work to revitalize the local cemetery after being awarded a $10K grant from the HRM—the initiative is aimed at helping Black communities deal with systemic and historical challenges.

🏍️ A former Hells Angels hitman has had his day parole revoked because the Parole Board of Canada has found he can't control his bad attitude—Dean Daniel Kelsie, 51, is serving a life sentence for second-degree murder.

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🗓️ Things To Do

Looking for something to do this week? Check out these Coast picks:

🗓 Canada’s Storytellers - Santiago Guzmán: This exclusive sneak peek offers a glimpse into the development of a heartfelt story that follows ANDRÉS, a middle-aged migrant from Mexico, as he struggles to maintain long-distance relationships with his loved ones. Whether they live countries apart or just a few provinces away, ANDRÉS seeks to weave a web of connections with those who matter most. | March 26 | 7:00pm | Free |

🗓 Miniature Paint Night: Join Dungeon Master Ron from Dungeons Delivered as he acts as a guide and mentor to help painters of all skill levels improve their painting techniques. For the workshop, you may select a free miniature and will be provided with the tools you need to paint with. | March 26 | 6:00pm | $20 |

🗓 The Music Room Chamber Players Series Presents Sumptuous Song: Meghan Lindsay has performed regularly with Opera Atelier, Pacific Opera Victoria, and Tafelmusik, and appeared in venues such as Amsterdam's Concertgebouw, Toronto's Koerner Hall, and the Royal Opera at the Palace of Versailles. With pianist Carson Becke, she will bring a gorgeous program to the Music Room, including Carson's arrangement of Strauss's beloved Four Last Songs. | March 26 | 7:30pm | $35 |

Have an event to share? Let us know at [email protected].

⚓️ What’s In The Harbour

➡️ The CMA CGM J Madison container ship leaves Halifax for New York at 4am.

🚢➡️ The Tropic Lissette container ship arrives in Halifax from Philipsburg, St. Maarten at 6:15am and leaves for West Palm Beach, FL at 5pm.

🚢➡️ The Ijsselborg general cargo ship arrives in Halifax from Moa, Cuba at 7:15am and leaves for Moa, Cuba at 6pm.

🚢 The Acadian oil tanker arrives in Halifax from Portsmouth at 8:40pm.

🍴 Where To Eat & Drink

🍒 Spring has sprung at Pane e Circo, so let your taste buds bloom with the new Matcha and Cherry Blossom Opera Cake: cherry buttercream, matcha ganache, sakura syrup.

🥢 Experience fresh seafood with an Asian twist with the Tuna at Edna: seared tuna, shitake mushrooms, miso aioli, wonton, sesame, masago.

👀 In Case You Missed It

✏️ Award-winning cartoonist and author Kate Beaton was in Halifax Friday to discuss the enduring connection between art-making, labour and community. Beaton was in town to deliver the 2025 Cyril J. Byrne Memorial Lecture at Saint Mary's University. Born in Mabou, Cape Breton, Beaton explained that for her—like many others from communities tied to work and industry—art has always been part of her life. The Coast’s Lauren Phillips talked to Beaton about art, community, labour and a recent comic strip in honour of Justin Trudeau’s love for JFK’s love for Canada. Or, well, let’s see what it says.

That’s it!

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