🗞️ Your summer soundtrack

Good morning Halifax,

I know everyone likes to think their kid is the smartest, talented, most special one to ever exist. Hell, mine is still floating around in utero and I’m fairly certain she’s destined for Olympic gymnastics gold.

@erindoherty349

My little gymnast ❤️🫶🏼 17 months old and hanging on the gymnastic bar. #strong #baby #mybaby #girls #gymnastic #gymnasticbar #trouble

But let’s be real, we’re all delusional and most of our kids are just…regular kids. Except for a six-year-old Bedford boy who has recently been accepted into Mensa—a super exclusive high IQ society for people who score in the top 2% of standardized intelligence tests. 

The youngest of three children in his family, he started spelling complicated words on the fridge with magnets at the age of two and taught himself to read and write as a toddler. At daycare, he would lead storytime and he was casually doing his times tables before his third birthday.

In order to make sure he got the support he needed, his family turned to Mensa. Since the non-profit organization only tests people who are 14 and older, his parents had him tested by a psychologist. Those results were sent to Atlantic Mensa and he was accepted!

You know who would absolutely not make the cut for Mensa? Me. Because as some of you were so kind (of rude) to point out, I did make two mistakes in yesterday’s opening. The naked dancing flight attendant was a man, not a woman. And the Salem Witch Trials were in 1692 (not 1962, which was a type-o). 

Once again, proof that I am not AI, just a “misguided editor who can’t get their facts straight”. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Be kind to yourself and each other out there,

– Julie

📷 @editorjulesl

🌡️ Traffic & Weather

Today: ☀️ 24°

Tomorrow: ☀️ 25°

Next Day: ☁️ 19°

7-day forecast

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

💨 Here is Halifax’s Air Quality Index and the smoke report.

MUSIC

Seven local albums and artists to help you step into summer

It feels that every summer in Halifax brings with it a number of negatives. Bugs buzzing around everywhere. Humidity that can make your skin sweat off. The recurring fear of forest fires.

All of these feelings are valid, but there are also plenty of positives. Taking a dip in the local lakes and visiting beaches. Walking down the street in your favourite shirt and shorts with no need for a jacket. Local ice cream and local beer gardens.

What really makes summer a positive experience, in this writer’s opinion, are the soundtracks that go along with all of the memories we make. The songs we listen to as we camp out with our friends, take road trips to new destinations, or chill on the deck with an ice-cold drink in hand. 

To prepare you for all the memories you’ll be making, we’ll be taking a look at some recent local albums and artists you could be listening to. Here is the Coast’s list of can’t miss albums to form the soundtrack to your summer.

🤔 Need To Know

👀 Local politicians took aim at Nova Scotia Power during a legislative committee meeting Wednesday morning—saying the utility owes ratepayers answers after a cybersecurity breach gave thieves access to data belonging to 280K customers.

🍓 The province is partnering with Horticulture Nova Scotia to increase funding for the Season Extension Enhancement Program to extend the growing season and increase the availability of local produce—the province will spend an additional $7M on the program.

🎂 Looking for dessert? Catch Secret Ingredients, a theatre experiment/cake tasting at STAGES Theatre Fest in Alderney Landing this weekend! Peep the full lineup here.*

📻 Mystery lovers can experience the golden age of radio, on stage, as TAG presents Sherlock by Wireless now until June 14.*

🎟️ Feed Nova Scotia’s Spring 50/50 jackpot is climbing - be sure to grab your tickets today and help support food programs across Nova Scotia!*

*Sponsored Post

SPONSORED BY CANADIAN MUSEUM OF IMMIGRATION AT PIER 21

NEW EXHIBITION OPEN NOW!

What is Canadian food anyway?

Canada’s food is as diverse as its people. How and what we eat is shaped by over 400 years of immigration and relationships between newcomers and Indigenous Peoples. Explore the connections between food and immigration in Canada through the universal experiences of eating, making, and sharing food. Engage with Canada's food traditions through hands-on activities, including a kids' kitchen and discover the surprising histories behind popular Canadian dishes we love and so much more!

Don't miss out on the new interactive exhibition eat make share: a taste of immigration, now open at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.

Presented by BMO.

NEWS

Meet the woman who is bringing TEDx to Halifax

Fatu M. Kaba is no stranger to transformation.

From surviving a civil war in her home country of Liberia to stepping onto the red circle of TEDx Oshawa as a powerful storyteller, leadership coach, model, and mental health advocate, Kaba is now launching something even bigger: she’s bringing TEDx to Halifax.

The Coast’s Warren D’Silva spoke with Kaba about why after being a speaker at TEDx Oshawa, she is preparing to bring the platform to Halifax.

🗞️ In Other News

⛺ New statistics show that the number of people experiencing homelessness in HRM has nearly doubled over two years—the number now stands at a minimum of 1,132 people.

📱 The province is working to expand cell coverage for Nova Scotians living in communities without access—it also wants to prevent dropped calls and signal gaps along the province’s major highways.

💸 While the Nova Scotia government has no plans to regulate a type of lease that's been called a loophole in the province's rent cap legislation, some real estate listings are advertising fixed-term leases as a financial benefit for potential buyers.

🗓️ Things To Do

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

🗓 Lebanese Cedar Festival: Come out to celebrate, promote and foster the Lebanese culture and traditions that have become so integral to Canada’s multicultural mosaic. The Cedar Festival is an opportunity for families and groups of all ages to be together to experience the culture and heritage in a fun, free, and safe atmosphere! | June 5-8 | 

🗓 Skydiggers with special guest Pillow Fite: Rooted in a deep appreciation for storytelling and melody, their music reflects life’s highs and lows with honesty and heart. Whether on stage or in the studio, Skydiggers create songs that resonate—music made by friends, for friends. | June 6 | 8pm | $56 |

🗓 Planet Gravity Presents - DNB POP-UP: Whether it's house, hip hop, drum & bass, techno, or a fusion of genres, this event is all about pushing boundaries and elevating the vibe. Each year, Planet Gravity proudly hosts one all-ages waterfront event—a major highlight on the Halifax summer calendar. This signature gathering celebrates inclusivity, youth culture, and the vibrant music scene of Atlantic Canada, all set against the scenic backdrop of the Halifax Harbour. | June 6 | 3pm | Free |

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

⚓️ What’s In The Harbour

🚢➡️ The EM Kea container ship arrives in Halifax from Montreal at 6:15am and leaves for Bremerhaven, Germany at 6:30pm.

🚢➡️ The EF Ava container ship arrives in Halifax from Portland, ME at 8:15am and leaves for Argentia at 1pm.

➡️ The CMA CGM Franco container ship leaves Halifax for Veracruz, Mexico at 10:45am.

🚢 The Way Forward container ship leaves Halifax for Jacksonville, FL at 10:55am.

🚢 The Nolhan Ava container ship leaves Halifax for Argentia at 1:15pm.

🍴 Where To Eat & Drink

🥗 Grab a nutritious and delicious lunch at Tart and Soul with The 3 Grain (Bowl) Problem: beluga lentils, couscous, chickpeas, carrots, roasted sweet potatoes, agrodolce raisin, herbs, greens, preserved lemon in a cinnamon cumin dressing. 

🥐 The croissant of the week at Two If By Sea is Rhubarb and White Chocolate. Only available until Friday!

👀 In Case You Missed It

👗 As temperatures rise and wardrobes get lighter, spring/summer 2025 fashion trends bring a refreshing mix of easy-going elegance and bold statements. From effortless neutrals to nostalgic nods to the early 2000s, this season’s trends are all about self-expression, comfort, and a playful approach to styling. This is also the spring-summer to shop local, and we at The Coast have got you covered. Here’s a breakdown of five standout trends and where you can shop them.

🏛️ A special meeting of Halifax council happened Tuesday morning, with just one item on the agenda: A first look at a new regional plan for the municipality—the blueprint establishes long-range, region-wide planning policies and outlines where, when, and how future growth and development should take place between now and 2031.

That’s it!

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