Global National: Aug. 9

Another member of music royalty has been forever silenced. Canada’s Robbie Robertson, the guitarist and main songwriter of The Band, the Canadian-American group known for songs such as “The Weight” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” has died at the age of 80. We look back at the legacy of one of Canada’s greatest musicians. Catastrophic wildfires are tearing through Hawaii’s Maui island, killing at least six people and destroying hundreds of structures. The deadly disaster that came with little warning, what’s fuelled the flames, and the extreme measures some people took to escape the danger. Global Affairs Canada says it is “highly probable” the Chinese government was behind another alleged smear campaign against Conservative MP Michael Chong. What GAC found, and why Chong may have been targeted again. Plus: Omicron’s cousin. What’s known about the new COVID-19 subvariant EG.5, and what doctors are advising the public to do. And stressed-out Swifties: tickets are now being sold for Taylor Swift’s November 2024 concerts in Toronto. The wide range of emotions her fans are feeling as they vie for a spot to watch one of the biggest tours in music history.