Friday's Here, Mild Air and a Hockey Win to Kick It Off

Bonjour-hi, and happy Friday. It's a mild one out there this morning, 13°C under a mostly cloudy sky, which is noticeably warmer than what we've been getting all week. Bring a light jacket you can tie around your waist, because it'll feel nice by lunch and you'll want the layer on the walk home. UV is low at 2.0, so sunscreen is optional today. The sun goes down at 4:35, so plan anything outdoors for the afternoon and get your evening errands done before the light fades.

Nothing major on the roads flagged for the commute this morning, so the usual routine should hold. Give yourself a little extra time on the métro if you're heading downtown for the evening.

The big story in sports is the Canadiens, who came back to beat Utah 5-4 in overtime, with Cole Caufield scoring the winner. Also worth knowing: the Alouettes' Davis Alexander was named CFL outstanding player, and Tyson Philpot took top Canadian honours. Over in politics, Marceau says Ottawa's federal budget still leaves Quebec's health, asylum and deficit concerns unanswered, which is the kind of thing people will be arguing about over dinner.

On the food side, be careful with ready-to-eat items bought at Marché G&G in Laval, since MAPAQ is warning people not to eat them. Boulangerie Richard has also recalled its pâtés across Quebec for undeclared wheat and fish allergens, so if you have allergies, check the box before you open it. Néo Chips freeze-dried fruit sticks are recalled for possible dried stem fragments, and a Montreal-North bakery has pulled all its products over possible wood contamination. Check your fridge and pantry before you commit to a weekend spread.

For tonight, the Friday lineup is busy. BIG ASS TRUCK I.E. plays the Fairmount Theatre at 6:30, Suzy Sheer is at Newspeak at 7:00, and the Salon National des Animaux de Compagnie de Montréal 2026 opens at the Hall Est du Stade olympique at 7:00 if you want to see a lot of very good dogs. Also at 7:00, the Cleveland Monsters visit the Laval Rocket at Place Bell, and the Million Dollar Bash runs at the Beanfield Theatre at 7:30. If you're in the mood for something loud, metal, electronic, rock, and comedy are all kicking off by seven. Indoor plans are the move tonight given the cloud, but if you're heading out early, the Mountain is still a nice walk at this hour.

For the weekend, put on a killer drama series, then hit live comedy and football on Saturday. Matteo Lane is one name worth checking out if you want to go out and laugh.

Have a good one, and see you on the street.