With the ceasefire now over and fighting once again escalating in the Middle East, attention is turning to Washington and the role the United States could play in shaping what happens next. Political analyst John Parisella joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas to discuss the renewed conflict, the challenges facing world leaders, and why diplomacy may be the key to preventing a wider crisis.

Image: AP Photo/Alex Brandon

How much should you spend on a wedding gift and what happens if you can’t make it to the big day? Etiquette expert Julie Blais Comeau joins Joanne Vrakas to share practical advice for wedding season, covering everything from gifts and RSVPs to guest expectations and common etiquette mistakes.

Planning a trip to Ottawa? Dustin Gilman, better known as FoodGuyMtl, joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas to share some of his favourite places to eat in the nation’s capital. From standout fine dining spots to hidden gems and local favourites, he offers recommendations for every taste and budget.

Image: Courtesy La Bottega Nicastro

Milk, raw milk, cheese, yogurt and dairy in general is a staple in many diets, but is it actually good for us? Why can some people enjoy dairy without issue while others struggle to digest it? And what role does dairy play in gut health? Dr. Christopher Labos joins Joanne Vrakas to separate fact from fiction and explain what the science really says about dairy products and digestion.

Image: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

As Prime Minister Mark Carney expands Canada’s trade relationships around the world, some of his newest partners are drawing scrutiny over their human rights records.

Political analyst Sandy White discusses the challenge of balancing economic interests with Canadian values, and why ties with countries like Saudi Arabia are raising questions about how far Ottawa should go in pursuit of new trade opportunities.

Image: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Twenty years ago, Chef Chuck Hughes opened up a restaurant with his friends in Old Montreal. The Garde Manger became a city stapple, defined an emerging culinary scene and he became a star. Chuck Hughes joins Joanne as he celebrates this milestone.

Image: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Looking for a beach on the island this summer? Montreal expert Thom Seivewright on why we don’t have more beaches in Montreal and which ones are worth visiting.

Image: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

A surprising new flavour for KD hits the shelves in Canada. Plus, Americans have had enough of our alcohol ban.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, better known as ‘The Food Professor,’ is Senior Director at Agri-Food Analytics Lab and Professor of Faculties of Management and Agriculture at Dalhousie University. He joins Weekends with Joanne Vrakas every Saturday at 7:10 a.m. to discuss everything from fluctuations in grocery prices to food trends.