Go to preferences - performance and uncheck Use Graphics Processor as a temporary fix.
Have you tried using the print head cleaning (Canon Deep Cleaning) utility?
Used the Colorize Neural Filter in PS, Auto Color, Auto Tone (Fade), additional tweaks in ACR.
I like it. That 9-18 is a great little lens.
If you have chosen an image aspect other than 4/3, the jpeg will be your chosen aspect size but the raw file will always be 4/3.