🏛️ Government & Politics
- Conservative MP Scott Aitchison to resign after fall session. Aitchison, MP for Parry Sound–Muskoka, announced on Wednesday he will step down following the conclusion of the fall parliamentary sitting after 30 years in public life. He becomes the eighth MP to leave Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative caucus since the 2025 election, Global News reported.
- Ford government’s $5-billion ‘Protect Ontario’ account has spent $140 million. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy faced questions at Queen’s Park after deputy minister Gadi Mayman told committee members that 36 applications totaling just under $100 million were received, 18 approved representing about $40 million, plus $100 million for Algoma steel support.
- Stelco CEO says ‘no amount of money’ could have prevented slowdown and 350 layoffs. Cleveland-Cliffs chairman Lourenco Goncalves told Global News the halt in galvanized steel production prompted roughly 350 layoffs in Hamilton and that market conditions — not federal incentives — drove the decision.
- Peel police warn distraction thefts rising; 266 reports so far this year. Peel Regional Police said in a news release that as of Aug. 12 there were 266 distraction-theft reports in 2026, up from 222 in 2025; a July 28 case involved a woman robbed of $19,000 in jewellery at Chinguacousy Road and Sandalwood Parkway West.
🏈 Sports
- Cowan’s goal and Stolarz’s 26 saves lift Maple Leafs past Islanders 2-1. Easton Cowan had a goal and an assist and Colton Sissons scored as the Maple Leafs improved to 1-1-0 with Anthony Stolarz stopping 26 shots in Toronto’s win over the New York Islanders on Wednesday night; Emil Heineman scored short-handed for New York.
- Scottie Barnes says Raptors’ expectations unchanged after Kawhi Leonard addition. Barnes, who averaged 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists last season, told reporters the team’s goal is a championship; coach Darko Rajakovic set new performance targets for Barnes at training-camp availability on Monday.
- Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins says ‘everything needs to be assessed’ after last-place finish. Atkins told reporters on Wednesday the club will “drill down in every area” after Toronto finished 79-83 and last in the AL East this season; team president Mark Shapiro was scheduled to speak later the same day.
🌦️ Weather & Roads
- ‘Super El Nino’ likely to delay peak fall colours across Ontario this year. Scientists say the unusually strong El Nino will bring warmer-than-normal fall weather to Ontario and may postpone the cool nights that cue leaf colour change, though McMaster biology professor Susan Dudley told reporters trees should still display typical orange, red and yellow pigments.
📰 Also Today
- Blue Jays president, GM to speak after disappointing season, media sessions scheduled Wednesday.
- TTC says new bus-only roadway on Scarborough RT route will shorten commutes, route set on former RT line.
- Peel police reported 266 distraction thefts as of Aug. 12, increase from 222 in 2025.
- Maple Leafs lost season opener to Canadiens, debuts for McKenna and Marchenko noted.
- Motorcyclist killed in Oakville crash with car, Halton police investigating.
- Toronto mayoral candidates differ on transit affordability and TTC fares, debate ongoing.
- Op-ed: Next steps after learning the truth about reconciliation, commentary published.
- Canada Post issues four stamps honouring Orange Shirt Day milestone, new commemorative stamps released.
- Candidates disagree whether Toronto is broken or thriving, local debate continues.
- Durham police receive new helicopter under provincial multimillion-dollar program, air unit added.
- Scott Aitchison reported likely to resign this fall, Hill Times and sources.
- Legendary radio DJ David Marsden has died at 85, obituary published.
- Pedestrian killed after being struck in Mississauga, police confirming fatal collision.
- Phoenix Concert Theatre plans move to Toronto’s west end next year, relocation announced.
- Explainer: How the ‘Super El Nino’ will affect Ontario fall colours, scientific Q&A.
