Ottawa Daily Digest — Dec. 30, 2025

Toronto Raptors: Mo Bamba joins, bench steps up

• Mo Bamba signed with the Toronto Raptors and made his debut the next night, playing 4 minutes in a 107–106 win over Orlando. The 7‑foot centre has now been with six NBA teams; his luggage was reported lost en route to Toronto. Bamba said adapting to the Raptors is more about learning team terminology than teammates’ names.
• Backup guard Jamal Shead scored a career‑high 19 points with 5 assists and 4 rebounds, playing all 12 minutes of the fourth quarter as the bench helped close the win. Key numbers: Bamba 4 minutes; Shead 19 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds; final score 107–106.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Captain Auston Matthews out day‑to‑day

• Matthews is sidelined with a lower‑body injury and was listed day‑to‑day after being a late “game‑time decision.” He left Toronto’s 3–2 OT loss to Detroit on Saturday after blocking a shot.
• Season stats to date: 15 goals and 12 assists in 33 games. The Leafs also missed defenseman Chris Tanev (has missed 23 games) and forward Dakota Joshua for the game vs. New Jersey.

Human remains found east of North Bay

• Ontario Provincial Police investigated remains found in Head, Clara and Maria Township. The remains have been identified as 26‑year‑old Hakim Muhikira of Ottawa.
• Police say preliminary information indicates no broader public threat; there will be an increased police presence and anyone with information is urged to contact OPP.

Power outages after winter storm

• Hydro One reports about 15,000 customers remain without power this morning after a storm that left over 60,000 customers out at peak. Causes: ice accumulation on tree branches knocked down lines; high winds may prolong outages. Crews face challenging road conditions; some northern highway closures reported.

Winter storms continue to hammer Ontario and Quebec

• A system brought freezing rain, blowing snow and strong winds. Forecast: some areas northeast of Quebec City into northern New Brunswick could see 15–40 cm of snow plus high winds. Flights delayed/cancelled at Montréal and Halifax. A strengthening "bomb cyclone" is expected to keep conditions volatile.

New Ontario laws taking effect in 2026

• Key changes: tougher penalties for alcohol- and drug‑impaired driving (longer look‑back periods, stronger roadside suspensions), longer licence suspensions for young/novice drivers, mandatory treatment for repeat offenders. Employers with 25+ workers must post salary ranges in job ads; new food standards will increase vitamin D in dairy products.