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Daily Ottawa May 21 - May 21, 2026

Banjos, Brampton Rowdies, and Trials: Your Ottawa Tuesday Rundown

18 articles 1 week ago 48

🏀 Sports & Entertainment

  1. The beat goes on as the Ottawa BlackJacks host the Brampton Honey Badgers. Basketball fans are in for a treat as our local heroes face off against the Honey Badgers tonight. Come for the game, stay for the halftime show that might just feature some local talent!

⚖️ Crime & Safety

  1. A blast from the past: Former police officer charged with historic sexual assault. After a cold-case revival, Kevin Seamons faces multiple charges related to incidents dating back over 20 years. It shines a light on long-held issues in law enforcement, reminding us that justice, no matter how delayed, is still important.
  2. A trial that cuts deep: Second-degree murder proceedings begin. Harold Santana Simon is on trial for the tragic shooting of his girlfriend’s friend two years ago. As the case unfolds, it’s a reminder of the consequences of violence that affect our community.
  3. Extortion doesn't pay, as a man is arrested in Toronto. Jermaine Weekes, wanted by Winnipeg police for extortion, was apprehended in Ontario. His capture emphasizes how law enforcement agencies are working together across borders to keep us safe.
  4. Encampments cleared, but the worry lingers. After the recent removal of homeless encampments near the LRT station, concerns have been raised about addiction and support for those affected. It’s a pivotal moment for our community to rally and address these ongoing challenges.

📢 City Hall

  1. Ticats finally ready to clash! In preparation for their exhibition game against the Argonauts, Hamilton’s Tiger-Cats are champing at the bit. It’s time for fans to don their jerseys and hope for a big win!
  2. What happened to transparency? Ontario freezes FOI requests. Ontario’s government has put a sudden halt on freedom of information requests, raising eyebrows at every corner. It’s vital for citizens to have access to government actions, so stay tuned as this story develops!
  3. Transit concerns? You bet! As Ottawa gears up for a return to office, feds are worried about OC Transpo's ability to facilitate this. City leaders need to step up to ensure smooth commutes for all!

🌍 Community & Culture

  1. Farmers unite! Greenbelt consultations attract attention. The National Capital Commission is renewing its master plan, and farmers are stepping into the spotlight to share their insights. It's always heartwarming to see community voices being heard!
  2. A season of adversity for the Ottawa Charge coach. After a tough Walter Cup loss, head coach MacLeod reflects on the resilience shown by the team this season. It highlights the sheer determination and grit that sportsmanship embodies!
  3. Did you know about the Ottawa Charge kazoo tradition? A light and quirky tale about how this unique tradition began — because who doesn’t love a good kazoo tune in the stands?

🏥 Health

  1. Testing times — not the good kind. An Ontario resident is undergoing tests for Ebola after traveling to East Africa, sparking health officials' attention. It's a reminder that we must remain vigilant about infectious diseases, as they can affect global health.
  2. Colleges struggling to attract international students. With recent visa changes, Ontario's colleges are facing a 50% drop in enrolment rates, leading to financial woes. If you’re considering studying here or know someone who is, perhaps explore all the options, as this could impact future education plans.

🎉 Feel-Good Stories

  1. A Canadian first: Abby Roque scores and leads Victoire to victory! In a triumphant moment, Victoire clinches the championship with Roque scoring twice — proving that the spirit of hard work and teamwork really pays off!

  2. A troubling case surfaces in Bancroft. A school employee has been charged with offenses involving minors. As hard as it is to read these stories, they serve as a necessary reminder to always look out for the safety of our children.

Source Articles (18)

Ontario resident being tested for Ebola after travel to East Africa, says health ministry

An Ontario resident who recently travelled to East Africa is being tested for Ebola, according to the province's health ministry.

General May 21, 2026

Bancroft, Ont., high school employee charged with sexual offences involving minors

OPP say a Bancroft resident has been charged with sexual exploitation, two counts of sexual interference and three counts of sexual assault.

General May 21, 2026

Abby Roque scores twice as Victoire blank Charge to become 1st Canadian PWHL champion

Abby Roque scored twice to lead the Montreal Victoire to their first Walter Cup trophy Wednesday night with a 4-0 victory over the Ottawa Charge.

General May 21, 2026

Transit emerges as top issue in early days of mayoral race

Transit has leapt to the forefront of Ottawa’s municipal election campaign, as three challengers look to convince voters they can do a better job turning around OC Transpo than Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.

General May 21, 2026

The origin of the famous Ottawa Charge kazoo tradition

Back in season 2 of the PWHL, a group of friends came together with the idea to buy kazoos to support the Ottawa Charge. The CBC's Emma Weller caught up with that crew to see how that original idea has evolved.

General May 21, 2026
How Ontario colleges are struggling to attract international students after visa changes

How Ontario colleges are struggling to attract international students after visa changes

A roughly 50 per cent reduction in the number of overseas students who could study in Ontario hit colleges hardest, with a drop in enrollment and a growing financial crisis.

Canada May 21, 2026

Federal officials worried OC Transpo can't handle return-to-office: memo

General May 21, 2026

'Grateful': Charge head coach MacLeod reflects on season of adversity after Walter Cup loss

No one would have blamed Carla MacLeod for wanting to step away after sharing she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in late November, but the Ottawa Charge head coach is not one to step away from a challenge.

General May 21, 2026

Greenbelt consultation draws farmers as NCC renews master plan

Ottawa farmers who rent Greenbelt land are advocating for their industry as the National Capital Commission (NCC) looks at refreshing the area's strategy.

General May 21, 2026
Extortion charges laid by Winnipeg police against man arrested in Toronto

Extortion charges laid by Winnipeg police against man arrested in Toronto

One man remains wanted on a Canada-wide warrant following last summer's series of extortion and arson-related crimes in Winnipeg and another was arrested in Toronto, police said.

Crime May 21, 2026
Feds working with City of Ottawa to ease public service transit woes: memo

Feds working with City of Ottawa to ease public service transit woes: memo

Officials managing the federal government's return-to-office plans are concerned about Ottawa's transit system and getting public servants to work, an internal memo shows.

Canada May 21, 2026
Ticats pleased to finally be playing an opponent

Ticats pleased to finally be playing an opponent

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats' first exhibition game comes at a good time for head coach Scott Milanovich.

Sports May 21, 2026

Cleared encampment near LRT station stokes homelessness, addiction support concerns

The clearing last week of an encampment near Ottawa's Bayview LRT station is being flagged by advocates as the latest worrying symptom of the city's homelessness and addictions crisis.

General May 21, 2026

Ottawa BlackJacks host the Brampton Honey Badgers

Watch the Brampton Honey Badgers and Ottawa BlackJacks go head-to-head in Canadian Elite Basketball League action from the Arena at TD Place in Ottawa.

General May 21, 2026
Peel police lay 545 charges in major retail theft crackdown across GTA

Peel police lay 545 charges in major retail theft crackdown across GTA

Peel police say 65 people were arrested and more than 500 charges laid after a major retail theft investigation targeting repeat offenders.

Crime May 21, 2026
Trial begins for man accused of murdering girlfriend’s friend two years ago

Trial begins for man accused of murdering girlfriend’s friend two years ago

The trial has begun for a Vaughan man charged with the second-degree murder of his girlfriend's close friend, shot to death two years ago.

Crime May 21, 2026
Former Durham police officer faces multiple historic sexual assault charges: SIU

Former Durham police officer faces multiple historic sexual assault charges: SIU

A former Durham officer faces multiple charges after Ontario’s police watchdog reopened a 2003 sexual assault investigation with new information.

Crime May 21, 2026
Transparency watchdog urgently looking for answers on Ontario’s sudden FOI freeze

Transparency watchdog urgently looking for answers on Ontario’s sudden FOI freeze

A message sent to senior staff within the government's access to information departments before the long weekend told them to stop releasing all official communications. 

Canada May 21, 2026