Toronto Daily Digest — March 23, 2026

Raptors add a familiar name: The Toronto Raptors signed guard Markelle Fultz to a 10-day contract, announced Monday March 23, 2026. Fultz (No. 1 pick in 2017) last played in 2024–25 for Sacramento (2.7 points in 21 games) and has averaged 9.8 points and 5.3 assists in six starts this year with Raptors 905; his NBA career covers 255 games with 10.4 points and 4.4 assists per game.

Cellphone records under the microscope: Ontario’s government plans a retroactive change to transparency laws—announced as MPPs returned from a 14-week winter break—to shield the premier, cabinet and staff from freedom-of-information requests, likely nullifying a court order to disclose Doug Ford’s phone logs. The move has prompted opposition pushback (NDP sought a Speaker’s warrant) and criticism from leaders like Marit Stiles and John Fraser who say it avoids accountability.

Education shake-up promised — but not the notwithstanding clause: Education Minister Paul Calandra told reporters he will soon table major school-board reform but said he will not use the notwithstanding clause; he’s already taken direct control of eight boards (including Toronto and Peel public and Catholic boards) and insists all 72 boards will remain. Details are scarce, but Calandra says the plan is being vetted for constitutional safety while critics warn it distracts from classroom issues like special education.

Six arrested after violent carjacking probe: Peel Regional Police’s Project Stratis led to six arrests and 30 charges in a months‑long probe into violent, armed carjackings and the trafficking of stolen high‑end cars; eight stolen vehicles worth about $800,000 were seized. Police say the ring targeted Mercedes models between Jan. 18 and Feb. 1, re‑vinned cars for resale or export to Ghana, and arrests occurred across late January to March 3 (two suspects stopped at Pearson).

Arson and assault charges after house fire: OPP say a 60‑year‑old man faces two arson counts (including disregard for human life), two counts of spousal assault and other charges after a domestic incident and fire at a North River Road home in Phelps Township; police responded to a 911 call at about 5:20 p.m. on Friday and the victim escaped. The accused surrendered, remains in custody, and is due in North Bay court on Monday.

Suspect in two Ontario homicides arrested in Calgary: Isaiah Thomas Badger, 19, was arrested last Thursday in Calgary and charged with first‑degree murder in the deaths of Chandan Kumar Raja Nandakumar (37), shot Feb. 7 at Woodbine Shopping Centre, and Sergio Lopes (65), shot Jan. 26 in Vaughan. Police say Badger is accused of acting alone in one slaying; another suspect, Jacob Wallace (19), was arrested March 5 in Moosonee and faces murder and arson charges.

Ford moves to take Billy Bishop airport, sparks city pushback: Premier Doug Ford announced plans to use special economic‑zone powers to take control of Billy Bishop airport and expand its runway to allow larger jets, saying it will bring cheaper flights and jobs. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and others object—raising safety, environmental and Indigenous‑rights concerns—while the province says it will introduce takeover legislation under powers from last year’s Bill 5.

Blue Jays lock in leadership after big season: The Toronto Blue Jays extended GM Ross Atkins for five years (through 2031) and manager John Schneider through 2028 after a 94‑win season, an AL East title and a seven‑game World Series loss to the Dodgers. Schneider (46) is 303–257 since July 2022 and the team opens its regular season on Friday.

North York shooting sends man to hospital; three suspects sought: Police say a man was shot about 10 p.m. Sunday near Jane St. and Sheppard Ave. W. and taken to hospital with serious but non‑life‑threatening injuries; three male suspects in black clothing fled on foot and investigators are asking for tips.

GO bus crash injures six, including a baby: In St. Catharines at North Service Road and YMCA Drive, a northbound Honda CR‑V drove into a southbound GO Transit bus carrying 18 passengers; six people (five passengers and the driver), including a baby, were taken to hospital with minor injuries. Police say a 56‑year‑old man from Omemee faces impaired driving charges, had his licence suspended and will appear in court.

Queen’s Park returns with big issues on the agenda: Ontario’s legislature resumed after an unusually long 14‑week winter break, with the budget due Thursday and expected fights over transparency changes (exempting premier, ministers and staff from FOI) and cuts to OSAP grants that have prompted student protests. Opposition parties say the long break was undemocratic and promise scrutiny as the spring session unfolds.

Poll: Most Ontarians think Ford is falling short: An Ipsos poll of 801 Ontarians for Global News’ Focus Ontario found majorities rate Premier Doug Ford poorly on housing (only 26% say he’s doing well), affordability (27%), debt (32%), corruption (34%), education (37%) and health care (36%); party support in the poll was PCs 42%, Liberals 35%, NDP 18% and Greens 7%, and 69% don’t expect Ford to step down before the next election (margin ±4.2%).