News without the noise · Toronto Edition
Sunday, March 8, 2026 · 78 stories
Two synagogues in North York and one in Vaughan were shot at over the past week. Officials have pledged a coordinated response to the incidents.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has called by-elections for April 13, 2026, in two Toronto-area ridings: Scarborough Southwest, vacated by Bill Blair who is becoming high commissioner to the UK, and University-Rosedale, vacated by Chrystia Freeland. The Liberals, currently holding 169 seats, are running Dr. Danielle Martin in University-Rosedale and Doly Begum in Scarborough Southwest. Winning all three by-elections (including Terrebonne, Quebec) would give the Liberals a razor-thin majority.
Ontario's Special Investigations Unit is investigating after police shot a 23-year-old man multiple times during a traffic stop at Crestwood Motel in Burlington at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Sunday. According to authorities, the male driver was shot after he allegedly drove towards officers. The man was transported to a Hamilton hospital and remains in stable condition. A passenger was uninjured. The SIU has assigned seven investigators to the case, including forensic specialists and a collision reconstructionist.
Three GTA synagogues were shot at early Saturday morning, including Shaarei Shomayim in North York and Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto. Jewish community and political leaders called for swift, united action from all government levels and security agencies, emphasizing that delays in funding and protective measures create direct danger to Jewish institutions in Canada.
Ontario Provincial Police rescued 23 people who became stranded on an ice shelf that broke away from shore in Georgian Bay near Owen Sound. Some individuals were in the water for approximately 1.5 hours before helicopter evacuation.
Three synagogues were hit by gunfire within days of each other, with York Regional Police responding to an incident at approximately 11:49 p.m. Government officials announced plans to strengthen hate crime laws, increase penalties for those who espouse hate, and modify infrastructure funding requirements to better support Jewish and other community buildings.
A US-Israeli conflict with Iran has suspended approximately one-fifth of global crude oil and natural gas supply, with oil prices surging over 25 percent in eight days. Attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and regional energy infrastructure have forced production cuts across major Middle Eastern producers including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq, and Kuwait. US gasoline prices reached $3.41 per gallon, and analysts warn prices could exceed $100 per barrel if disruptions persist. Recovery timelines for damaged facilities and suspended production could extend weeks to months even if the conflict ends quickly.
Tehran residents are donating blood in response to medical shortages amid ongoing strikes on Iran. The WHO reports at least 13 attacks have targeted the country's health infrastructure, with the death toll exceeding 1,300 people.
Israeli air strikes targeted Iran's oil facilities in Tehran for the first time since the conflict began, hitting the Aghdasieh oil warehouse, Tehran refinery, Shahran oil depot, and a Karaj oil depot. At least four people were killed in the strikes. Israeli officials indicated additional military action may follow.
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed Sunday that pitcher Trey Yesavage has no immediate plans to play in spring training games as he continues building up following his rookie season. The 22-year-old logged 139.2 innings in MLB last year, including postseason play.
Sports commentary examines whether the Toronto Maple Leafs face a rebuild rather than a retool, alongside analysis of other NHL deadline decisions.
Blue Jays infielder Addison Barger hit a home run and two-run single in spring training on Sunday, continuing a strong preseason performance as the team prepares to rely on him more heavily in the 2026 season.