News without the noise · Toronto Edition
Friday, September 11, 2026 · 177 stories
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has proposed a weekly fare cap for the TTC, limiting charges to the cost of 10 rides. This initiative aims to make public transit more affordable for residents, particularly those who rely on the system for daily commutes.
Coming in a distant third in the Liason poll is former MP for Ajax-Pickering Chris Alexander, who criticized Chow’s fare-capping announcement as “another admission of defeat” after her “strategy for the transit in the city has failed.” “It sounds in fact like an act of desperation to be promising, on the second day of her formal campaign, a freebie to reduce fares for people after freezing those fares for three years without having solutions for the real issues that are preventing people. As mayor, Chow has already announced the intention to further cap TTC fares at 40 rides per month in 2027.
Gas prices in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area are set to increase by seven cents on Saturday, rising from 179.9 cents per litre on Friday to 186.9 cents per litre. This increase follows a brief dip in prices due to the seasonal switch from summer to winter gasoline blends, which had provided a temporary relief for drivers. The upcoming price is expected to be near levels seen earlier in the week and remains above the highs recorded in the previous months.
Saudi air strikes targeted the rebel-held Mokha airport in Yemen, raising concerns about the potential for a new front in the ongoing conflict. This escalation follows increased attacks by the Houthis on Saudi shipping and oil infrastructure since July, when they declared a blockade in the region.
The Government of Canada has announced the imposition of trade restrictions on Israeli settlements, which has raised concerns about the implications for its relationship with Israel, a historically close ally. This move comes amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States, highlighting potential conflicts in Canada's foreign policy approach.
Canada's major banks have increased fixed mortgage rates by approximately 10 to 15 basis points this week, responding to rising bond yields and funding costs. This marks a shift from the previously low rates that mortgage shoppers had enjoyed, with the fixed-rate-leading five-year yield reaching a 27-month high. The widening gap between fixed and variable rates is notable, but experts advise caution in choosing mortgage options.
The US-led wars following the 9/11 attacks have resulted in an estimated 4.5 million deaths and displaced over 38 million people across various countries, including Afghanistan and Iraq. The Costs of War project highlights that direct war deaths in Afghanistan are around 176,000, while in Iraq, they are approximately 315,000. Additionally, the long-term impacts on US veterans include a significant mental health crisis, with suicide rates among service members being four times higher than combat deaths.
Iran and Saudi Arabia's top diplomats discussed increasing regional insecurity amid ongoing fighting in Yemen, where Iran supports the Houthis and Saudi Arabia backs the internationally recognized government. The Houthis recently seized the strategic Red Sea port city of Mocha, prompting concerns over escalating tensions and the need for diplomatic efforts to restore stability. The situation has intensified with Houthi attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure and a renewed offensive towards key maritime routes.
The Israeli military announced the destruction of a significant underground Hezbollah complex in southern Lebanon, utilizing over 1,000 tonnes of explosives to demolish two tunnels spanning more than 2 kilometers. The explosion was recorded as equivalent to a magnitude 4.1 earthquake by the US Geological Survey, causing tremors felt as far as 40 kilometers away. This operation is part of ongoing military actions in the region, where Israeli forces have been engaged in renewed fighting against Hezbollah since March.
Toronto FC is set to face Orlando City and Antoine Griezmann after a recent unbeaten streak. The team has recorded a 2-1 win against Inter Miami and a 4-4 draw with the Chicago Fire, positioning themselves for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Griezmann, who has scored seven goals in nine MLS starts, has significantly contributed to Orlando's recent success, helping them climb the standings after a slow start to the season.
A federal investigation has been initiated into the LA Clippers for allegedly circumventing the NBA's salary cap to compensate player Kawhi Leonard. The inquiry, led by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, follows a previous NBA investigation that resulted in significant penalties for the team, including a $30 million fine and the loss of five first-round draft picks. At least one subpoena has been issued as part of this federal investigation.
Alexander Zverev has advanced to the final of the U.S. Open after defeating Karen Khachanov, marking his third consecutive Grand Slam final appearance. He is now set to face the winner of the match between Shelton and Tiafoe, as he aims for his second major title of the year.