Canada will impose retaliatory tariffs on US goods in response to President Donald Trump’s apparent election decision to restore a 10 percent tariff on Canadian aluminum imports. Trailing in polls four months before the US general election, Trump made the announcement during a campaign speech at a Whirlpool factory in Ohio. He framed the tariff not as protectionism but as a concern for national security. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland announced the measures within hours of Trump’s decision. Freeland, in a statement, said Canada “intends to swiftly impose dollar-for-dollar countermeasures” in response.

New York State is out to dissolve the National Rifle Association. It filed a lawsuit Thursday that says the potent gun lobby has abused its charitable status for years. Many are saying this move recalls how the FBI jailed Al Capone by arresting him for tax evasion. Let’s see what happens. Then there’s that lively East York lawyer, Leslyn Lewis, who’s running to become leader of the Conservative Party. Not likely she will win but welcome to the race, Leslyn. Below that, an informative City News report with details of how the TDSB hopes to keep kids safe this fall. Finally, call it Me-Too Lite as Ellen and her team come under fire for toxicity. What’s that? Like so much cancel-culture gunfire, there’s lots of noise but not a lot of discernable damage (or detail).

Interim Chief James Ramer

Interim Chief James Ramer will speak and answer questions at a news conference Thursday morning at 10 a.m. It can be seen live on the TPS YouTube channel.

The police dog known as Phantom was more than a fright in the night for two burglars in Forest Hill Tuesday when he and his handler found the perps hiding in a house under construction. A break-in was seen underway at a distance by security guards who called 53 division. Phantom arrived with PC Butt and soon sniffed out the fugitives. All of this in the middle of the night near Spadina Rd. and Kilberry Rd.

Minister Anita Anand

Canada has signed deals with US labs Pfizer and Moderna to secure millions of doses of their experimental COVID-19 vaccines, in case either of the candidates is approved for wide-scale use. Procurement Minister Anita Anand is keeping mum on just how much has been ordered as talks continue with other potential suppliers.

Feds see vaccine deliveries in 2021

Talks are ongoing with several potential suppliers, she said. After a company pronounces a vaccine safe and effective, Health Canada must approve it for use. Anand said once that happens, she anticipates delivery of approved vaccines in 2021.

Old maple comes down on Sutherland Drive near MIllwood Rd.

City maples may live 100 years

Into the chipper

This noble old tree fell to Weller Tree Service Wednesday. It carried the fateful red dot marking it for removal.

Power and wireless service has been erratic in central Leaside and in neighbourhoods to the west Wednesday. A thread on Facebook recounts different experiences. Lights flickered and wireless was out for a time in Moore Park and there were scattered reports of flickering west of Bayview.

A Hiroshima-like secondary explosion during a fire has occurred in Beirut Tuesday in an industrial part of the City known for the storage of explosives. So the carnage may be the result of an accident. But the tense middle east being what it is, many other stories are circulating. More than 70 are dead.

Wheel into windshield of Toyota SUV/OPP

Highway 400 Monday/OPP

Chevy spark lost a wheel/OPP

The OPP Highway Safety Division has tweeted these pictures of a damaged Toyota SUV which was struck by a flying wheel Monday as it headed north of Highway 400. The Chevy Spark was headed south when the wheel came off. Ugh. Three people in the Toyota went to the hospital but are recovering. Looks like the bicycles survived too.