News without the noise · Toronto Edition
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 · 80 stories
An Ontario Provincial Police investigation found no evidence supporting concerns that three Toronto police officers colluded during the Umar Zameer trial. The officers were involved in the arrest related to the 2021 death of Constable Jeffrey Northrup, whose family and colleagues continue to mourn his loss.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw will publicly address findings from an independent Ontario Provincial Police investigation into allegations raised during the 2024 trial related to the 2021 death of Detective Constable Jeffrey Northrup. The OPP review examined investigative steps, officer statements, and potential misconduct during the original homicide investigation, with the full report to be released at a Tuesday news conference alongside Toronto Police Association President Clayton Campbell.
A stabbing incident at Bloor-Yonge subway station resulted in two individuals being hospitalized, with one sustaining serious injuries. Police have made an arrest in connection with the incident, which occurred within the TTC station.
Security officials report criminals are using artificial intelligence to defraud Canadian people and companies at unprecedented rates. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security notes AI presents significant risks as both legitimate users and threat actors learn to utilize the technology.
The Bank of Canada is expected to maintain its policy rate at 2.25% for a third consecutive meeting, with economists unanimous in this forecast. Higher oil prices due to Middle East conflict are creating inflation risks, but the central bank is likely to avoid signaling any new direction until the impact becomes clearer. Domestically, Canada's economy contracted at a 0.6% annualized rate in late 2025 and lost 83,900 jobs in February, while housing markets show weakness in several regions.
A Federal Court ruling addressed a case where an Ontario woman failed a mandatory background security check for a legal cannabis job due to a Facebook connection with someone identified as a gangster. The court determined that social media friendships alone should not be considered reliable indicators of real-world relationships for employment purposes.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the Israeli military conducted an overnight strike that killed Ali Larijani, a top Iranian security official and former parliamentary speaker. The Israeli military also announced the killing of Gen. Gholam Reza Soleimani, head of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Basij force, though Iranian state media has not immediately confirmed either death.
The United Nations human rights office states that Israeli attacks on residential buildings and civilian infrastructure in Lebanon may constitute war crimes, citing deliberate targeting of civilians and destruction of healthcare facilities. At least 912 people have been killed and over one million displaced in Lebanon since early March, with the UN expressing concern that Israeli displacement orders may violate international humanitarian law.
A Pakistani air strike on a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul killed at least 400 people and wounded more than 250 on Monday night, according to the Taliban government. The attack occurred after evening prayers, with survivors describing a scene of flames and cries for help.
National home sales declined 1.3% month-over-month in February 2026, with activity remaining slow in the Ontario region between Windsor and Toronto. The MLS Home Price Index fell 0.6% month-over-month and was down 4.8% year-over-year, while new property listings decreased by 3.9%.
The NHL's head of player safety has upheld a five-game suspension for Anaheim Ducks defenceman Radko Gudas following a knee-on-knee hit that injured Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews. The decision has drawn criticism from some who view the penalty as insufficient.
Alberta has been announced as the host for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. Sports analysts are discussing whether this tournament could become the premier international hockey event, potentially rivaling the Olympics.