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Blue Jays star Alejandro Kirk is the new face of a Toronto beer

Marley Dickinson, Offside — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:43:10 -0400

Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk has always brought the party wherever he goes, and his latest partnership with a Toronto-based beer brand seems to be a natural fit.

If you've been inside a Longo's or LCBO over the past few weeks, you may have noticed a large picture of the Blue Jays fan favourite on one of the Banditos Mexican Lager in-store displays.

Well, Kirk just happens to be a brand ambassador and shareholder of the Canadian-brewed, yet Mexican-inspired beer that launched in 2024.

Despite the Spanish-sounding name, Banditos was founded right here in Toronto by entrepreneur Anthony CK Thomas, who wanted to shake things up when it came to Mexican-style cervezas in Canada.

Alejandro Kirk's No. 30 plastered on a large Banditos brewing display at a Longo's location. (Reddit)

Most of the popular Mexican lagers sold in Canada are imported, so Thomas produced Banditos as a way to offer the crisp, easy-drinking taste of a Mexican-style cerveza while still brewing it right here in Ontario.

Thomas knew Kirk was the perfect person to help bring the brand to Blue Jays fans across the province.

With his roots in Tijuana, Mexico, his career in Toronto, and popularity across Canada, Thomas knew he had to try to get the 27-year-old two-time MLB All-Star on board.

"This partnership felt natural to me right away," Kirk said in a press release. "Being from Mexico and now playing baseball in Canada, it is exciting to be part of a brand that brings those two worlds together."

The Kirk-fueled brew hasn't hit the Rogers Centre taps just yet, but fans can find a Banditos tall can at select Longo's locations and LCBOs across Ontario.

I tried gummy bears made with Frank's RedHot® and here's what I thought

Sabrina Gamrot — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 15:43:56 -0400

Get ready for a candy mashup no one saw coming: a spicy gummy bear.

The new Huer x Frank's RedHot® Gummy Bears are combining the classic candy you know and love with a hit of heat. Intriguing, right?

Lucky for me, I had the opportunity to try them — and let me just say that I'm now totally obsessed.

Red hot review incoming

I'll admit, I was a little bit intimidated going in. As someone who can't handle spice, I was worried the heat would be too much! Nonetheless, I am a huge gummy candy fan and knew there was a good chance this might become my new go-to treat.

The details: Each gummy has been fully coated in Frank's RedHot® Original seasoning, and they've been dubbed as the perfect marriage between Huer's fruity flavours and that signature cayenne heat.

Now, let's get into the review.

The spicy truth

To start off, I decided to try a single bear rather than my usual handful, to test the waters. Selecting my all-time favourite flavour, cherry, it was off with the gummy bear's head!

Immediately, my taste buds were met with bursting flavours followed by a sweet spice right behind it. First reaction? Mind blown!

I found that the gummy bears weren't melt-your-face-off hot, and actually had just the right amount of spice to perfectly balance the fruitiness.

I tried every other flavour — mango, orange, pineapple, lemon, and strawberry — and was pleasantly surprised by how well these combinations worked too.

Mango was another instant favourite. As a flavour that's not very typical of gummies, I was stoked to see it included. The instantly recognizable tropical taste was met with a dash of cayenne spice — it reminded me of a fruity drink you might get on vacation, just with a dash of heat added in.

The pineapple took things in a slightly different direction, with sweetness that immediately made me think of flavours you'd get at a Mexican or Caribbean restaurant. It had that perfect sweet-and-spicy combination that made it particularly hard to stop at just one.

As for the orange, lemon, and strawberry — the citrus flavours had a bright and tangy quality, while the strawberry leaned a little sweeter. But each one was another home run with juicy flavours and the perfect amount of kick with Frank's RedHot® Original seasoning keeping things interesting.

The gummies didn't leave me feeling like there was a spice overload but instead, I found that the heat sweetly tapered out after each bite. That led me right back to my old habits: popping handfuls of gummies in my mouth for a spicy fruit punch medley.

Overall score? 10/10! I think I've just turned from a sweet tooth to a spice tooth!

Goodbye sweet tooth, hello spice tooth

The iconic combination of sweet and heat has found a new home in an unexpected snack.

Whether you're bringing them along to game night, sharing them with friends, or just enjoying a "swicy" treat at home (I know I will be!), Huer x Frank's RedHot® Spicy Gummy Bears offer a fun twist on a familiar favourite.

Find them nationwide at leading Canadian retailers — including Loblaws, Shoppers Drug Mart, Dollar Tree, Sobeys, Walmart, Save-On-Foods, and more — or shop online through Amazon and Huer Foods to experience the heat for yourself.

Want to win a Huer x Frank's RedHot® swag box, complete with your very own Spice Tooth? Head to Huer Foods' Instagram to learn how to enter and claim your #SpiceToothStatus!

Toronto Blue Jays acquire veteran pitcher as playoff race heats up

Colton Pankiw, Offside — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 14:39:37 -0400

The Toronto Blue Jays are doing everything in their power to help their banged-up pitching staff.

The Blue Jays claimed relief pitcher Paul Sewald off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday. The 36-year-old was designated for assignment by Arizona on Monday.

Hearing the @BlueJays have claimed Paul Sewald who was DFAed by the @Dbacks this week.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) August 12, 2026

The designation came following an ugly stretch for Sewald in which he posted a ghastly 12.79 ERA over his last 12.2 innings. He had previously put up a 3.08 ERA across 26.1 innings. Over the entire 2026 season, he has picked up 24 saves.

The MLB veteran has pitched 435 innings during his 10-year career with the Diamondbacks, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Guardians, and Detroit Tigers. Over that span, the right hander has put up a 4.30 ERA with 514 strikeouts.

Sewald is likely to operate as a middle relief pitcher for the Blue Jays, who are heating up with wins in five of their last seven games. The strong stretch has them just 2.5 games back of a wild-card position.

The Jays are currently in the midst of a four-game series versus the Boston Red Sox, who sit second in the AL East standings at 64-55. Toronto has a chance to win that series on Wednesday after taking the first two outings.

The divisional matchups will continue for the Blue Jays immediately afterward, as they will go up against the New York Yankees in a three-game series beginning on Friday, before another three-game series versus the Tampa Bays which begins next Tuesday.

In total, 30 of the final 41 games the Blue Jays have remaining on the season come against teams currently outside of a playoff position, giving them a legitimate shot at crawling their way back into a wild-card spot should they continue their recent surge.

Toronto Blue Jays rookie is also an amateur weatherman

Marley Dickinson, Offside — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:50:38 -0400

The Toronto Blue Jays are currently sitting just two and a half games out of an American League wild card spot, and one recent unsung hero is leading the team's playoff push.

Brett Bateman, who was acquired at the trade deadline from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Kevin Gausman, has recorded hits in four of his five games since being called up on Aug. 7.

His red-hot play has also helped Toronto win four of its last five games and has brought them back into the playoff picture.

Besides Bateman's stellar play on the field, he has also become a fan favourite for this unusual passion off the field: meteorology.

Speaking with Lindsay Dunn of the Nation Network before Monday's game against the Boston Red Sox, Bateman said tracking the weather just happens to be a hobby of his and something he studied during his time at the University of Minnesota.

"A lot of my former teammates would come up to me after seeing rain on the weather apps, asking me to give them the report and the chances that we will play," said Bateman.

When Dunn asked Bateman about his accuracy, he estimated that he was somewhere around 90 per cent accurate during his four seasons in the minor leagues. He followed that statement up in Ron Burgundy fashion, saying that he didn't want to brag.

"I do have a very big hobby for weather. I went to school for it, and took a few classes for it," Bateman said. "It's just something that's pretty important in baseball."

The Blue Jays rookie won't have to worry too much about the weather during home games, considering the Rogers Centre is one of eight MLB ballparks with a roof.

Bateman has also been making the most of his time in Toronto since arriving in the city for the first time on Sunday.

"I've been out every morning and gone to different coffee shops since I've been here," he told Sportsnet's Hazel Mae following Tuesday's 5-3 win.

"I've been embraced." 🥲

Brett Bateman chats with @thehazelmae after a big @BlueJays win over the Red Sox, where the rookie had two RBIs 👇 pic.twitter.com/QgKy8M3APU
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 12, 2026

"I still have to go up the [CN] Tower; it's a staple... So far, I've had a great time exploring."

If his play continues to keep a beat-up Toronto roster in this playoff race, he'll surely have plenty of more time to explore the city in the coming weeks. Maybe even becoming the team's resident weatherman.

Costco Canada issues recall for yogurt and you could get a full refund

Irish Mae Silvestre — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:34:08 -0400

If you recently shopped at Costco Canada, you might want to check your fridge after the company announced a new product recall.

On Tuesday, Costco Canada published a recall notice on its website, stating that it's recalling products from food company Hain Celestial. According to the statement, the company is recalling certain types of Greek yogurt sold at Costco Canada locations.

"Hain Celestial is recalling certain best before dates of The Greek Gods Honey Yogurt and The Greek Gods Organic Yogurt Plain due to the potential presence of mold in the product," reads the letter.

Costco Canada

So if you recently purchased the brand of recalled yogurt, make sure to check the packaging. Below are products included in the recall:

The Greek Gods Honey Yogurt 2 × 650g. Best before dates: 2026AU01, 2026AU02, 2026AU08, 2026AU09, 2026AU15, 2026AU16, 2026AU18, 2026AU22, 2026AU23, 2026AU25, 2026AU29, 2026SE05, 2026SE06, 2026SE12, 2026SE13, 2026SE15
The Greek Gods Organic Yogurt Plain 2 × 650g. Best before dates: 2026AU09, 2026AU18, 2026AU23, 2026AU25, 2026AU29, 2026SE05, 2026SE12, 2026SE13

If you find that you have purchased the affected product, don't consume, sell, use, serve, or distribute it. Instead, you can take the product to a Costco warehouse near you to get a full refund.

For more information, customers can reach out to Hain Celestial through its website or by phone at 1 (800) 421-1655.

"We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and ask you to please pass this recall notice along to anyone to whom The Greek Gods Honey Yogurt or The Greek Gods Organic Yogurt Plain may have been given," reads the statement.

Costco also recently announced that it's recalling certain lots of Alfa Croissants "due to the potential presence of mould on the product."

5 of the best pool installation companies in the GTA right now

Katy Brennan — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0400

It's hot in Toronto! And there's no better time to turn your backyard into the ultimate summer escape.

From lazy afternoons by the water to hosting friends and family at weekend BBQs, a professionally installed pool can completely transform your outdoor space.

And because installing a pool is a major investment, choosing the right company is just as important as choosing the right design.

To help you get started, here are five of the best pool installation companies in the GTA right now.

Orange Pools

If you want for a pool designed specifically for your property (not a one-size-fits-all template) Orange Pools is a standout choice.

Every project begins with a free on-site consultation, where the team assesses your lot's grading, sun exposure, soil conditions, surrounding structures, and how you plan to use your outdoor space. Then, it creates a custom design.

You can also expect a no-obligation quote and an expert response within 24 hours.

Orange Pools combines structural engineering expertise, architectural design, and skilled construction under one roof. The team has experience building everything from sleek concrete lap pools on compact Toronto lots to infinity-edge pools on sprawling estate properties.

It manages the entire project from start to finish with one dedicated team and a single point of contact, serving Toronto, Vaughan, Oakville, Burlington, and Mississauga.

Action Home Services

For homeowners looking to create a complete backyard retreat, Action Home Services offers pool installation and more. With over 10 years of experience serving Toronto and the GTA, the company designs functional pools that complement each property's layout.

Clients are expertly guided through the entire process, from 3D design to construction. The team can also complete your backyard makeover with landscaping, patios, lighting, waterfalls, hot tubs, swim spas, and many other features, making it a convenient one-stop shop for homeowners planning a full outdoor transformation.

With a 4.8/5 Google rating and a 9.9/10 Homestars Rating, you know you're in good hands.

This company serves Toronto, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Waterloo, Barrie, Muskoka, Etobicoke, and Hamilton.

Pool Master

Already know exactly what you want? At Pool Master, you can choose only the services you need and know exactly what to expect.

With over 45 years of industry experience, Poolmaster takes care of everything from sales to after purchase service (including repairs, replacement parts, accessories, and chemicals).

Takeover Pools

If you've already got a pool, but want to make sure it's the best pool it can be, the seasoned team at Takeover Pools brings years of expertise to help you do just that. They provide professional pool openings and closings, repairs, maintenance, and linear replacements. All estimates and consultations are completely free, so there's no obligation or pressure when you reach out to them.

Pool Rangers

Fibreglass, vinyl, concrete, whatever type of pool you want, Pool Rangers can help you achieve it. The team will help you plan out a design and give you a clear number before a shovel hits the ground. You'll also get photo updates at every stage, so you can watch it all come together with confidence.

Ready to create the backyard pool of your dreams? Reach out to any of the above companies to get things moving. Happy summer!

Kawhi Leonard is back in Toronto and clearly isn't done with his 'Fun Guy' era

Marley Dickinson, Offside — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:28:12 -0400

Even though the Toronto Raptors' trade for Kawhi Leonard remains paused, it hasn't stopped the 35-year-old NBA superstar from enjoying summer nights in the city.

And judging by his latest outing, Leonard appears to be back in his "Fun Guy" era.

Leonard was spotted at the National Bank Open on Tuesday night, taking in some quarterfinal action with his longtime partner, Kishele Shipley, and Toronto-area real estate mogul Sam McDadi.

The trio were pictured laughing and enjoying the action at Sobeys Stadium, where Coco Gauff faced Belinda Bencic before Naomi Osaka took on Elena Rybakina.

Kawhi wasn't just there to watch the tennis, either.

Kawhi Leonard visited American tennis star Coco Gauff in the players' lounge at the National Bank Open. (Tennis Canada)

After Gauff advanced, the two-time NBA Finals MVP visited the American tennis icon in the players' lounge and managed to get his hands on several autographed tennis balls for his daughter, Kaliyah, from her favourite player.

He then returned to his seat to watch the hard-serving Rybakina defeat Osaka in three sets. And rather than heading for the exits once the match was over, Leonard stuck around in hopes of getting another signed ball — this time from the two-time Grand Slam champion.

Leonard was successful.

This isn't the first time Leonard has been spotted in the city this summer. He was also in attendance at Kyle Lowry's retirement announcement at the OVO Athletic Centre on July 7 and was spotted having dinner in Yorkville the night before.

Kawhi put his hand up when Rybakina was hitting tennis balls into the crowd 😂😭

Rybakina ended up signing a ball for him. Kawhi also then took a picture with the ball kids. pic.twitter.com/Whcxm392GT
— Vivek Jacob (@vivekmjacob) August 12, 2026

The Raptors orchestrated a blockbuster reunion with Leonard on June 30, sending Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick to the Los Angeles Clippers along with several draft picks.

But just 10 days later, the Raptors chose to pause the deal while the NBA continues to investigate the Clippers and Leonard over alleged salary-cap circumvention involving more than $28 million in reported no-show endorsement deals.

The investigation is ongoing and is expected to wrap up before the start of the 2026-27 season. Exactly what happens next remains the big question for Toronto sports fans.

Though if there's one silver lining from Leonard's recent public appearances around the city, it could be a sign that he knows he's here to stay, no matter the outcome of the investigation.

Tennis stars Coco Gauff and Alex Eala just visited a Toronto ice cream shop

Phoebe Knight, Dished — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:08:04 -0400

In the heat of the National Bank Open, tennis stars Coco Gauff and Alex Eala chose to cool off at one of Toronto's favourite ice cream shops.

No one can resist the siren song of the ice cream shop on a hot summer night: not even, it seems, elite athletes. Gauff and Eala's choice of spot to score a scoop? Yorkville's Summer's Ice Cream.

In a TikTok posted on Aug. 11, Eala and Gauff lip-synced along to Taylor Swift's "Reputation" — a worthy song choice — while wielding scoops from Summer's, an equally worthy ice cream shop.

Voted one of the best ice cream shops in Toronto by blogTO readers, I can't fault their decision to pick up a sweet treat there in the midst of (or, in Eala's case, at the end of) an intense stint playing at Toronto's biggest tennis tournament.

@alex.eala Rush hour?@Coco Gauff ♬ original sound - cherry ⸆⸉ 🍒

It seems like Toronto has a newfound fan in Eala, and for more reasons than just its great ice cream shops.

The Filipina tennis player was met with major fanfare from Toronto's Filipino community during her week at the National Bank Open (NBO), with all four of her matches selling out completely and even prompting the tournament's director to add lumpia and chicken adobo to the menu at the food court outside the stadium.

When Eala's run at the NBO came to a close on Sunday, Aug. 9, the player penned a heartfelt message to the city and its fans, expressing gratitude for their enthusiastic support of her during the tournament.

Gauff's time at the NBO, on the other hand, is ongoing. The American player is slated to take on Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina in the semi-finals tonight, Wednesday, Aug. 12, and, if all goes well, she'll proceed to the finals on Thursday, Aug. 13.

And that, undoubtedly, would warrant an extra scoop.

Summer's Ice Cream is located at 101 Yorkville Ave.

The Best Jerk Chicken in Toronto

Christine Peddie, Dished — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:01:38 -0400

The best jerk chicken in Toronto is spicy, smoky sustenance you'll want to grasp with both hands. A taste of Jamaica recreated here at home, it relies on a heap of fragrant ingredients, a whack of smoke, and plenty of know-how to get it just right.

@blogto Can you guess the BEST jerk chicken spots in Toronto? 🍗🤔 We put @marvedtv to the test ✨ 🎙️ @antonwongvideo 🎥 @emm.ohara ♬ original sound - blogTO

Here's where to find the best jerk chicken in Toronto.

11 - Tropical Joe's

The team at this food court stall doesn't miss a beat, giving its jerk chicken a one-two punch of spice from habanero and Scotch bonnets. Line up early to avoid the lunchtime crush of hungry diners looking to inhale it on patties or poutine, in sandwiches, roti, or with a slew of Island-style sides. 
6 - Chris Jerk

Jerk spices coat a number of tasty proteins at this tidy Scarborough spot. While traditionalists lean toward grilled chicken quarters and wings, there's also jerk chicken shawarma and poutine to delight adventurous diners.
10 - Rap's

Get in on what locals already know, with a hefty order of jerk chicken at this unassuming spot. A dish that hits no matter the season, it's slow-smoked over charcoal and judiciously spiced for the perfect balance of singed skin and moist meat, fragrant heat and earthy tang.
5 - Allwyn's Bakery

Saucy, glossy and well-spiced, the jerk chicken at this multi-location restaurant is as delicious sided by rice and peas as it is tucked into a savoury sandwich. Order it by the pound to cart back home, and you'll never have to be without. 
7 - The Real Jerk Gerrard St.

If the sign on the door doesn't give it away, the aroma emanating from this Leslieville spot leaves no doubt about the kitchen's strengths. Inside, find a wealth of Island favourites—from roti and rum to properly fragrant jerk chicken. Learn everything there is to know, one zippy drumstick at a time.
8 - Island Foods

Perfumed with sundry spices from its house jerk blend, the chicken at this West Queen West restaurant threatens to steal the show from its roti, patties and other Caribbean staples. Sticky sustenance, it's food that's wholly warming, homey and rich.
3 - Chubby's Jamaican Kitchen

At this King West spot, jerk chicken is a staple, no matter the hour. Whether your hunger can be sated with snack-sized jerk wings or demands a more substantial serving of the team's signature woodfired poultry, there's finger-licking satisfaction to be found in every order.
4 - Gerry's

Though there's no wrong move at this St. Clair West Jamaican spot, there's a reason that the team's jerk chicken takes top billing. Made with the family's time-tested jerk sauce, it's tender and juicy with necessary hits of smokiness and spice.
9 - Mona's Roti

Supple roti wraps are the marquee item at this Scarborough destination, but it's the fillings that keep customers circling back. Seasoned with ginger, garlic, Scotch bonnets and a bounty of spices, jerk chicken is homemade comfort food that feels nostalgic, whether or not you grew up in the tropics.

People in Toronto have very different stances on where to go for the best nightlife

Jack Landau — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:50:29 -0400

Toronto's nightlife scene boasts a wide selection of post-sundown activities, but what's the best place to enjoy the city after dark?

Whether you're a King West kid or prefer an Ossington outing, there's no shortage of bars, cocktail bars, pubs, nightclubs, live music venues, and other kinds of watering holes in the city's most popular nightlife neighbourhoods.

But the question is, where do you gravitate towards once the sun crosses below the horizon? blogTO hit the streets to figure out where to find Toronto's best nightlife, and the answers were surprisingly varied.

@blogto What's the best neighbourhood in Toronto for nightlife? 🕺🏼 🎙️ @antonwongvideo 🎥 @samkieme ♬ original sound - blogTO

People mentioned all the expected nightlife hotspots, like King West and Dundas West, along with some less-conventional but still very valid answers like Yonge and Finch.

So, what's the first place you think of when planning a night out in Toronto?

Three-day music festival will take over Toronto Islands this month

Karen Doradea, Curiocity — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 08:37:23 -0400

The Toronto Folk Festival is back this summer, bringing its artist-led concert series to Ward's Island this month. For three days, the music festival will bring a number of acts to two stages this year, along with all the great summer vibes Toronto is known for.

If you're looking for last-minute summer plans and love a little adventure, hit up the Toronto Folk Festival just before summer ends.

What to expect at the Toronto Folk Festival 2026

The event will see visitors flock to both stages, one at WIA Pavilion located at 20 Withrow St. and The Outpost, located at 101 Cibola Ave.

Just like last year, festival-goers can expect a list of performers to take the stage, including the Young Novelists, Kobotown, Mexican Legacy Dancers, and Métis Jiggers & Fiddlers, just to name a few.

And of course, to keep you well fed and activated throughout the day, there will be food and beverages available at both the Pavilion and Outpost areas.

But if you wanted to check out the local eateries, head to both Island Café and Riviera, as they will be open to serve you as well.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Toronto Folk Festival (@torontofolkfestival)

Getting to Ward's Island

Now the real question: how do you get to the island? If you've been to the island more times than you can count, you know the drill. But for first-timers, you can take the ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal or a Pirate Taxi.

According to organizers, there's a special partnership between the festival and the water taxi service, offering $13 fares each way. This ride leaves from and returns to 235 or 375 Queens Quay W.

"When you arrive at the Ward's Island ferry dock/water taxi area, follow signs for Toronto Folk Festival. We will be just behind the Island Café, on the way to the beach," reads the official website.

The Toronto Folk Festival will take place Aug. 21 to 23, 2026, running Friday from 3:30 to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to late at WIA Pavilion at 20 Withrow St. and The Outpost at 101 Cibola Ave. on Ward's Island.

Toronto man accused of posing as pilot to board 'hundreds' of flights for free

Irish Mae Silvestre — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 08:27:33 -0400

Air travel can be pretty expensive these days, but one man from Canada seemed to have found a way to avoid the cost of flights entirely — but the plan was far from legal.

For years, a former flight attendant who used to work for a Canadian airline allegedly pretended to be a commercial pilot to travel for free, using false credentials to get free flights.

The case certainly echoes the 2002 movie Catch Me If You Can.

According to the United States Attorney's Office in the District of Hawaii, Dallas Pokornik, who lives in Toronto, "admitted to falsely posing as a commercial pilot to get hundreds of free flights on three different airlines."

"During the scheme, which spanned from January 2020 to Oct. 28, 2024, Pokornik used a fictitious employee identification card to obtain the free flights," reads the statement.

The alleged scheme continued for over four years, during which Pokornik managed to travel on three U.S. airlines under false pretences before authorities eventually caught up with him.

Pokornik was indicted in October 2025 and later arrested in Panama before being extradited to the U.S., where he faces charges in Hawaii.

In the federal court on Aug. 6, Pokornik pleaded guilty to wire fraud. He's scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 8, 2026, and faces up to 20 years in prison, a US$250,000 fine (around C$348,000), and a term of supervised release.

"This individual took advantage of travel security protocols for his own benefit, and he will now face the consequences of his actions," said C.J. Ammons, Homeland Security Investigations acting special agent in charge.

Attorney Ken Sorenson emphasized that travel security protocols are in place to keep citizens and visitors safe, adding that "anyone who breaches those protocols should expect to be brought to justice."

New Toronto-made indie game is like The Magic School Bus for adults

Bradly Shankar, MobileSyrup — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 08:21:42 -0400

Something video games often don't get enough credit for is their educational potential.

Indeed, the uniquely interactive nature of gaming makes it a novel teaching tool, from the Canadian-made Assassin's Creed series offering museum-esque features through meticulously recreated historical settings to family-friendly experiences focused on preserving Indigenous language and culture.

Now, Scarborough-based indie studio S-Qubed Entertainment is looking to add to that scholarly legacy with their game DC3: Viral Menace. Led by brothers Nihar and Nikhil Sonalkar, Viral Menace is a sci-fi twin-stick shooter that follows Dr. Vidya Vichaar as she commandeers a high-tech ship called The Caper-5000 to venture inside the body of her sick daughter Xernia to defeat the viruses that are ailing her.

Befitting of that science-based premise, the original concept for the game actually came about in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"At the time, we were seeing a lot of misinformation going about the pandemic — how to deal with it, what kind of precautions you should be taking," says Nihar. "So our initial thoughts were: 'What if we made a game that allowed people to kind of get this cathartic release against viruses, but also, it disseminates good information about how to deal with the virus?'"

However, the brothers realized they didn't yet have the experience to pull it off and ultimately shelved the project. It was only after doing a few more years of schooling and experimentation with game development tools, says Nikhil, that the pair were presented with a "serendipitous" opportunity. Thanks to connections made through Nihar's George Brown Polytechnic programming degree, the brothers learned of "Cells At War," a platform of biology-based games created in partnership between George Brown and McMaster University.

DC3: Viral Menace has humble beginnings on some scraps of paper, but hasn't always looked the way it does now. Come down memory lane with us as we explore our pre-computer concepts!

[image or embed]
— S-Qubed Entertainment Inc. (@squbed.bsky.social) May 8, 2025 at 9:40 AM

Working on Cells At War allowed S-Qubed to revisit the Viral Menace concept and evolve it from a smaller phone game to a full-fledged narrative-driven PC experience. Naturally, these developments meant that the goals behind the project changed; what was once meant to dispel myths surrounding COVID shifted to a broader examination of viruses and the human body. "We can look at it [now] as a way of perhaps addressing some negative information that exists on the topics of vaccine," says Nikhil.

The new version of Viral Menace also has a feature called The Compendium that Nihar describes as a "Pokédex for viruses" to provide information on each infection as you destroy them. "Players are reintroduced to the biology of it while they're playing the game and learning more about the human body, how the immune system works when you're not dealing with the infection and whatnot," says Nihar.

In terms of the actual gameplay mechanics, meanwhile, Nikhil says the twin-stick shooter focus is a holdover from the earlier iteration of the game, given that it's a logical way to fight hordes of viruses. But for the tower defence elements added in this latest version, he notes that he drew inspiration from one of his favourite games, Path of Exile, which sports "Blight" tower defence-like encounters.

"It was such a complete game loop. So when I was thinking about pushing the design for Viral Menace as not just something that's twin-stick shooter within the premise of a biology-based game, I thought about Blight," Nikhil says. "I was like, 'Let's combine the tower defence aspects of Blight into Viral Menace, so that we can have the player go from one encounter to the next, where they are defending a certain area in the human body, and when they clear that area, it sort of gets healed.' So it makes sense narratively."

In addition to their shared upbringing, the brothers say they work well together because of their distinct academic backgrounds. Where Nihar originally studied film and game design, Nikhil holds an undergrad in genetics and a master's in public health. As a result, they say they're constantly learning from their respective artistic and science skills. "At this point, I don't know who the scientist is and who the artist is — it's like our brains have combined into one!" says Nikhil with a laugh.

As an example of their "best of both worlds" dynamic, Nihar cites one of The Caper-5000's weapons, the Frost Turret, from an earlier version of the game that created an icy wall of defence. After working with McMaster, this gun evolved into a "Clumper Turret" that uses goblet cells, a form of specialized cells that create mucus to protect the gastrointestinal tract, to slow down enemies. "The functionality hasn't changed, but the narrative design has been readjusted to bring the biology back into the game," says Nihar of the approach to these upgradeable weapons. "There's that sense of design and narrative working together to create something that I think is very unique in tower defence and twin-stick shooters."

Teaching more than just science

On S-Qubed's website, the brothers mention that they want to "address the lack of diversity by crafting worlds that explore untold narratives." In Viral Menace, that manifests most notably through its Indian protagonist, which is something we don't often see in games that also circles back to that original idea of having games be a learning tool. With Dr. Vichaar, the Sonalkars hope to portray a different side of South Asian representation than what many Western audiences are perhaps used to seeing.

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"There's this understanding, this expectation, that people of South Asia, or particularly people from India, are 'science people.' Which is true, and that's fine — there's nothing wrong with that! But that shouldn't be all that we can be," says Nikhil. "I also wanted [Dr. Vichaar] to be kickass. Why can't she be this superhero who excels both in the lab and in the field? And I think that's why Nihar also gave her a military background, so she's a military scientist. And we don't see that much within an Indian setting."

He notes that while this isn't generally a problem in media that is actually made in India, stories produced for "a global scale" in the likes of North America and Europe tend to focus on the same archetypes or beats for Indian characters.

"The Indian person is always just a scientist — is always just a good son or a good daughter. They're never someone who struggles with the relationship; they're always family-oriented. Yes, that has to do a lot with the culture in India, where you have more close-knit families, you have joint families, etc, but that used to be the case. I don't think that's the case anymore — you have nuclear families," he says.

"Our family is a good example. The four of us are a very close unit, but for such a long time, our parents spent time apart because they had to. So the world needs to understand that the assumptions that are made about not just the Indian subcontinent or different countries — they aren't a monolith. Stories and different families can exist across all nations."

To that point, S-Qubed wants Dr. Vichaar to be proficient in the field while also still being believably flawed when it comes being a mother. And so, Viral Menace focuses on her estranged relationship with her daughter, a kind of dynamic we rarely see in gaming (outside of fellow Indian-Canadian narrative game Venba) considering they're typically focused on "father" stories like The Last of Us, God of War and The Witcher. Nihar says this mother story, in particular, is "very, very dear" to them.

"I spend a lot of time every day talking to my mom, talking about our day. For a good chunk of our life, our dad was away for work and what have you, so [we were] raised by our mom for a long time," says Nihar. "I wanted to capture that single parent relationship that children have into a story […] And you see the struggle that your protagonist, the mother, is [having] to make sure that that relationship stays firm and that the daughter knows that she is still loved, even if the relationship has soured somewhat."

While the brothers say they weren't consciously responding to the lack of "mother games," per se, they were absolutely cognizant of the fact that there aren't many women-led stories in media in general.

"I tend to want female protagonists. I enjoy shows with female protagonists, books with female protagonists […] Why shouldn't we have female protagonists?" says Nikhil. "I hope that we reach a point where that isn't a question. Like, no one ever asks someone who's written a story with a male protagonist why their protagonist was male. 'It just was, what are you gonna do about it?' I hope one day we reach a point where, 'Yeah, she's female, so what?'"

Ultimately, Nihar hopes that all of this will give Viral Menace a stronger emotional resonance.

"Even if they can't exactly relate to our protagonist, or even if they can't exactly relate to the condition that the patient is in, I hope that the narrative speaks to them on a more personal level and it brings them back to our next game."

DC3: Viral Menace doesn't yet have a release date, but you can wishlist the game on Steam.

15 things to do in Toronto this weekend

Sandeep Panesar — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Things to do in Toronto this weekend include outdoor attractions, free events, and sports games to check out.

Those looking to bask in the summer heat can head out to attractions like Afraspektion, Wavelength Summer Thing 2026, and the Toronto Bike Rave for your weekend dose of festival-style fun and party.

There are also events you can participate in that won't break the bank. In fact, they're completely free. Catch a nighttime movie under the stars at Leslie Grove Park at no cost, or head over to the Royal Ontario Museum for a free 45-minute guided tour of some of its iconic exhibits.

And sports enthusiasts are in for a treat as both the Toronto Blue Jays and the Toronto FC are hosting home games at their respective stomping grounds all weekend long.

There's all this and so many other things to do in Toronto this weekend. Be sure to read our past round-ups and check out the complete events calendar to continue to map out the rest of your summer.

Events you might want to check out:

Cirque du Soleil: LUZIA (June 18 - August 30 @ Big Top)
Head over to the Big Top for the outstanding Cirque de Soleil show, LUZIA.
Leslieville Movie Night in the Park (August 15 @ Leslie Grove Park)
Catch a free movie under the stars at Leslie Grove Park.
A Toronto Bike Rave 2026! (August 15 @ Multiple Venues)
This epic bike party will take over the streets of Toronto this Saturday night.
Free Guided Tours at ROM (April 28 - December 31 @ Royal Ontario Museum)
Sign up for this free 45-minute tour of Royal Ontario Museum.
Country Club Festival (August 16 @ Fort York)
Buckle your boots for this wild country party in town.
Nate Bargatze Live In Toronto - Big Dumb Eyes World Tour 2026 (August 16 @ Scotiabank Arena)
Comedian Nate Bargatze comes to Toronto to entertain his fans with two back-to-back shows.
Afraspektion (August 15 @ Riverside Common Park)
The carnival weekend vibes continue with this free, day-long event.
Wavelength Summer Thing 2026 (August 16 @ Trillium Park at Ontario Place)
A celebration of music featuring local talent and mouth-watering food options.
Kensington Flea Market 2026 (May 2 - September 27 @ 216 Augusta Ave.)
Shop local vendors at the Kensington Flea Market every weekend, all summer long.
Summer Music in the Garden (June 21 - August 27 @ Toronto Music Garden)
A free, live music experience right by the city's waterfront.
Afro-Carib Fest Boat Cruise 2026 (August 14 @ Empress of Canada)
Check out this year's Afro-Carib Fest Boat Cruise for a bigger and better experience.
BLOCKO Day Party (August 15 @ The Copper Boot)
This summertime fiesta returns to the city for its fourth edition this weekend.
Rosé Disco (August 15 @ Fort York)
A day party full of pink fits, good music, and, of course, rosé.
MLB: Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees (August 14 @ Rogers Centre)
The Toronto Blue Jays are set to host the New York Yankees.
MLS: Toronto FC vs. New England Revolution (August 15 @ BMO Field)
Toronto FC will go face-to-face with the New England Revolution.

Toronto building where 20 artists were evicted during pandemic for sale at $4.5M

Misha Gajewski — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

One of Toronto's most talked-about artist live-work buildings is back in the spotlight.

The former industrial building at 17 Paton Rd., where roughly 20 artists were forced to leave their homes during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, has hit the market with a $4.5 million asking price.

The listing pitches the circa-1927 brick-and-beam building as a "rare opportunity" with redevelopment potential, describing it as suitable for everything from creative offices and studios to residential conversion or a larger development project.

Exterior shots of 17 Paton Rd.

But for many in Toronto's arts community, the address represents the loss of one of the city's increasingly rare affordable live-work spaces.

In March 2020, just one day before the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, Toronto ordered the building evacuated after determining it failed to comply with the Ontario Fire Code, most notably because the residential units lacked a required second exit.

The order displaced about 20 residents, many of whom had lived and worked in the former garment factory for years.

For the tenants, the timing felt almost impossible.

Many questioned how they were expected to find affordable housing — let alone affordable studio space — as both a housing crisis and a global pandemic unfolded simultaneously. Rather than simply opposing the evacuation, they argued there had to be another path: one that would allow critical fire safety upgrades while preserving one of the city's few remaining artist communities.

A housing crisis performance art piece by Claude Wittman featuring artists on the day of eviction (2020). Photo by Henry Chan.

The campaign that followed became one of the more unusual housing fights of the pandemic.

Working with the Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust, residents proposed purchasing the building and turning it into a housing co-operative, preserving both affordable homes and studio space for future artists. The idea attracted widespread support from artists, community organizations and elected officials , who saw the building as an increasingly rare example of affordable creative space in Toronto.

The story, however, wasn't simply one of developers pushing artists out.

According to the Toronto Star, the Costanza family, who had owned the building since the early 1970s after operating a women's garment factory there, maintained they also wanted the artists to stay.

They told The Star they had already invested roughly $250,000 in fire safety upgrades and hoped to continue operating the building rather than sell it. But they argued the city's evacuation order — and the requirement to pay more than $40,000 a month for a mandatory fire watch while collecting roughly $16,000 in rent — made that increasingly difficult.

City officials, meanwhile, insisted they had little choice.

Pictures of the different units inside 17 Paton Rd.

While acknowledging the importance of preserving affordable housing, Toronto maintained that life-safety concerns couldn't be ignored, pointing to the lack of a second exit as a fundamental requirement for residential occupancy.

Despite months of advocacy and negotiations, the proposed sale to the Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust never materialized, and by September 2020 the residents had all moved out.

Today, the building is being marketed as a redevelopment opportunity.

The 3.5-storey property contains five units per floor, ranging from studios to two-bedroom layouts that historically functioned as residential live-work spaces. The listing says the mixed industrial-residential zoning could accommodate owner occupancy, creative office space, studios, residential conversion or redevelopment, subject to approvals.

More interior shots of the units in 17 Paton Rd.

It also notes that the building requires "substantial renovations" before it can be occupied again and is being sold strictly on an "as is, where is" basis.

In addition to 17 Paton Rd., the neighbouring properties at 21 and 23 Paton Rd. are also being sold and could potentially be assembled into a larger development site.

For a developer, this is just another downtown redevelopment opportunity.

For everyone else, it's another reminder of how difficult it has become to preserve affordable housing in this city.