How safe is it to be a woman in Canada?

Female journalists and politicians fear harassment. Plus, Toronto’s cannabis reckoning [The Star] First Up [By Ashley Okwuosa] By Ashley Okwuosa Good morning. Protesters who say the Canadian International Air Show [does more harm than good]( will be downtown today. Here's the latest. MUST READS Toronto Star Illustration INVESTIGATIONS [Inside the attacks on Canadian female journalists]( Several Canadian reporters targeted by a hate campaign are calling on the government to act. Nearly all are women, and many are Black, Indigenous, and women of colour, reports Grant LaFleche. While journalists have long experienced threats, more recent harassment focuses on identity, race, and gender, some even targeting family members. [Read more about the attacks and the populist politicians and far-right groups amplifying them](. Richard Lautens/Toronto Star BUSINESS [Toronto's cannabis industry has peaked. Here’s what’s next]( Cannabis stores in Toronto might be facing a downturn. Data shows that openings are slowing, sales are shrinking, and cannabis retail licences are getting cancelled. Up to a third of stores could close, reports Rosa Saba, thanks to oversaturation, record inflation, and distribution issues. Here’s more on [the future of Cannabis in the city, and why there might be opportunities for expansion in more underserved communities](. Andrew Francis Wallace/Toronto Star EDUCATION [With COVID lurking, how normal of a school year can we expect?]( As students, teachers, and parents gear up for a new school year, they all have one thing in common: a desire for normalcy. The end of the mandatory five-day isolation rule and the ongoing contract talks between education unions and Ontario are creating uncertainty about how COVID will impact students, reports Isabel Teotonio. After two years of pandemic disruptions, [read more about what teachers, parents and students look forward to this school year](. Jacques Boissinot/CP Politics [A violent mood has disrupted politics in Canada, and women are the target]( Politicians at every level of government and from all parties are reporting that violent, aggressive messages and outbursts have become all too common, writes Althia Raj. Female politicians like Quebec Liberal MNA Marwah Rizqy and Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek have been vocal about threats they’ve received, limited action by law enforcement, and the message it’s sending to others. [Read more about the impact of this violent wave in politics on our democracy, and our duty as individuals](. Richard Lautens File Photo/Toronto Star PUBLIC RELATIONS [After a public fallout, how can an organization rebuild trust?]( Stay, leave, or wait? Organizational leaders have limited options in a scandal, but is one better than the other? When long-time anchor Lisa LaFlamme was controversially let go, Bell Media’s VP of News Michael Melling took a leave of absence. After sexual assault allegations against players, the chair of Hockey Canada’s board stepped down. [Read Maria Iqbal’s reporting on how organizations weigh different decisions and restore confidence with the public](. UP CLOSE Giovanni Capriotti Watching The Bear, a show set in a fictional Chicago beef restaurant, might have stirred your appetite for a classic Italian beef sandwich. Marq’s Chicago Beef is the first and, until recently, only spot in the city to fulfill your craving. Richard Trapunski [profiles the brothers behind the venture and learns the “proper” way to eat a beef sandwich](. Watch THIS Courtesy of TIFF With over 200 features and 51 shorts from 63 countries, it’s easy to get overwhelmed at TIFF this year. For your viewing pleasure, Peter Howell has selected [12 of the hottest films to watch during the festival’s 11-day run]( Thanks for reading. You can reach the First Up team at [firstup@thestar.ca](mailto:firstup@thestar.ca?source=newsletter&utm_source=ts_nl&utm_medium=emailutm_email=6C53B63A8E3FAD70AD4EF13004527437&utm_campaign=frst_143076). There won't be a newsletter tomorrow, but Manuela will see you back here on Tuesday. [The Star]( If you're not enjoying these emails, please tell us how we can make them better by emailing newsletterfeedback@thestar.ca. Or, if you'd prefer, you can unsubscribe from this newsletter by clicking the first link below. [Unsubscribe From This Newsletter]( [Sign Up for More Newsletters and Email Alerts]( [Become a Star Subscriber]( [View in Browser]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Twitter]( Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. One Yonge Street, 4th Floor, Toronto, ON M5E 1E6. 416-367-2000 [PRIVACY POLICY](