Plus, Hamilton is back in Toronto, and yes, it really is that good [The Star] First Up [By Ashley Okwuosa] By Ashley Okwuosa Good morning. Environment Canada is forecasting [heavy winds, snow, ice pellets and the possibility of freezing rain on Monday](. Here’s the latest. MUST READS
Richard Lautens/Toronto Star file photo Opinion [Mike Layton has a good chance at replacing John Tory. But does his family want him to?]( Former councillor Mike Layton recently retreated from elected office to devote himself to his young kids. But since John Tory’s resignation, Toronto’s NDP-affiliated progressive organizers and politicians have been holding their breath, waiting for Layton’s decision on whether he’ll run. While Edward Keenan writes Layton stands a good chance of winning the mayoral race, he also wants to be active in his children’s lives. Is it possible to do both? [Edward writes on the impossible decision facing politicians who want to prioritize their families and what it could mean for politics](.
Nick Kozak/For the Toronto Star GTA [Advocates fear changes at Hanlan’s Point will push out the LGBTQ community]( Hanlan’s Point Beach, believed by some to be the oldest continuously used queer space in Canada and the first nude beach in North America, is facing proposed changes community members say will destroy its character. In a draft master plan for the Toronto Islands, the city is suggesting a formalized event space on the lawn that could attract events like music festivals. Environmental concerns aside, many are worried that the changes will open up the beach’s LGBTQ community to bigotry or even homophobic violence from eventgoers. [Alyshah Hasham reports on the city’s plans and why advocates are pushing to preserve queer history](.
Lance McMillan/Toronto Star OPINION [Jobs are up, inflation is coming down and Canada’s economy seems to be going strong. So where’s that recession?]( The Canadian economy is already outperforming expectations despite high-interest rates, continued supply chain disruptions, and long-standing recession fears, writes David Olive. That’s not to suggest that the economy is firing on all cylinders, only that it’s performing better than experts had reason to expect. The BoC still forecasts a mild recession this year and warned last week that the first three quarters of 2023 will see near-zero economic growth. [Still, here’s why David makes a case for taking stock of positive signs, and preparing for the coming economic recovery](.
Realtor.ca #GTAHOMEHUNT [This snug Toronto studio loft is going for $465,000. Is it a good deal?]( This 430-square-foot “unique studio loft” on Jarvis St. and Wellesley St. E. is selling for $465,000 and could be a great spot for a young person looking to live downtown, writes Alessia Passafiume. For this price, is it a good deal? Realtor Othneil Litchmore says the listing price is consistent with other bachelor units in Toronto, but living in a bachelor unit is “not for everybody,” he notes. [Here’s everything you need to know about this studio loft unit and some expert tips for finding a similar place](.
Wakil Kohsar/AFP/Getty Images file photo AFGHANISTAN [Ban on women may be a blow for Afghanistan’s private universities — and the nation’s future]( After the fall of the first Taliban regime in 2001, nearly 140 private universities were established in Afghanistan — along with public universities. But in December 2022, after the Taliban’s return to power, women’s education in universities was banned. Reportedly, enrolment for university entrance exams has since decreased by 60 per cent, private universities are shuttering, and thousands of people are losing their jobs. While senior Taliban officials say the ban may be removed in a month, [Marjan Sadat reports on the state of affairs currently, the ban’s impact on women, and Afghanistan’s future](. UP CLOSE
Giovanni Capriotti/For the Toronto Star Warren Steven Scott has built a world of colourful accessories, clothing, and artwork, with a dedicated community. The designer recently made his first foray into eyewear, launching the collaboration Avenue x Warren Steven Scott with Canadian spectacles brand New Look. [Briony Smith speaks with the designer about his brand and why honouring friends and community is important to his collaboration](. WATCH THIS
Joan Marcus Three years since its abridged Toronto run in 2020, “Hamilton” is back in the city. The hit musical, heralded as the most important piece of 21st century theatre, will be showing at the Princess of Wales Theatre through August 20th. First, [read Aisling Murphy’s review of why Hamilton is really as good as people say it is]( and then go find out for yourself. 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_168838), and Manuela will see you back here Monday. 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]( [View in Browser]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Twitter]( Toronto Star Newspapers Limited.
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