Why MLSE won't be on the hook for World Cup expenses

Plus, TTC cell service and a documentary on medically assisted death [The Star] First Up [By Manuela Vega] By Manuela Vega Good morning. Here’s the latest on the 2026 World Cup, one man’s story of medically assisted dying and cell service on the TTC. DON’T MISS Toronto Star file photo STAR EXCLUSIVE [Inside Toronto’s “sweetheart deal” with MLSE to host the 2026 World Cup]( The 2026 World Cup will be held jointly by Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. In Toronto, it's going to be up to the municipal government and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) to host the event. But while both entities will be entitled to millions of dollars in revenue, it’s the city that will take on all the costs, according to a letter of intent outlining the partnership. [Ben Spurr breaks down what taxpayers will be covering and the role MLSE is expected to play](. - Why it matters: “I see it as a private enterprise very typically asking government to take all the risk, and at the same time asking for a share of the profits, and that worries me,” said Coun. Gord Perks, adding the city shouldn’t spend public dollars on a sporting event when it’s facing a budget crisis and an affordability crunch. - Another angle: An associate professor of sport management at Brock University said MLSE’s experience in staging and marketing sporting events in Toronto is unparalleled, and it’s not usual for municipalities — which lack in-house expertise on delivering major tournaments — to partner with private companies. Last Flight Home The third act [She filmed her father’s last days. His story is fuelling debate about medical assistance in dying]( When Ondi Timoner began recording her father towards the end of his life, she simply intended to capture his voice. But the film grapples with much more — his rise in the business world, his downfall brought on by discrimination after a devastating injury, and his decision to end his life under California’s medically assisted dying law. At a time when few U.S. states allow assistance in dying and Canada’s laws are surrounded by debate, “Last Flight Home” aims to start conversations about the procedure. [Moira Welsh reports on the deeply personal documentary](. - On the home front: The Canadian government faced widespread condemnation after announcing plans to expand “medical assistance in dying” (MAID) in March of 2023 to offer assisted dying to those suffering solely from mental illness. It delayed those plans until March 2024. - Across the border: In the U.S., roughly 10 states offer some form of assisted dying. That’s where Timoner said the film is raising awareness and challenging ideas about the right to choose when to end one's life. Staff photographer/Toronto Star Transit [What does Rogers’ TTC cellphone deal mean for commuters using Bell or Telus]( With Rogers announcing Monday it will soon have exclusive rights to the TTC’s cellular infrastructure, its customers should have cell service on portions of the subway system by early next year. But it’s unclear when users of other carriers will be able to access service — and competitors are not happy. [Lex Harvey and David Rider report on Bell’s criticism of the move and what else we know about the deal so far](. - Context: Global communications firm BAI has owned the TTC’s cellular infrastructure since 2012. Only Freedom Mobile has signed on to use it, while Rogers, Bell and Telus previously cited BAI’s outdated infrastructure as a reason for not signing on. - Watch for: Rogers said it expects to have acquired BAI Canada in the next two weeks, and aims to have its 5G network throughout the entire TTC in two years. - More: [These candidates in Toronto’s mayoral election have urged Rogers to bring cellphone service to all subway users, not just its own customers](. [Sherman Investigation Alerts] What really happened to Honey and Barry Sherman? Get breaking updates in your inbox from the Star’s investigation as it keeps unfolding, including new episodes of our #1-rated podcast “The Billionaire Murders.” [Sign up for our free alerts here](. WHAT ELSE Justin Trudeau is blaming “ungrounded attacks” for resignations of Trudeau Foundation CEO and directors. [Here’s what you need to know](. [Who was buried in this graveyard for Black settlers]( A Toronto man is fighting to have their stories told. Ontario will offer super cheap electricity, [but there’s a big catch](. Trudeau’s most trusted adviser has always avoided the spotlight. [That’s about to change](. An [International Day of Pink celebration]( is planned for TDSB students with a Stonewall Riots survivor. [Illegal, cancer-causing chemicals have been detected in Canadian toys and electronics]( a new U of T study finds. [Two influential U.S. opponents of unchecked corporate power]( are weighing in on Canada’s competition overhaul. Lettuce prices are predicted to soar again. [Here are five leafy alternatives for your sandwich](. [Beloved Jamaican patty shop Fahmee Bakery is closing its last takeout location in Toronto]( — but all hope is not lost. Cherry blossom season is around the corner. [Here’s the best time to see them and some less crowded Toronto locations](. [Folk singer Gordon Lightfoot has cancelled his 2023 concert schedule]( citing health setbacks. [Scientists have created the most detailed map of dark matter yet]( — confirming Einstein’s theory of general relativity. ICYMI University of Waterloo handout [With a flood of high-achieving applicants, University of Waterloo engineering uses a controversial admissions tool. Here’s what it reveals about high school grades](. CLOSE-UP Richard Lautens/Toronto Star ROGERS CENTRE: The Blue Jays’ new centre-fielder Kevin Kiermaier leaps and makes an over-the-wall catch, robbing Detroit’s Kerry Carpenter of a home run. [Plus, other key moments from the home opener you should know about](. Thank you for reading. You can reach me and 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_176000). I’ll see you back here tomorrow. If you're not enjoying these emails, please tell us how we can make them better by emailing newsletterfeedback@thestar.ca. 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