Will the Liberals finally find their Ford-killer?

Plus, these striking renters are done being exploited [Get This Offer]( [The Star] First Up [By Ben Cohen] By Ben Cohen Good morning, and thanks for waiting for today’s First Up; some configuration problems blocked us from deploying it until now. You might recognize me as one of the writers of Next Up, the Star’s evening newsletter. If not, [you can sign up here to stay on top of all the latest breaking news as it happens](. MUST READS Toronto Star photo illustration ONTARIO [After two crushing losses, the Liberals think they’re close to finding an answer for Doug Ford]( As more and more big names enter the Ontario Liberals leadership race, party loyalists tell Robert Benzie that there’s optimism creeping back into their hearts for the first time in years. Third time’s the charm, right? [Here’s how the Liberals plan to make a dramatic return from the fringes of Ontario politics](. Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press immigration [Citizenship ceremonies may be too sacred to go fully digital]( Canada has an enormous backlog of new citizens to swear-in traditionally and the government’s solution is allow them to take their citizenship oath online, on their own. While this would work, it is anathema to some sentimental politicians and immigration officials, who feel a citizenship ceremony is too meaningful to be reduced to a click. [Read more on what they think Canada should do instead](. Rick Madonik/Toronto Star housing [These Toronto highrise tenants are going on strike against rent hikes]( Many renters feel prices have gotten out of control, especially after the Ford government dismantled rent control for new units in 2018. Some people living at 33 King St. and 22 John St. have faced hikes of 22 per cent over just a few years because the owners of those two highrises apply each year to raise rent above the provincial guideline. Now some say they can’t afford food. [That’s why the King St. and John St. residents are fighting back](. Richard Lautens/Toronto Star Transport [Legalizing personal electric vehicles could help solve Toronto’s transportation woes]( As TTC service cuts and congestion make it harder to navigate the city, some people are turning to e-bikes, e-scooters and even e-unicycles, reports Lex Harvey. Riders say it’s affordable, easy, and makes you part of a fun community — a community of criminals, that is! You’d never know from all the scofflaws zipping about, but e-scooters and other PEVs (aside from e-bikes) are illegal in Toronto. [Here’s more on the case for legalization](. Santa Fe Films/ZUMA Press/TNS FILM [The sound and the fury of freedom]( A new surprise blockbuster called “Sound of Freedom” has drawn unprecedented — and deserved — attention to the problem of human trafficking, a crime reported 500 times a year to Canadian police. But the film comes packaged with criticism of its star’s QAnon-adjacent views and concerns about a glamourized portrayal of a nuanced problem that some worry leaves out the most likely victims. [Here’s why the film has deeply divided viewers](. UP CLOSE R.J. Johnston/Toronto Star Moon Mist, a bizarre flavour of ice cream described as a mix of banana, grape and bubblegum, has finally debuted in Toronto. Its arrival has stirred mixed feelings in transplanted East Coaster Amy Dempsey, setting her on a path to explore the history, mystery and magic behind the flavour, once one of Nova Scotia’s best-kept secrets. [Read her astonishing dessert-ation here]( eat THIS R.J. Johnston/Toronto Star Summerlicious is back with hundreds of prix fixe dining deals at the city’s best restaurants. Now in its 20th year, the event tragically only lasts two weeks. How fortunate that you can rely on our food reporter’s expert palate and analysis for the best value-for-money offerings. [Here are four of Karon Liu’s favourite Summerlicious menus](. 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_191611), and Manuela will see you back here Monday. TORONTO STAR SUMMER SALE Get unlimited access for: $3.33/month for 12 months [Get This Offer]( 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. 8 Spadina Avenue, 10th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 0S8. 416-367-2000 [PRIVACY POLICY](