Toronto's kids need more green time

Plus, Matthew Perry's death, essential Canadian horror flicks and the hunt for "Toronto's Joker" [The Star] First Up [By Andrew Joe Potter] By Andrew Joe Potter Good morning. In case you missed it, the Toronto Raptors took on their ex-coach Nick Nurse and the Philadelphia 76ers last night. [Here’s how the eagerly anticipated reunion played out](. And here’s the latest on everything else. MUST READS Toronto Star the kids aren't all right [Saving Toronto’s kids from the growing threat of “Nature Deficit Disorder”]( The city’s green space has shrunk significantly over the past two decades; in some cases, layers upon layers of concrete have rendered the land permanently unplantable, Kate Allen reports. At the same time, research tells us that urban green spaces are critical to the physical, mental and social health of all residents — and especially children. We also know that the benefits of green space are not distributed equally. [Here’s how a fairer, greener city will set our kids up for success](. Brian Ach/AP Photo via Invision obituary [“Friends” star Matthew Perry has reportedly died at age 54]( Actor Matthew Perry was found dead of an apparent drowning at his Los Angeles home on Saturday. After a number of child acting roles, he rose to TV superstardom playing the sardonic Chandler Bing on “Friends” from 1994 to 2004. In his 2022 memoir, Perry detailed previous brushes with death linked to his long-publicized substance abuse issues, Fatima Raza notes. [Though born stateside, Perry had long maintained close ties with Canada](. Richard Lautens/The Star israel-hamas war [Thousands of pro-Palestinian protestors rally in Toronto]( With the “second stage” of Israel’s expanded military operations in Gaza commencing, more than 2,000 pro-Palestinian protestors took to Toronto’s downtown core to call for a ceasefire. As Joshua Chong and Ana Pereira report, the demonstration was peaceful. Following four hours of protests, marchers — including many families and young children — returned to Nathan Phillips Square, where Muslim attendees gathered outside city hall for sunset prayer. [Here’s a closer look at how the day unfolded](. Steve Russell/The Star Toronto [Though messy and neglected, insiders say Yonge and Bloor is still rife with potential]( With the fate of The One condo project looming large over Yonge and Bloor, experts are split over the potential of what should theoretically be one of Toronto’s signature intersections. Retail analysts say it will never be the cultural heart of the city — there simply isn’t enough space to gather, Emily Fagan reports. [Still, there’s plenty of optimism that Yonge and Bloor isn’t dead but merely in transition](. OPP, TikTok crime [The nationwide search for “Toronto’s Joker” continues amid fresh taunts]( For over a week, the heavily tattooed Michael Stamatakos has mocked the police online, evidently revelling in whatever minor-league mayhem he’s created. Having broken conditions of his release from a two-year sentence for arson, the 31-year-old dubbed “Toronto’s Joker” boasts a Canada-wide arrest warrant — and a flair for cartoonish villainy better suited to Gotham City. How can he afford to be so brazen? [As Betsy Powell explains, it’s not illegal to go viral](. [Smart Money newsletter launch] Get expert help with your money. If you’re looking for advice you can trust when it comes to managing your finances, you might like the Star’s new Smart Money newsletter, [sponsored by Fidelity](. Every week, Smart Money will break down what you need to know to make, save and manage your money. [Sign up for free here](. UP CLOSE Nick Lachance/The Star Every Halloween season, Derek Rutherford’s Beach apartment turns into a pumpkin-carver’s paradise. Though Joshua Chong writes that the 35-year-old’s designs have become increasingly elaborate, [it's all a tribute to a humble childhood tradition — and the woman who started it all](. watch THIS EI Scan Photo It might not be Canada’s calling card but we’ve definitely produced our fair share of scary flicks, Michelle Krasovitski writes. From slasher romps to zombie thrillers, [these are the nine essential Canadian horror movies to watch before Halloween night](. 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_202824). 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]( Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. 8 Spadina Avenue, 10th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 0S8. 416-367-2000 [PRIVACY POLICY](