Israel and Palestine are waging an info war

Plus, Michelin chefs dish on their fav spots to eat in Toronto and why WeWork marks the end of an arrogant era in tech [The Star] First Up [By Andrew Joe Potter] By Andrew Joe Potter Good morning. In case you missed it, inspired play from Leylah Fernandez and doubles partner Gabriela Dabrowski has Canada in the final of the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time ever. [Here’s what’s next for the Canadians](. And here’s the latest on everything else. MUST READS Instagram @byplestia Israel-hamas war [Amid calls for ceasefires and “humanitarian pauses,” Israel and Palestine’s information war continues]( There’s a second fight within the larger Israel-Hamas conflict, centred on swaying global support and influencing foreign leaders. Israel’s information campaign is focused on legitimizing the use of military force against Palestinians in their effort to eliminate the terrorist group Hamas; on the flip side, Palestinian civilians are documenting the horrors of war and daily life in Gaza through social media, Allan Woods reports. In some respects, [one side seems to be winning the information war](. Susan Kao Toronto Star illustration CANNABIS [Even after legalization, where Toronto cops enforce the Cannabis Act suggests the old disparities continue]( The legalization of cannabis has been positive for Toronto; there have been far fewer tickets and warnings issued annually since 2018. However, Star reporters and data analysts report that post-legalization enforcement has continued to disproportionately occur in the city’s lower-income, racialized neighbourhoods. It’s troubling news for lawyers and academics who have [encountered heavy-handed policing of Black communities](. Richard Lautens/Toronto Star REMEMBRANCE DAY [Olivia Chow touts “the power of peace” as Torontonians observe Remembrance Day across the city]( Against the backdrop of ongoing conflict overseas, Olivia Chow took the opportunity of her first Remembrance Day as Toronto’s mayor to continue her broad call for de-escalation. “As we mourn the more than 10,000 Toronto residents who have fallen in conflicts over the years, let this day of remembrance also help us hold strong to the power of peace,” she said from the cenotaph outside Old City Hall, Lex Harvey reports. [Here’s how else Toronto marked November 11](. Dreamstime REAL ESTATE [If you buy a home now, will interest rates fall? If you have to ask, you should probably walk away]( Given the tumultuous state of Canada’s housing markets, should prospective homebuyers buy now and then refinance at a lower rate later or simply wait out today’s sky-high interest rates all together? Experts warn against taking on a mortgage you can only afford at a lower interest rate; no one can guarantee when (or if) interest rates will fall, Srivindhya Kolluru writes. [Beware the trap of thinking anyone has a crystal ball](. Noam Galai/Getty Images file photo BUSINESS [WeWork was never actually a tech company — and that era in business is hopefully over]( Valued at $47 billion as recently as 2019, WeWork has filed for bankruptcy protection. The fall of the office coworking company is a cautionary tale about personal hubris, Navneet Alang writes. [It should also signal the end of a very arrogant era in investing](. [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 Muad Issa/Canada Basketball There’s a new “and one” in the life of hooper Natalie Achonwa: six-month-old son Maverick. The longtime Canada Basketball mainstay tells Doug Smith that motherhood has brought new perspective to the “child's game” she plays. [She hopes to channel that attitude into a fourth Olympic appearance](. EAT THIS Toronto Star, Back of House, Gabriel Li & supplied Ever wonder where the culinary minds behind Toronto’s Michelin-recommended restaurants eat when they have a free night? Raju Mudhar caught up with nearly a dozen of the city’s best and brightest chefs to discover the [local spots they keep going back to](. 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_203716), 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]( Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. 8 Spadina Avenue, 10th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 0S8. 416-367-2000 [PRIVACY POLICY](