OCTOBER 21, 2026
Clash of the Titans
As the Toronto Raptors tip off their season opener tonight on the road against the Chicago Bulls, all eyes will be on returning superstar Kawhi Leonard. The prodigal son – whose prodigious talent helped the Raptors garner their first and only NBA championship in 2019 – returns after ditching the team for the warmer climes of L.A. His departure, and the increasingly messy saga surrounding his salary-cap skirting shenanigans for the Clippers, left a bitter aftertaste for the Raptor faithful. But now he’s back, older, wiser and apparently ready to chase another ring, at least according to a social media video he posted yesterday. The half-hearted mea culpa was filled with nostalgic memories of his magical 2019 performance, despite a voiceover insisting he doesn’t want to “live in the past.” The video also failed to address his penchant for missing games (he didn’t suit up for a pre-season match in Vancouver) and playing and practising on his own terms – aka “Kahwi Rules.” Raptors fans, naturally, will overlook Leonard’s past sins if he can return the title to The North. That won’t be easy, especially going up against two Eastern Division powerhouses: the reigning champs, the New York Knicks, and the revitalized Philadelphia 76ers, led by their own L.A. import, 41-year-old LeBron James, who desperately wants one more title before he retires. But Kawhi insists he’s ready to meet the moment: “Toronto, let’s make this unforgettable as I return to you.” | Getty Images
OCTOBER 20, 2026
A House United
When Albertans were asked last night whether they wanted to begin the legal process that could eventually lead to separation from Canada, the answer was a resounding no. Some 75.7 per cent voted to remain in Canada, compared with just 24.3 per cent who wanted to move toward a future separation referendum. “Albertans have made a clear choice,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said in an official statement after the results became clear. “They chose unity, to build together and to take care of each other.” Premier Danielle Smith struck a similar note, posting that “Albertans have voted for a stronger Alberta in a united Canada.” One of the separatist movement’s prominent leaders, Keith Wilson, co-chair of the separatist group Let Alberta Decide, acknowledged the disappointing results but argued that the debate is far from over. “Tonight concludes a campaign, but the conversation about Alberta’s future in Canada and our place in Canada and our role in Canada will continue,” he said. Carney, meanwhile, said last night’s emphatic message of unity delivered by voters should help the province turn the page, and work to build a stronger country where “Albertans and all Canadians will move forward together with renewed purpose and high ambition. | UnSplash
