Ontario’s new alcohol license program may be DOA

Plus, Corus Entertainment cuts more jobs and the latest on the man behind a random sidewalk attack [The Star] First Up [By Andy Takagi] By Andy Takagi Good morning. Here’s the latest on the man behind a random sidewalk attack, Corus Entertainment cutting more jobs and slow uptake in the grocery store alcohol program. DON’T MISS Karin Wells/CBC Crime [Man who killed ex-CBC producer Michael Finlay apologizes for random sidewalk attack]( The man who killed former CBC producer Michael Finlay wishes he could turn back time. “I beat myself up every day for his death … I’m doing everything I possibly can to change myself to become a positive and responsible person,” the 45-year-old said in court on Monday. He pleaded guilty in May to manslaughter for knocking Finlay to the ground. The Crown attorney has asked the judge for a prison term of six to eight years. [Here’s how the case following Finlay’s death has unfolded](. - Remembering Michael Finlay: Known as the “slayer of bull—-” by his friend Paul Knox, Finlay was a former CBC producer, known for his curiosity and clear-thinking. - Context: Finlay, 75, was knocked to the ground by Robert Robin Cropearedwolf on Danforth Avenue in a random incident in January 2023. He was released from the hospital after injuring his ribs, but had trouble breathing and went into cardiac arrest. - What’s next? Cropearedwolf surrendered to police a month after Finlay’s death. The pathologist concluded that, had Finlay been a healthy individual, he likely would have survived Cropearedwolf’s push. The judge will deliver his sentence on Sept. 17. Tijana Martin/The Canadian Press file photo Business [Corus Entertainment will slash 300 more jobs by August in an “aggressive” bid to stop the bleeding]( Canada’s largest independent media company and parent of Global News is expected to lay off hundreds of more positions to stave off bankruptcy. By August, Corus Entertainment will have lost 800 positions — a quarter of its workforce — since the beginning of the 2023 fiscal year. The moves have been prompted by massive losses in the company’s revenue from its television and radio streams. [Ana Pereira reports on what’s in the cards for the future of Corus](. - Deep in debt: As if Canada’s media scene wasn’t grim enough, [Corus is saddled with more than $1 billion in debt and faces bank loan repayments]( that will come due within three years. - On the bright side: Despite losing 35 unionized positions in June, Global News remains a “growth engine” for Corus, especially on national news, according to the company. - From the analysts: “Anything is possible,” one analyst told the Star, but “barring a miracle, I don’t see it getting better.” Andrew Francis Wallace/Toronto Star file photo LCBO STRIKE [Fewer than 4% of grocery stores have applied for Ontario’s new alcohol license — here’s why many don’t want one]( As the Ford government continues to butt heads with the LCBO union amidst a strike, just a handful of the province’s grocery stores have applied for a new alcohol license. The rest are bucking the requirement that they must accept bottle and can returns for recycling under the new licenses — a costly undertaking. The uptake on license applications for convenience stores, where there is no such requirement, has been much more significant, with roughly 40 per cent of the province’s corner stores applying and being granted new licenses. [Here’s how the wine war has played out](. - Fast track: On Monday, [the Ford government expedited the sale of ready-to-drink cocktails to 450 supermarkets]( much earlier than planned. As early as next week, Ontarians can buy Mike’s Hard Lemonade and other pre-mixed cocktails in supermarkets. The move has been denounced by the striking LCBO union. - Run on booze: Cocktails might be the new toilet paper, as [alcohol-starved Ontarians have been clearing grocery store shelves of booze]( amidst a historic, and lasting, strike. - Teetotal-ing: The strike has entered its eleventh day, with more than 9,000 LCBO workers on the picket lines. Workers, among other demands, [want the government to reverse its liberalization of the province’s alcohol retail market]( WHAT ELSE Trump picks Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, [a once-fierce critic turned loyal ally, as his GOP running mate](. In Milwaukee, [it’s clear what the attempted assassination of Donald Trump really changed](. Is the ‘Crypto King’ really broke? [Bankruptcy trustees allege Aiden Pleterski is concealing his assets](. Justin Trudeau claims Pierre Poilievre built just six affordable homes when he was housing minister. [Here’s what actually happened](. Pierre Poilievre worries about threats against his family — [but says there’s no need to tone down political criticism](. The Trudeau government’s carbon rebates went out Monday — [but one major bank still isn’t using their official name](. The trucker who caused the deadly Humboldt Broncos bus crash [applies to have his permanent resident status returned](. [Community mourns teachers, former OHL winger]( as victims in Oshawa double homicide. The pandemic hurt the youngest learners the hardest. [Here’s how one Toronto school board is helping them catch up](. Copa America chaos is a wake-up call for the 2026 World Cup. [How should BMO Field prepare?]( “The chickens are coming home to roost”: [Traffic woes causing residents to consider leaving Toronto area, poll finds](. Better transit is coming for the 2026 World Cup. [Why not also for those of us who pay for it?]( POV Steve Russell/Toronto Star [A ‘family matter’: How the story of Alice Munro’s daughter could stay hidden for so long](. CLOSE-UP Supplied by Kyla Thomson JULY 14, 2024: A social media sensation, Bella Thomson was born with three rare medical conditions, underwent more than 20 surgeries and was a longtime patient at SickKids. Bella passed away on Sunday at SickKids Hospital at age 10. [Read about how Bella turned her medical journey into inspiration for millions](. 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_216662). 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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