Guests: Star reporters Amy Dempsey Raven and Megan Ogilvie

A new Ontario law was meant to protect vulnerable children in care, but it may be deepening the very crisis it set out to solve. The province has expanded police background checks for people working or volunteering in the child welfare system. But under the new rules, it is not just criminal records that show up. Any documented interaction with police, including traffic stops, noise complaints or mental health calls, could be flagged.Experts warn this opens the door to discrimination and bias, especially for racialized and marginalized communities who face disproportionate police contact. Meanwhile, child welfare agencies say the rollout has been chaotic, delaying adoptions and disrupting foster placements at a time when the system is already under strain.

This episode was produced by Sean Pattendon and Paulo Marques.

This year marks TIFF’s 50th anniversary. The festival has done many things over the years - it’s been a bellwether for industry talent along with changing how movies are made and marketed. It’s also really helped shape the identity of this city.

Today we speak with two veterans who have been covering TIFF for decades. Peter Howell, long-time Toronto Star film critic remembers his first time covering TIFF in the 70’s all the way up until present day; what’s changed, what’s stayed the same (for better or worse) and an elevator encounter with a beloved movie star who’s *almost* as tall as Peter 6’6" frame.

Then we speak with Richard Lautens, a long-time photojournalist with The Star, about memorable red carpet moments, shooting divas & nice guys alike and a tiny object - still in his possession - that got him into those *special*, special TIFF parties.

Clips from: Miramax, BritBox, Rotten Tomatoes

Guest: Manuela Vega, Toronto Star housing reporter

A new study has found that financial landlords are filing eviction applications at much higher rates than other types of landlords in Toronto, especially after acquiring new buildings. In one case, more than half the tenants in a building received an eviction notice in a single year. Experts say this reflects a wider business strategy and it’s reshaping the rental market, raising concerns about affordability, and who gets access to housing in this city. On today’s episode, we unpack the numbers, what the study reveals and its implications.

This episode was produced by Paulo Marques