News
Copy by David McQueen
Prince Edward County continues to be under an extreme heat alert with humidex values that could reach 45 today. The heat wave is expected to ease overnight and into Thursday but in the meantime the Trenton branch of the YMCA has come up with a way to cool down. The John Williams branch on Monogram Place will offer a free swim from 3 pm this afternoon until 8:30 tonight. Everyone is welcome but non-members will need photo ID to check in. I will have more information on the heat with the weather forecast.
The Ontario Provincial Police have issued a warning about possible paving and repair schemes. These schemes are common across the province in the summer months. Scammers pose as contractors and offer to pave driveways, fix roofs, or do other home repairs with special, time limited pricing that requires immediate cash up front. They typically use false names, forged identification that looks real and may provide flyers or websites that also appear legitimate but aren’t. After receiving the advance deposit they either disappear or, if they do work, it is poor quality or may not be incomplete. If you are approached, Police recommend taking your time to check out the company carefully. Avoid advance payments and time limited offers that don’t give you the opportunity to consider the offer and do appropriate background checks. If you think it might be a scam or believe you have been scammed, call police.
In spite of tariff threats and global uncertainty, Canada’s inflation held steady at 1.7 per cent in May Statistics Canada said earlier today. Rent prices increased at a slower pace particularly in Ontario and mortgage costs continued to ease across the country with lower interest rates. Groceries rose 3.3 percent from May of last year but that was half a point less than April’s rate. Gas prices, air fare and package tour prices all decreased but new vehicle costs picked up speed, mostly due to rising Electric vehicle and hybrid sales. While the inflation news is mostly positive, most economists expect the Bank of Canada will want to see further declines in the core rate before resuming interest rate reductions when they meet July 30th.
A precarious ceasefire between Iran and Israel appears to be holding after faltering earlier today. U.S. President Donald Trump told Washington reporters both sides had violated the agreement but he had particularly harsh words for Isreal, using explicit language to describe their actions and saying he was specifically unhappy with Israel. Trump later posted online that the deal was, in fact, holding. Israel and Iran have accused each other of breaking the truce but appear willing to avoid further conflict for now.
And the Forever Paws Animal Shelter in Fall River, Rhode Island is looking for someone to adopt a 20-year-old parrot named Hendrix. Hendrix was rescued from a home where he was badly treated. However, potential new owners need to be aware that Hendrix has a couple of faults. He is mostly naked for starters. He was not fed properly and has lost most of his feathers due to malnutrition. The feathers will grow back but his other problem is an expletive loaded potty mouth. Staff say Hendrix will sometimes say thank you for a treat or if you compliment him but usually he simply curses or makes unrepeatable verbal slurs. In spite of Hendrix appearance and his inappropriate vocabulary, the center says it has already received more than 50 offers for adoption.
Sports
In Wimbledon tennis action earlier today, Carson Branstine upset top seed Lois Boisson to move to the second round of the women’s qualifying tournament. Branstine is from California but her mother is Canadian and she chose to represent Canada internationally. Bianca Andreescu of Mississauga, Ont., also won her first-round qualifying match against Brazil’s Laura Pigossi.
Jesse Marsch Canada’s mens soccer team head coach was cleared of wrongdoing today by CONCACAF following an investigation into an infraction related to the rules regarding suspended match officials. However, the Disciplinary Committee did fine the Canadian Soccer Association for breaching security protocols and for failing to comply with anti-doping procedures. Marsch is also currently serving a two game red card suspension for unacceptable conduct.
In Major League Baseball, Toronto is in Cleveland to start a three game series against the Guardians. Toronto is three and a half games back of the division leading Yankees and one game back of the final wildcard spot. The Blue Jays will send Eric Lauer to the mound against Logan Allen for the Guardians. First pitch goes out at 6:40.
