The Stir: September 30

🚇 Slow zones are the bane of every TTC rider's commute. With an aging subway track, advocates are worried they could become the new normal.

🏠 One of Toronto’s wackiest houses is losing its wackiness. The new owners of the Leslieville dollhouse wanted to get rid of the various knickknacks that adorned the iconic house, so they gave them away to fellow community members.

🎉 Ottawa is the city that fun forgot. For some, Toronto is heading in that direction. Last week’s huge domino-toppling event reminded us that even in places not known for sparking joy — like the Bentway underneath the Gardiner — there’s an opportunity for entertainment.

🌉 The Eastern Avenue Bridge is a relic of Toronto’s industrial history. The city is getting rid of it because it poses a risk to flood mitigation efforts. The bridge and other pieces of public history are worth saving, Shawn Micallef argues.

🧒 Toronto’s Children’s Aid Society closed the case of a four-year-old girl who was later found dead in a dumpster. It’s not the only time the institution closed a case too early and is a sign the system needs a revamp, according to Ontario’s auditor general.

⭐ The Michelin Guide just awarded some stars to notable Toronto restaurants. Too bad it’s a scam, Amy Pataki argues.

🍽️ A beloved Pakistani restaurant in Toronto’s east end finally opened again a year after a fire gutted the kitchen.

🌱 The TTC will screen ads from fossil fuel companies to make sure they align with the city’s climate policies.

🚍 The TTC also got a new fleet of 340 electric buses.

🪴 A new spirit garden opened at Nathan Phillips Hall for Truth and Reconciliation Day.

👮 The Toronto Police Association is due for a new leader and it’s a three-horse race, Joe Warmington reports.

Commuter corner 

Today through Friday, subway service between Victoria Park and Kennedy stations will end early at 11 p.m. 

Events, dear boy, events 

Billie Eilish is at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday and Wednesday. Fred Again follows her on Thursday and Friday. 

If you’ve ever laughed at a David Sedaris book, now’s your chance to see him in person. The author is at Massey Hall on Wednesday to do some readings and a Q&A session. 

Toronto’s Coin Expo takes over the Toronto Reference Library on Friday and Saturday. 

Nuit Blanche goes from sundown Saturday to sun up Sunday in one of the marquee arts events of the year. 

The Greek International Film Festival starts tomorrow and runs through October.