Morning Brew: Ford on service cut recommendations, G20 defendants frustrated with publication ban, Toronto's toilets vie for top honour, Madonna gets ridiculous at TIFF, and health care rally at Queen's Park

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The City Manager's report on recommended service cuts was released yesterday â so what was Rob Ford's response to it? Well, he characterized the cuts/cutbacks as "efficiencies." Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker, on the other hand, noted that the report is a far cry from his election campaign, which promised budget cuts without sacrificing any services. But Ford denies it goes against his earlier pledges, and if the cuts won't do, then he'll have no choice but to impose a double-digit tax hike.

The publication ban surrounding the preliminary hearing for 17 people charged with conspiracy during last summer's G20 summit has left the defendants frustrated and complaining that the Crown is silencing public dissent. All that can be reported are the charges themselves, which include conspiring to obstruct and assault police, but the defendants question whether there is enough evidence against them to move forward to a full trial.

Where is Canada's Best Restroom? Well, the thrones at Toronto's e11even and the Allstream Centre believe they've got a shot, and with heated seats and the use of rainwater, they make a pretty good case. From now until October 24, Toronto's washrooms will compete against loos across the country for the top seat in the nation. What I want to know is: who judges this thing?

Oh, Madonna. Once a diva, always a diva. The Material Girl was in town promoting her new film at TIFF last night, and as she made her way to the press conference, TIFF volunteers were asked to turn their backs to her so they wouldn't be able to look at her. Who knows what's that all about?

IN BRIEF:

Photo by MrDanMofo in the blogTO Flickr pool

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