Your morning news roundup for Friday January 26th, 2007:

The Prime Minister of Canada is slated to appear at a press conference later today to issue a formal, public apology to Maher Arar and announce that a settlement has been reached ($10 million in reparations, plus his legal fees). Let's hope that no Canadian has to go through an ordeal like this ever again.

NDP leader Jack Layton said yesterday that we're getting ripped off by our national banks and that it's not fair. I realize this every time I use an ATM (and hear that catchy "Hands in my pocket" jingle in my head), but like so many fellow Canadians, I just brush it off and feel powerless.

There's a new khat on the block that may be a part of a growing trend in illicit drug use. The stimulant - a leaf that is chewed and results in a mild euphoria, is common in East Africa has been turning up in Toronto recently.

Later this year US visitors entering Canada by air, water, and land will require passports - a change that worries some Toronto tourism advocates. Will an edgy "Live with Culture" ad campaign that pokes fun at other cities attract more Americans to our city? (view the ads)

Another freak industrial accident has resulted in the death of a GTA worker (the fourth in January). The tragic incident occurred during a film crew takedown of a movie set.

Willowdale area students are preparing for a major shakeup in their schools, seeing several closures, moving, and new schools being built in the future.

(image: Toronto Star)