According to a press release issued by the zoo,  Samantha – a 37-year-old Western Lowland Gorilla – had to be put down after suffering a serious stroke early Monday.

The zoo also said goodbye to Molek, it’s oldest orangutan, in late June.

Samantha’s stroke, which followed a previous stoke in mid July, left her in critical condition.

The first stroke left her completely paralyzed on the right side of her body.

“With Samantha’s recent stroke and after previous consultation internally and with other physicians, it became evident that euthanasia was the most humane course of action,” Dr. Graham Crawshaw, the Zoo’s Senior Veterinarian said in the release.

Samantha had five offspring with mate Charles, a silverback gorilla, two of which are still at the zoo – eight-year-old daughter Shalia and her five-year-old son Sadiki.

“They are a family,” Matt Stephenson, the Toronto Zoo’s Gorilla Keeper said. “Samantha was Charles’ favourite for decades and was an integral part of the family.”

He added that zoo staff will also miss the eldest, dominant female gorilla at the zoo.

“I will particulary miss her ‘singing’ at breakfast and dinner, and those purrs and rumbles she made that were like music to the soul, which always brought a smile to my face,” Stephenson said.

Mother, Emila Sardaru, was last seen with her one-year-old son Robin Stanciu in the Dawes Road and Danforth Avenue area around 10 p.m. on July 23.

According to police, the woman fled during a parental visit.

Sardaru is described as white, 5-foot-5, and 165 pounds. She is of Romanian descent and speaks limited English.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416−808−5400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416−222−TIPS (8477), online at 222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

A 17−year−old boy was arrested and charged in the early on Wednesday. Later that evening another 17−year−old boy and a 15−year−old boy were also arrested and charged.

Dowden’s body was discovered on the banks of the Humber River on the evening of July 30 by a passerby walking in the near Humberline Dr. and Humber College Blvd. area. An autopsy revealed he was shot to death.

The first teen charged was scheduled to appear at the Finch Ave. W. courthouse Wednesday. The teens charged Wednesday night were scheduled to appear at the Jarvis St. courthouse Thursday.

The woman’s purse was taken from her stroller on Aug. 1 between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., police said in a release.

The medication contained in the purse included 175 tablets of 5-mg Oxycocet, 30 tablets of 20-mg Rabeprazole, 46 tablets of 0.25-mg Alprate and 60 tablets of 500-mg Naproxen.

Police said that the missing pills could be harmful or fatal if ingested, especially to children.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416−808−5500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416−222−TIPS (8477), online at 222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

Dimitry Savenkoy, 25, was found outside of an apartment building at 12 St. Dennis Dr. suffering from stab wounds around 11:50 a.m. on Saturday. He died later in hospital.

Police allege the suspect, 22-year-old Marko Pandurevic, waited for his victim in the lobby of the building.

Pandurevic is described by police as a white male, 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds.

Police say he is considered to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416−808−7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416−222−TIPS (8477), online at 222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

Tory himself has yet to comment on the speculation, but sources have told The Toronto Star that he is seriously considering taking another crack at the position. Tory ran, and lost, against David Miller in 2003.

According to The Star, Tory has seen increasing support from private polls and constituents and is leaning toward entering the race, perhaps to the dismay of fellow Conservative front runners, Rob Ford and George Smitherman.

The Twittersphere has also been on fire over Tory’s possible second run at Toronto’s top job.

@JProskowGlobal tweeted: “last time I interviewed Tory about his mayoral ambitions he said “never say never…”.

@ c_9 tweeted: “Fascinating to think about John Tory running. Would dramatically change the positioning for Ford and Smitherman”.

@JohnTory4mayor tweeted: “Fine fellows these Sun types. “Now it’s time for (Tory) to stop making like Hamlet and answer the question: is he in, or out?”.

It is rumoured that Tory may announce his ambitions to run as early as next week.

September 10 is the last day for him to declare his candidacy.

On July 7, police responded to a call at Dundas subway station. A man was reportedly holding a video camera and videotaping women without their consent.

Julian Vazquez Lopez, 37, is wanted for voyeurism. He is described as 6-foot-6, 166 pounds, with short, brown hair.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416−808−5200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416−222−TIPS (8477), online at 222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

Constable Abdullah Khalid, 29, a member of 43 Division, has served one year with the Toronto force.

He is scheduled to appear in court at Old City Hall, on Tuesday, August 31, in room 111, at 11 a.m.

Ze Zhang, 28, of Toronto, has been charged with several counts of fraud.

The accused targets business owners in Toronto and presents herself as a wealthy individual looking for business partners, police said.

She then tells the victims that her accounts have been frozen but that if she can borrow money her wealthy father will pay the individual back.

The woman then gives the victims a cheque for an account that is closed, and refuses to pay the money back.

Police believe that there are other victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416−808−3200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416−222−TIPS (8477), online at 222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

The accused is scheduled to appear in court at College Park, 444 Yonge Street, on Monday, July 26, room 501, at 10 a.m.

Thursday July 15th – Monday August 2nd, 2010
Caribana Festival & Parade

Numerous events including a food festival and art exhibitions take place around the city during the two weeks that the Caribbean comes to Toronto. The main event of Caribana is the parade and street festival that takes place on July 31st. The parade begins at Exhibition Place and continues west on Lakeshore Blvd. The parade is free to watch, but seating at the Exhibition is available for $20.

June 25- September 5th, 2010
Dream in High Park

Now in its 28th year, The Canadian Stage Company is presenting outdoor stagings of Romeo & Juliet High Park. There are performances every Tuesday through Sunday at 8pm. Admission is by pay what you can donation for adults,($20 minimum suggested) and is free for children under 14.

Friday July 30th – Monday August 2nd, 2010
Harbourfront Free Summer Festivals – Island Soul

In the spirit of Caribana, the Harbourfront Centre is hosting a weekend-long festival to celebrate Caribbean culture through music, food, and art.

Saturday July 31st – Monday August 2nd, 2010
Artisans at the Distillery – Mid-Summer Craft Show

The Artisans at the Distillery Mid Summer Craft Show is held outdoors on the grounds of the historic Distillery District and features handmade works from Canadian artists. Visit the Distillery District over the Civic Holiday Weekend to browse crafts. Admission is free and the event runs from 11a.m. on the 31st until 6pm on the 2nd.

Monday August 2nd – Sunday August 8th, 2010
Summer Antiques Sale

The 39th annual antiques sale, Toronto’s largest antiquing event, will take place at Sherway Gardens Mall (Hwy 427 and the QEW). Shoppers can browse nearly 1.2 kilometres of antique pieces starting at 10 a.m. on the civic holiday Monday August 2nd until Sunday, August 8th (Monday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.). Parking and admission are free.

Friday August 6th – Sunday August 8th, 2010
Taste of the Danforth

Now celebrating its 17th year, the Pilaros Taste Of The Danforth is Canada’s largest street festival and welcomes over a million visitors to GreekTown on Danforth. The festival features Hellenic foods, wines, and other spirits as well as sporting events, comedy, dancing and live music.

Friday August 20th – Monday September 6th, 2010
The Canadian National Exhibition

Let’s go to the Ex! The CNE once again returns to Toronto and visitors can enjoy games, rides, the CNE Casino and a wide variety of shows and live performances. This year’s line-up includes the classic Horse Show and Rodeo, the IAMS Superdogs, and the Labour Day Weekend Air Show. Ticket prices 16 dollars for General Admission, 12 dollars for Seniors 60 years and over, 12 dollars for Children under 13, and free for Children under 2 years.

Family passes, early bird specials, and other deals are also available.

Thursday August 26th – Sunday August 29th, 2010
Toronto BUSKERFEST in Support of Epilepsy Toronto

The St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood will be filled with street performers from all over the world. Events include silent comedy and slapstick, daredevils and magicians, highly skilled circus acts and a wide variety of music, clowns, contortionists, acrobats, aerialists, puppets and fire artists. The shows run between noon and midnight, starting on the 26th and ending on the 29th, and admission is by donation to Epilepsy Toronto.

Saturday August 28th, 2010
The Underwear Affair

The North York General Hospital’s Underwear Affair is a five-kilometre, or 10 kilometre marathon to raise funds and awareness for underfunded below-the-waist cancers like prostate, ovarian, and colo-rectal. Runners are encouraged to race in their underwear or other quirky attire.

Saturday August 28th – Sunday August 29th, 2010
Live Green Toronto Festival

Exhibitors and performers fill Yonge-Dundas Square on August 28 & 29. The event features exhibitors promoting green products and services as well as live music and local food. The event runs on Saturday August 28th from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. through Sunday August 29th from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is free.

A diagram showcasing the signs of clutter creep in someone's home

Imagine walking into a home so cluttered with stuff that you have to dig through piles of junk to find the floor.

Stacks of magazines and papers covered inches thick with dust litter the home and practically scream fire hazard.

Food that has been long past its expiry date still lingers in the kitchen and undoubtedly there are critters preying on the mouldy leftovers.

Trying to find a spot to sit or sleep in the home is a daunting task, but despite the fact that the homeowner may barely be able to move, they cannot bare to part with their possessions.

Now imagine that this home belongs to a loved one.

“Everybody has clutter and I’m guilty of that as well,” said Janise Smith, Director of operations of Home Instead Senior Care.

“(But) when you are not able to find a path to walk from the kitchen to the bathroom or bedroom to the bathroom without bumping into paper or bumping into things that shouldn’t be there, that’s clutter to a degree that is hazardous,” she said.

Home Instead is a facility that offers in home care to senior citizens.

After seeing numerous cases of clients that have succumbed to hoarding practices in the Scarborough area, the administrative team with Home Instead began to research the problem and issued a press release on the issue.

“The reason we put out the release is that we notice a lot of seniors in the communities in the area we serve that are living in environments that are quite hazardous,” Smith said.

She described the case of one client who, over 30 years of living in the same home, had accumulated so much that her home was deemed as unlivable.

“You could barely even walk sideways,” Smith said. “We would pick up a book that was so old and was there for so long that if you blew on it the dust would overwhelm you.”

The woman eventually had to move from her home and lost her independence because of the clutter in her environment.

Smith said that while they are able to help a lot of their clients deal with the task of cleaning their homes, they cannot help everyone.

She also explained how important it is for family members to check on loved ones and help them get their compulsive hoarding under control before it causes adverse health and safety risks.

She said that a crowded home can cause tripping, create fire hazards and the mould and mildew accumulated from the cluttered environment can cause illness.

Smith advises children and family members of elderly citizens to be on the lookout for what Home Instead calls “clutter creep.”

“It creeps up on you. For example, you may place some clothing in the storage room and eventually the amount of objects in the home creeps up on you and it slowly gets to the point of hazard,” Smith said. “It’s better to be proactive than reactive.”

Some hoarders may have a sentimental attachment to their possessions and some may have a mental illness known as compulsive hoarding.

“One of the reasons people hoard is sentimental value and the need to conserve,” Smith said.

“There are also cases of people who may have suffered from a stroke or some other condition where they may be confined to a wheelchair and can’t do household chores or may have a compulsive love for shopping, accumulating and conserving possessions.”

To help these individuals Smith advises family members to help their loved one go through their things

“You could say, ‘I really want to encourage you to de-clutter, lets go through what you need, what you can donate and what you can throw away,’” Smith said.

There are some cases however, that may require the professional help of organizers and therapists to get the job done.

“It’s a hard thing if someone is loyal to their clutter,” Smith said. “Having some outside help makes the difference because they can look at it more objectively and can let the person know that their job is only to help.”

Smith believes that helping loved ones organize their living environments will help keep them happy and independent for as long as possible.

“To stay in your home and stay independent, de-cluttering is something you really have to consider,” Smith said.

Accusations of detainee mistreatment, police brutality and civil rights violations have been circulating since the summit weekend and continue to arise.

Not many would disagree that the individuals who caused riots and destruction of property over the weekend of June 25 – 26 should face the consequences of their actions.

It is when innocent bystanders and protesters are arrested, and then housed in a crowded holding cell in amongst guilty parties, that questions begin to be asked.

The detention centre centre that housed detainees arrested for G20 related incidents was opened to the media on June 29 to give some insight into how the facility was run.

The media was admitted to the temporary detention centre, located on 629 Eastern Avenue, and lead on a tour by Staff Sergeant J McGuire.

Tim Shore, publisher of blogTO, was one of the individuals who was given a tour of the remnants of the makeshift holding cell.

Shore said he entered the facility without any preconceived notions of what he would find when he entered.

As media toured the centre the first thing they were told was that the state of the facility now is only a glimpse into the way the centre was when it was brimming with prisoners.

“It was completely empty and we knew that we weren’t going to be seeing the detention centre in the same condition it was when people where there,” Shore said.

“We just saw the shell and whatever remnants there were.”

Shore said that the centre was not a particularly comfortable setting, but believed from what he saw the conditions were acceptable.

“It’s a holding cell, its not a luxurious arrangement,” Shore said, “(but) they seemed reasonable enough for what we’d expect in Canada and not like anything we’ve seen in videos of third-world type holding cells.”

The media guide, according to Shore, was thorough when answering the questions of the guests.

According to him, and confirmed through the photos on Shore’s blog, there was food, water, telephones, and restroom facilities available to detainees.

When the question was raised as to whether or not the prisoners had timely, or any, access to these amenities the issue of logistics was cited.

“I believe there was food and water available,” Shore said.

“(But the guide said) it’s quite possible that people didn’t get food or water when they asked for it but it was more of a logistics issue in terms of people not being given food or water at all, or when they were asked, versus it not being available.”

Shore’s photos show cases of water, apple cores and and half-eaten cheese sandwiches littering the facility floor, confirming the presence of food and water in the facility.

He also agreed with police when they said that the sheer number of prisoners and the chaos of the weekend made it difficult to respond to all of the detainees needs quickly or, in some cases, at all.

“Certain people got more speedy, if any, access to phones to call whoever they wanted to call,” he said, “but some people didn’t get that and that’s what were hearing about.”

In regards to accounts of male officers strip searching female officers, the media guide said that their policy is not to have that happen.

He said that to his knowledge there was no wavering from that policy but that its possible that there could have been violations.

“(S. Sgt.  McGuire) wasn’t going to say 100 per cent that it didn’t happen,” Shore said, “but he said that if people have an accusation there are channels for them to take the complaint and launch a review.”

From what he observed,  Shore said the required amenities were available to those detained but the main problem appeared to be making them available in a timely manner.

“There would have been a lot of noise, commotion and chaos,” Shore said. “People may have been sick or having to go to the bathrooms and there would have been a lot of questions and shouting that would have taken place during the operations.”

The issue that then arises is not whether the prisoners had food, water, and access to telephones and restrooms, but rather why their requests may have gone unanswered.

Perhaps the pending independent review set to be conducted by the Toronto Police Services Board will shed some light on these questions.

To date neither the provincial or federal governments have agreed to an official inquiry regarding police conduct and detentions during the G20 weekend.

Russell Benjamin Kirkpatrick, 44, is also facing a charge of aggravated sexual assault. Police said the man was previously known to police.

Kirkpatrick appeared briefly in a Scarborough court Thursday morning with visible injuries and blood on his jumpsuit. Police would not comment on how those injuries were sustained.

Toronto Police said Kirkpatrick was arrested Wednesday evening. He was apprehended just 1 km east of the cemetery near the intersection of Kennedy Road and St. Clair Avenue East, police said at a press conference Thursday afternoon.

The attack occurred Monday afternoon when the woman was dragged from the main cemetery path and brutally attacked while visiting her mother’s grave site.

The victim remains in hospital in stable condition, police said.

Det.-Sgt. Corrine Bellon of the Sex Crimes Unit said that the case was “very shocking.”

She credits tips from the public and collaboration between police services for Kirkpatrick’s speedy arrest.

“It was a combination of our inquiries within the police service, as well as tips from the community, that we came to the conclusion that Mr. Kirkpatrick was at first a  person of interest,  and with further inquiries and investigation, it eventually lead to his arrest,” Bello said at the press conference.

Police are asking anyone who may have come into contact with Kirkpatrick this week to contact investigators.

He is scheduled to appear in court again on Monday morning via video link.

.

The woman was walking along the path of the ine Pine Hills Cemetery, in the Kennedy Road and St. Clair Avenue East area, around 5 p.m. when she was attacked, police said.

The male suspect approached her while she was visiting a grave site and dragged her off the main path.

The victim was admitted to hospital and is being treated for serious injuries, police said.

The suspect is described as white, 30 to 40 years old, 5-foot-6 with a skinny build, and is clean shaven with long hair that was worn in a ponytail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416−808−7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416−222−TIPS (8477), online at 222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

The hero was Andres Iniesta who beat the Dutch goalie in the 116th minute of the game. He was left uncovered and made a perfect strike to put the game away for the Spaniards who won their first World Cup.

Spain has now entered the realm of soccer greats becoming only the eighth team in World Cup history to win it.

As expected, Spain was excellent in ball possession making the Oranje work to get the ball. Goalie Maarten Stekelenburg had to be sharp as it only took the Spanish five minutes to create their first chance.

Sergio Ramos created the opportunity off a set piece from Xavi. Ramos headed the ball but Stekelenburg was in the right spot to keep it at zeros. David Villa also had a chance but the shot landed at the side of the net.

The game turned into a foul affair as 14 yellow cards were given. The goal came as the Netherlands were down a man after John Heitinga received a red card for taking down Iniesta.

An ugly show of soccer came when Nigel de Jong of the Netherlands high booted Xabi Alonso in the chest in the first half.

De Jong was lucky to escape with just a yellow as it could have easily been an automatic sent off.

But the Dutch also looked dangerous too. Arjen Robben could have easily ended the dreams of Spain. The Bayern Munich player had two break aways exposing the Spanish defence. Goalie Iker Casillas came off his line to make daring saves.

The Oranje tried to take advantage on set pieces. Robben took a short corner sending the ball to Mark Van Bommel who crossed it to an open Joris Mathijsen. But he couldn’t get his foot on the ball, kicking the air instead.

The first 90 minutes solved nothing and into extra time, Spain found an early chance. Cesc Fabregas had his own breakaway but Stekelenburg managed to stick his right foot out making a spectacular save.

And then Iniesta happened. With four minutes left in the game before going to penalties,  he received the cross that sent Spanish fans around the world jumping for joy. Stekelenburg touched the ball with his finger tips, but it wasn’t enough.

It took the Dutch over 20 years to make it to the finals and going into the game, they were unbeaten.

As for La Furia Roja they are now multiple champions as they are the 2008 Euro Champs and now will have four years to bask in World Cup glory.

Tien Pham, 17, of Toronto was shot in the back of the head while dining at the Excellent Cantonese Seafood Restaurant at 263 Spadina Ave. at around 3 a.m. Saturday.

The suspect made no attempt to conceal his face, Det.-Sgt. Peter Code said at a press conference this morning.

He said the suspect entered the back door of the restaurant, walked up to the table where Pham was sitting with friends, and shot the boy in the back of the head.

“This act is deliberate, it’s to me,  calculated. It is not a wild shooting,” Code said.

There were about 50 people in the restaurant at the time of the shooting. Despite what Code described as  “heroic” actions by the patrons, the boy was pronounced dead when emergency personnel arrived.

Police are working with the Chinese community in the area and are investigating video surveillance footage.

The suspect is described as as a black man with a light complexion in his early 20s. He has a shaved head and is about 5-foot-7. He was wearing a dark, hooded sweatshirt, white-rimmed glasses and sneakers.

Toronto Police said Emad Rozik, 49, of Toronto, was the victim of the brazen daylight attack.

Police say the suspect entered and exited the car wash several times the day of the murder. The man’s actions aroused suspicion and the victim called 911 prior to the shooting.

The suspect is described as a black male in his early 20s, 6-foot-4, with an average build and  short dark hair.  He was wearing a black baseball cap, a baggy white T-shirt,  long denim shorts were worn around the knees, and black high−top Nike running shoes with white soles.

Rozik was self-employed and the owner of the car wash where he was murdered. His business was engaged in a co-op program with Bendale Business & Technical Institute located across from the car wash.

He leaves behind his wife and two teenaged childen.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416−808−7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416−222−TIPS (8477), online at 222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

A crowd of a few hundred watching the game at Plaza Flamingo restaurant at College and Bathurst Street poured out onto the roadway after Spain’s goal in extra time against the Netherlands, pushing the team to a 1-0 victory.

“There is no sleeping tonight,” one teenaged boy yelled.

At least a thousand revelers of all ages and nationalities celebrated into the night, as the sound of cheers, car horns and the now-infamous vuvuzelas filled the air.

“Spain had the best team. We won and I am proud of my players. And the best part tonight is fiesta!” Maria Consuelo, of Puerto Rico, said.

About a dozen fans climbed atop a TTC streetcar which was forced to stop amid the pandemonium.

Not only was it Spain’s first-ever World Cup victory, it was the nation’s first appearance in the tournament’s title match.

“I cheer for Spain, not because I am Spanish, but because they are the best team,” fan Pablo Lorenzo said. “I do not know how to explain this to someone who is not a follower of the cup, because this feeling comes only from the football.”

Not only was the day a success for fans, but also for street vendors who capitalized on the intense pride that revelers displayed.

Souvenirs were readily available for purchase.

Sandy Leather, owner of Promotional Wear – a printing company – made 400 souvenir T-shirts as mementos of Spain’s victory which she sold out of the back of her van.

When asked what she would have done if the Netherlands had won she just smiled and said: “it’s a risk I was willing to take.”

The owners of TTB Trading CO. LTD Food Market & Hardware, located beside the Plaza Flamingo, supplied water for hot and thirsty fans partying outside the store. One owner said that he was selling water so quickly that he could hardly keep up.

Coming off losses to Spain and Holland respectively, Germany and Uruguay traded chances throughout with Germany coming out on top 3-2 in to claim third place.

German defender Arne Friedrich had the first great chance of the match off a corner kick in the 10th minute but his glancing header struck the crossbar.

The Germans would not be denied a opening goal a few minutes later,however,as midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger fired a shot from 20 yards away that was mishandled by Uruguayan keeper Nestor Muslera and fell right onto the path of returning midfielder Thomas Mueller who slotted it home and put Germany ahead 18 minutes in.

Mueller’s goal gave him five for the tournament putting him level with Spain’s David Villa.

Uruguay would equalize nine minutes later as a marvellous tackle by Diego Perez on Schweinsteiger allowed for a clean dispossessing of the ball and a quick pass of the ball to forward Luis Suarez who led a three on two Uruguayan attack along with Edison Cavani and Diego Forlan.

A through ball from Suarez allowed Cavani to break in behind the German defenders and shoot it past helpless German keeper Hans-Jorg Butt to tie the game at one after 28 minutes.

Suarez, himself, would be given a glorious opportunity to put Uruguay ahead in the 42^nd minute but fired the shot wide after he broke in on the right and only had Butt to beat.

The second half opened at a frantic pace with both teams charging toward goal.

A crossed ball in the 52^nd minute piece allowed for a absolute piece of brilliance from Forlan who would Uruguay ahead as he one touched the crossed ball and hammered the shot past Butt.

Not surprisingly, much like Uruguay in the first half, Germany quickly struck back as a Dennis Aogo cross into the Uruguayan penalty area was met by the head of Marcell Jensen who put it past a charging Muslera and tied the game in the 57^th minute.

Both teams would trade chances but it was not until the 82^nd minute until the deadlock was broken. A German corner kick was not handled well by the Uruguay defence allowing German midfielder Sami Khedira to latch onto a loose ball and head the ball in.

The final opportunity would fall to the feet of Forlan in the dying seconds of stoppage time in the manner of a free-kick just outside the German penalty area. The Athletico Madrid forward struck the ball with vigorously but unfortunately hit the crossbar and the referee blew the whistle to end the game

Puyol was an unlikely hero as the 32-year-old defender scored his first ever goal in World Cup competition.

It was well-deserved retribution for Puyol, who had a glorious chance to convert a header in the first half only to send it over the goal.

The start of the game produced little excitement, as the Spaniards continued its defensive proficiency. They have yet to concede a goal before half time thus far in South Africa.

David Villa almost broke the stalemate in the seventh minute, but his sliding attempt wasn’t enough to push the ball past the charging German keeper.

Spain controlled possession early on and didn’t give up much ground while outshooting the German’s 2-1 in the half.

La Furia Roja amped up the pace in the early going of the second half, as Xabi Alonso narrowly missed two heavy strikes from the top of the box followed by a David Villa attempt that sailed wide.

Despite owning the ball for the first 20 minutes of the second half, German striker Miroslav Klose had the best opportunity in the 69^th minute after corralling a crossed ball and blasting it on net only to be thwarted by a diving Iker Casillas.

But it was only a matter of time before the Spanish attack broke down the German defense.

In the 73^rd minute, Xavi laid in a perfect corner that found an onrushing Puyol who headed it past Manuel Neuer and into the net.

He was swarmed by his red-clad teammates and the Spanish supporters in attendance exploded in celebration.

Fernando Torres came off the bench in the 81^st minute and it nearly paid immediate dividends.

He broke in on a two-on-one with Pedro, who tried to dance around the lone defender but was stopped. Torres threw his arms up in frustration while Pedro hung his head and jogged back up field

But all was forgotten shortly after as Spain was able to hold its ground down the stretch and advance to its first World Cup final in team history.

The 2008 European Champions will take on the Netherlands who defeated Uruguay 3-2 on Tuesday.

In head-to-head competition, Netherlands has won four with a draw while Spain has won three with a draw.

Kickoff is set for 2:30 ET, Sunday in Johannesburg.

The board, a civilian agency which oversees the police force, issued a press release stating that an Independent Civilian Review has been established.

According to the release, the review will focus mainly on “matters of governance and policy, rather than operational policing issues or public complaints about personal experiences with police.”

Many Canadians were looking for answers into the police actions surrounding last weekend’s G20 summit protests and called for a public inquiry.

With close to 1000 arrests being made in a single weekend, the Canadian public questioned the legitimacy of tactics used by law enforcement officers and was concerned that many basic civil rights were violated.

Bethany Goluboff, a 40-year-old teacher from Oakville, is one of the many who have been calling for a public inquiry into the events surrounding the G20.

“We felt with the many abuses that had occurred, we needed to express our outrage at the blatant loss of human rights and civil liberties which are an affront to the Charter and what previously made us feel proud to be Canadian,” Goluboff said.

“An independent inquiry must be made if we are to make sure that this shameful episode does not repeat itself in the future,” she said.

Chris White, 32, of Whitby, his wife Rebecca Harrison-White and Darcy Higgins, 24, of Toronto, created a Facebook group to allow people calling for an inquiry to come together.

“The ultimate goal (of creating the site) is for some justice to come about for what happened,” White said

Higgins said that the social media website allowed people to mobilize and feel like they had ways to vent their frustrations about the events.

“It was more of a venue for people to organize around,” he said. “It helped organize those who wanted to rally and write letters and (helped) raise the idea of an inquiry and bring it to public attention”

White also emphasizes that an inquiry is so important because it allows all sides of the story to be heard, and all the facts to be gathered, before any action is taken.

“You can’t jump to conclusions,” he said. “The proper way to go about things is through the proper channel of an inquiry and we need to hear about everything before we can decide who was responsible for what.”

The Board’s independent civilian review will be conducted in addition to the Toronto Police Service’s own internal review to be conducted by the Summit Management After Action Review Team (SMAART).

The Board will reconvene in two weeks time.

The Dutch made it back to the finals for the first time since 1978 and have extended their unbeaten streak to 24 games, dating back to 2008.

With the score tied at one-apiece with 20 minutes to play, the Netherlands potted two goals three minutes apart to take complete control of the match

Wesley Sneijder broke the draw with an errant shot from 18 yards out. His strike deflected off defender Alvaro Pereira’s leg and slowly rolled its way through a sea of bodies and past surprised keeper Fernando Muslera, finally finding its way into the far corner of the net.

In the 73^rd minute, the Netherlands took advantage of a rattled Uruguay squad when Arjen Robben headed in a ball off a cross for the 3-1 lead.

Uruguay did its best to come back from the deficit, and provided some tense moments late when Maximiliano Pereira cut the lead to one.

Despite furious pressure over two more minutes of extra time, Uruguay could not score the equalizer.

The first half belonged to the Netherlands as well, controlling the majority of possession and creating better scoring opportunities.

They appeared to be on the right path towards a win when 35-year-old Giovanni Van Bronckhorst scored in the 18^th minute, but a brilliant curling shot by Forlan late in the half had both teams tied at 1-1 going into the second half.

The Netherlands advance to the finals for the first time since two consecutive appearances in 1974 and 1978. The Oranje lost both games to the host nation, West Germany and Argentina, respectively.

No host nation this time around as their final round opponent will be the winner of the Spain-Germany semi-final matchup.

Temperatures hit a whopping 33 C in the city Tuesday, about six degrees above what is normally expected around this time of year.

David Phillips, senior climatologist with Environment Canada, said Torontonians should embrace the warm temperatures but to exercise common sense while doing so.

“I think we should enjoy this kind of weather,” he said. “We live through many cold months so we’re owed some warm summers.”

The real problem, he said, is the humidity, which makes lowers air quality and makes it feel ever hotter.

“If you get a humidex that is around 40, which we’ve had, then even healthy, active people are affected,” Phillips said.

He warned against “being a hero” and urged residents to immediately seek shade or cooler temperatures if they are feeling dizzy, light headed, faint or nauseous.

Those especially vulnerable to the heat such as infants and the elderly, should be given extra consideration during these sticky, hot days.

Emergency cooling stations have been set up across the city to allow people to get out of the heat, rehydrate and cool down in the air conditioning.

Phillips said temperatures are expected to cool off toward the end of the week.

“It will be one or two degrees warmer than normal but (with) no humidity,” Phillips said. “So breathe that Canada air that’s clean and warm.”

The man was in a car wash on Midland and Lawrence Aves. around 1 p.m. when he was shot.

The victim, who died in hospital roughly two hours after the attack, has yet to be identified.

Police have not named a suspect yet, but are reviewing surveillance video from the area.

Thomas Mueller and Arne Friedrich added to the score, while Klose moves into second place in all time World Cup goals with 14, one shy of Brazilian great Ronaldo.

These two teams are no strangers as they met in the 2006 World Cup quarter- finals with Germany as the victor. Argentina looked for pay back and boasted a squad that had yet to lose a game at the 2010 final.Germany though did not waste any time and exposed a weak Argentine defence.

Three minutes into the game, Bastian Schweinsteiger took a free- kick into the box which Mueller flicked into the net to get his fourth goal of the tournament. But this was no fluke goal as Germany proved that they had speed and attacked a stunned Argentine side.

Despite not scoring a goal, Schweinsteiger was named man of the match as he his sublime play broke down Argentina time after time. The Bayern Munich player had a strong game and was dangerous throughout.

Argentina scored in the 36^th minute but was quickly called offside. Mueller was called for a handball and was given a yellow card which means he will miss the next match.

Germany would put it out of reach for the Albiceleste after going up three nil on a set piece. Friedrich would score his first international goal on a tap in, a shot set up by Schweinsteiger.

Today’s match marked Klose’s 100^th cap and he celebrated with two goals. In the 68^th minute, Lucas Podolski sprinted down the pitch and crossed a perfect ball to Klose who had an easy tap in. Klose would add another goal with a cross by youngster Mesut Oezil.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Carlos Teves were held off and rendered ineffective. Messi would leave the tournament with no goals scored and an overall disappointment for a team who seemed to show consistency throughout.

Germany will next face Spain in the quarter- finals on Wednesday.

Suárez made the handball to save what would have been a game-winning goal for Ghana after a mad scramble at the goal line that saw two Ghanaian shots, including the hand ball, get blocked after a great free kick from the right side that curved into the dangerous part of the box.

The hand ball resulted in an automatic red card handed out to the Uruguayan forward and gave Ghana a second chance at glory with a penalty kick.

Star striker Asamoah Gyan was given the honour of sending his nation to the semis but he shot the ball right off of the crossbar to bring the game to the end of extra time, and take it to a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, the two nations exchanged good penalty kicks, including one by Gyan, until Uruguay was up 3-2. After that point John Mensah stepped up for Ghana but he had his shot turned aside by Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

Following this, Maxi Pereira had his chance to give Uruguay a distinct advantage in the shootout, but he shot the ball way over the crossbar giving Ghana another chance to tie it all up again.

Unfortunately for the black stars, Dominic Adiyiah’s low shot was also saved by Muslera, giving Uruguay the opportunity to win the match thanks to a clever chip shot by Sebastian Abreu that completely fooled Richard Kingson and put Uruguay up 4-2.

Preceding the thrilling finish to the game, there were a couple of goals that brought the game to extra time.

The first one was struck by Ghanaian midfielder Sulley Muntari in the two minutes of additional time added to the first half with an incredible shot from just about 35 yards from the centre of the field that managed to skip past a diving Muslera and find the bottom right corner of the net putting Ghana up 1-0.

Diego Forlán scored for Uruguay to make the game 1-1 in the 55^th minute with a free kick from the left side that bent over the wall and just out of the outstretched hands of Kingson finding the top of the cage.

This is fifth time that Uruguay has made it to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup, and the first since 1970. Their record for when they reach this stage of the tournament has indicated either one of two possibilities. They either finish in fourth place like they did in 1954 and 1970, or they end up winning the entire tournament like in 1930 and 1950.

Ghana’s quarter-final appearance matches Cameroon in 1990 and Senegal in 2002 as the best finish by any African nation in the World Cup.

Uruguay will play their semi-final match against the Netherlands, who knocked out Brazil 2-1, on July 6 at 2:30 PM EST.

The game opened in a conservative style with the Paraguayans allowing the Spaniards little space to operate their effective passing game.

Controversy once again ensued in the 41^st minute as a crossed ball fell to Paraguayan forward Nelson Valdez who promptly shot it inside the net and began to celebrate only to see the offside flag raised. Replays show striking partner Oscar Cardozo being offside but Valdez onside, though the view for the linesman was obstructed.

The second half was much more eventful, particularly a five minute period.

In the 57^th minute Spain defender Gerard Pique held onto one of Cardozo’s arms in the penalty area with both hands dragging him down as the ball was crossed in and Paraguay was rightly granted a penalty shot and Pique given a yellow card.

A nervous Cardozo stepped up to take the kick and fired it low and to the right where Casillas quickly stopped and held the ball to keep Spanish hopes alive.

Only three minutes later it would be Spain that would get their chance to take the lead from a spot kick. Spanish forward David Villa ran into the penalty area and was seemingly brought down by Paraguayan defender Antolin Alcaraz. Their seemed to be minimal contact but the penalty was indeed given.

Xabi Alonso was given the task to put Spain ahead and he seemingly had as he fired the spot kick past Paraguayan keeper Justo Villar but Alonso was forced to take the kick again thanks to encroachment in the penalty area by Spanish players.

Alonso stepped up one once again but this time had his shot saved by Villar who allowed a large rebound and was lucky not to concede another penalty after tripping Cesc Fabregas who was trying to reach the ball.

The game settled down and extra-time seemed to be looming until a piece of Spanish magic undid the Paraguayans in the 83rd minute. Andres Iniesta dribbled by two players and into the Paraguayan area, he then found substitute Pedro Rodriguez who struck the ball off the left post and out but the ball fell right onto the path of Villa who made no mistake and fired the ball off the right post and in.

It was Villa’s fifth goal of the tournament and a huge lift to Spanish hopes.

Paraguay’s Roque Santa Cruz had a great opportunity in the 90^th minute to tie the game but was stopped by the marvelous Casillas.

Cardozo was left in tears and inconsolable at the final whistle while Villa celebrated proudly. A rematch of the Euro 2008 final is now in the cards after the Germans disposed of Argentina 4-0 in the earlier quarter-final.

On June 30, police found a woman with obvious signs of trauma in an apartment at 240 Scarlett Rd. Barbara Starkey-Brailsford was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim’s son was taken into custody without incident, police said in a statement.

Thomas Brailsford, 49, is charged with first-degree murder.

He was scheduled to appear in court July 1.

At around 3 p.m. on June 7 in the Finch Avenue East and Sandhurst Circle area, the man boarded a bus and refused to pay his full fare, police say. When the driver denied the man’s request for a transfer, the man spat on the driver and fled.

Police describe the man as black, 18 or 19 years old, between 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-9, with black hair in cornrows. He was wearing a black shirt with a white Rocawear logo on the upper left chest, black pants and black shoes.

Police are asking anyone with information to call 416−808−4200 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416−222−TIPS (8477).

At 5:53 a.m. on Thursday, police responded to a call leading to the discovery of the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police are calling the death suspicious.

Several men were seen in the gazebo where the victim was found between midnight and 4 a.m. on Thursday, police say.

The man has yet to be identified.

He is described as white, between 30 and 40 years old, short with an average build and short, dark brown or black receding hair.

He has an earring in his left ear and was last seen wearing a black and brown string necklace with beads, a grey T−shirt, blue jeans and size 8 white running shoes with four blue stripes on the side and the word Air written in red on both the tongue and the toe of the shoe.

Investigators are asking anyone with information to call Det. Sgt. Frank Skubic at 416−808−7399, Det. Sheila Ogg at 416−808−7418, 51 Division at 416−808−5100, or Crime Stoppers at 416−222−TIPS (8477).