Efforts are underway to control an invasive aquatic plant in Lake Simcoe, following the discovery of a new population in 2024, the largest known population of the plant in North America. Water soldiers can crowd out native species and spread along shorelines, prompting conservation groups and community partners to develop a management plan. An open house is being held today at the BWG Leisure Centre in Bradford from 4:30 to 8 p.m., giving residents a chance to learn more about the plant, ongoing monitoring efforts and how they can help prevent its spread.

Free naloxone kits are available across York Region to help respond to opioid overdoses and potentially save lives. Kits can be picked up at York Regional Police district buildings, participating pharmacies across Ontario and several community partner locations. As part of National Recovery Awareness Month, York Region is raising awareness about overdose prevention, harm reduction and recovery resources, reminding residents that help is available for anyone struggling with addiction.

We are learning more about Markham-born Canadian Armed Forces reservist Dante Johnson-Wells, who traveled to Ukraine earlier this year to fight alongside Ukrainian forces and died after being shot by Russian forces on June 13. His mother, Katherine Paroussis, says the 26-year-old was deeply committed to helping others and had spent years preparing for the role through his military service at the age of 12 with the port perry cadets and firefighter training at college. New details about his final days and the support he received from fellow soldiers are emerging as hundreds continue to remember him as a local and National hero.