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Dave Gray-Donald

@dgrdon.bsky.social
571 followers 235 following 263 posts

Publisher and editor of The Grind in Toronto.

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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
J. Kelly Nestruck @nestruck.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
"Justice Laura Bird ruled that some transcripts of recordings will remain under a publication ban, concluding that inflammatory comments attributed to Constable Barnhardt would 'deeply offend' the public and create an indelible impression on potential jurors." www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
theglobeandmail.com
Shooter-for-hire attacks linked to Toronto police constable’s licence plate searches, Project South documents allege
Constable Timothy Barnhardt was allegedly paid by criminal figures to search addresses that were later relayed to hired gunmen
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
"Turtle Island Rap" tells the story of three Indigenous artists navigating different stages of their music careers. But the doc also probes a messier, more compelling question: What does it actually mean to “make it”? 🖊️ @vernonayiku.bsky.social
thegrindmag.ca
‘Turtle Island Rap’ Is an Inspiring Portrait of Hip Hop Underdogs
The new documentary by Cree filmmaker Alexandra Lazarowich asks what it means to actually “make it” in the music industry…
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
Noel Ransome @noelransome.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
For @thegrindto.bsky.social I spoke with Hosam Abu Dan from Gaza about Thirteen in Gaza. And there's something so special about loving film enough to make one where so little makes it easy. This is the kind of film that buyers often leave behind unfortunately www.thegrindmag.ca/thirteen-in-...
thegrindmag.ca
‘Thirteen in Gaza’ Shows How War Rearranges Ordinary Life
Palestinian filmmaker Hosam Abu Dan managed to make a scripted feature film shot entirely in Gaza during the genocide, working entirely with local actors. He tells The Grind he wanted to capture “the…
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
In the lead-up to the World Cup, Toronto police built up permanent surveillance infrastructure for a threat that never came. Its centrepiece is a counter-drone system that may be linked to an Israel Defense Forces’ intelligence unit. The latest Cops and the City column by @aliyapabani.bsky.social.
thegrindmag.ca
FIFA Fake Out
Toronto police used the spectre of terrorism to quietly build up permanent surveillance infrastructure for a threat that never came. Its centrepiece is a counter-drone system that may be linked to the...
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Will selling off Canadian infrastructure like airports and offering big subsidies for AI data centres, pipelines and weapons manufacturing really help working people in Canada? A coalition is coming together to ring the alarm on Carney's investment summit.
thegrindmag.ca
Carney’s Investment Summit “Isn’t Nation-building, This Is Country-selling,” Critics Say
As Carney welcomes the world’s wealthiest, civil society organizations are rallying against the sell-off of Canada’s assets…
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
Robb Barnes 🇨🇦 @robb-barnes.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
This is damning, and appropriately so. The federal government was one of the last bulwarks for climate action in Canada. Now they're dozing asleep at the wheel. "At the current rate, [Canada] ... will be lucky to hit its 2030 target in 2050." 440megatonnes.ca/insight/net-...
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
Rumneek Johal @rumneeek.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Nearly 300 civil society organizations in Canada have called on the government to investigate an immigration raid at a peaceful protest in Calgary last month. pressprogress.ca/civil-societ...
pressprogress.ca
Civil Society Groups Call for Investigation into Immigration Raid at International Student Protest in Calgary
Groups say the CBSA Raid in Calgary last month threatens “Freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Can Ken Carter, played by Jay Baruchel, land a one-mile-long jump over the St. Lawrence in a rocket car? Based on a real NFB documentary, Baruchel's magnetic performance propels 'The Stunt Driver' film from start to finish. Our first review from TIFF, by @dgrdon.bsky.social.
thegrindmag.ca
‘The Stunt Driver’ Is a Rocket-Powered Riot
Based on the true story of 1970s Canadian daredevil Ken Carter, this film soars with laughs, buoyed by another magnetic performance from Jay Baruchel…
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Dave Gray-Donald @dgrdon.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Jay Baruchel gives another fantastic, hilarious performance as the real life Canadian daredevil Ken Carter in 'The Stunt Man.' It's at TIFF and has wide theatrical release on Sept. 25. Got a short review coming soon.
Photo of actor Jay Baruchel wearing a red and yellow jumpsuit coming out the roof window of a car on a sunny day.
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
As the Polaris Music Prize Gala approaches, we're taking a look at the 10 Canadian artists on the shortlist. To kick things off, we asked Aquakultre about his ambitious album '1783,' a concept album that delves into the overlooked history of Afro-Nova Scotians. @polarismusicprize.bsky.social
thegrindmag.ca
Polaris Prize Spotlight: Aquakultre’s Ambitious Exploration of the Afro-Nova Scotian History
In the lead up to the Polaris Music Prize Gala, The Grind is chatting with the 10 artists on the shortlist. The $30,000 prize, based on artistic merit alone, will be awarded at Massey Hall on Sept. 22...
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
We're now taking ad bookings in our next six issues, til summer 2027. The next issue is out Oct. 3. Break through the digital noise and reach tens of thousands of Torontonians! Advertising with The Grind is also a great way to support local media. Get in touch with ads[at]thegrindmag[dot]ca
Photo of a Free Publications box on a Toronto sidewalk (St. Clair Ave) on a sunny summer day with stores and a streetcar stop in the background.
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
Jenny Lee Shee @jennyleeshee.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
“Ontario taxpayers should be asking: Why should money intended for public classrooms be funneled through a U.S.-based, private-equity-owned corporation, rather than strengthening the public education system itself?” #OntEd
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
The Ontario government is forcing public school teachers to buy classroom supplies through Staples, a major U.S. corporation. This won't fix what ails schools, not by a long shot, argues Nigel Bariffe of the Elementary Teachers of Toronto.
thegrindmag.ca
Ontario’s Schools Don’t Need a Staples Card, They Need to Be Properly Funded
With the new school year about to begin, Nigel Bariffe, President of the Elementary Teachers of Ontario, argues that the province’s recent changes are taking education in the wrong direction…
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
If you live in this part of Toronto and you're a Canadian citizen, you can vote today in the federal by-election. Info: www.elections.ca/content.aspx...
Elections Canada map of Toronto showing in white the Beaches - East York area.
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Dave Gray-Donald @dgrdon.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
New info has come out about the government-commissioned campus antisemitism report, revealing something that was totally hidden in the published report. Story coming soon from @thegrindto.bsky.social.
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
From YouTube pranks in Toronto to rubbing shoulders with Trump and giving Netanyahu a softball interview, Ryan O'Connor digs into how the the Nelk Boys have become a potent force driving young people to right-wing politics.
thegrindmag.ca
Full Send to the Right: Nelk’s Journey from Pranksters to Trump’s Besties
From YouTube pranks in Toronto to rubbing shoulders with Trump and giving Netanyahu a softball interview, the Nelk Boys have become a potent force driving young people to right-wing politics.
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
The new book 'A Nation of Tinkerers: A History of Electronic Music in Canada from 1945 To 1985' by @therewasnosound.bsky.social is out now. Read an excerpt about how public institutions and scientists in Canada were at the leading edge of developing the synthesizer.
thegrindmag.ca
Let Them Play Synths
Michael Rancic uncovers the forgotten history of a dominant force in modern music in this excerpt from his new book ‘A Nation of Tinkerers: A History of Electronic Music in Canada from 1945 To 1985’…
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Dave Gray-Donald @dgrdon.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Brutal lack of context from @robertbenzie.bsky.social on CBC Frontburner recently saying "maybe in Canada we don't have the tradition of rail travel you have in Europe or even in China." Come on. These were rail routes in 1955. Politicians (especially Mulroney and Chretien) destroyed it.
Map on Ontario and Quebec showing passenger rail routes in 1955. Lots of blue and red and green lines. Title: 1955 Canadian Passenger Rail Map, by Sean Marshall"
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Thank you so much to the 575 people who donated to our legal defence. We reached the $50K goal! There are a few fundraising activities still happening, so we've extended the goal to $60K, but we'll (mostly) stop posting about it. Your support has meant so much. Thank you!!!
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Dave Gray-Donald @dgrdon.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Mulroney gutted funding for what was a very functional passenger rail service, and Chretien privatized rail lines, making Via the lowest priority. Then every subsequent federal government made it even worse.
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Dave Gray-Donald @dgrdon.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
I'll stop posting incessantly about this so soon, just need to get through the final push. We're so close! Only need like 10 more people to give.
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Only $951 left in our fundraising campaign to fight the lawsuit we're facing! Let's finish this off today. To give: www.thegrindmag.ca/support-the-...
Screencap from The Grind website.

Pink progress bar showing: $49,049 of $50,000 Raised so far!

Menu reading:

How to support The Grind:

    Etransfer to info@thegrindmag.ca (include note “Legal Defence” if you’d like to make sure it goes to this campaign)
    Custom single amount by credit card
    Monthly donations through Patreon
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Now just $1,116 left! Can we get $116 by noon and get under the $1,000 mark? E-transfer info@thegrindmag.ca or head to: www.thegrindmag.ca/support-the-...
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
'American Doctor' is showing at @tiffnet.bsky.social starting on Friday. As @noelransome.bsky.social Ransome wrote when it screened at @hotdocs.bsky.social, it's a harrowing, unflinching account of a story that has yet to end.
thegrindmag.ca
‘American Doctor’ Is a Harrowing, Unflinching Account of Medical Work in Gaza
Poh Si Teng’s documentary follows three American doctors as they navigate a crumbling health system amid Israel’s genocide in Gaza…
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Down to the last $2,200 left to raise for our legal defence to fight the defamation lawsuit being brought by an IDF reservist soldier! Let's finish this before the weekend. It'll only take around 25 people donating. Can you be one of those 25? Visit: www.thegrindmag.ca/support-the-...
Progress bar in pink showing $46,784 of $50,000 raised so far.
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
'Nekai Walks' is screening this Friday at @hotdocs.bsky.social, exploring the chronic problem of gun violence in the Jane and Finch neighbourhood. The sceening includes a discussion with director Rico King and film subject Nekai Foster. @dgrdon.bsky.social's review.
thegrindmag.ca
‘Nekai Walks’ Is a Heartfelt, Insightful Look at Gun Violence at Jane and Finch
Nekai Foster was shot at random while walking home in Toronto’s Jane and Finch neighbourhood, after he was caught in the middle of retaliatory shootings between gangs. This new documentary follows…
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Now only $3,881 left to go! If you haven't donated yet, now's the time: www.thegrindmag.ca/support-the-...
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Four donations so far this afternoon. Thank you! Can we get six more by 6 pm? www.thegrindmag.ca/support-the-...
thegrindmag.ca
Support The Grind’s Legal Defence
The Grind is Toronto’s only free, city-wide, local politics and culture print magazine. We are currently being sued for defamation by an Israeli reservist soldier for our coverage of a Toronto event…
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
We're so close! Can we reach raise the remaining $4,465 in the next couple days to reach the $50,000 goal? Around 50 more people donating will get us there. Can 10 people give this afternoon? Thanks so much everyone! To give: www.thegrindmag.ca/support-the-...
Poster reading:

Final Stretch!

The Grind's legal defence is less than $5K from the $50K goal. Let's get there this week!

A blue and pink progress bar shows $45,535 of $50,000 has been reached.

E-transfer info@thegrindmag.ca or visit thegrindmag.ca/support
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Dave Gray-Donald @dgrdon.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
According to an on-air announcement from CIUT 89.5 FM (community radio out of the University of Toronto), @canadaland.com is no longer being aired on the station. A local news show has taken its place at 9 am on Tuesdays, which will soon be run by journos with the @westendphoenix.bsky.social.
Screencap from CIUT website. Tuesday schedule shows:

Tuesday

12-2am Music At Midnight

2-5am Funky Fridays (repeat)

5-6am Democracy Now!

6-9am The Drill Squad

9-10am CIUT Community News

10-11am Democracy Now!

11am-12pm The Radical Reverend
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Dave Gray-Donald @dgrdon.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Been wanting to see this documentary for a while (about a Glasgow neighbourhood stopping deportations). Gunna check it out at The Redwood on Saturday and the panel after. I've also been asked to say a couple words there about @thegrindto.bsky.social and our legal defence fundraiser.
actionnetwork.org
EVERYBODY TO KENMURE STREET @ The Redwood Theatre, August 15
East End Acts for Palestine and Toronto East Anti-Hate Mobilization (TEAM) are proud to present EVERYBODY TO KENMURE STREET, from executive producer Emma Thompson and director Felipe Bustos Sierra (¡N...
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
In case you missed it, we're being sued for defamation by an IDF reservist soldier over an article we published in Nov 2025. We set a $50K fundraising goal so we can fight the case and keep publishing. Thanks to 510 donors, we're at $44,585. Can we hit the goal this week?!
thegrindmag.ca
The Grind Is Being Sued By an IDF Reservist Soldier
This defamation case could sink one of the only publications closely covering the Palestine solidarity movement in Toronto and the repression it has faced. We need your help…
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Wow, we've jumped to $43,610! The $5K in matching funds was raised in the last four days, meaning it unlocked another $5K. Thank you! It's now the final stretch to $50,000. If you haven't donated to our legal defence yet, now's the time. Head to: www.thegrindmag.ca/support-the-...
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Just passed $40K! There's still $1,500 left of matching funding. So if you make a donation before Sunday at midnight, it'll get doubled. $1,500 in new donations would actually turn into $3K and would jump us to $43K of the $50K goal! Can you help make it happen? www.thegrindmag.ca/support-the-...
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
$1,654 came in overnight, and because of the matching commitment from the donor group, that got matched with another $1,654. So we've already jumped to over $36K! Let's keep it rolling: www.thegrindmag.ca/support-the-...
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Fundraising for our legal defence has reached $33K of the $50K goal(!!). Donations have slowed a bit, so a few people have stepped up to create a spark, committing to match every donation dollar-for-dollar until Sunday, up to a total of $5,000. To give: www.thegrindmag.ca/support-the-...
Poster from The Grind reading: Double Your Donation, In support of The Grind's legal defence a group of donors will match all donations up to a total of $5,000. Only until this Sunday, Aug. 9. Visit thegrindmag.ca/support
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Dave Gray-Donald @dgrdon.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Last week, we announced @thegrindto.bsky.social is being sued for $1.3 million for defamation by an IDF reservist soldier. The legal costs and potential damages claimed threaten the continued operation of The Grind. I want to talk about what could be lost... 🧵
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
We're giving away two passes for Saturday, Aug. 29, to this year's MUTEK Montreal Electronic Music & Digital Arts Festival. It's MUTEK's 27th edition. Email info@thegrindmag.ca with MUTEK in the subject line by midnight tonight, Aug. 5, 2026.
Poster for Mutek, in pale pink and blue with a metallic figure in the centre. Text reads: MUTEK, Edition 27, 25_30, 08.2026, Monreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
We've now passed $31,000 for our legal defence, thanks to 388 donors! Donations slowed over the weekend, so let's pick the momentum up again this week. At this pace, we only need around 280 more people to donate. E-transfer info@thegrindmag.ca or visit thegrindmag.ca/support-the-...
Most donations we receive are in the $5 to $100 range, and we’re going to need a lot of those! We also get some donations in the $100 to $500 range, and a few above that. Any amount you’re able to give helps a lot. If we are able to raise more than we need for the legal defence, that funding will go towards hiring staff and producing more local journalism.

$31,181 of $50,000 Raised so far! (Includes pink progress bar)

How to support The Grind:

    Etransfer to info@thegrindmag.ca (include note “Legal Defence” if you’d like to make sure it goes to this campaign)
    Custom single amount by credit card
    Monthly donations through Patreon
    Cash or cheque mailed to: The Grind Magazine Toronto, 192 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON, M5T 2C2
    Monthly donations by credit card (Stripe):
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
This Wednesday, Aug. 5, @cjjpmedia.bsky.social will present an exhibit of photography by Gaza journalist Rizek Abdel Jawad. “Jawad's photographs linger in the space between devastation and tenderness,” organizer say.
thegrindmag.ca
First Exhibit of Gaza Photography Post-Oct. 7 to be Shown in Toronto for One Day Only
Gallery TPW will host Rizek Abdel Jawad’s photographs on Wednesday, Aug. 5. His images linger “in the space between devastation and tenderness”…
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
Reuters @reuters.com · 03/08/2026
Cuba's national electric grid collapses, plunging island into darkness reut.rs/4fKWwgK
reut.rs
Cuba's national electric grid collapses, plunging island into darkness
Cuba's national electricity ​grid collapsed late on ‌Sunday, the state-owned national electric utility ​said, plunging the ​island of about 10 ⁠million people into ​darkness as blackouts are ​becoming ever more frequent.
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Dave Gray-Donald @dgrdon.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Got to halfway! Gunna take a break from fundraising for the long weekend. Thanks everyone! And you can give here anytime: www.thegrindmag.ca/support-the-...
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
We just passed the halfway mark of $25,000! Thanks to the 271 people who've donated! We're going to take a break over the weekend. We'll be back posting on Tuesday with a fun announcement to push towards the ultimate $50,000 goal. Want to give? Go to: www.thegrindmag.ca/support-the-...
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
NEW: Nine months after they were charged at a Toronto sit-in supporting the Freedom Flotilla to Gaza, seven of the eight defendants have had their charges withdrawn entirely. The remaining defendant's charges have been reduced. By @rdassaly.bsky.social.
thegrindmag.ca
Crown Drops Nearly All Charges from Pro-Palestine Sit-in at MP Bardeesy’s Office
Nine months after being arrested at a protest supporting the Freedom Flotilla to Gaza, charges against seven of the eight defendants have been dropped entirely. The case again raises questions about…
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Dave Gray-Donald @dgrdon.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
I just looked and there's only $340 left to go til halfway ($25,000). Can we get there then chill a bit over the weekend?
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Now at $23,445. Just $1,555 left til halfway! Let's get there before 5 pm today. E-transfer info@thegrindmag.ca or head to www.thegrindmag.ca/support-the-...
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Heather Mallick @hmallick.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
A summary of Toronto's mayoral race. All I think now is that every city needs a fabulous Mamdani and Canada doesn't produce mayors, or any politicians, with that level of people skills now. Nenshi had it but I think Calgary broke him.
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The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
While Brad Bradford can be mocked for flip-flopping on bike lanes and other issues, his support keeps climbing. Olivia Chow, meanwhile, is polling well, but is her base energized enough by her record to really show up this fall? New from @dgrdon.bsky.social.
thegrindmag.ca
Mayoral Race Far From Done Deal
While Brad Bradford can be mocked for flip-flopping on bike lanes and other issues, his message seems to be connecting with voters. The big question for Olivia Chow, after three years in office…
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
We're now at $22,805 of the $50,000 goal for our legal defence. Thanks to the 238 people who have donated! Can we get past halfway before the weekend, to over $25,000? E-transfer info@thegrindmag.ca or pay by card at buy.stripe.com/6oE02D00TgZ4...
Screencap. At the top is a pink and white progress bar showing $22,805 full of a $50,000 goal. Then below there is text:

How to support The Grind:

    Etransfer to info@thegrindmag.ca (include note “Legal Defence” if you’d like to make sure it goes to this campaign
    Custom single amount by credit card
    Monthly donations through Patreon
    Cash or cheque mailed to: The Grind Magazine Toronto, 192 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON, M5T 2C2
    Monthly donations by credit card (Stripe):
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Reposted by Dave Gray-Donald
The Grind @thegrindto.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
With huge thanks to the 190 people who've donated so far, we're now at $17,375, which is 35% of the way to our $50K legal defence goal! At this pace, we need about 350 more people to give. Read about the case and how to support.
thegrindmag.ca
The Grind Is Being Sued By an IDF Reservist Soldier
This defamation case could sink one of the only publications closely covering the Palestine solidarity movement in Toronto and the repression it has faced. We need your help…
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