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Welcome back to Your Midday Sun where the Maple Leafs are making believers out of even the most cynical faction of the fan base as the best-of-seven Stanley Cup playoff series shifts to Florida.

In Wednesday night's win to take a 2-0 series lead on the defending Cup champion Florida Panthers, the Leafs displayed a level of calm that is needed at this time of year, writes columnist Steve Simmons.

Don't look now but the Leafs — and their long-suffering fans — have reason to believe.

Netminder Joseph Woll, starting in place of the injured Anthony Stolarz, also deserves credit for helping deliver the 4-3 win on home ice. Read Lance Hornby's takeaways from the game here.

Plus, Terry Koshan has more on William Nylander's big night and how the Panthers plan to regroup following a pair of losses.

To always get your fill of news from the Toronto Sun, in addition to reading your favourite weekday newsletter (this one, obviously), bookmark our homepage and download our mobile app via Apple or Google Play.

• On the heels of his White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney faced a tougher crowd — Canada's premiers.

While Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was pleased with Carney's showing inside the Oval Office, the prime minister faces a tougher task when it comes to Western alienation, writes political columnist Brian Lilley.

Meanwhile, Ford isn’t very popular or respected in Alberta, and he needs to stop scolding Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, writes political columnist Lorne Gunter.

• The complainant's lawsuit claimed eight John Does had caused 'terror and fear' in a London, Ont. hotel room. That came as a shock to the five men who were cleared after an eight-month London police investigation in 2019 who are now on trial. The jury hearing the case was told Wednesday the five former NHLers didn’t even know they were identified as sex abusers until after Hockey Canada settled the lawsuit in May 2022.

The trial continues.

• Six-time Scarborough Centre city councillor Michael Thompson broke down on the witness stand as he recalled the exact moment he learned he was being charged with two counts of sexual assault. “I was just literally shocked. I didn’t know what to do,” he recalled, apologizing as he wiped away tears. Michele Mandel has the latest.

Thompson’s cross examination begins today.

• A cop killer sentenced to life in prison recently had her day parole extended as she battles a death sentence following a cancer diagnosis. Chris Doucette has the details.

• Nearly eight years after the separate hits that claimed Mob scion Angelo Musitano and innocent bystander Mila Barberi, the last of three suspects in the rubout is still in the wind. Cops believe Daniel Tomassetti, 34, is hiding in Mexico. Brad Hunter has more.

• Canada’s largest school board says it has received a ransom demand over student data that was stolen last December.

• More than two years after a reported theft of 45,000 chicks from a Huron County farm, OPP have laid charges — against the farmer who reported the theft.

• Ontario is seeking to appeal a temporary court order stopping it from ripping up three major Toronto bike lanes while a judge weighs whether the plan is unconstitutional.

Pope Watch 2025 continues as Cardinals failed again this morning to find a successor to Pope Francis, sending tell-tale black smoke billowing up through the Sistine Chapel chimney to signal that the second and third ballots of the conclave had failed to find consensus on a leader for the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church.

Despite the disappointment, hopes were still high. “I hope by this evening, returning to Rome, I’ll find white smoke,” said Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old dean of the College of Cardinals who presided over the Mass before the conclave.

There are still two more votes possible today. Read the latest out of the Vatican City here.

ALSO:

• An explosive report is exposing the sickening evidence discovered in the lair of the suspected Madeleine McCann abductor, Christian Brueckner. Brad Hunter has the story.

• Israel’s ongoing blockade of humanitarian assistance for Gaza forced a leading aid group to shut its community soup kitchens as it faced empty warehouses and no replenishment of supplies in the war-battered enclave.

The Conservatives are faced with the question of whether they should now dump Pierre Poilievre, who lost to Mark Carney and the Liberals in the April 28 election after blowing a double-digit lead in the polls and losing his own seat.

However, before the party decides the leader's political fate, they should consider how their "one and done" approach has previously worked out for them, writes columnist Lorrie Goldstein.

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Sun political columnist Brian Lilley examines why Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre refused to go on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, and why it might have cost him the election.

Another night, another loss for the Blue Jays, who this time around dropped a heartbreaker as the host Angels walked it off in dramatic fashion in Anaheim, winning 5-4.

For those counting, that's four consecutive losses for the blue birds, who sit four games under .500 following yet another late-game collapse at the hands of the bullpen.

Frank Zicarelli has all the details.

William Shatner is boldly going into politics with a new pitch for Prime Minister Mark Carney. As President Donald Trump relentlessly tries to make Canada the nation’s 51st state, why not pitch the U.S. leader a different deal?

“I’m going to say to Carney, ‘Do a real estate deal. Make a counter offer.’ Let’s offer ... the United States to be the 11th province,” the 94-year-old Canadian-born Star Trek star said during an appearance on Jesse Watters Primetime on Fox News. Mark Daniell has the story.

ARIES, your imagination is in overdrive. Before you respond, take a moment to gather the facts and react responsibly. Address matters openly, honestly and with the intent of having a positive impact as situations unfold. TAURUS, a change will help you discover new possibilities. Take the plunge and participate in exciting groups, activities and pastimes.

VIRGO, when doubt sets in, change your perspective by exchanging your current situation, environment or position for something different. It will help clear your head and give you a better sense of what's possible. Invest more time and effort in healthy routines and looking your best. PISCES, keep talking, and you'll discover how to turn your talents into something others want. Use social media and promote who you are and what you can do with passion and excitement. If you believe in yourself, you'll convince others to join in.

For more detailed astrological aspirations and all the other signs, click here.

Today's Sudoku is challenging. Are you up for it?

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