Smoky Thursday: air quality up, commute's a bit rough, live music calling.

Morning—it's 20°C and we've got smoke hanging over the city today. Air quality's elevated (AQHI sitting at 11), so if you're sensitive to that stuff or planning outdoor time, keep it in mind. UV's running high at 9.0, so sunscreen if you're out. You've got a solid 15 hours of daylight—sunset's not until 8:56 PM, which is good if you're thinking about catching something tonight.

Commute's got a few speed bumps. The 401 Westbound is dealing with disabled vehicles both at Leslie and at Yonge, so right lanes are tight—nothing catastrophic, but expect the usual crawl if you're heading that way. The 427 Southbound at the 401 has a collision with a left lane closed too. The 352 Lawrence West is back to normal westbound, and the Midland situation around McNicoll should be sorted. Just give yourself a bit extra time if any of that's your route.

Couple things worth knowing around the city: Brampton's basketball team—the Honey Badgers—are pulling in serious global investment as Canadian hoops enters what folks are calling a golden age. And if you're into racing, Markham's gearing up to host an IndyCar event August 14–16, with about 150,000 people expected to show up. Also a moment for Jim Corrigall, the Hall of Fame Argonauts defensive lineman, who passed at 80.

Food-wise, if you're craving Greek frozen yogurt, Mythos just opened its first North American spot on St. Clair East. Nadège Pâtisserie's also got European-style picnic baskets happening around Trinity Bellwoods prices. On the flip side—heads up if you loved PG Clucks' Nashville hot chicken on College; they're closing after a decade and pivoting to pita instead. And if you've been meaning to hit Famiglia Baldassarre's for pasta, their last lunch service is August 14, before they shift to wholesale.

Tonight's got live music all over: No Cure with Big Ass Truck at Hard Luck (6 PM), Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears at Longboat Hall (7 PM), LP Giobbi at The Opera House (7 PM), and 2slimey at The Mod Club (7 PM). Pick your vibe—there's something for everyone. There's also a Scarborough Shooting Stars game (parapan am basketball) at 6:30 PM if that's your thing.

Weather's fine for being out tonight, but keep the smoke in mind if you're planning anything outdoors. Stay sorted—talk soon.