We are over the bump in the work week and there are some exciting events taking place. Here is the News You Can Use for Thursday, August 21, 2014:

Weather:

The forecast for today is a high of 24 C with a 60 per cent chance of showers, possibly a thunderstorm, this afternoon.

Top News Stories:

There has been speculation that former TTC chair Karen Stintz will drop out of the mayoral race. She is expected to make an announcement today at 11 a.m. Watch for updates here. 

Heritage Toronto is hosting a debate between the top candidates in the running for the mayor’s office. The debate, to take place at 7 p.m., will focus on issues surrounding the conservation and preservation of Toronto’s heritage. 

The Ontario Provincial Police is issuing a warning to drivers as the number of motorcycle fatalities nears a seven-year high in the province

Traffic:

The right lane of Highway 400 at Highway 88 is closed following a tractor-trailer collision around 10 a.m. The closure could last several hours.

One lane in each direction on Yonge Street will be closed between The Esplanade and Bloor Street during non-rush hours this month for utility repairs.

York Mills Road will also be down to one eastbound and one westbound lane between Lesmill Road and Scarsdale Road due to bridge work lasting till Oct. 27.

Richmond Street will be down to two lanes between Church and Yonge streets until October for a watermain project. The road will also be reduced to one lane between Bay and York streets for the next week.

Events:

The Canadian National Exhibition is on now till Sept. 1. Visit theex.com for a full listing of rides, shows, and pavilions.

The four-day Scotiabank Buskerfest event begins today on Yonge Street between Queen and College streets. Admission by donation will support Epilepsy Toronto.