How many Nazi references in the Republican race is enough? Top Stories

Check out Neil Macdonald's take on the two main contenders in the wild race for the Republican nomination. And, Canada Post's plans for the community mailbox program have been temporarily suspended. These are a couple of the top stories worth your time this morning.

Local

Hamilton opponents say community mailbox suspension 'not far enough'

Canada Post has announced it will temporarily suspend the community mailbox program that was loudly contested in Hamilton, but its opponents aren't quite satisfied with the decision. "They're a little bit late on the delivery but I'll take it," said Coun. Terry Whitehead on the suspension.

All conversions planned for November and December 2015 and beyond will be placed on hold, which means any Hamilton communities that were supposed to get community mailboxes in the near future will continue to receive door-to-door mail.

Why do leaves turn red in the fall? The science is up for debate

The changing colour of leaves is an impressive annual spectacle, but it can make one wonder, why bother creating something so beautiful just before it withers away?

Well, that wonder exists in the scientific community as well, says one McMaster University professor, who said there are two prevailing theories, with no clear cut answer, on why leaves turn from green to red.

Elsewhere

Neil Macdonald: Way too many Nazi references in this Republican race

Conservatives generally think it's best to take enemies at their word, to believe their bombast and threats and make preparations, rather than dismiss them as crackpots and regret it.

Usually, the people who promote that approach invoke Hitler, who was clear about his agenda from the get-go.

George W. Bush compared Saddam Hussein to Hitler. British PM David Cameron compared Vladimir Putin to Hitler. Just about the entire American conservative establishment compared former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Hitler at one time or another.

The Walking Dead follows Game of Thrones in character killing

SPOILER ALERT: This story contains major spoilers about the Oct. 25 episode of TV's The Walking Dead.

If you haven't seen Sunday's episode of TV hit The Walking Dead, run like you're being pursued by a horde of ravenous zombies. But if you have, you are likely one of millions of viewers who have started their work week grieving the death of a fan favourite.