Motzai Shabbos News Roundup | October 10

Two Dead After Small Plane Crash Near Fergus

Two people have died following a small plane crash near Fergus, northwest of Guelph.

The aircraft went down in a field Friday morning. On Saturday, Ontario Provincial Police confirmed that both people aboard had died.

The Transportation Safety Board identified the plane as an amateur-built Skybolt biplane. The two occupants were experienced pilots participating in a local aerobatic training flight.

Investigators are working to determine what caused the crash.

Toronto Police Officer Charged in Alleged Firearm Silencer Smuggling

A Toronto police constable is facing charges following an investigation by the Canada Border Services Agency into the alleged smuggling of firearm silencers from the United States.

The investigation began after officers intercepted two silencers in a parcel at a Mississauga facility. A subsequent search of the officer's Brampton home reportedly uncovered firearms, ammunition and a prohibited suppressor.

The officer, a seven-year Toronto Police Service veteran, has been suspended with pay while steps are taken to pursue suspension without pay.

The charges were announced Friday. None of the allegations has been proven in court.

Durham Police Issue Public Safety Warning Ahead of Man's Release

Durham Regional Police issued a public safety warning Saturday about a 48-year-old man expected to be released into the community Sunday.

Police identified him as Keith Theodore Constantin, who has a history of serious criminal convictions, including assault, robbery and weapons offences.

Authorities say he will be subject to monitoring and restrictions following his release.

Police issued the alert because of concerns about public safety.

Toronto Mayor's Race Tightens as Advance Voting Continues

With Toronto's October 26 municipal election approaching, new polls suggest the mayoral contest between incumbent Olivia Chow and challenger Brad Bradford has narrowed.

Forum Research poll, released October 6

Olivia Chow 46%

Brad Bradford 42%

A newer Mainstreet Research poll released Friday found Chow ahead by just 2.9 percentage points, within the survey's reported margin of error of ±3.1 points. The survey was conducted October 6 and 7.

In North York, a separate Liaison Strategies survey conducted October 3 and 4 found Chow at 45% and Bradford at 44% among decided and leaning voters. That survey predates Chris Alexander's withdrawal from the race.

Advance voting runs through Sunday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Residents can find voting locations through the City of Toronto's election website.

OPP Steps Up Highway Patrols Across Ontario

Ontario Provincial Police are increasing patrols this weekend as part of Operation Impact, a national road-safety campaign.

Officers are focusing on impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, aggressive driving and seatbelt use.

According to the OPP, 13 people died on roads under its jurisdiction during last year's Thanksgiving weekend.

For anyone travelling out of Toronto or heading up north, police are urging drivers to slow down and stay alert.

Israel Carries Out Strikes in Gaza Amid Ceasefire Tensions

Israeli airstrikes killed at least five Palestinians in two separate incidents in Gaza on Saturday, according to Palestinian medical officials.

The Israeli military confirmed the strikes, saying they targeted militants. Israel has accused Hamas of rebuilding its military capabilities and violating the ceasefire agreement reached last year.

Hamas denies the allegations and accuses Israel of undermining the agreement.

Houthi Attack on Saudi Airport Kills 12, Injures Hundreds

A missile attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Saturday killed at least 12 people and injured 309 others, according to Saudi authorities.

The Iran-backed Houthis claimed responsibility. It was the third attack on the airport this week, causing major flight disruptions and forcing airport operations to be suspended.

The escalating attacks have raised fresh concerns about regional security and international air travel.

Palestinian Authority Postpones Elections Until 2027

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced Saturday that legislative elections scheduled for November will be postponed until September 11, 2027.

Abbas cited security conditions and Israeli restrictions as reasons for the delay. Israel disputes those accusations.

The Palestinian territories have not held legislative elections since 2006 or a presidential election since 2005.