AM640 Toronto News

UPDATE: Mayor's Chief of Staff Fired from Post - Earl Provost Stepping In

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:02:00 GMT

Mark Towhey has been fired from his post as Mayor Ford's chief of staff. He was flanked by reporters Thursday afternoon as he walked to his car, escorted by security.

Towhey says the news was not a shock to him and what was said between himself and the Mayor was confidential.

The following statement was released from the mayor's office:

Effective immediately, Mark Towhey is no longer working in the Office of the Mayor.

Mr. Towhey has been a intricate part of the Mayor's Office and has made many valuable contributions.

The Mayor thanks Mr. Towhey for his valuable service and wishes him the very best in his future endeavours.

Earl Provost, Deputy Chief of Staff, will assume the role of Acting Chief of Staff until further notice.

Councilor Ainslie Receives Warning for Elevated BAC

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:49:00 GMT

Councilor Paul Ainslie held a press conference Thursday morning to say that he's been given a warning by police after he was pulled over and given a breathalyzer test.

Ainslie says the incident happened on May 3rd, when he was pulled over at a R.I.D.E. checkpoint after he'd had dinner with friends. He said he'd also had two or three glasses of wine.

His breathalyzer showed he had an elevated BAC level that equaled a warning, and he lost his license for three days. No criminal charges have been laid.

Second Suspect in Bosma Murder Case to Plead Not Guilty

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:57:00 GMT

Mark Smich made a court appearance Thursday morning on a first degree murder charge in connection to the death of Tim Bosma. His lawyer says he will plead not guilty. Smich was remanded to custody until June 13.

Hamilton police announced Wednesday that they have made a second arrest in the case of Bosma, a 32-year-old father who was killed after going on a test drive with two men.

The first arrest in the case came over a week ago when 27-year-old Dellen Millard, from Toronto, was charged with first-degree murder, forcible confinement and theft of a vehicle.

Investigators have been on the hunt for at least two other people, including a second man they say was on the test drive and a third person they believe was following in another vehicle.

Bosma's remains were found burned beyond recognition on a farm belonging to Millard about a week after he went missing.

This news came just as a packed memorial service in Hamilton for Bosma was wrapping up.

Body Found in Lake in City's South End

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:06:00 GMT

A female body wrapped in a garbage bag was found Wednesday afternoon, floating in the area of Lake Ontario at the foot of Yonge Street near Captain John's Restaurant.

Police say foul play is possible. They're expected to wrap up a forensic investigation by the end of Thursday.

Police Looking For Purse Thief

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:36:00 GMT

Toronto Police are looking for the public's help to identify a woman in a theft investigation.

Police say the suspect is accused of stealing the purse of a woman who jumped to her death at College Subway station Wednesday morning.

The woman left her purse on the subway platform but they haven't been able to identify her because another woman stole her purse.

The suspect is described as white around 40 years old, 5'4", with a medium build and brown hair.

She was wearing a blue floral dress and a white watch on her left wrist.

Her picture can be seen below.

TCDSB Drops Ford as Football Coach

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:37:00 GMT

It appears the controversy surrounding mayor Rob Ford was just too much for the Toronto Catholic District School Board, which has dropped him as the volunteer coach of the Don Bosco Eagles. However, the Catholic school board makes no reference to the crack cocaine allegations swirling around the mayor, only stating it has decided to pursue a ``different direction'' with a new volunteer.

Ford has long cited his coaching of the Don Bosco Eagles as an example of his selfless dedication to helping others.

However, he is facing allegations he made disparaging comments about the players on a cellphone video that is reported to show him smoking crack cocaine. Those reports have not been verified and Ford has called them ridiculous.

Follow this link to the TCDSB release: http://bit.ly/10U0Fkz

NDP: Abolish the Senate

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:57:00 GMT

The Federal New Democrats came out swinging Wednesday, with a push to knock out the Senate altogether. NDP leader Thomas Mulcair said today that the "Senate can't be reformed," and has launched a website to allow Canadians to give their two-cents about its future.

The website http://rolluptheredcarpet.ca/ outlines the cost associated with the Canadian Senate, with a headline reading "It's time to abolish the Senate."

This comes after the prime minister's former top aide Nigel Wright gave Sen. Mike Duffy $90,000 to help him cover the repayment of improper housing expenses.

Man Charged in Child-Pornography Investigation

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:49:00 GMT

Toronto Police have laid two charges on a Toronto man, following a child-porn investigation in Scarborough.

Investigators carried out a search warrant at a home in the city's east end on May 13, where a number of photos were seized.

It is alleged that the accused took pictures of young girls in public settings, and then altered them to make the victims appear to be engaging in sexual acts.

35 year old Gowthaman Saravanapavn was arrested last Friday, and is now charged with making child pornography and possession of child pornography.

Late Night TV Picks Up Ford Scandal

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:34:00 GMT

Once again, Mayor Rob Ford has found fame on late night television.

Tuesday night, Jay Leno, Jon Stewart and Jimmy Kimmel all picked up on the latest round of accusations surrounding the mayor.

In all three cases, the hosts poked fun at prior incidents involving Ford, before diving into the alleged video that shows the mayor smoking what appears to be crack-cocaine.

As for that video, which has not been verified, crowd-sourced donations to have it made public have reached more than $106,000.

Impact of Grey Cup Festival Heads to City Hall

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:23:00 GMT

It was a site rarely seen in Toronto.

A sports championship.

The 100th Grey Cup was held in the city earlier this year, and today, we will learn just how much money it brought the city.

The Economic Development Committee will update the status of the tourism industry following the party.

Additionally, the committee will review funding recommendations for a number of cultural organizations, as well as long-term funding options for arts and cultural entities across the city.