🚨 Crime & Public Safety
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A 30-year-old man died after a vehicle smashed into CuTzz Barber Salon on McArthur Ave., Ottawa, Sept. 22. Ottawa police say the crash at about 5:40 p.m. injured two men inside; a 32-year-old was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and a 57-year-old woman was arrested and charged with impaired-driving offences, scheduled to appear in court Sept. 23.
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Const. Jeff Smith remains in hospital after being shot outside the Sons of Jacob synagogue in Belleville on Yom Kippur. Smith was shot during a flurry of gunfire; the alleged shooter, 29-year-old Sean Ward, was injured and died in hospital Monday night, and Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit has opened an investigation into the incident.
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OPP have named a victim and laid a murder charge in an Augusta Township death. Provincial police identified the deceased and charged a suspect with murder in the Augusta Township case, with the OPP continuing an active investigation and seeking any witnesses or evidence tied to the matter.
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Sentencing hearings began for Kenneth Law, who pleaded guilty to 14 counts of aiding suicide in Ontario. Court will hear 74 victim impact statements over the coming days; prosecutors plan to withdraw 14 first-degree murder charges after sentencing, and aiding-suicide convictions carry up to 14 years in prison.
🏛️ Government & Politics
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Ottawa city council voted to remove the name “Trump Avenue” from a local street. Council approved the renaming decision on Wednesday; staff will begin the administrative process to implement the change, including notifying affected residents and updating municipal records.
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Former prime minister has publicly pledged support to a candidate in Ottawa’s mayoral race. The endorsement was announced this week ahead of the municipal election; the campaign and candidate will now highlight the former PM’s backing in voter outreach and fundraising.
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The number and cost of emergency ‘homes in distress’ bailouts for Ontario long-term care rose between 2021-22 and 2022-23. FOI data show spending rose from $2.4 million in 2021-22 to a spike in 2022-23, with ministers approving one-time payments to stabilize homes facing acute financial challenges.
📰 Also Today
- Princess Margaret Foundation received an anonymous $100 million donation, launching a $2.5 billion "Carry the Fire" campaign.
- Ontario report: opioid use disorder among adults 55+ rose 81% since 2017, with 15,231 seeking care by 2025.
- NHL salary cap will rise to $104 million in 2026-27, driving record player contracts this off-season.
- Kawhi Leonard signed a multi-year extension with the Toronto Raptors, reported at about US$115 million over two years.
- Toronto’s Elevate tech conference rebrands to Nrth, plans more frequent events starting in 2027.
- Timeline published in case of Kenneth Law shows arrests and investigations dating to Oct. 2022, linking deliveries to more than 40 countries.
- Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters report finds Ontario manufacturers lack skilled trades workers, naming welders and mechatronics among shortages.
- Members returned to Belleville synagogue after shooting as questions swirl, community leaders reported increased security requests.
- Quebec election campaign sidelines secularism; parties’ positions outlined, provincial platforms compared this week.
- Knoxdale–Merivale candidates clashed after a TV debate, local campaigners disputed claims made on air.
- Outaouais daycare reports Quebec’s new registration portal slowing admissions, local operators cite delays.
- Paramedics confirm two men were taken to hospital after an SUV backed into a barber shop, Ottawa paramedic service responded to the scene.