Toronto News Daily

Overview

In a recent court session held in Brampton, Sandra Akl, now 16, provided a chilling account of the events that unfolded in 2021 at her family’s restaurant, Chicken Land, located in Mississauga, Ontario. The incident, which resulted in the death of her brother and injuries to other family members, was part of a targeted attack allegedly linked to the terrorist group Islamic State.

The Incident

Sandra Akl was engaged in her homework at the back of the restaurant when an armed assailant entered and opened fire. She recounted the horror of seeing her family members and an employee wounded, with her father shot in the chest, her mother in the arm, and one of her brothers fatally shot in the head. Despite the chaos, Sandra managed to avoid injury by taking cover behind kitchen equipment. The attack, according to the Crown, was not random but a calculated act by individuals associated with a nearby warehouse business, Trialinc, which was purportedly financing Islamic State activities.

Charges and Allegations

The Crown has charged Naqash Abassi, Suliman Raza, and Anand Nath with one count of first-degree murder and five counts of attempted murder. The prosecution alleges that the trio was involved in a scheme through Trialinc to support the Islamic State financially. Naim Akl, the victim, had recently been employed at Trialinc and had uncovered the group’s terrorist affiliations, intending to report them to authorities.

Court Proceedings

During the trial, the prosecution presented videos from Trialinc’s social media, showcasing its e-commerce operations. Abassi is seen in one video explaining the business model, while Nath, identified by the Crown as the shooter, is featured in another, promoting the company’s services. The court also heard from an eyewitness who observed a masked individual fleeing the scene and entering a Honda Accord, which was later traced back to the Trialinc warehouse.

Evidence Found

Investigations revealed incriminating material on Raza’s phone, the alleged getaway driver, including Islamic State propaganda videos and internet searches related to the attack. Notably, one search queried the potential sentences for a getaway driver, indicating a premeditated aspect to the crime.

Conclusion

The trial continues to unravel the details behind the tragic shooting at Chicken Land, shedding light on the alleged connections between the accused and terrorist activities. The testimony of Sandra Akl and the evidence presented in court paint a grim picture of the events that took the life of Naim Akl and left a family and community in mourning.

Inspiring a Community to Donate

In Guelph, two brothers, John and Steve Wynen, have reached a remarkable milestone in their journey of giving back to the community. On May 11, they made their 150th blood donation at the Canadian Blood Services in Guelph, a testament to their long-standing commitment to helping others.

The Wynen Brothers’ Journey

Beginning in High School

John and Steve’s journey as blood donors began while they were still in high school. From a young age, they were instilled with the values of family and community, which have been the driving force behind their continued efforts to donate blood. “Family and community were a big thing to our parents,” John remarked, highlighting the influence their upbringing had on their decision to become regular donors.

A Personal Connection to the Cause

The Wynen brothers have a personal connection to the cause, with family members and friends who have required blood transfusions in the past. This firsthand experience with the critical need for blood donations has motivated them to keep donating. “We know this is a way we can help,” John stated, emphasizing the importance of their contributions.

Encouraging Others to Donate

Recognizing the pressing need for blood donations, especially during the spring and summer months, Steve and John decided to make their 150th donation a public affair. “Ordinarily, we’re pretty private about this sort of stuff, but since the need is so pressing, we thought we would make our donations public just to encourage others,” Steve explained. By sharing their story, they hope to inspire more people in their community to donate blood as often as they can.

The Importance of Blood Donation

John highlighted the wide range of medical uses for blood products, underscoring the ongoing and persistent need for donations. “There are many circumstances in which people can need blood, at many times in their lives,” he added, urging the community to recognize the vital role blood donations play in saving lives and supporting medical treatments.

Conclusion

The Wynen brothers’ dedication to blood donation serves as a powerful reminder of the impact individuals can have on the lives of others. By reaching their 150th donation, they not only celebrate a personal milestone but also shine a light on the importance of giving blood. Their story is a call to action for others to join them in this life-saving endeavor, ensuring that those in need have access to the critical blood products they require.

Toronto City Council Takes Action

In a recent move to address the growing concerns over traffic congestion and the impact on the city’s economy and quality of life, Toronto City Council has approved a motion aimed at accelerating construction work on the Gardiner Expressway. The motion, introduced by Councillor Brad Bradford and supported by Councillors Jon Burnside and Jennifer McKelvie, mandates city transportation staff to devise a plan for speeding up the expressway’s rehabilitation efforts.

Exploring Around-the-Clock Construction

A key aspect of the council’s directive is the exploration of 24/7 construction schedules, including the possibility of Sunday work. This approach seeks to minimize the notorious traffic jams and congestion that have plagued Toronto residents, particularly in light of the expressway’s current state of disrepair. Councillor Bradford highlighted the urgency of the situation, describing the current conditions on the Gardiner as an “absolute horror show” that severely affects the city’s economy, small businesses, and the residents’ quality of life.

Addressing Adjacent Corridors and Community Impact

The motion also calls for a comprehensive evaluation of upcoming road work and other repair projects along corridors adjacent to the highway, aiming to mitigate the compounded traffic issues. Furthermore, the establishment of a working group to delve into these concerns signifies the city’s commitment to finding viable solutions. The ongoing major rehabilitation work, which has reduced the Gardiner to two lanes in each direction, underscores the critical need for innovative approaches to construction management and community disruption minimization.

Navigating Challenges and Seeking Solutions

Despite the allowance for 24/7 work under the current contract, the city faces challenges, particularly with noise restrictions during the demolition phase, which is limited to daytime and early evening hours. Noise sensors have been installed to gauge the feasibility of extending work hours without causing undue disturbance to the community. This careful balancing act reflects the city’s efforts to expedite the construction process while respecting the residents’ peace and well-being.As Toronto grapples with the complexities of revitalizing a crucial piece of its infrastructure, the city’s proactive steps towards enhancing the Gardiner Expressway’s rehabilitation work offer a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities of urban development and congestion management. With a report back to the infrastructure committee expected in July, the city anticipates a path forward that accelerates progress while minimizing the impact on its citizens.

A Painful Encounter with a Foul Ball

The Incident

During a recent Toronto Blue Jays game, fan Liz McGuire experienced an unfortunate incident when she was struck in the face by a foul ball hit at a speed of 110 m.p.h (177 km/h) off Bo Bichette’s bat. The impact left her with a significant welt on her forehead and a subsequent black eye. Despite the painful encounter, McGuire showcased her dedication by staying until the end of the game.

Social Media Reaction

Following the incident, McGuire took to social media to share her experience, posting a picture of her injuries and tagging the Blue Jays in a viral tweet. Her post quickly gained traction, amassing over 13 million views and catching the attention of both the Blue Jays and the trading card company Topps.

Topps’ Unique Gesture

In a show of support, Topps announced they had created a custom Topps Now trading card featuring Liz McGuire as “the fan who took a 110MPH Bo Bichette foul ball to the head and STAYED AT THE GAME.” The company stated that all 110 copies of the card would be gifted to McGuire, immortalizing her experience in a unique way.

Blue Jays’ Response

Immediate Medical Attention

The Blue Jays confirmed that medics assessed McGuire immediately following the incident to ensure her well-being. Despite the scare, McGuire later visited St. Michael’s Hospital for a thorough check-up, where she was relieved to find out she did not suffer a concussion or fracture.

A Gesture of Goodwill

In response to McGuire’s ordeal and her viral social media post, the Toronto Blue Jays reached out to express their support. The team invited her to be their guest at an upcoming game and offered her a signed baseball by Bo Bichette as a gesture of goodwill. This act of kindness from the team highlights their commitment to fan safety and appreciation.

McGuire’s Reaction

Liz McGuire expressed gratitude for the support and attention her post received. Reflecting on the incident, she mentioned the speed of the foul ball, stating, “I don’t think I could’ve stopped even if I tried.” Her resilience and positive attitude in the face of adversity have resonated with fans and the broader baseball community.

Community Support

The incident and the subsequent reactions from the Blue Jays, Topps, and the online community underscore the strong bond between sports teams and their fans. Liz McGuire’s experience, while unfortunate, has brought to light the importance of fan safety at sporting events and the power of community support in overcoming unexpected challenges.

Brandon Parent’s Struggle

Brandon Parent, an emergency room nurse, faces a daunting daily commute to St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Etobicoke. What used to be a 20-minute drive from his Leslieville home across the Gardiner Expressway now takes nearly an hour due to major lane restrictions. The restrictions, which began in mid-April between Strachan Ave. and Dufferin St., have significantly worsened traffic, pushing Parent to consider leaving his beloved job for a more manageable commute.

Ellie Landale’s Observation

Ellie Landale, living 30 floors above the Gardiner, witnesses the gridlock firsthand from her Queen’s Quay condo. The traffic, which barely moves westbound, has turned her 12-minute drive to visit family into a 36-minute ordeal. The construction has not only lengthened commutes but also heightened driver aggression due to the frustration of crawling traffic.

The Construction Impact

A Massive Undertaking

The Gardiner Expressway is undergoing a significant rehabilitation project, with the section between Strachan and Dufferin being replaced and its supporting structures fixed. This project, affecting some 200,000 cars daily, has reduced the highway’s capacity by 30% and is expected to last three years. The construction has coincided with other roadworks, like the closure of King Street West for water main and streetcar track work, exacerbating the traffic situation.

Temporary Relief and Future Plans

The Dufferin-to-Strachan lanes are set to fully reopen in May 2026 for three months during the FIFA World Cup, only to close again until mid-2027. Additionally, the eastbound on-ramp from Lake Shore Blvd. east of Jameson Ave. is closed, further limiting access and contributing to the bottleneck.

City’s Response and Commuter Reactions

Official Statements

Roger Browne, the city’s Traffic Management Director, acknowledges the necessity of the lane closures for the safety of workers and drivers. Mayor Olivia Chow emphasizes the critical condition of the Gardiner, stating the urgent need for its reconstruction for safety reasons.

Commuter Frustration

Drivers express their frustration with the ongoing bottleneck, describing the situation as worsening and unbearable. The sentiment is echoed by Parent, who feels trapped within his own city due to the gridlock, highlighting the severe impact of the construction on daily life and the consideration of drastic measures such as job changes to avoid the commute.The Gardiner Expressway’s rehabilitation project has become a significant source of contention for Toronto commuters, with many feeling the effects of the construction on their daily lives and considering major changes to escape the gridlock.