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Morning Brew: Raids targeted seller of alleged Rob Ford drug video, subway debate close, Ford portrait finished, Bombardier tests new jet, and Hells Angels open a store

The home of the man who tried to sell a video allegedly showing Rob Ford smoking crack cocaine was raided during Operation Traveller, a widespread police search of high-rise apartments in northwest Etobicoke. Crown prosecutors released a list of addresses that were targeted in the raid, which included the apartment of Mohamed Siad at 320 Dixon Road. Siad was arrested and charged with a slew of drugs and firearms offences.

The mayor was a no show at a media event his press secretary advertised yesterday. Amin Massoudi said Ford would be at a mural unveiling at Kipling and Belfield but the mayor never appeared. Sunny Petrujkic, another spokesman, blamed a "scheduling change."

Ford told the Star he can't predict the outcome of an upcoming council discussion on the Scarborough subway extension. Councillors must choose between a longer, city-funded line, the shorter provincial alignment, or a fully-funded LRT. Expect fireworks.

Also in Ford, Cllr. Gary Crawford has finished his long-awaited portrait of the mayor. The bright acrylic portrait of Ford smiling against a yellow background is destined for the home of the mayor's mother, Diane. She asked Crawford if he would paint her son three years ago but his busy work schedule delayed the project until now.

Bombardier unveiled its new CSeries 100 jet, the aircraft Porter hopes to operate out of the Island airport, with a maiden test flight at Mirabel airport in Montreal yesterday. The plane few for around two and a half hours flanked by a chase plane, but all you care about is how it sounds. Here is video of the takeoff.

Two Toronto firefighters have been dismissed over sexist remarks made on Twitter. Matt Bowman and Lawaun Edwards were fired after an internal investigation found a negative "pattern of social media activity" that "violates city policies and is not in any way acceptable for city employees." It's not clear what role social media played in the dismissal of a third, unidentified firefighter.

The Hells Angels have opened a retail store in Leslieville, selling coffee mugs, t-shirts, and other merchandise carrying the slogan "Support Local 81 Downtown," the CBC reports. Local councillor Paula Fletcher says she wasn't aware of the store but will be keeping a close eye on what goes on. It's probably not the kind of place you can get a refund for a chipped cup.

Finally, Toronto's beleaguered Bixi bike share program has seen its share of misery this year, but things seem to be just fine in New York City. The city's Citi Bike program, which uses the Montreal-based Bixi technology, has spawned a joyful viral video featuring BMX king Tyrone Williams. Enjoy.



Image: Branko/blogTO Flickr pool.

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