Toronto Morning: What you need to know today

Video: Global News reporter Jackson Proskow breaks down the latest in the Rob Ford saga.

TORONTO – Toronto Mayor Rob Ford says he is not resigning after police uncovered a video of him allegedly smoking crack cocaine.

“I’m going to go back and return my phone calls, I’m going to be out doing what the people elected me to do. And that’s save taxpayers money,” he said on Thursday.

Court documents stemming from drug charges against Ford’s friend, Sandro Lisi, show police opened an investigation into the allegations surrounding the video.

Here’s what else you need to know.

WEATHER

Periods of rain ending early this morning then mainly cloudy with 40 percent chance of showers. Wind southwest 30 km/h gusting to 50 increasing to 50 gusting to 80 early this morning then diminishing to 30 gusting to 50 this afternoon. Temperature falling to 11 this afternoon.

WINTER PREVIEW: Global News’ Chief Meteorologist Anthony Farnell provides us with a look at what we can expect in the months ahead.

More on current weather conditions and a 7-day forecast. 

TRAFFIC AND TRANSIT

Roads: Click for the latest Toronto traffic.

Mass Transit: Click for TTC and GO Transit Updates.

IN THE NEWS…

ROB FORD SCANDAL:

A friend and occasional driver for Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, Sandro Lisi, is due in court today to face an extortion charge related to allegations of a video appearing to show Ford smoking crack cocaine.

*Continuing coverage of the Rob Ford Scandal can be found here, including court documents, expert analysis and video content.

A pedestrian has died after being struck by a vehicle in downtown Toronto Friday morning.

At least two people have been confirmed dead after separate collisions on Greater Toronto Area roads Friday morning.

The Canadian Paediatric Society is calling for all provinces and territories to adopt mandatory helmet laws to replace the patchwork of rules currently in place.

Nearly three-quarters of Canadians recently polled say they plan to start their holiday shopping earlier this year, and will use the Internet to check and compare prices before buying gifts.

ALSO COMING UP TODAY…

The Canadian Toy Association presents its 11th annual Hot Toys for the Holidays media preview. (10 a.m. at Toronto Zoo)

Finance Minister Charles Sousa will be holding a media availability. (4 p.m. at Main Legislative Building)

Premier Kathleen Wynne to join the opening ceremonies of the 2013 Royal Agricultural Winger Fair at 10:30 a.m. (Direct Energy Centre)

Do you have any suggestions for our Toronto morning roundup? Reach us via email at newstips@globaltv.com, on Twitter or on Facebook.