Global National: Nov. 22

A vehicle that crashed into a Canada-U.S. border crossing in Niagara Falls and exploded Wednesday, killing two people, was a “horrific accident” and not an act of terrorism, New York’s governor said. Over in Ottawa, A jury has found ex-RCMP intelligence officer Cameron Ortis guilty of sending sensitive information to alleged criminals and money launderers in an unprecedented trial. Over in Gaza, Israel’s Cabinet has approved a temporary ceasefire with the Palestinian Hamas militant group. The deal is expected to serve as the first halt in the devastating six-week conflict and allow for the freedom of at least 50 hostages held captive by Hamas. Also, with cemeteries overflowing and workers running out of places to put bodies, there are concerns that Israel’s promise of a temporary ceasefire with Hamas militants will not be enough for enough aid to come in and for people in Gaza to bury the dead before strikes begin again. Plus, the government says it asked Indian authorities about allegations of a foiled assassination plot targeting a U.S.-Canadian citizen and expects responsible parties to be “held accountable.” And, on Canada’s east coast, for the third year in a row, a gigantic talking Christmas tree has captured the imagination of young children throughout the Halifax area.