Ontario Finance Minister refuses to rule out liquor getting sold in convenience stores in the future. Image via flickr / kalleboo
LOCAL
A Brampton couple have been found guilty of first-degree murder in the beating death of their 15-year-old daughter three years ago. Investigators said the grade 10 student had been found beaten with a baseball bat and a barbecue tool, and throughout the trial each parent blamed the other for the teen’s death. [Toronto Star]
When asked repeatedly whether he’d allow convenience stores to sell booze, Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa refused to rule it out. The LCBO is expanding into grocery stores and adding more stores, and he said he’ll look at alternative ways to support the province’s economy. [Globe and Mail]
The education minister has called for an indepedent audit of the Toronto District School Board during the period overlapping with disgraced former director Chris Spence’s tenure. Among the concerns were the availability of reports to board’s auditing committee, improper staff salary raises, and expenses that weren’t properly reviewed or approved. [CBC]
NATIONAL
16 Tory senators went against the party line to join the Liberals in strongly amending a Conservative bill that would force unions to disclose their expenses in greater detail. The approved amendments make what the Conservatives drafted so unrecognizeable that they are in effect “gutted.” [National Post]
Major crude oil companies will need to have $1-billion on hand in the event they need to clean up damage, the Conservatives announced. The news release also said that the government will make the “polluter pays” principle a formal part of the law instead of implied. [CBC]
Canada and the US have reached an agreement on the future of the Peace Bridge following months of bad blood regarding the crucial border crossing in Southern Ontario. It comes after days of high-level meetings with officials of both sides, and the resolution will speed up improvements to the bridge. [Toronto Star]
INTERNATIONAL
A divided Supreme Court gave a major boost to gay and lesbian rights, striking down a key section of federal law that denied federal benefits to legally married same-sex couples. The 5-4 court decision might lead the way to the high court looking at other laws that single out same-sex couples. [USA Today]
New England Patriots cut tight end Aaron Hernandez shortly after he was charged with murder, as police led him from his house in cuffs. Hernandez was charged with the slaughter of semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd, whose bullet-riddled body was found about a mile away from Hernandez’s home. [Globe and Mail]
The winner of “Arab Idol” returned home to his refugee camp in Gaza Strip amid cheers and unease. People celebrated the win, but Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules Gaza, has deemed “Arab Idol” inappropriate because of its romantic songs, unveiled female singers, and presenters in Western-style dress. [New York Times]
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