LOCAL
A group of engineers from the University of Toronto have created the world’s first human-powered helicopter. In the process, they’ve also won a challenge that has stood unclaimed for 33 years. Check out the awesome video of their invention in flight. [Toronto Star]
According to Ontario’s transportation minister, construction of the downtown station for the Union Pearson Express rail line will begin in August. And if everything goes according to plan, the project is expected to be completed by 2015–just in time for the Pan Am Games. [Globe and Mail]
NATIONAL
A cyclist in Montreal was given a $651 ticket for obstructing a peace officer when he stayed by an intersection and warned cyclists not to run a red light that police were monitoring. The cyclist, Chris Lloyd, says he will challenge the fine in court, and it looks like he might have a strong case. [CBC]
After a “men’s rights” group in Edmonton started a campaign called “Don’t Be That Girl,” which put up posters that suggested some women lie about being raped, Edmonton police responded with their own twist on the campaign. “Don’t Be That Guy” tells everyone one that sex without consent is considered a sexual assault. To the Edmonton police force, thank you for being awesome. [Toronto Star]
INTERNATIONAL
A Saudi princess living in the United States has been charged with human trafficking and holding a person against their will. The accused, Meshael Alayban, brought a woman from Kenya to act as her servant and confined her to an apartment complex in Irving, California for the duration of the woman’s employment. Police are currently investigating if Alayban and her family held more servants against their will. [Toronto Star]
The U.S. Senate is considering a plan to install a high-tech underground detection system between the American and Canadian border in an effort to help boost border security. Using a Blue Rose, a technology developed by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, the proposed plan would have United States and Canada share the cost in installing an in-ground wire that can detect the difference between a human being and an animal when they cross the wire’s threshold. The detection system would mostly help with large swaths of the border unmanned by security personnel. [CBC]
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