LOCAL
The Supreme Court of Canada has declined to take on Paul Magder’s appeal in the conflict of interest case against Rob Ford. “This case has taken a huge toll on my family, both financially and emotionally,” said Rob Ford, who, like pretty much everyone, is glad this case is done. [Toronto Star]
City councillors are split on a proposal that could turn King Street into a car-free zone during morning rush hour, clearing way for the King streetcar, the busiest streetcar route in the city. Its feasibility and the need for more study will be discussed at the TTC board meeting monday, but TTC Chair Karen Stintz said it’s “exciting,” and suggested making it a pilot project during the Pan Am games. [Globe and Mail]
Police made a new arrest associated with Project Traveller, the culmination of a year-long investigation that saw over 40 people arrested last week. a 21-year-old from Barrie was charged with eight weapon-and-firearm related charges, and police say they’re looking for eight more suspects connected to Project Traveller. [CBC]
NATIONAL
Heavy rains in southern Alberta force thousands in Calgary and the surrounding area to evacuate their homes. This much rain hasn’t been seen in decades, and as many as 100,000 may be forced to leave as the evacuation happens in stages in the upcoming days. [National Post]
Canada’s Federal Court has granted a Chinese woman refugee status because she claims the enforcement of China’s one-child policy amounts to persecution, though she doesn’t have any children. She was made to wear an intra-uterine device, take regular pregnancy tests, and she does want a large family, which the court qualified as persecution in a recent decision. [National Post]
The union for B.C. Hydro workers say some of its members have been suspended while an investigation determines if they assisted marijuana grow-operations. Eighteen workers, who are presumed to be innocent until proven otherwise, have been suspended with pay. [Globe and Mail]
INTERNATIONAL
More than half a million people poured into the streets in over 80 cities in Brazil in protests that saw violent clashes calling for an end to government corruption and better public services. The mass protests are taking place a month before the Pope is scheduled to visit, ahead of the 2014 World Cup, and before the 2016 Olympics, raising concerns about how Brazilian officials will provide security. [Toronto Star]
A Californian billionaire has launched a social media campaign aimed at convincing the President that Canada’s oil sands pose a threat to the US. Anti-Keystone XL activist Tom Seyer wants to rally legions of digital-savvy young Obama supporters. [Globe and Mail]
A fresh effort to end the 12-year-old war in Afghanistan ended Thursday as preliminary talks between the US and Taliban representatives were cancelled. The Afghan government got angry that the Taliban opened an office in Qatar, and the talks aren’t currently rescheduled. [The Guardian]
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