LOCAL
Minister of Transportation Glen Murray urged the Federal government to contribute money to the proposed Scarborough subway project. He noted that he is pleased that Rob Ford is willing to contribute city money for the project. [CBC]
Toronto police say they have foiled a multi-million dollar fraud scheme where a network of 25 people convinced banks to lend money to phony businesses. Of the 25 accused, some are legitimate business owners who let the fraudsters use their space when lenders wanted to make on-site visits, even switching equipment for the ruse. [National Post]
The death of an elderly woman in a fatal apartment fire Saturday is being investigated as a homicide. The post-mortem examination indicated that there were signs of trauma to her body, suggesting she was the victim of foul play. [National Post]
NATIONAL
After a scandal-plagued spring, Stephen Harper has brought eight new faces into his cabinet, including four women, and shuffled many significant portfolios. Many of the old guard will stay put, especially those with economic portfolios. [Globe and Mail]
Two residents of Lac-Megantic are seeking permission to file a class-action lawsuit against the owner of the train that derailed in their town July 6. One is Yannick Gagne, a cafe owner where many people died in the tragedy, and the other is Guy Ouellet, whose partner of five years died in the blaze. [Globe and Mail]
Canadian grocery giant Loblaws has announced a deal to acquire the giant Canadian pharmacy company Shoppers Drug Mart Corp. for $12.4-billion. Fears that Shoppers Drug Mart will be too dominant a force are mitigated by Rexall’s and Wal-Mart’s formidable power. [Toronto Star]
INTERNATIONAL
The Obama administration was facing intense pressure Monday to bring a federal prosecution against George Zimmerman, recently acquitted of killing an unarmed black teenager, Trayvon Martin. At least 100 Vigils are taking place across the country, and Eric Holder, the US Attorney General, promised the Department of Justice would renew the federal investigation that it launched last year. [The Guardian]
Mexican police captured the leader of one of the most feared drug organizations, the Zetas, a clear answer for those wondering whether the new government would capture top organized crime leaders. Started by former soldiers, and once part of the enforcement arm of another large cartel, the Zetas are known for brutality, their calling card is beheaded victims, body parts on the highways, and bodies hanged from bridges. [New York Times]
Egyptian security forces in central Cairo fired tear gas as a scuffle broke out between the supporters of deposed Islamist Mohamed Morsi and locals. This is the first violent confrontation with pro-Morsi protestors in a week, as last Monday as many as 53 pro-Morsi protestors were killed outside the Republican Guard Compound in Cairo. [Al Jazeera]
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