LOCAL
Testifying before a legislative committee on why his staff would erase e-mails related to the costly gas plant cancellations, former Premier Dalton McGuinty said he “never focused much attention” on laws ordering government to preserve e-mails. He also blamed the province’s laws, which he brought in, for being “confusing.” [Globe and Mail]
Rob Ford staffer and old friend of the family David Price who repeatedly called into Rob and Doug Ford’s weekly radio show as “Dave” has been suspended without pay for a week after calling Toronto Sun asking for a headline to be changed. Upon hearing a recording of the call, the mayor apologized on behalf of his staff saying, “I don’t deal with people like this.” [Toronto Sun]
The parents of a 16-year-old who was repeatedly punched in the face and the head by another player will press charges. It all started after the victim stopped in front of the opposing goalie, spraying him with snow, which led to him getting cross checked and various fights breaking out. [CBC]
NATIONAL
Under the cover of high-powered rifles, Calgary Zoo staff swam through hippo-infested waters to save shivering giraffes trapped in flood water. Their lives were at risk, as hippos are considered one of the most dangerous animal in Africa, and the rifles were necessary because tranquilizers work too slowly. [Globe and Mail]
Economists say that the Calgary flood will affect the Canadian economy as a whole. While estimates are still imprecise as the toll of the damage isn’t fully known, BMO Capital Markets estimated that the country’s GDP will be reduced by $2-billion. [CBC]
Montreal picked Laurent Blanchard as the interim mayor, a two-term city councillor and recent head of the municipal executive body. He says his job is to hold the fort until next fall’s election. [Toronto Star]
INTERNATIONAL
John Hammergren, CEO and Chairman of the American drug distribution company McKesson, is entitled to what will be a new record for the largest pension in corporate America–$159-million. This is way larger than the runner up Rupert Murdoch CEO and Chairman of News Corp, who only receives a paltry $74-million. [Toronto Star]
Russian President Vladmir Putin has revealed that American whistleblower Edward Snowden is indeed in a Moscow airport, ending days of global speculation about his wherabouts. The admission comes just hours after Putin’s foreign minister said Russia had nothign to do with Snowden’s travel plans. [The Guardian]
Texas Democrats tried to prevent Republicans from passing a bill that would lead to some of the toughtest abortion restriction laws in the country by filibustering. State Senator Wendy Davis began a filibuster at 11:18am intending to hold the floor until the Senate’s special session is over at midnight. [New York Times]
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