360º News: International & National briefs
NATIONAL NEWS
The issue of potential Internet billing has become a popular Facebook newsfeed staple as of late. Recently, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has expressed that he may be second-guessing the ruling regarding Industry Minister Tony Clement's decision to "launch a probe of a regulatory decision that raises the cost of Internet service," reported the Globe and Mail. This may be an indication that the Conservatives will reverse the decision of the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission. "We're very concerned about CRTC's decision on usage-based billing and its impact on consumers. I've asked for a review of the decision," Harper said.
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Our favourite groundhogs have predicted an early spring. Ontario's Wiarton Willie and Nova Scotia's Shubenacadie Sam both did not see their shadows as they poked their furry little heads out this Groundhog Day. Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil also did not see his shadow. Hopefully their forecast is more accurate than the ones that said London would get a snowstorm!
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Toronto Const. Babak Andalib-Goortani is facing his second G20- related assault charge. This charge of assault with a weapon comes from his allegedly hitting a woman with his baton in Queen's Park on June 26. His first charge is in relation to the injuries of protestor Adam Nobody. Nobody, who is a stage builder, was tackled by a group of officers on June 26, also in Queen's Park. A bystander videotaped the attack and posted it on YouTube.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
The ongoing protests in Egypt came to a head during violent clashes on February 2, which left at least one person dead and hundreds wounded. The dispute comes after nine days of protests against President Hosni Mubarak's rule in Egypt. Battles broke out between pro- and anti-government supporters, who first threw fists and rocks, then Molotov cocktails. Over a million protestors called for Mubarak to step down from his presidency in a massive protest in Cairo on February 1. The United Nations said the death toll from the protests now stands at 300, reported the London Free Press.
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Cyclone Yasi hit the northeast coast of Australia in full force on February 2. With winds of up to 300 km/h at its core, the cyclone is being noted as one of the most powerful on record. People have been scrambling to find refuge, as shelters are overcrowded. Yasi is a maximumstrength category five storm, reported Reuters. It has drawn comparisons with Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans in 2005.
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WikiLeaks has been nominated for the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize. The website contains confidential government documents that are available to the public. According to Norwegian lawmaker Snorre Valen, the website has promoted "human rights, democracy and freedom of speech," reported the Toronto Star. The Nobel Peace Prize committee usually receives over 200 nominations every year.
— compiled by Erika Faust and Jessica Ireland
The issue of potential Internet billing has become a popular Facebook newsfeed staple as of late. Recently, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has expressed that he may be second-guessing the ruling regarding Industry Minister Tony Clement's decision to "launch a probe of a regulatory decision that raises the cost of Internet service," reported the Globe and Mail. This may be an indication that the Conservatives will reverse the decision of the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission. "We're very concerned about CRTC's decision on usage-based billing and its impact on consumers. I've asked for a review of the decision," Harper said.
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Our favourite groundhogs have predicted an early spring. Ontario's Wiarton Willie and Nova Scotia's Shubenacadie Sam both did not see their shadows as they poked their furry little heads out this Groundhog Day. Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil also did not see his shadow. Hopefully their forecast is more accurate than the ones that said London would get a snowstorm!
-----
Toronto Const. Babak Andalib-Goortani is facing his second G20- related assault charge. This charge of assault with a weapon comes from his allegedly hitting a woman with his baton in Queen's Park on June 26. His first charge is in relation to the injuries of protestor Adam Nobody. Nobody, who is a stage builder, was tackled by a group of officers on June 26, also in Queen's Park. A bystander videotaped the attack and posted it on YouTube.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
The ongoing protests in Egypt came to a head during violent clashes on February 2, which left at least one person dead and hundreds wounded. The dispute comes after nine days of protests against President Hosni Mubarak's rule in Egypt. Battles broke out between pro- and anti-government supporters, who first threw fists and rocks, then Molotov cocktails. Over a million protestors called for Mubarak to step down from his presidency in a massive protest in Cairo on February 1. The United Nations said the death toll from the protests now stands at 300, reported the London Free Press.
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Cyclone Yasi hit the northeast coast of Australia in full force on February 2. With winds of up to 300 km/h at its core, the cyclone is being noted as one of the most powerful on record. People have been scrambling to find refuge, as shelters are overcrowded. Yasi is a maximumstrength category five storm, reported Reuters. It has drawn comparisons with Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans in 2005.
-----
WikiLeaks has been nominated for the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize. The website contains confidential government documents that are available to the public. According to Norwegian lawmaker Snorre Valen, the website has promoted "human rights, democracy and freedom of speech," reported the Toronto Star. The Nobel Peace Prize committee usually receives over 200 nominations every year.
— compiled by Erika Faust and Jessica Ireland
