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Written by Hanna Lee Copy Editor, Digital News
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Good morning. The future looks uncertain, after a deal between Russia and the U.S. that had limited the size of their nuclear arsenals officially expired. While some officials are downplaying the expiry, we'll look at what experts are worried about. We'll also re-examine Stephen Harper's legacy as he steps back into the spotlight, and lay out what we know so far about the Toronto police officers accused of assisting organized crime.
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FEATURED STORIES
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(Julia Demaree Nikhinson/The Associated Press)
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The U.S.-Russia nuclear weapons treaty has expired. What happens now?
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A treaty that limited American and Russian deployment of strategic nuclear weapons has expired, leaving plenty of questions about what's coming next.
What's happening: New START was the latest in a series of nuclear weaponry limitation deals between Washington and Moscow, dating back to 1972. Its expiry means that for the first time in more than 50 years, no formal agreement is in effect capping the size of the world's two largest nuclear arsenals. Experts disagree on whether this means the start of a new nuclear arms race, but there's broad consensus that the deal needs significant updating.
Why that is: Nuclear realities have changed in the last few decades, including the growth of China's weapons program. But hoping for Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping to agree on a new deal is likely idealistic. Trump, for his part, has called New START a "badly negotiated deal," and his press secretary said he wants a new deal that can last "long into the future." China, meanwhile, is on track to surpass 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030. And while reports say the U.S. and Russia are working toward a deal to keep observing the weapon limits without a formal extension of the treaty, uncertainty remains.
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20 years after his first election win, Stephen Harper steps back into the spotlight
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Former prime minister Stephen Harper made waves this week for urging better co-operation between the Liberals and Conservatives amid American aggression. It shows how Harper is still lionized in Conservative circles, despite leaving Parliament Hill years ago.
Why that is: It's mainly because he accomplished something no other federal Conservative leader has done in the last 30-plus years — winning elections. Harper ended more than a decade of Liberal rule, creating a coalition comprising Quebec nationalists and Prairie populists to serve three terms, with the last one being a majority. His successors since then have won the popular vote, but have failed to win a plurality of seats or become prime minister.
What else: Despite some controversy — like his muzzling of government scientists and drama over the Fair Elections Act — Harper should be seen as a leader focused on results and incremental change, his confidants told CBC News. Some of his structural changes have been resilient, like the tax-free savings account and GST cut. And the trade deals he helped negotiate with Asia and Europe have become the bedrock of Prime Minister Mark Carney's agenda. |
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Who are the Toronto police officers accused of assisting organized crime? Here's what we know so far
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Seven active Toronto police officers and one retired officer were arrested yesterday, accused of assisting organized crime. What's going on?
Who's accused: The charges range from unlawfully releasing confidential information to stealing property that was taken to police. One man, 56-year-old Const. Timothy Barnhardt, faces the longest list of offences, at 17. Police allege he also supported illegal cannabis dispensaries and was involved with cocaine trafficking. They say the information he released helped with targeted shootings. He remains in custody. Others alleged to be involved include father and son officers, the older of whom is retired and faces 11 charges, mainly around an extortion investigation involving illegal gaming and betting tied to organized crime.
What's next: Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw is seeking suspension without pay for at least four of the active members. One has been released, while at least one remains in custody. CBC News is working to determine the status of the others.
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