World Headlines: What will it take to change America's love for guns?

First Up

By Ashley Okwuosa

Good morning. I’m Ashley, and I’m taking over from Andrew writing for First Up's weekend edition. Between Ontario’s (old) new government and Queen Elizabeth’s 70th year as Queen, there’s a lot to get into this weekend. Here’s the latest.

MUST READS

Toronto Star Illustration

BUSINESS

Who does Wealthsimple's pivot to crypto trading benefit?

Since 2020, Wealthsimple has been expanding the number of cryptocurrencies its users can buy and sell. Jacob Lorin reports that it's a departure from the company’s foundational objective, which is to help millennials grow their wealth safely. The volatile nature of the digital currency has also led to major losses for investors. It begs the question, is Wealthsimple is putting profits before values?

The Canadian Press

FEDERAL POLITICS

Why are conservative leadership candidates pushing World Economic Forum conspiracy theories?

There was a time when affiliating with the World Economic Forum was a badge of pride, but for some, that’s no longer the case. Candidates like Pierre Poilievre and Leslyn Lewis are painting the international organization as a destructive and threatening force in Canadian and global affairs, writes Justin Ling.

The Canadian Press

ONTARIO VOTES

How Doug Ford won thanks to just a handful of people

Doug Ford’s re-election and majority government win came from just 18 per cent of voters — 41 per cent of ballots were cast in the Progressive Conservative party’s favour by just 43 per cent of the voting population. Josh Rubin looks at Ontario’s first-past-the-post voting system, which allowed a small group of people to determine 70 per cent of the seats and 100 per cent of the power.

ROYALS

How this year's platinum jubilee departed from past conventions

Harry and Meghan returned, Prince Andrew battled COVID, and some members of the Royal family rode horses given to the Queen by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Patricia Treble breaks down the most noteworthy appearances and absences at Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee.

U.S. POLITICS

What will it take to change America’s gun culture?

Following the latest mass shooting in Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated the need to ban semi-automatic assault weapons and expand background checks for gun purchasers. But he can’t do it alone, writes Edward Keenan. Arguably the most powerful man in the world, the President will still need Republican support to change America’s relationship with guns.

POV

Ken Coates: True reconciliation goes beyond condemning historical figures.

Mariana Valverde: Unhoused Toronto city residents should have the same rights as everyone else to public spaces.

Martin Regg Cohn: At 43 per cent, voter turnout this year was historically low but Doug Ford is not the one to blame.

Lara Aknin and John Helliwell: How acts of kindness were more frequent in 2021 than before the pandemic.

Worku Aberra: How the Canadian dollar became a desired international currency and should Canadians rejoice?

Saturday Debate: Should John Tory seek a third term and become Toronto’s longest-serving mayor or should he keep his two-term promise?

TRY THIS

Suresh Doss/Special to the Star

Looking for something tropical to add some sweetness to your summer salad? From Colombian mangoes, Egyptian guavas, and Japanese apples, your options are stacked — you just need to know where to look. Toronto-based food writer Suresh Doss lists where you can buy hard-to-find imported fruits in the GTA.

Thanks for reading. You can send welcome notes and thoughts about international fruits to the First Up team at firstup@thestar.ca, and I will see you back here tomorrow.

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