While the federal government pushes ahead with a controversial tough-on-crime agenda, including new mandatory minimums, an Ontario judge takes a stand. She refused to hand down a mandatory sentence for a first offence of possessing a loaded firearm. Leroy Smickle found a loaded gun in his cousin's apartment and posed for pictures with the gun when police walked in. The judge went on to say that if she had given the offender three years, it would constitute "cruel and unusual punishment," and would breach the Charter. Tonight, we'll look at what's it like to face hard time and be given a chance instead.

And it's being called, Lin-sanity. Jeremy Lin is a 23-year-old point guard born in Los Angeles to Taiwanese-born parents. And he's the talk of basketball and a source of inspiration for Asian fans, who haven't had an NBA star they could call their own since retired centre Yao Ming made his debut in 2002. Lin and the New York Knicks are in Toronto tonight and we're going to find out what all the fuss is about.

Plus, we all know what day it is. Valentines Day. And we're not going to get too sappy on you, but we are going to bring your one pretty remarkable love story...that even melted the hardest of hearts at our story meeting today. Don't miss it!

Tune in at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

While the federal government pushes ahead with a controversial tough-on-crime agenda, including new mandatory minimums, an Ontario judge takes a stand. She refused to hand down a mandatory sentence for a first offence of possessing a loaded firearm. Leroy Smickle found a loaded gun in his cousin's apartment and posed for pictures with the gun when police walked in. The judge went on to say that if she had given the offender three years, it would constitute "cruel and unusual punishment," and would breach the Charter. Tonight, we'll look at what's it like to face hard time and be given a chance instead.

And it's being called, Lin-sanity. Jeremy Lin is a 23-year-old point guard born in Los Angeles to Taiwanese-born parents. And he's the talk of basketball and a source of inspiration for Asian fans, who haven't had an NBA star they could call their own since retired centre Yao Ming made his debut in 2002. Lin and the New York Knicks are in Toronto tonight and we're going to find out what all the fuss is about.

Plus, we all know what day it is. Valentines Day. And we're not going to get too sappy on you, but we are going to bring your one pretty remarkable love story...that even melted the hardest of hearts at our story meeting today. Don't miss it!

Tune in at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

Between blasts of rockets and mortar fire, Syrians used loudspeakers to call for blood donations and medical supplies in the city of Homs. One activist, who goes by the name Danny, has been risking his life to get the international community to pay attention. Tonight, we speak with his mother about Homs, and the dangers her son faces.

And - thousands of Syrians have been wounded in this uprising, but many are afraid to go to a hospital, worrying that they will be arrested or tortured. We'll talk to a Syrian-American doctor tonight about whether the Assad regime is using medicine as a weapon.

Plus, three Canadians were rescued at sea after a storm left their boat badly damaged about about 450 km from Hawaii. Edmonton brothers Mitchell and Bradley James, and Bradley's nine-year-old son Wesley were travelling from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to Hilo on a sailboat when they ran into trouble. Tonight Bradley James tells his side story.

And when Robert Pickton was interrogated by police in 2000, one cop who was on the case knew he was lying. Retired RCMP officer Mike Connor has been testifying at the ongoing Missing Women's Inquiry. And he continues to be haunted by the frustration of knowing he "failed to put the bad guy in jail". He speaks with us tonight.

Tune in tonight at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

Between blasts of rockets and mortar fire, Syrians used loudspeakers to call for blood donations and medical supplies in the city of Homs. One activist, who goes by the name Danny, has been risking his life to get the international community to pay attention. Tonight, we speak with his mother about Homs, and the dangers her son faces.

And - thousands of Syrians have been wounded in this uprising, but many are afraid to go to a hospital, worrying that they will be arrested or tortured. We'll talk to a Syrian-American doctor tonight about whether the Assad regime is using medicine as a weapon.

Plus, three Canadians were rescued at sea after a storm left their boat badly damaged about about 450 km from Hawaii. Edmonton brothers Mitchell and Bradley James, and Bradley's nine-year-old son Wesley were travelling from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to Hilo on a sailboat when they ran into trouble. Tonight Bradley James tells his side story.

And when Robert Pickton was interrogated by police in 2000, one cop who was on the case knew he was lying. Retired RCMP officer Mike Connor has been testifying at the ongoing Missing Women's Inquiry. And he continues to be haunted by the frustration of knowing he "failed to put the bad guy in jail". He speaks with us tonight.

Tune in tonight at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

RCMP have confirmed one man was found dead in a Killam, Alta.-area home Wednesday a day after a shootout with police. The other suspect is still at large. Two RCMP officers were wounded in an exchange of gunfire at the house yesterday. We'll bring you the latest developments on this story tonight. And we're looking at the dangers police face in patrolling rural Canada.

The violence in Syria is escalating for the fifth say in a row. We'll take you inside Homs with a citizen journalist who's risking his own life to get the message out. And we'll ask: should the west arm the Syrian rebels who are trying to topple the Assad regime?

Plus, three Republican contests were held last night, and Rick Santorum won them all. But does last night's hat trick signify a Santorum surge? Or is it another sign of an anti-Mitt Romney movement?

Tune in tonight at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

RCMP have confirmed one man was found dead in a Killam, Alta.-area home Wednesday a day after a shootout with police. The other suspect is still at large. Two RCMP officers were wounded in an exchange of gunfire at the house yesterday. We'll bring you the latest developments on this story tonight. And we're looking at the dangers police face in patrolling rural Canada.

The violence in Syria is escalating for the fifth say in a row. We'll take you inside Homs with a citizen journalist who's risking his own life to get the message out. And we'll ask: should the west arm the Syrian rebels who are trying to topple the Assad regime?

Plus, three Republican contests were held last night, and Rick Santorum won them all. But does last night's hat trick signify a Santorum surge? Or is it another sign of an anti-Mitt Romney movement?

Tune in tonight at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

Tonight we're following breaking news out of Alberta. Two RCMP officers have been shot and taken to hospital. We'll have the latest details on that.

And investigators in southwestern Ontario are trying to determine the cause of the deadly crash which killed 10 migrant workers and a Canadian citizen. Three people from the van survived the crash, but suffered serious to life-threatening injuries. We'll have the latest from the scene and we're also talking to one of the first responders on the scene last night.

In Syria, there's no sign of violence slowing down. We'll talk to a Syrian activist inside Homs tonight to find out what's happening there. And we're also asking if the international community doesn't take action in Syria... what message are we sending?

Plus, one of Canada's most famous delis, is rumoured to be going up for sale. What that means for Montreal, and the smoked meat sandwich, tonight.

Tune in at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

Tonight we're following breaking news out of Alberta. Two RCMP officers have been shot and taken to hospital. We'll have the latest details on that.

And investigators in southwestern Ontario are trying to determine the cause of the deadly crash which killed 10 migrant workers and a Canadian citizen. Three people from the van survived the crash, but suffered serious to life-threatening injuries. We'll have the latest from the scene and we're also talking to one of the first responders on the scene last night.

In Syria, there's no sign of violence slowing down. We'll talk to a Syrian activist inside Homs tonight to find out what's happening there. And we're also asking if the international community doesn't take action in Syria... what message are we sending?

Plus, one of Canada's most famous delis, is rumoured to be going up for sale. What that means for Montreal, and the smoked meat sandwich, tonight.

Tune in at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

As violence in Syria heats up, the U.S. has closed its embassy in Damascus. This weekend, after the United Nations vetoed the latest resolution, Syrian troops stepped up their attacks -- in what's being called the deadliest attack in the last year. Getting information from inside the country is next to impossible. But we'll connect the dots on what we know, and speak to a Syrian living in Canada about what she's hearing.

Plus - a ruling is expected in a high-profile torture case in Calgary. Justice Sheilah Martin is revealing the fate of Dustin Paxton. We're in the courtroom and will bring you the latest tonight.

And, a huge rally against Vladamir Putin was held over the weekend. For the first time in years, Russians are challenging his hold over the country. Tonight, Mark sits down with the man behind the movement - Russia's opposition leader Boris Nemtsov to talk about the country's future and his hopes for the next election.

Tune in at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

As violence in Syria heats up, the U.S. has closed its embassy in Damascus. This weekend, after the United Nations vetoed the latest resolution, Syrian troops stepped up their attacks -- in what's being called the deadliest attack in the last year. Getting information from inside the country is next to impossible. But we'll connect the dots on what we know, and speak to a Syrian living in Canada about what she's hearing.

Plus - a ruling is expected in a high-profile torture case in Calgary. Justice Sheilah Martin is revealing the fate of Dustin Paxton. We're in the courtroom and will bring you the latest tonight.

And, a huge rally against Vladamir Putin was held over the weekend. For the first time in years, Russians are challenging his hold over the country. Tonight, Mark sits down with the man behind the movement - Russia's opposition leader Boris Nemtsov to talk about the country's future and his hopes for the next election.

Tune in at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

It's being called one of the largest co-ordinated busts of its kind. Police in Ontario have arrested 60 men, including a daycare worker, and charged them with hundreds of child pornography offences. Tonight, we'll talk to someone who has lived through the horror as a victim. We're also asking, what's it going to take to put a stop to child porn? Is it even possible? 

Plus, three days of national mourning are underway in Egypt after that deadly riot yesterday at a soccer match. But, today the story is in Cairo where Egyptian police fired tear gas on thousands of demonstrators, protesting the security forces' failure to prevent the riot. We're asking, is this really about soccer? Or is Egypt on the brink of another crisis?

And 'Lost in Motion'. That's the name of a YouTube video that's going viral. It was made by National Ballet dancer Guillaume Côté as a way to show people how grueling and lonely the life of a dancer can be. You'll meet him tonight.

Tune in at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

It's being called one of the largest co-ordinated busts of its kind. Police in Ontario have arrested 60 men, including a daycare worker, and charged them with hundreds of child pornography offences. Tonight, we'll talk to someone who has lived through the horror as a victim. We're also asking, what's it going to take to put a stop to child porn? Is it even possible? 

Plus, three days of national mourning are underway in Egypt after that deadly riot yesterday at a soccer match. But, today the story is in Cairo where Egyptian police fired tear gas on thousands of demonstrators, protesting the security forces' failure to prevent the riot. We're asking, is this really about soccer? Or is Egypt on the brink of another crisis?

And 'Lost in Motion'. That's the name of a YouTube video that's going viral. It was made by National Ballet dancer Guillaume Côté as a way to show people how grueling and lonely the life of a dancer can be. You'll meet him tonight.

Tune in at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

Voters in Florida are casting their ballots in the next Republican presidential primary. If you believe the polls, Mitt Romney's popularity is surging. But is he running the best campaign - or just the best campaign money can buy? At last count, more than $20 million has been spent on ads by Super PACs (political action committees), including one supporting Romney. Super PACs are changing the dynamics of American politics. We'll show you how - tonight.

Plus, the housing crisis is one of the biggest issues in Florida. The state has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country. Tonight Nick Purdon takes us inside a foreclosure court, where people's homes - their American dreams - are taken away everyday.

And, RIM launched a 'Be Bold' advertising campaign earlier this month in an effort to boost market share in the United States, and promote the Blackberry Bold smartphone. The face of the new campaign? Superheroes. And how's it going over? Not so well. We'll explain tonight.

That's tonight at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

Voters in Florida are casting their ballots in the next Republican presidential primary. If you believe the polls, Mitt Romney's popularity is surging. But is he running the best campaign - or just the best campaign money can buy? At last count, more than $20 million has been spent on ads by Super PACs (political action committees), including one supporting Romney. Super PACs are changing the dynamics of American politics. We'll show you how - tonight.

Plus, the housing crisis is one of the biggest issues in Florida. The state has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country. Tonight Nick Purdon takes us inside a foreclosure court, where people's homes - their American dreams - are taken away everyday.

And, RIM launched a 'Be Bold' advertising campaign earlier this month in an effort to boost market share in the United States, and promote the Blackberry Bold smartphone. The face of the new campaign? Superheroes. And how's it going over? Not so well. We'll explain tonight.

That's tonight at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

The RCMP has issued an apology for not catching B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton earlier. "We could have done more," Assistant Commissioner Craig Callens said at special new conference in Vancouver today. But is this apology too little too late for the families of Pickton's victims?

In Kingston, Ontario, the judge is charging the jury in the Shafia murder trial. In his 200-page charge, Justice Robert Maranger said the jury could find the accused guilty of the lesser charge, which doesn't require the same proof of planning and premeditation. What's it like to be part of the jury that's deciding the fate of a family? We'll look into that tonight.

Plus, have you noticed anything missing this winter? Like...snow? It's been a green winter for many Canadians - and believe it or not, it's good news for some skiers. They're urban skiers - a trend that's catching on this winter and causing controversy in some cities. We'll tell you all about it tonight.

Tune in tonight at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

The RCMP has issued an apology for not catching B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton earlier. "We could have done more," Assistant Commissioner Craig Callens said at special new conference in Vancouver today. But is this apology too little too late for the families of Pickton's victims?

In Kingston, Ontario, the judge is charging the jury in the Shafia murder trial. In his 200-page charge, Justice Robert Maranger said the jury could find the accused guilty of the lesser charge, which doesn't require the same proof of planning and premeditation. What's it like to be part of the jury that's deciding the fate of a family? We'll look into that tonight.

Plus, have you noticed anything missing this winter? Like...snow? It's been a green winter for many Canadians - and believe it or not, it's good news for some skiers. They're urban skiers - a trend that's catching on this winter and causing controversy in some cities. We'll tell you all about it tonight.

Tune in tonight at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

The sole survivor of a fiery plane crash earlier this month says he lives through the horror every night. Brian Shead tried in vain to unstrap fellow passengers, only managing to pull out the pilot before collapsing in the snow. You'll hear his remarkable story of survival tonight.

Plus, the Pentagon says it will start cutting back on conventional forces and focusing instead on drones and special ops. This has already been a high profile year for the Navy Seals. They successfully completed the raid on Osama bin Laden's complex and just this week they executed a stealth mission to rescue an American hostage in Somalia. Tonight we'll talk to a Navy Seal about what it's like to be the changing face of the military.

And, Canada for U.S. President? A comedian and a former U.S. Marine posted a video online, making the case for Americans to vote for the Canada Party. As the video goes viral, we'll introduce you to the face of the campaign.

Also tonight, a time capsule buried at Maple Leaf Gardens in 1931 and was opened today. Find out what was inside -- plus we're asking you what YOU would put in a 2012 capsule.

And, Genevieve Tomney is tracking the latest news headlines. Join us tonight at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

The sole survivor of a fiery plane crash earlier this month says he lives through the horror every night. Brian Shead tried in vain to unstrap fellow passengers, only managing to pull out the pilot before collapsing in the snow. You'll hear his remarkable story of survival tonight.

Plus, the Pentagon says it will start cutting back on conventional forces and focusing instead on drones and special ops. This has already been a high profile year for the Navy Seals. They successfully completed the raid on Osama bin Laden's complex and just this week they executed a stealth mission to rescue an American hostage in Somalia. Tonight we'll talk to a Navy Seal about what it's like to be the changing face of the military.

And, Canada for U.S. President? A comedian and a former U.S. Marine posted a video online, making the case for Americans to vote for the Canada Party. As the video goes viral, we'll introduce you to the face of the campaign.

Also tonight, a time capsule buried at Maple Leaf Gardens in 1931 and was opened today. Find out what was inside -- plus we're asking you what YOU would put in a 2012 capsule.

And, Genevieve Tomney is tracking the latest news headlines. Join us tonight at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

Tens of thousands of Egyptians are gathering in Cairo's Tahrir Square to mark the first anniversary of the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak. But, with the military in power, revolutionaries in jail, and the country deeply divided, we're asking: what exactly is everyone celebrating?

"No bailouts, no handouts, no copouts." U.S. President Barack Obama sounded a lot like members of the Occupy movement when he delivered his State of the Union address last night. He says he's heard Americans expressing concern over economic injustices, and he's going to do his part to fix the problem. So does this signify success for the movement? Or is Obama just riding the movement's coattails?

And, thousands of people will pay their respects to Penn State football legend Joe Paterno today and tomorrow. The former coach, caught up in the school's sex abuse scandal, died over the weekend after battling lung cancer. A public memorial service will be held Thursday at the university. But will he be remembered as a legendary coach - or as a man who may have helped cover up child sex abuse?

Join us tonight at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

Tens of thousands of Egyptians are gathering in Cairo's Tahrir Square to mark the first anniversary of the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak. But, with the military in power, revolutionaries in jail, and the country deeply divided, we're asking: what exactly is everyone celebrating?

"No bailouts, no handouts, no copouts." U.S. President Barack Obama sounded a lot like members of the Occupy movement when he delivered his State of the Union address last night. He says he's heard Americans expressing concern over economic injustices, and he's going to do his part to fix the problem. So does this signify success for the movement? Or is Obama just riding the movement's coattails?

And, thousands of people will pay their respects to Penn State football legend Joe Paterno today and tomorrow. The former coach, caught up in the school's sex abuse scandal, died over the weekend after battling lung cancer. A public memorial service will be held Thursday at the university. But will he be remembered as a legendary coach - or as a man who may have helped cover up child sex abuse?

Join us tonight at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

Research in Motion has a new CEO in charge - sending the Twitterverse and stock markets into a frenzy. Does Thorsten Heins have the vision to give the comapny a reboot? Senior Business Correspondent Amanda Lang joins us. Plus, in the post-Steve Jobs world, are visionary CEOs as important as the products they sell?

In the wake of crises on reserves such as Attawapiskat, First Nations Chiefs are headed to Ottawa to meet with the Prime Minister tomorrow. Some are calling it a historic meeting They'll tackle issues from education to housing. Tonight, we'll show you a reserve that could be a model for the country: a community that's thriving economically. The Chief of Osoyoos, Clarence Louie talks to Mark and reveals why he won't be taking part in the meeting tomorrow.

Plus - the Oscar nominations will be announced tomorrow morning - and a Canadian filmmaker will be keeping his phone nearby. Tonight, Martyn Burke talks with us about his documentary "Under Fire," which could be a contender for Hollywood's biggest prize.

Join us at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

Research in Motion has a new CEO in charge - sending the Twitterverse and stock markets into a frenzy. Does Thorsten Heins have the vision to give the comapny a reboot? Senior Business Correspondent Amanda Lang joins us. Plus, in the post-Steve Jobs world, are visionary CEOs as important as the products they sell?

In the wake of crises on reserves such as Attawapiskat, First Nations Chiefs are headed to Ottawa to meet with the Prime Minister tomorrow. Some are calling it a historic meeting They'll tackle issues from education to housing. Tonight, we'll show you a reserve that could be a model for the country: a community that's thriving economically. The Chief of Osoyoos, Clarence Louie talks to Mark and reveals why he won't be taking part in the meeting tomorrow.

Plus - the Oscar nominations will be announced tomorrow morning - and a Canadian filmmaker will be keeping his phone nearby. Tonight, Martyn Burke talks with us about his documentary "Under Fire," which could be a contender for Hollywood's biggest prize.

Join us at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

Tonight we're asking: What's fair game on the campaign trail? Last night Newt Gingrich tore into moderator John King during the debate after King brought up unflattering comments made by Newt's ex-wife. We'll wade into that and as for voters in South Carolina, religion and faith are big factors in how they'll vote. Nick Purdon has that story tonight.

Plus, CBC News has confirmed several Russian embassy staff have left Canada in the wake of spying allegations - with at least some departures related to accusations against a Canadian naval officer in Halifax. In the midst of this spy scandal, we're wondering why on earth would Russia want to spy on us?

And the search of the cruise ship has been suspended for the third time as worries grow about the stability of the ship. But families are still gathered on the island, hoping for a miracle. Tonight we'll talk to someone who survived the ordeal.

Tune in tonight at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.

Tonight we're asking: What's fair game on the campaign trail? Last night Newt Gingrich tore into moderator John King during the debate after King brought up unflattering comments made by Newt's ex-wife. We'll wade into that and as for voters in South Carolina, religion and faith are big factors in how they'll vote. Nick Purdon has that story tonight.

Plus, CBC News has confirmed several Russian embassy staff have left Canada in the wake of spying allegations - with at least some departures related to accusations against a Canadian naval officer in Halifax. In the midst of this spy scandal, we're wondering why on earth would Russia want to spy on us?

And the search of the cruise ship has been suspended for the third time as worries grow about the stability of the ship. But families are still gathered on the island, hoping for a miracle. Tonight we'll talk to someone who survived the ordeal.

Tune in tonight at 8 p.m. ET on CBC News Network.