B.C. privacy watchdog investigating federal Liberals over facial recognition software

OTTAWA — British Columbia's privacy watchdog has launched an investigation into the federal Liberal party's use of facial recognition technology to pick candidates for the next election. B.C. information and privacy commissioner Michael McEvoy's office...

Arkansas judge blocks state from enforcing mask mandate ban

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — An Arkansas judge on Friday temporarily blocked the state from enforcing its ban on mask mandates after lawmakers left the prohibition in place despite a rising number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

Newfoundland and Labrador lifting mask mandate, COVID-19 cases rise in New Brunswick

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Newfoundland and Labrador's government said Friday it will lift its mask mandate next week, while COVID-19 infections continued to climb in New Brunswick, one week after that province ended all its public health orders. Dr. Janice Fi...

Democratic senator urges Fed to begin trimming bond buys

WASHINGTON (AP) — A prominent Democratic senator, saying he is concerned about inflation, is urging the Federal Reserve to start trimming its monthly bond purchases.

Ohio AG rejects language in legal marijuana petition

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Ohio Attorney General's Office has rejected summary language in a petition to legalize marijuana use and sales in the state.

Philippine police say officer killed police chief over hair

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AP) — A policeman staffing a coronavirus quarantine checkpoint in the southern Philippines killed a provincial police chief who criticized his long hair, police said Friday.

The Latest: Connecticut: nursing home workers must get shots

HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut has become the latest state to mandate that workers in nursing homes be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Sheriff: Aide who accused Cuomo files criminal complaint

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A woman who accused Gov. Andrew Cuomo of groping her breast at the governor's state residence filed a criminal complaint against him, the Albany County Sheriff's office said Friday.

N.S. election: parties won’t meet goals of 10-year plan for people with disabilities

HALIFAX — Vicky Levack with the Disability Rights Coalition in Nova Scotia says she feels deceived after learning no political party can commit to the targets of a 10-year plan to transform housing and care for people with intellectual disabilities. "T...

Germany: Extremism probe for driver who caused 13 crashes

BERLIN (AP) — Berlin police said on Friday that they are investigating whether Polish man a detained in connection with more than a dozen traffic accidents in the German capital had extremist motives in causing the crashes.