US posted smallest monthly deficit in 2 years in December
WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government last month posted its smallest monthly budget deficit in two years thanks to a rebounding economy that helped boost tax receipts, coupled with slower spending as some COVID relief programs ended.
Court decision deals blow to Boston police gang database
BOSTON (AP) — A federal appeals court has dealt a blow to the Boston Police Department’s controversial gang database. A panel of judges for the U.S. First
Soaring COVID-19 cases renew US debate over mask mandates
Officials across the U.S. are again weighing how and whether to impose mask mandates as COVID-19 infections soar and the American public grows ever wearier of pandemic-related restrictions.
Trump slams politicians who won’t say they got booster shots
NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is slamming politicians who refuse to say whether they have received COVID-19 booster shots as “gutless.” “You gotta say
Climate change, legal cannabis, budget on legislative agenda
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland lawmakers gathered on Wednesday for the start of their 90-day legislative session with an unprecedented budget surplus, as they also prepared to debate high-profile issues such as the legalization of recreational marijuan...
Alberta premier says he won’t follow Quebec plan to levy fee on COVID-19 unvaccinated
EDMONTON — Premier Jason Kenney says Alberta will not be following Quebec's plan to impose a financial penalty on those who refuse to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Kenney says data shows the unvaccinated are proving to be a vastly greater burden
Provinces clamour for rapid tests while feds struggle to deliver millions promised
OTTAWA — Federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos says Canada is in crisis when it comes to COVID-19 PCR testing capacity, as Ottawa struggles to make good on its promise to deliver 140 million rapid tests to provinces by the end
Army ups bonuses for recruits to $50K, as COVID takes toll
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Army, for the first time, is offering a maximum enlistment bonus of $50,000 to highly skilled recruits who join for six years, The Associated Press has learned, as the service struggles to lure soldiers into
Democrats push rival bill sanctioning Russia over Ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats proposed new sanctions against Russia on Wednesday if it invades Ukraine, looking to derail a Republican proposal that the White House fears could undermine unity with European allies.
As supply chain issues persist, Champagne set to meet with industry
OTTAWA — Canada’s industry minister is set to meet with companies desperate for solutions to ease the flow of goods over the border and across the country. François-Philippe Champagne agreed to the request that a consortium of manufacturers and exporte...
