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US jobless claims rise to 861,000 as layoffs stay high

US jobless claims rise to 861,000 as layoffs stay high

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans applying for unemployment aid rose last week to 861,000, evidence that layoffs remain painfully high despite a steady drop in the number of confirmed viral infections.
Walmart sales still surging, but a chill may be on the way

Walmart sales still surging, but a chill may be on the way

NEW YORK — Walmart is raising wages for 425,000 of its 1.5 million U.S.
January home construction falls 6%; signs of rebound ahead

January home construction falls 6%; signs of rebound ahead

WASHINGTON — U.S. home construction fell 6% in January but applications for building permits, which typically signal activity ahead, rose sharply. The decline pushed home and apartment construction down to a seasonally adjusted rate of 1.
Even without listening, US lives in Limbaugh’s media world

Even without listening, US lives in Limbaugh’s media world

NEW YORK — You didn't have to like or even listen to Rush Limbaugh to be affected by what he did. Conservative talk radio wasn't a genre before him.
Canadians face challenging RRSP year as pandemic continues: experts

Canadians face challenging RRSP year as pandemic continues: experts

TORONTO — Canadians who experienced pandemic-induced layoffs and wage reductions or saved while working from home are facing a new challenge as March approaches: what to do about their RRSPs.
MTY Food Group reports $20.1M Q4 profit, revenue falls to $127.2M

MTY Food Group reports $20.1M Q4 profit, revenue falls to $127.2M

MONTREAL — MTY Food Group Inc. reported its fourth-quarter profit edged lower compared with a year ago as COVID-19 restrictions weighed on its revenue.
Stelco Q4 net loss nearly doubles while revenue hit by blast furnace upgrade

Stelco Q4 net loss nearly doubles while revenue hit by blast furnace upgrade

HAMILTON — Stelco Holdings Inc. says its net loss almost doubled to $47 million in the fourth quarter as revenues dropped due to a blast furnace upgrade.
Alberta extends COVID-19 financial aid to help struggling smaller businesses

Alberta extends COVID-19 financial aid to help struggling smaller businesses

EDMONTON — Alberta is releasing more funding to help keep small- and medium-sized businesses solvent during the COVID-19 crisis.
Power outages linger for millions as another icy storm looms

Power outages linger for millions as another icy storm looms

AUSTIN, Texas — Millions of Americans endured another frigid day without electricity or heat in the aftermath of a deadly winter storm as utility crews raced to restore power before another blast of snow and ice sowed more chaos in places least equip
Shell to sell Alberta shale oil assets to Crescent Point in $900 million deal

Shell to sell Alberta shale oil assets to Crescent Point in $900 million deal

CALGARY — Royal Dutch Shell is further reducing its exposure to the Alberta oilpatch with a deal to sell producing light oil shale assets there to Calgary-based Crescent Point Energy Corp. for $900 million.