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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent lawyer and vocal vaccine critic, has been confirmed as the United States’ new health secretary Thursday morning, following a 52-48 vote by the U.S. Senate. The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) role controls US$1.7 trillion in spending for vaccines, food safety and health insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid for roughly half the country’s population, not to mention medical research, public health outreach, hospital oversight and funding for community health care clinics.Despite several Republicans expressing deep skepticism about his views on vaccines, Kennedy cruised to a confirmation win. Republican senators have largely embraced Kennedy’s vision, reciting his newly hatched slogan to “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) in speeches.Se...

The chief of NATO says the military alliance needs to shift to a “wartime mindset.” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on Thursday that members recognize “the need to invest much more,” making the comments after the U.S. told members the day earlier that Europe must “own responsibility for its own security,” including support for Ukraine.“We are producing more and faster than at any time in decades, but we can and must do more to ensure the credibility of our returns in defence for years to come,” Rutte said.“We need to shift to a wartime mindset and we need industry to shift with us. The demand signals are clear and they’ll continue to grow.”Rutte, who spoke after a meeting of alliance defence ministers, said he believed the officials would return to each of their countries with a “gr...

Donald Trump is going to impose reciprocal tariffs on Thursday afternoon, the U.S. president said in a post on his Truth Social platform. “NEWS CONFERENCE ON RECIPROCAL TARIFFS TODAY, 1:00 P.M., THE OVAL OFFICE. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!” Trump said in the post.He posted earlier in the day, saying it was going to be a “big one.”“THREE GREAT WEEKS, PERHAPS THE BEST EVER, BUT TODAY IS THE BIG ONE: RECIPROCAL TARIFFS!!! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!” 1:52 From beer to fridges, what products might cost more with metal tariffs? Trump on Monday signed a pair of executive orders that will impose 25 per cent tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum on Ma...

A new poll suggests many Canadians are willing to use their spending power to protest U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and attacks on Canadian sovereignty — but not if it means they have to kick their Netflix and Disney+ addictions. A Leger survey that polled 1,590 Canadians between Feb. 7 and Feb. 10, 2025 suggests an overwhelming majority of Canadians — 81 per cent — have significantly increased how many Canadian-made products they buy, or will do so soon.But only 28 per cent of Canadians told the pollster they have or will be cancelling their subscriptions to U.S. streaming services, compared with 34 per cent who say they will not be cancelling them.About one in three people polled also said they are unwilling to stop making online purchases from U.S.-based companies.Because...

Hamas said Thursday it would release three more Israeli hostages as planned, paving the way toward resolving a major dispute over the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Hamas had threatened to delay the next release of captives, accusing Israel of failing to meet its obligations to allow in tents and shelters, among other alleged violations of the truce. Israel, with the support of U.S. President Donald Trump, had threatened to renew its offensive if hostages were not freed.There was no immediate comment from Israel on Hamas’ announcement, but it should allow the ceasefire to continue for now, though the future of the truce remains in doubt.Hamas said its delegation held talks in Cairo with Egyptian officials and was in contact with Qatar’s prime minister about bringing into Gaza more shelters, ...

By Kelly Geraldine Malone The Canadian Press Posted February 13, 2025 6:49 am 1 min read Descrease article font size Increase article font size Territorial premiers are making the case in Washington that Northern Canada is key to continental security, diplomacy and economic opportunity as Canadian leaders continue their diplomatic push against threatened U.S. tariffs. Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai, Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok are set to take part in a discussion at the Wilson Center Thursday morning on prospects for collaboration between Canada and the United States in the Arctic.All...