Morning Briefing: Atlantic provinces table budgets, open legislative sessions

Share

A summary of what you need to know today, compiled by The Globe's news desk on March 26, 2013.

Atlantic provinces table budgets, open legislative sessions

Finance ministers in New Brunswick and Newfoundland will deliver provincial budgets today. In New Brunswick, the budget is expected to include tax hikes and deep spending cuts, according to The Globe's Jane Taber. Meanwhile, in Newfoundland, the government has said it will streamline the public sector, The Canadian Press reports. As well, the legislatures in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island resume sitting today. Nova Scotia's session will likely be the last before voters go to the polls, CP reports.

U.S. Supreme Court hears same-sex marriage case

The United States Supreme Court will begin hearing arguments today on two same-sex marriage cases. Lawyers for two California couples will try to persuade the justices to strike down the state's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage and declare that gay couples can marry in the U.S., The Associated Press reports.

NHL coach says he'll lobby Obama on pipeline

Darryl Sutter, the head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, says he plans to weigh in on the debate over the Keystone XL pipeline when U.S. President Barack Obama hosts the reigning Stanley Cup champions today, The Globe's Eric Duhatschek reports. Mr. Sutter is in favour of the pipeline. "It's 20 feet underground. How can we not want to keep North America [energy self-sufficient]? Why does the border have to separate that? It doesn't make sense. For sure, I'm going to ask him," he said.

Italian court orders new trial for Amanda Knox

The highest criminal court in Italy today overturned Amanda Knox's acquittal in the slaying of her British roommate and ordered a new trial, The Associated Press reports. "No matter what happens, my family and I will face this continuing legal battle as we always have, confident in the truth and with our heads held high in the face of wrongful accusations and unreasonable adversity," Ms. Knox said in a statement.

North Korea prepares to target U.S.

In its latest fiery rhetoric, North Korea said today that its strategic rocket and long-range artillery units have been ordered to be combat ready, targeting U.S. military bases on Guam, Hawaii and mainland America after U.S. bombers flew sorties threatening the North, Reuters reports. However, South Korea said it saw no sign of imminent military activity in the North.

Former CIA head expected to apologize for affair

Former CIA director David Petraeus is making his first speech since resigning in November over an extramarital affair and is expected to apologize, The Associated Press reports. The former four-star general is speaking at an event in California to honour the military.