Month: February 2021
Moscow protest spreads wide after police block original plan
MOSCOW (AP) — The Moscow police plan to stifle an opposition protest by clamping down on the center of the city has backfired. Not only did the massive demonstration demanding freedom for jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny take place Sunday, but it was spread throughout a wide swath of the city. By making a long trek through Moscow’s icy streets, the protesters got a chance to spread their message across much of central Moscow, attracting considerable attention along the way with their chants against President Vladimir Putin.
Masks, social distancing and speed: Snowmobiles enjoy boom
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Americans’ desire to get outdoors during the pandemic despite the winter cold is creating a season unlike any in more than two decades for the snowmobiling industry. From Maine to Montana, it’s becoming difficult to find a new snowmobile for sale. And the rental fleets are booked up. The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association said U.S. represents the world’s biggest market for snowmobiles and Canada isn’t far behind. Together combining for more than $30 billion in annual sales.
Treasury borrowing drops but could rise with new COVID aid
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Treasury Department says it plans to borrow $274 billion in the current January-March quarter, down 54.1% from last three-month period. But officials concede that figure could rise significantly depending on what type of new coronavirus relief package is approved by Congress. Treasury’s projected borrowing figure for this quarter is down from the $597 billion in actual borrowing it did during the October-December quarter. The government ran up a record $3.1 trillion deficit for the 2020 budget year. Federal finances were strained by trillions of dollars spent to support an economy that went into freefall in the spring when a global pandemic hit, pushing millions of people out of work.
Virus financial relief sought as Australia opens Parliament
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia’s prime minister says there could be more targeted economic relief for businesses struggling with pandemic restrictions after Parliament resumed for the first time in 2021. Tourism, aviation and hospitality are among the industries calling for extended financial help after pandemic wage subsidies are due to end on March 31. With opposition lawmakers calling for more business support, Prime Minister Scott Morrison did not rule out his government providing extra funding. Deputy opposition leader Richard Marles said businesses in tourism and aviation would go under without targeted help.