Defence ministers of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico concluded a two-day meeting in Ottawa today designed to enhance co-operation regarding security threats from violent drug cartels and response to natural disasters. “Threats to North America and the hemisphere are increasingly complex and require non-traditional responses … we have agreed to enhance our co-operation to support [...]

The U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative justices sharply questioned a core provision of President Barack Obama’s historic health care reforms today, raising doubts about the fate of the requirement that all Americans must buy insurance coverage or face a penalty. The court’s ruling on the constitutionality of the law — expected in June, during the heat [...]

Pope Benedict XVI prayed for freedom and renewal “for the greater good of all Cubans” before the nation’s patron saint Tuesday, but the island’s communist leaders quickly rejected the Roman Catholic leader’s appeal for political change after five decades of one-party rule. The exchange came hours ahead of a meeting with President Raul Castro behind [...]

With a magnificent performance on the road in a pivotal late-season game, the surging Buffalo Sabres took another huge step in their charge to the playoffs. In the process, Buffalo dealt a severe blow to the erring Washington Capitals. Ryan Miller stopped 44 shots, Drew Stafford scored two goals and the Sabres beat Washington 5-1 [...]

The student who mocked Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba on Twitter after the player collapsed on the field during a match has been jailed for inciting racial hatred. Liam Stacey, a 21-year-old student at Swansea University, admitted to the charge last week and was jailed Tuesday for 56 days. Chief prosecutor Jim Brisbane says “we hope [...]