National Business

MONTREAL — Dairy giant Saputo Inc. says Kai Bockmann is stepping down as the company's president and chief operating officer ahead of his retirement this March.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week to the highest level since mid-November, but still low by historic standards. U.S.

TORONTO — Corus Entertainment Inc. reported its first-quarter profit edged lower compared with a year ago as its revenue grew 10 per cent. The television and radio broadcaster says it earned net income attributable to shareholders of nearly $76.

SANTA FE, N.M.

MONTREAL — The federal government is backing down from its vaccine mandate for Canadian truckers three days before it was set to take effect.

CHICAGO (AP) — Students in the nation's third-largest school district returned to classrooms Wednesday after Chicago Public Schools canceled five days of classes amid a standoff with the teachers' union over COVID-19 safety protocols .

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A severely corroded pipeline ruptured and spilled more than 300,000 gallons (1.1 million liters) of diesel fuel just outside New Orleans after needed repairs on the line were delayed by its operator, according to federal records.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Lael Brainard pledged in written remarks Wednesday to help the Federal Reserve fight a spike in inflation while still supporting the economic recovery — a tricky balancing act she would face if confirmed as the Fed's No. 2 official.

MONTREAL — Reitmans (Canada) Ltd. says it has paid creditors $95 million as it exits creditor protection after about 20 months. The Montreal-based company says it has paid court-appointed monitor Ernst & Young Inc.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States Mint said Monday it has begun shipping quarters featuring the image of poet Maya Angelou, the first coins in its American Women Quarters Program.