National Business

CALGARY — A major Canadian electricity producer is successfully off coal power in this country, nine years ahead of a government deadline. Calgary-based Trans-Alta Corp.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell below 200,000, more evidence that the job market remains strong in the aftermath of last year's coronavirus recession.

TORONTO — Electra Battery Materials Corp. says it has signed a five-year cobalt tolling contract with mining giant Glencore to produce a low carbon, battery grade cobalt product for the electric vehicle market.

DENVER (AP) — A man accused of killing five people in a rampage in Denver is believed to have written fictional books self-published online that named some of his real-life victims and described similar attacks.

DENVER (AP) — A man accused of killing five people in a rampage in Denver is believed to have written fictional books self-published online that named some of his real-life victims and described similar attacks.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A Los Angeles business manager whose clients had included Nicki Minaj and the Kardashians was killed, and her boyfriend was charged with murder and torture, authorities said Wednesday.

TORONTO — George Weston Limited says the previously announced $370-million sale of its Weston Foods ambient bakery business to Hearthside Food Solutions, LLC has closed.

TORONTO — Canadian business and labour groups are at odds over preferred isolation times for people who have tested positive for COVID-19 The question has renewed urgency after the U.S.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (21.344.65, up 114.97 points.) TC Energy Corp. (TSX:TRP). Energy. Down four cents, or 0.1 per cent, to $60.41 on 10.9 million shares.

The so-called Santa Claus rally was in effect Wednesday, as Canada's main stock index closed higher on the first day of trading since the Christmas holiday. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 114.97 points at 21,344.65.