August 25 News...

Calgary city council is being asked to approve 25-million dollars to hire 200 new police officers over the next 3-years. Mayor Dave Bronconnier says more officers will help fight the city's growing gang problem. Bronconnier and Police Chief Rick Hanson also plan to meet with Premier Ed Stelmach on Thursday to ask for provincial money to hire yet another 200-officers. Yesterday's announcement comes in the wake of a deadly and violent summer on Calgary streets, which have seen 5-murders this month alone.

Maple Leaf Foods says it expects to lose sales in addition to the original 20-million dollar cost of a massive recall because of possible listeria contamination. The company's chief financial officer says the company may also have to spend more on advertising as a result of the recall. It has now grown to 220 products after a Canada-wide listeria outbreak that's killed four people and made at least 17 others sick.

Meantime, a Calgary-based distributor of ready-made sandwiches has recalled dozens of goods sold in Saskatchewan and Alberta. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the sandwiches may contain some of the pre-packaged meat products recalled by Maple Leaf Foods last week. Safeway and TakeAwayCafe brand sandwiches have been recalled in the wake of the deadly bacteria outbreak.

One of the themes at this week's Democratic National Convention in Denver is ``unity.'' In that vein, Hillary Clinton is expected to release the delegates she won in primaries and caucuses and encourage them to support Barack Obama. The stage on day one belongs to the potential first lady as Michelle Obama delivers tonight's main speech.

And a new survey shows a son will cost parents $14-thousand more to raise than a daughter. A lot of the extra cost comes from gadgets and sports.  (rotten boys)