August 27 News...

The money is flowing like black gold here in Alberta. The province's first-quarter fiscal update shows the province is headed for another record budget surplus of at least 8.5-billion dollars. Most of the surplus money will be used for building projects, public transit upgrades and a new fund to reduce Alberta's greenhouse gas emissions thru carbon capture.

An off-duty Calgary cop ended up in hospital with serious injuries after being assaulted sunday night. The cop identified himself as a constable to his attacker and was able to call for help on a cellphone before the fight broke out. But before another officer could get there to help, the policeman was beaten and pushed into traffic, narrowly missing being hit by a car.

The Mounties say there's still no sign of five dangerous prisoners who broke out of a Regina jail Sunday night. Because the breakout happened so close to the Trans-Canada Highway, the R-C-M-P says they could be anywhere.

At least four class-action lawsuits are being filed against Maple Leaf Foods. It's because of the listeriosis outbreak that's been conclusively linked to the deaths of at least six Canadians. A Regina law firm specializing in class-action lawsuits says at least 500 Canadians are interested in taking part.

Speculation is growing that Prime Minister Harper is preparing to call an election early next month. Governor General Michaelle Jean has cancelled plans attend the Paralympics in Beijing starting September 6th. That will allow Jean to remain in Ottawa, in case Harper asks her to dissolve Parliament, paving the way for an election.

Hillary Clinton is showing no apparent bitterness about losing the Democratic presidential nomination to Barack Obama. In her speech to the party's convention in Denver last night, Clinton urged the millions of Americans who supported her, to send Obama to the White House. Obama is set to be formally nominated at the Democratic convention tonight, and will accept the nomination Thursday night.