Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says his government is reversing some controversial budget cuts announced earlier this month.

Houston says more than 53 million dollars will be restored to programs supporting seniors, people with disabilities, and African Nova Scotian and Indigenous students. The move comes after protests outside the legislature and criticism from community groups.

The premier admitted parts of the budget process “got it wrong,” saying the approach became too clinical when it should have been more focused on the human impact.

Even with the restored funding, the province is still dealing with a 1.2-billion-dollar deficit, and Houston says difficult financial decisions remain ahead.

 

The war involving Iran, Israel and the United States is intensifying as the conflict enters its second week.

Iran has launched new drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and several Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Meanwhile, Israeli and U.S. forces have continued airstrikes inside Iran, hitting military and missile sites.

The fighting is also raising global economic concerns after Iran moved to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a key route that carries about 20 percent of the world’s oil.

Officials say more than a thousand people have been killed in Iran since the fighting began, while casualties have also been reported in Israel and Lebanon.

With both sides refusing ceasefire talks, there are growing fears the conflict could spread further across the Middle East.

 

There’s a change coming to policing services in the Town of Trenton.

Starting at midnight on April first, policing responsibility will shift from New Glasgow Regional Police to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pictou County District.

New Glasgow Regional Police will continue serving the community until the transition takes effect.

After April first, residents in Trenton needing non-emergency police assistance will need to contact the RCMP detachment in Stellarton.

Emergency calls will continue to go through 9-1-1.

 

In Sports, 

The Pictou County Weeks Crushers first round playoff schedule has been released and they will face the Truro Bearcats. Game 1 will be in Truro this Friday March 13th, and game 2 will be played at the wellness centre on Sunday March 15th.