Gasoline and diesel prices both went up overnight in Nova Scotia.  The price of regular gasoline increased by 4.4 cents per litre, putting the minimum pump price for regular self-serve gasoline at $1.87 per litre in the local area.  The price of diesel increased by 3.0 cents per litre, leaving the minimum pump price for self-serve diesel at $2.42 per litre locally.

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Energy minister and Pictou West MLA Marco MacLeod has apologized for misogynistic rap lyrics he wrote before he entered politics.  MacLeod’s voice shook at times yesterday as he told reporters that he needs to demonstrate his sincerity through his actions.  Last week, a song MacLeod recorded 13 years ago resurfaced online, containing misogynistic terms for women and references to cocaine use.   MacLeod says he isn’t stepping away from politics, and though he has not reached out to the women’s group that called for his resignation, he’s read its statements to understand its perspective.

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Canada’s premiers are weighing whether to return American alcohol to store shelves as part of a possible new trade agreement with the United States.

A deal between Canada and the U-S is expected to address the latter’s tariffs on steel, aluminum, lumber and autos, along with American concerns over dairy access and Canada’s retaliatory measures.

Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc says negotiators are very close to an agreement.

Many key details remain unknown.

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Premier Tim Houston says Canada’s U-S trade dispute has been a wake-up call to diversify Nova Scotia’s economy.  He says Nova Scotia also has to be more self-sufficient, especially on the energy file.  Houston responded to the potential Canada-U-S trade deal from Banff, Alberta, where he’s promoting energy projects at an industry conference.