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Hello, these are your top stories for Friday, August 29, 2025.
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All systems go: Canada's first commercial space launch to take off from St. Lawrence Friday

August 29 , 2025 at 03:30:00 a.m. EDT • :

Newfoundland and Labrador is expected to become part of Canadian space history on Friday, when the first commercial rocket launch in the country takes off from near St. Lawrence.

Small businesses that relied on duty-free U.S. shipping wonder if they can survive without it

August 29 , 2025 at 04:00:00 a.m. EDT • :

As of Friday, Canada's small businesses can no longer ship small packages to the U.S. duty-free — and some online sellers are worried that their companies won't survive the hit.

Israel halts humanitarian pauses in Gaza City, declares it a 'dangerous combat zone'

August 29 , 2025 at 05:31:29 a.m. EDT • :

Israel's military on Friday said it was suspending mid-day pauses to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza City, calling it a "a dangerous combat zone."

People are turning to AI for emotional support. Are chatbots up to the job?

August 29 , 2025 at 04:00:00 a.m. EDT • :

People are using chatbots such as ChatGPT and custom-designed companion bots as emotional support or advisors on life decisions. But there is disturbing evidence they may not be able to handle serious emotional issues, and could cause harm.

#TheMoment an Olympian hiked 53 km in a stranger's Croc

August 28 , 2025 at 10:11:24 p.m. EDT • :

Clara Hughes, a Canadian Olympian, tells The National about the moment she lost one of her shoes on the West Coast Trail in B.C., and had to finish hiking 53 kilometres wearing a stranger's Croc on one foot.

Watch

August 27 , 2025 at 06:06:40 p.m. EDT • :

Fewer loons on your lake? It may be due to climate change

August 28 , 2025 at 11:29:02 p.m. EDT • :

The Handmaid's Tale among more than 200 books to be pulled at Edmonton public schools

August 29 , 2025 at 05:00:00 a.m. EDT • :

Scuba divers come face to face with great white shark near Hubbards, N.S.

August 28 , 2025 at 12:37:08 p.m. EDT • :

Canadians caught in crossfire as U.S. customs searches of electronic devices rise at borders

August 28 , 2025 at 05:20:03 p.m. EDT • :

'No more thoughts and prayers': Minnesota lawmakers and advocates plead for gun control

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