National Business

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve has opened one of its lending programs to non-profit groups, including hospitals, educational institutions, and social service organizations.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — Construction of U.S. homes jumped 17.3% in June as some states reopened, but the pace still lags last year after this spring's massive slowdown in building activity due to the coronavirus outbreak.

OTTAWA — Wholesale sales in Canada ticked higher in May after posting a record plunge in April due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Statistics Canada said Friday. The government agency said wholesale sales rose 5.7 per cent to $52.

TORONTO — Cineplex Inc. says it is laying off more than 130 workers as the company continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic and a takeover deal that has turned litigious. The Toronto-based theatre chain says workers in Canada and the U.S.

CALGARY — Despite negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on production and costs, rising prices for gold are expected to buoy results as Canada's precious metals miners begin rolling out second-quarter financial results next week.

CALGARY — Rising prices for gold are expected to buoy results as Canada's precious metals miners begin rolling out second-quarter financial results next week.

VICTORIA — British Columbia Premier John Horgan says he's proud that a national sick leave program has been announced as part of $19 billion in federal funding to support the provinces and territories during the COVID-19 pandemic.

WASHINGTON — Federal health officials are extending the U.S. ban on cruise ships through the end of September as coronavirus infections rise in most U.S. states, including Florida.

A U.S. company has terminated its merger agreement with Canada's Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Ltd. that could have created a publicly traded company valued at nearly $1.5 billion. Leisure Acquisition Corp.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson issued an order Thursday requiring people to wear face masks in public throughout the state, which has had a surge in coronavirus cases over the past several weeks.