Top Stories for January 13, 2025
Tim Hortons worker admits to stealing, cashing paycheques belonging to four co-workers
A Kamloops-area man has pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud after he was caught stealing and cashing his co-workers paycheques. Kyran Ray Cameron, 21,...
High-risk youth found safe
UPDATE JANUARY 13 Kelowna RCMP say a high-risk female reported missing on the weekend has been located. There are no longer any concerns for her safety. The...
BUSH tour headed to Kelowna in April
Multi-Platinum rock band BUSH is headed to Kelowna as part of their upcoming Canadian tour. Tickets will be available for the April 23 Kelowna show that also...
U-Haul's Growth Index ranks Kelowna lower than previous year
If U-Haul's user statistics are any indication, Kelowna's not the hotspot it once was. The rental truck company puts out an annual "Growth...
Lakeview Heights residents push back on city's densification plans
The City of West Kelowna’s desire to densify the Lakeview Heights Village Centre is causing an uproar amongst existing residents. City council on Monday...
Mounties tight-lipped on Sagmoen following dating app reports
Reports of Curtis Wayne Sagmoen having been spotted on dating apps — or at least someone using his images — are once again floating around the North...
Kelowna, Peachland featured in Lifetime murder mystery
You might recognize some settings in a new murder mystery that had its debut Sunday on the Lifetime network. The Bear Lake Murders was filmed in the Kelowna and...
Family-owned Shuswap company enters the Dragon's Den with game-changing product
A Shuswap company will be in the national spotlight on CBC's Dragon's Den in an episode airing Jan. 16. Missy MacKintosh started MisMacK Cosmetics four...
B.C. lottery pool members can't share $2M win, judge rules
A B.C. Supreme Court judge has ruled members of a work lottery pool aren’t entitled to part of a $2-million win. “Winning the lottery should be a...
Taylor Swift handed ‘Eras Tour’ staff $100,000 bonus each before they took the show out of US
Taylor Swift handed all her ‘Eras Tour’ staff a $100,000 bonus before they took the show out of the US. The singer, 35, is famed for her massive...
Icelandic discount carrier Play Airlines pulls out of Canada
Play Airlines is pulling out of Canada less than two years after entering the market. The discount carrier's schedule shows that starting in late April it...
MEC said to be up for sale for second time in five years
The Vancouver based company originally known as Mountain Equipment Co-op, later truncated to MEC, is said to be up for sale for the second time in five years. ...
Melania Trump says she's packed and ready for the move back into the White House
Incoming first lady Melania Trump says she's packed and ready to move back into the White House, where son Barron will have a bedroom, and she plans to...
Elections BC hasn't called in RCMP as Conservatives seek police probe of Surrey race
Elections BC says it hasn't asked the RCMP to investigate a complaint from the B.C. Conservatives about alleged "voting irregularities" in the...
Online camping reservations open in several parks
Winter has barely taken hold and already people are being beckoned to B.C.'s parks for a spring camping adventure. Camping reservations are opening for the...
Local businesses anxious about redevelopment of old Merritt, B.C. rest stop site
Visitors to Merritt and area locals have raised concerns about a novel development being built just outside the city and the use of the old site it will sit on....
Crash slows commute, vehicles being cleared
A crash at the corner of Clement Avenue and Clifton Road is causing delays for some in Monday's morning commute. The two vehicle crash in the Glenmore area...
Will you make a reservation to camp at a B.C. Parks campsite this spring or summer?
Winter has barely taken hold and already people are being beckoned to B.C.'s parks for a spring camping adventure. Camping reservations are opening for the...
Third annual Joe Kolar Classic Basketball tournament starts this week
Mount Boucherie Secondary School will be hosting the third annual Joe Kolar Classic Basketball tournament this week, with teams coming from across the province....
Charges laid after Alberta minor hockey association defrauded of more than $300,000
Mounties in Lloydminster have laid charges in the case of an Alberta minor hockey association that was defrauded of hundreds of thousands of dollars. RCMP say...
Cannabis outlet approved despite proximity to other licensed Kelowna property
Kelowna city council has given approval for rezoning of an Enterprise Way property to allow for the sale of cannabis. The retail cannabis subzone will allow for...
Cooler temperatures forecast by the weekend
Cooler weather is expected to move into the Okanagan by the weekend. To start the week, a ridge of high pressure will build, bringing a mix of sun and cloud and...
U.S. benefits from Canadian trade at least as much as Canada: report
A new report says the U.S. benefits at least as much from trade with Canada as Canada benefits. The report by economist Jim Stanford at the Centre for Future...
Sum 41 brings farewell tour to Kelowna's Prospera Place tonight
Kelowna will be the penultimate stop in BC on Sum 41’s farewell tour. The pop-punk band that shot to fame in the early 2000s will rock Prospera Place on...
Beyoncé donates $2.5 million to fire relief and Meghan delays show launch due to the disaster
Weaker winds and intense firefighting efforts over the weekend boosted containment of fires burning in and around Los Angeles, but the effects of the blazes on...
Trump tariffs 'spooking’ lumber markets
The mere threat of tariffs being tacked onto Canadian lumber imports in the U.S. is raising fears of panic buying that could roil lumber markets and prices....
Forestry company breached worker privacy with dashcams: Court
A division of a forestry and construction company based in Kamloops lost a review of an arbitrator’s decision that awarded fallers $4,000 each for breach...
Incoming Trump team is questioning civil servants at National Security Council about their loyalty
Incoming senior Trump administration officials have begun questioning career civil servants who work on the White House National Security Council about who they...
Legal challenge to Build Kamloops AAP in B.C. Supreme Court this week
A legal challenge that seeks to halt the largest capital project in Kamloops history will be heard Wednesday by a B.C. Supreme Court judge. In October, Kathrine...
'Big Brother is watching you': Collector's coin marks George Orwell's death 75 years ago
A commemorative coin featuring the image of an eye and the inscription “Big Brother is watching you" is being released to pay tribute to...
Magnitude 6.9 earthquake rattles southwestern Japan, followed by tsunami advisories
A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.9 has hit southwestern Japan, the country's Meteorological Agency said Monday, while warning the...
Canada settles class-action lawsuit by military members who alleged racism in uniform
The federal government has settled a class-action lawsuit with military members who were subjected to racism during their time in the Armed Forces. The...
No indication Trump will back down on tariffs, but retaliating not the answer: Smith
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, fresh off a weekend visit with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, says if Ottawa uses an energy embargo to combat the incoming...
B.C. starvation death inquest hears victim's emaciated state, poor living conditions
Florence Girard was so small when she died that she "looked like a child" in her casket, her sister told a British Columbia coroner's inquest into...
CPC announces $535,000 in medal bonuses for Canada's Paris Paralympians
The Canadian Paralympic Committee announced Monday that a total of $535,000 was awarded to Canadian athletes for their achievements at the 2024 Paris...
Former Alberta premier Rachel Notley joins labour-focused law firm
Former Alberta premier Rachel Notley is returning to her legal roots, joining western Canadian law firm Southern Butler Price. Notley, who was the NDP premier...
More types of birth control pill now free in B.C.
Prescription contraception medications 'Lolo' and 'Slynd' are now free in B.C., marking an expansion of B.C.'s universal coverage program....
Supreme Court declines to hear from oil and gas companies trying to block climate change lawsuits
The Supreme Court said Monday it won’t hear an appeal from oil and gas companies trying to block lawsuits seeking to hold the industry liable for billions...
Toronto police launch investigation team to tackle violence in the tow truck industry
Toronto police say they are launching a new initiative to address a rise in criminal and violent incidents in the tow truck industry. Police say plainclothes...
B.C. doc reflects on treating teen with avian flu for two months
A British Columbia doctor who treated a 13-year-old avian flu patient says the case has made him concerned about the potential for more human H5N1 infections....
Canada Post says 25% stamp price increase takes effect today
The cost to send a letter in Canada is increasing by about 25 per cent, effective today. Canada Post says the cost of stamps for domestic mail bought in a...
Freeland to announce Liberal leadership bid within the next week
Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland will announce her intention to run for the Liberal party leadership just before the U.S. presidential inauguration, a...
Now is a good time to look at your finances
We are off and running in the early days of 2025, so today’s column will be short and sweet. I think many of us tough out difficult financial situations...
Canadians' financial stress ramping up despite interest rate cuts: MNP
Half of Canadians are $200 or less away from being unable to cover their monthly bills and debt payments, according to MNP Ltd.'s quarterly report on...
Living longer can mean more dementia but there are ways to reduce the risk
About a million Americans a year are expected to develop dementia by 2060, roughly double today’s toll, researchers reported Monday. That estimate is...
One suspect arrested, another sought after armed home invasion in Quesnel, RCMP say
Police in Quesnel are searching for a suspect in connection with a report of a weekend home invasion in which one of the culprits was armed with a handgun....
Work has started on a new 51-unit supportive housing complex in Vernon
Work is underway on another supportive housing complex in Vernon. The 51-unit apartment, called The Willows, is being built at the former Howard House location...
Dazzling Ice Castles draw tourists to New Hampshire and other states
An annual architectural celebration of ice is up and running again in New Hampshire and several other states. Ice Castles, which are both temporary art...
Elections task force watching Liberal race for signs of foreign interference
The Liberal party's leadership race will be monitored by Canada's elections intelligence task force for signs of foreign interference, national security...
Salmon Arm RCMP say woman made Christmas Eve call to police reporting a 'very dirty' hotel room
Salmon Arm Mounties say they responded to a Christmas Eve call about a “very dirty” hotel room after a woman threatened to jump over the lobby...
Weekend announcements narrow field of high-profile Liberal leadership prospects
As a race to elect a new Liberal leader quickly approaches, a high-profile candidate appears set to throw their hat into the ring. Former Bank of Canada...
Wind conditions are expected to worsen amid battle against Los Angeles area wildfires
After making some progress battling wildfires that destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people in the Los Angeles area, firefighters are...
Kamloops temperatures expected to drop by weekend: Environment Canada
The Kamloops forecast is calling for clouds to replace sunny skies and a drop in temperatures by the weekend as a weather system passes through the region....
Staffing issues causing 'reduced maternity services' continue at Vernon Jubilee Hospital
The maternity ward at Vernon Jubilee Hospital was short staffed early this year, once again. An expectant mother told Castanet the ward was fully closed...
Police investigating after man injured in fire outside Vancouver SkyTrain station
Police in Vancouver are looking for witnesses after a man was injured in a fire outside a SkyTrain station in the city. They say the 40-year-old man was found...
Court upholds approval of B.C. port expansion despite risks to whales
A legal challenge claiming the planned expansion of Canada’s largest port would threaten endangered southern resident killer whales has been struck down...
Jeff Bezos' space company calls off debut launch of massive new rocket in final minutes of countdown
Blue Origin called off the debut launch of its massive new rocket early Monday because of technical trouble. The 320-foot (98-meter) New Glenn rocket was...
Severe weather did record damage in 2024 with more than $8B in insured losses
A new report says the cost of insured damage caused by severe weather last year hit a record high as it totalled more than $8 billion. According to Catastrophe...
Canada has 2.4M households in ‘core housing need’
Canada has 2.4 million households in what a new report from the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer in Ottawa describes as “core housing...
B.C. building permit values plummeted in November, says StatCan
The total value of building permits issued in B.C. saw a double-digit drop in November 2024, consistent with industry reports that construction has been slowing...
Jeff Bezos' space company calls off debut launch of massive new rocket in final minutes of countdown
Blue Origin called off the debut launch of its massive new rocket early Monday because of technical trouble. The 320-foot (98-meter) New Glenn rocket was...
It is possible to get life insurance at affordable rates after a cancer diagnosis
Securing life insurance after a cancer diagnosis, or other serious illness, may seem like an impossible task to many Canadians. The perception, often, is any...
Stock market today: Drops for Nvidia and other star stocks keep Wall Street in a rut
Drops for Nvidia and other superstar stocks are dragging U.S. indexes lower and keeping Wall Street stuck in its weekslong rut. The S&P 500 fell 0.8% early...
Legal arguments to begin for 4 girls accused in death of homeless Toronto man
Lawyers are set to begin legal arguments today for four girls scheduled to face trial this year over their alleged role in a deadly group attack on a homeless...
Suspect charged in two North Vancouver Christmas Day stranger assaults
One man is facing a host of charges after police allege he assaulted strangers in public on Christmas Day and, later, set fire to an apartment building. North...
Los Angeles wildfire death toll surges to 24 as firefighters brace for more fierce winds
After a weekend spent blocking the explosive growth of fires that destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people in the Los Angeles area,...
Dozens compete in province's only sanctioned indoor triathlon at Tournament Capital Centre
Dozens of athletes tested their mettle on Sunday at the Tournament Capital Centre, taking part in the only sanctioned indoor triathlon in B.C. Participants were...
The unseen layers of Alzheimer's disease: Beyond memory loss
Alzheimer's disease, just the mention of it can evoke a sense of fear and apprehension. While it's commonly recognized for its devastating impact on...
Cineplex reports box office revenue in December up from year ago
Cineplex says its box office revenue for December was up from a year earlier as movies released in November including Wicked and Moana 2 gained momentum. The...
Biden's administration proposes new rules on exporting AI chips, provoking an industry pushback
The Biden administration is proposing a new framework for the exporting of the advanced computer chips used to develop artificial intelligence, an attempt to...
China's electric car sales grew in 2024 as sales of gasoline cars plunged
Sales of all types of electric vehicles rose more than 40% in China last year, while those of gasoline-powered automobiles plunged, industry data showed Monday....
Dozens of Canadian firefighters head to California to help in fire fight
More than 60 Canadian front-line firefighters are on their way to the Los Angeles area as part of international efforts to fight the raging wildfires that have...
Penticton's cozy warm spots during winter
"Four seasons of fun" is an ongoing collaboration between Castanet and Visit Penticton showcasing what Penticton has to offer all year round. Watch...
Black Friday was busiest holiday shopping day in Canada: Moneris
New data says Black Friday was the busiest shopping day of the 2024 holiday season in Canada, regaining the top spot after recent years were dominated by...
Quebec Liberals look to revive party as leadership race begins — in Trudeau's shadow
The Liberal leadership race in Quebec is kicking off today, as the provincial party looks to broaden its appeal after years in the political wilderness. The...
City of Vernon will continue to have volunteer 'auxiliary' fire fighters
The City of Vernon will continue to have volunteer firefighters after its current agreement expires. On Friday, a declassified council item was released ahead...
Annual Penticton Art Gallery chili cook-off tickets now on sale
The popular annual Loving Mugs Chili Cook-Off is coming back to the Penticton Art Gallery, warming tummies and raising money for the non-profit organization. On...
Winnipeg-based Indigenous comedians to perform in Kamloops
The Bad Apples promise a good time, and they are inviting Kamloopsians to the Effie Arts Collective on Thursday as their comedy show takes centre stage....
Progress made in talks over Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release, officials say
U.S. and Arab mediators made significant progress overnight toward brokering a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and the release of scores of hostages held in...
Kamloops Film Society hopes to expand movie offerings, build on community partnerships
The Kamloops Film Society is hoping to expand its community partnerships and build out its repertoire of films as it heads into the new year. Over the past...
Osoyoos residents upset over open public input meeting requirements to speak
Some Osoyoos taxpayers are expressing frustration over the town's open public input meeting requirements to speak following a meeting on Thursday. On Jan 9,...
Penticton Vees ready to hit the outdoor ice for Frost Fest
The Penticton Vees are excited to participate in the upcoming Valley First Frost Fest Winter Carnival this coming weekend. From Friday Jan. 17 to Sunday, Jan....
Vernon's Counterpoint Choir presenting What a Dream Jan. 24 and 25
Vernon's Counterpoint Choir will be putting on a dreamy production later this month. What a Dream features songs from a variety of genres reflecting the...
Art show features celebrated Osoyoos photographer and winner of 2025 poster award
A celebrated local photographer took home the 2025 best poster award from The Art Gallery Osoyoos. Greg Reely won with his 'Aurora Chief' photo,...
Vernon Winter Carnival now accepting scholarship applications
The Vernon Winter Carnival is now accepting applications for its annual grade 12 scholarships. There are two scholarships up for grabs of $1,000 each – to...
Advocacy groups call for more compassionate rhetoric around Nelson's unhoused population
As cities across Canada grapple with the growing housing crisis, the language surrounding the unhoused has become a point of contention for some Nelsonites....
Sicamous Mounties use Taser warning to subdue agitated drunk man
Sicamous RCMP say an intoxicated man told officers he wanted them to shoot and kill him — but once police told the man he would be Tased if he...
RDCK gives insight on the recreation engagement process so far
The light at the end of the tunnel is growing brighter for the Nelson recreation campus. With the residential survey now finished — and the user group...
More meetings with community groups needed to create Osoyoos parks master plan
Consultants are hoping to further meet with community groups to discuss the Osoyoos parks master plan this week. Ahead of Tuesday's council meeting, a...
Coldest night event needs warm bodies to volunteer to pull off fundraising event
If you can feel the chill of winter setting in now, know that the coldest night of the year is yet to come. In five weeks the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY)...
CBT: Residents getting set to direct the latest round of grants program
Last year more than $1.5 million was handed out to 311 Columbia Basin community groups, including over $100,000 in Nelson, through the Resident Directed grants...