Teen arrested for assault
$1.5-billion hole in budget
Highway 1 closures ahead
Ottawa condemns China 
Tariffs to hurt canola sector
COVID-19 activist guilty
Trump, Zelenskyy have call
Pope off the ventilator 
Images of distant galaxies
EU tells Apple to open up
B.C. company fined $100K
'Absurd' inequities
'I feel more like myself'
Canada falls to South Korea
Canada to play Ukraine 
Batiste's wife in remission
Calvin Harris buys pub
Kesha felt 'pretty isolated'
Top Stories for February 4, 2025
'ICBC acted unreasonably': Kelowna man's recording wins over tribunal
A Kelowna man who ICBC said shared the blame for a Highway 97 crash managed to shift the narrative in a recent BC Civil Resolution hearing. According to a...
Jarrod Bacon charged in B.C. shooting
A high profile former B.C. gang member has been arrested for a Jan. 29 shooting in Fort Nelson. RCMP sent out a press release Tuesday saying that Jarrod Bacon,...
Notorious Kelowna criminal wanted again
A notorious prolific offender who was given a "bit of a break" when last before a judge may have blown it. Dayton Lloyd McAlpine, 37, is wanted on a...
WestJet flight leaving Kelowna forced to land after striking goose Sunday night
A WestJet flight from Kelowna to Edmonton on Sunday night was forced to turn around after striking a bird shortly after take-off. Kelowna International Airport...
Nearly 300 animals at the BC SPCA awaiting a new home
The BC SPCA is calling on animal lovers across the province to consider adopting a furry friend, as nearly 300 animals—ranging from dogs and cats to...
Kelowna protest leader in court over a scooter-related driving charge
David Lindsay says his case should be a “fait accompli”. The well-known Kelowna man who helped organize protests against government COVID-19...
Man steals bike during test ride in Kelowna
A local family is seeking help after a man reportedly stole a bike during a test ride on Jan. 30. According to the victim’s wife, who posted the...
Should the federal government send Canadian troops to police the Canada-U.S. border?
Public Safety Minister David McGuinty says there is no plan to send Canadian soldiers to the Canada-U.S. border. In a bid to head off crippling tariffs...
Vernon killer shows 'concerning' attitude
A former Vernon pharmacist convicted of manslaughter in the death of his ex-partner will remain on parole despite concerns over his attitude, according to a...
Port Moody woman's husband charged with indignity to human remains
A charge has been laid in relation to the case of a Port Moody woman whose remains were found months after she'd been reported missing. The BC Prosecution...
Towing company to remove vehicle from lake
A vehicle that plunged into Okanagan Lake Monday night will be towed out later today, RCMP said. RCMP said in an emailed statement Tuesday, that the single...
Man given one day more in jail after spree of fleeing police in Kelowna, South Okanagan
A South Okanagan man who led police on a wild chase involving a helicopter, dogs and a stolen ATV spent one more day in jail following sentencing. David James...
Canadian Chamber of Commerce says uncertainty and turmoil persist with tariff delay
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce says a decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to delay the implementation of tariffs on Canadian goods headed to the U.S....
Trump won't rule out deploying US troops to support rebuilding Gaza, sees 'long-term' US ownership
President Donald Trump said Tuesday he isn’t ruling out deploying U.S. troops to support reconstruction of Gaza and he envisions “long-term”...
Third-party advertiser Take Back Alberta fined more than $100K by Elections Alberta
Take Back Alberta, the third-party advertiser that made headlines for its role in the high-profile ouster of former premier Jason Kenney, has been fined more...
Naramata winery bought for $1.8M after court-directed sale
A Naramata winery was scooped up in a court-ordered sale that did not cover its debts. The Western Investor reports that Silhouette Cellars Ltd. has acquired...
Trans Canada reopened west of Revelstoke
UPDATE 6 a.m. Tuesday The Trans Canada Highway is reopened west of Revelstoke. ORIGINAL 9:20 p.m. Monday The Trans Canada Highway is closed in both directions...
West Kelowna doctor awarded King Charles III’s Coronation Medal
A West Kelowna trailblazer has been recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her contributions to health care. Dr. Unjali Malhotra was given...
Four found dead in home on First Nation in southern Saskatchewan
Four people have been found dead in a home on a First Nation in southern Saskatchewan, RCMP said Tuesday. Officers with the File Hills Police Service found the...
’Shop local’ in the Okanagan gets boost from Trump tariffs threat
“Shop local” has been the refrain from food producers in the Okanagan for many years, but it may be reaching more ears as the threat of U.S. tariffs...
Justice for Tatjana movement planning demonstration in Vernon
The Justice for Tatjana movement will be holding a peaceful demonstration outside the Vernon courthouse at the end of next month. The movement was created after...
From Musk to mushrooms, Canadian buyers let money do the talking amid tariff turmoil
Finance worker Michael Atkinson is a fan of electric cars, but lately he found himself embarrassed to drive his Tesla Model 3 around Vancouver. Dismayed by...
B.C. fast-tracking 18 mining and energy projects in face of U.S. tariff threat
The British Columbia government has released a list of 18 critical mineral and energy projects worth roughly $20 billion that it says it's working to...
Booing of U.S. anthem continues at Canadian sporting events despite tariff pause
Canadian sports fans continued to voice their displeasure at American economic policies on Tuesday despite a pause in a trade war between Canada and the United...
About 10 killed at adult education center in what officials say is Sweden's worst mass shooting
UPDATE 11:35 a.m. About 10 people, including the gunman, were killed on Tuesday at an adult education center in what Sweden’s prime minister called the...
Poor weather in other cities still impacting travel at YLW
Rolling delays continue at Kelowna International Airport today because of bad weather in other cities. Senior manager of airport operations Phillip Elchitz...
Senate committee advances Robert F. Kennedy Jr. nomination to be health secretary
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the controversial environmental lawyer turned public health critic, cleared his first hurdle on Tuesday to become the nation's top...
Fact-checking Trump's executive order threatening tariffs on Canada
To justify his executive order imposing stiff tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico and China, U.S. President Donald Trump cited an "extraordinary threat...
Second-driest January on record in parts of the Okanagan
It was a very dry January in the Okanagan, and we’re not talking about people abstaining from alcohol. Kelowna recorded its second-driest January on...
Kamloops mayor again files police report, accuses councillor of hacking
Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson has once again called the police on one of his council colleagues. Hamer-Jackson said he filed a police report on Jan. 18...
No Canadian soldiers assigned to border enforcement, minister says
Public Safety Minister David McGuinty says there is no plan to send Canadian soldiers to the Canada-U.S. border. In a bid to head off crippling tariffs...
Six townhomes proposed on single-family lot on Ethel Street
Kelowna planners are being asked to review an infill proposal to construct six townhomes on a single-family lot on Ethel Street. The property is on the east...
Prosecutors in South Okanagan unclear as to man's status after prison assault
B.C. prosecutors are wondering where a South Okanagan alleged criminal is after a major prison assault. Alf Douglas Odinson, born in 1982, is facing multiple...
Vancouver real estate market shifting as more sellers enter market, January sales up
The number of homes that changed hands in the Vancouver area rose again last month, but the city's real estate board says new listings outpaced demand as...
Prosecutors want jail for four Tiny House Warriors who led assault on Blue River worksite
Prosecutors want members of a disruptive anti-pipeline protest group jailed for a 2021 assault on a Trans-Mountain work camp in the North Thompson. “The...
Burnaby man should get 9 years for sex crimes against child he met in 'furry' group: Crown
Content warning: This story contains details of sexual crimes against a minor. A 41-year-old Burnaby man should be sentenced to nine years in prison for sex...
B.C. drunk driver hit multiple cars before someone stopped her from driving
A drunk driver who hit multiple cars in East Vancouver has been fined $2,000 and banned from driving for one year. Lazeena Bibi Dean appeared before Vancouver...
The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the world's Ismaili Muslims, has died at age 88
The Aga Khan, who became the spiritual leader of the world’s millions of Ismaili Muslims at age 20 as a Harvard undergraduate and poured a material empire...
Soaring egg prices are piquing interest in backyard chickens
Thinking about backyard chickens as egg prices soar? Think hard, especially in light of the bird flu outbreak. Keeping home chickens as a pastime has continued...
Suit up! Met Gala reveals dress code and a slate of new celeb hosts
Met Gala guests, suit up! That was the order from on high as the Metropolitan Museum of Art revealed the dress code for its annual lavish celebration of fashion...
Drug deaths across Southern Interior, B.C. down in 2024
B.C.’s Southern Interior had the fewest toxic drug deaths since 2020, according to the latest from the B.C. Coroners Service. Throughout the Interior...
Video: Vancouver sea otter pups experience snow for the first time, destroy snowman
Watching animals experience snow for the first time is often a delight. And it's no different with Luna and Tofino, Vancouver Aquarium's sea otter...
‘A grim picture’: Truckers say tariffs would prompt industry layoffs, shutdowns
Truckers say the across-the-board 25 per cent tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump would wreak havoc on their industry as trade between Canada and...
North Okanagan man cited in contempt of court for continual expletives aimed at judge
For the second time in a matter of days, a North Okanagan man hurled profanity at a Vernon judge – he's now been cited for contempt of court. After a...
Alberta woman fined $15K after pleading guilty to importing serval cats
An Alberta woman has been fined $15,000 after she pleaded guilty to illegally importing two serval cats into the province. Alberta Fish and Wildlife says...
What USAID does, and why Trump and Musk want to get rid of it
Dozens of senior officials put on leave. Thousands of contractors laid off. A freeze put on billions of dollars in humanitarian assistance to other countries....
'Many unanswered questions': Man, 19, dead after witnesses see him taken away in vehicle
B.C.’s homicide squad is investigating the death of a 19-year-old man in the Crescent Beach area of Surrey. Sgt. Freda Fong with the Integrated Homicide...
Thieves attempt to steal supplies at Oliver shelter
The Oliver Missions Society saw an attempted break-in to its cargo trailer of supplies for the extreme cold emergency shelter Monday overnight. In a social...
Court rules against WestJet on reimbursement caps for meals, hotels
A B.C. Supreme Court judge is barring WestJet from telling passengers their reimbursement for meals and accommodations is capped. The ruling says travellers...
B.C. cleantech hits speed bump as battery, hydrogen investments stall
Up until just a few months ago, betting on battery gigafactories, green hydrogen fuel cell plants and cleantech manufacturing still seemed like a smart idea....
Kelowna city hall one of three buildings getting a new roof this year
The City of Kelowna has gone out to tender looking for a contractor to replace the roof on a number of city-owned buildings including city hall. Also going out...
China counters with tariffs on US products. It will also investigate Google
China announced retaliatory tariffs on select American imports and an antitrust investigation into Google on Tuesday, just minutes after a sweeping levy on...
Unattended idle cars in cold snap could mean theft: Vernon RCMP
As the cold snap continues in the Okanagan, Mounties are warning residents to avoid leaving vehicles running and unattended. In a post to Facebook, Vernon RCMP...
Burnaby driver ticketed for snowy windshield, tells cop he was on his way to buy a brush
It took just two hours for Burnaby RCMP to pull over 112 drivers who hadn’t properly cleared the snow off their vehicles this week. Officers set up in...
Holiday campaign raises $484,000 for Central Okanagan Food Bank
One extended family donated their Christmas money. Black Mountain Elementary and Harley Davidson each collected approximately 2,000 pounds of food. These are...
Kamloops chamber, MLA say more trade with other provinces needed to help dull tariff threats
Calls are growing in Kamloops for free interprovincial trade in the face of threats of steep tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump agreed to delay the...
Say goodbye to stressful car buying; BCAA's new online marketplace delivers peace of mind
Outside of buying a home, purchasing a vehicle is likely the most stressful purchase you’ll ever make. It doesn’t need to be that way. BCAA Auto...
'Fentanyl czar' will serve as liaison between U.S. and Canada, minister says
Federal Public Safety Minister David McGuinty says Canada's new "fentanyl czar" will serve as a liaison between Canada and the U.S. on...
B.C. immigration 'consultant' convicted of sex assault, employing foreign nationals
A Vancouver immigration company owner has been convicted of sexual assaulting one Iranian immigrant and two counts of illegally employing foreign nationals....
Can you do 2,000 push-ups for mental health?
Here’s a way to improve your physical fitness while supporting mental health. CMHA Kelowna is encouraging people in the Central Okanagan to sign up for...
Facing a flap over cats, Scotland's government denies it plans to ban felines
The Scottish government wants everyone to know it does not plan to ban cats. First Minister John Swinney was forced to issue the statement after a report by...
Despite Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter and Kendrick Lamar, ratings for the Grammys fall
Ratings for the Grammy Awards dipped from last year, despite the nail-biting tension of whether Beyoncé would win album of the year and a surprise...
'Riverdance' tour celebrates its 30th anniversary with a pair of siblings leading the way
Before they hit the stage every night, Irish siblings Anna Mai and Fergus Fitzpatrick share a special ritual: A hug and a low five. “Like a high five, but...
Where is B.C. going with its climate policy ?
Last year was the hottest year on record, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Hundreds of climate scientists from the International...
Climate strategist gives message of hope in Whistler
These days, it’s rare to hear conversations around climate change that have hope at the core, but for award-winning speaker Molly Kawahata, it’s...
North Glenmore Elementary school in Kelowna adds prefabricated classrooms
Five new classrooms at North Glenmore Elementary are now open. The provincial government announced the $7.5M project, adding five classrooms and 120 seats, back...
The convenience of canned wine is just part of its appeal
It may be hard to believe, but there’s nothing new about wine in cans. In fact, it’s almost a century since they first were produced, in California,...
What pedestrian signals mean for drivers and pedestrians
This week's correspondence contained a request to explain what pedestrian signals mean. The gentleman who sent me the e-mail expressed an opinion that many...
As quakes rattle Greek islands, a few brave tourists enjoy having Santorini to themselves
More Greek islands closed schools Tuesday as hundreds of earthquakes rattled the Aegean Sea, while a handful of hardy tourists enjoyed having Santorini’s...
Ottawa defends its use of Emergencies Act before Federal Court of Appeal
A lawyer for the federal government says a judge mistakenly concluded it was unreasonable for the government to use the Emergencies Act in 2022 to quell...
Kamloops council OKs planned Pineview development after hearing trail concerns
A proposed 180-unit housing development near the site of a future elementary school in Pineview Valley is one step closer to breaking ground. After a public...
CRTC opens door to Telus expansion in Ontario, Quebec
The Canadian Radio-television and Communications (CRTC) has cleared the path for B.C.-headquartered telecom Telus Corp. (TSX:T) to expand into Eastern Canada...
FireAid benefit concert raised more than $100 million so far
The stars came out for FireAid and so did wallets — the massive benefit concert last week to raise money for those affected by the devastating Los...
A'ja Wilson's release of Nike shoe, apparel collection shows growth and interest in women's sports
A’ja Wilson has come to realize what is delayed is not always denied. The two-time WNBA champion and three-time league MVP proudly released her...
Okanagan Symphony Orchestra to present 'Rachmaninoff & Glazunov'
The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra continues this season's Mainstage Series with a program titled Rachmaninoff & Glazunov, featuring Canadian saxophonist...
Pause on U.S. tariffs good news, but uncertainty is 'dagger over our heads': Legault
Quebec Premier François Legault welcomed news that Canada would not be hit with United States tariffs for another month, but he said Monday that...
Thursday's Blues N Bites Night Market will benefit food bank
Get out of the cold and into the warm vibe that will be felt Thursday night at the new Kelowna Events Centre. The Blues N Bites Night Market will be held from...
Insolvencies rose 12.1 per cent in 2024, led by business filings
Insolvencies rose 12.1 per cent last year compared with 2023, with business insolvencies leading the way, up 28.6 per cent. The Canadian Association of...
Canada presses on with trade diversification strategy as Trump blusters
While President Donald Trump is taking up all the space on the main stage by threatening to upend bilateral trade, Canada is busy working on other free trade...
B.C. human rights commissioner wants study of police in schools after board's firing
British Columbia's human rights commissioner says the provincial government has effectively made police liaison programs mandatory in schools with its...
Calgary zoo planning a series of habitat redevelopments before 2029 centennial
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has announced a nearly $16-million plan to redevelop some wildlife habitats ahead of it's centennial in 2029. The zoo...
China launches an antitrust probe into Google. Here's what it means
The Chinese government's move to open an antitrust probe into Google is the latest development in a long and tangled relationship that goes back to the...
B.C. watchdog urges transparency fixes in municipal FOI practices
A “patchwork of inconsistent approaches” is how a report released Tuesday by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for B.C. (OIPC)...
Victoria scores seven straight in 7-3 thumping of the Kelowna Rockets
The Kelowna Rockets struggles continued Tuesday night in the provincial capital. The Victoria Royals scored seven straight after the Rockets had opened the...
Christie Brinkley has a memoir out in April. Yes, it's called 'Uptown Girl'
Christie Brinkley will have a memoir out this spring, tracing “every adventure and twist of fate” from her rise to becoming a supermodel to her...
Canadian small businesses working to fend off effects of tariffs, despite reprieve
U.S. President Donald Trump might have delayed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods for a month, but Tyler Pubben isn't letting his guard down. The...
US job openings fall to 7.6 million in December, suggesting the job market is slowing but healthy
U.S. job openings fell in December, a sign that the labor market is cooling but still healthy. Openings fell to 7.6 million, from 8.2 million in November, the...
Sesame Street live show making Kamloops tour stop
Kamloops families will be on their way to where the air is sweet this summer as Sesame Street takes over Sandman Centre for a new live show. Interactive...
Video: Several bighorn sheep run up woman's driveway in OK Falls
A herd of bighorn sheep ran up an Okanagan Falls resident's driveway last week, and it was captured on video. On Sunday, Nicola Sampson posted the...
US Vice President JD Vance will attend AI summit in Paris, French official says
U.S. Vice President JD Vance will attend a two-day high-level summit focusing on artificial intelligence in Paris next week, his first scheduled trip abroad...
Residents pushing for change involving dangerous Vernon intersection
Nick Karys has been sounding the alarm for months that someone could get seriously injured or killed at the intersection of Pleasant Valley Road and Silver Star...
Stock market today: Calm returns to Wall Street, and US indexes make only modest moves
Some calm is returning to Wall Street Tuesday, and U.S. stock indexes are making only modest moves in early trading after much of Europe and Asia rose earlier...
Salmon Arm man spends night in drunk tank after taking off into snow in only pyjamas, slippers
An intoxicated man who took off into a snowy Salmon Arm night wearing only pyjamas and slippers ended up spending the night in the drunk tank, police say. At...
Salmon Arm's foreshore trail boardwalk and viewing platform replacement plans announced
“Birds of a feather build together” is the message from the Salmon Arm Bay Nature Enhancement Society after members unveiled plans for the new Eric...
Pink the Rink anti-bullying Penticton Vees game is back
Get ready for the Penticton Vees' 10th annual Pink the Rink night. On Friday, Feb. 7, the Vees will take on the Vernon Vipers while decked out in special...
Okanagan Indian Band chief Byron Louis still debating re-election run
The Okanagan Indian Band will elect a new Chief and council this spring – and the current chief is still debating running. The band will hold a...
Attempt to fraudulently open bank account in another name falls flat
Stolen personal information led to an attempt of identity fraud as someone unsuccessfully tried to open a bank account in someone else’s name. The Nelson...
Kamloops youth involved in climate-related projects identified for grant funding
A dozen climate-related projects are set to receive grant funding from the City of Kamloops — half of which are initiatives involving or benefiting local...
Vernon Jazz Club to host many performances throughout the first half of 2025
The Vernon Jazz Club is set to host many exciting performances throughout the next five months, with the first this Friday. The volunteer-run club has held...
Vernon Pride Society announces new dates for annual celebration
The Vernon Pride Society will be celebrating Pride Week early this year which will align it with international celebrations. “You've been asking for...
Win a $300 Kamloops Film Festival prize pack, including tickets, snacks and drinks
The Kamloops Film Festival is giving Castanet readers the chance to win a movie lovers' prize pack worth $300. The package includes film passes, popcorn,...
Trivia night upcoming supporting Penticton air cadets
A trivia fundraiser and 50/50 draw is coming up to support Penticton's 259 Air Cadet Squadron. On Monday, Feb. 24, join the fun at the Barley Mill Brewpub...
Town of Osoyoos asks residents to give feedback on regional district's garbage management
The Town of Osoyoos is asking residents to give feedback on the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen's garbage management in the town. In a public...
Slocan RCMP seek publics help to locate missing 71-year-old man
Slocan RCMP are asking for the public’s help to locate 71-year-old Thierry Emile Brenon. Mounties say Brenon was last heard from before Christmas and was...
Remembering Wesley Ziegler, Nelson's pioneering porter
Each February, Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Black communities in Canada, listen to their stories, and learn more about...
Heavy snowfall contributes to multiple vehicle collisions in Monday mash-up
The week has barely begun and already the city’s police force has had to handle the flotsam and jetsam from seven vehicle collisions. “With the...
Say goodbye to stressful car buying; BCAA's new online marketplace delivers peace of mind?
Outside of buying a home, purchasing a vehicle is likely the most stressful purchase you’ll ever make. It doesn’t need to be that way. BCAA Auto...
Castlegar council to review BC Housing proposal before February 18 vote
The shelter at 2245 6th Avenue proposed by BC Housing will be voted on at the next Castlegar council meeting. Castlegar City Council still need to decide...
Young entrepreneur revives iconic Nelson game shop
Being an entrepreneur is no easy feat, and when you're a 20-year-old student balancing business ownership and another job the odds can feel stacked against...
Nelson resident planning new walking tours for visitors
A Nelson resident hopes to give visitors a new way to experience the city—on foot. Steven Garrett is working to bring his idea, Nelson Walking Tours, to...
Entire city-owned properties have been assessed for wildfire risk: city fire chief
The wildfire risk in Nelson has been completely assessed, says the city’s fire chief. Jeff Hebert said the wildfire risk reduction program — which...
Latest KCR silver celebration sets Sing Chong Sessions in-studio
In continuation of Kootenay Co-op Radio’s 25th-anniversary celebration, the fifth of a series of basement sessions featuring local performing artists will...
