Feds offer forestry funds
Gun smuggler charged
BC opioid case clears hurdle
Crash report to be released
Ring of Fire permits urged
Ottawa condemns China 
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 18, 2025
T-bone crash on Trans-Canada kills 19-year-old, sends three 18-year-olds to hospital
Alcohol and speed were both ruled out as factors in a major T-bone collision near Sicamous over the long weekend that killed a Salmon Arm-area 19-year-old and...
Flights resume at Pearson after crash Monday, 19 passengers released from hospitals
UPDATE 2:30 p.m. A veteran aviator and flight instructor says videos posted online of the Delta plane crash suggest the flight did not appear to slow its...
Property in South Pandosy neighbourhood subject of court ordered sale
An empty lot at the corner of Pandosy Street and Patterson Avenue is the subject of a court-ordered sale. The property is listed by Colliers Canada for $2.65...
One skier dead after avalanche near Golden, B.C.
A 42-year-old man died in an avalanche Monday in the Rocky Mountains, just south of Golden. In a news release, RCMP Cpl. James Grandy said at about 10 p.m. on...
Ontario fugitive arrested in Kelowna
A Windsor, Ont. man, on the run from police for 19 months, is safely behind bars after being arrested last week in Kelowna. Brian Gosse, 57, had been wanted for...
West Kelowna winery diversifies, adds all-season accommodation
After a string of difficult years for vineyards and other farmers in the Okanagan, many are looking to diversify their operations. At Niche Wine Co. at the top...
Cattle could be part of fire mitigation solution in the Okanagan
In a province plagued by wildfires each summer, the quest for tree management is ongoing and one man says cattle shouldn’t be ruled out. The point was...
With recent aircraft crashes, do you feel safe to fly?
With a plane sitting upside-down on the tarmac at the Toronto airport, Anne Robinson remained pragmatic about the slim chance she could end up in a similar...
Some physiotherapists fear ICBC changes will hurt crash victims
Some physiotherapy clinics are warning that recent updates to ICBC’s health-care services terms could reduce the recovery care for people hurt in car...
Trump says AP will continue to be curtailed at White House until it changes style to Gulf of America
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he will continue to restrict The Associated Press' access to his events and news conferences until the news outlet...
Big White records second busiest day on record over Family Day long weekend
Big White Ski Resort saw the second busiest day in its history this Family Day long weekend. Over 9,600 people passed through the gates on Sunday, coming just...
More restoration work forcing closure of a portion of West Kelowna's Hudson Rd.
Crews will be back at Hudson Road Wednesday for more restoration work resulting from last Monday’s water main break. The city says in a news release...
South Okanagan Canada Day shooter could see up to a decade behind bars
The man convicted of pulling out a handgun and firing several rounds, including one that hit and wounded another young man, during 2022 Canada Day celebrations...
Trump will sign new executive orders while his first joint TV interview with Musk airs in prime time
President Donald Trump on Tuesday was set to sign new executive orders from his Florida home while his first joint TV interview with adviser Elon Musk airs in...
Trailer goes up in flames at RV park in Okanagan Falls
UPDATE: 10:15 a.m. An intense fire at the Okanagan Falls Playa Okanagan RV Park Monday night left one RV completely destroyed and two others damaged by the...
The argument against a liquid natural gas facility in Kelowna
FortisBC has requested permission from the B.C. Utilities Commission to build a small-scale liquefied natural gas storage and send-out facility at 1569 Spall...
How a potential trade war could increase strata fees in B.C.
As Canada and the U.S. turn up dial on potential tariffs, B.C. condo owners could end up paying a price in any resulting trade war. “It’s a very...
A treasured Banksy owned by a member of Blink-182 is up for auction. It could fetch $6 million
A painting by street artist Banksy with an environmental message and an estimate of up to 5 million pounds ($6.3 million) is going up for auction, with some of...
More than 150 false killer whales stranded on a beach in Australia's Tasmania state
More than 150 false killer whales are stranded on a remote beach on Australia’s island state of Tasmania, officials said on Wednesday. Marine experts...
Yard waste collection in Central Okanagan resumes March 3
Curbside yard waste pick up across the Central Okanagan begins again the week of March 3. Those residents who receive regular curbside garbage and recycling...
Energy demand soared in B.C. during last week's cold snap
FortisBC says its gas and electricity systems saw soaring demand last week amid cold temperatures. According to FortisBC data, its gas system delivered...
Well-known South Okanagan prolific offender on trial again
The beginning of a trial against a South Okanagan prolific offender started in Penticton courts on Tuesday morning. Andrew Robert Hardenstine is facing nine...
Application in place for cannabis retail store in Kelowna's Upper Mission
A Kelowna cannabis retail store is looking to expand its operation to the Upper Mission. Cannabission Cannabis has applied to rezone one of the two units at...
Toronto plane crash adds to recent accidents that may rattle travellers: psychologist
With a plane sitting upside-down on the tarmac at the Toronto airport, Anne Robinson remained pragmatic about the slim chance she could end up in a similar...
Work crews on Highway 97 are causing slow downs in Lake Country Tuesday afternoon
UPDATE 4:30 p.m. A spokesperson for FortisBC tells Castanet the road closure in the 9800 block of Hwy 97 is a result of third-party damage to a gas meter in the...
Woman sues fertility clinic, saying she gave birth to another patient's baby
Krystena Murray became pregnant after undergoing in vitro fertilization two years ago, and said she was unaware until she gave birth that the fertility clinic...
Court grants sale of retailers Ricki's, Cleo to owner of Toys 'R' Us and HMV
An Ontario court has granted Comark Holdings Inc. approval to sell its Ricki’s and Cleo banners to the owner of Toys “R” Us Canada and HMV and...
Russia and US agree to work toward ending Ukraine war in a remarkable diplomatic shift
Russia and the U.S. agreed Tuesday to start working toward ending the war in Ukraine and improving their diplomatic and economic ties, the two countries'...
Polish president says US assures him it won’t reduce troop levels as he revives 'Fort Trump' idea
Poland's President Andrzej Duda said Tuesday that he has received U.S. assurances that Washington will not reduce its troop presence in Poland and elsewhere...
Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko out week to week with lower-body injury
VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks will be without star goalie Thatcher Demko for their upcoming five-game road swing. Assistant coach Adam Foote said Tuesday...
Electrical issue closed lift, prompted transport from backside: SilverStar Mountain Resort
UPDATE 4:33 p.m. An electrical issue caused the Powder Gulch chairlift to close unexpectedly Tuesday morning, causing mountain-goers to require transport from...
KF Aerospace secures second plane for its 10-year Purolator contract
KF Aerospace has turned to an Irish company as it updates its fleet following its Purolator contract renewal. The Kelowna company has acquired a second ATR...
Rubio says ending Russia’s war in Ukraine will require concessions from all sides
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that ending Russia's war in Ukraine would require concessions from all sides. When asked about sanctions...
Harvey Weinstein sues brother Bob Weinstein
Harvey Weinstein is suing his brother. The 72-year-old disgraced producer — who is currently in jail for sex crimes and awaiting trial on further similar...
GameStop looking to sell Canadian and French operations
GameStop Corp. says it intends to pursue a sale of its Canadian and French operations. The video game retailers says in a press release that the move is part of...
Five hurt after Alberta ambulance responding to call crashes with SUV
RCMP say five people went to hospital after an ambulance responding to a service call crashed with an SUV west of Edmonton. The crash happened Monday along a...
Central Okanagan school board to debate increasing busing fees again
The Central Okanagan board of education will once again look at raising the price parents have to pay to have their children bused to school. The board will be...
Festive Christmas rom-com now shooting in downtown Kamloops
A film shoot for a festive holiday rom-com is underway in downtown Kamloops — and it could have an impact on parking and pedestrian traffic. Film crews...
Economists more confident in Bank of Canada rate hold as inflation ticks up to 1.9%
Economists are more confident the Bank of Canada might pause its interest rate cuts next month — tariffs notwithstanding — as Canada's annual...
Kelowna firefighters quickly extinguish fire in Cawston Avenue home
The Kelowna Fire Department says there were no major injuries after a mattress caught fire on Tuesday night, causing two adults and four children to evacuate...
A$AP Rocky is found not guilty of firing a handgun at a former friend and avoids years in prison
Rapper A$AP Rocky was found not guilty Tuesday of firing a handgun at a former friend on a Hollywood street in 2021. "Thank y’all for saving my...
Dix gives Williams Lake hope of saving power plant
The City of Williams Lake has cancelled a lobbying junket to Victoria on the news Adrian Dix, minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, plans to meet with BC...
B.C. throne speech uses wartime imagery to portray province in historic battle
British Columbia's government has depicted the province on a battle footing against the threat of U.S. tariffs, as it faces its “most consequential...
Singh says pipelines would not be first priority for NDP energy policy
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says he sees an east-west clean electricity corridor as his first priority for expanding the Canadian energy market — not new...
Trial begins for Burnaby skin care clinic owner accused of sex assaults on 7 clients
Content warning: This story contains details of alleged sexual assaults. A Burnaby skin care clinic owner has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting seven...
Russian ambassador says Moscow not rejoining G7 after Trump pitches idea
Canada disagrees with U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion that Russia rejoin the G7 — but Moscow says the idea is a non-starter anyway....
Winter storm expected in Ontario and Nova Scotia, extreme cold hits the Prairies
Areas north and southwest of Toronto are bracing for more wintery conditions. Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for communities in the...
'Heartbroken': Cultus Lake business ravaged by early morning fire
A B.C. woman is "heartbroken" after an early morning fire destroyed her Cultus Lake business. Michelle Lemieux woke up to a phone call from police at...
Six prescribed burns planned for Vernon fire zone: BC Wildfire Service
BC Wildfire Service has six prescribed burns planned for the Vernon fire zone this year. A member of the BCWS Vernon Zone was at the Greater Vernon Advisory...
Judge rules RCMP remarks racist, but B.C. pipeline protesters' convictions will stand
A B.C. Supreme Court judge says members of the RCMP made "grossly offensive, racist and dehumanizing" remarks about Indigenous women who were arrested...
Inflation back up to 1.9% in January after rise in gas prices
Canada's annual inflation rate ticked back up in January to 1.9 per cent, Statistics Canada reported on Tuesday. Prices got a full month-long effect of the...
Launch Okanagan offers workshop to help residents prepare for tax season
With tax season fast approaching, Launch Okanagan is offering help to ease the stress of tax filing. The local organization is hosting a free tax filing...
2 people killed in Oregon avalanche near a snowmobile trail, authorities say
Two people were killed in an avalanche in Oregon's Cascade Mountains, authorities said Tuesday. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said that its...
Winner crowned in the battle of the fire departments on the ice at Big White
The Lake Country Fire Department are back-to-back champions after winning the battle for the custom-made fire-extinguisher trophy last weekend at Big White Ski...
Kelowna-based WeBC celebrating 30 years of helping female entrepreneurs
WeBC is throwing itself a 30th birthday party. The Kelowna-based organization, which supports female entrepreneurs throughout B.C., is celebrating three decades...
How better water systems can help a city survive the next firestorm
Santa Rosa. Paradise. Boulder County. Lahaina. Los Angeles. All are places that have shown that American cities and their water systems weren't built to...
Yield signs for traffic on the roads mean something
Question: Some drivers don't seem to realize that yield signs require them to do something. They zoom right by and force their way into traffic, as if the...
Trial date for accused St’atl’imx Tribal cop will be set Feb. 26
A trial date will be set next week for a Stl’atl’imx Tribal Police Service (STPS) officer facing multiple charges related to allegedly filming...
Judge rejects sexsomnia defence, finds Manitoba man guilty of child sex assault
A judge has rejected the defence of a Manitoba man who claimed he was suffering from sexsomnia, a rare sleep disorder, when he sexually assaulted an 11-year-old...
January home sales in Canada up from year ago, but fell off at the end of the month
The Canadian Real Estate Association says home sales in January were up 2.9 per cent compared with a year earlier, but noted that fell off at the end of the...
Prestige Harbourfront Resort in Salmon Arm ideal option for your wedding
Those looking to tie the knot in a beautiful and convenient setting in front of family and friends need to look no further. That’s because Prestige...
Tariffs spell opportunity for Cargojet, co-CEOs say
Cargojet Inc. could benefit from the tariff threat looming over North America by seizing on the new supply routes opened up by a trade war, its top executives...
Icon Paul Simon to play three shows in Vancouver this summer
One of the most celebrated American musicians of the last 70 years is coming to Vancouver for not one, not two, but three shows at the Orpheum....
Haida celebrate title agreement, Trudeau emotional at ceremony
With tears streaming down his face, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told a gathering of Haida Nation leaders and community members that he couldn't think of a...
Three missing skiers located by search and rescue at Oliver's Mount Baldy
Three missing skiers were located safe by the South Okanagan search and rescue team at Mount Baldy Saturday night. In a social media post on Tuesday,...
Researchers link a gene to the emergence of spoken language
Why did humans start speaking? Scientists suggest genetics played a big role – and they say the evolution of this singular ability was key to our...
Throne speech kicks off B.C.'s legislative session at time of 'extraordinary change'
British Columbia's legislative session opens today amid what Premier David Eby describes as a time of "extraordinary change and uncertainty."...
B.C. health officials warn of potential measles exposure at YVR
Health officials are warning the public about a new case of the measles in the Lower Mainland. The highly infectious disease is transmitted by airborne spread....
Alberta oil company fined $15K for not reporting release of toxic sour gas
An Alberta oil and gas company has been fined $15,000 for failing to report a potentially lethal amount of hydrogen sulphide, or sour gas, had been released...
Pair of rugby players with Kelowna connections set to compete at Vancouver Sevens
A pair of Kelowna athletes will take the field as part of Canada's men's team in the invitational men's sevens tournament in Vancouver later this...
The pope has pneumonia in both lungs but remains in good spirits, the Vatican says
Pope Francis has developed pneumonia in both lungs, the Vatican said Tuesday, after new tests showed a further complication in the condition of the 88-year-old...
Brown pleased with position through five games at Scotties
Tuesday is a day off for Team B.C. at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Thunder Bay, Ont., and the Kamloops Curling Club rink is very happy with its position...
SD73 says right opportunity needed to see return of Safer School Streets program
While the City of Kamloops wants to continue a program that would close roads to traffic near schools, the Kamloops-Thompson school district says it will depend...
BC Children's Hospital is asking parents for input on dental health care in rural areas
BC Children's Hospital is asking parents living in rural areas of the province for input on their children's dental health care for a new initiative...
Mark Carney trouncing Liberal leadership rivals at fundraising
Former central banker Mark Carney is dominating the fundraising field in the race for the federal Liberal leadership. And his main rival appears to be trailing...
City of Kamloops rebate programs will help incentivize FireSmart work, liaison says
The City of Kamloops’ FireSmart liaison says firefighters completed 200 FireSmart home assessments last year — an increase from previous years...
Vancouver police Chief Adam Palmer will retire in April after a decade at the helm
Vancouver Chief Const. Adam Palmer says he will retire at the end of April after 37 years with the department. Palmer announced his decision while standing next...
North Okanagan dog control seeks additional shelters beyond BC SPCA
The Regional District of North Okanagan is looking to update its dog control bylaw as the BC SPCA is not always able to take impounded dogs when needed. ...
South Okanagan Vintage Car Club donates $2,400 to local Starfish Pack Program
The Penticton Starfish Pack Program got a major boost from the South Okanagan Vintage Car Club on Tuesday. Eugene Dettling, president of the Vintage Car Club of...
Green Party says it will run full slate of candidates in coming federal election
The Green Party's leaders say they will have a full slate of candidates for the next election, which could be called as soon as next month. Party co-leader...
Experience winter in wine country at Quails' Gate
Winter in Okanagan wine country might just be the world’s best kept secret. It is a season of quiet beauty where vineyards shimmer under a dusting of...
Provincial board set to weigh in on ferry strike and contract negotiation impasse
More strike action could arise in the aftermath of the latest B.C. Labour Relations Board ruling depending on the consequence, the union is warning, as contract...
Kamloops chamber says businesses trying to prepare for tariffs amid uncertainty
The executive director for the Kamloops and District Chamber of Commerce says there’s “a lot of uncertainty” among local business owners as...
Man caught drunk driving walks home after car impounded, Salmon Arm police say
A 26-year-old man ended up walking home after Salmon Arm Mounties caught him driving drunk and impounded his vehicle. At about midnight on Jan. 22, police said,...
South Okanagan Similkameen SPCA in need of donations of dog food
The South Okanagan Similkameen SPCA is putting out a plea for donations, as their food bank program is in urgent need. The rescue said on Monday they are...
B.C. inflation cools to 2.2% in January, diverging from national trend
Trends in B.C. consumer prices kicked off 2025 diverging from the rest of Canada. Inflation on the West Coast cooled to 2.2 per cent in January, according to...
Despite scoring first, Leafs surrender leads in pair of KIJHL losses
Although the Nelson Leafs have clinched a KIJHL playoff berth the club is limping into the post season after having dropped a pair of games on the weekend. The...
SD73 students learning to design, program video games in district academy
Kamloops-area teenagers have been levelling up their skills as they take part in an intensive semester-long video game making program. The Digital Arts and...
District of Coldstream holding open house Feb. 20 gain public input on programs
Coldstream is hosting an open house Feb. 20, to gather public input about the district’s Active Transportation Network and the North Kalamalka...
Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Services Society hosting Jambo Africa
The four regions of Africa are coming to Vernon. The Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Services Society's (VDICSS) upcoming Embrace the Nations...
Vernon athletes played key roles on many UBCO Heat teams
The UBCO Heat wrapped up their regular season this past weekend and many Vernon/Coldstream athletes played key roles in each team's success. Kelsey Falk had...
Kamloops chamber musicians to play works of legendary German composer
A concert to be held by the Chamber Musicians of Kamloops will see two pianists take on the works of a legendary German composer. In a news release, CMK said...
Major valve testing means water might be cloudy: Regional District of North Okanagan
The Regional District of North Okanagan is testing a major valve in the Greater Vernon Water system which may cause increased cloudiness in water. Customers in...
Ha Ha Ha Kidzfest announces lineup for 2025 Penticton festival
Penticton's Ha Ha Ha Kidzfest will be returning for its fifth year running, bringing activities and entertainment to the city this summer. The...
City of Penticton Public Safety Advisory Committee members named
The City of Penticton announced that their new Public Safety Advisory Committee has been built and the first meeting is set for next week. The 11-member...
Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce looking for seven new directors
Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce is looking for local professionals to join its board of directors as it prepares for its annual general meeting...
BCWS supporting the Upper Similkameen Indian Band in prescribed burn planned for the Hedley area
The BC Wildfire Service shared that they will be working with the Upper Similkameen Indian Band in conducting a prescribed burn as early as next week. The goal...
Shuswap Theatre searching for an admiral for spring production of The Virgin Trial
The Shuswap Theatre Society is still searching for an admiral for its spring production of The Virgin Trial. “The Virgin Trial is an edge-of-your-seat...
Oliver's new 'kitchen catcher' organics bins now available
Oliver residents can now get their kitchen catcher organics boxes from the township ahead of collection this spring. In a public notice, the Town of Oliver said...
Water restored for Cache Creek residents after broken water line repaired
Water restrictions in Cache Creek have been rescinded as work crews have completed repairs to a broken water main. A water advisory was put in place for some...
Paving the way for the breakdown of colour barriers in classical music scene
Each February, Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the shared history of Black communities in Canada, listen to their stories, and learn more...
Coldest Night of the Year descends on city in annual fundraising walk
If you thought it was cold now, wait until Saturday. On Saturday, Feb. 22 there will be hundreds of Nelsonites out walking together on the cold, dark streets of...
Nelson’s Special Olympics BC to host polar plunge to raise funds for programs
Come get chilly for a good cause. Nelson’s Special Olympics BC, and the Nelson Police Department (NPD) will be hosting a fundraiser on March 1 to help...
Introduction to living mindfully talk upcoming at Nelson Library
Modern life can be overwhelming. How do we approach our busy days mindfully instead of with just a full mind? That very question is the topic of the...
Trail Charles Bailey Theatre's TECK Family Series is back for another year of interactive fun
The Charles Bailey Theatre in Trail is kicking off the 10th year of their TECK Family Series, designed to introduce children to the theatre in a fun, engaging...
Rossland councillors discuss proposed water tax increase that aims to enhance infrastructure
A proposed bylaw could increase Rossland water utility taxes by 10 per cent this year. During a Feb. 3 meeting, Rossland councillors discussed a proposed...
