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Jennifer Stahn
Study led by B.C. scientist first to map Earth’s hidden groundwater
VANCOUVER – Less than six per cent of groundwater in the upper two kilometres of the Earth is renewable within a human lifetime, a new study led by a British Columbia scientist reveals.
Alpine skiing opening five days early at Silver Star
VERNON - The plan was to open Nov. 26 but after nearly 150 centimetres of snowfall, Silver Star Mountain is ready to open a bit earlier. The ski resort announced it would be opening three chairlifts and at least 25 runs starting at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 21, a full five days ahead of the...
Routine HIV testing rolls out in Interior Health hospitals
Patients can expect to be offered an HIV test when receiving blood work in Interior Health hospitals. To date, seven Interior Health emergency departments have started offering an HIV test routinely and additional sites are expected to be on board in the coming months. “B.C. is recognized as a global leader in the fight against...
Security landscapes in Canada, France differ, security experts say
OTTAWA – The level of jihadist militancy simmering in France and other parts of western Europe simply doesn't exist in Canada, making the sort of attack that devastated Paris less likely, security experts say.
Muslim woman’s assault in Toronto appears ‘motivated by hate,’ police say
TORONTO – Police in Toronto are investigating the assault and robbery of a Muslim woman near an elementary school in the city, saying the incident appears "motivated by hate."
Heavy snow and rain expected on Southern Interior highways today
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - If you’re heading out on the highways be prepared for winter driving conditions; heavy snow and rain, along with strong winds, are expected today. Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for many highways in the Southern Interior warning of heavy snow, heavy rain and strong winds today, Nov. 17. Among the...
Highway 1 closed east of Revelstoke
REVELSTOKE - An early morning crash has closed the Trans-Canada Highway in both directions east of Revelstoke. Drive B.C. is reporting both directions closed 32 kilometres east of Revelstoke due to a vehicle incident just after 6 a.m. No detours are available. Compact snow with slippery sections and limited visibility with blowing snow is being...
Leonid Meteor Shower could light up the Southern Interior sky this week
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - If the clouds part and the rain stays away, we could be in for a great showing of the Leonid Meteor Shower early Wednesday morning. The moon, currently in the waning crescent phase, is not expected to interfere with viewing the storm, but cloudy skies and a chance of rain overnight could dampen...
Two separate crashes close Coquihalla south of Merritt
MERRITT - Two separate crashes on the Coquihalla Highway have shut down the route this morning from Merritt to Hope. The first crash occurred around 9:45 a.m. at the Coldwater Interchange, exit 286, at the south end of Merritt, closing down the southbound lanes. No detours are listed by Drive B.C. and an estimated time...
Wet and windy start to the week in the Okanagan
OKANAGAN - On the heels of a wet and windy Sunday, a mix of rain and snow will kick off the week in the Okanagan, along with strong winds. Environment Canada recorded precipitation throughout the region on Sunday, with the Vernon area receiving the most, 13.8 millimetres, and more rain and snow is expected this...
Alpine ski season begins with opening of Big White, others not far behind
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - Big White Ski Resort has officially opened for alpine skiing and several other local ski hills aren’t far behind. Big White opened today, Nov. 13, about two weeks ahead of schedule for alpine skiing, while Silver Star Mountain opened for nordic skiing yesterday and Sun Peaks Resort welcomed ski teams for alpine training...
Kit and Ace fur fight highlights need for new rules on clothing labels
TORONTO – A fur fight between animal-rights advocates and B.C. fashion retailer Kit and Ace over a line of cashmere toques has put a fresh spotlight on Canada's fur-labelling laws.
Rainy weekend ahead in the Okanagan, avalanche risk increases in southeastern B.C.
OKANAGAN - A storm system skirting much of the region will move on this morning, though a weekend of rain is still in store for the Okanagan. The strongest winds came in the Penticton area yesterday, Nov. 12, with Environment Canada recording strong wind gusts since yesterday morning and the strongest reaching in excess of...
More recent university grads overqualified for their jobs: study
OTTAWA – A growing proportion of recent university graduates — as much as 40 per cent — face the potential frustration of being overqualified for their jobs, a new report has revealed.
Hong Kong tycoon spends $77 million on diamonds for 7-year-old daughter at Sotheby auctions
HONG KONG – A Hong Kong billionaire tycoon paid a total of $77 million at auctions in Geneva for two large and rare colored diamonds for his 7-year-old daughter Josephine — and renamed them after her, his office said Thursday.
Provinces prepared for feds to seek more time on right-to-die law
OTTAWA – Ontario and British Columbia appear prepared for the federal government to request more time to respond to the Supreme Court of Canada's landmark decision on doctor-assisted death.
100 Men Who Give a Damn selects the Clubhouse Farm as second charity recipient
KELOWNA - The success of the 100 Men Who Give a Damn!, a group of men who want to give back to their community but have limited time, has grown to 320 members and counting. On Wednesday, Nov. 4, over 200 of those members were in attendance and they had the opportunity to hear pitches...
B.C., developer and First Nation partner on $1.5 B expansion plan for ski resort
AGASSIZ, B.C. – The British Columbia government has approved a $1.5-billion expansion plan it says will turn a small ski resort near Agassiz into an all-season recreational area.
Around the world in 80 days: An epic adventure of a pilot and his single-engine plane
KELOWNA - Kelowna resident Dave McElroy undertook an epic adventure on behalf of two charities: SickKids Foundation of Toronto and Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance of Perth, Scotland. The adventure, comprised two overlapping round the world flights — from Toronto and Scotland respectively, was just the 198th such flight in world history. Dave was subsequently awarded...
Nude marcher joins Kelowna Remembrance Day parade
KELOWNA - A man in the buff tried to join the Remembrance Day parade in downtown Kelowna yesterday. The nude male joined in near the intersection of Water Street and Bernard Avenue just before 11:30 a.m., but was promptly removed from the parade, Const. Jesse O’Donaghey says in a release. "The Kelowna RCMP were vigilant...
Queen Elizabeth grants audience to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
OTTAWA – Thirty-eight years after his father caused an international sensation with a pirouette behind an oblivious Queen, Justin Trudeau is going to meet the monarch.
B.C. anti-gang squad report reveals brutal side for women in gangs
VANCOUVER – British Columbia's anti-gang squad is putting a more public face on the gang lifestyle — and it's not pretty.
Public services grind to halt in Greek general strike; brief clashes break out during march
ATHENS, Greece – Clashes briefly broke out Thursday between riot police and protesters in central Athens during the first general strike since the country's left-led government initially came to power in January.
Storm moving over Southern Interior today
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - A powerful storm bringing strong winds and heavy rain or snow is set to hit the Southern Interior by this evening. Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the South Thompson and South Okanagan, as well as several area highways, warning the storm will hit the Central Interior this afternoon, Nov....