As Ukraine marks four years since Russia launched its full scale invasion, a Calgary man recovering from serious injuries says he intends to rejoin his unit once he is medically cleared. Mac Hughes has been serving with the Ukrainian armed forces since the early months of the conflict in 2022. He was badly burned last year when an exploding drone pinned him between a vehicle and a wall, leaving him with significant injuries that required ongoing treatment. Now recovering, Hughes says the anniversary of the invasion is unlikely to carry special meaning for troops still stationed along the front

Widespread violence has been reported across parts of Mexico following the reported death of a senior drug cartel leader during a military operation, according to statements from the country’s defence authorities. Officials said the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, widely known as El Mencho, was detained by Mexican armed forces on Sunday in the town of Tapalpa. During the operation, an exchange of gunfire broke out between his security detail and military commandos. Authorities said the suspect was seriously injured and later died while being transported to Mexico City. Mexico’

A portion of the residence of Punjab Congress MLA Sukhpal Khaira was demolished on Monday in the Ramgarh area of Bhulath, as a team from Punjab Police and local administration carried out what officials described as an action against alleged unauthorized construction. Supporters of Khaira gathered in large numbers at the site during the operation. The legislator sat in front of a JCB machine in protest and began a sit-in against the Punjab government and police, accusing authorities of targeting him. Administrative officials said the demolition was limited to structures deemed illegal under ap

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says the number of Canadians registering with federal officials while in Mexico has increased sharply, as Ottawa works to assess the situation and provide assistance. Anand said 26,305 Canadians have now registered with Global Affairs Canada. As of the previous day, that number was approximately 8,000. She cautioned that the actual number of Canadians currently in Mexico could be significantly higher, as not everyone has completed registration with the federal government. According to the minister, Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre r

Flights between Edmonton and the Mexican resort city of Puerto Vallarta have been cancelled following reports of widespread violence in the state of Jalisco over the weekend. Edmonton International Airport confirmed that one outbound flight to Puerto Vallarta and three return flights to Alberta were cancelled after unrest broke out in several parts of Jalisco on Sunday. The disruptions have left a number of Edmonton-area travellers stranded in Mexico and families in Alberta seeking updates. The Government of Canada has issued a travel advisory for the state of Jalisco, urging Canadians to exer

Albertans are expressing sharply divided opinions over the provincial government’s plan to hold a referendum this October, with Premier Danielle Smith fielding support and criticism over the weekend. During her regular call-in radio program Saturday morning, Smith heard from several callers who said the proposed vote reflects public concerns, particularly around immigration levels and provincial authority. Supporters told the premier the referendum questions are timely and align with what they see as mounting pressures on housing, health care and other services. At the same time, dozens of p

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced plans to visit India next week as part of a broader trip to the Indo Pacific region that will also include stops in Australia and Japan. The tour is scheduled to run from February 26 to March 7 and is aimed at strengthening trade, energy, technology and defence partnerships. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Carney will begin his visit in Mumbai, where he is expected to meet business leaders to promote investment opportunities in Canada. He will then travel to New Delhi for talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Discussions are expect

The union representing more than 6,000 ambulance paramedics and emergency dispatchers across British Columbia says it has reached an agreement in principle on a new collective agreement, avoiding the possibility of job action. The Ambulance Paramedics of BC announced the tentative deal following what it described as extensive negotiations with the Health Employers Association of BC and the provincial government. Earlier this month, 97 per cent of participating members voted in favour of strike action, placing the union in a legal strike position pending an essential services order. Instead of

Prime Minister Mark Carney says the federal government is moving new legislation and resources to address extortion-linked threats and violence affecting the Lower Mainland and other parts of Canada. In an interview with Connect Newsroom host Vijay Saini at the B.C. RCMP Headquarters (E Division) in Surrey on Feb. 19, 2026, Carney said his government is “toughening bail” and “toughening sentencing,” and expanding investigative tools aimed at tracking extortion activity, including online communications and financial flows. PM Carney said police leaders told him they support the legisla