Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has dissolved the country’s lower house of Parliament, triggering a snap federal election scheduled for Feb. 8, just three months after she took office. The decision is widely seen as an effort to take advantage of early public support for Takaichi and to help the long-governing Liberal Democratic Party recover from significant electoral losses suffered in recent years. Analysts say the move carries political risk but could strengthen the government’s mandate if voters respond positively. The snap election, however, will delay parliamentary debate on

Prince George RCMP say a weekend shooting that left one man injured is believed to have been a targeted incident, with no ongoing risk to the wider community. Police were called shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Saturday to the 1300 block of Porter Avenue after receiving reports of a motor vehicle collision. Officers arrived to find a vehicle that had struck an unoccupied car and located a 37-year-old man suffering from gunshot injuries. The victim was transported to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. RCMP have not released further details about his condition. “Based on initia

The death toll from a deadly fire at a shopping plaza in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi has risen to at least 67, according to police and hospital officials, as rescue teams continue to search the damaged building for additional victims. Authorities said dozens of newly recovered remains were found inside Gul Plaza, where the fire broke out over the weekend. Police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed confirmed that many of the remains were severely burned and fragmented, making the identification process slow and challenging. Rescue workers were still combing through the structure on Thursda

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the launch of a new international initiative called the ‘Board of Peace’ on Thursday during meetings in Davos, saying the body will focus on enforcing a ceasefire in Gaza and addressing other ongoing global conflicts. According to the White House, invitations were sent to 60 countries to participate in the board, though representatives from about 20 nations attended the launch event. Leaders present included Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with officials from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina and Paraguay. Trump cla

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has brushed aside Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent remarks at the World Economic Forum, calling them “political noise” and cautioning that Canada’s growing trade engagement with China could complicate future negotiations with Washington. In an interview with Bloomberg TV, Lutnick said Canada already holds “the second-best deal in the world” under existing North American trade arrangements and suggested Carney was unfairly criticizing the United States. Lutnick also warned that Ottawa’s recent agreement with China could disrupt the upcomin

The Abbotsford Police Department says officers responded to 180 calls for service over the past 24 hours as part of ongoing efforts to maintain public safety across the city. Police say patrol officers arrested six people on outstanding warrants during the reporting period. Officers also carried out 34 patrols and safety checks at homes and businesses, focusing on areas connected to recent reports of extortion related violence. Police have said in previous updates that visible patrols are intended to reassure residents and support those affected. Traffic enforcement was also a key focus, with

Alberta’s education minister says a failed recall petition against him signals continued support for the United Conservative government’s agenda rather than dissatisfaction among voters. Demetrios Nicolaides said in a letter to constituents that the unsuccessful campaign reinforces the province’s current direction on education and other priorities, adding that the outcome encourages the government to continue with its work. He described the result as a validation of policies introduced over the past year. Nicolaides was the first MLA among more than two dozen members of Alberta’s legis

More than 30 Alberta lawyers, including two former Progressive Conservative justice ministers, are publicly criticizing the provincial government, saying its recent conduct toward the justice system is unacceptable and risks weakening democratic institutions. In an open letter published this week, the group argues that recent legislation and public comments by government officials have contributed to what they describe as growing pressure on judicial independence. The letter raises concerns that repeated attacks on courts and legal oversight bodies could undermine public confidence in the rule

Three people were killed and another man was seriously injured following a shooting in the small New South Wales community of Lake Cargelligo on Thursday, according to state police. Emergency crews were called to a residential address in the town, located about 600 kilometres west of Sydney, after reports of gunfire. Police said two women and one man were pronounced dead at the scene. A fourth victim, a man, was taken to hospital with serious but stable injuries. Authorities said the suspected shooter or shooters had not been located as of Thursday evening. New South Wales Police established a