Khaleda Zia, a former prime minister of Bangladesh whose long-running political rivalry with Sheikh Hasina dominated the country’s public life for more than three decades, has died at the age of 80. Her Bangladesh Nationalist Party confirmed her death in a statement released Tuesday. Zia served two terms as prime minister and was a central figure in Bangladesh’s transition from military rule to parliamentary democracy. Her political career was closely intertwined with that of Hasina, leader of the Awami League, with the two women alternating in power and shaping the nation’s often turbul

British Columbia’s 2025 wildfire season burned nearly 8,900 square kilometres of land, a level close to the provincial 10-year average and significantly lower than the record-setting season seen two years earlier, according to the Ministry of Forests. In a year-end summary, the ministry said more than 1,350 wildfires scorched about 8,864 square kilometres across the province since April 1. That total is slightly above the 10-year average of roughly 8,500 square kilometres but below the 10,811 square kilometres burned in 2024. The impact was far less severe than in 2023, when a record 2,293 w

A proposed settlement has been reached in a class-action lawsuit filed by fans following the absence of soccer star Lionel Messi and other Inter Miami players from a highly anticipated Vancouver Whitecaps match last year. Court documents show the agreement between the Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and ticket-holding fans includes changes to the club’s ticketing policies and a $475,000 donation to charity. Lawyers representing the fans say the settlement still requires court approval at a future hearing, while both the Whitecaps and MLS deny any wrongdoing or legal responsibility. The lawsu

Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for British Columbia’s north coast, with some coastal communities expected to see exceptionally heavy rain through the day as a Pacific weather system pushes ashore. Forecasters say the most intense rainfall is expected around Prince Rupert, where totals could reach up to 200 millimetres. Haida Gwaii may receive as much as 110 millimetres, while areas near Kitimat are forecast to see about 100 millimetres of rain. The system is also bringing winter conditions inland. A winter storm warning remains in effect for Terrace, where nearly 25 centime

The Punjab Congress has announced a statewide protest campaign opposing the Centre’s proposed changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), including a reported move to rename the scheme and alter its funding structure. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said on Monday that the party will launch its agitation from January 8, beginning with a protest march from Gurdaspur that will conclude in Guru Har Sahai. He said the campaign is aimed at safeguarding the original intent of MGNREGA, which he described as a lifeline for rural households

At least 13 people were killed and nearly 100 others injured when the Interoceanic Train derailed on Sunday in southern Mexico, authorities said. The train, which connects the Pacific coast with the Gulf of Mexico, went off the tracks near a curve close to the town of Nizanda in Oaxaca, halting traffic along the route. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the casualties on X, noting that five of the injured are in serious condition. She said the Mexican Navy reported the fatalities and injuries following the accident. Sheinbaum added that she has instructed the secretary of the navy

Peel Regional Police say a 20-year-old Brampton man has been charged following an early-morning incident near a Brampton transit stop that left a victim fearing for their safety. Police allege the incident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27, near Chinguacousy Road and Drinkwater Road. Investigators say the victim had just exited a transit bus when they were followed by an unknown individual, who then approached and claimed to be in possession of a firearm. The victim contacted police, who located a suspect nearby a short time later. Officers allege the suspect produced an imita

A 27-year-old Chilliwack man has died following a single-vehicle crash in the city’s east end, according to local RCMP. Police say officers were called Friday to a collision at the intersection of Yale Road and Banford Road, where a vehicle had struck a power pole. Investigators determined the driver was the sole occupant of the car and lost control before the impact. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but the man was pronounced dead before medical aid could be provided. RCMP confirmed that his next of kin have been notified. Mounties say alcohol is not believed to have played a role

U.S. President Donald Trump says negotiations aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine are approaching a critical stage following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida over the weekend. Speaking after the meeting on Sunday, Trump said progress has been made toward a potential peace agreement, although several key issues remain unresolved. He indicated that discussions are ongoing and suggested greater clarity could emerge within the next few weeks. According to information shared by both sides, the talks focused on long-term security guarantees for Ukrain