Increase in overdose calls in BC

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