Sophie Kinsella, the British writer whose lighthearted “Shopaholic” novels gained an international readership, has died at the age of 55. Her family confirmed that she passed away this week after living with brain cancer, a diagnosis she made public in 2024. Kinsella, born Madeleine Wickham, became widely recognized for her comic writing style and her ability to connect with readers through stories about everyday pressures, financial missteps, and modern relationships. Beginning in 2000, her “Shopaholic” series grew into 10 bestselling titles that reached audiences across Europe and No

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann says his government is focused on attracting international investment even as political tensions in the state intensify following recent remarks from Navjot Kaur Sidhu. Speaking to reporters, Mann said his administration is working to bring global companies to Punjab to expand opportunities in technology, health care, agriculture, and research. He contrasted that with what he described as the opposition Congress party’s focus on internal disputes and claims about the value of political positions. The Chief Minister returned this week from a visit to Japan

The Bank of Canada has left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.25 per cent in its final policy decision of the year, signalling that borrowing costs remain at a level the central bank views as appropriate for maintaining price stability. Governor Tiff Macklem said major global economies continue to show signs of resilience, even as uncertainty persists and the United States maintains a protectionist approach to trade. He noted that the current policy rate is helping keep inflation near the bank’s two per cent target, suggesting no immediate need to raise or cut interest rates. Mackle

Alberta’s United Conservative government has approved legislation that reinforces its plan to rely on the Charter’s notwithstanding clause for several measures affecting transgender residents. The vote took place in the early hours of Tuesday after hours of debate in the legislature. The bill confirms the province will invoke the constitutional override to protect three existing laws from legal challenges. Those laws include restrictions on names and pronouns used for students in schools, a prohibition on transgender girls competing in amateur female sports, and limits on gender-affirming

Vancouver Police say a two-week investigation has resulted in charges against a man accused in the killing of a Downtown Eastside resident late last month. Detectives from the Homicide Unit began their work on November 28 after a 45-year-old man was found seriously injured near Gore Street and Powell Street in the early morning hours. Investigators allege the victim was assaulted by a stranger around 3 a.m. and later died from his injuries. Police identified a suspect during the investigation and arrested him on Sunday evening near Main Street and Terminal Avenue. Court records show 33-year-ol

Coquitlam RCMP is appealing for witnesses and video after an early morning fire damaged a vacant apartment building on North Road over the weekend. Officers were called around 5 a.m. on Sunday to the property at 727 North Road, a site already slated for demolition as part of ongoing redevelopment in the area. Coquitlam Fire and Rescue brought the blaze under control, and investigators with the RCMP’s General Investigation Section are now working to determine how the fire started. Police have not said whether the incident is suspicious, but they are seeking any footage that may show activity

A new national rental report indicates that British Columbia continues to see some of the sharpest declines in asking rents in the country, marking two consecutive years of easing prices. Data published Monday by Rentals.ca shows average rents for purpose-built and condominium units in the province have fallen 8.5 percent over the past two years, with Vancouver driving much of the downward trend. According to the report, asking rents for purpose-built and condo units in Vancouver are down 15.1 percent from the same period in 2023 and 14.5 percent compared to 2022. November 2025 marked the 24th

Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar is calling for a time bound inquiry into allegations of corruption in the state, urging Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to order an investigation under the supervision of the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Jakhar said an independent process is needed to examine all leaders, including himself, so the public can see a full accounting of the claims. He questioned the Chief Minister’s recent remarks suggesting he has files related to wrongdoing, asking why those documents have not been opened or shared with an impartial authority. Jakhar said b

Alberta RCMP say a Lloydminster man is facing hate-related and firearms charges following a police search that uncovered several weapons and symbols associated with extremist ideology. Officers executed a warrant at a home in the border city after receiving reports of threats directed at identifiable groups, according to investigators. Police say the search led to the seizure of multiple long guns, a crossbow, ammunition and two flags, including one bearing a swastika. A second flag displayed a Confederate design with the phrase “The South will rise again.” RCMP officials say the items wer