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three-arrested-in-abbotsford-drug-trafficking-investigation-police-seize-cocaine-and-cash
BCMar 25, 2026

Three arrested in Abbotsford drug trafficking investigation; police seize cocaine and cash

Three people in their twenties were arrested Monday night in Abbotsford in connection with a suspected drug trafficking investigation, according to a police release. The Abbotsford Police Department said patrol officers responded shortly after 9 p.m. and located two men and one woman near the area of Gillis Avenue and McCallum Road. Police allege the individuals, who do not reside in Abbotsford, had come into the community to sell drugs. Officers seized approximately 73 grams of suspected cocaine and more than $4,500 in cash during the arrest. A 2014 Honda Civic was also seized as offence-rela
WorldMar 25, 2026

Australia to temporarily restrict Iranian tourist visa entries over overstay concerns

Australia’s federal government says it will temporarily bar Iranian nationals from entering the country on tourist visas, citing concerns about visa overstays. According to a government announcement, the measure takes effect Thursday and is expected to remain in place for about six months. Home Affairs officials say the restriction applies specifically to new arrivals on short-term visitor visas. The federal home affairs minister said the decision was made due to concerns that some travellers may remain in Australia after their visas expire. Authorities estimate about 7,000 Iranian nationals
AlbertaMar 25, 2026

Wetaskiwin residents raise concerns as mayor remains barred from city hall

Residents in Wetaskiwin, a city south of Edmonton, say frustration is growing over a lack of information surrounding restrictions placed on Mayor Joe Branco that have kept him out of city hall for more than two months. Branco has been attending council meetings virtually since mid-January. The city has said the decision relates to “confidential personnel matters,” but has not provided further details, citing privacy obligations. According to statements made during recent council discussions, the lack of public information has contributed to speculation in the community. Resident Maggie Tol
punjab-bjp-seeks-cbi-probe-into-warehouse-officials-death-submits-memorandum-to-governor
IndiaMar 25, 2026

Punjab BJP seeks CBI probe into warehouse official’s death, submits memorandum to Governor

Senior leaders of the Punjab unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party met Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Wednesday, submitting a memorandum seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the death of a state warehousing official. According to a party statement, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar and working president Ashwani Sharma led the delegation. The memorandum calls for a CBI investigation into the alleged suicide of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, identified as a district manager with the Punjab Warehousing Corporation. BJP leaders alleged that the state government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party
carney-criticizes-air-canada-ceos-english-only-condolence-after-deadly-new-york-crash
CanadaMar 25, 2026

Carney criticizes Air Canada CEO’s English-only condolence after deadly New York crash

Prime Minister Mark Carney says an English-only condolence message from Michael Rousseau following a fatal crash in New York lacked compassion, as scrutiny grows over language obligations at federally regulated companies. Rousseau, the CEO of Air Canada, is being summoned to testify before the House of Commons official languages committee after posting a four-minute video message that included only two French words. According to federal officials, the video prompted dozens of complaints to the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages. The crash occurred Sunday evening at LaGuardia Airp
IndiaMar 25, 2026

AAP MLA Harmit Singh Pathanmajra arrested in Patiala, remanded to police custody

Harmit Singh Pathanmajra, a sitting MLA from the Sanour constituency representing the Aam Aadmi Party, has been arrested by Patiala police in connection with a sexual assault case, according to police. Authorities said Pathanmajra had been evading arrest for approximately six months. A court had earlier declared him a proclaimed offender and police had issued a lookout notice against him. The case includes allegations of sexual assault, fraud, and criminal intimidation, though the charges have not been proven in court. Following his arrest, a local court remanded Pathanmajra to five days of po
anand-to-attend-g7-foreign-ministers-meeting-advance-francophonie-summit-bid-in-france
CanadaMar 25, 2026

Anand to attend G7 foreign ministers’ meeting, advance Francophonie summit bid in France

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand will travel to France from March 25 to 27 for bilateral meetings and to participate in the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, according to a Global Affairs Canada news release. The department said Anand is scheduled to meet March 25 in Paris with Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of La Francophonie, where Canada will formally advance its candidacy to host the 2028 Francophonie Summit. The meeting is also expected to reaffirm Canada’s support for the international organization. From March 26 to 27, Anand will attend the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at
manslaughter-charge-laid-after-fatal-fight-in-maple-ridge-home
BCMar 24, 2026

Manslaughter charge laid after fatal fight in Maple Ridge home

A 45-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter following a fatal altercation at a home in Maple Ridge earlier this month, according to police. Investigators say officers responded to a residence at حوالي 7:30 p.m. on March 16, where they found a 49-year-old man in medical distress. The man was treated at the scene but later died from his injuries. Police said the BC Prosecution Service approved a manslaughter charge on Monday, upgrading an earlier charge of assault causing bodily harm that had been laid the previous week. According to investigators, the two men were known to each ot
american-academic-released-by-taliban-authorities-in-afghanistan-officials-say
WorldMar 24, 2026

American academic released by Taliban authorities in Afghanistan, officials say

Afghanistan’s Taliban government says it has released American academic Dennis Coyle, who had been held in the country since January 2025. According to a statement issued Tuesday by Afghanistan’s foreign ministry, Coyle was released in Kabul on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan. The ministry said the decision followed an appeal from Coyle’s family and came after the country’s Supreme Court determined that his time in custody was sufficient. Afghan authorities had previously detained Coyle on allegations of violating local laws, but did not publicly spe

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punjab-cabinet-approves-may-1-special-vidhan-sabha-session-focused-on-labour-issues
IndiaApr 29, 2026

Punjab cabinet approves May 1 special Vidhan Sabha session focused on labour issues

The Punjab cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has approved convening a one-day special session of the Vidhan Sabha on May 1, according to a state government announcement. The session will coincide with International Workers' Day and is expected to focus on issues affecting the working class. The government plans to discuss concerns linked to changes in employment programs, including the replacement of the Centre’s MGNREGA with what it describes as the “Ji Ram Ji Scheme,” as outlined in the cabinet decision. According to the announcement, representatives of labour unions from a
WorldApr 29, 2026

Israeli strikes in Gaza kill five in 24 hours; arrests reported in West Bank

At least five people were killed and seven others injured in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The ministry said that during a ceasefire period in place since October, a total of 823 people have been killed and 2,308 injured. It added that since Israel began military operations in Gaza in October 2023, the cumulative death toll has reached 72,599, with 172,411 people reported injured. The figures have not been independently verified. Israeli authorities have not immediately commented on the latest reported casualties. In
one-dead-one-injured-in-targeted-shooting-in-surreys-newton-area
CanadaApr 29, 2026

One dead, one injured in targeted shooting in Surrey’s Newton area

A man is dead and another was taken to hospital with minor injuries after a shooting in Surrey’s Newton neighbourhood on Tuesday evening, according to police. Surrey Police Service Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton said the incident occurred at 7p.m. in the 6800-block of 148 Street. Officers responding to reports of shots fired found two victims inside a vehicle parked in a residential driveway. One person was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. According to police, CCTV footage shows a silver car attempting to reverse out
WorldApr 29, 2026

Pakistan says ceasefire efforts ongoing in Middle East, signals possible U.S.–Iran talks

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says efforts to maintain a ceasefire in the Middle East are continuing, crediting Islamabad’s diplomatic engagement with helping keep the truce in place. According to statements attributed to Sharif, Pakistan is working to ensure the ceasefire holds and that peace initiatives do not lose momentum. He said there would be no relaxation in efforts aimed at stabilizing the situation. Officials familiar with the discussions indicate that Pakistan is again attempting to bring United States and Iran back to the negotiating table. Reports suggest a new roun
bank-of-canada-holds-key-interest-rate-at-2-25-as-global-risks-weigh-on-outlook
CanadaApr 29, 2026

Bank of Canada holds key interest rate at 2.25% as global risks weigh on outlook

The Bank of Canada kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.25 per cent on Wednesday, marking the fourth consecutive decision to hold rates, according to its latest monetary policy report. The central bank also maintained its deposit rate at 2.20 per cent. Governor Tiff Macklem said ongoing conflict in the Middle East and evolving U.S. trade policies are reshaping global trade patterns and adding uncertainty to the economic outlook. According to the bank’s report, the Iran-related tensions have reduced growth prospects in oil-importing countries while contributing to higher inflation