Two Canadians aboard a cruise ship off Japan test positive for new coronavirus

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

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

Indonesian emergency officials say at least 22 people died after a fire swept through a seven storey office building in central Jakarta on Tuesday. Local police reported that the blaze is believed to have started on the ground floor where batteries were stored, before spreading quickly through several levels of the building. Firefighters deployed nearly 30 fire trucks and hundreds of personnel to contain the flames. Crews worked for about three hours before bringing the situation under control. Authorities have launched an investigation into what triggered the incident, noting concerns about e