White House pushes back on criticism of weather service around Texas flooding

A Kelowna mother was tragically killed by her ex-husband, who had previously been charged with assault and death threats in June 2024. Her family is now calling for changes in the judicial system, arguing that stronger protections could have prevented her death.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another crime story—it’s a painful example of how the legal system sometimes fails victims of domestic abuse. The family’s push for reform highlights a recurring issue: dangerous offenders slipping through the cracks, leaving grieving loved ones demanding accountability. Stories like this force us to ask whether enough is being done to protect those at risk.

A new report from the prisons inspector warns that drug smuggling is making UK prisons increasingly unstable. The watchdog points to a mix of bored inmates and understaffing as key factors driving demand for contraband inside, creating a vicious cycle that's tough to break.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about illegal substances—it's a symptom of deeper problems in prisons, like overcrowding and lack of rehabilitation. If drugs keep flowing in unchecked, it makes facilities more dangerous for both staff and inmates, and undermines any chance of reform working. That affects all of us, because most prisoners eventually re-enter society.

Authorities are investigating a devastating fire in central Alberta that completely destroyed one home and badly damaged another, forcing nearby residents to evacuate. The cause is still under investigation, but the impact is clear—families have been displaced, and the community is grappling with the aftermath.

Editor’s Note: Fires like this don’t just wipe out property—they upend lives. Beyond the immediate loss, there are questions about fire safety, emergency response, and how the neighborhood will recover. For locals, it’s a stark reminder of how quickly disaster can strike.

Prisons are facing a growing crisis as high-tech drones are being used to smuggle massive quantities of drugs and weapons behind bars—so much that officials say it's becoming impossible to stop. A new report from the prisons watchdog warns this isn’t just a security headache; it could also enable dangerous escapes, raising broader concerns about public safety.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about contraband—it’s a sign of how quickly criminals are adapting to new tech, leaving prisons struggling to keep up. If drones can fly in drugs and tools unchecked, it undermines the whole point of incarceration: keeping dangerous people and substances off the streets. The report’s blunt language suggests authorities are seriously worried, and without a solution, the problem could spiral.

British Columbians are crossing the border to shop in Washington state way less than they used to—nearly half as much, according to a new report. The drop is so sharp that analysts are calling it "astonishing," suggesting locals might be tightening their belts or just opting to spend closer to home.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about fewer shopping trips—it hints at bigger shifts in spending habits, maybe due to inflation, exchange rates, or changing priorities. If B.C. residents are staying put, it could ripple through local businesses on both sides of the border.