Qualicum Beach teacher releases 7th in popular interactive book series
Little Adventurers books sell 3,500 copies
News
Local
Parksville firefighters extinguish brush fire near Stanhope Road
Blaze believed to be human-caused; no injuries reported
High Bar Gang to reunite for bluegrass concert in Parksville
Show planned for Aug. 29
Firefighter hurt battling blaze in historic Vancouver Island building
Interior of Cumberland structure "pretty much destroyed"
Hazy days continue across Vancouver Island with a dozen active wildfires in the north
Anyone who sees a wildfire can report by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cellphone
Vancouver Island
How do Comox Valley governments and public organizations use AI?
The use of artificial intelligence tools by local governments is a growing topic of discussion as high-profile elected officials in parts of B.C. have drawn criticism about their use of AI tools in their work. The post How do Comox Valley governments and public organizations use AI? appeared first...
‘Very dangerous’: Wreckage of boat still scattered on Qualicum beach
As the tide went out in Qualicum Beach Saturday, large pieces of a former 38-foot boat revealed themselves on a sandy shoreline. The post ‘Very dangerous’: Wreckage of boat still scattered on Qualicum beach appeared first on CHEK.
Revered building in Cumberland damaged by fire: 10 people displaced, firefighter hurt
Firefighters from Cumberland and Courtenay battled a stubborn blaze in historic downtown Cumberland late Sunday night. The post Revered building in Cumberland damaged by fire: 10 people displaced, firefighter hurt appeared first on CHEK.
17 wildfires burning on Vancouver Island, 5 out of control
Following the recent lightning storms, there are now 17 wildfires burning on Vancouver Island, five of which are out of control. The post 17 wildfires burning on Vancouver Island, 5 out of control appeared first on CHEK.
Young raccoons find refuge at Island wildlife centres
Dozens of young raccoons are getting a second chance at life at wildlife rehabilitation centres across Vancouver Island. The post Young raccoons find refuge at Island wildlife centres appeared first on CHEK.
BC
B.C. vape class action that could impact many Canadians hits a snag
One month after the B.C. Supreme Court authorized a class action against one of the world’s largest vape brands, it is now appealing the decision. In July, a class action was authorized against Juul and Altria, which is the parent company of Philip Morris USA. The decision indicated that the...
B.C. band crowned world champions for the first time in 17 years
A B.C. band has made international headlines after winning a global title. The Simon Fraser University pipe band recently took home first place at the 2026 World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland — the first time a Canadian band has won in 17 years. “This year’s World Championships...
'Damaging' Bellingham report reveals B.C. and Canada are crucial to its survival
We’ve known for over a year that the lack of Canadian and B.C. visitors to regions like Bellingham has seen a huge impact, but a new report from the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Border Policy Research Institute has dug into it a little deeper. A survey from both agencies looked...
4 ways to save money during back-to-school season in Canada
Back-to-school season is here, which means Canadians from coast-to-coast are gearing up for a busy September. Millions of students are looking for value when it comes to back-to-school shopping and trying to stick to a budget throughout the year. The good news is it only takes a few simple changes...
Gas is going to get more expensive for Canadians next month
Relief at the pumps is coming to an end next month, meaning Canadians could soon start paying more to fill up on gas. The federal government’s temporary pause on the fuel excise tax is set to expire on Sept. 7, meaning the tax will return to its full rate on Sept. 8. Prime Minister Mark Carney...
Canada
Hundreds of migrants in Spain's Ceuta enclave protest for asylum, against deportation to Morocco
Hundreds of migrants who recently entered Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta staged a protest on a popular urban beach on Sunday, urging Spanish authorities to grant them asylum instead of sending them back to Morocco.
Summerland farmer was 12 hours away from harvesting crop when wildfire sparked
Crops in the Okanagan have been hit consecutively, first by a heat dome in 2021, then a cold snap in 2024 that led to the closure of B.C. Tree Fruits Cooperative.
Tumbler Ridge school teardown begins as B.C. prepares to rebuild following mass shooting
Demolition crews began work tearing down Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Monday, about six months after a mass shooting. The province announced plans to replace the school 'as quickly as possible' in May, although a new location has yet to be announced.
B.C. offering free N95 masks for B.C. Interior as wildfire smoke persists
The wildfire service says temperatures are expected to slightly rise across central and southern regions while northwest areas will see a slight dip in temperatures.
RCMP say man dead after being hit by train in Chilliwack, B.C.
RCMP say officers received a report about the collision at about 9:45 p.m. Friday. They're appealing for witnesses and anyone who was in the area to contact them.
World
U.S. and Iran Blow Through Deadline to Agree to a Broad Deal to End War
President Trump said a cease-fire agreed in June would lead to limits on Iran’s nuclear program and finish the conflict, but the countries appear far apart.
‘Posh George,’ the Convicted Fraudster in Nigel Farage’s Inner Circle
Scrutiny over the gifts and support provided by George Cottrell to Mr. Farage, the Reform U.K. leader, will continue even after he won last week’s special election in Clacton.
Record rains drench South Korean city as landslide kills one
It comes as large swathes of East and South East Asia have been pummelled by dats of heavy rain.
Supreme Court again rejects Trump's bid to overturn E Jean Carroll sex abuse case
The US president has already paid the writer over $5m in damages in the assault and defamation case.
Aid shortages and fears of starvation as Indonesia reels from deadly earthquake
Some 53 people were killed and thousands displaced by the earthquake, which struck early on Saturday.