Top Stories – Apr 13 – Leave More Time

If your Easter plans include a trip to the coast, don’t forget to allow more time for your driving. As repair work continues on a number of bridges on the Coquihalla between Merritt and Hope, the highways department says motorists can expect it to take about 45 minutes longer than usual.

To prepare for this year’s spring freshet and wildfire seasons, the province is encouraging people to be prepared. That can mean buying flood or fire insurance if possible, along with taking action to minimize the potential for damage. It is also an idea to review polices outside of flood and wildfire season, as homeowners may face challenges getting new policies or changing coverages if their property is under evacuation alert or order.

It may be cooler than normal here, but be glad you’re not in southern Manitoba. There is a winter storm warning in effect today and lasting until Friday morning. Widespread snowfall accumulations of 30-50 cm accompanied by northerly winds gusting to 70 km/h giving zero visibility at times in blowing snow are predicted. Flights into Winnipeg and Brandon have been cancelled and schools are closed.

Kelowna City Council voted unanimously to change how their benefit premiums are paid. Up until now, those who participated were responsible for 50 percent of the cost. Starting in November, after municipal elections, the city will pay 100 percent of the premiums.

In February there were 174 suspected drug toxicity deaths. That’s the highest number of ever recorded in that month, but a drop from 208 in January. In Kelowna, the BC coroner’s service says there have been 13 illicit drug related deaths so far this year, that compares to 12 in all of 2014.

A gunman in a gas mask and a construction vest set off a smoke canister on a rush-hour subway train in Brooklyn and shot at least 10 people yesterday. Five people were in critical condition but expected to survive. At least 29 were treated at hospitals for gunshot wounds, smoke inhalation and other conditions. New York police were still searching for a suspect last night.

Work has started on ‘Water Street by the Park’. It’s a three-tower, multi-phase development next to Kelowna City Park which will have towers of 24, 28 and 42 storeys with 650-units. Each tower will have several levels of street-facing commercial space and is expected to be move-in ready in 2025.

Accelerate Okanagan and Prospera Credit Union are teaming up to offer small businesses grant opportunities with financial support to upgrade or embed technology. The Level Up Local grant is now available for any small and medium-sized businesses in the region from Osoyoos to Salmon Arm. For details, head to Accelerate Okanagan’s website.

President Joe Biden referred to Russia’s invasion in Ukraine as a “genocide” for the first time yesterday. In the eastern Donbas region, Ukraine said it was investigating a claim that a poisonous substance had been dropped on its troops. It was not clear what it might be, but Western officials warned that any use of chemical weapons by Russia would be a serious escalation of the war.

Sports

In Vancouver last night, two 3rd period goals by Langley’s Shea Theodore gave the Golden Knights a 4-4 regulation tie with Vancouver. But Quinn Hughes scored 51 seconds into overtime to give the Canucks the win. Meantime in Manitoba, tonight’s Jets game against the Kraken has been postponed to May 1 ahead of that expected blizzard.

As the NBA playoffs get set to begin, the Toronto Raptors drawing the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round only adds to the Raps’ party-crashing potential this postseason. Toronto took three of four from the Sixers during the regular season.

At Yankee Stadium, the Jays are now 1 and 1 in their 4 game series with the Bronx Bombers after a 4-0 win by New York last night. Game 3 goes today at 4.

The owner of the NFL’s Washington Commanders may have run afoul of U-S financial laws. Former employees told a Congressional committee that the team had 2 sets of books… 1 that under reported ticket revenue to show the league, and one with the full financial picture.

Penguins superstar Evgeni Malkin has been suspended four games for cross-checking Nashville Predators blue-liner Mark Borowiecki. Malkin was assessed a four-minute double-minor for high-sticking and a two-minute minor for slashing on the play.

The Seattle Seahawks have picked up the fifth-year option on tight-end Noah Fant’s rookie contract. They got him from Denver as part of the Russell Wilson trade. He had 68 receptions for 670 yards and four touchdowns last season.