The wife of Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University student and Palestinian activist, said she didn't think she and her husband, a legal U.S. permanent resident, would have to worry about immigration agents coming to their door.

The outdoors were a refuge for many during the pandemic as people hit their local trail networks to mountain bike, hike, run and walk, but advocates in British Columbia say the value of trails isn’t reflected in the level of support they receive.

Deanne Cote, executive director of the North Shore Mountain Bike Association, said no one could have anticipated the surge in people using the local trails.

“It’s just kind of mind blowing,” Cote said in an interview.

Judo Nunavut athletes returned to Iqaluit Monday with some extra carry-on luggage after competing in the Edmonton International Tournament, an annual Judo Canada-sanctioned event held over the weekend.

The 16 athletes returned with 15 medals, including seven golds, earned in competition against athletes from across Canada.

Daniel Smook and Henri Lagacé demonstrate some of the kata moves that earned them medals in Edmonton. (Photo by Daron Letts)

“Sometimes the athletes surprise themselves with what they can do,” said Michael Smook, head coach. “Just by stepping onto that mat, they’ve already won.”

Some of the youngest athletes earned medals by demonstrating the katas, a series of choreographed movements that mimic the actions used in a judo fighting competition.

“It’s a demonstration of judo’s core mechanics,” said Henri Lagacé, 12, who won two bronze medals. “It is the essence of judo.”

Fellow athlete Daniel Smook, 11, who has been training with Judo Nunavut for six years, earned gold.

“I just love the sport and learning self defence,” he said, adding he won two out of four fighting competitions as well.

Both students help mentor and coach younger students in the organization’s under-seven cohort.

Judo Nunavut’s eldest student to compete, Julian Gissing, 17, won silver in the under-21 advanced category.

The coaches were back hosting practice at Aqsarniit Middle School the night after their return. Plans are already afoot for the next southern tournament, the 2025 Open Nationals Judo Championships from May 15 to 18 in Calgary, said coach Matilda Pinksen.

Miki-jaq Bracken earned gold in the under-14 novice category at the Edmonton International Tournament. (Photo courtesy of Matilda Pinksen)

Judo Nunavut is preparing to send seven athletes to the Canada Winter Games in Quebec in February 2027, which will be the sport’s largest representation from Nunavut to date, she said.

Judo Nunavut was established 21 years ago and includes 157 registered members from age four to students in their forties.

Their judo training season ends in May.

Residents of the province between the ages of 65 and 70 years and immunocompromised residents over the age of 70 will be able to receive the shingles vaccine as of June 1.

Acting Minister of Health and Community Services John Haggie said, “Shingles can be a painful virus that affects the quality of life for people living with it. By making the vaccine available through the program, we can help seniors and immunocompromised residents reduce the risk of getting shingles, ensure they have a better quality of life, and eliminate the need for other pain management treatments.”

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which remains dormant after an individual has had chickenpox and can lead to postherpetic neuralgia in some people, a condition that causes long-lasting nerve pain and can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life. Currently, antiviral treatments can reduce the pain of acute shingles if administered early.

This article contains uncomfortable and graphic details involving a patient in distress. “This is a very sad tale indeed, for all concerned.”. So begins the first paragraph of a decision by Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice Denise Boudreau, which found Tracey Meisner guilty of defaming and shaming Kimberley Terris.  Meisner is the mother of a […]

The post Woman who defamed nurse on Facebook ordered to pay more than $60,000 appeared first on Halifax Examiner.

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A genetic study of Asian elephants in northern Cambodia published Thursday reveals a larger and more robust population than previously thought, raising hopes the endangered species could slowly recover.

Researchers from the Fauna & Flora conservation group collected samples from elephant dung in Cambodia’s northern plains and extracted DNA. From the DNA they were able to identify individual elephants, estimate population size, and determine the sex of the animals and the overall genetic diversity of the population.

From their work they estimated that there are 51 elephants in the Prey Lang, Preah Roka, and Chhaeb Wildlife Sanctuaries, with greater genetic diversity — a “critical factor for long-term viability,” the researchers said — than in two other areas of the country in which they live.

“With sufficient suitable habitat remaining in the region, the population has the potential to grow if properly protected,” the report concludes.

Overall, some 400 to 600 Asian elephants are believed to remain living in the wild in Cambodia. Researchers said the study’s findings underscore the potential of the northern area studied to become a “national stronghold” for them, contributing to Cambodia’s biodiversity conservation goals.

“Habitat degradation, especially when it leads to fragmentation, continues to be a serious concern,” Pablo Sinovas, director of Fauna & Flora in Cambodia, told The Associated Press.

“This study provides a robust basis on which to base conservation efforts and landscape management.”

The study, supported by USAID funds and Britain’s People’s Postcode Lottery, was conducted in collaboration with the Cambodian Environment Ministry. The genetic testing was done at the Royal University of Phnom Penh with technical support from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.

The research was carried out in the 2020-21 dry season, but Sinovas said since elephants reproduce slowly it is not thought that the population size would have changed significantly since then.

Researchers want to replicate the study elsewhere in Cambodia and in other countries, such as neighboring Vietnam where the Asian elephants live in fragmented populations.

“We were very pleasantly surprised by the results of the project,” said Alex Ball, conservation manager for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.

“We now hope to expand this methodology across Cambodia and beyond, helping to build a clearer picture of Asian elephant numbers, which will inform how best we can work to help reverse the decline of these spectacular animals.”

____

Rising reported from Bangkok

Sopheng Cheang And David Rising, The Associated Press

U.S. President Donald Trump has taken the next step in its tariff battle with the world, placing a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminum products from Canada and all other countries.

There was even a brief scare that the U.S. would double the tariff on Canada, before cooler heads prevailed.

But what impact will these tariffs have on the industry? Are the federal government counter measures enough, and what more do the feds need to do to support businesses and workers who will be hit hard by this move?

In today’s The Big Story podcast, host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Catherine Cobden, president and CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association to get her thoughts.

Police have shut down a section of Old Pennywell Road in St. John’s as they investigate an alleged assault in the area this morning.

In a post on X, the RNC say they’ve surrounded a home between Baccalieu Street and Lynch Place, and closed off that stretch of Pennywell Road.

They say they’re trying to make contact with anyone inside the house as part of their investigation.

Police say they’ll provide more information as the situation evolves.

Good morning. The moon hits the sky for a total eclipse tonight – more on that below, along with Steel Town’s tariff fears and Ukraine’s ceasefire doubts. But first:

Today’s headlines

• Mark Carney will be sworn in as prime minister alongside his new cabinet on Friday
• Doug Ford and Dominic LeBlanc will meet Trump administration officials over tariffs in Washington today
• Foreign powers will drive much of the wobbly postwar peace in Syria as sectarian violence continues to rage

Members of the Essex County OPP are investigating a sudden death in Leamington.

On March 12, 2025, at 2:36 p.m., members of the Essex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), were dispatched to a well-being check at an address on Sherk Street in Leamington where an individual was located deceased.

Members of the community can expect to see an increased presence of OPP in the area as the investigation continues. Further updates will be provided when they become available.

There is no threat to public safety.

If you have any information or video surveillance, the Essex County OPP can be reached anytime, anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122.

If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.

The post Sudden Death Investigation Underway In Leamington appeared first on Kingsville Times.

The province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is defending the decision to only cover the cost of shingles vaccines for people over the age of 70 if they are immunocompromised.

The vaccines will be available as of June 1. Anyone aged 65 to 70 can get their vaccine covered, but government is only going to foot the bill for people above that age if they are deemed immunocompromised.

Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says when they are looking at publicly funded vaccine programs they are always looking at a cost-benefit scenario to ensure they are responsibly providing the best protection they can.

She says the 65+ cohort is really large, and the risk of hospitalization from shingles increases after that age. She says they need to balance the best immune response they can get with protection, noting that those with compromised immune systems can get the vaccine covered.

PC Health Critic Barry Petten (VOCM News)

PC Health critic Barry Petten doesn’t understand why government is providing limited coverage after 70, but believes cost may be a factor.

Petten says the pain from shingles is the same at 80 as it is at 70, so he is “at a loss” for the different rules for the two age groups.

The online casino industry is booming around the world. Canada is one the biggest markets as an endless stream of platforms are vying for attention and players.

It really is a player’s market, so the choice is yours when it comes to where you play. That means casinos need to work harder than ever to attract players and there are many things to consider when it comes to picking an online casino to play at. This is why comparison sites can be worth their weight in gold.

Below are some of the best comparison sites for online casinos in Canada. However, let’s first look at the criteria we need to consider.

Criteria for top 10 comparison sites

Our top 10 list suggests sites based on a range of criteria. The first of these is the detail given in reviews. If comparison sites only scratch the surface, then players can still be left with a lot of unknowns. The devil is in the details, and sites that look at things more in-depth are preferred.

The other criteria being considered for these comparison sites include: security and licensing information, bonuses and promotions, deposit and withdrawal options, community feedback and customer support. These are all vital in helping you find the best Canadian online casino for you.

Casinomeister – Top pick

Score – 9.5/10

Casinomeister comes out on top of our list. This comparison site has been around for decades, building up a wealth of reviews during that time and making it one of the most trusted names in the industry.

The platform offers serious, detailed reviews that cover everything from the selection of games, software providers, customer service, payout speeds and withdrawal methods, among much more. It has a very active community forum that lets players communicate and chat about sites, providing more insight for new players looking for the most guidance.

Casinomeister offers an easy-to-understand star-rating system to cover the key points of sites at a glance, so players know if one is worth delving deeper into. 

But no site is perfect and Casinomeister’s sheer volume of information can be overwhelming for some. It can take some getting used to as you work through the whole host of details. However, sticking with the site is worth it for some of the most detailed reviews online.

AskGamblers – Silver medal

Score – 9/10

Just missing out on the top spot is AskGamblers, a site that also boasts an extensive range of casino reviews in the Canadian market. The site incorporates first-hand player reviews into its own to give more rounded and real-world insight into online casinos. AskGamblers is known for its clear approach when it comes to analyzing available bonuses, something that is hugely sought after by players who need to understand the terms and conditions that come with promotions.

However, the site does have some drawbacks. There are a lot of ads and promotional content, which makes the site hard to navigate. A better interface would let players find the content they want a lot easier, but it’s still a strong option for Canadian players.

Casino.ca – Still on the podium

Score – 8.7/10

Casino.ca is entirely dedicated to the Canadian market and players. This gives a unique perspective to proud Canadians and puts more emphasis on the regulations governing the online casino industry in the country. In-depth reviews are available for a wide variety of games, while banking options are also focused on giving players a better idea of the different ways they can fund their online casino accounts.

The glaring omission on this site is a dedicated forum where players themselves can discuss reviews, sites and games. Peer reviews are a big draw for players who look to others for insights, and that hurts Casino.ca. However, its level of detail and focus on Canada makes it a worthy site to look at.

Canadian Casino Comparer – Solid fourth

Score – 8.2/10

Canadian Casino Comparer is an easy-to-use site providing clear comparisons of a range of online casinos. Focusing on game selection, user experience, and bonuses provides players with insight into some of the most important aspects of an online casino. Welcome bonuses are something of a specialty on the site, making it a good spot for those looking to get the most bang for their buck.

The main drawback of the Canadian Casino Comparer is that compared to other sites, it hosts only a relatively small number of reviewed casinos. This narrow focus means that the select few that are covered are covered well, but it could do with casting a wider net to provide a broader overview of the industry.

iGaming.com Canada – Mid-table

Score – 8/10

iGaming.com Canada provides a very professional approach to online casino reviews. It gives players insight into expected details, such as game variety, user experience, and even software providers. The real beauty of the site, though, comes in its analysis of payment methods. Players are given a comprehensive overview of how they can deposit and withdraw money on different sites, allowing them to make the best choice for themselves.

It is, however, another site that relies solely on expert reviews and does not have any peer reviews. There might be some questions raised over promotional material on the site, which could raise concerns over bias. However, it’s still a sight worth players’ time and consideration.

Casinovator – Solid sixth

Score – 7.7/10

Casinovator focuses its attention on bonuses and promotions. The fairness of wagering requirements of different bonuses and promotions are put under the microscope, making it a great site for those looking to stretch their budget. It also gives credence to user experience, so sites that are easy to navigate and well-designed are ranked highly.

Like anywhere, though, the site does have its flaws. Casinovator only reviews a small number of Canadian casinos, so newer platforms tend to be ignored. Reviews on the site are well-structured, but they’re not always updated frequently, so information may be out of date.

Casino.org Canada – Staying safe in seventh

Score – 7.4/10

Casino.org Canada is well-established in the review sector and focuses on one of the most important issues facing players — staying safe. The site highlights licensed and regulated online casinos, ensuring players stick to secure platforms to keep them and their financial data safe. There’s also plenty of educational content available, ranging from gaming strategies to advice about responsible gambling.

Unfortunately, you can’t get away from some of the promotional bias seen in some reviews, which clearly favor certain casinos over others for no obvious reason. Its focus on safety is very valuable, but more rounded reviews would have seen it place higher on this list.

OnlineCasinoReports Canada – Could do better

Score – 7.1/10

OnlineCasinoReports Canada blends expert reviews with industry news and comparisons of many casino sites. It’s a good place for players looking for news and updates about what is available on the Canadian market, as well as the all-important reviews of online casinos.

The downside to the site is that it feels outdated in places, with updates lacking in certain reviews. While the site covers a broad range of casinos, it’s not the easiest to navigate as the search and filtering functions really need to be improved.

Gambling.com Canada – Ninth is the one for data whizzes

Score – 6.9/10

Gambling.com Canada uses statistical analysis to provide a data-driven approach to comparing online casinos. Fairness, payout speeds and overall player satisfaction are ruthlessly pored over and used to rank sites. If you like your reviews with delicious data to back them up, then this could be the site for you.

However, if statistical analysis leaves you cold, then the site can be a bit overwhelming. The analytical approach leads to a deluge of stats and figures that can confuse even seasoned gamers. There have been some user reports about the site prioritizing promoting affiliated casinos, which suggests its impartiality might be affected. However, for the data nuts out there, it’s definitely worth a look.

Top10Casinos.ca – Sneaking in at 10^th

Score – 6.5/10

Top10Casinos.ca takes a no-nonsense approach to ranking online casinos. Ease of use is the primary consideration for its reviews, which makes it a great place for beginners to find their feet. Comparing bonuses and promotions is easy to do on the site as well.

However, simplicity is its strength and also the site’s weakness. There’s a lack of more in-depth analysis seen elsewhere, and a lack of details about fundamentals, such as payment methods and compliance with regulations. It is fine for a quick and easy comparison, but not for those looking for more details.

Wrapping up

For players looking for the best Canadian online casinos, it’s clear there are many great comparison sites that will help in their quest.

Casinomeister stands out as the best, edging out others thanks to its easy-to-understand star-rating system, detailed reviews, and expert community. The other sites on our list are all worth a visit, though, to ensure you have the best experience playing online at Canadian casinos.

The post Best casino comparison sites for finding Canadian-based online casinos appeared first on Cult MTL.

The neighbourhood New Year’s Eve party had ramped up to the karaoke portion of the evening when Caroline Starr got her husband’s text. He and their eldest son, Charlie, had left the party in a panic – the 10-year-old wasn’t feeling well and had just vomited all over their front lawn.

Ms. Starr felt fine so she decided to continue the night with their younger kid, Gus. But as the clock ticked toward midnight, her stomach went suddenly hard, like it had “filled with rocks.” Now it was her turn to flee, with just enough time to grab her coat and protesting six-year-old, whom she practically dragged the four blocks home.

The parents of two 15-year-old girls at Evan Hardy Collegiate in Saskatoon say they went to police and the school multiple times between June and August 2024 with concerns about escalating online threats from the student now accused of setting one of the girls on fire in a school hallway.

Local municipalities and rural communities will soon have the opportunity and support to dispose of derelict buildings in a partnership with volunteer fire departments.

The provincial government announced the pilot project earlier this week that will aim to address abandoned buildings and the burdens they put on municipalities, including health and safety concerns, financial implications, rodents, and fire risks.

Travis Keisig, Saskatchewan's Minister of Environment, introduced the project at the 120th annual SARM Convention & Trade Show that took place on Tuesday at Saskatoon's Prairieland Park.

The MLA for Last Mountain Touchwood highlighted that the voluntary initiative is set to take off in the fall but further information on it will be released this summer. 

"This framework allows participating municipalities to work with volunteer fire departments to safely dispose of their problem, municipally owned structures for fire fighting training exercises," he shared. "It will provide municipalities with an alternative way to dispose of these buildings, this project will be a great example of collaboration that benefits many communities."

Southwest Saskatchewan is home to a large number of derelict buildings and a handful of historic, abandoned communities including Robsart, Neidpath, Ravenscrag, and Vidora.

"Derelict buildings pose both public safety and economic issues for municipalities," added Keisig. "This is a very positive step and we will always continue to work with municipalities all across the province."

Members of SUMA were also in attendance at the SARM Convention, including president of SUMA, Randy Goulden.

"This is about safety and providing communities across this province with a great place to live and to be able to generate economic development so that we can thrive," said Goulden. "Thank you very much to the Government of Saskatchewan and our ministers who've worked so hard on this."

Folks looking for more information can head to the Saskatchewan Government's website. 

Gravelbourg RCMP received a report of a serious assault at a residence near the Hamlet of Glenbain around 9:00 p.m. on Monday.

Police responded immediately, locating a significantly injured adult male who was transported to a hospital and an adult female whom they arrested at the scene. 

The 26-year-old woman from Gravelbourg was charged with one count of aggravated assault under Section 268(1) of the Criminal Code and one count of carrying a weapon for dangerous purposes under Section 88(1) of the Criminal Code. 

RCMP have not released the name of the individual charged with respect to the victim's privacy.

Her initial court appearance was Wednesday, March 12 in Swift Current Provincial Court.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says officers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) have seized more than 10 kilograms of suspected cocaine off a flight from the Caribbean.

The agency says the traveller who allegedly had the cocaine was arrested and turned over to the Ontario RCMP.

It says the suspected drugs are estimated to be worth more than $1.2 million.

No further details on the seizure were provided.

The CBSA is a federal law enforcement agency responsible for border control, immigration enforcement, and customs services in Canada.

Risking heart attacks for better erections

The Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly has shut down for the next couple of weeks, and will reconvene once government is ready to table its budget.

The closure comes after only seven days of the spring sitting.

While government house leader Lisa Dempster defends the move as “business as usual” for the budget-focused spring sitting, PC Leader Tony Wakeham and NDP Leader Jim Dinn disagree.

Wakeham says he doesn’t know what the Liberals are doing, not that “shutting down the house after only seven days—that’s what the people want to see.”

Dinn calls it “shameful” and argues that what dictates the Liberal agenda as their own agenda, and not what the people want.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Siobhan Coady says exactly when the House will be reconvened to table a budget is still up in the air.

She says she will be announcing a budget date “in short order,” and it will likely be before the Liberal leadership is decided.

I watched as a wrinkled hand reached out of the basement window