Lauren Collins

Ridge Meadows RCMP lowered its flags to half mast on Sept. 22 following a shooting in Coquitlam that resulted in one RCMP officer being killed and another wounded. (Brandon Tucker/The News)

Ridge Meadows Mountie killed, 2 other officers injured in Coquitlam incident

Rick O’Brien was a 7-year member of the Ridge Meadows RCMP; he joined the detachment Sept. 19, 2016

Ridge Meadows RCMP lowered its flags to half mast on Sept. 22 following a shooting in Coquitlam that resulted in one RCMP officer being killed and another wounded. (Brandon Tucker/The News)
A server brings food to a table as people dine at a restaurant in Vancouver, on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. The federal government’s extension for a small business loan repayment plan was touted as a win for businesses, but has instead drawn mixed reactions from industry experts with one saying it’s left owners on “pins and needles.” THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

‘Cruel joke’: CEBA deadline extension not what B.C. small business hoped for

Feds tout 1-year extension for Canada Emergency Business Account loan repayment

A server brings food to a table as people dine at a restaurant in Vancouver, on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. The federal government’s extension for a small business loan repayment plan was touted as a win for businesses, but has instead drawn mixed reactions from industry experts with one saying it’s left owners on “pins and needles.” THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
New Westminster Police are investigating after a woman died in a three-vehicle crash at a residental parkade entrance. A police car with flashing lights is shown in Philadelphia on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Matt Rourke

Woman dead after crash at Lower Mainland parkade entrance

Police say no pedestrians involved in the collision; medical incident hasn’t been ruled out as cause

New Westminster Police are investigating after a woman died in a three-vehicle crash at a residental parkade entrance. A police car with flashing lights is shown in Philadelphia on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Matt Rourke
The Vancouver Police Department is providing free, 911-only cellphones for seniors on low or fixed incomes. (VPD)

B.C. police department to provide free, 911-only cellphones for seniors

It can be used to dial 911 in emergencies at no upfront cost or monthly payment plan

The Vancouver Police Department is providing free, 911-only cellphones for seniors on low or fixed incomes. (VPD)
Counter protesters, both for and against SOGI teachings in schools, clash at a a set of Vancouver protests at Jack Poole Plaza on Wednesday (Sept. 20, 2023). (Lauren Collins)

Counter-marchers outnumber SOGI protesters on Vancouver streets, plazas

Rally supporting SOGI teachings,trans rights attracted more support than 1 Million March 4 Children

Counter protesters, both for and against SOGI teachings in schools, clash at a a set of Vancouver protests at Jack Poole Plaza on Wednesday (Sept. 20, 2023). (Lauren Collins)
(Fisheries and Oceans Canada)

Landmark prohibition imposed after B.C. men caught crab fishing in US waters

4 men fined, forfeit more than $287K in commercial crab fleet investigation

(Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
A woman boards a transit bus through rear doors, in Vancouver, on Friday, March 20, 2020. New Westminster Police were called Sunday (Sept. 17) around 6:30 p.m. to 6th and Liverpool streets after reports of an assault on board a bus. Police say the victim, a woman, had minor injuries, but was in distress. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Woman assaulted on Lower Mainland bus, police say

New Westminster Police say victim had minor injuries after being assaulted by ‘group of youths’

A woman boards a transit bus through rear doors, in Vancouver, on Friday, March 20, 2020. New Westminster Police were called Sunday (Sept. 17) around 6:30 p.m. to 6th and Liverpool streets after reports of an assault on board a bus. Police say the victim, a woman, had minor injuries, but was in distress. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
A elementary student arrives for his first day back to school in Montreal, Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Returning to school in September can be a “mixed picture” for students as some deal with higher levels of anxiety as change can be a stressful situation. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

New school year can lead to higher levels of anxiety for students: B.C. doctor

BC Children’s Hospital noted increase in mental-health visits at start of 2022-23 school year

A elementary student arrives for his first day back to school in Montreal, Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Returning to school in September can be a “mixed picture” for students as some deal with higher levels of anxiety as change can be a stressful situation. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
A firefighter was injured after an aggressive fire in Vancouver’s downtown early Saturday (Sept. 16) caused a ceiling to collapse onto him. (File photo by BLACK PRESS)

Vancouver firefighter sent to hospital after roof collapses during fire

Assistant fire chief Pierre Morin says the firefighter was taken to hospital with minor injuries

A firefighter was injured after an aggressive fire in Vancouver’s downtown early Saturday (Sept. 16) caused a ceiling to collapse onto him. (File photo by BLACK PRESS)
New Westminster Police during an investigation on April 18, 2023. Police say a victim was punched in the face by a stranger at the entrance to the New Westminster SkyTrain station Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. (Shane MacKichan)

Victim punched in the face in stranger assault at B.C. SkyTrain station

New Westminster Police now looking for suspect who is described as a 35-year-old man

New Westminster Police during an investigation on April 18, 2023. Police say a victim was punched in the face by a stranger at the entrance to the New Westminster SkyTrain station Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. (Shane MacKichan)
Protesters march down Cambie Street in Vancouver Friday (Sept. 15, 2023) as part of the Global Fight to End Fossil Fuels marches in Canada this weekend. (Vancouver traffic cameras/Vancouver.ca)

Global climate march weekend begins in B.C. with Vancouver protest

Protesters have taken to the streets of Vancouver; David Suzuki to speak at legislature in Victoria

Protesters march down Cambie Street in Vancouver Friday (Sept. 15, 2023) as part of the Global Fight to End Fossil Fuels marches in Canada this weekend. (Vancouver traffic cameras/Vancouver.ca)
The RCMP logo is seen outside the force’s ‘E’ division headquarters in Surrey, B.C., on Thursday, March 16, 2023. RCMP say a suspect in a July 23, 2023 shooting in Richmond was arrested in Surrey on Sept. 14. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Suspect arrested after firing gun out ride-share window: B.C. RCMP

Richmond RCMP say 3 men were in the vehicle at the time of the shooting

The RCMP logo is seen outside the force’s ‘E’ division headquarters in Surrey, B.C., on Thursday, March 16, 2023. RCMP say a suspect in a July 23, 2023 shooting in Richmond was arrested in Surrey on Sept. 14. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
The Bush Creek East wildfire in the Shuswap. (BC Wildfire Service)

B.C. ends state of emergency, but wildfire threat persists

Emergency Management Minister says 370 people remain on evacuation order, 18,000 on alert

The Bush Creek East wildfire in the Shuswap. (BC Wildfire Service)
Forests Minister Bruce Ralston speaks in Vancouver on Jan. 22, 2020. Ralston addressed some of the concerns in Westwold around a fish protection order during the province’s update on the wildfire and drought situation Sept. 13, 2023 THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

B.C. forests minister asks for people to comply with fish protection orders

Ralston says salmon run would be wiped out without protection order in Westwold

Forests Minister Bruce Ralston speaks in Vancouver on Jan. 22, 2020. Ralston addressed some of the concerns in Westwold around a fish protection order during the province’s update on the wildfire and drought situation Sept. 13, 2023 THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
B.C. Emergency Health Service paramedics are reminding drivers on what to do if an emergency vehicle has its lights and sirens on. (Contributed photo).

‘Every minute counts’: B.C. drivers reminded to pull over for ambulances

Paramedics say they deal with drivers not obeying the rules daily

B.C. Emergency Health Service paramedics are reminding drivers on what to do if an emergency vehicle has its lights and sirens on. (Contributed photo).
An RCMP patch is seen on the shoulder of an assistant commissioner, in Surrey, B.C., on Friday, April 28, 2023. North Vancouver RCMP is warning both teens and adults to be aware of ongoing online sexual extortions, while also excouraging parents to talk with their children about the dangers of these scams. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Sexual extortion scams can happen in 20 minutes, B.C. RCMP warn

North Vancouver RCMP planning presentations to educate students on the dangers of it on social media

An RCMP patch is seen on the shoulder of an assistant commissioner, in Surrey, B.C., on Friday, April 28, 2023. North Vancouver RCMP is warning both teens and adults to be aware of ongoing online sexual extortions, while also excouraging parents to talk with their children about the dangers of these scams. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
A Vancouver Police Department patch is seen on an officer’s uniform in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, B.C., Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. B.C. Prosection Service won’t be approving charges against a VPD officer in connection with a 2021 arrest where the suspect suffered facial injuries that needed sutures and staples, as well as a fractured arm. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Vancouver Police officer won’t face charges after use of force

B.C. Prosecution Service says suspect was showing ‘dangerous and unpredictable behaviour’

A Vancouver Police Department patch is seen on an officer’s uniform in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, B.C., Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. B.C. Prosection Service won’t be approving charges against a VPD officer in connection with a 2021 arrest where the suspect suffered facial injuries that needed sutures and staples, as well as a fractured arm. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Fraser Health has launched its virtual psychiatric unit September 2023. It’s the first of its kind in B.C. and had admitted and discharged 140 patients so far. (Fraser Health)

Fraser Health launches 1st virtual psychiatry unit in B.C.

It operates the like a brick-and-mortar hospital, but patients are in the comfort of their own home

Fraser Health has launched its virtual psychiatric unit September 2023. It’s the first of its kind in B.C. and had admitted and discharged 140 patients so far. (Fraser Health)
B.C. Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jennifer Whiteside steps away from the podium after speaking during a news conference in Vancouver, on Monday, January 30, 2023. Whiteside was at the Metro Vancouver’s mayors council on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 to discuss the issues around public drug use. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Decriminalization meant to save lives in toxic drug crisis: Whiteside

Mental Health and Addictions Minister speaks to Metro Vancouver mayors committe on public drug use

B.C. Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jennifer Whiteside steps away from the podium after speaking during a news conference in Vancouver, on Monday, January 30, 2023. Whiteside was at the Metro Vancouver’s mayors council on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 to discuss the issues around public drug use. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Prince George RCMP is investigating an arson at a logging site that damaged approximately $1 million worth of equipment. Police say it happened sometime over the 2023 Labour Day weekend. (Prince George RCMP)

$1M worth of equipment damaged in Prince George logging-site arson: RCMP

Employees found 3 machines burned beyond repair

Prince George RCMP is investigating an arson at a logging site that damaged approximately $1 million worth of equipment. Police say it happened sometime over the 2023 Labour Day weekend. (Prince George RCMP)