Renters tighten purse strings as prices in Alberta grow at fastest pace in 40 years

Nikkie Miranda feels stuck and frustrated, weighing what she’ll have to sacrifice when her rent increases again this winter. Three years ago, when she moved into a two-storey, three-bedroom semi-detached home in southwest Edmonton, Miranda paid $1,650 per month in rent. Her rent later increased to $1,800 and will go up again to $1,950 when … Read more

US Trashing Troves Pandemic Gear as Huge, Costly Stockpiles Expire

When the coronavirus pandemic took hold in an unprepared U.S., states scrambled for masks and other protective gear. Three years later, as the grips of the pandemic have loosened, many states are now trying to deal with an excess of protective gear, ditching their supplies in droves. With expiration dates passing and few requests to … Read more

Canadian trapped in Gaza pleads for help as Ottawa announces new immigration measures

A Canadian citizen trapped in Gaza is begging for help as Ottawa announces new measures to help family members of Canadians flee the war zone. Mahmoud Kouta of London, Ont. told CBC News he’s been trapped in Gaza since the current Israel-Hamas war broke out. The air and ground war was launched in response to Hamas’s brutal … Read more

New Colorado laws that go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024

Two dozen new Colorado laws — concerning issues including how tractors are repaired, how evictions are handled and how elections are run — go into effect on New Year’s Day, shortly before state legislators return to the Capitol and begin the lawmaking process all over again. The bills that are set to kick in next … Read more

Officials Push to Get Kids Vaccinated as More US Parents Opt Out

When Idaho had a rare measles outbreak a few months ago, health officials scrambled to keep it from spreading. In the end, 10 people, all in one family, were infected, all unvaccinated. This time, the state was lucky, said the region’s medical director Dr. Perry Jansen. The family quickly quarantined and the children were already … Read more

Does the alcohol found in boozy Christmas food add up?

You’re likely to be welcomed with an eggnog when you arrive at a Christmas party. You accept it because it’s just one drink and these things are simply a concoction of egg yolks, sugar and just a smidge of brandy – practically a dessert, right?  But wait, you haven’t factored in that slice of bourbon-soaked … Read more

Panera ‘charged lemonade’ deaths put renewed focus on energy drink safety – Boston Herald

Chris Dolmetsch | Bloomberg News (TNS) Panera Bread Co. must face a lawsuit over a death allegedly linked to its new line of “charged” lemonades, which have thrust the company into the spotlight and brought a renewed focus on the safety of caffeinated energy drinks. The company on Monday lost a bid to dismiss a … Read more

Canada’s top 10 weather stories of 2023: Wildfires, smoky skies, a record hot summer and more

Every year, Environment and Climate Change Canada ranks the top 10 Canadian weather stories. Senior climatologist David Phillips compiles the list and this year, there was no doubt about what would take the number one position: the record-setting wildfires. “There’s no drum roll here,” Phillips said.  “The fires dominated everything…. In 28 years of putting … Read more

Dengue cases drop slightly, three deaths recorded in ME49, says Health DG

KUALA LUMPUR: The number of dengue fever cases dropped by 1.3% to 2,948 cases in the 49th Epidemiological Week (ME49) from Dec 3 to Dec 9, compared with 2,988 cases reported in the previous week. Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said the cumulative number of dengue cases this year up to ME49 … Read more

Torn contact lenses, flies, ants: How to treat a foreign object that gets stuck in your eye

WHEN DO YOU SEE A DOCTOR? If there is a blurring of vision or pain, see a doctor immediately. Otherwise, the discomfort should improve over one to two hours, said Dr Teo. “There might still be a mild sensation of irritation over the next 12 hours. However, if the symptoms do not improve or worsen, … Read more