Sunday, April 19, 2026

📰 News

Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson plans to run for re-election despite possible foreclosure on his dealership. He told CBC he knows he owes Beem Credit Union (now about $447,000) and is trying to sort out his finances after cuts to his mayoral salary, adding that he plans to sell some personal assets to make payments. He put the Tru Market business “on hold” when he took office. (CBC)

The Crown has stayed the second-degree murder charge in last September’s fatal attack outside Merit Place shelter. Justin Rory Hopkins-Jones — arrested two days after Jason Pinnete, 39, was beaten to death on Sept. 27 outside the Notre Dame Drive shelter — has been released from custody. The BC Prosecution Service cited “a material change in circumstances” without elaborating; Kamloops RCMP say their investigation is concluded. (Castanet)

SD73 says the Kamloops School of the Arts elementary visual-arts program is not closing. Social-media posts suggesting otherwise are inaccurate — the program moves to a different space inside KSA starting in the 2026-27 school year, with no change to class size or resources. The district will present its 2026-27 budget Mon Apr 20, with initial board approval Apr 27 and final approval May 11. (Castanet)

CMHA Kamloops has launched a free financial-help program. Pathways to Financial Empowerment offers tax filing, benefits navigation, financial education, and financial coaching. It’s funded through a national Prosper Canada initiative investing about $1 million in CMHA Kamloops over the contract. Self-referrals welcome. (Castanet)

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🚨 Safety

Kamloops RCMP are asking for help finding 81-year-old Diane Freeman, missing since Thu Apr 16. She left home shortly before 5 p.m. for the Save-On Foods on the 1800-block of Tranquille Road in Brocklehurst, made a purchase, and left at 5:15 p.m. She was driving a red 2019 Mazda CX5 (BC plate MK176L) and is travelling with her grey Morkie, Banjo. Tips to Kamloops RCMP non-emergency: 250-828-3000. (CFJC Today, Radio NL)

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📅 Events

Jazz Sweets — Sat Apr 25. Composer, producer, and jazz pianist Karel Roessingh plays suites of well-known compositions and originals, each grouped by a shared word, meter, key, or sentiment. Per the organizers, actual candies may be involved. (Castanet)

Modern Floral Centrepiece Workshop — Sat Apr 25. A hands-on spring arrangement workshop at Monte Creek Winery, hosted with Woodstock Floral Company. (Castanet)

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🛣️ Roads & Weather

A proper week of spring weather. A mix of sun and cloud Sunday reaching 22°C, sunny Monday at 23°C, and cloudy Tuesday around 22°C. AQHI is low (2.86) with no warnings. No major closures on Highway 1.

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🎮 Daily Game

Globle — guess the mystery country using your geography knowledge. Closer guesses light up warmer; fewer guesses wins.