Monday, May 18, 2026

📰 News

Lee’s Music is changing hands after 51 years in the Miltimore family. Castanet reports Mike Miltimore has sold the retail inventory and lessons side of Lee’s Music to Bailey Finley and Nicholas Adams, while the store will keep operating under the Lee’s Music name at 249 Tranquille Rd. Miltimore will continue with the audio-visual business and Riversong Guitars. (Castanet)

Royal Inland Hospital is trying a sensory robot in the ER. CFJC reports the Bubble Tube Rover is meant to reduce stress for patients waiting for treatment, especially children and people with cognitive diversities. The device uses bubbles, LED strings and a projector, and RIH is trialing it for the next few months. (CFJC Today)

Royal Inland Hospital Foundation’s gala is coming back with a $100,000 donation match. Castanet reports Royal Affair 2026 is set for Saturday, June 6, with money raised supporting equipment purchases, patient care programs and other hospital needs across the region. (Castanet)

TRU has a new Canada Research Chair focused on climate, wildfires and inequality. Thompson Rivers University says Dr. Soodeh Saberian has been named Canada Research Chair in Economics of Climate Change, Disasters and Inequality, with her role beginning July 1. (TRU)

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🏛️ City Hall

Kamloops property taxes are due July 2. The city says the 2026 property tax increase is 5.70 per cent, and a 10 per cent penalty will apply July 3 to outstanding balances. Home Owner Grant applications are due at the same time as property taxes. (City of Kamloops)

SD73 is looking at whether new provincial funding can support more child-care spaces. Castanet reports the Kamloops-Thompson school district says any decisions will depend on community need, available space and operational feasibility. (Castanet)

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🚨 Safety

A car crashed into the North Thompson River on Sunday evening. Castanet reports Kamloops Mounties closed Schubert Drive between Birch Avenue and Evans Avenue after a car crossed Rivers Trail and entered the water sometime after 6 p.m. Castanet reported it had asked Kamloops Mounties and BC Emergency Health Services for more information. (Castanet)

Kamloops RCMP recovered a stolen truck near Dufferin Elementary. CFJC reports police said a heavy presence along Hillside Drive on Saturday evening was tied to a stolen truck with stolen licence plates. (CFJC Today)

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📅 Events

Amazing Singing’s spring concert is set for Friday. The May 22 show is billed as a pop-rock a cappella concert with songs from several eras. (Castanet)

Yoga and Wine with LJ is set for Victoria Day morning. The event includes a 60-minute all-levels slow-flow yoga class, followed by a glass of wine. (Castanet)

A weaving workshop runs at Isobel Lake Group Site. The On the Land Series workshop is scheduled for Monday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with participants making dream catchers from natural materials. (Kamloops Chronicle)

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🛣️ Roads & Weather

🚧 Highway 1 bridge work: DriveBC says bridge construction between Pacific Way and Summit Drive continues, with traffic reduced to one lane each way in the westbound lanes and overnight detours from 10 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. (DriveBC)

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🎮 Daily Game

Bandle — guess the song as its instruments are added one by one.

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