Monday, August 10, 2026

📰 News

Six TRU-led health projects received inaugural Engage Awards from Health Research BC. The short-term awards help researchers build partnerships before formal research begins. The local projects span homelessness, aging for Indigenous Elders, harm reduction, wildfire policy, antimicrobial resistance and health priorities with Sekw’el’was First Nation. (TRU Newsroom)

Wildfire relief resources based in Kamloops have moved to Penticton as needs shift south. Samaritan’s Purse transferred its operation after the province requested help with evacuation facilities and recovery coordination for people displaced by the Bald Range fire. Kamloops still has emergency overnight shelter capacity at MacArthur Island and hotel rooms for evacuees remaining here. (Radio NL)

Highland Valley Copper will mark 40 years with a free community celebration in Logan Lake. The August 16 event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Rec Centre and Maggs Park, with refreshments, activities, displays and guided mine tours. Teck’s approved expansion is expected to extend the mine’s life from 2028 to 2046. (Castanet)

Kamloops Ribfest’s new organizers called their first year a success despite the smoke. The Kamloops Sports Council took over the Riverside Park festival from the Daybreak Rotary Club. Organizers said attendance was lower than it likely would have been under clear skies, but crowds remained steady and the operational handoff went smoothly. (Castanet)

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🏛️ What Changed

Hundreds of properties near the Pear Lake wildfire are moving out of evacuation orders. The TNRD gave the all-clear to nearly 128 addressed properties and lifted an alert around Pressy Lake, while about 771 TNRD properties remain on alert and 822 remain under order. In the Cariboo Regional District, nearly 366 Green Lake parcels were downgraded from order to alert Monday morning. (CFJC Today)

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🚨 Safety

The Ainslie Creek wildfire’s southeastern flank is now about 11 to 12 kilometres from Highway 5. BC Wildfire Service says there is still no imminent threat to Merritt or the Coquihalla, though overnight winds helped the fire continue moving east. Heavy equipment is building a contingency guard west of Coldwater and Kingsvale, and structure-protection crews are assessing areas farther east. (Castanet)

Merritt has closed forested areas and trails around the city’s perimeter. The immediate order covers areas above the Bench, Lookout Road and the Flagpole, Collettville, Windy Canyon and trails above Exit 286 within city limits. Unauthorized access is prohibited, and the closure is scheduled for reassessment September 15. (Castanet)

Persistent drought is helping produce more intense, easily sparked fires across southern B.C. The South Thompson basin is at drought level 4, the Lower Thompson at level 3 and the North Thompson at level 2. The Nicola, South Cariboo and Okanagan basins are at level 5, the most severe rating. (CFJC Today)

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📅 Events

See more local listings in the Kamloops Events directory. With smoke still present, confirm air quality and outdoor-event updates before leaving.

Park Play Days visits West Highlands Park from 10 a.m. to noon. The free family drop-in at 1185 Links Way includes games and activities led by the city’s recreation team. (City of Kamloops)

Tiny Tunes offers an indoor morning activity for children up to age five. Parents and caregivers can join songs and rhymes at the North Kamloops Library while learning ways to support early language development. (TNRL)

Shawn Daniels plays free country rock at Music in the Park. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Riverside Park Rotary Bandshell, subject to air-quality conditions. (City of Kamloops)

Two Kamloops Arts Council exhibitions continue through August 28. Dog Days features work by Minnumato, Dieddo and Sofia-Grace in the Hallway and Alcove Gallery, while Progression is showing in the Main Gallery. (Kamloops Arts Council)

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🛣️ Roads & Weather

🌫️ Smoke, a chance of showers and a high near 29°C are forecast Monday. The latest AQHI reading was just above 6, in the high-risk range, and an orange air-quality warning remains active. Tuesday also brings a chance of showers near 28°C before a mix of sun and cloud Wednesday.

Keep strenuous outdoor activity lighter while smoke persists. People at higher risk should consider moving activities indoors, while everyone should watch for coughing, throat irritation, wheezing or shortness of breath. (Environment Canada)

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🎮 Daily Game

Redactle: reveal a hidden article by guessing the words that belong in it.