Wednesday, August 19, 2026

📰 News

Kamloops manufacturers are preparing for the possibility of new 50% U.S. tariffs. Progressive Planet chief executive Steve Dickson said the company’s exports remain protected under CUSMA for now, but a sudden tariff could force it to absorb costs, reduce production or reconsider American contracts. Venture Kamloops executive director Jim Anderson warned that the effects would also reach local suppliers and service companies that do not export directly. Kamloops’ diverse economy may soften the citywide impact, but individual exporters could still face difficult decisions. (CFJC Today)

A Secwépemc actor is bringing a homegrown film story back to Alkali Lake. William Belleau spoke with The Wren ahead of the Leo Awards about a career that has come full circle through his role in the independent Secwépemc production W7éyle (Moon’s Wife). (The Wren)

Kamloops creator Nick Klie has self-published the fourth issue of his science-fiction comic series. The High Octane Comics manager has released one issue of Life the Necropolis each year since 2023. A crowdfunding campaign paid for the latest instalment in just over four hours, and Klie has been taking the four-book series to conventions around B.C. Local copies are available through High Octane Comics and Haus of Misfit. (Castanet)

A Kamloops youth-sports coach is urging people to take colorectal warning signs seriously after a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis. Scott Sinclair sought medical care after noticing changes and bleeding, and an emergency colonoscopy later found cancer that had spread to his liver. He is undergoing chemotherapy ahead of planned surgeries. Friends, relatives and local sports communities have raised nearly $100,000 to support his family, while the Fortiva Foundation helped arrange a day that included meeting Logan Stankoven and the Stanley Cup. (CFJC Today)

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🏛️ What Changed

A Resiliency Centre is now open daily for people affected by the Big Bar wildfire complex. The TNRD opened the recovery service with the Village of Clinton, High Bar First Nation and Whispering Pines–Clinton Indian Band. It is intended to support residents who have returned after evacuation as well as people who remain displaced. (TNRD)

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🚨 Safety

Six people were arrested after a firearm report brought a large police response to Edgemount Avenue. Kamloops RCMP were called to the 2000 block shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday following a report that a man had a gun during an altercation. Officers surrounded the Brocklehurst-area residence and made six arrests. Everyone was later released without charges, and the investigation remains open. (CFJC Today · Castanet)

Two people face robbery charges after Kamloops Canadian Tire employees were allegedly sprayed with wasp spray. Police say the June 7 incident happened while merchandise was being taken from the Hillside Drive store. The accused have court appearances scheduled later this month; the allegations have not been proven in court. (Castanet)

Hotter, drier conditions are producing more visible activity inside the Pear Lake wildfire perimeter. BC Wildfire Service says some sections flared Tuesday as temperatures rose and humidity dropped. The fire remains out of control, and smoke from unburned pockets may be visible from surrounding communities even where the perimeter has not expanded. (Castanet)

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📅 Events

The Kamloops Events directory has 411 listings from 24 local calendars. Here are five Wednesday options.

The Wednesday Kamloops Farmers’ Market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Vendors set up along the 400 block of Victoria Street beside the TNRD Library. (Kamloops Farmers’ Market)

Parent–Child Mother Goose brings rhymes, songs and stories to the North Kamloops Library. The group program is designed for parents, caregivers and children up to age five. (TNRL)

The Kamloops Chamber announces its Business Excellence Awards finalists from 3 to 5 p.m. The gathering takes place at Match Eatery & Public House. (Kamloops Chamber)

InspireHealth’s LIFE Program supports people living with cancer and their families. Program information and registration details are available through the event listing. (Event listing)

A Gordon Lightfoot tribute plays Music in the Park at 7 p.m. The free concert takes place at the Riverside Park Rotary Bandshell. (City of Kamloops)

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🛣️ Roads & Weather

🌤️ Wednesday should bring a mix of sun and cloud with a high near 33°C. The latest AQHI reading was 3.45, in the moderate-risk range, and a yellow air-quality warning remains active. Thursday is forecast to be sunny with a high near 34°C, followed by 35°C on Friday.

No new major Kamloops-area road closure was identified in the latest source check. Conditions can still change quickly around active wildfire zones, so check the current route before regional travel.

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🎮 Daily Game

Metazooa: work out the mystery animal from its taxonomic clues.