No bed on Christmas Eve: With shelters full, many unhoused people are out in the cold

Héma-Québec has been designated as the exclusive contractor by Quebec's Health and Social Services Ministry to oversee the transplantation of human tissue, ensuring patient safety and traceability in hospitals. This decision aims to streamline the process and centralize responsibility for all human tissue used in medical procedures, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strict guidelines and standards for tissue transplantation. By entrusting Héma-Québec with this crucial role, the province seeks to uphold the highest level of...

A woman in her 80s sustained life-threatening injuries in a two-alarm fire at a midtown apartment building on Yonge Street and Davisville Avenue. Firefighters responded to reports of a large fire on the 24th floor, evacuating residents and rescuing the woman from her unit before she was taken to a trauma center by police. Full Article

Richard Perry, a legendary record producer known for hits like Carly Simon's "You're So Vain" and Rod Stewart's The Great American Songbook series, passed away at the age of 82. He was celebrated for his diverse musical styles and success across multiple genres. Perry was renowned for his ability to match songs with artists and was considered a "musician's producer." His life was filled with famous friendships and memorable moments in music history. Full Article

A boat explosion at a South Florida marina resulted in the death of one person and injuries to five others. The incident occurred at the marina, causing significant damage and prompting emergency response. The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation. Full Article

Avalanche conditions are expected to remain dangerous in much of B.C. this week, with large parts of the province under "considerable" or "moderate" avalanche warnings due to recent storms depositing significant amounts of snow and creating unstable slabs. Recent incidents, including a rescue of backcountry skiers buried in an avalanche near Whistler, highlight the serious risks posed by the current conditions. Forecaster Tyson Rettie urges caution and recommends checking daily Avalanche Canada forecasts before venturing...

Pope Francis led Roman Catholics in Christmas celebrations at the Vatican, emphasizing the importance of hope and the potential for positive change in the world. The pontiff opened the 2025 Catholic Holy Year, focusing on the theme of hope and encouraging action to address wrongs. The Jubilee year will bring millions of tourists to Rome and includes special indulgences for pilgrims, with Pope Francis calling for debt relief for low-income countries and an end to...