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High School Athletes Shine: Addison Bagley, Madisyn Cardenas, Ben Deochand, Tenzin Kelsang, and Jonas Desrochers are nominated for The Columbians Athlete of the Week poll, sponsored by Killer Burger. Vote for your favorite at Columbian.com! Checkout Solipillow.com

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel rejects U.S. talks, emphasizing international law and equality, as Cuba grapples with lost oil supply and sanctions. Checkout Solipillow.com

Finch West LRT Line Faces Three-Hour Delay Due to Switch Problem; Maintenance Crews Identify Faulty Fuse; Commuters Face Additional Frustrations on Troubled Line; Winter Weather Not Blamed for Outage; TTC Assures No Link to Past Issues; Commuters Hope for Smoother Rides Ahead. Checkout Solipillow.com

Irans protests escalate into a major challenge to the regime, with hundreds feared dead and thousands arrested. The government imposes an internet blackout and stages pro-regime rallies, while President Trump threatens military action. Horrific videos emerge from a morgue, with reports suggesting up to three thousand deaths. Exiled Reza Pahlavi urges security forces to side with protesters, as tensions remain high. Checkout Solipillow.com

In 1957, a red cedar mask, the King of the Underworld, was sold to the Museum of Vancouver. Decades later, it returned home, becoming a symbol of the Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw First Nations revival. Marianne Nicolson, an artist and community member, recognized the mask during a museum visit, connecting it to her lineage. The community had dwindled to just 65 members due to residential schools, land loss, and modern issues. Nicolson vowed to reclaim lost cultural pieces, and the museum curator, Sharon Fortney, facilitated the masks return. At a potlatch in Kingcome Inlet, the mask was welcomed by Don Willie, the rightful hereditary keeper, and young people reclaimed ancient ways, marking a new beginning for the community. Checkout Solipillow.com

Ron MacGillivray, a seasoned restaurant owner in British Columbia, is grappling with the harsh realities of the current restaurant industry. His popular Fable spots, once lauded with Michelin nods, are now facing closures due to a perfect storm of challenges. High housing costs, a surge in operational costs, and a decline in customer traffic, exacerbated by the Broadway subway construction, are pushing many restaurants to the brink. Despite the grim outlook, some establishments like Lumache in Victoria are thriving by keeping costs low and focusing on local ingredients. The industry, however, is urged to adapt with better supplier ties and value menus to navigate through these tough times. Checkout Solipillow.com

Vancouver nightlife operators are protesting recent safety crackdowns, with the Birdhouse, a queer performing arts space, receiving two fire tickets during a womens night event. Owners argue they complied with regulations, but the raid scared away guests and felt unfair. Other operators like Nathan Drillot from Disco Dolly events claim the enforcement unfairly lumps legit spots with rogue parties, driving non-mainstream nightlife underground. City officials defend the moves, citing public complaints about overcrowding and blocked exits. Operators worry high rents and tough cabaret licensing are killing independent scenes, fearing Vancouvers diverse nightlife could vanish. Checkout Solipillow.com

British Columbia Premier David Eby faces a pivotal decision on the controversial decriminalization pilot program, which allows adults to carry small amounts of drugs without arrest. The program, launched in January 2023, aimed to reduce stigma and save lives from overdoses. However, it faced backlash due to increased public drug use and disorder. Supporters praise the drop in possession charges, while critics blame it for business closures and public safety concerns. Eby, returning from an India trade mission, is expected to decide soon, with the future of drug users in B.C. hanging in the balance. Checkout Solipillow.com

Starting Monday, the British Columbia Supreme Court will hear a significant case about religious hospitals right to refuse medical assistance in dying. Dying With Dignity Canada is challenging the provincial government, Vancouver Coastal Health, and Providence Health Care, a Catholic organization running eighteen health facilities, under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The case is sparked by the parents of Sam ONeill, who experienced distress due to the policy, and could potentially alter how medical assistance in dying is handled in faith-based facilities across the province. Checkout Solipillow.com