By Charles Ornstein and Tracy Weber SAN FRANCISCO — From the time they arrived to the moment they laid their heads on hotel pillows, the thousands of cardiologists attending this week’s Heart Rhythm Society conference have been bombarded with pitches for drugs and medical devices. St. Jude Medical adorns every hotel key card. Medtronic ads […]

A new amendment to the Clean Energy Act could allow families to finance energy efficiency improvements to their homes through a utility company loan. Bill No.7, the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2011 was introduced in the legislature Thursday by Attorney General Barry Penner. If passed it will amend: Clean Energy Act An amendment allows B.C. […]

After losing their battle in B.C. Supreme Court two weeks ago the B.C. government announced it will work with the B.C. Teachers’ Federation rather than continue a battle over control of class size and special needs support in public schools. The Province has appointed Paul Straszak, president and CEO, Public Sector Employers’ Council, to lead […]

A heat treat is in store for those who have suffered through one of the toughest winters — and a grim spring — in West Kootenay history. Environment Canada is predicting that this summer will be very warm and very dry, much more than normal. In its preliminary summer forecast, the national weather service said […]

Egyptian politician Mohamed ElBaradei said that ousted President Hosni Mubarak must stand trial. His statement follows the recent ratification by Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil El Araby of a statute that ensures Egypt will join the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC). If ElBaradei assumes power in the coming October/November 2011 elections, Mubarak and other former high-ranking corrupt Egyptian officials could potentially be tried […]

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today released its calculations of estimated pension and severance payments paid to the 113 MPs who were either defeated or did not seek re-election in the May 2, 2011 general election. Defeated and retiring MPs will collect $4.9 million in pension payments in their first year, reaching a cumulative total […]

Two meter high flames leaped above the rim of a steel bin before firefighters arrived on the scene to douse a dumpster fire Tuesday night in the alleyway behind Pharmasave in Grand Forks.   “Something just didn’t smell right,” was the initial impression of Jay Alblas, night manager at Panago Pizza. At approximately 8:18 p.m., […]

  Selkirk’s Business Administration students squared off against one another at the college’s sixth annual Business Competition held at its Castlegar campus at the end of the term.    First-year students competed for the best marketing campaign, while second-year students strove for best business case analysis. Working in teams, students prepared campaigns and business solutions […]

The Endless Adventure Gear Swap is back this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday the outdoor water adventure “Swap Meet” presents an opportunity for people to sell old water sport equipment and pick up new stuff for the 2011 season.  The event will also be awareness and fundraiser for the Borderline Boaters Paddle Club, a not-for-profit […]

The Kootenay version of the HST tele-town hall meeting is back on Wednesday with the Vancouver Canucks having an off day in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Nelson, Castlegar, Rossland, Grand Forks, Trail and all points in between will be eligible to participate in the tele-town hall hosted by Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Pat […]