Vancouver Rundown Wednesday February 7, 2024
The top local news ignored by your Facebook feed
Summary
A Nigerian man is under arrest in that country and charged in connection with last year’s death-by-suicide of Surrey teen Robin Janjua. Adedayo Olukeye, 26, will be tried in the African country on child pornography, extortion and money laundering charges. Prosecutors say various online usernames were used in attempts to extort money under the threat of releasing nude photos. The victim’s family has released a statement:
It has been almost one year since we lost our son. He loved hockey and he loved life. Not a day goes by that we don’t miss him. He was an innocent child who was taken advantage of due to his innocence
RCMP note financial sextortion is a global problem and victims are encouraged to come forward.
More news…
Selina Robinson’s office has been vandalized with hate messages according to Premier David Eby. That word comes a day after Robinson agreed to step down as B.C.’s Post Secondary Education Minister over the fallout from her comments calling Palestine “a crappy piece of land with nothing on it.” Robinson remains the MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville.
Avian flu is responsible for the deaths of close to 18,000 turkeys on Surrey city councillor Mike Bose’s farm. Bose tells the Surrey Now-Leader the farm has since passed its final disinfection inspection. He says there is insurance to help with the loss but the process will take time.
BC United Leader Kevin Falcon is demanding action from the Eby NDP government to help the province’s wine industry in light of recent weather events and Alberta’s ban on direct-to-consumer sales. Part of his demand includes tax breaks and the establishment of a working group to address industry problems. The NDP says it’s already taking steps including meeting with the Alberta government to discuss direct-to-consumer sales.
A mix of sun, clouds and showers for Wednesday. More showers right through the weekend. Here are the latest conditions from our private weather station in Surrey.
Top five stories to know
CityNews: Selina Robinson’s Coquitlam office vandalized: Eby
Vancouver Sun: Vancouver park board hires legal team to fight city hall
Surrey Now-Leader: Surrey councillor’s turkey farm loses 18K birds to avian flu
CBC: Disgraced Vancouver detective allegedly gave advice on covering up stabbing: new documents
Business stories to know
The Canadian Press: Backstop on insurance needed from catastrophe risk, says regulator
Castanet: BC United leader calls on government to start showing urgency for embattled wine industry
Opinion
BCBusiness: The Conversation: BC Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau weighs in on the way we work
Journalism matters
That’s cool
Bonus
The Tyee: Zombie deer disease is here. It's as bad as it sounds.