Independent Okanagan news on politics, business, culture and community
Few NHL players have inspired the kind of lasting loyalty that Doug Gilmour still commands from hockey fans decades after his retirement. From a 20-season career that spanned seven teams to a Stanley Cup–clinching goal in 1989, his journey is as much about perseverance as it is about skill. Here’s a factual look at the … Read more
There’s something refreshing about a child star who emerges from the other side of fame with her own voice intact. Chloë Grace Moretz, who first caught audiences’ attention as the foul-mouthed Hit-Girl in Kick-Ass at age 13, has spent the past decade redefining what it means to grow up in Hollywood. Full name: Chloë Grace … Read more
If you’ve ever heard Nikki Glaser talk about relationships on stage, you know she doesn’t hold back. She’s built a career in stand-up by being brutally honest about everything from dating to cosmetic surgery. Born: June 1, 1984 · Occupation: Stand-up comedian, actress, podcast host · Known for: Candid relationship comedy, five TV specials · … Read more
Adan Canto was the kind of actor who made you look twice—not because of flash, but because his presence felt earned. By the time he died at 42, he had already built a career spanning TVLine (trade news outlet) confirms his roles in Designated Survivor, The Cleaning Lady, and X-Men: Days of Future Past. This … Read more
When a Hart Trophy winner and Olympic gold medalist sees his contract terminated mid-season, the hockey world takes notice. Corey Perry’s release from the Chicago Blackhawks in November 2023 set off a chain of events that led to an NHL and union settlement, a public apology, and eventually a fresh start with the Tampa Bay … Read more
Few filmmakers have sparked as many debates about their best work as Martin Scorsese. Born in Queens in 1942 to Italian-American parents, he grew up in the streets of Little Italy, served as an altar boy at St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, and briefly considered the priesthood. That Catholic foundation and his heritage have fueled a … Read more
If the name Alexandra Grant sounds familiar, it’s probably because of her relationship with Keanu Reeves. But before she became tabloid-famous, Grant built a career as a visual artist whose work explores language, text, and social themes across multiple media. Born: April 4, 1973 · Age: 53 (as of 2026) · Profession: Visual artist · … Read more
When white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel on May 8, 2025, it wasn’t just a new pope being elected — it was a historic first. Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago native who had spent decades as a missionary in Peru, became the first American ever to lead the Catholic Church. Full name: Robert Francis … Read more
Few AI chatbots have stirred as much curiosity as Grok AI. Developed by xAI, Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, Grok promises real-time data from X (formerly Twitter) and a less filtered tone. But the biggest question people have is whether this powerful tool is actually free—and what you really get without spending a dime. Developer: … Read more
Few athletes have straddled two worlds as completely as Manny Pacquiao. From the streets of General Santos City to global boxing stardom and the halls of the Philippine Senate, his story is one of relentless ambition. He remains the only boxer to win world championships in eight weight divisions, a feat that cements his place … Read more