New research shows suicide may be contagious. According to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, teenagers who’ve had a classmate take their own life are significantly more likely to attempt committing suicide themselves over the next two years. Researchers call it ‘suicide contagion,’ and it affects 12 to 13 year olds the strongest.
An Ontario couple was reunited with its missing, pregnant goat. The Wellesley residents were immediately concerned when they returned to their farm, only to discover that their fence had been flattened and one of their animals taken away. But three men returned the goat after watching a report on CTV News, saying they found it tied to a tree with a sign that read ‘Free lawn mower.’ More on this and other stories below:
Nursing home abuse is far from isolated, experts say. After the release of shocking video showing an elderly woman with dementia being subjected to abuse and humiliation in an Ontario long-term care facility, many are saying the issue is more widespread than previously believed. This comes after a class-action lawsuit into elderly abuse was only recently settled.
Emergency crews are racing to find survivors of the Oklahoma tornado. Authorities lowered the death toll to 24, down from 51, but warned to expect those numbers to climb back up. Some victims are believed to have been counted twice, while broken communication lines are creating problems sharing information. Governor Mary Fallin vowed to account for every single missing resident.
Stephen Harper is ‘very upset’ over the recent senate scandal. The prime minister told the Conservative caucus that anyone who intends to use public office for their own benefit should find a new line of work. His comments mark the first time Harper has addressed Senator Mike Duffy’s repayment of improperly filed expenses.
Rob Ford is avoiding the media as drug allegations loom. Toronto’s mayor was spotted in an elevator, standing with his back to swarms of reporters as he made his way to council chambers. Neither Ford nor his staff responded when asked if he will hold a press conference later today.
Make em’ walk: Fewer children are commuting to school by foot or bike, according to a new report. Active Healthy Kids Canada released its latest report card on physical activity, and assigned the country a ‘D’ grade for Active Transportation. It says while 58 per cent of parents walked to school when they were young, only 28 per cent of children do so today – costing kids an opportunity for extra exercise.
A French company wants to build wind turbines on Juno Beach. The commission plans to erect 75 turbines about 10 kilometers from the shore, where 359 Canadians died during the D-Day invasion on June 6th, 1944. But Canadians, along with Britons and Americans, can write in their opinions and register for updates on the debate being held over the project.
Breathe easy: A new tablet could treat grass pollen allergies, not just the symptoms. A new generation of medications slowly teaches the immune system to tolerate substances that induce allergies, which is the same effect of standard injection immunotherapy. The pills are beginning to enter Canadian markets, and are designed to be a less painful option when compared to monthly allergy shots.
Newfoundland was hit was hit by a freak snowstorm over the long weekend. Barbeque and getaway plans were frozen after residents were blanketed under a record-breaking snowfall. Environment Canada recorded fifty four centimeters of snow in Gander, as temperatures fell below the freezing mark on Saturday evening and hovered around zero for most of Sunday.
A B.C. man has been missing in Mexico for nearly two weeks. Diego Hernandez, a 22-year-old martial arts instructor, went missing alongside his friend from Puerto Vallarta, just two days after he had organized a sporting event in the city. Hernandez’s mother believes her son was kidnapped, saying she saw surveillance video of him being flanked by two masked men at an ATM.
