Local
Algonquin College will go completely smoke-free following the Ontario government’s decision to allow marijuana to be consumed wherever tobacco is permitted. College president Cheryl Jensen announced last week college-wide consultations about “moving toward smoke-free campuses” at the college’s three campuses in Ottawa, Perth and Pembroke. While the college conducts these consultations “to understand the potential impact and develop a permanent policy,” the college will be smoke-free under an interim policy from Oct. 15, 2018 to Jan. 1, 2019.
National
A malfunction in a diesel-treating unit at the Irving Oil refinery in Saint John, New Brunswick is believed to be the source of an explosion and fire Monday morning. Several contractors were sent to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, officials said. As of 3:30 p.m., the fire was mostly extinguished, although there was the chance of residual hydrocarbons in the unit, so it was still deemed a “hot zone.” Area residents were encouraged to remain in their homes, despite there being no air quality issues reported, other than the lingering smoke from the fire.
International
New revelations have emerged that bring more anguish to those grieving the deaths of 20 people following a limo crash in Schoharie, New York on Saturday. According to New York governor Andrew Cuomo, the modified limo had failed an inspection last month, and was not supposed to be on the road. In addition, the driver did not have the proper license to operate the vehicle. Cuomo said officials were conducting a cease-and-desist order to stop the limo company, Prestige Limousine Chauffeur Service, from operating until the investigation has concluded.