This is where cold hard facts give way to the hottest of takes, mostly mine I suppose. I’m the editor, Marshall Jones.

Want to include yours? Listen, this isn’t the comment section, this isn’t social media. Discussion and debate requires context and a wee bit of bravery — we need your name and where you’re writing from. Include it in your account or email me anytime.

Farmers in Okanagan facing uncertain future but still holding out hope

It’s been a weird summer with the water restrictions where I live in the Okanagan.

For the first time we didn’t water our lawn all summer and it’s turned a weird beige colour. The nearby creek has completely dried up, again another first. Trees that counted on that creek moisture have been dropping their leaves all summer like it’s fall.

Our newsroom was curious. Are the water restrictions at the residential level making a difference?

As our reporter Ben Bulmer discovered it’s the agriculture community that is making the biggest sacrifices because the farms and orchards use most of the water.

As the growing season winds down the farmers are orchardists we spoke with remain optimistic that next year will be better.

Rachelle Zelaney with Zelaney Farms in Coldstream summed up the 2026 growing season the best.

“Being at the mercy of the weather is a normal occurrence for farmers, and typically we are an extremely resilient bunch… however, this season has really taken its toll on us.”

What do you think? What does the future hold for farming in the Okanagan? Can farmers and orchardists reduce water consumption enough to make the industry viable?

Send us an email at news@infonews.ca.

Howard Alexander
Editor
iNFOnews.ca

Pete Hegseth, the childish bully pretending to be an adult

I don’t know about you, but I’m having feelings about the current US administration, big feelings.

The latest childish volley from a Trump lackey came from the Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and it hit close to home, the Vernon Cadet Training Centre.

He posted a photo on social media of two young women in uniform with the caption “this is real” with a Canada flag emoji.

It’s triggered a massive backlash from Canadians of all stripes, and rightfully so.

Premier David Eby called it embarrassing. “It tells you everything you need to know about the amateur-hour, distracted, bizarre leadership that Americans are being subjected to.”

Local MP Scott Anderson called it bullying and told iNFOnews, “I wish he had picked on me.”

What do you think of the Trump administration’s negotiating tactics, because that’s what they must be right?

Send us an email at news@infonews.ca with your thoughts and feelings.

Howard Alexander
Editor
iNFOnews.ca

Canadian businesses large and small hurt by trade war chaos

The financial impacts of the Trump trade war are impacting businesses large and small across Canada.

We hear a lot about the big industries like lumber, steel, aluminum and of course Ontario’s auto section.

Smaller export industries that rely on the huge market just south of our border are also facing, well, chaos.

Mike Miltimore manufactures guitars in Sicamous and Kamloops and ships to the U.S.

The Riversong Guitars owner told iNFOnews reporter Shannon Ainslie it’s the uncertainty that the Trump tariff threats have created.

Even with all the financial insecurity, Miltimore is trying to stay optimistic, wondering if the president played a little more guitar he’d be easier to get along with.

How are you and your family weathering the Trump trade war? Send us an email at news@infonews.ca.

Howard Alexander
Editor
iNFOnews.ca

iN RESPONSE

iN RESPONSE to Friday’s newsletter opinion-editorial on the drought and water restrictions

While driving past the Valleyview High School this morning I noticed, as I have all summer, that their fields are brilliant green, despite the fact that there were no students for 2 months.
I really don’t get it. Shouldn’t the farmers and growers have this privilege? After all, it is food.

— Pamela Deo, Kamloops via email

iN RESPONSE to Wednesday’s newsletter opinion-editorial on Pete Hegseth the bully

I have a grandson who is a cadet in uniform. This thug is a bully. If this was my grandson’s picture I would sue for big money. I hope the parents sue.

— Maria Petz, Vernon via email

Frankly, I don’t care about the immature American politicians when we’ve too many immature Canadian ones.

— Patrick Longworth via email

Just another A-hole trying to make himself feel important. Another prime example why you shouldn’t mix religion and politics. All the way up to the Supreme Court even. As far as the Trump administration goes, a lot of it is just diversion while the money is being funnelled out the back door, money from the poor fools that think bringing about WW3 is going to facilitate the return of their Christ and peace on earth. Sad.

— Warren Caruk, Lake Country via email

Canada needs to reign in this type of interaction from the US!
Apparently this has been approved by the US administration.
There has never in the history of US diplomacy been such a blatant disgusting bunch of sycophants leading their country. They have no morals. From the top down they attack vulnerable people.
I for one am done with them on so many levels. I don’t buy US products since the trade war started. I am now going to focus on getting rid of all US social media platforms, Netflix, Google and anything tied in anyway shape or form.
I hate MAGA and will stop reading main stream media to get my info as long as they support the US. It is unhealthy to live this way with the stress of MAGA always chomping the fabric of your once good life.
You and all people should consider shutting down Facebook and other web sites that are controlled by the current gov’t of United Maga party of the once dignified USA! It will be hard but necessary!!
Elbow’s up Canada! Long live Canada!!

— Diane Courneyeur via email

I’ll just say this, Canadians should stop reacting to everything that comes from the U.S. administration! It’s not going to help! Talk about childish!!

— Beverly Ford via email

‘Outrageous:’ Vernon MP blasts US secretary of war for ‘bullying’ cadets

Somehow it’s not a surprise that a Trump appointee would be a bully. Appalling conduct by a government representative, but not surprising when it’s from that government. They continue to be remarkably childish.

This is a beautiful photo of two young women celebrating an accomplishment. Pete Hegseth is small and weak.

— William Mastop via iNFOnews.ca

Comments from a guy that couldn’t even make it as a Fox Weekend Anchor! And had to promise to quit drinking to get his present job. Oh and wait apparently can’t go anywhere without his wife tagging along to keep him out of trouble.

— Bonnie Derry via iNFOnews.ca

Trump contacted Apple directly to change name of Lake Ontario to Lake America: Burgum

Golleee… good to know the big man has nothing better to do governing USA than naming lakes.

— Bonnie Derry via iNFOnews.ca

‘Real conversation’: Young Kelowna women break free of digital media isolation

Why would young healthy people isolate themselves in the first place?
I am in my 50s and chronically ill. I lost my ability to work and to even be able to leave the house when I want to and society has forgotten all about me.
A way to meet other disabled and ill people would be nice. A way to meet anyone who would care and be a friend would be nice. Remember during covid when everyone had to stay home? For some of us that was already happening and still is but by all means focus on young healthy people making dumb decisions and continue ignoring those who actually need some way to socialize.
The world only cares about youth.
BTW it is free to go for a walk or sit out in nature and talk to someone. Or hey stop in at their home and make a cup of tea or coffee.
People like me are stuck indoors on a computer reading silly articles like this having no choice in the matter.
Oh but poor young healthy people.

— Carol Greene via iNFOnews.ca

iN RESPONSE to Monday’s newsletter question about the Trump trade war financial impacts

As an employee of Superstore only getting one shift a week as well as not always being paid by the Welfare department, frankly I care very little for the war between a disrespectful President and a disrespectful Prime Minister. They should both be in jail.

— Patrick Longworth via email

B.C. driver charged in fiery crash that left two dead near Lytton, B.C., last year

It’s hard to see how the press release in this matter is really merited. He is charged with driving without due care and attention. It is a motor vehicle act offence subject to a fine of not more than $2,000 and subject to imprisonment of not more than 6 months.

— William Mastop via iNFOnews.ca

Disclaimer: Any views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this page are solely those of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of the editor, iNFOnews.ca, iNFOTEL MULTIMEDIA, its partners, principals or advertisers.