WestJet says operations are gradually returning to normal after a flight attendants’ strike ended with a tentative agreement between the airline and the union representing roughly 4,400 cabin crew members. While flights have resumed, the carrier warns some cancellations and delays will continue as aircraft and crews are repositioned across its network.

The strike disrupted travel during one of the busiest weekends of the summer. WestJet says about 39 per cent of its scheduled flights were cancelled, with more than 900 flights grounded and approximately 250,000 travellers affected across Canada and internationally.

The airline has not provided a firm date for a full return to normal operations, but says recovery will take several days as it works through the backlog of disrupted travel plans. Passengers are being urged to check their flight status before heading to the airport as schedule adjustments continue.

Iran continues to deny that any negotiations are actually taking place.

With another deescalation in the war in the middle east, the Honourable Dan McTeague, former Member of Parliament and President of Canadians for Affordable Energy, is predicting a drop of price at the gas pumps of up to 10 cents per litre in the national capital region on Thursday. 

Gas prices are generally hovering around $1.71 per litre in the area, already down from last week’s high of $1.80. McTeague says that futures traders are practically “giddy” over the current cease fire and some rumours and information from the White House that indicate that this time the U.S. and Iran are actually close to a deal. 

Iran continues to deny that any negotiations are actually taking place.

Ottawa Police Service continues to investigate a stabbing in Centretown yesterday morning. Police and EMS crews were called to the intersection of Bank Street and McLeod Street at around 9:45 a.m. for reports of a man being stabbed. 

Paramedics located the stabbing victim and began treatment on the scene. The victim was transported to hospital in serious but non-life-threatening condition. 

The suspect is still at large and police have not released information on the suspect or a possible motive.

An OPP Marine Unit on patrol offshore in Lake Ontario near Kingston, spotted something odd floating in the water. As they approached, they noted two teenagers a significant distance from shore on a floating pool toy. 

The teens had drifted from shore, and as winds picked up, they were unable to make their way back to shallow water. 

OPP picked up the teens and returned them to their grateful parents. Neither teenager had been wearing a life jacket and police caution the situation could have ended tragically.

Leeds County Ontario Provincial Police continue to investigate a fatal collision on the 401 near Ganonoque. The two-vehicle crash occurred early in the morning of August 3 on the westbound lanes of the highway. Please allege a passenger vehicle collided with a tractor trailer that may have been disabled on the right shoulder.

Two passengers in the automobile, aged 73 and 47, were pronounced deceased on the scene.  The driver of the car was transported to hospital with minor injuries, and there were no reports of injuries to the truck driver

Police are asking for any witnesses to the crash to come forward.

WestJet and the union representing 4000 flight attendants have reached a tentative agreement after a brief work stoppage. WestJet said it offered their flight attendants an immediate 13% wage increase with ongoing 2.5% wage increases year over a year until 2029. WestJet also says it has offered premium pay to address claims from flight attendants that they are performing work without compensation.

CUPE local 8125 says that workers have 30 days to vote on the tentative deal but they released few details, insisting that employees need to be able to review the agreement first. 

Some WestJet flights have already resumed as of yesterday afternoon, but there is no word from the airline as to when normal operations will resume. If you have a WestJet flight booked for today or anytime later this week, check with the airline before you travel.

A 39-year-old Carleton Place resident is facing several charges after Lanark County Ontario Provincial Police responded to a report of a suspected impaired driver. Officers received the complaint about a vehicle travelling in the area of Arthur Street just after 11:15 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, and were able to locate the vehicle a short time later.

Police arrested the driver and transported him to the OPP detachment in Carleton Place for further testing. As a result of the investigation, Kyle Hudson has been charged with operation while impaired, failure or refusal to comply with a breath demand, and failing to comply with an undertaking.

The accused was held in custody for a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Perth at a later date. Police also suspended the driver’s licence for 90 days under Ontario’s Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension program, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

Ottawa Police says its Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section continues to investigate a sexual assault that occurred on July 28 in the area of Truro Street and Carpenter Way. Investigators remain actively involved in the case as they work to gather evidence and identify any additional information related to the incident.

Residents in the area may notice an increased police presence over the coming days as officers conduct proactive patrols, speak with community members and support the ongoing investigation. Police say the heightened visibility is part of their efforts to reassure the public while advancing the investigation.

The Ottawa Police Service has not released additional details about the investigation but is encouraging anyone with information that may assist investigators to come forward. The service says updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

The Lanark County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are asking for witnesses and video footage as they continue to investigate an altercation that took place in Carleton Place. The incident occurred shortly before 1:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, in the area of Bridge Street near College Street. Officers responded to reports of a dispute involving two males, and one individual has since been charged.

Investigators say the investigation remains active as they work to determine what led up to the altercation. Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam, surveillance, or cellphone video from the area around the time of the incident to contact the Lanark County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

The OPP says it is aware of a video circulating on social media related to the incident but notes that it captures only part of the interaction and does not show the events leading up to the confrontation. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can provide information through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitting a tip online.