Austin Deir Apologizes to Families of Two Young Women Killed in Crash on TCH
Austin Deir addressed the court Tuesday afternoon, apologizing to the grieving friends and families of Haley Keating and Erin Pretty for causing their deaths.
Deir has endured a daily gauntlet of anger and taunts making his way to and from the courthouse in Clarenville.
So much so that this week there’s been extra police to separate the parties and lessen the tension.
Much of it has to do with Deir’s silence to date, with it being interpreted as a lack of remorse.
But today, in seeking two years of house arrest and ban on driving for Deir, lawyer Rosellen Sullivan noted silence is advised until sentencing, when the judge asks if he has anything to say.
And yesterday, Deir did.
“I understand there is nothing I can say to diminish the pain and the loss that my actions have caused these families.
I am truly sorry.
I know they have said that I don’t feel remorse but nothing could be further from the truth.
My waking hours are consumed with regret and remorse that will remain with me forever.
I cannot sleep for more than a few hours at a time; when I do sleep, I am plagued by nightmares.
I longer enjoy even the simplest pleasures such as spending time with my friends and family.
From the time I had the accident up until now, I still feel it should’ve been me.
I’ve had 73 years, they had 20 years. I had no control over that.”
Haley Keating (left) and Erin Pretty. (Facebook)
The Crown is seeking three-to-four years in prison and an eight-year driving prohibition for Deir, convicted on two counts of dangerous driving causing death.
Provincial Court Judge Andrew Brown is scheduled to sentence him on February 6.
Man Fails Roadside Breath Test at Checkpoint in Nain
A 24-year-old man has been charged with refusal after failing a roadside breath test taken during a recent National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day operation in Nain.
RCMP, who were intercepting all vehicles on Sandbanks Road in Nain Saturday evening, noticed signs of impairment in a driver who pulled up to the roadblock.
The driver failed a roadside breath test, but when conveyed back to the detachment, he refused to provide further breath samples.
Charged with the equivalent of drunk driving, he was released to appear in court at a later date.
Minister to Deliver Fall Fiscal Update Next Tuesday
Finance Minister Craig Pardy will deliver his fall economic and fiscal update next week.
In August, previous minister Siobhan Coady indicated that the deficit had nearly doubled to $626 million from previous budget estimates, due largely to volatile markets and a poor exchange rate.
Last month, Premier Tony Wakeham delivered his State of the Province address to the Board of Trade, hinting that even that number “doesn’t reflect the true depth of our provincial deficit.”
Pardy would not tip his hand as to what people can expect in the update when questioned by reporters.
He says government will be fully transparent when giving the update, but says he will leave all the details for the update.
Pardy will provide his first update on the province’s fiscal health next Tuesday.
VOCM News will be there.
Psychiatric Assessment Ordered for Man Charged in Attacks on Anspach Street
A psychiatric assessment has been ordered for a man accused of trying to kill two people and seriously injuring another Monday night.
Thirty-two-year-old Mitchell Rose was arrested shortly after the spree of violent attacks on Anspach Street in the west end of St. John’s.
Police, who were called around 7:00 p.m. about a man screaming and banging on doors, arrived to find two women with serious injuries, and a man assaulted nearby.
Rose faces two counts each of attempted murder and aggravated assault, three counts of assault with a weapon, two of assault causing bodily harm, and uttering death threats.
He appeared briefly in court yesterday and was sent for tests to determine if he is mentally fit to face the charges.
Rose is due back in court this afternoon for the results of the assessment.
U.S. Products Back on NLC Shelves Today
Starting today, American booze will be back on NLC shelves with the net profit to be donated to the Community Food Sharing Association.
Approximately $3.2 million worth of product was hauled from NLC store shelves in February in response to punishing tariffs and economic threats made against Canada by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The province yesterday provided $500,000 to the Community Food Sharing Association and another donation of up to $1 million will be made pending the sale of product.
Minister responsible for the NLC, Craig Pardy, says just because the American product is being put back on the shelves doesn’t mean the push to buy local will stop.
Minister Craig Pardy (VOCM News)
He says they will still promote buying local. That said, he believes the timing was right to supply the Community Food Sharing Association with funds to help meet the need they are facing.
The Opposition says it’s pleased that government has committed to donate up to $1 million from the sale of American alcohol products to the Community Food Sharing Association.
Liberal Leader John Hogan calls it a “great first step” in redirecting the $3.2 million dollars worth of U.S. inventory stored by NLC.
He’s encouraging the finance minister to donate the remaining $2.2 million to other local charities like the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign and MADD.
The Chair of the Board at the Community Food Sharing Association, Reverend Fred Marshall, calls it an “amazing gift.”
“For every $10 that we receive as a cash donation, we’re able to turn that into $205 worth of food to a food bank. So, you can just imagine now, what $500,000 (can do) – that’s just incredible.”
Wanted Man Arrested Following East End Assault
A wanted man has been picked up by the RNC after a call about an unwelcome person at a home in east end St. John’s.
Following an investigation, officers arrested the 22-year-old for assault and two outstanding warrants.
He was taken to the lockup.
Liberals Seeking Answers from Government One Year After MOU Reached with Quebec
It was one year ago this week that then-premier Andrew Furey announced the MOU with Quebec. However, with a new government now in power, the official opposition says there are many questions that the PCs have yet to answer.
Liberal leader John Hogan has written both Premier Tony Wakeham and energy minister Lloyd Parrott to ask for their position on the MOU and their plans moving forward, but has not received a reply.
Specifically, the Liberals want to know if Wakeham is choosing members of the independent review panel himself, if negotiations with Quebec have paused, if the premier has had discussions with other potential partners, when the proposed referendum will be held and who will draft the question, and what the plan is to develop Gull Island if the deal does not proceed.
Liberal Leader John Hogan (VOCM News)
Hogan acknowledges that the political situation in Quebec could affect the current deal if it is not signed by next fall – when an election is expected.
He says the original timeline of April was “aggressive” but “not impossible,” but government has “slipped…at least two months from that timeline.”
He also assumes that the independent review will need to happen before Wakeham proceeds with any more negotiations. “So I think you’re seeing the April 2026 timeline slip away,” says Hogan, who stresses that the province needs to keep an eye on what’s happening politically in Quebec.
Bannerman Park Loop Now Open
Cold temperatures over the last week or so mean an early start to the season for The Loop in Bannerman Park.
While the facility traditionally opens in December, this year’s opening is ahead of last year when it opened on Christmas Eve.
The skating surface opened yesterday and will remain so for the rest of the season every day from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. as conditions allow.
The Loop will be closed for maintenance on a regular daily schedule.
You can call 709-733-LOOP (5667) to check conditions.
Woman Arrested After Assault at West End Residence
A 19-year-old woman will appear in court after an incident at a home in the west end.
Metro police were called about unknown trouble around 9:40 yesterday morning.
Officers determined that the woman had assaulted someone in the home and arrested her.
She’ll appear in court at a later date on charges of assault and assault with a weapon.
Local Blogger Questions Spending at Memorial University’s Signal Hill Campus
A Memorial University antagonist and blogger says he has uncovered information which shows that the Signal Hill campus is spending a lot more than it is taking in.
Matt Barter, whose movements on campus were actually restricted by the institution at one point a few years ago, used access-to-information to obtain financial numbers on the satellite campus.
In 2024-25, Barter says total expenditures were $2.17-million while total revenue was just shy of $1.19-million – nearly a one-million dollar shortfall.
Memorial is in a money crunch and looking for ways to cut expenses. It has already eliminated the Harris Centre and is taking a look at whether to keep the Harlow campus in London.
The new government has had preliminary discussions with MUN officials, but has given no indication whether it will increase its operational grant.
No Mil Rate or Fee Increases in Mount Pearl Budget
The city of Mount Pearl is holding the line on residential and commercial mil rates and water fees in its 2026 budget.
The $62.6-million document was tabled in council chambers Tuesday afternoon.
Included in this year’s budget is $200,000 for a five-year community safety and well-being plan, $200,000 for traffic calming, $1.3-million for roads maintenance, and $1.3-million for new sidewalks and crosswalks in Donovans.
As mayor Dave Aker explains, the city will also be expanding its Metrobus coverage with extended hours on route 21 and all-day coverage on route 22.
He says there will also be some consideration down the road about increasing coverage to new areas of St. John’s.
Right now, he says Metrobus in Mount Pearl runs from north to south, bringing people to the Topsail Road area. Eventually, they would like to see that expanded to include the Kenmount Road area, noting that they have a lot of residents now who prefer to shop in the Kelsey Drive area.
RCMP Seek Help Locating Stolen Truck
RCMP in Channel-Port aux Basques are hoping the public can shed light on the whereabouts of a pickup stolen from the Codroy Valley.
The red 2012 Ford F-150 was last seen by the owner on Friday, December 5th.
A cell phone and credit card where inside the truck at the time and the card has since been used at several locations around Corner Brook.
RCMP believe the suspect is a white woman in her early 30s.
(via RCMP)
The truck has an NL licence plate, number CF7306 and a vanity plate in the shape of a polar bear on the front bumper.
Anyone with information is asked to contact RCMP at 709-695-2149 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Police Seize Drugs, 55-year-old Man Charged in HV-GB
A 55-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a recent drug bust in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
RCMP were contacted on November 27th by a concerned citizen who alerted them to a man unconscious in a vehicle.
Police located the driver and vehicle in question and the man, who voluntarily surrendered a quantity of cocaine, was arrested.
Paul Melville Vader has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking in cocaine, possession of property obtained by crime, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon.
He was released on conditions to appear in court at a later date.
UPDATE: Proceeds From Resumption of Sale of American Alcohol to be Donated to Community Food Sharing Association
The province says NLC will sell off its inventory of American products and donate the net profit to the Community Food Sharing Association.
Approximately $3.2 million worth of product was removed from NLC store shelves in February in response to punishing tariffs and economic threats made against Canada by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The province today provided $500,000 to the Community Food Sharing Association and another donation of up to $1 million will be made pending the sale of product.
The Community Food Sharing Association distributes food to approximately 60 food banks province-wide and serves more than 15,400 people including 4,700 children under that age of 18 every month.
Demand for food bank services is up approximately 44.1 per cent since 2019.
Customers can expect to start seeing American products back on NLC shelves tomorrow.
Earlier story
The provincial government has called a news conference for this afternoon to provide an update on the $3.2 million dollars worth of American alcohol and liquor products sitting in storage.
The products were yanked from NLC shelves after economic policies imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump sparked a trade war between Canada and our neighbours to the south.
Some provinces have since relented and are selling products once again, while others, like Nova Scotia, have decided to return the products to store shelves with the proceeds going to charity.
Finance Minister Craig Pardy will be joined by NLC CEO Bruce Keating for an update today at 1:30 at the Community Food Sharing Association.
VOCM News will be there.
Premier Releases His Mandate Letter, Setting the Course and Priorities for Government
Premier Tony Wakeham has released a mandate letter issued to every minister in his cabinet.
In the letter, Wakeham says he expects his cabinet to “ground (their) decisions in the commitments and principles detailed in (their) 2025 Election Platform.”
He calls that platform a “roadmap” for government, noting each minister’s obligations are in that document.
He says delivering on their commitments, in part, will depend on them executing a “vigorous economic development agenda.”
This Week’s Snow Making Way for Rain by Thursday
Many people had to dig out this morning after a fast-moving system dumped a bit more snow on the eastern portion of the island than originally forecast.
St. John’s International recorded 15 cm of snow, while central and eastern Newfoundland saw amounts that were closer to 20 cm in some areas.
Environment Canada meteorologist David Neil says the snow came in two waves and fell fairly quickly, making yesterday’s evening commute especially tricky.
In the meantime, Neil says today’s cold temperatures make way for a warming trend later this week.
He says the next system will bring a more southerly flow as it passes over the Maritimes and across the island Thursday into Thursday evening.
How widespread that warming trend will be is still not clear, but rainfall is possible across much of the island, with the possibility of snowfall on the Northern Peninsula.
“Some amount of rain” is expected says Neil, “and some milder temperatures.” He says they’re keeping a close eye on possibly rainfall amounts and the impact that will have on the snow that’s accumulated over the last few weeks.
Local Jewish Community to Mark Beginning of Hanukkah This Sunday
The local Jewish community is inviting the general public to join them in a Hanukkah (Chanukah) celebration planned for this coming Sunday in St. John’s.
Rabbi Chanan Chernitsky says similar to previous years, the celebration will be a drive-in event in the parking lot of the Viking Building on Crosbie Road.
(via the Chabad of St. John’s)
He says a variety of complimentary refreshments will be available including coffee, donuts and hot chocolate.
Chernitsky says the entire community is invited.
“You don’t have to be Jewish to attend. Open to all. Come and bring a friend,” says Chernitsky. “Hanukkah has a universal message of freedom of religion, tolerance, and I myself always speak and deliver a positive message connected to Hanukkah that everybody could relate to and appreciate.”
The 9th annual event gets underway this Sunday, December 14th, at 4:00 p.m.
Fireworks are a part of Hanukkah celebrations (via Chanan Chernitsky)
TikTok Live Stream Leads RNC to Impaired Driver
A live-streamed TikTok video led to the arrest of a 22-year-old Lab City man for impaired driving.
RNC in Labrador West were contacted last Wednesday evening about a man live-streaming a video while driving his snowmobile and indicating that he may be impaired.
Based on the video, officers were able to locate the driver on Murphy Avenue in Lab City.
The accused was charged with impaired driving, his licence was suspended and the snowmachine was seized.
He was released to appear in court at a later date.
Provincial Court Closures Having Impact on Matters Involving City of St. John’s
The mayor of St. John’s says provincial court closures are having a “significant impact” on the city.
Two weeks ago all civil and traffic court cases were adjourned, and circuit courts in Baie Verte and Port aux Basques were suspended due to what government has called staffing issues.
Last week, justice minister Helen Conway Ottenheimer announced the creation of a working group to address what she calls systemic issues in the court system.
Danny Breen says people have not been able to contest parking tickets in St. John’s since September, and those tickets in the system could have an impact of “tens of thousands of dollars” on the city.
Breen says the situation also impacts property inspections.
(He says if they need access to a home for an inspection, and they can’t get permission from the owner, then their only recourse is to go to court – an option which they don’t have right now. As well, if there is an issue about a property that cannot be agreed upon, then the city has to go to court to get the right to enforce the rules.)
Breen says he is encouraged by the steps the province is taking and hopes there will be a resolution soon.
City of Mount Pearl Presenting Budget This Afternoon
The City of Mount Pearl’s municipal budget is being presented this afternoon.
The budget will be read during today’s regularly scheduled council meeting at 4:30.
VOCM News will have all the details as they become available.
Osborne Feeling ‘Far More Hopeful’ About Bay du Nord’s Future
The MP for Cape Spear says he is “far more hopeful” now that Bay du Nord will proceed than he was two or three years ago.
That’s according to Tom Osborne, who a couple of years ago would have been around the cabinet table and in on any provincial talks about that project.
Noting recent talks between the Prime Minister and the Premier on the subject, Osborne says he is “hopeful” that Bay du Nord will eventually be included in a federal major projects list.
He calls the project “a whole new frontier for offshore oil and gas for Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Osborne says “we have a very friendly government in Ottawa now and a Prime Minister who wants to see development. So that bodes well for that project.” He says getting Bay du Nord off the ground will open up many opportunities for the industry.
Woman Charged with Impaired After Whizzing by RCMP Checkpoint in Baie Verte
A woman who police believe had way too much to drink has been charged after allegedly speeding past an RCMP checkpoint.
Police set up the check stop Saturday night in Baie Verte but at about 8:00, a driver ignored everything and sped on through. RCMP say an officer was nearly struck by her vehicle on the way through.
The 35-year-old suspect was located at her home, and eventually given the breathalyzer. Her readings are said to have been more than two-and-a-half times the legal limit.
The accused will appear in court at a later date to face charges of impaired and flight from police. As well, her license was suspended and vehicle impounded.
Fate of NL Folk Arts Society to be Determined This Week
Members are meeting this week to decide the fate of the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society.
The organization, which has been dedicated to the promotion and preservation of traditional music and culture in Newfoundland and Labrador for the last half century, is on the brink of collapse.
This coming summer would be the annual folk festival’s 50th year if the board members can find a way forward.
A meeting has been called for Wednesday evening to make a decision on one of two options; to move forward as a volunteer-run organization, or to dissolve the Folk Arts Society.
The organization, which announced last month that it was facing a “crisis of significant proportions,” closed its office and laid off its administrative coordinator. Executive director Julie Vogt resigned.
Government Hoping to Have Additional Snow Clearing Personnel Hired by End of Month
Transportation minister Barry Petten says the hope is to have their expanded version of 24-hour snow clearing up and running by the end of this month.
Petten says the application process for additional workers closed last Wednesday. They had over 150 people apply, and about 100 of those are going through the vetting process.
He says the crews will be out in each region as soon as they are able, which will hopefully be later this month.
He would prefer to have crews in place before Christmas, but he admits that may be wishful thinking. He is hoping to have their overnight crews in place before the end of the month.
NDP Calling on Province to Sell Off Stock of American Booze
NDP MHA Sheilagh O’Leary is calling on the provincial government to follow in the footsteps of other jurisdictions and sell off its U.S. alcohol stock and donate the profits to charities and not-for-profits.
American products were taken off the shelves earlier this year as the trade war with the United States started to ramp up.
O’Leary says Manitoba and Nova Scotia have already made the decision to sell off their inventory, noting that an estimated $3.2-million could be raised by selling the product and that government here should “do the right thing” and follow in their footsteps.
Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Three Attacked on Anspach Street
A man has been charged with attempted murder after three people were attacked on Anspach Street last evening.
It all started unfolding just before 7:00 when RNC got a call about a man screaming and banging on doors in the neighbourhood.
When officers arrived, they found two women with serious injuries. They were rushed to hospital where one victim is believed to be in critical condition.
While tending to that, police were alerted that a man had just been assaulted on the same street. Investigators believe the same 32-year-old suspect is responsible for all three attacks.
He was arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm and uttering threats.
The investigation continues.
Brandon King Facing Numerous Charges After Police Chase Through Capital City
A 37-year-old man has been arrested and charged after fleeing from police and colliding with numerous RNC vehicles in the capital city last night.
RNC responded to a report of a theft from a business on Kenmount Road around 7:15 last night.
The suspect vehicle was located, but the driver refused to pull over and instead, fled the scene striking a police vehicle in the process.
Around 9:00 p.m. the suspect vehicle was located in a parking lot on Blackmarsh Road and police say, once again refused to pull over. The driver struck three police vehicles in his attempts to flee.
Police decided to give chase because of the driver’s dangerous and aggressive driving.
The suspect vehicle finally came to a stop on Hamlyn Road where the driver took off on foot. RNC say he was eventually arrested while attempting to steal a police vehicle.
Brandon King has been charged driving while impaired, refusing to comply with a demand, dangerous driving, assault of a police officer with a weapon, resisting arrest, flight from police, failing to stop at the scene of an accident, and possession of stolen property, as well as numerous other charges and ticketable offences.
There were no injuries reported.
Social Prescribing; Researcher Recommends Time Out with Friends, Family and Others During Winter Doldrums
The Christmas season is a time for joy and merriment, but if you’re feeling burned out in the days and weeks leading up to the holidays, you’re not alone.
Dr. Alexandra Gold from Mass General Brigham, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School says it’s not unusual to feel a bit exhausted this time of year as the winter solstice approaches and daylight hours wane. She says that feeling may be a more pronounced this year thanks to the news cycle and the changing political climate.
She says people often feel a little low this time of year simply because they’re not getting enough sunlight. “People might feel more desire to stay in and sleep, more cravings for carbohydrates, more low mood, so that piece is not new this year.”
She acknowledges, “we do have in our world right now a lot of world events, a lot of economic pressures people are experiencing and that can kind of add to this picture of duress or low mood.”
She says things to watch for are persistent low mood, excessive sleep and not wanting to engage in daily activities. She says trying to get involved in some kind of social event or gathering is what most professionals suggest to help pull people out of the doldrums.
She says engaging with friends or family, and spending specific, dedicated time with others will help to lift spirits for those who may be suffering seasonal affective disorder.
More than 200 Turkey Dinners Served at Annual Rogers Rogers Moyse Christmas Community Dinner
Many a meal was had, festive songs sung and good cheer shared during the annual Rogers Rogers Moyse Christmas Community Dinner in St. John’s this afternoon.
The 17th annual affair, which saw more than 200 turkey dinners served at the Knights of Columbus in St. John’s, also included a visit from Santa with gifts for the children in the room.
Hundred turn out for the annual Christmas dinner hosted by Rogers Rogers Moyse (VOCM News)
The event has become an annual festive celebration especially for those who might otherwise be alone or in need, emphasizing community spirit and giving back on behalf of the city law firm, with other organizations.
Various municipal, provincial and federal politicians and volunteers were on hand to distribute the early-afternoon dinners with all the fixings.
Patrons say they look forward to the event every year (VOCM News)
And once again the early reviews are two thumbs up.
It’s wonderful grand and we love it, loves it,” said one woman sitting with three longtime friends. “It warms my heart to see all this around,” said another. “The atmosphere, the music, the dinner was delicious, and to see Santa himself!”
Even Santa showed up to distribute a few gifts (VOCM News)
Employee Nearly Struck by Fleeing Vehicle, 20-Year-Old Woman Charged
A 20-year-old Irishtown woman has been charged after leaving a store with merchandise for which she allegedly didn’t pay.
An employee at Chubb’s Convenience in St. George’s called RCMP around 5:00 p.m. Friday after the woman in question left the store.
The clerk was providing descriptions of the suspect and the vehicle she was in but when they tried to get the licence plate number, things unravelled. Police say the employee was nearly struck by the vehicle as it sped away in the direction of Stephenville.
RCMP located the woman at a home nearby and took her into custody, charging her with assault with a weapon and theft under $5,000.
