Small earthquake reported in South Okanagan: Natural Resources Canada

Natural Resources Canada is reporting that a small earthquake took place south of Penticton early Thursday.

According to the federal agency, the 2.2-magnitude earthquake took place at 1:36 a.m., and was “lightly felt in Penticton. There are no reports of damage, and none would be expected.”

The agency says earthquakes with magnitudes of 3.5 or less are usually not felt, but can be recorded by seismographs.

Spanish PM calls for calm in Catalonia in campaign plea

Calls for democracy not violence as Spaniards prepare for their fourth general election in four years.

Spain’s Prime Minister has called for democracy – not violence – in Catalonia on his final day of campaigning ahead of this year’s second general election.

Pedro Sanchez made the comments at a rally in Barcelona, where there has been anger over the jailing of separatist leaders.

Al Jazeera’s Jonah Hull reports.

US voters divided on Trump after impeachment inquiry hearings

Without a clear public mandate, analysts say Republican-controlled Senate will not try to convict him.

Even after two weeks of public impeachment inquiry hearings, polls suggest Americans are still divided on US President Donald Trump.

Without a clear public mandate, analysts say the Republican-controlled Senate will not try to convict him.

But a year from now, swing-state voters will decide whether Trump gets a second term in office.

Al Jazeera’s Heidi Zhou-Castro reports from Pennsylvania.

Breakingviews – Viewsroom: Britain’s Brexit election

LONDON (Reuters Breakingviews) – The country’s two main political parties are slugging it out over spending pledges before the Dec. 12 vote. But the campaign is also about how soon the UK will leave the European Union and the terms on which it will trade with its nearest neighbours.

Ukraine troops, separatists withdraw amid hopes for peace

Security forces and pro-Russian fighters started withdrawing from another front line in eastern Ukraine, raising hopes for new round of talks.

Troops have started withdrawing from another front line in eastern Ukraine, raising hopes that a new round of talks could be held soon.

White flares have been seen on both sides of the conflict line, signalling the agreement for troops’ withdrawal.

The war in Ukraine between Russia-backed separatists and government forces has been going on for over five years, with 13,000 killed and many more injured.

Al Jazeera’s Step Vaessen reports from Moscow.

Woman dead after being struck by pickup truck in Abbotsford

A woman is dead after being struck by a vehicle in Abbotsford on Thursday morning.

Abbotsford police say the collision happened at the intersection of Clearbrook and Peardonville roads shortly after 5 a.m.

According to police, the victim, who was in her 40s, was struck by a pickup truck. Despite being rushed to hospital, she died of her injuries, police said.

Antique fire trucks up for sale in Loyalist Township, but chief wants to see them stay local

Are you in the market for antique fire trucks?

Loyalist Township is looking to unload two vintage models — one from 1952, the other from 1962.

Fred Stephenson is director of emergency services and fire chief.

“In 2018, we identified that we were fast running out of space in our fire stations,” Stephenson said.

Hong Kong: Thousands gather to thank US for human rights bill

Law means Washington can impose sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials deemed responsible for human rights abuses.

China has accused United States President Donald Trump of “sinister intentions” after the president signed a Hong Kong human rights bill.

The law means Washington can impose sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials deemed responsible for human rights abuses.

Thousands there say they are grateful for the US decision.

Al Jazeera’s Sarah Clarke reports from Hong Kong,

Manitoba drive to bring down booze thefts may crack down on repeat offenders

The Manitoba government is promising new efforts to stem rising liquor store robberies.

Justice Minister Cliff Cullen says representatives from police forces, liquor stores and Crown attorneys are to work together to find solutions.

Cullen says the effort may include new ways to crack down on repeat offenders, but details are to be worked out by the group.

The CEO of Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries has said the government-run stores have been “under siege” for more than a year now.

European Economics Preview: Eurozone Flash PMI Data Due

Flash Purchasing Managers’ survey from euro area and final GDP from Germany are due on Friday, headlining a busy day for the European economic news.

At 2.00 am ET, Destatis is slated to issue Germany’s final GDP data for the third quarter. According to preliminary estimate, the economy had expanded 0.1 percent sequentially.

At 3.15 am ET, IHS Markit releases France’s flash PMI data. Economists forecast the composite output index to rise to 52.8 in November from 52.6 in October.

At 3.30 am ET, Germany’s flash PMI data is due. The composite PMI is seen at 49.3 in November versus 48.9 a month ago.

At 4.00 am ET, IHS Markit publishes euro area flash PMI survey results. Economists expect the PMI to rise to 50.9 in November from 50.6 in October.

In the meantime, industrial output and producer price figures are due from Poland. Industrial production is forecast to expand 2.5 percent on year in October, following September’s 5.6 percent increase. Producer price inflation is seen easing to 0.2 percent from 0.9 percent in September.

At 4.30 am ET, UK Markit/CIPS flash PMI survey data is due. The manufacturing PMI is expected to fall to 48.8 in November and the services index to rise to 50.1.