News for Youse: Flu called a health hazard, B.C. Bio bought, and Dreamliners grounded

Flu warning issued  Fraser Health Authority chief medical officer Dr. Paul Van Buyder has announced that the flu virus constitutes a health hazard under the Public Health Act. People visiting residential-care or assisted-living facilities must wear a mask if they haven't had a flu shot.

Lifelabs buys B.C. Biomedical  Toronto-based Lifelabs Medical Laboratory Services has announced the purchase of B.C. Biomedical Laboratories, which has 45 facilities and performs an average of 32,000 tests per year.

City delays Waldorf demolition  Vancouver city council voted yesterday to impose a 120-day protection order on the Waldorf Hotel on East Hastings Street.

Artists'-space amendment goes to public hearing  Vancouver city council also approved a staff recommendation to refer zoning amendments on artists' studios to a public hearing. If approved, this would permit these workspaces in industrial areas.

Rare bird at Queen's Park  CBC News has reported that a red-flanked bluetail somehow made its way from southern Asia to New Westminster, where it's been spotted in Queen's Park.

Premier calls MILF-mentioning broadcaster  Justin Wilcombes, a.k.a. "Drex", has tweeted that Premier Christy Clark called him to say she "was far from impressed that I got fired". He added: "It was awesome that she called."

Obama's plans for guns  This morning, President Barack Obama is announcing how he thinks the U.S. should deal with guns in the wake of the mass murder in Newtown, Connecticut.

Japan grounds Dreamliners  Two Japanese airlines won't be flying their Boeing 787 Dreamliners after a battery error occurred on an All Nippon Airways flight, causing an emergency landing.

Scott Gomez on waivers  The Montreal Canadiens have let Scott Gomez know they don't want him in their lineup by putting him on waivers, which will clear $7.3-million in salary space.

Spike Lee hammered for condemning Django  Director Spike Lee's criticism of Quentin Tarantino's Western-slavery film, Django Unchained, has drawn a tart rebuttal from rapper Uncle Luke of 2 Live Crew. "Lee needs to get over himself," Uncle Luke wrote in the Miami New Times. "He's upset because Tarantino makes better movies."