5 Things You Need To Know For January 8, 2026

January 8, 2026 5:55 am Published by Chris McLeod

January 8th is the eighth day of the year. There are 357 days remaining until the end of the year.

The first-ever Canadian Baseball League (CBL) All-Star Weekend will be held in Chatham in July.

The Chatham-Kent Barnstormers will host players and fans on July 11 and 12, 2026 at Fergie Jenkins Field. Saturday will feature the Skills Competitions, highlighted by the Home Run Derby. The All-Star Game on Sunday will feature the best players from the North against the best from the South, as voted by the fans and media.

There will be a family-friendly festival zone filled with activities, food, entertainment, and opportunities for fans to connect with the sport.

Tickets go on sale starting February 1st.

The Canadian League’s Best are Heading to the Maple City! 🍁⚾#CanadasBest pic.twitter.com/g2eUXSuOE6

— Canadian Baseball League (@CBL1919) January 7, 2026

Today is the deadline to grab your tickets for the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation Igniting Healthcare Holiday 50/50.

Tickets are on sale until noon. Tickets are $10 for 5 tickets, $20 for 20 tickets, $50 for 150 ticket or $100 for 500 tickets. Get your tickets here, or in-person at the Foundation office at 9 Ursuline Avenue in Chatham.

This year’s lottery supports Mammography Services at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA). Updated imaging technology will help improve early detection, reduce downtime, and decrease the need for repeat scans or follow-up procedures, while providing faster, clearer results that help patients feel more confident and supported throughout the screening process.

Have you got it yet? The flu is at its highest level in 25 years.

The strain seen the most throughout Ontario is Influenza A (H3N2), known for causing more severe illness in young children, older adults, and individuals with chronic health conditions.

Be proactive!

Stay Home When Sick. If you or your children are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or body aches, please stay home to avoid spreading the virus at work, at school, and in the community at large.
Get Vaccinated. It is not too late to receive the influenza vaccine. To book an appointment at a pharmacy near you, visit www.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations
Practice Every Day Preventive Measures.
Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve.
Wear a mask if you’re at higher risk of serious illness.

The world’s largest skating rink is open for the season.

As of yesterday, the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa is open for business, allowing skaters to enjoy its full 7.8 km length. A section of the rink opened on New Year’s Eve.

There is no cost to skate on the canal, and it is open 7 days a week – weather permitted. Warm temperatures have plagued the Skateway the last few years; It was unable to open at all in 2023, and only briefly in 2024.

The winter thaw continues. Environment Canada is saying we’ll see some sunshine and a high of 9C this afternoon. We’ll see some sun and a possible thunderstorm tomorrow, but the temps will climb up to 14C.