David Bowie dead at 69 after battle with cancer: Top Stories

David Bowie, the iconic and shape-shifting musician, actor and performer who profoundly shaped popular culture and fashion in a career spanning five decades, has died after an 18-month cancer battle. This is one of our topstories worth your time this morning.

Local

Behind the province's scramble to stop raccoon rabies' spread

Chris Davies was in his office at Trent University one Friday afternoon in early December when he got word that a raccoon had tested positive for rabies in Hamilton.

"I was really disappointed," said the province's top wildlife researcher who's been credited with keeping the virus outside of Ontario's borders for more than a decade."We knew if we found one, we'd find more," Davies said from Peterborough, Ont.

New bylaw would fine people $100 for parking on the lawn

City councillors will vote next week whether to officially ban parking in yards excluding the area around Tim Hortons Field during Hamilton Tiger-Cats games.

The city's planning committee will vote to pass a bylaw that fines people $100 for parking on front andside yards, and boulevards, which is the space between the sidewalk and the curb.

Elsewhere

David Bowie dead at 69 after battle with cancer

David Bowie, the iconic and shape-shifting musician, actor and performer who profoundly shaped popular culture and fashion in a career spanning five decades, has died after an 18-month cancer battle.Representative Steve Martin said early Monday that Bowie died "peacefully" and was surrounded by family.

"While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy during their time of grief," the statement read. No more details were provided.

Powerball lottery jackpot world's largest at $1.3B US

Disappointed you didn't win the Powerball jackpot this weekend? Don't be.Lottery officials say the estimated $1.3 billion US prize $1.84 billion Cdn is the world's largest. Ever.

"Biggest jackpot in the history of the world. Absolutely confirmed," Texas Lottery executive director Gary Grief said.