Grande Prairie RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) have been conducting proactive patrols in areas that have been noted to have a higher likelihood of criminal activity. As a result, four people were arrested on these two separate files:
On May 8, 2025, Grande Prairie CRU conducted a traffic stop on a Ford F150 with faulty equipment. RCMP members noted drugs and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle and arrested the two occupants. A search of the vehicle incidental to arrest revealed a stolen revolver with its associated ammunition as well as a small amount of both crack cocaine and unstamped tobacco.
As a result of the investigation, a 40-year-old individual and a 39-year-old individual, both residents of Grande Prairie, were charged with five firearm-related offences. Furthermore, the 39-year-old individual was charged with failing to comply with a release order.
Both individuals were brought before a justice of the peace. The 40-year-old individual was released on conditions while the 39-year-old individual was remanded into custody. They are both to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Grande Prairie, with the 40-year-old individual appearing on May 21, 2025 and the 39-year-old individual on May 28, 2025.
On May 6, 2025 Grande Prairie CRU located a white Ford Bronco, involved in previous flights from police, at a local gas station. A traffic stop was conducted as the driver was pumping gas. RCMP members noted unstamped tobacco in the vehicle and arrested both the driver and the passenger. A search of the vehicle and suspects was conducted incidental to arrest.
As a result of the search, the following items were seized:
Several packs of unstamped tobacco;
34 grams of cocaine;
15ml of GHB;
A small amount of methamphetamines;
$1660 in Canadian currency; and
A switchblade.
As a result of the investigation, a 30-year-old individual and a 47-year-old individual, both residents of Grande Prairie, were charged with:
Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking;
Possession of proceeds of crime; and
Possession of unstamped tobacco.
Furthermore, the 47-year-old individual was charged with seven counts of possession of a weapon contrary to court orders.
Both individuals were brought before a justice of the peace. The 30-year-old individual was released on conditions while the 47-year-old individual was remanded into custody. Both are to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Grande Prairie, with the 30-year-old individual appearing on June 4, 2025, and Dick on May 21, 2025.
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Bradley D. Burch (34, Apopka), Ronald E. Hubbard Jr. (37, Apopka), and Douglas E. Arnett Jr. (33, Orlando) have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, a fentanyl analog, and methamphetamine. Burch also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Hubbard and Arnett each face a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison, and Burch faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison.
According to plea agreements and court documents, throughout 2023, undercover agents conducted multiple controlled purchases of powder fentanyl, counterfeit fentanyl pills, and methamphetamine from Burch. For at least some of those deals, Hubbard, Arnett, or both supplied the drugs to Burch to sell to the undercover agents. Over the course of the conspiracy, they distributed nearly 2 kilograms of methamphetamine and over 350 grams of fentanyl or fentanyl analog mixtures. Additionally, during some of these transactions, Burch had a firearm nearby or in his waistband.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Apopka Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
ALEXANDRIA, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Stephen Andrew Cipkin, 38, a former tutor from Suffolk County in New York, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell to 65 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for two counts of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.
Cipkin was charged in a Bill of Information and Indictment with enticement of minors to engage in sexual activity and pleaded guilty to the charge on August 13, 2024.
At the guilty plea hearing, Cipkin admitted that from January 2022, through April 23, 2022, he used a smart phone and computer to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor female under the age of 18 years old to engage in sexual activity. Cipkin, posing as an adolescent female seeking a friendship, used an online catfish account to contact the minor victim. He later admitted to being a male and began an online relationship with the minor victim after gaining her trust. During this relationship, Cipkin asked the minor victim to send sexually explicit photographs of herself to him and also asked her to meet up with him for sexual intercourse. After receiving the photographs and videos, he used them as blackmail to extort and threaten the minor victim.
From April 16, 2022, through April 23, 2022, Cipkin traveled from the State of New York to Natchitoches, Louisiana, to meet with the minor victim. Cipkin picked up the minor victim from her home and brought her to a hotel in the Western District of Louisiana where they engaged in sexual intercourse.
Cipkin also admitted that between January 1, 2021, and continuing through January 1, 2022, in the Northern District of Tennessee, he used his smart phone and computer to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce another minor female under the age of 18 years old to engage in illegal sexual activity. Cipkin reached out to the minor female victim using an online account that he had created and began an online relationship with the minor female victim, asking her to send sexually explicit photographs to him and to meet with him for sexual intercourse.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Casey N. Stelly in the Western District of Louisiana.
British farmers and food safety campaigners have been sounding the alarm over the recent deal struck between the UK and US. The agreement offers unprecedented access to US agricultural exports such as beef and ethanol into the UK market.
While some hailed this as a breakthrough after previous talks stagnated under Joe Biden’s administration, critics argue it could undercut domestic producers, introduce lower standards for food and even compromise public health. With the cost of living remaining high, cheaper US imports may look appealing to British consumers. But many fear the products may come at a longer-term cost.
The UK government has insisted it will not compromise on standards. Hormone-treated beef and chlorine-washed chicken remain banned. But critics are sceptical. At the White House, US trade officials suggested food rules should be based on science, hinting at renewed pressure to permit products currently excluded by UK law.
But public opinion in the UK strongly supports high food standards. Surveys show most UK consumers reject hormone-fed beef and chlorinated chicken, valuing animal welfare and food safety. Given this, any shift toward US-style practices could trigger a backlash.
Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox.Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.
The deal’s language – promising to “enhance agricultural market access” – raises concerns that this may be only the first step. Food safety advocates fear a slow erosion of standards under commercial pressure.
Under the terms of the deal, the UK will allow in 13,000 tonnes of US beef tariff-free — a huge change from the 1,000-tonne cap (with a 20% tariff) previously in place. In exchange, the US will grant a matching quota for UK beef.
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) welcomed improved US market access. But domestically, many farmers feel exposed.
They worry that cheap US beef, even if hormone-free, will undercut UK cattle raised under stricter welfare and environmental rules. Feedlot beef from the American Midwest is typically cheaper, prompting fears of price pressure.
The NFU says this could be a “disaster” for British farming. Supermarkets including Tesco and Sainsbury’s say they will continue sourcing 100% British beef, but farmers fear US meat could enter the wholesale and catering sectors.
There’s also concern about ethanol – a biofuel typically sourced from crops such as corn or wheat and used primarily as a petrol additive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The UK has eliminated a 19% tariff and opened a quota of 1.4 billion litres of US corn ethanol.
But this threatens domestic bioethanol plants, which purchase millions of tonnes of British wheat each year for ethanol production. It plays a crucial role in supporting UK arable farming and rural economies.
The NFU has warned that this could destabilise farm incomes, reduce local feed supplies and endanger the production of CO², which is used widely in food packaging, refrigeration and the carbonation of drinks across the UK industry. The NFU said the deal overlooked the complex role these plants play in the UK’s food system.
But cheaper imports could ease grocery bills in the UK, a welcome prospect given food price inflation peaked at more than 19% in 2023. Cheaper beef might help households increase their protein intake. For lower-income families, for example, small savings on staples could really improve nutrition.
However, not all cheap calories are healthy. Britons are already encouraged to eat less red meat on health grounds. Increased access to cheaper beef could nudge intakes beyond recommended levels.
Restaurateur Henry Dimbleby, the UK government’s former food strategy lead, has argued that undermining domestic standards for short-term savings risks health and environmental setbacks.
Not just any commodity
Food safety is another issue. While the government says all imports will meet UK standards, future trade negotiations could challenge that. Country-of-origin labelling and enforcement will be essential for consumer confidence.
There’s also the risk of more ultra-processed food entering the UK. The deal may increase imports of US cereals, drinks and snack foods. While not inherently unsafe, many health advocates worry about worsening rates of obesity and diabetes if heavily processed products become cheaper and more common in the UK.
Trade can bring benefits — but food isn’t just another commodity. It intersects with health, environment and rural life. The NFU warns that Britain’s high standards shouldn’t be quietly traded away under pressure from US agribusiness.
The UK government claims it has preserved food protections while expanding trade. What will be key is whether consumers see real savings, as well as whether supermarkets stick to British meat. If not, it remains to be seen whether UK farmers can compete or if they will be squeezed out.
Crucially, UK regulators must hold the line if the US pushes harder. A prosperous deal should not just mean more trade — but safer, healthier and fairer food for all.
Manoj Dora does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
For decades, women’s health has been chronically underfunded and under-researched. The consequences of this neglect are widespread and deeply damaging.
Millions of women live with avoidable pain, delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatments and poor access to care. The ripple effects reach far beyond individual health: they impact families, workplaces and the wider economy.
In recent years, some progress has been made. In 2022, the UK government launched the first ever women’s health strategy for England, which was a landmark recognition that the health needs of women have been systematically overlooked in research, policy and service design.
The strategy pledged better support for menopause, increased funding for research, the creation of women’s health hubs, which provide a convenient location for women to access multiple services, such as gynaecology, sexual health, contraception an menopause care. These hubs aim to improve access, enhance experiences, reduce health inequalities for women and improved coordination across NHS services.
But just two years later, that momentum is at risk of stalling.
Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox.Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.
The government’s wider NHS reform efforts, coupled with cost-cutting, have included the withdrawal of national funding incentives for women’s health hubs. This decision has triggered concern across the health sector.
These hubs were designed to bring together vital services – from menstrual and menopause support to contraception and fertility care – in one location. They have shown promise in narrowing gender health gaps.
One of us (Jennifer) was involved in a recent evaluation by Rand Europe and the University of Birmingham, which found that women using the hubs reported overwhelmingly positive experiences, and collaboration between hub leaders and local healthcare services were key to their success. Yet many of these services are now at risk of being dismantled before they’ve had a chance to take root.
But innovation alone isn’t enough – and it risks deepening existing inequalities if not implemented thoughtfully. The gender health gap persists, and disparities in healthcare access and outcomes are often worse for women based on geography, ethnicity or income. Without inclusive design, these shiny new tools could widen the divide rather than close it.
There are growing concerns around bias in health technologies, particularly AI. If algorithms are trained on data that doesn’t reflect the diversity of the population, they can miss key symptoms, produce inaccurate results or fail to support women from minority backgrounds. Technology must be matched by transparency, oversight and inclusion.
Even the most advanced tools are meaningless without strong systems in place to govern them. Innovation must be embedded into accessible, well-funded services – and those services must be built around the real needs of women. Trust, relevance, and cultural sensitivity aren’t optional extras – they’re essential for success.
As the UK government moves ahead with NHS reforms, it must not lose sight of the importance of women’s health. Getting this right means more than launching new apps or pilot schemes. It means long-term commitment and investment backed by evidence.
At RAND Europe, our research points to two central challenges: a lack of equitable access to services and a disconnect between innovation and the needs of women.
If we want to create meaningful, lasting change, three key priorities must be addressed:
1. Sustainable funding: short-term pilots of new therapies or treatments often show promise, only to vanish when initial funding ends. Women’s health hubs, and similar services, need stable, long-term support to become embedded parts of the health system – not experiments at risk of collapse.
2. Stronger cross-sector collaboration: progress depends on better coordination across the NHS, academia, industry, charities and the public. Working together can reduce the duplication of efforts, align priorities and drive real results.
3. Accessible information and health literacy: for services and innovations to work, people need to understand them. Clear, reliable information is crucial – not just for women, but for healthcare professionals too. Empowering patients to make informed choices is key to improving outcomes.
Women’s health is not a side issue. It’s a foundation of a healthy, fair society. Investing in it doesn’t just benefit women, it strengthens families, communities and the economy.
The NHS ten-year plan presents a vital opportunity. If the ambitions of the women’s health strategy are to become reality, they must be baked into long-term planning with clear, measurable goals.
Sonja Marjanovic receives grant and contract funding for wider portfolios of research on healthcare services and innovation. She works at RAND Europe, a not for profit policy research institute and she is a Trustee of The Nuffield Trust.
Stephanie Stockwell receives grant and contract funding for wider portfolios of research on healthcare services and innovation. Stephanie Stockwell works at RAND Europe, a not f profit research institute and is on the committee for the physical activity for health division of the Chartered Society of Sport and Exercise Scientists.
Jennifer Bousfield does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Education shouldn’t be a passive experience, with children simply absorbing the knowledge teachers pass on to them. Research shows that when children have an input into their learning – helping to decide topics to cover, or specific activities, or how they are assessed – they feel more motivated, engaged in learning and happier in school.
But when we asked children about their opportunities to make choices in their education, they were often downbeat. “I’m a child and I can’t do anything,” one seven-year-old said.
This powerful statement captures a sentiment we found repeatedly in research for our new book. We set out to understand how much agency children have in their education, and what difference it makes when they do.
Our 40-month study, funded by the Leverhulme Trust, involved in-depth research across three contrasting primary schools in England: an independent (fee-paying) school, a community state school and an academy state school.
Academy schools operate independently from local council control with greater curriculum flexibility, while community schools are run directly by local authorities. We spoke with children, observed lessons and interviewed teachers and headteachers.
The findings were clear: when children have meaningful input into their learning, their motivation soars. But too often, particularly in core subjects such as English and mathematics, children feel like passive recipients rather than active participants in their education. “We don’t decide, we just do what we’re told to do,” one child said.
Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox.Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.
Children across all three schools consistently expressed a desire for more choice in their education.
When asked whether they had opportunities to make choices in their learning, one child at the independent school stated: “We don’t really get to choose what we do in the lessons.” This sentiment was echoed in the community state school, where children had no expectation that they could have input into the curriculum.
They also distinguished between “work” (subjects such as English and mathematics) and “fun” (creative subjects such as art). They described how they enjoyed the latter while the former were subjects they simply “had to do”.
Most revealing was the contrasting experience in the academy school, which had developed a distinctive approach to curriculum design involving direct pupil input. Here, children reported significantly higher levels of engagement. “I really enjoy school, and I really enjoy being able to pick what we do,” one child told us.
These voices highlight a crucial point: children don’t expect complete freedom, but they do want meaningful opportunities to influence their experience of school.
The power of structured freedom
Our research led to the development of what we call “structured freedom” – a balanced approach that maintains necessary educational structures while creating space for children’s agency. This isn’t about abandoning standards or letting children do whatever they want. Instead, it’s about giving children opportunities for meaningful choice within clear frameworks.
The academy school in our study demonstrated this approach most clearly. The starting point for each year’s curriculum was children helping to shape curriculum topics. They brought in items of interest, ranging from Coca-Cola bottles to pieces of rock. The teachers then connected these objects to required curriculum content through conversations with the children.
The school maintained clear classroom structures but provided choices about learning activities and assessment methods. Children could select which skills to work on during lessons – whether knowledge-building, research or collaboration – and at what difficulty level. They also documented their learning journey creatively in topic books using photos, pictures, drawings, diagrams or stories.
This balanced approach paid dividends. Teachers reported higher engagement among children, and genuine enthusiasm for learning across subjects.
England’s national curriculum has a heavy focus on content – the topics to be taught – and limited attention to children’s agency. However, the national curriculum is under review. This provides a rare opportunity to place children’s agency at the heart of educational reform – not at the expense of standards, but as an essential component of achieving them.
Our findings also suggest several important considerations for parents. Children who experience agency in their learning show greater motivation, engagement and more positive attitudes toward education.
With rising concerns about children’s mental health and increasing school absenteeism, supporting agency offers a practical way to reconnect children with learning. Parents might consider asking schools about opportunities for children’s input into curriculum topics, teaching approaches and assessment methods.
The schools in our study often struggled to enable children’s agency, but they also showed possibilities for the next national curriculum. Listening to children’s voices isn’t only about rights. It’s about creating more effective learning experiences that prepare children for an uncertain future.
Yana Manyukhina received funding from The Leverhulme Trust for the research reported in this article. She has received funding from a range of organisations for research including from the Helen Hamlyn Trust.
Dominic Wyse received funding from The Leverhulme Trust for the research reported in this article. He has received funding from a range of organisations for his research including from the Helen Hamlyn Trust.
Dominic is currently an advisor for the development of the primary curriculum in Ireland and a member of the Literacy Expert Panel for the Welsh Government.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Glenn Fosbraey, Associate Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Winchester
My professional life revolves around the academic study of song lyrics. So it may seem like a strange move to write about how some of the most powerful and emotive vocal moments in popular music have come when singers reject words. But it’s impossible to ignore that sometimes a song needs something more universal, more innate and more guttural than language.
Some vocalists have eschewed words entirely in their songs, like Ella Fitzgerald scatting throughout Flying Home (1945), or David Crosby da da dumming his way through Song With No Words (1971). More frequently, though, these wordless singalong moments appear as hooks.
Think the “la la la las” of Elton John’s Crocodile Rock (1972); the “duh duh duh duhs” in The Fratellis’ Chelsea Dagger (2006); the “ooh-aah-aaahs” of Fun’s Some Nights (2012) and Coldplay’s Viva La Vida (2008); or the ear worm “eh, eheu, eheus” of Bastille’s Pompeii (2013).
To paraphrase Ronan Keating (for the first and probably last time), sometimes singers say it best when they say nothing at all. And here are my four favourite examples of where they do just that.
1. The Great Gig in the Sky by Pink Floyd (1973)
When Richard Wright brought his song The Great Gig in the Sky to the studio during Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of The Moon recording sessions, the band felt something was missing. They wanted a “foreground element to make it really transcend”, and versatile session vocalist Clare Torry was brought in to provide it.
If my championing of non-lexical sounds in songs is to dabble in unfamiliar waters, then praising anything by Rita Ora is to sail into “here there be monsters” territory. And yet the hook of her 2017 song Anywhere is just so dang good that it demanded to be include here.
Anywhere by Rita Ora.
Heavily-treated and chopped-up by producers Alesso, Andrew Watt and Sir Nolan, Ora’s vocal flirts with decipherability as the occasional word emerges from the wonderful confusion, but then veers joyously off into digitised gibberish again.
If you really want to know, watch this Live Lounge performance. For me, though, the power of the song lies beyond language, so, in this case, ignorance is indeed bliss.
3. Blue Moon by Elvis Presley (1956)
There have been some great falsetto singers over the decades, with the likes of Frankie Valli, Brian Wilson, The Bee Gees, Smokey Robinson and Prince all true masters of the craft. My favourite ever example, though, comes from Elvis’s eponymous 1956 album and his cover of Blue Moon.
Blue Moon by Elvis Presley.
After spending the first two minutes of the track in the trademark croon of his lower register, Elvis then soars into wordless falsetto at various points in the last 30 or so seconds. It’s unexpected. It’s delicate yet somehow strong. And it’s musical heaven.
4. Gimme Shelter by The Rolling Stones (1969)
Similarly to The Great Gig in the Sky, The Rolling Stones wanted something that would transform their new song Gimme Shelter from good into great. The solution was soul and gospel singer Merry Clayton, who was brought in to sing the heavy, dark chorus, first alongside Mick Jagger, then solo. The rest, as they say, is history.
I can’t include Clayton’s vocal itself in this list, seeing as it contains words, but I can include a by-product of it, which, for me, is one of the greatest, most natural moments ever caught on record: Mick Jagger’s reaction.
Gimme Shelter by The Rolling Stones.
At 3m 02s, when the intensity of Clayton’s third go-around of the line “rape, murder, it’s just a shot away” has caused her voice to crack under the strain, we hear Jagger whooping in the background, unable to contain his amazement and joy at what he was witnessing.
Gimme Shelter’ has become one of the Stones’ most enduring tracks and is a staple of their live shows, which include some great performances of Merry’s section from Lisa Fischer and Chanel Haynes, and a not-so-great one from Lady Gaga. As with so many things, though, nothing will ever come close to the original.
Glenn Fosbraey does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Max Moritz, Wildfire Specialist, University of California Cooperative Extension; Adjunct Professor at the Bren School, University of California at Santa Barbara, University of California, Santa Barbara
Photos after the Los Angeles fires in January 2025 show many yards where vegetation didn’t burn while neighboring houses did.AP Photo/Chris Pizzello
One of the most striking patterns in the aftermath of many urban fires is how much unburned green vegetation remains amid the wreckage of burned neighborhoods.
In some cases, a row of shrubs may be all that separates a surviving house from one that burned just a few feet away.
As scientists who study how vegetation ignites and burns, we recognize that well-maintained plants and trees can actually help protect homes from wind-blown embers and slow the spread of fire in some cases. So, we are concerned about new wildfire protection regulations being developed by the state of California that would prohibit almost all plants and other combustible material within 5 feet of homes, an area known as “Zone 0.”
Photos before and after the 2025 Palisades Fire show thick green vegetation between two closely spaced homes. The arrow shows the direction of the fire’s spread. Max Moritz; CAL FIRE Damage Inspection photos, CC BY
Wildfire safety guidelines have long encouraged homeowners to avoid having flammable materials next to their homes. But the state’s plan for an “ember-resistant zone,” being expedited under an executive order from Gov. Gavin Newsom, goes further by also prohibiting grass, shrubs and many trees in that area.
If that prohibition remains in the final regulation, it’s likely to be met with public resistance. Getting these rules right also matters beyond California, because regulations that originate in California often ripple outward to other fire-prone regions.
Lessons from the devastation
Research into how vegetation can reduce fire risk is a relatively new area of study. However, the findings from plant flammability studies and examination of patterns of where vegetation and homes survive large urban fires highlight its importance.
When surviving plants do appear scorched after these fires, it is often on the side of the plant facing a nearby structure that burned. That suggests that wind-blown embers ignited houses first: The houses were then the fuel as the fire spread through the neighborhood.
We saw this repeatedly in the Los Angeles area after wildfires destroyed thousands of homes in January 2025. The pattern suggests a need to focus on the many factors that can influence home losses.
Shrubs in Zone 0 of a home did not ignite during the Eaton Fire, despite the home burning. Max Moritz
For example, installing rain gutter covers to keep dead leaves from accumulating, avoiding flammable siding and ensuring that vents have screens to prevent embers from getting into the attic or crawl space can lower the risk of the home catching fire.
However, guidance related to landscaping plants varies greatly and can even be incorrect.
For example, some “fire-safe” plant lists contain species that are drought tolerant but not necessarily fire resistant. What matters more for keeping plants from becoming fuel for fires is how well they’re maintained and whether they’re properly watered.
In many cases, high moisture can actually keep a plant from igniting. We’ve seen this in some of our experimental work and in other studies that test the flammability of ornamental landscaping.
With enough heat, dried leaves and stems can break down and volatilize into gases. And, at that point, a nearby spark or flame can ignite these gases and set the plant on fire.
Plant flammability testing shows how quickly twigs, grasses, plants and leaves will burn at different moisture levels. The images on the right are from an experiment at the University of California’s South Coast Research and Extension Center to test flammability of a living but overly dry plant. Max Moritz (left); Luca Carmignani (right)
Even when the plant does burn, however, its moisture content can limit other aspects of flammability, such as how hot it burns.
Up to the point that they actually burn, green, well-maintained plants can slow the spread of a fire by serving as “heat sinks,” absorbing energy and even blocking embers. This apparent protective role has been observed in both Australia and California studies of home losses.
How often vegetation buffers homes from igniting during urban conflagrations is still unclear, but this capability has implications for regulations.
California’s ‘Zone 0’ regulations
The Zone 0 regulations California’s State Board of Forestry is developing are part of broader efforts to reduce fire risk around homes and communities. They would apply in regions considered at high risk of wildfires or defended by CAL FIRE, the state’s firefighting agency.
Many of the latest Zone 0 recommendations, such as prohibiting mulch and attached fences made of materials that can burn, stem from large-scale tests conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. These features can be systematically analyzed.
But vegetation is far harder to model. The state’s proposed Zone 0 regulations oversimplify complex conditions in real neighborhoods and go beyond what is currently known from scientific research regarding plant flammability.
Green lawns, trees and shrubs were still visible after the Eaton Fire burned homes in Altadena, Calif., in January 2025. Mario Tama/Getty Images
A mature, well-pruned shrub or tree with a high crown may pose little risk of burning and can even reduce exposure to fires by blocking wind and heat and intercepting embers. Aspen trees, for example, have been recommended to reduce fire risk near structures or other high-value assets.
In contrast, dry, unmanaged plants under windows or near fences may ignite rapidly and make it more likely that the house itself will catch fire.
As California and other states develop new wildfire regulations, they need to recognize the protective role that well-managed plants can play, along with many other benefits of urban vegetation.
We believe the California proposal’s current emphasis on highly prescriptive vegetation removal, instead of on maintenance, is overly simplistic. Without complementary requirements for hardening the homes themselves, widespread clearing of landscaping immediately around homes could do little to reduce risk and have unintended consequences.
SNOW HILL, NC — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) released the following statement after the decision by Snow Hill commissioners to disband the Snow Hill Police Department:
“Nearly 15 years ago, the Snow Hill Police Department was formed to improve public safety, protect residents, and allow everyone to feel more secure in their homes, businesses, and neighborhoods. Dedicated police officers on patrol enforce the law, foster trust within the community, and promote a sense of town pride. I strongly urge town officials to reverse course, reconsider their decision, and keep the Snow Hill Police Department intact.”
A project which aims to increase the number of people with learning disabilities who secure employment in the north-east of Scotland held its annual graduation ceremony at the University of Aberdeen last week.
The DFN Project SEARCH programme celebrated the achievements of the class of 2024/25 at Kings College Conference Centre on Friday, 30 May.
The programme is a collaborative project which provides real-life work experience, combined with training in employability and independent-living skills, to young people with learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum conditions who want to go on to find paid employment.
Samantha Waters, Chief Governance Officer and University Secretary, who presented the interns with their graduation certificates, said: “We are delighted to have hosted this unique programme at the University for 12 years. Graduation ceremonies are always special, and this event is a proud moment for the interns, their families, and all our colleagues in the University and beyond who have supported them over the last year.
“Project SEARCH is instrumental in paving the way for change beyond education and the workplace and into society more generally. Our graduating interns are wonderful ambassadors for young people in the workplace who champion neurodiversity and we wish them every success in the future.”
Neil Cowie, Principal of North East Scotland College, where the interns are registered students, said: “Graduation ceremonies are always one of the highlights of the calendar and, on behalf of everyone at NESCol and all of our project partners, our congratulations go to the class of 2025.
“It is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past year but also to look forward to the exciting next steps for a group who have shown great dedication, application and skill as they have progressed through the programme. My thanks go to all who have played their part in supporting and mentoring our interns over the past year – we all look forward to following the stories of our graduates as they thrive in the work and in life.”
The ceremony also included contributions from senior representatives from Values Into Action Scotland (VIAS), which holds the licence to operate the DFN Project SEARCH programme in Aberdeen.
Norma Curran, Chief Executive, said: “As an organisation, VIAS is very proud of the achievements of this year’s interns. It is almost impossible to articulate the growth that we have seen in them throughout the year. They are such amazing role models for DFN Project SEARCH University of Aberdeen and this amazing partnership. We are grateful to everyone involved for delivering this special programme for young people in the north-east of Scotland. We are excited to see interns next steps after graduation and wish them all well for a bright future.”
Highlights from the ceremony included contributions from graduating interns and the premiere of a video showcasing highlights from their Project SEARCH journey.
Thanks were extended at the ceremony to the representatives of all organisations which support the programme, including funders Aberdeenshire Council and Shell UK Ltd, and several local businesses who generously provided sponsorship and external placement opportunities.
Following feedback from local residents and businesses, several changes to car parking charges are being considered at June’s Executive Meeting.
In April, new pricing for car parking was introduced after being approved at Budget Full Council.
Since the implementation of the new charges, the council has listened to residents and businesses most affected by the changes, who have shared their concerns.
As a result, Executive will review the parking arrangements at the meeting on 3 June 2025 and consider a number of proposed changes. Executive will also be asked to agree to a consultation as part of a review of the impact of car parking charges on the economy and communities, the outcome of which will be taken to a future Executive meeting.
An initial analysis of the economic impact is very positive, with Parliament Street showing an increase in footfall of 28.7% year on year comparing April figures, and an increase in spend of 3.7% year on year, continuing to buck the national trend.
Councillor Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council said:
We have recognised the strength of feeling and feedback from local communities following the implementation of new parking charges and continue to listen to concerns. At the upcoming Executive meeting we will consider a number of options which seek to address the issues raised, while still supporting our ambitions to develop a healthier, more sustainable and better connected city.
“Setting a budget is never easy and we are very grateful for those who responded to the consultation carried out over several months last year, whether attending a workshop or filling in our survey. I look forward to having further discussions.”
Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport said:
Money from car parking goes straight back into improving our highways and public transport. This year we have increased investment in our highway maintenance programme to £10 million, meaning more potholes are being repaired on York’s roads – with over 9,000 repaired last year alone.
“We are also investing over £50 million in sustainable travel improvements, including ticket concessions for young people, better real time information, and in the Station Gateway scheme which includes a bus interchange. This is all focused on making it easier for everyone to get around. To do this we must tackle congestion which residents have told us has a detrimental impact on how they live and work in the city, including their health and wellbeing.
“In recent weeks I have been listening to local residents and businesses. Everyone’s love and support for our incredible independent businesses has shone through. One of the great strengths of the city is the vibrant local economies that residents enjoy in their local areas. We continue to listen and as a result we are looking at reviewing some of the parking charges in line with our transport strategy and using a data-led and evidence-based approach.”
At the meeting, Executive will consider a range of interim options which could be introduced while a review into the impact of the car parking charges takes place. These include:
approving an increase in the discount for the Minster Badge to 30% of the standard parking charge, from the current 24%, to reduce the impact of increased parking charges on residents
maintaining existing pricing at all city centre car parks
introduce an “outside the inner ring road” lower parking rate including at Bishopthorpe Road car park, which it’s proposed is moved in line with charges approved for community car parks at East Parade and Rowntree Park in the council’s 2025 to 2026 Budget. This would mean Bishopthorpe Road car park would become £3 per hour with a maximum stay of 3 hours, it would be £2.10 per hour for Minster Badge holders. It will also mean no Friday, Saturday or event uplift and no evening charge in these car parks
approving the adjustment of charges in the Micklegate and Priory Street area to the ‘outside the inner ring road’ on-street parking rate, rather than its existing higher city centre rate to recognise the anomalously low parking charges in this area previously, and to give local businesses time to adjust. This will be reviewed in the future. City centre evening parking rates for this area will still apply
approving that East Parade Car Park should remain matched to the ‘outer’ on-street local parking rate to ensure consistency across out of city centre parking, and reflect the different nature of local shopping areas outside of the immediate city centre
removing the proposed charges for dedicated motorcycle bays, to recognise that the motorcycle bays are generally in locations where a car space is not possible
increase the discount for low emission vehicle permits to 20%, from the current 16% discount, to set a discount that better reflects the contribution of all types of vehicles to congestion and takes in account the land-use impact of vehicle parking
approve that resident contract parking permits are no longer linked to season tickets, and will be set at last year’s prices, plus circa 5% increase, with a 20% discount for low emission vehicles to recognise the unique circumstances of the small number of residents who live within the city walls without access to resident parking schemes
to undertake a review and develop a policy position around travel to places of worship
accept the challenge to review parking charges under the Traffic Management Act 2004, this will include consultation with businesses and residents and community groups
If approved, the new charges will need to be advertised for 21 days in accordance with legislation, meaning those charges implemented will come into effect late June to early July and be subject to a pending review.
Should Executive approve a change to the amount paid for the low vehicle emission discount, contract, season and ResPark permits, holders will be refunded the difference with more details of this to follow.
As we approach Clean Air Day later this month [19 June], City of York Council has released figures showing that all of York is meeting national air pollution targets for the first time*.
Latest air quality monitoring figures from the council for 2024, reported to the Combined Executive Member Decision Session on 3 June 2025, show that the health-based air quality objectives were met at all locations in York for the first time, except during the Covid lockdowns, when traffic emissions reduced due to home working and closure of non-essential retail.
Air quality monitoring in some areas of the city, such as around Gillygate and Bootham, has shown that maximum annual levels of nitrogen dioxide pollution improved by 27 per cent in 2024 compared with 2023.
The significant improvement in air quality is due to actions taken by the council, its partners and by residents. This includes further electrification of buses and council fleet vehicles, policies that incentivise the uptake of more low-emission taxis, anti-idling campaigns encouraging people to turn off their engines when stationary or waiting in traffic and improved electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure – all of which have all helped improve air quality further throughout 2024.
The council encourages people to walk, cycle or use public transport wherever possible to reduce their exposure and contribution to air pollution, and make the switch to electric vehicles if budgets allow.
Air pollution is linked to a range of health problems at every stage of life – from premature birth and effects on organ development in childhood, to causing heart and lung disease, diabetes and strokes in adulthood.
Find out more through the Clean Air Hub about how air pollution impacts our mental and physical health and the planet’s wellbeing.
Residents can also sign up for the council’s free pollution forecasting and alert service which sends air pollution alerts and health advice to those most likely to be affected by air pollution to help them minimise their exposure when future pollution episodes are forecast, and to encourage all of us to leave the car at home if possible on those days, to avoid worsening pollution for everyone.
Cllr Jenny Kent, the Council’s Executive Member for the Environment and Climate Emergency, said: “This is brilliant news – what a fantastic achievement to help us celebrate Clean Air Day. By being proactive on improving the air we all breathe, the council has helped to meet air pollution targets for the *first time ever in York.
“Having walked the stretch along Holgate for over a decade with prams and children, along with hundreds of young people travelling to and from 9 schools in the area, I know first hand what a difference this makes. We made a commitment to improve air quality when we published our fourth Air Quality Action Plan last summer and it is rewarding to see that the measures are working. Cleaner air is helping improve the health and wellbeing of everyone in York.
“This is a really big achievement which we should celebrate, but we are not complacent; we need to see these results and the longer-term downward trend continue”.
Peter Roderick, director of Public Health at City of York Council, said: “Even though we can’t see it, air pollution impacts our health whatever age we are. Improving air quality not only benefits our physical health and the environment but can also protect our mental and brain health. For the whole of York to meet air pollution targets for first time since Covid is a great achievement.
“We hope Clean Air Day will help raise awareness of air pollution across the city and encourage people to consider their air quality impact in helping to protect everyone’s health. We can all make improvements; share a lift to work, work from home or walk, catch the bus or cycle, if possible.”
“The latest results for the city demonstrate how far we have come in recent years to improve local air quality for everyone, however we recognise that more can be done. Through the council’s Air Quality Action Plan and other complementary strategies, we aim to go beyond National Air Quality Objectives and work towards meeting stricter World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines in the longer term to further improve public health; this will allow us all to benefit from lasting health improvements”.
Mick Forbes, Engineering Director of First Bus North & West Yorkshire, said: “The results are very positive and provide real evidence of the environmental benefits we are achieving with our fully zero-emission fleet on the streets of York, which started on routes through Gillygate in September 2023.
“We are delighted this is recognised in the air quality assessment by City of York Council and will continue to support its efforts to create cleaner air in the city.
“By working together with the council we have been able to invest millions of pounds with government funding support to transform our James Street depot, which is one of the first in the country to be declared net zero.”
Find how to protect your health and cut emissions at the Clean Air Hub
Free Clean Air Day resources for use by individuals, schools, businesses, health organisations and community groups are available on the Clean Air Day website
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CFS urges public not to consume a kind of ice cream detected with coliform bacteria counts exceeding legal limitsBrand: Alchemia Place of Origin: Hong Kong Net Volume: 70 ml Best-before Date: April 13, 2026 Manufacturer: Pay & Pay Ice Cream International Company Limited Distributor: Kai’s Gourmet LimitedIssued at HKT 21:15
overnor Kathy Hochul today announced a record $20.2 million investment to expand efforts to reduce intimate partner violence in 17 counties outside of New York City. This funding allows the State Division of Criminal Justice Services to support 87 law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations through the Statewide Targeted Reductions in Intimate Partner Violence (STRIVE) initiative, a ground-breaking collaborative involving district attorneys’ offices, sheriffs’ offices, municipal police agencies, probation departments, and service providers.
“The safety of New Yorkers is my top priority, and I am committed to using every tool at our disposal to support anyone who has ever felt unsafe in their own home,” Governor Hochul said. “This record funding will save lives and reduce violence by putting offenders on notice and ensuring that the highest-risk victims and survivors receive the protection and support they need and deserve.”
This new investment will fund 155 positions including investigators, detectives, crime analysts, coordinators and advocates to support skilled, multidisciplinary teams that work to reduce domestic violence and increase survivor capacity for safety.
The STRIVE initiative promotes a coordinated community response rooted in survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally competent practices. Modeled after the Division of Criminal Justice Services’ Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, STRIVE required each county to develop a comprehensive plan using one or more evidence-based strategies to hold those who harm accountable and increase safety capacity for victims.
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “The STRIVE initiative builds on our success in fighting gun violence, using the same data-driven framework, as well as proven techniques for responding to intimate partner violence. We thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and this significant investment to improve safety for victims and survivors.”
STRIVE emphasizes six core elements: people, alignment, evidence-based strategies, engagement, skilled and supported staff, and monitoring and evaluation. The initiative places special focus on high-risk cases where victims face a serious risk of harm or lethality. Teams will use needs assessments, system mapping, and problem analysis to focus their efforts on the highest risk cases.
Community providers will ensure responses align with existing services at the state, local, and federal levels—including social services, probation, and victim assistance programs. Progress will be monitored and evaluated using tools that track trends and inform adjustments. Using local knowledge and robust data, teams will implement one of three proven strategies to reduce domestic violence:
The five New York City District Attorneys’ Offices also each received a share of $5 million to improve the public safety response to intimate partner violence and better address the needs of victims and survivors through early case enhancement efforts and assessments to identify and prioritize high-risk cases of abuse, among other strategies that support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.
New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Nicholas Owens said, “STRIVE is an example of Coordinated Community Response, something OPDV and our partner state agencies have been investing in and promoting across the state. We know that when the systems that intersect when responding to domestic violence and other gender-based violence crimes work collaboratively, the outcomes for victims and survivors are better. STRIVE can save lives. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for supporting these efforts and for your unwavering support of those impacted by gender-based violence.”
New York State Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson said, “This funding will help coordinate responses among different systems – law enforcement, domestic violence service providers, social services, and health care, among others – that respond to gender-based and intimate partner violence. It will also help expand and strengthen access to support and services so victims and survivors can reclaim their lives. I thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and commitment to supporting domestic violence survivors and crime victims, and we are proud to work with our state and local partners on this initiative.”
The following counties, selected based on volume and rate of domestic and intimate partner violence, are receiving grant funding:
Long Island
Suffolk County: $1,989,636
Mid-Hudson
Dutchess County: $711,221
Orange County: $1,129,806
Westchester County: $1,419,443
Capital Region
Albany County: $1,356,464
Rensselaer County: $775,555
Schenectady County: $1,177,640
North Country
Jefferson County: $647,344
Mohawk Valley
Oneida County: $918,308
Central New York
Onondaga County: $1,876,478
Southern Tier
Broome County: $750,767
Finger Lakes
Cayuga County: $573,407
Monroe County: $2,299,070
Genesee County: $480,516
Western New York
Chautauqua County: $847,225
Erie County: $2,379,496
Niagara County: $904,660
A breakdown of funding by county, law enforcement agency and service provider is available online. DCJS will support the implementation and improvements in how agencies respond to intimate partner violence with dedicated training and technical assistance from national and state experts. STRIVE counties will also benefit from access to the State’s 11 Crime Analysis Centers, which provide data, intelligence and investigative support to identify perpetrators and build prosecutable cases.
Additional STRIVE investment builds on essential, commonsense changes to New York’s Discovery Laws in the FY26 Enacted Budget to support survivors, hold perpetrators accountable and safeguard the right to a fair and speedy trial. The changes enacted will prevent cases from being thrown out over technical errors and eliminate dismissals and disruptions that have re-traumatized survivors of domestic violence and other serious crimes, and include $135 million for prosecutors and defenders to ensure compliance with discovery, a year-to-year increase of $15 million. The Enacted Budget also increases funding for rape crisis centers for the first time in a decade, with nearly $13 million for 52 centers certified by the State Department of Health; expands access to HIV prophylaxis medication to all survivors of sexual assault, not just those under 18; and improves access to public assistance for survivors of gender-based violence.
overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that Queen One, Inc., a visionary commerce technology company, will establish its new headquarters at 25 Kent Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, under a 10-year lease agreement. The 30,000-square-foot facility represents more than $10 million in capital investment and is expected to create 600 full-time, high-tech jobs while generating $67 million in research and development investment over the next five years as the company builds its next-generation e-commerce platform. Supported by $6 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits from Empire State Development, this headquarters marks a major step forward in advancing New York’s leadership in innovation, job creation and the digital economy.
“New York is the destination of choice for the next generation of technology companies, and Queen One’s decision to launch its headquarters in Brooklyn is a powerful endorsement of that momentum,” Governor Hochul said. “This project brings hundreds of high-quality jobs and millions in research and development, reaffirming our commitment to making the Empire State a national leader in innovation, talent, and opportunity. We’re proud to support projects that not only grow the economy but also strengthen our communities through inclusive, forward-looking investment.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York continues to be at the forefront of technology and innovation. Queen On’’s decision to establish its headquarters in Brooklyn is a testament to our state’s talented workforce, vibrant business ecosystem, and strategic investments in the industries of tomorrow. Empire State Development is proud to support Queen One’s growth as part of our broader efforts to attract cutting-edge companies, strengthen regional economies, and position New York as a national leader in tech-driven innovation.”
Queen One COO & Founder Maricor Resente said, “Empire State Development’s support isn’t just an investment in Queen One; it’s an investment in the future of New York. I can say with immense pride that we are building something truly special right here in Brooklyn. This city isn’t just where we work; it’s a part of who we are. We are creating these jobs, not just to grow Queen One, but to show other entrepreneurs why New York is the best place to build.”
Queen One CEO & Founder Ryan Urban said, “What we’re setting up to do here in Brooklyn is to build a foundation for vision and creation, right in the heart of a city that never stops creating. We’re developing a Vision Centre where innovation meets purpose and our team will ship breakthrough technology. Monday through Thursday, it will be a destination, hosting the best organizations and people in New York. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the space transforms into an Imaginarium for adults with autism to have friends, enjoy life and break free.”
Queen One is a New York-based company with a bold vision for the future of commerce. Its technology brings life and energy to brand websites and communication programs. Guided by the belief that every product has a story, Queen One is building a platform that helps communicate their value and drive real revenue for Commerce brands worldwide. While anchored by deeply-skilled technology roles — including product designers, software engineers, and generative artificial intelligence experts — the headquarters will also house key commercial teams driving sales, marketing, and partnerships. Together, these roles will strengthen Brooklyn’s emerging tech and innovation corridor.
Empire State Development is supporting Queen One’s new headquarters with $6 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits tied to job creation commitments. This strategic investment exemplifies New York’s approach to attracting innovative companies that deliver high-paying jobs and substantial research and development. By backing cutting-edge e-commerce and AI firms, the state is positioning itself as the premier East Coast destination for next-generation technology companies, leveraging its world-class talent pipeline and established innovation ecosystem to compete with traditional tech hubs nationwide.
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President & CEO Andrew Kimball said, “We are proud to work with Queen One on their selection of their new headquarters right here in New York City – a move that will bring 600 jobs to the city by 2030. Queen One joins a thriving innovation ecosystem in Brooklyn and its emphasis on AI will contribute to NYC’s status as the applied AI capital of the world. 25 Kent, in the heart of Williamsburg, will serve as an ideal launchpad for Queen One’s New York City chapter.”
Additionally, Queen One is committed to fostering community engagement through workforce development programs, local technology training initiatives, and industry networking events hosted at its facilities. The company is also establishing a weekend center for adults with autism — a dedicated space for connection, support, and creation — a mission close to the hearts of its founding team. By opening its headquarters to the public, Queen One aims to create meaningful connective experiences that contribute to the vibrancy of the Williamsburg neighborhood.
New York City’s vibrant tech ecosystem continues to attract innovative firms like Queen One, solidifying its role as a global leader in digital innovation and entrepreneurship. The city’s unique combination of diverse talent, robust capital access, renowned academic institutions, and creative energy provides an unmatched foundation for both established tech giants and emerging startups. Recent investments from prominent companies such as OpenAI, Duolingo and StubHub, along with strategic investments from high-growth firms like Figma, Rippling, Rokt, and Quadrature, underscore this dynamic environment. Queen One’s new Brooklyn headquarters further accelerates growth within emerging tech corridors, contributing to breakthrough developments in artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and digital infrastructure. As New York fosters these innovations, the state is not just keeping pace with the future of technology—it’s helping to define it as the premier destination for companies seeking to scale operations in a thriving, forward-thinking market.
This week, I will travel to France to lead Australia’s delegation to the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting and meet with counterparts to advance Australia’s trade interests and advocate for the rules-based trading system.
The OECD Ministerial Council Meeting is an opportunity to discuss cooperation on open markets, the digital economy, and the building of sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
On the sidelines of this meeting, Australia will host the annual informal gathering of World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministers. The meeting will provide an opportunity to build momentum for WTO reform and reinforce the importance of an open, rules-based global trading system.
Australia will also host a meeting of Cairns Group Ministers to discuss how we can advance agricultural reform that brings us closer to a level playing field in agricultural trade.
I look forward to meeting with a number of my counterparts, including EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič.
The EU is the second-largest economy in the world, with a GDP of approximately AUD31 trillion in 2025. Concluding a free trade agreement with the EU is a priority, but we have been clear that a deal needs to deliver meaningful market access outcomes, including for Australian agriculture.
In the later evening of April 30, 2025, RCMP received multiple reports of a male pointing a long gun at another male while driving a stolen truck on Stoney Nakoda First Nation. Officers of Cochrane RCMP immediately responded with assistance from the Calgary Police HAWKS helicopter and RCMP Police Dog Services. Officers quickly became aware of the whereabouts of the suspect truck. The suspect driver drove head on towards an officer forcing the officer to swerve into the ditch to avoid contact. Shortly after, the officer deployed a tire deflation device, successfully puncturing three of the suspect’s vehicle tires. The vehicle came to a stop where the driver immediately fled into the woods.
Officers quickly contained the vehicle and arrested two occupants. With coordinated efforts from the police helicopter and police dog services, the driver who fled the truck was quickly located and arrested without incident. A search of the vehicle yielded a rifle, bear spray, brass knuckles, and illicit drugs.
A 38-year-old individual, a resident of Stoney Nakoda First Nation, Alta., was charged with a total of 36 offences, some including:
Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle;
Careless use of a firearm;
Possession of a firearm for dangerous purpose;
Possession of a prohibited weapon;
Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose;
Possession of property obtained by crime;
Breach of release order (x7);
Possession of a controlled substance;
Unlawfully drive a motor vehicle uninsured AND suspended et al
The individual was held for a judicial interim release hearing and remanded into custody. The individual is set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Cochrane on May 5, 2025.
A 35-year-old individual, a resident of Stoney Nakoda First Nation, was charged with a total of 19 offences, some including:
Possession of property obtained by crime;
Possession of a prohibited weapon;
Possession of a firearm for dangerous purpose;
Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose;
Breach of release order (x11) et al
The 35-year-old individual was also held for a judicial interim release hearing and remanded into custody. The individual is set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Cochrane on May 5, 2025.
A youth, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act was also arrested and held for a judicial interim release hearing. The youth was charged with a total of 11 offences, with some including possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, possession of a prohibited weapon and obstruction. The youth was released on conditions and will appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Cochrane later in May.
Cochrane RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to police. Reports tell us where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
In April 2025, the RCMP Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit (SAD CRU) became aware of a series of commercial break and enters in Southern Alberta and began an investigation. The suspects targeted cannabis dispensaries, liquor stores, convenience stores and other rural Alberta businesses. The suspects also began targeting houses in Banff to steal bikes and homes in Chestermere targeting open garages and vehicles. The crew of suspects used stolen vehicles to commit these break and enters in various location in Southern Alberta.
On May 2, 2025, the RCMP Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit arrested a 36-year-old individual, a resident of Blood Tribe First Nation, and a 38-year-old individual, a resident of Calgary. At the time of their arrest, both individuals were in possession of two stolen vehicles and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
The 36-year-old individual was charged with:
Break and enter (x7)
Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 (x4)
Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 (x3)
Failing to comply with release orders (x5)
Wearing a disguise to commit an offence
The 38-year-old individual was charged with:
Break and enter (x2)
Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 (x2)
Failing to comply with release orders (x4)
Wearing a disguise to commit an offence
Possession of break in tools
Both individuals were remanded into custody and are scheduled to appear in court as follows:
The 36-year-old individual on May 16, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Calgary.
The 38-year-old individual, at the Albert Court of Justice in Okotoks, Alta.
“Using our analysts and a more intelligence-based approach we are able to identify and focus our enforcement efforts on these repeat offenders,” says Cst. Katelyn Dagg of SAD CRU, “it is through this approach that we can have the largest impact on reducing crime.”
Officers are continuing to investigate the fatal stabbing of a woman in Croydon on Saturday, 31 May.
Police were called to Frith Road at 09:07hrs following reports of a stabbing. Sadly, a woman was declared dead at the scene by the London Ambulance Service after sustaining a single stab wound.
Formal identification is yet to take place but the victim has been named as 26-year-old Marjama Osman from Croydon. Her family are aware and will continue to receive support from specialist officers.
Officers within the Met Police’s Specialist Crime Command launched a murder investigation and have been pursuing enquiries in the local area.
A 33-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder. On Sunday, 1 June, officers also arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of murder. Both men have since been released on bail whilst enquiries continue.
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams, who is leading theMet’s investigation said:
“We appreciate that this tragic incident has caused real concern within the community in Croydon.
“Our priority at the moment is to continue gathering the evidence we need to hold whoever is responsible for Marjama’s death to account, whilst supporting her family at this difficult time.
“Our understanding at the moment is that Marjama was assaulted inside an address on Frith Road before going into the street where she collapsed. We are appealing to anyone who may have seen or heard anything in the area to contact us and assist with our investigation.
“We appreciate that there is speculation within the local community around Marjama’s death. I would encourage anyone who may have heard anything concerning her death to contact us. These conversations within the community could lead us to getting the justice Marjama deserves.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or message @MetCC on X giving the reference 2240/31MAY.
To remain 100 per cent anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
An IAEA team of experts visited the candidate sites of El Salvador’s first nuclear power plant during a Site and External Events Design Review Service mission. (Photo: CEL)
An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts has concluded a six-day safety review of El Salvador’s site selection process for its first nuclear power plant (NPP). The Central American country is embarking on a nuclear power programme to diversify its energy mix and to provide a clean and reliable source of energy to support economic development.
The Site and External Events Design Review Service (SEED) mission, which took place between 26 to 31 May, reviewed El Salvador’s adherence to IAEA guidance on the site selection process. The SEED mission was carried out at the request of the Government of El Salvador and hosted by the Organization for the Implementation of the Nuclear Energy Program in El Salvador (OIPEN) and the Executive Hydroelectric Commission of the Lempa River (CEL). The SEED mission was the first of its kind in El Salvador.
El Salvador is completing the site selection process based on a comprehensive methodology that integrates geospatial data analysis, national regulations and existing public infrastructure.
The SEED review team comprised three experts from Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as two IAEA staff members. They reviewed the site selection report, together with the siting process, siting criteria and data collection process for siting activities.
The team also visited and observed the candidate sites located in Chalatenango – about 40 kilometres northeast of the capital San Salvador – and San Vicente – about 70 kilometres east of San Salvador.
In addition to the SEED review mission, the IAEA provided a SEED Capacity Building Workshop to support site evaluation, which includes the site characterization stage. During the workshop, external experts and participants engaged in discussions that will contribute to future progress in the site evaluation process.
“We confirmed that CEL independently developed exclusion criteria for site screening and effectively narrowed down the areas of the country with the lowest external hazard risks. This can be considered a good practice for minimizing risks,” said mission team leader Kazuyuki Nagasawa, Senior Nuclear Safety Officer at the IAEA.
The team provided recommendations to improve the quality and to optimize the site selection process, aiming to select the most favourable site. This optimization seeks to minimize the potential for the selected site to be found unsuitable during the site characterization stage. The factors to be considered include seismic, flooding and volcanic hazards. It’s also important to balance site characteristics with specific design features, site protection measures and administrative procedures from the early stages of the site selection process.
“From the early stages of the site selection process, we have been guided by the technical guidance of the IAEA, rigorously applying its physical safety standards to ensure that this process follows a technical, transparent and responsible approach for all Salvadorans,” said Daniel Alvarez, President of CEL and Honorary Director of OIPEN.
OIPEN and CEL will continue to receive technical support from the IAEA, as they advance from the site selection stage and move into the subsequent site characterization stage, in line with the IAEA Specific Safety Guide on Site Survey and Site Selection for Nuclear Installations, as well as other relevant Safety Guides for external hazards assessment.
The final SEED mission report will be delivered to the Government of El Salvador within three months.
About Site and External Events Design Review Service (SEED) missions
SEED missions are expert review missions that assist countries going through different stages in the development of a nuclear power programme. The service offers a choice of modules in which to focus the review, such as site selection, site assessment and design of structures, systems and components, taking into consideration site specific external and internal hazards.
In the case of site selection review, SEED missions assess the appropriate consideration of the safety issues in the site selection process.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
LUANDA, Angola, June 2, 2025/APO Group/ —
Angolan private energy company Etu Energias has joined this year’s edition of the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference as a Gold Sponsor. The sponsorship reflects the company’s commitment to supporting Angola’s oil and gas production goals, as it seeks to sustain output above one million barrels per day (bpd) beyond 2027. For its part, Etu Energias targets 80,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2030, and the AOG sponsorship highlights a broader objective of engaging with stakeholders to achieve this goal.
Etu Energias’ sponsorship comes as the company undertakes an ambitious exploration campaign in Angola. The company signed a Risk Service Contract for onshore Block CON 4 in May 2025, outlining a 25-year operating licensing, including a five-year exploration timeframe and 20-year production period. To date, Etu Energias – alongside block partners Sonangol and Gesprocon – have completed the first phase of studies for the block and have defined a seismic survey. The milestone reflects a broader trend by the company to scale-up its exploration and production. By 2030, the company seeks to increase its oil reserves to 387 million barrels. The AOG sponsorship supports this goal by offering a platform for engagement and deal-signing.
AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contactsales@energycapitalpower.com.
As Angola’s largest private oil producer, Etu Energias has stakes in eight exploration projects, 10 development projects and seven redevelopment projects. The company targets a series of developments in 2025, all of which support the advancement of underexplored blocks in Angola. Notably, Etu Energias plans to complete deforestation and demining for Block FS/FST in 2025, with the first exploration well expected to be spud this year. At offshore Block 2/05, the company plans to complete exploration studies this year, with drilling set for 2025/2026. To support block acquisition, Etu Energias is also planning to hold an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 2026, aimed at strengthening its financial capacity. The IPO will not only support debt reduction, but provide greater access to a wider investment pool.
Etu Energias’ exploration and production outlook builds on a highly-successful year in 2024, whereby the company expanded its portfolio of operated and non-operated assets from 6 to 15. The company’s oil reserves increased by 2.5 times during this period, reaching 106 million barrels. Major milestones during the year include an increase in block acquisitions. Offshore, the company increased its stake in Block 2/05 from 30% to 36%; in Block 14 from 20% to 29%; in Block 14K from 10% to 14.5%; and in Block 17/06 from 5% to 7.5%. Looking ahead, these acquisitions are expected to increase the company’s production capacity as it strives to unlock new deposits in Angola.
Beyond the upstream sector, Etu Energias strives to expand its downstream portfolio, following the launch of its lubricant line in 2024. Launched in collaboration with Glide Petroleum, the 1,000-ton-per-month line is expected to start production in 2025. The project aligns with goals by Etu Energias to capture 25% share of the market by 2029. Etu Energias’ AOG 2025 sponsorship will support Etu Energias’ goals, offering an opportunity for the company to engage with industry leaders, connect with global partners and outline the company’s long-term approach to exploration and production.
In a significant step toward deepening maritime cooperation, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday held a bilateral meeting with Japan’s Vice Minister for International Affairs, Terada Yoshimichi, in Oslo, Norway. The discussions, aimed at fostering stronger maritime relations between India and Japan, covered key areas such as shipbuilding, port digitization, green port initiatives, maritime training, and the transformation of India’s Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands into Smart Islands.
The ministers explored opportunities for Japanese investment in Indian shipyards, with a focus on collaborations involving leading Japanese companies like Imabari Shipbuilding, JMUC, Kanagawa Dockyard, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Sonowal highlighted India’s interest in joint ventures with these firms, particularly for greenfield projects like Imabari Shipbuilding’s initiative in Andhra Pradesh. He also invited Japan’s maritime giants—NYK Line, MOL, and K Line—to explore investment opportunities in India’s burgeoning maritime sector.
“Japan’s expertise in shipbuilding and ship repair is globally recognized, and we see immense potential for collaboration,” said Sonowal. “Our strong bilateral ties and India’s growing maritime industry present a unique opportunity for Japanese shipyards to invest in India, while collaboration on port digitization and green port initiatives will enhance the sustainability of our maritime logistics network.”
The meeting also emphasized sustainable technologies and disaster-resilient infrastructure, with both sides discussing the development of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep as Smart Islands. Leveraging Japan’s expertise in island development, the collaboration aims to integrate renewable energy, smart mobility systems, and digital infrastructure while prioritizing ecological conservation and regional maritime security.
Vice Minister Terada expressed Japan’s keen interest in expanding maritime collaboration, particularly in shipbuilding and seafarer training. “India and Japan share an intimate relationship, and we are very interested in the maritime sector,” he said, noting positive discussions on mutual cooperation. Japan, already a key partner in India’s railway infrastructure, is now looking to strengthen its presence in the maritime domain.
A key focus of the talks was the upskilling and employment of Indian seafarers in Japan. With over 154,000 trained seafarers, India is well-positioned to support Japan’s maritime workforce. Sonowal proposed structured training programs by Japanese maritime leaders to enhance the skills of Indian engineers and workers, further solidifying bilateral ties.
The ministers also discussed India’s ambitious National Maritime Heritage Museum (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, aimed at showcasing the country’s rich maritime legacy. Sonowal invited Japan to partner in this project and expressed hope for an early MoU to formalize the collaboration. Additionally, he extended an invitation to Vice Minister Terada for the India Maritime Week 2025, to be held in Mumbai from October 27-31, 2025, to explore further opportunities for investment and innovation in the maritime sector.
The talks underscored the deep Indo-Japanese partnership, rooted in shared values of democracy, freedom, and cultural ties. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to regional maritime security and economic integration through frameworks like the Quad and the India-Japan-Australia Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI). Sonowal highlighted India’s alignment with Japan-led initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT).
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is transforming its maritime sector through initiatives like Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047,” said Sonowal. “With Japan’s partnership, we aim to scale new heights, targeting five trillion yen (₹3.2 lakh crore) in investments by 2027 for a sustainable and mutually beneficial future.”
NORFOLK, Va. – The U.S. Navy Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) departed Naval Station Norfolk to begin its summer deployment to the U.S. Southern Command area of operation in support of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S.4th Fleet’s Continuing Promise 2025, May 30.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Companies House appoints Luisa Fulci as Director of Transformation and Business Change
Luisa Fulci joins Companies House as Director of Transformation and Business Change during a key phase of digital and operational change.
Companies House has appointed Luisa Fulci as its new Director of Transformation and Business Change.
Luisa brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors. As Digital Customer and Commercial Services Director at Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, she led the modernisation of digital and commercial services across housing, adult social care, environmental services, public health and corporate operations.
Prior to this, Luisa spent 16 years at Royal Mail, where she held several senior leadership roles. As Commercial Director, she implemented major reform initiatives to customer services and delivered commercial and digital strategies that prioritised customer needs.
Luisa is currently a non-executive board member at HM Courts and Tribunals Service, having been appointed in April 2024. Her previous non-executive roles include board positions at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust and Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust. At CILEx Regulation, she also advised on digital transformation and aided efforts to improve diversity in the legal profession.
Luisa has joined the Executive team at Companies House at a significant period of renewal. Her appointment reflects the organisation’s commitment to improving digital processes, ensuring operational efficiency and creating quality services for customers and stakeholders.
Reflecting on her appointment, Luisa said:
I’m delighted to be joining Companies House at such a pivotal time of change. I’m looking forward to collaborating with my new colleagues to build on the substantial work that has already begun to create a more modern, digital and customer-focused organisation.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2
Press release
Landmark government trial shows AI could save civil servants nearly 2 weeks a year
More than 20,000 civil servants took part in a government-led trial using generative AI to support their daily work – with early results showing time savings equivalent to nearly 2 working weeks per person, per year.
Over 20,000 civil servants were given the latest AI tech for 3 months, using it to draft documents, summarise meetings and more
from policy officials using it to cut through jargon and streamline consultations, to Work Coaches speeding up support for job seekers – officials said the tech boosted their ability to deliver the Plan for Change
comes as expansive research shows half of office work can be helped by AI, as government continues push to save £45 billion by creating a lean, modern state using tech
AI can significantly reduce time spent on government tasks – freeing up time, capacity and boosting productivity, with a landmark trial of 20,000 civil servants showing they could save nearly 2 weeks each annually by using the technology.
This is the equivalent of giving 1,130 people a full year back – every year – to focus on higher-value tasks, innovation or public service impact, rather than admin-based work – with the potential for this to rise significantly if used across the entire civil service, transforming productivity and public service delivery at scale.
The findings show the use of AI across the Civil Service will directly support the government’s Plan for Change by driving innovation, fostering economic growth, and modernising how public services operate.
The trial found that using generative AI such as Microsoft 365 Copilot to assist with everyday tasks – including drafting documents, summarising lengthy emails, updating records, and preparing reports – saved users an average of 26 minutes per day. That adds to nearly 2 weeks of time saved per year per person, delivering a significant productivity boost when scaled across the public workforce.
At Companies House, staff use Copilot to handle routine customer queries and speed up tasks like drafting responses and updating records. At the Department for Work and Pensions, work coaches are using it to personalise advice for jobseekers – helping them get faster, more tailored support.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle highlighted the findings in a keynote discussion at SXSW London today, where he joined former Prime Minister Tony Blair to discuss reimagining government and public service delivery in the age of AI.
Commenting on the results he said:
These findings show that AI isn’t just a future promise – it’s a present reality. Whether it’s helping draft documents, preparing lesson plans, or cutting down on routine admin, AI tools are saving civil servants time every day. That means we can focus more on delivering faster, more personalised support where it really counts.
As we deliver our Plan for Change, we’re backing innovation like this to boost productivity and growth – not just in the private sector, but in public services too. AI is changing the way government operates, helping us work smarter, reduce red tape, and make better use of taxpayers’ money.
Darren Hardman, CEO, Microsoft UK said:
AI is the most transformative technology of our time and we’re already seeing its potential to reshape public service delivery. Whether that’s DWP work coaches helping more jobseekers into work, local authorities improving social care for the most vulnerable in society or NHS clinicians with more time to see patients, the potential is profound.
As a strategic technology partner to the UK government, we have an amazing opportunity to help improve both the quality of the services people receive and the way they access them. This could unlock new levels of growth, efficiency, and innovation for the country.
The government’s Microsoft 365 Copilot experiment shows what’s possible when people are empowered with the right tools: 26 mins per day (almost 2 weeks per year) less time on admin, more time delivering what matters. And the really exciting part is, this is just the beginning.
A DWP Work Coach involved in the trial said:
Using Copilot, I was able to help a self-employed customer – Customer X – revitalise her small business. Together, we created tailored social media posts to boost her online presence and used AI to identify cost-saving opportunities. Within a week, she’d secured 7 new client bookings. She’s now using Copilot to streamline admin and manage bookings – freeing up time to grow her business. It’s a powerful example of how AI can deliver real results for the people we support.
Complementing these findings, research from the Alan Turing Institute published today finds that AI could support up to 41% of tasks across the public sector, offering significant time savings. In schools, for example, teachers spend nearly 100 minutes a day on lesson planning – up to 75% of which could be supported by AI, freeing more time for the classroom. Civil servants spend around 30 minutes daily on emails, where AI could cut this effort by over 70%. From drafting documents to updating records, the research shows AI is well-placed to handle routine admin – supporting public servants across departments.
This forms part of the government’s broader effort to modernise the state and achieve £45 billion in savings by making public services faster, simpler, and more accessible—across health, education, and beyond – while rolling out digital tools like the GOV.UK App, Chat, and Wallet, and tackling outdated legacy systems that currently cost billions in lost productivity.
Notes to editors
Figures are derived from self-reported daily time savings provided by participants, averaged across the full cohort of 20,000 individuals.
The £45 billion figure is composed of 3 main levers:
Simplify and automate delivery across public sector (£36 billion)
Migrate service processing to cheaper online channels (£4billion)
Reduce fraud and error with digital compliance solutions (£6 billion)
For further context and detailed analysis, please refer to:
June 2, 2025 St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador Natural Resources Canada
The offshore renewable energy sector offers Canada a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity, with the global offshore wind market expected to draw $1 trillion in investments by 2040. Boasting the world’s longest coastlines, exceptional wind resources and a highly skilled labour pool, Atlantic Canada is ideally situated to capitalize on this extraordinary opportunity for economic growth and job creation.
Today, the Government of Canada, in partnership with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, is pleased to announce the coming into force of legislation to enable the development of offshore renewable energy in Newfoundland and Labrador. This follows the passage of the federal Bill C-49 in October 2024 and Newfoundland and Labrador’s mirror legislation, Bill 90, in March 2025.
The Government of Canada is committed to its strong history of joint management with the Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia and will work together with them to unlock the enormous potential of offshore renewable energy collaboratively and responsibly.
This is part of the federal government’s plan to make Canada an energy superpower and build the strongest economy in the G7.
Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short Term Energy Outlook (Table 4a and Table 10b), May 2025 and Enverus Note: L48=U.S. Lower 48 states
Onshore crude oil production in the U.S. Lower 48 states (L48) has more than tripled since January 2010, driven by tight oil production growth in the Permian region. Onshore crude oil production is made up of both legacy oil production, primarily from vertically drilled wells, and newer tight oil production, primarily from horizontally drilled wells.
Legacy production decreased from 2.6 million barrels per day (b/d) in 2010 to 2.1 million b/d in 2024. Over the same period, tight oil production increased from 0.8 million b/d to 8.9 million b/d, accounting for 81% of total onshore L48 oil production in 2024. The Permian accounted for 65% of all tight oil production growth and 51% of L48 oil production in 2024.
Since 2010, U.S. tight oil production within and outside of the Permian has generally grown. Tight oil production from non-Permian plays decreased from 2015 to 2017 in a period of low oil prices. At the beginning of 2020, tight oil production from the Permian region was essentially equal to tight oil production from all other producing regions in the United States. Permian and non-Permian oil production both fell significantly in response to crude oil prices falling below $50 per barrel (b) related to the COVID-19 pandemic, with production reaching annual lows in May 2020. After 2020, however, production in the Permian increased at a faster rate than production outside the Permian.
Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short Term Energy Outlook (Table 10b), May 2025 and Enverus Note: WTI=West Texas Intermediate
Tight oil production in the Permian began growing again in 2021 as crude oil prices rose, but production in the non-Permian remained low. After 2020, Permian tight oil production grew at a slower rate than 2017–19, but by December 2024, Permian production reached 5.6 million b/d, up 45% compared with 2020. In contrast, non-Permian tight oil production decreased by 14.9% (0.6 million b/d) based on the annual average oil volumes from 2020 to 2024.
Within the Permian region, the Wolfcamp, Bone Spring, and Spraberry plays produce most of the tight oil, accounting for 99% of Permian tight oil production in 2024. The Wolfcamp play, the largest of the three, has driven growth in the Permian and produced 3.4 million b/d of tight oil in 2024, which was equivalent to production from all other non-Permian tight oil plays combined. The Spraberry and Bone Spring combined produced an average 2.1 million b/d in 2024.
Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short Term Energy Outlook (Table 10b), May 2025 and Enverus
On May 2, 2025, Lloydminster RCMP responded to a request for assistance from the Wilton Police Service after a vehicle fled a traffic stop related to a series of break and enters in Onion Lake, Sask.
Lloydminster RCMP General Duty members, along with the General Investigation Section and Police Dog Services, deployed to the area to assist. Officers were advised that the suspect vehicle had crashed through a fence and that two masked individuals had fled the scene on foot.
Out of an abundance of caution, Lloydminster RCMP liaised with nearby schools to initiate hold and secure protocols while the investigation was ongoing.
One male suspect has been taken into custody. A second suspect has been identified, and efforts to locate and arrest him are continuing. At this time, there is no ongoing risk to public safety.
The RCMP would like to thank members of the public for their cooperation and assistance during this investigation. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Lloydminster RCMP at 780-808-8400 or your local police detachment. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online atwww.P3Tips.com, or through the “P3 Tips” app available on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
To report a crime online or to access RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Background
May 2, 2025
Lloydminster RCMP advising public of increased police presence – Update
Lloydminster RCMP is advising that the police incident is now over. Thank-you for your cooperation.
There will be an update with further information in the days to come.
Background
May 2, 2025
Lloydminster RCMP advising public of increased police presence
Lloydminster RCMP is advising the public that there is an increased police presence in the south west corner of the city as they search for a suspect who has fled. It is not believed that there is a threat to the general public at this time.
Please avoid the area and refrain from posting the actions of police on social media. An update will be sent when the incident is over.
One year later and the Alberta RCMP continue the investigation into the found remains of 19-year-old Eric Moonias who was located in a treed area south of Spruce Grove in Parkland County on May 15, 2024.
The body of Eric Moonias was located in a container, and RCMP believe he was transported there from a different location.
“The Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit continue our investigation into the homicide of Eric Moonias” says Constable Peter Crockford of the Alberta RCMP Major Crime Unit, “Anyone with information about his death and his activities in the weeks leading up to his death are asked to call police.”
If you have any information about the whereabout and activities of Eric Moonias or have information about this crime please call the Parkland RCMP at 825-220-7267. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
