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SHEToday news, West (2025)

10/17/2024

Three people were killed, and four others injured when a bridge being prepared for demolition collapsed in Mississippi on Wednesday, in what authorities are calling a "work site accident." The accident occurred on the Strong River Bridge, which had been closed since September for a replacement project.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves confirmed the fatalities and injuries, while first responders from multiple agencies were on the scene. The Simpson County Sheriff’s Office reported that three construction workers—Kevin Malone, Charles Ingleharte, and Charles Badger—died, and four injured individuals were taken to local hospitals.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) stated that contractors were demolishing the bridge when it collapsed, though the MDOT inspector overseeing the project was unharmed. The construction work was part of a broader infrastructure project contracted to T.L. Wallace Construction Company.

The Strong River Bridge, built in 1935, was one of the 3% of Mississippi bridges in poor condition. The incident highlights broader concerns about aging infrastructure in the U.S., where nearly 50% of bridges are rated in fair or poor condition. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the Federal Highway Administration is investigating the collapse with state officials.

10/17/2024

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing increasing challenges in his leadership as four more cabinet ministers have announced they will not seek re-election. This adds to concerns about a potential mutiny within the Liberal Party, as several MPs may push for Trudeau's resignation at an upcoming caucus meeting on October 23.

Ministers Filomena Tassi, Dan Vandal, Carla Qualtrough, and Marie-Claude Bibeau are the latest to announce their decisions to step down, citing personal reasons. These announcements come amid declining poll numbers for Trudeau and growing speculation of an early election, despite his insistence that the next election won't take place before 2026.

Political analysts see this as both an opportunity and a risk for Trudeau. A potential cabinet shuffle could boost morale if backbenchers are promoted, but could also increase discontent among those left out. While some MPs are reportedly discussing a secret vote on Trudeau’s leadership, there is no formal mechanism to force him to step aside.

Despite the exits, some ministers continue to express support for Trudeau’s leadership. However, the departure of a significant number of cabinet members, with at least 18 Liberals now confirmed not to be running in the next election, signals deeper concerns within the party. Trudeau remains committed to leading the party into the next election, but the situation underscores increasing uncertainty about his future leadership.

10/17/2024

Quebec's police watchdog, the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), has launched an investigation after the bodies of a mother and son, Lucia Giovanna Arcuri, 76, and Giuseppe Arcuri, 59, were found in a vehicle in Montreal. The pair had been reported missing on Tuesday, and their bodies were discovered in Giuseppe's Infiniti SUV early Thursday morning.

Montreal police had been investigating their disappearance, which triggered the BEI's involvement to review the police's handling of the case. The BEI investigates incidents where individuals die or are injured during police interventions. Meanwhile, provincial police will lead the investigation into the deaths, which have been deemed suspicious.

First responders arrived at the scene around 12:30 a.m. and attempted to revive the two individuals, but they were pronounced dead at the scene. Giuseppe had been last seen on Tuesday morning, making concerning remarks at a restaurant in eastern Montreal. His mother, who suffered from memory loss and needed a cane to walk, also went missing that day without her medication.

The description of Giuseppe’s SUV, released during the search, matched the vehicle where the bodies were found.

10/17/2024

Premier Doug Ford's government plans to issue rebate cheques to Ontarians as part of its fall economic statement, set for release on October 30. The rebates are expected to be at least $200 per person. This move, first reported by the Toronto Star, comes amid speculation of an early election. While Ford has ruled out an election in 2024, he has hinted at the possibility of triggering one before the scheduled date in June 2026.

Opposition parties have criticized the plan. NDP Leader Marit Stiles called the rebates a political "stunt" and urged the government to prioritize housing, healthcare, and education. Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie dismissed the cheques as a "one-time gimmick," criticizing Ford for not cutting taxes during his time in office. Crombie pledged that the Liberals would introduce tax cuts for middle-class families.

Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner highlighted that the rebates would also go to wealthy individuals, such as former Loblaw CEO Galen Weston, arguing that the government should focus on supporting ordinary Ontarians instead of trying to "buy them out."

The Ontario legislature is set to resume soon, likely bringing further announcements and proposals from opposition parties.

10/17/2024

Former One Direction singer Liam Payne, 31, died from multiple traumas and internal and external bleeding caused by a fall, according to Argentine prosecutors. Payne was found dead on Wednesday after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. His death prompted a wave of tributes from fans around the world.

An autopsy revealed 25 injuries consistent with a fall, including fatal head trauma. Prosecutors noted no signs of third-party involvement but are investigating the death as "suspicious," citing the possibility that Payne was under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time. Substances believed to be narcotics, alcohol, and over-the-counter medications were found in his hotel room, which was in disarray. Buenos Aires police found broken furniture, packs of the drug clonazepam, energy supplements, and other items scattered around.

A 911 call from a hotel manager described Payne as being aggressive and under the influence, expressing concern for his safety given the presence of a balcony. Payne was in Argentina with his girlfriend, influencer Kate Cassidy, in the weeks leading up to his death, but she had flown home days earlier.

Payne, who had a 7-year-old son with musician Cheryl, had publicly spoken about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse, which he used to cope with the pressures of fame. His death remains under investigation, but it has highlighted his ongoing personal challenges, including allegations of manipulation and harassment from his former fiancée, Maya Henry. Payne had not responded to these accusations publicly.

10/17/2024

Ontario's top court has ordered a new hearing for a youth-led constitutional challenge to the provincial government's emissions targets. The Ontario Court of Appeal found flaws in the lower court's analysis and determined that the case raised significant issues requiring reconsideration.

The challenge, supported by the environmental law charity Ecojustice, was brought by seven young people who argue that Ontario's weakened emissions targets violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The revised target, set by Premier Doug Ford's government, reduced the goal for lowering emissions from 37% below 1990 levels by 2030 to 30% below 2005 levels. The youth argued that this change would lead to dangerously high greenhouse gas emissions, disproportionately harming future generations.

The lower court previously ruled that the case was about the government's inaction, not a direct increase in emissions, and that the province did not have a "freestanding" obligation to fight climate change. However, the Appeal Court disagreed, stating that Ontario's voluntary statutory commitment to combat climate change required examination under the Charter.

This ruling is seen as a significant victory for youth and environmental advocates, with experts like Professor Stepan Wood of the University of British Columbia emphasizing that it strengthens the legal basis for holding governments accountable for climate action. The case is part of a growing trend of climate-related litigation in Canada and internationally, following the example of the Dutch courts, which mandated stronger government action on climate change.

Ontario's Attorney General did not comment directly on the decision but stated that Ontario is committed to meeting its emissions reduction targets.

10/17/2024

A former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, Ryan James Wedding, and 15 others are facing criminal charges for allegedly operating a drug-trafficking ring that transported hundreds of kilograms of co***ne from Colombia to Canada, employing violence, including murder, to achieve their objectives, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Wedding, 43, who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics, is currently on the run. Andrew Clark, a 34-year-old Canadian also living in Mexico, was arrested on October 8.

The DOJ stated that Wedding and Clark allegedly ordered the murders of two family members in Ontario in November 2023 as retaliation for a stolen drug shipment. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) confirmed that this double homicide in Caledon, Ontario, was mistakenly targeted due to the drug dispute. Wedding and Clark are also accused of another murder in May 2024 over a drug debt.

Both are charged with multiple felonies, including murder related to an ongoing criminal enterprise. In a separate case, Clark and Malik Damion Cunningham, 23, face charges for another homicide in Ontario in April 2024. The DOJ indictment alleges that the drug ring conspired to ship co***ne from Southern California to Canada between January and August 2024, using long-haul trucks for transportation.

During the investigation, authorities seized approximately 1,800 kilograms of co***ne, $255,400 in cash, and $3.2 million in cryptocurrency. Several suspects are scheduled to appear in court in Los Angeles, Michigan, and Miami in the coming weeks.

10/17/2024

A record number of British Columbians have participated in advance voting ahead of the provincial election, with over 1 million ballots cast, representing more than 28% of registered voters, according to Elections B.C. This sets the province on track for a high overall turnout. On the final day of advance voting, over 223,000 votes were cast, surpassing the previous single-day record by over 40,000 votes.

The previous record for advance voting, set during the 2020 election, saw about 670,000 early votes, which was 19% of registered voters. Some ridings, including Vancouver-Point Grey and several on Vancouver Island, have already seen turnout rates above 35%. B.C. Conservative Party Leader John Rustad's Nechako Lakes riding recorded a 30.5% advance turnout.

While overall voter turnout in B.C. has declined since 1996, with 54% turnout in 2020, it is too early to determine if the surge in early voting reflects a renewed enthusiasm for voting. Political science lecturer Stewart Prest highlighted multiple factors driving the increase, including voter frustration and the convenience of early voting options. Prest noted that many may prefer advance voting to avoid crowds, long lines, or unfavorable weather.

With election day expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds from an atmospheric river system, voters in the South Coast who have yet to cast their ballots may face challenging conditions.

10/16/2024

A 15-year-old boy has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a 26-year-old woman in Sagkeeng First Nation, southeastern Manitoba. RCMP received a report of an assault on Northshore Road early Monday morning, finding the woman on the side of the road, where she was pronounced dead. An autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday.

Police tracked the suspect to a nearby residence, and RCMP major crimes services is continuing the investigation.

10/16/2024

Brian and Marina Bishop, a husband and wife, have pleaded guilty to defrauding over $82,000 from the volunteer search and rescue organization CASARA, where they held senior roles. The fraud occurred over six years, from April 2015 to September 2021. The couple has since repaid the full amount taken, leading to the withdrawal of 11 additional charges, including forgery and breach of trust.

The Bishops admitted to depositing federal tax refund cheques into the organization's account and issuing payments to themselves. Brian Bishop also falsified expense claims for flights that never occurred, totaling over $54,000. Additionally, he charged nearly $12,000 in storage fees for his personal aircraft. Their fraudulent activities were uncovered after they left their roles in 2022.

CASARA, a volunteer organization supporting search and rescue operations in Canada, has faced significant emotional and financial setbacks due to the fraud, according to CASARA-NL president Maurice Murphy. He emphasized that the credibility of the organization has been shaken, and efforts are ongoing to restore morale and operational readiness.

The Crown and defense proposed a joint submission for a 12-month conditional sentence (house arrest) followed by 12 months of probation. The court will finalize the sentencing decision next week. Despite the Bishops' lack of a criminal record and full repayment of the stolen funds, the Crown cited the deliberate nature of the fraud and its duration as aggravating factors.

10/16/2024

During the Australian leg of her world tour, pop star Olivia Rodrigo experienced an unexpected mishap when she fell through a hole in the stage at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena. While running and facing the crowd, the "Drivers License" singer abruptly tumbled into an opening but quickly recovered, pulling herself back up. Addressing the audience, Rodrigo reassured them, saying, "Oh my God, that was fun ... I'm OK! Sometimes there's just a hole in the stage. That's alright," before resuming her performance.

Later, Rodrigo shared a lighthearted video of the fall on TikTok, captioning it " " and confirming she was fine with a playful "I am ok hahaha" and a heart emoji. The video had garnered 1.6 million likes by Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred during her fourth show in Melbourne as part of the Guts World Tour, which began in February and will pause after the Australian leg.

At 21, Rodrigo has made a significant mark in entertainment, initially starring in Disney's "Bizaardvark" and "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series" before her debut album Sour in 2021 won three Grammy Awards. Her latest album Guts, featuring the hit single "Vampire," was released in 2023.

10/16/2024

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that the decision to publicize allegations that Indian government agents were involved in "widespread violence" in Canada was made to disrupt such activities. Speaking at the foreign interference inquiry, Trudeau explained that the RCMP's announcement was motivated by concerns over public safety, as the activities included drive-by shootings, home invasions, violent extortion, and murder across Canada. The RCMP confirmed evidence linking Indian government agents to these crimes, including coercion, extortion, and leveraging diplomatic positions to gather intelligence for India.

Trudeau revealed that information collected by the RCMP was passed to the "highest levels of the Indian government" and used to support criminal organizations. In response, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, a move quickly reciprocated by India, which expelled six Canadian diplomats. While Trudeau acknowledged that questioning the diplomats would have been preferable, diplomatic immunity protected them, leading to their expulsion instead.

Trudeau further explained that although the RCMP would have preferred to keep the allegations confidential due to ongoing court cases, the threat to public safety warranted making the accusations public. Despite the expulsions, sources indicate that India's clandestine support network remains largely intact in Canada, though some members may leave voluntarily to avoid arrest.

Tensions between Canada and India have escalated, particularly following Trudeau's 2023 announcement that Indian agents were linked to the assassination of Canadian Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a claim India denies. Trudeau disclosed that he chose not to raise the allegations before India's G20 summit last year, instead attempting to work behind the scenes to secure India's cooperation.

Trudeau testified that his conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the summit underscored the issue, with Modi focusing on Canada's protection of critics of the Indian government. Trudeau later made the allegations public upon returning from the G20. The foreign interference commission continues to examine Canada's ability to counteract foreign interference, with a final report expected by the end of the year.

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