Latest news with #AndyWoodward
CTV News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- CTV News
Motorcyclists told to ‘be cautious' after 4 crashes along stretch of Stoney Trail
Emergency crews respond to a fatal crash involving a motorcycle on Stoney Trail on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. Calgary motorcycle riders are being reminded to stay vigilant this summer – especially if they're travelling on one particular section of the city's ring road. There have been four serious motorcycle collisions reported on Stoney Trail between 16 Avenue and Shaganappi Trail N.W. in the last two months. Three have been fatal. That's four devastating accidents this year already, compared to just two total collisions on that stretch from 2022 to 2024. 'Stoney is a dangerous road, really, for every driver – whether it be on a car or motorcycle – because it's quite an open road,' traffic unit officer Andy Woodward said. 'There's quite a few hills and a few bends. Riders need to stay alert.' The hills and bends aren't the only reason for the crashes, according to one motorcyclist. Though the Calgary Police Services's traffic Unit is still investigating and doesn't have a direct causation, Riders YYC's Ali Chehade blames speed, distracted drivers and highway roadwork. 'There's a lot of construction,' he told CTV News. 'So now the roads are not the greatest. Lots of ruts, potholes.' 'They're doing paving, and there's probably a good four-inch drop on each lane in between, because they're grading it and then laying down asphalt.' The lip on Stoney Trail is noticeable along the stretch of highway. The message from both police and Chehade is a simple one: 'Just be cautious,' he said. 'Be honest and put your head on a swivel. Look around. It's just multitasking, times ten.'
Business Wire
28-07-2025
- Sport
- Business Wire
New Champions Emerge: GM Andy Woodward, FM/WGM Zoey Tang, and GM Alex Fishbein Win in U.S. Junior, Junior Girls and Senior Championships in Saint Louis
SAINT LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The next generation of American chess stars made their mark while legends reinforced their legacy in this year's U.S. Junior, U.S. Junior Girls, and U.S. Senior Championships—three of the nation's most prestigious events, hosted by the Saint Louis Chess Club in Saint Louis, Mo., the official chess capital of the United States. Rising star Grandmaster Andy Woodward claimed the U.S. Junior Championship title. FIDE Master / Woman Grandmaster Zoey Tang captured the U.S. Junior Girls Championship, while Grandmaster Alex Fishbein emerged victorious in the U.S. Senior Championship. Share Rising star and the youngest competitor in his field at just 15, Grandmaster (GM) Andy Woodward claimed the U.S. Junior Championship title. FIDE Master (FM) / Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Zoey Tang captured the U.S. Junior Girls Championship, while GM Alex Fishbein emerged victorious in the U.S. Senior Championship after a dramatic playoff—marking first-time wins for all three players in their respective divisions. 'These events always deliver incredible competition, but this year's championships were truly special,' said Grandmaster Yasser Seirawan, Chief Commentator and Spokesperson for the Saint Louis Chess Club. 'From the poise of our young talents to the brilliance of our seasoned champions, the level of play was inspiring across the board. It's clear that American chess has an exciting road ahead—and there's truly no better stage for it than right here in Saint Louis.' The U.S. Junior Girls, U.S. Junior, and U.S. Senior Championships continue to be mainstay events at the Saint Louis Chess Club. From July 15–25, 2025, the invitation-only tournaments took place at University Tower in Saint Louis, featuring the top 10 players in each division competing for national titles and a record-breaking combined prize fund of $225,000. GM Andy Woodward Clinches U.S. Junior Championship GM Andy Woodward won the 2025 U.S. Junior Championship and $23,000 with a mature, undefeated performance—and sealed the title with a draw against GM Kirk Ghazarian in the final round to finish clear first. His steady finish underscored his status as one of America's most promising young talents. "I'm really happy. It's a very difficult tournament to win, so I just tried to stay calm throughout. Now I can finally relax a little. This is definitely the biggest event I've won so far, and it feels really good. I'm also really excited to have qualified for the U.S. Championship—I'm looking forward to the challenge and just doing my best to compete,' said Woodward. Hot on his heels were GM Brewington Hardaway of Bronx, NY and GM Abhimanyu Mishra of Englishtown, NJ, who tied for second, each winning $11,000. Seventeen-Year-Old Zoey Tang Wins U.S. Junior Girls Championship FM/WGM Zoey Tang, 17, of Portland, OR, emerged victorious in the 2025 U.S. Junior Girls Championship, rising above a field of returning champions and rising stars. With the win, she earned $15,000 and secured an invitation to compete in the 2025 U.S. Women's Championship — a major milestone in her already impressive career. 'It still feels a little surreal. I've played this tournament so many times, and to finally win it means so much. I didn't want my fate to depend on other games—I wanted to fight for it myself. It wasn't perfect chess, but I stayed resilient, and in the end, it paid off. I'm really grateful for everyone who supported me—my coach, my mom, and my friends cheering me on back home,' said Tang. Finishing in second place was 12-year-old WFM Megan Paragua of New York, NY, who stunned the field with her poise and skill, taking home $8,500. Rounding out the top three was WFM Rachael Li, 15, of Plano, TX, who earned $6,250 for her strong performance. GM Alex Fishbein Wins U.S. Senior Championship In the U.S. Senior division, GM Alex Fishbein was crowned champion after a hard-fought playoff on the final day, clinching his first U.S. Senior Championship title and earning an impressive $23,1667. 'This win means a lot to me. I've had a long chess career, most of it while working outside the game. After stepping away from finance, I finally gave myself permission to really focus on chess again—and this tournament was my chance to see what I could do. I wasn't the most talented player in the field, but I worked incredibly hard, and to have that effort rewarded at this stage in my life is incredibly meaningful,' said Fishbein. The playoff followed a three-way tie at the top of the standings, with GM Vladimir Akopian of Glendale, CA and GM Alex Shabalov of Pittsburgh, PA finishing in a tie for second, each taking home $18,1667. The event featured a formidable field of legendary players and Hall of Famers. U.S. SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL RESULTS PLACE PLAYER LOCATION PRIZE MONEY 1 GM Alex Fishbein Springhill, TN $23,166.67 T-2 GM Vladimir Akopian Glendale, CA $18,167 T-2 GM Alex Shabalov Pittsburgh, PA $18,167 T-4 GM Larry Christiansen Cambridge, MA $8,750 T-4 GM Alexander Goldin Lexington, KY $8,750 T-6 GM Igor Novikov Lexington, KY $5,500 T-6 GM Joel Benjamin Waldwick, NJ $5,500 T-8 GM Gregory Kaidanov Lexington, KY $4,250 T-8 GM Maxim Dlugy Albrightsville, PA $4,250 10 IM Timothy Taylor San Leandro, CA $3,500 Expand If you missed the games live, you can rewatch the action, player interviews and event commentary by GMs Yasser Seirawan and Cristian Chirila and IM Nazi Paikidze by visiting the Saint Louis Chess Club's YouTube and channels. Next up for the Saint Louis Chess Club are the final regular season events of the 2025 Grand Chess Tour, the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz, taking place August 9–17, followed immediately by the Sinquefield Cup. About the Saint Louis Chess Club The Saint Louis Chess Club is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that is committed to making chess an important part of our community. In addition to providing a forum for the community to play tournaments and casual games, the club also offers chess improvement classes, beginner lessons and special lectures. Recognizing the cognitive and behavioral benefits of chess, the Saint Louis Chess Club is committed to supporting those chess programs that already exist in area schools while encouraging the development of new in-school and after-school programs. For more information, visit
Daily Mail
05-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Warning after 45 deaths from mystery substance bought online - and at least 40 more have purchased it
A senior coroner has issued a warning following the deaths of 45 people who bought a poisonous substance online. Timothy Brennand said a further 40 people were known to have purchased the chemical 'with a view to having the means to use this method to end their life in circumstances' - and warned online forums were promoting its use. In a series of Prevention of Future Deaths reports concerning a 'cluster' of eight deaths in his region, the Manchester West coroner did not identify the poison except to say it is a food preservative which can be used in meat curing. But he also warned it was also a 'reportable poison as well as a reportable explosives precursor'. The deaths Mr Brennand investigated included that of Kelly Walsh, a 45-year-old businesswoman who was the girlfriend of ex-footballer Andy Woodward, the first victim to waive his anonymity to publicly accuse the late paedophile football coach Barry Bennell of child sexual abuse. Bolton Coroner' Court heard Ms Walsh died after taking a poisonous substance bought online at her home in Atherton, Greater Manchester, in February 2021. The other deaths investigated by the coroner were of Matthew O'Reilly, 18, who died at his student accommodation in Salford in September 2020, Samuel Dickinson, 33, Matthew Price, 37, from Bolton, Chantelle Williams, who died in May 2020 in Salford, Shaun Bass, 23, from Bolton, Andrew Brown, 45, from Wigan and William Armstrong, 24, from Horwich, Bolton. Mr Armstrong died at a local hotel after sourcing the unnamed chemical online from a Russian vendor. The coroner said that reporting restrictions had previously been imposed on the cases due to an 'ongoing criminal investigation in the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States of America'. Mr Brennand said a police investigation into one UK-based business found it had supplied 247 customers around the UK and Europe in a 12-month period. Police established that 45 purchasers in the UK and Europe 'were confirmed as only 15 purchases were confirmed to have taken place for legitimate purposes (meat curing etc.)' In all 247 transactions, the coroner said: 'The vendors of the (poison) were not aware of this potential misuse of the substance. 'The small quantities being purchased had been incorrectly evaluated to be an increase in individuals pursuing recreational home-curing/food preservations as a hobby, being an artefact of 'lockdown' living following the COVID national pandemic emergency. 'Vendors were unaware that their website/details were being distributed as part of internet information platforms designed to aid, abet, assist or promote suicide methods. In his reports to Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, and local police, ambulance and mental health officials in the North West, the coroner warned that current Home Office guidance does not 'reference (the poison) as a specific example of concern and focuses on the phenomenon of 'malicious' misuse and not deliberate misuse in the sense of suicide/self-harm.' He said the purchase of small quantities of the poison 'is being presumed to be connected to the many legitimate uses of the than in fact, being evaluated as a member of the public seeking purchase of modest quantities used as their chosen means by which to end life.' The inquest into Ms Kelly's death heard she purchased an unnamed poisonous substance after seeking out advice on an online forum which described itself as a 'safe space'. Mr Brennand warned about the prevalence of such websites that 'promoted information as to how to access' prepare and use poisons that could bring about death. Ms Walsh was found to have ordered the poison 'from an internet-based supplier in Lithuania'. Her actions were 'deliberate and intentional' and she had a declining mental health. The coroner said Mr O'Reilly died from a 'deliberate act of recent self-ingestion'. Mr Dickenson died in March 2020 in Wigan having left a suicide note. An opened sachet bag was found next to him. The coroner redacted the name of the substance it contained, but said it had been sourced the previous month from an online firm licenced to sell such controlled poisons. Mr Bass died in February 2020 having sourced a poison in similar fashion. He had suffered from depression and anxiety. The coroner said tests found that Mr Price had consumed a 'significant and fatally toxic quantity' of the unnamed substance, having sent an email to family members which 'contained unequivocal expressions of the deceased's intention.' Mr Brown, who had a history of mental health conditions, was found dead in August 2023 in circumstances that puzzled investigators as his motive still remains 'unclear'. The coroner said the most likely scenario that led to his death was a 'fleeting, ill-considered, irrational self-harming ideation'. Mr Armstrong, 24, had shown symptoms of a psychotic illness and ingested poison after checking into a hotel. He called 999 to report what happened but it took 89 minutes for the ambulance to arrive, by which time he was dead. Chantelle Williams, who had a 'complex medical history', first ingested a 'significant but non-fatal' dose of the substance in 2019 and checked into Salford Royal Hospital where she received care. Twice she managed to order the poison while still on the Keats Ward at the hospital and ingest the poison, with the second incident killing her in May 2020. The Home Office is required to respond within 56 days of the coroner's report.
Global News
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Global News
Calgary police see significant drop in speeding tickets after photo radar ban
Speeding enforcement in Calgary has seen a significant decline compared with the same time period last year, according to new data from the Calgary Police Service, now that there are restrictions on the use of photo radar. The data shows between January and the end of April, the service issued 25,761 fewer tickets than during the same time period last year, when 98,523 speeding tickets were issued. In April alone, when the photo radar restrictions took effect, the figures show 12,380 fewer tickets were issued when compared with last year; 30,604 speeding tickets were issued in April 2024. 'I do feel it's kind of a neglectful way of dealing with this in regards to taking that area away from us,' said Staff Sgt. Andy Woodward with the Calgary police traffic unit. A significant portion of the drop in tickets in the first quarter of 2025 is due to Calgary police phasing out speed on green cameras earlier than the April 1 deadline. 29,573 speed on green camera tickets were issued between January and April 2024. Story continues below advertisement According to police, the change was made when the province announced in December it was restricting intersection safety devices to red-light cameras only, allowing a transition period. The provincial rules do still allow photo radar to be used in construction zones, as well as school and playground zones. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Calgary police issued 5,928 photo radar tickets in those areas after the rules took effect in April, 781 fewer tickets than in April of last year. There were 10,408 speeding tickets issued by officers in April, a decline of 595 tickets compared with last year, and Woodward said officers are being asked to pick up enforcement. 'Each district is now responsible for looking at areas of serious fatalities or even just collisions where officers should be going out there and doing enforcement,' Woodward said. In February, CPS said the decision from the provincial government to claw back the use of photo radar, which in turn would have an impact on police revenue, would create a $28-million budget shortfall in 2025 'and beyond.' In March, city council voted in favour of using reserve funds to cover that gap this year. When asked about the reduction in enforcement through tickets, Calgary mayor Jyoti Gondek said she is concerned about the impact to traffic safety on city streets. Story continues below advertisement 'Just last week, in the span of a day, we had some serious collisions and we had a death, so I will reiterate automated traffic enforcement was always meant to save lives,' Gondek told Global News. 'The provincial government has now put us in a position where Calgarians are unsafe, especially on high-speed roadways.' In response, Alberta transportation minister Devin Dreeshen said the province's goal was never to hand out as many tickets as possible, but to improve road safety. In a statement, Dreeshen said the new rules prioritize enforcement in high-risk zones like schools, playgrounds, and construction areas. He noted municipalities still have the option to apply to use photo radar in locations outside the new rules, but only if they can prove that traffic-calming measures are ineffective and the location poses a high collision risk. 'Albertans support safe roads, not hidden cameras on commuter routes. We listened, and now we're seeing a system that's more transparent, targeted, and accountable,' he said in a statement. According to Woodward, 35 per cent of the fatal collisions in Calgary last year were due to speed. He said red light cameras are still in effect, and photo radar will be in nine construction zones and in some of Calgary's more than 300 playground zones. Story continues below advertisement But Woodward said the police service is concerned heading into the summer months, and is urging people to be mindful of their speed. 'I'm concerned,' he said. 'The road conditions will be relatively good and that does give people the ability where they feel they can speed.'
