Latest news with #GlennMiller
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
'Human caused' Manitoba wildfire data misused to downplay climate impact
"100 of the 111 FIRES in Manitoba right now are confirmed HUMAN CAUSED," reads the caption of a June 3, 2025 X post. "The MEDIA will make you believe otherwise, like it's climate or something." The post includes what appears to be a collection of government data showing that the majority of wildfires in Manitoba have human origins. Similar posts on Facebook, Instagram and X shared the numbers while also claiming the media and government were incorrectly citing climate change as the cause of the size of the blazes. Canadian wildfires have already forced over 31,000 people to evacuate in 2025, with smoke from the flames detected as far away as Europe. Across the country, the area burned by wildfires is nowhere near the level of Canada's record-breaking 2023 season, but is still above the decade average for this point in the year, according to data from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (archived here and here). A reference to "gas" and comments on many of the posts claiming "arson" echo allegations of intentionally started fires, which emerge during many wildfire events and are often used to promote false claims that environmentalists are burning forests to prove the existence of climate change. As of June 5, government data reports 101 of 113 fires in Manitoba are human caused (archived here), but a spokesperson for the province said this label denotes any fire started by something other than lightning. "It does not mean 'arson,' it could be a hot exhaust pipe on an ATV in long grass, or a campfire or burn pile not properly extinguished," the spokesperson said. Glenn Miller, the director of Manitoba Wildfire Service, also explained the distinction to reporters in a press conference on May 8, 2025 (archived here). "When we use the words 'human caused' it's very broad and it's not necessarily arson, but arson can be at play for sure," he said. The Manitoba division of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) told AFP it had made arson-related arrests after the start of two separate wildfires on May 7 (archived here). Both cases involved controlled burns -- a practice of burning away dry organic matter to eliminate potential fuel for future wildfires (archived here) -- which could not be contained due to weather, the RCMP said. Contrary to claims on social media, there were news reports on the arrests and their connection to the wildfires. Local media also reported on a house fire at Manitoba's Whiteshell Provincial Park on May 20, detected after the evacuation of the area due to wildfire risk. An investigation into possible arson is ongoing. The RCMP did not reference any other cases of intentionally started fires in the province and AFP could not find any other reports about such cases. Laura Chasmer, an associate professor of geography and environment at the University of Lethbridge (archived here), told AFP a fire's origin is just "one part of the puzzle" when it comes to the flames' spread and the wider picture of climate change and its impacts. "If the fuel conditions are really dry because you've had really warm, dry weather, then that vegetation, that biomass, or even the organic matter on the ground, that's going to burn," she said on June 5 (archived here and here). Chasmer also explained that gusty conditions in Manitoba and other Canadian prairie provinces facilitated the spread of recent wildfires. In Canada, the past 20 years of warmer weather and recent prolonged droughts sucking up moisture, which would have previously slowed down blazes, contribute to more intense wildfire seasons, she remarked. "Fires are becoming a big problem now," she said. "It's just everywhere, every summer." Read more of AFP's reporting on misinformation in Canada here. June 6, 2025 Paragraph 8 was updated to reflect the most recent data on fires in Manitoba province.
AFP
4 days ago
- Climate
- AFP
'Human caused' Manitoba wildfire data misused to downplay climate impact
"100 of the 111 FIRES in Manitoba right now are confirmed HUMAN CAUSED," reads the caption of a June 3, 2025 X post. "The MEDIA will make you believe otherwise, like it's climate or something." The post includes what appears to be a collection of government data showing that the majority of wildfires in Manitoba have human origins. Similar posts on Facebook, Instagram and X shared the numbers while also claiming the media and government were incorrectly citing climate change as the cause of the size of the blazes. Image Screenshot of an X post taken June 6, 2025 Image Screenshot of an Instagram post taken June 5, 2025 Canadian wildfires have already forced over 31,000 people to evacuate in 2025, as far away as Europe. Across the country, the area burned by wildfires is nowhere near the level of Canada's record-breaking 2023 season, but is for this point in the year, according to data from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (archived here and here). A reference to "gas" and comments on many of the posts claiming "arson" echo allegations of intentionally started fires, which emerge during many wildfire events and are often used to promote false claims that environmentalists are burning forests to prove the existence of climate change. Image Screenshot of comments on a Facebook post taken June 5, 2025 government data reports 100 of 113 fires in Manitoba are human caused (archived here), but a spokesperson for the province said this label denotes any fire started by something other than lightning. "It does not mean 'arson,' it could be a hot exhaust pipe on an ATV in long grass, or a campfire or burn pile not properly extinguished," the spokesperson said. Glenn Miller, the director of Manitoba Wildfire Service, also explained the distinction to reporters in a press conference on May 8, 2025 (archived here). "When we use the words 'human caused' it's very broad and it's not necessarily arson, but arson can be at play for sure," he said. Few arson arrests The Manitoba division of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) told AFP it had made arson-related arrests after the start of two separate wildfires on May 7 (archived here). Both cases involved controlled burns -- a practice of burning away dry organic matter to eliminate potential fuel for future wildfires (archived here) -- which could not be contained due to weather, the RCMP said. Contrary to claims on social media, there were news reports on the arrests and their connection to the wildfires. The RCMP in the province and AFP could not find any other reports about such cases. Climate change impact Laura Chasmer, an associate professor of geography and environment at the University of Lethbridge (archived here), told AFP a fire's origin is just "one part of the puzzle" "If the fuel conditions are really dry because you've had really warm, dry weather, then that vegetation, that biomass, or even the organic matter on the ground, that's going to burn," she on June 5 (archived here and here). Chasmer also explained that gusty conditions in Manitoba and other Canadian prairie provinces facilitated the spread of recent wildfires. In Canada, the past 20 years of warmer weather and recent prolonged droughts sucking up moisture, which would have previously slowed down blazes, contribute to more intense wildfire seasons, she remarked. "Fires are becoming a big problem now," she said. "It's just everywhere, every summer." Read more of AFP's reporting on misinformation in Canada here.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Council to spend £2.5m updating listed music venue
A council is to spend £2.5m on refurbishing a historic music venue for its first upgrade in 30 years. The Grade II listed Bedford Corn Exchange dates back to 1874 and was used as base for the BBC Symphony Orchestra during World War Two. Band leader Glenn Miller's performances were broadcast from the venue between July and August 1944, shortly before his flight mysteriously disappeared over the Channel. The refurbishment will include upgraded lighting and sound systems, new paintwork and modernised toilets. There will also be flooring improvements, new seating and outdated and broken appliances in the venue's kitchen will be replaced. Work is scheduled to begin in early 2026 and complete in March 2027. The council said the refurbishment project will take place over the next two financial years. Bedford Corn Exchange hosts a range of entertainment including music, comedy and theatre. During the 1940s it attracted big names in entertainment such as Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Humphrey Bogart. Sarah Gallagher, portfolio holder for leisure, culture and customer experience at Bedford Borough Council, said: "This refurbishment is much more than just maintenance, it's a forward-thinking investment in Bedford's cultural heart. "By modernising the Corn Exchange, we are not only preserving an important historic venue but also enhancing the experience for local residents, visitors and businesses. "These improvements will support a diverse range of events, attract new audiences, and celebrate the rich heritage of Bedford." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. What happened to Glenn Miller? The 80-year mystery Town gets in the mood for Glenn Miller memorial Video of flooded theatre posted online by comedian Venue that hosted Glenn Miller earns listed status Bedford Borough Council
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Council to spend £2.5m updating Bedford Corn Exchange
A council is to spend £2.5m on refurbishing a historic music venue for its first upgrade in 30 Grade II listed Bedford Corn Exchange dates back to 1874 and was used as base for the BBC Symphony Orchestra during World War leader Glenn Miller's performances were broadcast from the venue between July and August 1944, shortly before his flight mysteriously disappeared over the refurbishment will include upgraded lighting and sound systems, new paintwork and modernised toilets. There will also be flooring improvements, new seating and outdated and broken appliances in the venue's kitchen will be is scheduled to begin in early 2026 and complete in March council said the refurbishment project will take place over the next two financial years. Bedford Corn Exchange hosts a range of entertainment including music, comedy and the 1940s it attracted big names in entertainment such as Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Humphrey Gallagher, portfolio holder for leisure, culture and customer experience at Bedford Borough Council, said: "This refurbishment is much more than just maintenance, it's a forward-thinking investment in Bedford's cultural heart. "By modernising the Corn Exchange, we are not only preserving an important historic venue but also enhancing the experience for local residents, visitors and businesses. "These improvements will support a diverse range of events, attract new audiences, and celebrate the rich heritage of Bedford." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Airmen of Note jazz band, ends 11-day tour at the Topeka Performing Arts Centers
TOPEKA (KSNT) – The City of Topeka is recognizing Military Appreciation Month. Festivities took the stage over at the Topeka Performing Arts Center with a free concert. In performance was The air force jazz band, also known as the Airmen of Note. The airmen from all over the US performed variety of jazz hits. The band is celebrating 75 years of performing across the country. TDC Learning Centers in Topeka to soon close, teachers and parents given short notice 'It was created back in 1950 to carry on the tradition of Major Glenn Miller's Army Air Force Dance band,' Chief Master Sargent Brian Macdonald, said. 'And so, we take the heritage and legacy very seriously. And continues to innovate musically today and connect with the public around the world and honor our veterans. Certainly, many veterans here in the free state of Kansas and also to represent those active-duty members that are serving around the world.' The airmen of note just completed their 11 day tour. Macdonald says there was a no better way than to end in the Capital city. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
