Latest news with #Lobb
Courier-Mail
30-07-2025
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
AFL teams: GWS v Western Bulldogs full teams
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge is willing to risk exposing his defence by rotating Rory Lobb through the ruck in a season-defining clash against GWS on Thursday night. Beveridge tweaked Lobb's role so he could spare Sam Darcy the second ruck duties and keep him forward alongside Aaron Naughton for longer in the crushing win over Essendon. Darcy was able to increase his game time from the previous week by 10 per cent as he and Naughton piled on 13.3 in the 93-point win last week. The coach said he would revisit the aggressive move again despite the size and power of the GWS forward line, which will boast five players taller than 188cm including in-form premiership Bulldog Jake Stringer. The Bulldogs will go into the game unchanged, while GWS have made three forced changes. Leek Aleer, Harvey Thomas and Harry Rowston will come in for injured duo Jack Buckley and Josh Kelly, and the suspended captain Toby Greene. James O'Donnell (44 games), Luke Cleary (19) and Jedd Busslinger (three) would be left with the responsibility for Stringer, Jesse Hogan and Aaron Cadman should Lobb go into the ruck. 'The knock-on effect (of moving Lobb) was we were able to keep Sam (Darcy) and Aaron (Naughton) out on the ground a little bit longer,' Beveridge said. 'That was between 20 and 30 minutes longer … it makes a difference. 'It depends how the game is playing out, but it's definitely something that worked for us last week. 'So if you're going to guess at how we might start the game, it'll be in a similar vein.' Aaron Naughton and Sam Darcy ripped the Bombers to shreds last week. Picture: Michael Klein Beveridge conceded settling down his back seven was the 'last piece of the puzzle' as the Bulldogs prepared for the first of four cutthroat games in the finals qualification battle. He confirmed Busslinger would get another chance ahead of veteran key back Liam Jones and Ryan Gardner after a 'pretty encouraging game' on return against the Bombers. 'We're trying to do different things with different personnel through some of the roles closer to the opposition's goals,' he said. 'Not necessarily the higher defenders and the playmakers – I think Bailey Dale, JJ (Jason Johannisen) and Lachie Bramble, they've been pretty solid in their affairs.' Originally published as The latest team news ahead of round 21 of the AFL season
Ottawa Citizen
17-06-2025
- Ottawa Citizen
Air India investigation continues, 40 years after deadly terrorist bombing
Article content RCMP officers continue to work on the Air India bombing investigation four decades after two B.C. made bombs killed 331, but a criminologist said the chance of more charges is remote. Article content Sgt. Tammy Lobb told Postmedia that the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team still has investigators on the 1985 terrorism case, despite acquittals of two key suspects in 2005. Article content Article content Article content 'The investigation is continuing, as we continue to investigate any emerging information,' Lobb said. 'Should any new information or different information that we have not received in 40 years emerge, we will investigate it to uncover the truth.' Article content Article content She said investigators believe they have identified all the suspects who were involved in planting the suitcase bombs on flights out of Vancouver airport on June 22, 1985. Article content One bomb exploded at Japan's Narita Airport as two baggage handlers were transferring the Vancouver suitcase to an Air India flight. Both workers were killed. Article content Less than an hour later, a second B.C. bomb blew apart Air India Flight 182 off the coast of Ireland, killing all 329 aboard. Most of the victims were Canadians of Indian origin. Article content Two B.C. men connected to the Babbar Khalsa terrorist group were charged in 2000, but acquitted by a B.C. Supreme Court judge in 2005. A third suspect, Inderjit Singh Reyat, was first convicted of manslaughter in the Narita bombing, then pleaded guilty to a second manslaughter count in the Air India blast. Article content Article content Special 40th anniversary memorial events are planned for June 23 across Canada and in Ireland, near the spot where the flight went down. Article content Article content 'I'm sure you can appreciate there are details the investigation that I can't discuss in order to protect the integrity of it, but I can tell you that throughout the investigation, suspects have been identified, and some of them, as you know, were charged and tried,' she said. Article content 'Although there are elements of the investigation that are unresolved, we remain confident we've identified the people who were behind this act of terrorism.' Article content Criminologist Yvon Dandurand, professor emeritus at the University of the Fraser Valley, said Tuesday that it would be challenging for police to gather strong-enough evidence to get new charges approved so long after the crime.
Vancouver Sun
17-06-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Air India investigation continues, 40 years after deadly terrorist bombing
RCMP officers continue to work on the Air India bombing investigation four decades after two B.C. made bombs killed 331, but a criminologist said the chance of more charges is remote. Sgt. Tammy Lobb told Postmedia that the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team still has investigators on the 1985 terrorism case, despite acquittals of two key suspects in 2005. 'The investigation is continuing, as we continue to investigate any emerging information,' Lobb said. 'Should any new information or different information that we have not received in 40 years emerge, we will investigate it to uncover the truth.' Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. She said investigators believe they have identified all the suspects who were involved in planting the suitcase bombs on flights out of Vancouver airport on June 22, 1985. One bomb exploded at Japan's Narita Airport as two baggage handlers were transferring the Vancouver suitcase to an Air India flight. Both workers were killed. Less than an hour later, a second B.C. bomb blew apart Air India Flight 182 off the coast of Ireland, killing all 329 aboard. Most of the victims were Canadians of Indian origin. Two B.C. men connected to the Babbar Khalsa terrorist group were charged in 2000, but acquitted by a B.C. Supreme Court judge in 2005. A third suspect, Inderjit Singh Reyat, was first convicted of manslaughter in the Narita bombing, then pleaded guilty to a second manslaughter count in the Air India blast. Special 40th anniversary memorial events are planned for June 23 across Canada and in Ireland, near the spot where the flight went down. Lobb wouldn't comment on whether any new information has been uncovered in recent years. 'I'm sure you can appreciate there are details the investigation that I can't discuss in order to protect the integrity of it, but I can tell you that throughout the investigation, suspects have been identified, and some of them, as you know, were charged and tried,' she said. 'Although there are elements of the investigation that are unresolved, we remain confident we've identified the people who were behind this act of terrorism.' Criminologist Yvon Dandurand, professor emeritus at the University of the Fraser Valley, said Tuesday that it would be challenging for police to gather strong-enough evidence to get new charges approved so long after the crime. 'As you move through the years, it gets harder and harder, first to find the evidence, and second, to get enough of it to justify charges,' he said. 'And then getting a conviction 40 years later, you would have to have an incredibly powerful kind of new evidence to do this.' He said the best chance of new evidence might come with new informants that have knowledge of the terrorism plot, though even that is unlikely after 40 years. 'What other informants would there be who would have enough evidence other than their own word that other people were involved?' he said. 'The RCMP is not going to say 'forget about the whole thing. It's too late,' but I doubt very much that anyone there believes that there's a significant chance.' Babbar Khalsa founder Talwinder Singh Parmar — a former Burnaby resident who was killed by police in India in 1992 — was identified as the mastermind of the Air India plot by both the B.C. Supreme Court trial judge and by the head of the Air India Commission of Inquiry that ended in 2010. Other suspects were identified at the trial of the acquitted suspects, Ripudaman Singh Malik and Ajaib Singh Bagri, including a mysterious man dubbed Mr. X who helped with a test bomb 19 days before the bombings. Lobb wouldn't comment on whether investigators had identified Mr. X. Dandurand said that while solving cold cases has been popularized by podcasts and true crime TV series, 'in practice trying to investigate crimes 20, 30 or 40 years later is extremely difficult.' kbolan@ Blueksy: @
Winnipeg Free Press
09-06-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Wildfire smoke felt acutely by some, has longer-term health impacts
For Carol Lobb, 50, even a short walk outside can be dangerous. Born with a congenital heart defect and only one functioning lung, she navigates daily life with a range of heart, lung and breathing challenges — conditions that often go unseen and misunderstood. With wildfire smoke drifting into Winnipeg and nearby areas from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the air has become even more hazardous, raising health concerns for those with vulnerable conditions like hers. 'It's hard sometimes living with these invisible illnesses,' Lobb says. 'Especially when they don't fall neatly under the usual labels like asthma or COPD.' When the smoke rolls in, so do the symptoms: headaches, fatigue, a burning feeling in the chest, a mild cough and throat irritation. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS For Carol Lobb, who was born with a congenital heart defect, the influx of wildfire smoke can shut down her daily routine. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS For Carol Lobb, who was born with a congenital heart defect, the influx of wildfire smoke can shut down her daily routine. 'I've been in touch with my primary caregiver about coming into the clinic if I notice any signs of pulmonary distress, and I've looked into oxygen therapy as a precaution,' she says. In early June, Winnipeg's Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) reached 10+, a level classified as a very high health risk by Environment Canada. At this threshold, children, seniors and those with pre-existing conditions are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activity. Even healthy people may experience throat irritation or breathing difficulties after prolonged exposure. For Lobb, when the AQHI hits 10 or 11, daily life comes to a halt. Instead, she stays indoors, carefully monitors her symptoms and listens closely to her body. 'That's all I can do,' she says. Across the region, nearly 30,000 people in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have been evacuated as wildfires continue to burn. Environment and Climate Change Canada reports that the heaviest smoke plumes are concentrated over central Manitoba and northwestern Ontario but have drifted south into the U.S. and even as far as Europe. 'It's hard sometimes living with these invisible illnesses … Especially when they don't fall neatly under the usual labels like asthma or COPD.'–Carol Lobb While wildfire smoke can affect anyone's health, even brief exposure poses greater risks to vulnerable groups such as older adults, young children, pregnant individuals and those with chronic illnesses. Wildfire smoke is a complex blend of gases, water vapour and particles of different sizes. While larger particles can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, the most concerning lies with fine particles known as PM2.5. These microscopic particles measure less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter — roughly 1/70 the width of a human hair — making them invisible to the naked eye. Dr. Scott Weichenthal, associate director of the McGill Centre for Climate Change and Health and professor in McGill's department of epidemiology, biostatistics and occupational health, says the most common early symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Some people may also experience coughing, wheezing or overall respiratory discomfort. Supplied Dr. Scott Weichenthal, of McGill University, warns the smallest particles from wildfire smoke can even enter the bloodstream. Supplied Dr. Scott Weichenthal, of McGill University, warns the smallest particles from wildfire smoke can even enter the bloodstream. But PM2.5 particles, generated during combustion, are especially concerning because they can travel through your lungs and even enter the bloodstream, potentially contributing to a range of health issues. 'Once inhaled, PM2.5 particles can reach deep within our lungs as well as our systemic circulation,' Weichenthal says. 'These particles increase inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, impact our autonomic nervous system, blood coagulation, vascular function and other mechanisms broadly relevant to our overall health.' A recent study in Environmental Science & Technology, a journal published by the American Chemical Society, analyzed wildfire seasons in B.C. from 2016 to 2019. Researchers found that infants whose mothers were exposed to wildfire smoke during pregnancy had a higher likelihood of developing ear infections and lower respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, within their first year of life. While many symptoms may appear mild at first, Weichenthal stresses that the health risks of wildfire smoke extend beyond short-term respiratory issues, potentially leading to long-term health consequences, including cancer. 'Wildfire smoke contains many known human carcinogens, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and toxic metals. The exact composition depends on what's burning — whether it's forests, buildings, or other materials,' he says. 'Either way, it's a toxic mix of harmful components that poses significant risks to public health. We have much to learn about the long-term health risks of fires.' 'The key strategy is to reduce exposure. The more we can reduce population exposures, the more we can mitigate potential health risks.'–Dr. Scott Weichenthal Given these serious public health implications, Weichenthal has been vocal about the need for greater awareness and action. In the April 2025 issue of Nature Reviews Cancer, Weichenthal published an article titled 'We cannot ignore the cancer risks of wildfires.' In it, he highlights the increased cancer risk linked to repeated wildfire exposure in regions affected annually and advocates for practical, science-backed measures — such as using indoor air filtration — to help reduce harmful exposures. 'Unfortunately, we will be dealing with this issue for the rest of our lives,' he says. 'The key strategy is to reduce exposure. The more we can reduce population exposures, the more we can mitigate potential health risks.' Weichenthal's warning underscores the lasting impact wildfire smoke can have on people's health, especially those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. For Julia Frankfurt, 43, who lives with asthma and chronic seasonal allergies triggered by environmental factors, wildfire smoke adds another layer of difficulty to managing her symptoms. 'I have to be very fluid,' she says. 'Fortunately, I have the kind of job where I can work from home, and I have an air purifier here.' MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Julia Frankfurt feels the effects of wildfire smoke acutely enough, it can lead to a trip to an emergency room. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Julia Frankfurt feels the effects of wildfire smoke acutely enough, it can lead to a trip to an emergency room. But when she's at the office, things are more complicated. 'We can only reduce it to about 10 per cent outside air, because there still has to be some external air coming in. I can't restrict the doors from opening, so you can smell the smoke inside the building.' The smoky air has made breathing more difficult, pushing her to rely more on her medication. 'I'm breathing heavily through my lungs pretty much every day,' she says. 'I've had to increase how often I use my inhalers to offset some of the symptoms. If it gets bad and my chest gets really tight, I'll have to go to the ER for a nebulizer treatment.' Even before the smoke smells strong, she feels its effects. 'When the smoke is on its way, I'll lose my voice within five to 10 minutes. I can feel it deep in my lungs. And then I start getting wheezy and my chest gets heavy.' 'Leading with kindness and understanding is so important. It might not seem like much from the outside, but it means everything to those who are struggling.'–Julia Frankfurt And it's not just her lungs. 'My eyeballs feel like they've got sand in them pretty much every day since fire season started. I buy eye drops and have to keep hydrating because they're so itchy.' When air quality drops, the most important thing Manitobans can do is stay informed and reduce their exposure as much as possible. 'The first step is to be aware of the air quality in your area. Tools like the AQHI developed by Health Canada and Environment Canada are an excellent resource,' Weichenthal says. When the AQHI shows a high risk, people are advised to stay indoors, keep windows closed and use a high-efficiency (HEPA) air purifier to filter out harmful particles. For those who need to be outside — such as construction or delivery workers — a properly fitted N95 mask can offer added protection against fine particles. There are also do-it-yourself solutions available: 'You can find instructions online to build your own air purifier (using a box fan and a furnace filter) with materials found at hardware stores,' Weichenthal adds. For Frankfurt, wildfire smoke isn't just a health concern — it also takes an emotional toll. Monthly What you need to know now about gardening in Winnipeg. An email with advice, ideas and tips to keep your outdoor and indoor plants growing. 'I don't know if it counts as anxiety or stress, but I just feel disappointed,' she says. 'We don't have a long summer, and I want to be outside. I love being in my garden. It's really frustrating not being able to do what I love.' That frustration can also feel isolating, especially when others don't fully grasp the impact. 'There are always people who say, 'Oh, it's not that bad.' I'm glad it's not that bad for them, but for some of us, it's much harder,' she explains. 'You can't always see conditions like asthma unless someone's using an inhaler or wearing a mask. For me, people only notice when my voice changes. Otherwise, I look like any average person.' What helps, she says, is simple compassion. 'Leading with kindness and understanding is so important. It might not seem like much from the outside, but it means everything to those who are struggling.' arts@ Sabrina CarnevaleColumnist Sabrina Carnevale is a freelance writer and communications specialist, and former reporter and broadcaster who is a health enthusiast. She writes a twice-monthly column focusing on wellness and fitness. 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CTV News
29-04-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Midwestern Ontario stays blue, results closer than previous elections
Ben Lobb has been re-elected to his sixth consecutive term as an MP. Ben Lobb has been re-elected to his sixth consecutive term as an MP. Midwestern Ontario stayed Conservative on Monday night, but the results were certainly closer than in year's past. In Huron-Bruce, Liberal James Rice was leading after the first 20 polls, creating some tension at Ben Lobb's Conservative election night party in Lucknow. But, as more polls came in, Lobb, who has won the past five elections, pulled away, securing his record-setting sixth consecutive term, as Huron-Bruce's M.P. 'If this election would have been in October, we probably would have won by 40 or 50%. And we know that was largely people dislike Justin Trudeau. And so in January when he resigned, people obviously had a change in what they were thinking about. And then when Trump was inaugurated, that was another change. So, I knew it was going to be a close election, just by my conversations at the arena,' says Lobb. In Perth-Wellington, Conservative John Nater, secured his fourth straight win, keeping the riding, Conservative since it's creation in 2004. In Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, Alex Ruff took home his third straight victory, maintaining the Conservative stronghold. But all three races were closer than in year's past, as the New Democratic Party vote dropped in all three ridings, leading to the Liberals finishing a much closer second in all three Midwestern Ontario ridings. As an example, Ben Lobb won in 2021 by more than 15,000 votes. Monday's margin of victory, with 255 of 259 polls reporting, will be fewer than 10,000 votes. With similar, smaller margins of victory, for Nater and Ruff, than in election's past, as well.
