--Eighteenth NewsWatch--

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(Prison-Assault-Pickton-Custody) (Audio: 134)

A former prison judge at the facility that formerly housed Robert Pickton thinks he knows why the convicted serial killer was moved to a prison in Quebec.

Darryl Plecas (PLEHK'-uss) called Pickton's transfer a lateral move and says he suspects it was for security reasons.

He says notorious inmates like Pickton are generally put in protective and segregated custody for their own protection, not to protect others.

Pickton remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries after what the correctional service calls a "major assault" that did not involve its guards. (18)

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(Cybersecurity) (Audio: 128)

Ottawa is trying to fend off online threats to its systems and information banks with a new cybersecurity strategy.

The strategy says while the government has made progress on improving cybersecurity in recent years, the online dangers have advanced even faster.

Treasury Board President Anita Anand says a whole-of-government approach to cybersecurity has never been more important.

The different systems and practices between government departments has led to duplication of efforts, inconsistent approaches and lack of intelligence sharing. (18)

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(Wildfires-BC)

The B-C Wildfire Service says wildfire-plagued areas of northeastern British Columbia saw more rain and good conditions for firefighting.

But it says hot spots continue to burn deep in the two wildfires near Fort Nelson.

The service adds that the recent rain hasn't been enough to ease the persistent drought gripping the area.

The mayor of the regional municipality that includes Fort Nelson says he's optimistic crews have a good handle on the situation and plans are underway for residents to return. (18)

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(MTL-JewishSchool-Shooting)

Police have made an arrest in a case of gunshots fired at a Montreal Jewish school late last year.

The suspect was arrested in the city's Lasalle borough today and appeared in court on charges including discharging a firearm and vehicle theft.

Police found bullet holes in the door of the school and bullet casings on the ground last November, weeks after the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

Earlier that month, a separate Jewish school was targeted by gunfire and a synagogue was firebombed. (18)

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(Salmon-Suspended)

Canada and the U-S are suspending all fishing for Yukon River Chinook salmon for seven years.

It's an attempt to protect the dwindling species.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada says since the 1980s the Chinook population originating from the Canadian portion of the watershed has declined to less than 10 per cent of its historical average.

The agreement covers all commercial, recreational and domestic fishing through 2030. (18)

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(ENT-Obit-Charlie-Colin)

Bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, Charlie Colin, has died.

Train was best known for their early-aughts hits like "Drops of Jupiter" and "Meet Virginia."

Celebrity website T-M-Zee reported Colin died after slipping and falling in the shower while house-sitting for a friend in Brussels, Belgium.

He was 58. (18)

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(NewsWatch by Jason White)

The Canadian Press