Both gas and diesel prices increased in Nova Scotia overnight. Gasoline is up 5.7 cents per litre, putting the minimum pump price for regular self-serve gasoline at 193.7 cents per litre. Diesel prices increased by 6.2 cents per litre, putting the minimum pump price at 234.1 cents per litre in the local area

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A Central Caribou man is facing multiple charges following an investigation by the Nova Scotia RCMP’s Provincial Internet Child Exploitation Unit. Police say 67-year-old Steven Frederick Nelson was arrested after officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Glen Road East in Central Caribou on Tuesday. Electronic devices and firearms were seized. Nelson faces charges including possession and transmission of child sexual abuse and exploitation material, as well as firearms-related offences. RCMP say investigators believe there may be additional victims who are now adults and may have been targeted over several years. Nelson remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on July 28.

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Pictou County District RCMP are asking for the publics assistance in locating 32-year-old Steven Michael Lawrence of Plymouth who  is wanted on a province-wide arrest warrant. He’s wanted on charges of theft of a motor vehicle and two counts of failing to comply with a release order. Lawrence is described as five-foot-nine, about 180 pounds, with blond hair and hazel eyes. Anyone who knows where he may be is asked to contact Pictou County District RCMP or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers.

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Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is prepared to respond if trade talks with the United States fail before new tariffs are set to take effect next month. Speaking after meeting with Canada’s premiers in Charlottetown, Carney said “everything is on the table” if a deal can’t be reached before the August 19 deadline. The White House has threatened 50 per cent tariffs on more than 20 billion dollars’ worth of Canadian goods. Carney says negotiations continue, but Canada is prepared to act if necessary.

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The Maritime provinces are teaming up to strengthen the region’s electricity system. Premiers from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island have signed an agreement to develop a regional roadmap for electricity transmission by next spring and explore creating a single operator to manage power across the Maritimes. The premiers say working together will improve energy security, strengthen the electrical grid and help keep electricity more affordable. The announcement came ahead of this week’s meeting between Canada’s premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney in Charlottetown.

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Nova Scotia’s minister responsible for L’nu affairs says Mi’kmaw voices are still being heard, despite the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs not being invited to a legislative committee meeting on natural resource development. Last week, Progressive Conservative members voted against adding an Assembly representative to the witness list. The Assembly has criticized the decision, saying Mi’kmaq are co-managers of the province’s lands and resources and should be part of the discussion. Minister Leah Martin says chiefs have multiple ways to share their views directly with government and says her office maintains an open-door policy.