FortSask

Redwater RCMP have arrested and charged a man with arson in connection to the fire that broke out over the weekend.

On July 2 police responded to a residence after reports of an intoxicated person who was causing a disturbance. The suspect was located outside a business in the area and arrested for theft.

During the arrest police noticed a fire at an adjacent building and were told by witnesses that the arrested suspect had started the fire.

Leduc RCMP Drug Unit have seized over 30 cartons of illegal cigarettes. 

Police began an investigation into drug trafficking in the area back in April. As a result, Mounties executed a search warrant in the West Haven Terrace area.

Police seized 33 cartons of illegal cigarettes, and small portions of meth, cocaine, and psilocybin. 

Simon Nathan, a 57-year-old resident of Leduc, was arrested and charged with selling unpackaged tobacco.

Nathan was released from custody with a court appearance set for late July at the Leduc provincial courthouse.

A blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) health advisory has been issued by Alberta Health Services (AHS) for a nearby lake.

AHS issued the advisory in late June after the algae was spotted at Astotin Lake in Elk Island National Park.

Blue-green algae occurs naturally during calm and warmer weather, usually between July and September. Health risks caused by blue-green algae exposure include:

The planet's temperature spiked on Tuesday to its hottest day in at least 44 years and likely much longer, and Wednesday could become the third straight day Earth unofficially marks a record-breaking high, the latest in a series of climate-change extremes that alarm but don't surprise scientists.

Canadians eligible for the GST credit are expected to receive a special payment today to help with the rising cost of groceries.  

The payment, which the Liberal government is calling the grocery rebate, was promised in the spring budget to help Canadians cope with food inflation.

The Canada Revenue Agency says approximately 11 million Canadians will receive the additional money alongside the regular GST credit payment. 

The Sturgeon County Bounty is right around the corner.

This two-day family-friendly event gets going on July 13 and features food trucks, live entertainment, activities for the kids, and even a vendor village, all at Cardiff Park.

"It [started as] more of a small, intimate gathering that transformed into what it is today," said Amy Oshanyk, economic development officer with the county. "It celebrates our local community that brings together our residents, local businesses, and producers to foster that sense of unity and showcase the vibrant spirit of our county."

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) announced on Wednesday (July 5) morning that select officers will begin wearing body cameras next week. 

This is part of a six-month trial that will outfit about 35 officers working with Transit and Community Safety Teams, the Healthy Streets Operations Centre Community Safety Teams, and the High-Risk encampment Teams with body cameras. 

These teams were specifically chosen due to the variety of police interactions that are associated with officers in those roles. 

Farmers who are looking for a cool, wet growing season will be disappointed by the latest seasonal forecast from Environment Canada.

That's predicting a hot, dry summer across the country, though the prairies may not feel the worst of it.

Meteorologist Terri Lang says that the forecast may last well up to harvest.

The Paper Bag Fairies took home July's Half Grand Helping Hand, courtesy of South Fort Chevrolet and MIX 107.9.

The Paper Bag Fairies was created during the COVID-19 pandemic, when founder Kath Stevenson wanted to help out the seniors of Fort Saskatchewan.

"The Rivercrest Nursing Home lost twelve residents to COVID," said Stevenson. "Our hearts were breaking for them, and we wanted to let them know we were thinking about them. So we put together a care package and delivered it."

RCMP think that a man responsible for the 2021 killing of a woman in Strathcona County might be in British Columbia. 

24-year-old Bith Chuol is alleged to have murdered 29-year-old Vanessa Silva after police discovered her remains in a vehicle fire on Township Road 530 and Range Road 221 back in September 2021. 

Another suspect in the murder, 25-year-old Cordell Kennedy, was arrested in May 2022. 

As a result of the investigation, police have charged Chuol with the following: