FortSask

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: 

 A Fort Saskatchewan baseball team took home their league championship last month. 

The U13 Fort Saskatchewan team defeated Beakon 15-5 in the A final to take home first place in the league. 

"We had a pretty good group of kids," said coach Scott Langkow. "Kids worked hard and everything came together." 

Though Langkow says the team didn't have much time to practice throughout the season, they did hold a specific advantage over other teams. 

"Our team had the most pitchers on it for sure. So that helps when the pitch counts are low." 

The Shell Theatre has revealed its newest slate of shows. 

The 2023-2024 season includes a bit of everything, from country music icons and comedy shows to one of Canada's most famous rock bands. It all gets going in September with a special east-coast guest. 

"September is a busy month, we are starting a little bit earlier this year," said Josh Gennings with the Shell Theatre. "Born in Ireland, now residing in P.E.I, Irish Mythen has got poignant lyrics, passionate vocals and a cheeky Irish banter that our audience is going to love."

Environment Canada has issued a Weather Advisory for the area due to conditions being favourable for the development of funnel clouds early this evening.

On Tuesday (July 4) afternoon, a funnel cloud was spotted over the Town of Bruderheim in a Facebook post was made to a local storm watch group.

According to the Alberta Storm Watch Facebook page, the funnel cloud never reached the ground and has since dissipated.

However, there is a chance that weak landspout tornados may drop in the area. 

The areas affected include: