Beyond Local

A central Alberta county councillor says a lack of veterinarians and veterinary technologists is hurting the overall economy and rural community viability.

Brendan James Boyd is living every Muppet-lovin' man's dream. He spent five months last year as a puppeteer filming the revival of Fraggle Rock, and its first season was just released at the end of January.

Opposition NDP members resigned Friday from a committee tasked to examine a safe drug supply, saying it's a "political stunt" by the Alberta government instead of meaningful work to address spiking overdose deaths.

On Feb. 1, eight people failed to attend court in relation to a variety of charges. Warrants have now been issued for their arrest.

Crowdfunding site GoFundMe will reimburse or redirect to charities the vast majority of the more than $10 million raised by demonstrators protesting COVID-19 measures in Ottawa, saying the event has become an occupation.

On Feb. 2, police responded to multiple firearms incidents in Saddle Lake. The RCMP detachment building was also shot at the same day.

Edmonton's mayor says he expects Premier Jason Kenney will respect local autonomy as Alberta prepares to end its vaccine passport program along with other COVID-19 health restrictions.

Following student protests against masking and resulting social media firestorm with threats against staff, students at Bowden Grandview School have been sent home for two days of online learning.

CALGARY — There is more pain at the pumps for Canadian drivers this week as gasoline prices climb to new record highs. Fuel price tracking website GasBuddy.com says the national average retail fuel price hit 151.3 cents per litre Friday morning.

“The area does see backcountry skier traffic during the winter and human presence near the den may disturb the bear or her newborn cubs, which could also place skiers at risk of a grizzly bear encounter."