- An arrest warrant was issued for a man accused of attacking two Muslim women outside a south Edmonton mall last December. Richard Bradley Stevens, who is charged with two counts of assault and one of mischief, failed to appear in court on Wednesday.
- The University of Alberta could require students, faculty and staff to show proof of vaccination after all. On Wednesday, when the university's back to school plan was released, the university's website stated that people "will not be asked to show or submit vaccine documentation as part of the online process." That sentence has since been removed while the U of A finalizes its process for self-declaration.
- Afghan-Edmontonians are fearing for their families, especially female relatives, since the Taliban entered the capital city of Kabul on Sunday, reports CBC News. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN) is hoping to play an important role in resettling Afghan refugees.
- The city will lower business licence fees for cannabis retail shops by 90% in 2022 —— from $2,500 to $255. Coun. Scott McKeen, who serves as chairman of the Edmonton Cannabis Coalition, hopes that by lowering fees retailers can reduce their prices enough to stymie the black market.
- The second phase of Holyrood Gardens, a major mixed-use development near the Valley Line Southeast LRT in Bonnie Doon, is at risk of not being built, after council denied the developers request to increase the number of units by 250. Regency Development called the vote (5-5) hypocritical, as the project meets the city's goal of developing more densely populated neighbourhoods near public transit.
- Concordia University of Edmonton has acquired the historic McGrath Mansion in the Highlands community from the Braaksma family. This is the largest individual gift in the university's history. Concordia plans to use the building as a community gathering space and venue.
- The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with its Calgary counterpart to release a joint election platform ahead of the federal election in September. Released on Wednesday, the 2021 Federal Election Platform — From Challenge to Change is similar to the one they released together ahead of the 2019 election.
- Hawrelak Park lake could become more useable, reports Global News. In April, city staff proposed that expanded use of the lake be included in the park's rehabilitation project, which is currently being developed. The $2-million project would make the water safe enough for activities like paddleboarding and kayaking, and reduce cleaning fees ahead of the World Triathlon Championship Finals.
