- University of Alberta president Bill Flanagan published a statement announcing several updates following the removal of a pro-Palestine encampment on university grounds on May 11. The board of governors has agreed to disclose the university's endowment investment holdings and will review investment policies with the help of the Canadian Shareholder Association for Research and Education. The university is also forming a working group with student leaders to address encampment demands and is committed to supporting Palestinian scholars and students affected by the Gaza conflict. A third-party investigation of the encampment removal is still planned.
- A murder-conspiracy trial related to the 2022 COVID-era blockade in Coutts heard that two Edmonton Police Service officers attended to show support for the protest. An undercover Mountie testified that a raid of trailers in the area found a cache of weapons and that protestors expressed extreme anti-government sentiments. Anthony Olienick and Chris Carbert face charges of conspiring to kill Mounties, mischief, and possession of weapons.
- The Stanley Cup finals has the longest distance between teams in series history, giving Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers players lots of time to kill on the road. Some play cards while others pass the time playing video games. "We spend a lot of time on that plane," said Oilers captain Connor McDavid. "But we have a good time." The Oilers now need to win three consecutive games to claim the championship, but players are staying focused on taking it one game at a time.
- A Cree man from Calling Lake known as Superfan Magoo has become a fixture at Edmonton Oilers home games as the team continues its quest for the Stanley Cup. APTN News also interviewed Stephanie Poitras, who has worked as a security guard at Rogers Place since it opened and was able to snag a puck from Game 4.
- Edmonton-raised Alphonso Davies has been named captain of the Canadian men's national soccer team. Head coach Jesse Marsch praised Davies for his experience and leadership qualities, noting his ability to handle the spotlight. "I know that he is up to the challenge of taking on a more expanded role with more responsibility," Marsch said.
- Alberta experienced a surge in home construction in May with a record 4,113 housing starts and a total of 17,673 since the beginning of the year, marking a 50% increase over 2023. Edmonton saw 1,830 new housing starts in May, which was more than double the number from May 2023.
- Alberta will ban cellphones in kindergarten to Grade 12 classrooms starting this fall to reduce distractions and cyberbullying. The province said there will be exceptions for students who need their phones for health-related reasons. The Alberta Teachers' Association supports the move, and school boards will be responsible for implementing and enforcing the new rules.
Headlines: June 18, 2024
By Mariam Ibrahim