Police officer charged with murder in Memorial Drive shooting

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👀 In today's edition:

• Premier Smith suggests constitutional talks

• Police are on the hunt for Nazi-saluting thief

• The Farmers Almanac is out, and you may not like what’s coming

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Police officer charged with murder in Memorial Drive shooting

A Calgary police officer has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder following a fatal shooting that occurred in May 2023. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) began investigating the incident after the officer shot at a van’s occupants on Memorial Drive following a slow-speed pursuit. Two people were struck and later died.

ASIRT reviewed the incident and, based on the evidence gathered, forwarded the case to the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service (ACPS) to determine whether it met the threshold for criminal charges. The ACPS advised that the evidence supported prosecution, and ASIRT’s assistant executive director Matthew Block approved the charges.

On Monday, Const. Craig Stothard was formally charged. He appeared in the Calgary Court of King’s Bench the following day and was released on conditions. ASIRT, which investigates incidents involving police that result in serious injury or death, has stated it will not release further information while the case is before the courts.

Need to know

🚊 Calgary Transit introduced mandatory ticket validation scanners at all CTrain stations starting Wednesday, requiring electronic ticket holders to scan their fares before boarding to combat a problem where nearly half of adult tickets were being improperly activated.

🏳️‍🌈 RCMP in High River were seeking help to identify a man who performed a Nazi salute before stealing a Pride flag from a home.

🍂 The Farmers' Almanac predicted Alberta would experience cooler than average fall temperatures with early cold snaps and potential wet snow.

🏛️ Alberta Premier Danielle Smith suggested at a town hall meeting that provincial premiers should consider starting constitutional talks to address foundational issues, despite the risks of other provinces potentially demanding changes Albertans might not want.

🤝 Rachel Notley's husband questioned why Premier Smith's spouse was sitting in on government meetings, after Smith defended her husband's involvement.

⚖️ Former Alberta Health Services CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos filed a legal defence denying defamation claims from Premier Smith's former chief of staff Marshall Smith.

🚧 Northeast Calgary residents were struggling with a pothole-filled construction detour route while trying to navigate past an industrial park area.

💔 A man died after being struck by a CTrain at Canyon Meadows Station in southwest Calgary on Tuesday, disrupting service for over five hours before police determined the incident was not criminal in nature.

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Art takes to the streets in Calgary’s latest billboard exhibition

If you’ve noticed a sudden burst of colour and meaning on Calgary’s billboards lately, it’s not just your imagination. The citywide art project A Fleeting Glimpse is back for its fourth round, transforming commercial advertising spaces into giant public canvases. Curated by local artist and writer Tomas Jonsson, this year’s edition features 11 Calgary-based artists whose works delve into themes of memory, migration, kinship, and the stories we carry.

What makes A Fleeting Glimpse stand out is its accessibility—you don’t need a ticket or even a plan. Whether you're on your daily commute or walking the dog, you might catch glimpses of pieces that invite reflection, curiosity, or conversation. From layered portraits to abstract expressions of cultural identity, each billboard serves as a reminder that art doesn’t have to live behind gallery walls. Instead, it can meet people right where they are—on the streets of the city they call home.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 The Nash: This charming restaurant serves up Calgary's finest seasonal fare with ever-changing menus featuring local ingredients, friendly service that feels like home, and special touches like their weekly Sunday Supper with chef-curated 3-course meals.

🍴 Pigeonhole: This buzzing hangout blends wine bar, snack bar, and diner vibes with eclectic shareables, a rotating drink list, and a diverse vinyl collection that sets the perfect tone for your night out.

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Things to do

🎟️ YYC Ice Cream Fest: This summer festival brings together Calgary's best ice cream spots competing for coveted titles while you taste spectacular chilled treats and help support Calgary Meals on Wheels with every delicious purchase.

🎟️ Creative Kids Museum: This hands-on kids' museum features interactive exhibits like learning about moss bags, where little ones can explore real materials and discover the wrapping techniques that Indigenous people have used for thousands of years!

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