A Bomb in Sherwood Park, a Trafficker Charged and a Canadian Almost Home

Jonathan Allard was arrested in March and now faces 26 criminal code charges including human trafficking, forcible confinement, assault, procuring and advertising sexual services. Investigators allege he recruited women through social media, drove them to Edmonton and told them upon arrival they would be working for him, collecting all the money from their services.

Police have identified at least five victims but believe there are more. At least five additional women are known to investigators but have not yet come forward. ALERT says the investigation began in June 2025 when one of the alleged victims called 911 asking for help. Allard has a prior history of similar charges, though he was not previously convicted.

Allard is currently in the Edmonton Remand Centre and was already in custody on unrelated charges when ALERT moved to press these charges. His next court appearance is April 16. Survivors of human trafficking can call 211 for support and resources.

Officers spotted a vehicle with a mismatching plate just after 1:30 PM Tuesday afternoon. When they pulled it over and searched it, they found weapons, drugs and a homemade improvised explosive device packed with screws. The immediate area including a nearby gas station was evacuated and blocked off while the RCMP explosives disposal unit was called in.

After testing the device, investigators determined the contents were energetic but the battery component was not connected, meaning it was not armed and ready to detonate. The device was rendered safe.

Andrew Timothy Walker, 36, of Strathcona County, has been charged with possession of an explosive, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose on two counts, possession of a weapon contrary to an order on three counts, impaired operation, possession for the purpose of trafficking and resisting a peace officer. Walker remains in custody and will next appear in court on April 22.

The Artemis II crew is accelerating toward Earth and will hit a maximum speed of 38,366 km/h before re-entry. Splashdown is set for Friday April 10 at approximately 8:06 PM ET off the coast of San Diego, where the USS John P. Murtha recovery ship is already in position.

Hansen, commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover and mission specialist Christina Koch are spending today conducting final spacecraft tests including manual piloting evaluations. The crew woke Wednesday to Queen and David Bowie's Under Pressure, spoke live with PM Carney and captured more than 175 gigabytes of lunar imagery during Monday's flyby.

Hansen challenged the next generation directly during the mission: "Make sure this record is not long-lived." He and the crew proposed naming two lunar craters Integrity after their Orion capsule and Carroll in honour of Commander Wiseman's late wife, a moment that moved everyone in mission control.

Iran is accusing the US and Israel of violating the ceasefire terms, with Israeli strikes continuing in Lebanon and Gulf states intercepting dozens of Iranian drones and missiles throughout Wednesday. Iran says it will maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, allowing coordinated passage during the two weeks of talks.

Oil has dropped below $100 a barrel for the first time since the war began on February 28, with US crude sliding roughly 20 percent Wednesday as markets surged worldwide on ceasefire relief. VP JD Vance will lead the US delegation to Islamabad for talks beginning Saturday morning, joined by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council confirmed participation in talks but made clear it is entering Islamabad with its own 10-point proposal, which includes demands for full sanctions relief, withdrawal of US combat forces from the region and reconstruction compensation. The two sides remain far apart on almost every point.

🐀 Rat Academy 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 9–12 · ⏰ 8 PM · 📍 The Roxy Theatre (10708 124 St NW)
Edmonton Fringe sensation returns! Physical comedy masters Dayna Lea Hoffmann and Katie Yoner star as Fingers and Shrimp, the last two rats in Alberta.

🏒 Saskatoon Blades at Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL Playoffs) 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 9 · ⏰ 7 PM · 📍 Rogers Place
Game 5 (Home Game 5) of the WHL Eastern Conference First Round.

🎸 Hi-Light Festival 2026 (Night 2) 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 9 · ⏰ 5 PM onward · 📍 Various venues
Second night of local music showcases.

🐉 How to Train Your Dragon — In Concert 🎟️ Tickets

🗓 Apr 10 to 11 · ⏰ Various times · 📍 Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (11455 87 Ave NW) Watch the beloved DreamWorks film in HD while a full symphony orchestra performs the Academy Award nominated score live. A genuinely special night out for the whole family.

🎵 John Sweenie Album Release — Mysticism for Intellectuals 🎟️ Details 🗓 Apr 10 · 📍 Yardbird Suite (11 Tommy Banks Way) Celebrate the debut album release from a rising Edmonton artist in one of the city's most beloved live music rooms.

🍗 Poulet and Cuvée at The Marc 🎟️ Details

🗓 Apr 10 · 📍 The Marc (9940 106 St NW) Bistro-style fried chicken paired with Champagne and Crémant. Yes, really. The perfect Friday night out.

🎭 The Wizard of Oz – Live Musical Tickets

📅 April 9 – April 12, 2026
🕢 Evening shows: 7:30 PM | Matinees: 1:30 PM
📍 Citadel Theatre, 9828 101A Ave, Edmonton

The Citadel Theatre brings the classic story of Dorothy and her journey down the Yellow Brick Road to life in a vibrant stage musical featuring iconic songs, colourful characters, and a magical adventure for all ages

🎭 Casey and Diana 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 9 - 26· ⏰ 7:30 PM · 📍 Citadel Theatre
Powerful drama about residents and staff at Toronto's Casey House preparing for Princess Diana's visit during the AIDS crisis.