June 18 News...

The countdown to Stampede got into full swing yesterday, as officials announced the Stampede theme and parade marshall.  Patsy Rodgers, who was the first Stampede Queen back in 1946, has been named Parade Marshall. This year's theme is "come down, get away" -- as Stampede officials try to keep Calgarians here in town. Stampede kicks off with the big Parade July 4th, followed by tonnes of great entertainment like Sugarland, James Taylor, the Judds and Kid Rock. (Full concert details at www.977calgaryfm.com)

A 30-year-old man faces several charges after a handgun and ammunition was found in his carry-on luggage at the Calgary airport.  Ziad Mohamad Jeha, of Calgary was arrested yesterday afternoon when screening officers spotted the gun as he went thru security before boarding a flight to Saskatoon. The man was arrested without incident. Police say he is known to them -- but won't say for what.

An Air Canada official say the airline may not be finished making cuts to its service. Canada's biggest airline announced yesterday it needs to fly fewer trips to contend with oil prices that keep rising to record levels. Here in Calgary, that means the loss of 26 fulltime and 11 part time jobs.

It appears an oil spill in central Alberta is bigger than first reported.  Officials with Pembina Pipeline Corporation had said up to 125 barrels of oil leaked into the Red Deer River on Sunday, resulting in a massive slick that floated downstream to Glennifer Lake. Now Alberta Environment say it appears closer to 200 barrels leaked from the ruptured line. 

And your interesting but useless factoid for the day...Every day, 210- billion emails are sent around the world.