June 23 News...

Starting today, 10-digit dialling comes into effect in Alberta. Until September, callers who do not include the area code when making a local call will hear a recorded message reminding them to use it.  Then in the fall, seven-digit calls simply won't be connected. The change is because we've had to add the new area code 587, thanks to a shortage of phone numbers in our province.

Okotoks town council is looking to ban smoking in cars when children are present and it is holding a public forum to find out how people feel about the issue.  One town councillor SAYS he wants a bylaw passed because it's the way of the future, and they're certainly going to lobby the province to create this as a provinicial law. If the law passes, Okotoks would be the first place in Alberta to ban smoking in cars with children.

There's a report of a small tornado touching down near Viking, southeast of Edmonton yesterday afternoon. The twister caused some damage, but no one was injured.

Saudi Arabia's pledge to boost oil production if needed has not brought any price relief on world markets. Crude has passed 136 dollars U-S a barrel in today's trading. At an international summit yesterday, Saudi Arabia said it will pump more oil this year if the market needs it, including another 200-thousand barrels per day next month.

The Love Guru 'missed it by that much', while "Get Smart'' was the genius at the box office this weekend.  Get Smart hauled in 39-million dollars to debut at #1.  Number-2 was Kung Fu Panda, edging out The Incredible Hulk, which finished at #3.  Mike Myers' "The Love Guru'' opened at a disappointing #4.