July 9 News...

Overall attendance at this year's Stampede is still a bit behind last years numbers. So far, 488,132 people have made their way to the grounds, that's down more than 12-thousand visitors from 2007. Today is BMO Kids' Day on the grounds -- that means kids 12 and under get in free between 6-and-9 (plus their accompanying adults). 

If you or your kids are big texters, heads up!  Starting next month, Telus and Bell will be charging users 15-cents for every text message received. Telus says the charge is because of the huge growth in text messaging.  Apparently Canadians send more than 45-million text messages per day, and providers say they can't afford to provide the service for free anymore. (this doesn't apply to you if you already have a texting bundle)

The province has announced 4-billion dollars to help with climate change. $2-billion will go towards building a large scale carbon capture project, which is expected to reduce emissions by up to 5-million tonnes a year - that's the equivalent of taking 1-million cars off the road. Plus, $2 billion is going into public transit and "green' investments.

The body of the 87th Canadian soldier to lose his life during the Afghan mission will arrive today at C-F-B Trenton, Ontario. The military plane carrying the flag-draped casket of Edmonton-based medic Colin Wilmot lands at 2 p-m Eastern time. The 24-year-old army private was killed in a bomb blast Saturday.

And some cool news for Lord of the Rings fans...  Director Guillermo del Toro says fans will actually have "a good chance" to appear on screen in The Hobbit, or in the sequel. He told MTV, "We will set some rules and some contests and some fans will definitely get the chance of being extras."