Thursday warmup: live music, fresh openings, and a long evening ahead

Morning. It's a mild Thursday in E-town, 9°C with a UV index sitting at 5 (moderate, so sunscreen if you're out for lunch), and you've got nearly 17 hours of daylight to work with. Sunset's not till just past ten, so the evening's got room to breathe.

No major commute headaches this morning—just the usual flow. Get where you're going and you're golden.

On the local front, a couple of things worth your attention. That unsolved double homicide case from years back is getting fresh eyes on it—police have renewed focus and are looking for leads. Also worth noting: one of Edmonton's own charities just became the largest donor to a major global health organization with a $10-million gift. That's the kind of local story that doesn't always make noise but matters. A fraud suspect got arrested too after picking up a buy-and-sell scheme again—so if you're shopping second-hand, keep your wits about you.

On a lighter note, the paramedic union pushed back hard on a rebranding effort and it's been scrapped. And if you've been meaning to hit up Terwillegar, those public toilets are back in action after a rough year of arson vandalism—one less thing to worry about out there.

If you're thinking lunch or dinner, Old Strathcona's got a new Japanese food hall series launching, so if you're craving ramen, sushi, or something in between, head to the Ave. Alba Restaurant just reopened on Jasper with a new global menu if you want to check it out—been a minute since they've been around. South Edmonton also opened up a tight omakase spot that seats just ten, so it's more of a special-occasion kind of place. Either way, the food scene's got some fresh energy right now.

Tonight's got options if you're feeling it. The U of A's doing Spring Convocation today (morning at 10, afternoon at 3 if you know anyone graduating). For the evening, Reverend Horton Heat and The Surfrajettes are playing The Starlite Room at 7—solid indie rock energy on a mild night like this. Jessimae Peluso's doing comedy at Rick Bronson's at 7:30 if that's more your speed. The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra's at the Winspear at 7:30 if you want something a bit more polished. Pick your mood and get out before it gets too late.

Catch you tonight. Stay warm out there.