- According to documents obtained by CBC News through a Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) request, potentially explosive chemicals from a University of Alberta lab detonated by police in Hawrelak Park on Nov. 27, 2021 had been discovered two months earlier by university safety staff. Internal emails show that inspectors found "numerous serious safety violations" in the laboratory — which was shut down until all health and safety recommendations were implemented — but the disposal date was delayed repeatedly.
- A trial has begun for Sgt. Steven Minarchi and Sgt. Marc Chmilar of the Edmonton Police Service, who are accused of using excessive force against the host of a house party in 2020. Cristian Mosquera said the officers threw him on the ground, put a boot on his chest, and handcuffed him before later releasing him from the car without charges.
- A crosswalk at 110 Street at 107 Avenue, next to the Wâposo-Wâti Park and Community Garden, was painted orange with a message of "Every Child Matters" surrounded by white eagle feathers. "This crosswalk represents reconciliation with First Nations people," said the garden's program lead Chad Bolster. "(It) represents acknowledgement of the lost children of the residential schools."
- Service Canada is implementing new triage measures at its passport service offices in several large urban centres including at Canada Place in Edmonton. Highest priority is given to people travelling within the next 24-48 hours. Those travelling within 3-14 days may be served on site if staff have the capacity, while those travelling within 15 to 45 days will be given weekday appointments.
- Lynx Air, a budget carrier headquartered in Calgary, has launched return service from Edmonton International Airport to Toronto Pearson International Airport and St. John's International Airport. As of July 30, it will also fly to Halifax Stanfield International Airport, bringing the total number of flights out of Edmonton to 14 per week.
- The majority of MPs in the Edmonton area — Ziad Aboultaif in Manning, Matt Jeneroux in Riverbend, Kelley McCauley in Edmonton West, and Michael Cooper in St.Albert-Edmonton — have endorsed Pierre Poilievre for leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. Garnett Genuis, MP for Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan, says he is backing Leslyn Lewis first and Poilievre second.
- Children under the age of five will soon be able to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Alberta Health Services expects a supply of Moderna's Spikevax vaccine, which was federally approved on July 14, by the end of the month. An announcement about a fourth dose for adults is expected next week, according to Health Minister Jason Copping.
- Alberta is expected to spend $20 million on infrastructure improvements for the upcoming Papal visit, with the federal government contributing $35 million and the Archdiocese of Edmonton fundraising another $15 to $18 million.
Headlines
By Kevin Holowack