Headlines: July 17, 2024

· The Pulse
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  • The City of Edmonton is asking residents and visitors to avoid bringing firewood from other areas back to the city to protect against the threat of Dutch elm disease and emerald ash borer. Anyone who has already brought firewood back to Edmonton should dispose of it at local Eco Stations or burn it completely, the City says. While there have been no confirmed cases of emerald ash borer in Alberta, the pest has been found in nearby regions, while Dutch elm disease has had isolated occurrences within the province.
  • The family of Mathios Arkangelo, who was killed by an Edmonton Police Service officer on June 29, are demanding accountability for the death. New footage of the moments before the shooting shows Arkangelo with his hands raised, holding what his family believes was a utility knife. Edmonton police are facing criticism for their delayed first aid response and handling of the incident. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating, but the family is frustrated with what is anticipated to be a lengthy process.
  • The Edmonton Police Service and Technology North are collaborating on a project to train the company's neurodiverse workers to redact sensitive information from body camera footage. The project, which started in June, involves four Technology North employees who focus on editing footage from low-complexity incidents, such as traffic stops. The partnership aims to create "meaningful digital-age jobs for youth and adults on the autism spectrum and beyond," said Technology North CEO Ling Huang. The police service will begin phasing in body-worn cameras to all officers beginning this fall and continuing into 2025.
  • A long-vacant lot in Edmonton's Griesbach neighbourhood will be developed into mid-rise apartments instead of the grocery store residents have hoped for because of a restrictive covenant attached to the land. Sobeys purchased the lot at 137 Avenue and 97 Street in 2013, but ultimately never built on it. The covenant, which remains in place even if the land is sold, prevents the property owners from opening a grocery store or other similar businesses on the site. While residents are pleased the lot is finally being developed, many are frustrated by the lack of a nearby grocery store, since other options require crossing a major intersection.
  • Much of Alberta remains under an Environment Canada heat warning, with daytime temperatures expected to reach up to 36°C for the next eight to 10 days. The warning follows a recent heat wave in the region and coincides with an air quality advisory in northern Alberta due to wildfire smoke. The City of Edmonton's extreme weather response remains in effect and residents are urged to exercise caution outdoors and call 211 if they see someone in distress.
  • Postmedia columnist Keith Gerein published an opinion piece critical of Leduc's plan to send people experiencing homelessness to Edmonton for services, arguing it strains resources and shifts the burden of responsibility. Gerein instead argued for regional cooperation, urging municipalities to develop a collective solution to homelessness. Leduc and other nearby municipalities need "the re-establishment of a full-time shelter, hopefully with wraparound services attached," Gerein wrote.
  • The Edmonton Elks are determined to move forward with its new leadership in the wake of the firing of head coach and general manager Chris Jones. Interim head coach Jarious Jackson and interim general manager Geroy Simon are focused on the team's upcoming games, starting with a rematch against the Ottawa RedBlacks on July 19. Quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson expressed regret for the team's winless start to the season but praised their resilience and unity. The Elks also announced that Almondo Sewell has taken over as defensive line coach, following Nate O'Neal's resignation.