Headlines: July 30, 2025

· The Pulse
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  • Edmontonians can attend a virtual information session on July 31 to learn about working in the upcoming municipal election on Oct. 20. Returning Officer Aileen Giesbrecht will provide details on opportunities for Election Day and advance voting. Edmonton Elections requires more than 4,000 election workers. The positions are open to anyone at least 16 years old and eligible to work in Canada.
  • Edmonton Police Service held a town hall meeting on July 29 to hear concerns from the South Asian business community, which has been targeted by extortion schemes and arsons. Police said they are investigating six cases of extortion or arson since May, CTV reported.
  • Explore Edmonton announced that K-Days had record-breaking attendance, drawing 764,140 attendees during its run, despite some rainy afternoons. Opening Day attendance broke a 2012 record with 83,759 people, while July 23 saw the biggest single-day attendance ever at K-Days, with 103,377 guests. The event included the First Tech Challenge and an Innovation Zone showcasing entrepreneurs. Chris Scheetz's Wheel of Alberta Dreams challenge raised $70,886 for Alberta Dreams.
  • The FIBA 3x3 World Tour and Women's Series is returning to Edmonton from July 31 to Aug. 3. The event, which Explore Edmonton said generated $4.4 million in economic impact last year, will be held at the Ice Palace in West Edmonton Mall. This marks the third consecutive year that Edmonton will host the international basketball event and is the only North American stop on the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.
  • The Canadian Snowbirds will fly over Edmonton on July 30 in a non-aerobatic display. It will happen at 5:30pm in the sky above Louise McKinney Riverfront Park and is set to last for about 15 to 20 minutes. A Snowbird plane is currently parked at the Edmonton International Airport.
  • A 35-year-old man died after being struck by a CN Rail train near 34 Avenue and Railway Street in southwest Edmonton on July 28. The Edmonton Police Service and CN Police responded to the scene just before 7:30pm and are investigating the collision.
  • Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid is second only to Wayne Gretzky for playoff assists before age 29, with 106 assists in 96 career postseason games. Hockey writer Eric Friesen shared the list of NHL leaders, which also includes Mark Messier, Nikita Kucherov, and Sidney Crosby. McDavid's playoff performance has improved in recent years, with 95 assists in his last 75 games, contributing to the Oilers' postseason success.
  • Postmedia published a breakdown of Alberta's four new health agencies. Assisted Living Alberta is expected to be operational this fall, providing support for older adults, people with disabilities, and vulnerable Albertans. Acute Care Alberta focuses on emergency care and surgeries, while Recovery Alberta provides mental health and addiction support. Primary Care Alberta is overseen by Minister Adriana LaGrange, Acute Care Alberta by Minister Matt Jones, Recovery Alberta by Minister Rick Wilson, and Assisted Living Alberta by Minister Jason Nixon. Sunil Sookram is currently serving as the interim chief medical officer of health. The province is still searching for a permanent CMOH.
  • Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Justice Minister Mickey Amery called on the province's electoral officer, Gordon McClure, to approve a proposed separation referendum question, but he is seeking a court opinion due to constitutional concerns. The proposed question asks Albertans if the province should become a sovereign country. Smith and Amery believe Albertans should be able to gather signatures without bureaucratic delays, while McClure says he has a responsibility to ensure the question meets the requirements of Alberta's Citizen Initiative Act.
  • The Edmonton Elks added fullback Jacob Plamondon to their practice roster on July 29. Plamondon, originally drafted by the Elks in 2022, returns to Edmonton after playing 44 games with the team from 2022 to 2024, recording four special teams tackles.