- The City of Edmonton activated its extreme weather response from July 30 to Aug. 2 because of expected high temperatures. The response includes 24-hour access to 28 water stations attached to fire hydrants, water bottle distribution by peace officers to vulnerable people, and the availability of City facilities like libraries, pools, and recreation centres for those needing a break from the heat.
- Data obtained by the Criminal Trial Lawyers' Association indicates that 90% of the 5,721 trespassing tickets issued on Edmonton transit in 2024 went to individuals with no fixed address, disproportionately affecting the houseless population who often seek shelter in transit stations. The majority of these tickets were issued during the coldest months, the association said. Coun. Aaron Paquette highlighted the Community Outreach Transit Team, a partnership between the City of Edmonton and the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, and called for more support from the provincial and federal governments.
- Edmonton International Airport officially opened the Safe Room Kîsê Watotâtôwin ᑮᓭ ᐘᑐᑖᑑᐏᐣ on July 30. The room is a secure space for survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, or those in crisis. Carmen Donnelly of YEG said airports are uniquely positioned to disrupt human trafficking. The room, equipped with amenities like a bed, kitchenette, and communication tools, was given an Indigenous name meaning "sharing and giving our kindness and compassion to each other" in a ceremony led by Jerry Saddleback.
- Ron Thompson will begin his three-year term as the new superintendent of Edmonton Public Schools on Sept. 1, after being unanimously ratified by the board of trustees on July 30. Thompson, formerly an assistant superintendent, is preparing for challenges including a potential province-wide teachers' strike and growing student enrollment, which is expected to reach 125,000 students this fall. Alberta Teachers' Association members voted 95% in favour of strike action in June, and Thompson said the responsibility of reaching a deal "rests with the province."
- In a Postmedia op-ed, criminologist Temitope Oriola notes that while Canada's Crime Severity Index fell in 2024, deeper issues remain. Intimate partner homicides against women rose sharply, and the Indigenous homicide rate is higher than the national average. Additionally, victims of homicide identified as visible minorities constituted 29% of the total. Oriola called for a collective societal approach to addressing crime.
- Edmonton police are seeking witnesses after two youths were charged with assault with a weapon and mischief for allegedly throwing bricks and rocks at vehicles from a pedestrian bridge near Grierson Hill and the 100 Street Funicular on July 25. A 41-year-old man detained the 14-year-old boy and 13-year-old girl until police arrived after his windshield was smashed. Police believe other vehicles may have been hit and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
- After 37 years with CBC, Mark Connolly is retiring on July 31 from his role as host of Edmonton AM. Connolly's career began unconventionally, cleaning the CBC Edmonton building with his father and later attending NAIT. He went on to work in radio in Fort McMurray, Red Deer, and Edmonton before joining CBC Edmonton in 1988. Throughout his career, he covered 12 Olympic Games and co-hosted the CBC Edmonton supper-hour news.
- Elections Alberta has approved a petition to keep Alberta in Canada submitted by former Alberta deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk. The petition asks "Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada?" Lukaszuk said his goal is to avoid a referendum on separation by having the Alberta legislature vote on the question. The "Alberta Forever Canada" initiative needs approximately 294,000 signatures in 90 days, a higher threshold due to the timing of its submission. A competing pro-separation referendum question is currently before the courts to review its constitutionality.
- Ahead of their game on Aug. 2 at Play Alberta Field, the Edmonton Elks remain confident despite a one-and-five start to the season. Coach Mark Kilam says the team can build on its performance against the Roughriders, where the defence had its strongest showing of the season. The Elks will face the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, which are leading the East Division.
Headlines: July 31, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim