Gibbons Crash, Bishnoi Deportation & Elks Win — Edmonton Friday

🚑 Breaking & Incidents

1. Highway 28 reopens after crash that caused 'multiple fatalities'. RCMP closed Highway 28 between Highway 28A and 50 Avenue after a crash shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday; Sturgeon County said the collision resulted in “multiple fatalities” and the closure lasted about six hours, with more details expected Friday.
2. Demolition crew cut fibre, leaving downtown Edmonton without internet. Rogers and Telus said a private demolition crew severed a cable downtown on Thursday, causing widespread internet outages across the core while crews worked to restore service.

🚨 Crime & Public Safety

1. ASIRT gives timeline after July 3 police shooting near Irricana. Alberta’s Serious Incident Response Team says two Airdrie RCMP officers responded to a 911 domestic call at about 6:20 p.m., an officer fired multiple times as a man holding what appeared to be a handgun walked toward them, and paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene; body-worn cameras captured the incident.
2. Immigration tribunal orders deportation of Edmonton-linked Bishnoi associate. The Immigration and Refugee Board ordered deportation of Jashandeep Singh, an Indian national described as a “bottom-tier” Bishnoi associate; police say he was identified on seized-phone video holding a handgun tied to a May 19, 2025 Surrey extortion shooting and present when the weapon was fired in Edmonton hours later.
3. Court video shows accused in Chinatown killings resisting drop-off in Edmonton. Courtroom footage played in the trial of the accused in the Chinatown homicides includes the defendant telling RCMP he “shouldn’t be dropped in Edmonton,” according to reporting on the case.

💼 Economy & Business

1. Meta data centre to start operating before adjacent power plant, company says. Meta confirmed its Alberta data centre will begin operations ahead of a neighbouring power plant’s start date; company filings and reporting also detail Meta’s planned water-use reductions at the site to limit local water withdrawals.
2. Canada added 18,000 jobs in June; unemployment edged down. Statistics Canada reported a national employment gain of 18,000 jobs in June and a slight dip in the unemployment rate, figures that provincial economists say will factor into Alberta labour forecasts.

🎨 Community & Culture

1. Justin Rankin’s three touchdowns power Elks to 40-17 win over Ottawa. Rankin had 107 rushing yards on 14 carries and three touchdowns as the Edmonton Elks beat the Ottawa Redblacks 40-17 on Thursday; the Elks moved to 4-1 in the West Division while Ottawa fell to 0-5.
2. Edmonton woman sentenced to 18 months for defrauding seniors of nearly $180,000. A judge handed an 18-month jail term to the woman after convictions showed she stole about $180,000 from elderly victims, according to court records.

📰 Also Today

• Deportation order links associate to gun used in 2025 B.C. shootings, tied to seized-phone video.
• U.S. Justice Dept. reaches settlement with South Bow over 2022 Keystone spill, terms not detailed here.
• Elks game recap: Rankin’s three TDs in 40-17 win, match stats listed Thursday.
• Elections Alberta asks that a 'spoof' website be taken down, site showed fake voter information.
• Highway north of Edmonton reopens after fatal crash, RCMP investigating scene closures Thursday night.
• How Edmonton protected its river valleys from freeways, historical planning decisions recounted.
• Alberta separation debate stays online-heavy, analysis cites social-media prominence.
• Community mourns beloved wild horse after fatal shooting, locals seek answers.
• Meta outlines water-use reductions at Alberta data centre, technical measures described.
• (Duplicate) U.S. Justice Dept. deal with South Bow on 2022 spill, settlement reached.