News of the day: Heat dome expected to bring record-setting hot temperatures to western U.S. and Canada

Catch up on the stories we’re following today

Published Jul 31, 2026  •  2 minute read

People gather on the beach on July 31, 2026 in Huntington Beach, California. An extreme heat warning is in effect for parts of Southern California with many flocking to beaches to escape the heat. Photo by Mario Tama /Getty Images

It’s Friday, July 31. Here are the top stories we’re following today:

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Heat dome expected to bring record-setting hot temperatures to western U.S. and Canada

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A record-challenging heat dome is about to scorch a huge amount of the western U.S. and Canada this weekend with the summer’s highest temperatures so far, say CNN meteorologists. Dozens of record highs are expected to fall in at least 12 states on the U.S. west coast through the weekend with around 40 million people under heat alerts.

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Grande Parade at The Toronto Caribbean Carnival in 2023. Photo by Toronto Caribbean Carnival /Instagram

Heavy police presence expected for Toronto Caribbean Carnival

There is a shared level of heightened awareness, for both the public and the police at this weekend’s Toronto Caribbean Carnival. “This year, I know public safety, especially safety at festivals and events, will be top of mind for many people,” said Toronto Police Chief Superintendent Andy Singh, Public Safety Operations, on Friday morning at Exhibition Place. “The street festivals and annual events like Caribbean Carnival are a vital part of Toronto’s identity, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure (the) safety and security of attendees.” 

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Parliament Hill as seen from the Gatineau side of the Ottawa River. Photo by Tony Caldwell /POSTMEDIA

Ottawa approved pay hikes for 78% of federal employees in 2025: CTF

Last year, the federal government rubberstamped raises for 78% of its employees, or 336,188 bureaucrats, according to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation who obtained access-to-information records showing as much. Meanwhile, the same records showed departments barely met half of their own performance targets and only 0.14%, or just 596 employees, took a pay reduction.

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Gangadhar Babu, 29, is wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for three charges related to operating a healing and spiritual centre. The accused was operating a business called “Indian Psychic and Spiritual Healer.” Photo by Handout /Toronto Police Service

Toronto Police looking for an Indian psychic and spiritual healer

A spiritual healer is on the lam from the Toronto cops, allegedly scamming money from a believer in the afterlife. “The accused exploited the victim’s belief in the supernatural to gain their trust,” the statement from the Toronto Police Service said. “The accused used elaborate rituals and frightening claims to convince the victim that they, and their loved ones, would suffer death or serious harm unless they continued giving him money for his spiritual protection.” 

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Stone Eby and Emma Gretzky in engagement photo. Photo by Emma Gretzky /Instagram

Wayne Gretzky’s daughter Emma gets engaged to ex-college football player

Emma Gretzky, the youngest child of hockey icon Wayne Gretzky and Janet Gretzky, announced her engagement in a joint Instagram post with her new fiancé, former college football player Stone Eby. “The easiest yes to a lifetime with you,” the 23-year-old wrote along with a heart emoji, alongside photos of the pair and their son Walter, who turns 1 in August.

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