Tech Layoffs, Flight Chaos Ends, India’s Jet Deal & More...

Hello friend,

Alberta’s heating up, and so are the headlines. With sunny skies sticking around, the news is buzzing with everything from airline strikes to AI rules and tariffs.

Air Canada is almost back to full service after a strike scare, Alberta’s privacy chief is calling for stronger AI protections, and more Americans are crossing north to claim refugee status. Edmonton’s suburbs are thriving while downtown fights for shoppers, and Albertans are even driving to B.C. to dodge $100 COVID shot fees.

Meanwhile in India, defense ties with France are powering up, stray dog rules get a major shift, and tech giant TCS sparks protests with its biggest layoff ever.

This week we’re covering:

• ✈ Air Canada’s strike ends, flights ramp back up.

• 🛡 Ontario man charged after stabbing a home intruder.

• 💉 B.C. offers free COVID shots to Albertans.

• 🔥 India partners with France on stealth jet engine.

• 🐕 India changes stray dog shelter order.

Alberta heats up and stays hot with a hint of relief! The week kicks off with warm, sunny days — think highs in the mid-to-upper 20s and even soaring toward 30 °C in Edmonton, while Calgary sees pleasantly warm temps near the mid 20s °C. Skies stay mainly clear, delivering that classic summer warmth.

☀️ From calm sunshine to consistent heat — Alberta’s delivering solid summer vibes straight through next week!

• ✈ Air Canada expects to nearly restore its full flight schedule by Friday after sealing a tentative deal that ended the strike. Service is ramping up steadily following the brief labor disruption. (Read more)

• 🛡 An Ontario man is facing charges after stabbing a home intruder, but his lawyer says he was just protecting himself and his home.

• 💥 Canada will lift some counter-tariffs on U.S. goods under CUSMA to ease the trade dispute, though Prime Minister Carney left open the possibility of re-imposing them if needed. (Know more)

• More Americans filed refugee claims in Canada in the first half of 2025 than in all of 2024 combined—the highest level since 2019. Lawyers report a rising number of transgender Americans seeking protection amid shrinking rights in the U.S. (Read more)

• Stores in Edmonton’s suburbs are packed and growing fast, while downtown is still trying to bring shoppers back. New plans aim to attract more local shops to the city core. (Know more)

• 💉 Albertans who don’t qualify for free COVID‑19 shots in Alberta can still get vaccinated at no cost if they receive the vaccine in British Columbia. That option exists despite Alberta charging residents $100 for their shots. (Read more)

• 🤖 Alberta’s privacy chief says current laws are outdated and is pushing for new AI rules. She wants protections like the “right to be forgotten,” clear rules on AI decisions, and stronger safeguards for personal data. (Read here)

• 🔥 India teams up with France to build a new jet engine for India’s stealth fighter, boosting defense tech and their strategic ties. (Read more)

• 🐕 India’s Supreme Court changed its stray dog order — now most dogs in Delhi will be vaccinated, fixed, and sent back, while only dangerous ones stay in shelters. (Read more)

• ⚡ TCS plans to lay off about 12,000 employees—its largest cut yet—prompting protests in Chennai and elsewhere by UNITE. TCS says this is part of a “future-ready” reshuffle and promises support for those affected. (Know more)

What to watch this weekend

🎥 War 2: The Spy Universe Gets Bigger!

Hrithik Roshan is back as Kabir, this time clashing with Jr. NTR in a globe-trotting action thriller packed with stunts, style, and suspense. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the film expands YRF’s spy saga with fresh twists and high-voltage drama.

Since its release on Aug 14, 2025, it’s already stormed past ₹200 crore, proving to be one of the year’s biggest blockbusters.

Now playing in cinemas! 🎬

That’s a wrap for this week’s dispatch! From airline strikes and tariff shocks to AI rules and refugee surges, the headlines have been almost as hot as Alberta’s weather. ☀️

We’ll be back next week with more scoops, spice, and stories that matter. Until then—stay curious, stay cool! 🌤️📲

— Keyur
Desi Dispatch

Thanks for reading!