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Monday, 31 August 2026 Reading Room

World

GlobalFest, Calgary Stampeders, Cavalry FC, Alberta Day and final Thunder Run slides: What our photographers saw this weekend

Check out what Postmedia Calgary photographers saw in and around the city this weekend, from GlobalFest to the final slides down the Thunder Run

calgaryherald.com ·

Premier Danielle Smith of Alberta is scheduled to address an Alberta Day celebration in Calgary on Sunday, coinciding with the approaching referendum on the province's potential separation from Canada. The event, taking place at Heritage Park, marks the anniversary of Alberta's official entry into Canada as a province on September 1, 1905. The referendum, set for October 19, will ask Albertans whether they wish to remain in Canada or hold a second referendum on separation.

Smith has voiced her support for the province remaining in Canada, noting that numerous petitions have been signed by Albertans in favor of both staying with Canada and pursuing separation. Critics have accused Smith of betraying separatist members of her United Conservative Party (UCP), misleading Albertans, and prioritizing her own interests over the province's best interests.

Separatist leader Jeffrey Rath has accused Smith of undermining the province's interests in Ottawa, while opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi called for the fall referendum to be postponed due to ongoing trade tensions with the United States.

Thomas Lukaszuk, organizer of the pro-federalist Forever Canadian petition, echoed this sentiment, urging Albertans to put aside domestic conflict and unite against economic threats. Smith addressed the calls to postpone the referendum during a recent CTV News interview, comparing the anger among Canadians in Quebec and Ontario towards U.S. President Donald Trump to the anger Albertans feel towards former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

She emphasized that addressing these issues head-on is crucial, rather than ignoring them. Smith reiterated her stance that Alberta should remain part of Canada, calling for a vote to affirm this decision.

Written by urgent.news from Global News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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Virtual asset 'Hanchigi' 279.6 billion won... A group of individuals involved in exporting used cars to sanctioned countries was caught. The customs authorities have caught a group of individuals who made huge profits by exporting used cars to sanctioned countries such as Russia and Iran through 'Hanchigi', a type of virtual asset transaction. On the 6th, the Korea Customs Service announced that it had caught a total of 20 people, including 10 who were involved in the export of used cars and 10 who were involved in money laundering through virtual asset exchange, on charges of violating the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act. The group is believed to have made about 279.6 billion won in illicit profits by exporting 1,423 used cars to sanctioned countries through a Hong Kong company from July 2020 to March of this year. The method was as follows. The group would first purchase used cars in Korea and then have the cars shipped to a Hong Kong company. The Hong Kong company would then sell the cars to buyers in sanctioned countries. The group would then use the money received from the sales to purchase virtual assets such as Tether (USDT) and Bitcoin, and then convert them into Korean won through domestic virtual asset exchanges. The authorities believe that the group used this method to avoid detection by the authorities and to launder the money they made from exporting used cars to sanctioned countries. The Korea Customs Service has seized 8.4 billion won in assets, including cash and virtual assets, and has filed charges against the 20 individuals involved. The authorities are also investigating whether there are any other individuals or organizations involved in this case. The Korea Customs Service has strengthened its monitoring of virtual asset transactions and has increased its cooperation with other authorities to prevent similar cases from occurring in the future. The case is considered a significant one, as it highlights the risks of using virtual assets for illicit activities and the need for greater regulation and oversight of the virtual asset market.

·hani.co.kr

On the 25th, in a Women's K-League match between Suwon FC and Hwacheon KSPO, controversy arose when a referee made a comment that could be considered rude. In the 32nd minute of the second half, Suwon FC's star player Ji So-yun complained to the referee about a rough tackle. The referee responded to Ji So-yun's protest by saying, “You’re sensitive. Are you on your period?” The referee then issued a warning to Ji So-yun. The comment sparked controversy as it could be seen as demeaning and sexist. The Women's Sports Committee immediately issued an apology and announced plans to take disciplinary action against the referee. The committee stated, “We will thoroughly investigate the matter and take strict action.” The incident has raised concerns about sexism in sports and the need for greater sensitivity and professionalism among referees. Suwon FC ultimately lost the game 2-1.

·hani.co.kr

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