Friendly lotto win; riverboat mishap: The week’s top news stories

Alberta's health minister has announced a rebrand of EMS paramedics has been cancelled. The rebrand had received significant pushback from paramedics.

These are the stories that dominated Edmontonians’ interest this week.

Friends split $12.5M win

Two longtime friends are splitting a $12.5-million Lotto Max win after years of playing together.

“He’s messed with me about this before,” Derek Marsh said of not believing the news from his friend Rodney McFayden. “I looked up the numbers and lost it.”

Riverboat beached near Accidental Beach

The Edmonton Riverboat became stuck on a sandbar in the North Saskatchewan River near Accidental Beach on Tuesday during mechanical tests. Service boats pulled it free.

Rebranding of emergency services stopped

Hospital and Surgical Health Services Minister Adriana LaGrange has halted the rebranding of Emergency Health Services (EHS), citing the need for more engagement. The province began changing the name to ALTA Paramedic Health less than a month ago.

Vaping affects lung, heart function

A study by University of Alberta researchers has found a link between vaping and impairment to lung and heart function in young adults. The U of A is working on a larger study with the University of British Columbia on e-cigarette use and lung function.

Arrest disrupts downtown traffic

A heavy police presence near 95 Street and Jasper Avenue on Monday ended in an arrest.