- Data obtained by CBC through a freedom of information request shows that private policing contracts by the Edmonton Police Service have increased significantly in the last five years. Payments to police for extra duty shifts rose from less than $800,000 in 2020 to $3.8 million in 2024. The extra duty detail program allows private organizations to contract Edmonton police officers outside of their regular shifts. OEG Inc., which owns the Edmonton Oilers and operates Rogers Place, and the City of Edmonton were among the most frequent clients.
- Due to the presence of possible explosives and hazardous materials inside a northeast Edmonton home, 46 residents were evacuated from a townhouse complex near 50 Street and 131 Avenue on May 6. The Edmonton Police Service and Edmonton Fire Rescue Services were set to clear the home on May 7. Police became aware of the hazardous materials on April 26 during a welfare check. Displaced residents without accommodations will receive temporary housing and food, with transportation provided by Edmonton Transit Service.
- Edmonton Fire Rescue Services evacuated businesses in west Edmonton on May 6, due to an out-of-control grass fire. Firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control. The fire was burning near 111 Avenue and 189 Street.
- Alberta's film industry is concerned about the potential effect of U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to impose a 100% tariff on foreign-made movies. The Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA) is in discussions with the Alberta government to address potential consequences for Alberta producers. While the details of the tariff remain unclear, industry members are worried that it could jeopardize cross-border collaborations and the global screen economy.
- Alberta Teachers' Association members have rejected a mediator's recommendation for a new provincial collective agreement. The agreement would have covered issues like salary, benefits, and working conditions for teachers across Alberta. The association will now decide its next steps, which could include further negotiations or job action.
- Indigenous leaders are warning that Alberta separation would violate treaty rights. Chief Clifford Poucette of Goodstoney First Nation requested a meeting with Premier Danielle Smith to discuss concerns over government efforts that embolden Alberta's separatist movement. Grand Chief Greg Desjarlais of the Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations, which represents 15 First Nations in Alberta, called the idea of a referendum on separation reckless and a violation of the treaty relationship. Treaty 6, 7, and 8 chiefs planned to hold an emergency meeting in Edmonton on May 7 regarding the issue. Smith defended her promise to hold a referendum on Alberta's separation from Canada if a citizen-led petition reaches the required signature threshold. Smith stated she personally opposes separation but will respect the referendum process.
- The National Media Awards Foundation (NMAF) announced the nominees for the 10th annual Digital Publishing Awards. Danielle Paradis was nominated for her story The Place that Thaws. Jana Pruden and Amber Bracken were nominated for The Audacity of Rope and for the podcast In Her Defence: 50th Street. Amber Bracken received another nomination for Best Photo Storytelling for her work titled The fight for life downstream of Alberta's tailings ponds. Brandi Morin was nominated for her Ricochet Media story Police raids rock Edmonton, as Indigenous encampment dismantled.
- The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation launched the "This is Oil Country" Playoffs 50/50 raffle to support the "Every Kid Deserves a Shot" initiative during Round 2 of the playoffs. The raffle, live until 11pm after Game 4, features early-bird prizes, including Oilers playoff tickets, signed jerseys, and vehicles.
Headlines: May 7, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim