- The Edmonton Brothers Basketball (EBB) program, which provides a sense of belonging and competitive leagues for underserved youth and men aged 12-22, is at risk of shutting down due to financial difficulties. Founded by Sharmarke Abdulkarim seven years ago, EBB began in North Edmonton before expanding citywide, offering low registration fees and helping participants develop discipline. The program, described as "more than basketball," is seeking donations through a GoFundMe campaign to cover gym rentals, uniforms, and participant fees for another season.
- The Holocaust Centre of Quebec is urging Edmonton city council to rename Savaryn Drive in the Summerside neighbourhood. The centre made the request on Aug. 7, stating the road is named after a former Nazi. This initiative is part of broader efforts to address public spaces named after people with controversial histories.
- With 75 days remaining until the municipal election on Oct. 22, the Edmonton mayoral race is missing a front-runner, with potential paths to victory for several candidates, Postmedia opinion columnist Keith Gerein wrote. This contrasts with earlier expectations of a two-candidate contest between current Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, who is not seeking re-election, and Coun. Tim Cartmell. Despite Cartmell's initial fundraising and organizational advantages with his "Better Edmonton" party, recent missteps, including calling for a partial infill ban and then missing a crucial zoning vote, have potentially damaged his campaign. This has left the race wide open for contenders like Coun. Andrew Knack and former MP Rahim Jaffer, Gerein wrote.
- Cariwest, a three-day Caribbean carnival celebration featuring live music, cuisine, and a marketplace, kicks off this weekend in Edmonton. On Aug. 9, the Cariwest Parade will start at 108 Street and 99 Avenue at 12pm, closing Jasper Avenue, 99 Avenue, 100 Street, and 108 Street. Several bus routes, including the 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, and 9, will detour from 10:30am to 4pm, impacting the Government Centre Transit Centre. Additionally, rehabilitation work on the southbound Low Level Bridge has closed it to all traffic, rerouting southbound vehicles to the northbound bridge and northbound traffic via the James MacDonald Bridge.
- The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is on at Gallagher Park from Aug. 7-10. Edmonton Transit Service will increase Valley Line Southeast frequency for attendees, recommending Arc cards for easier fare payment and free parking at Davies Transit Centre. Parking is restricted in nearby neighbourhoods, so public transit, biking to the Muttart Conservatory bike lock-up, or using e-scooters or e-bikes to designated zones are encouraged. Pets are not permitted, except service animals.
- Lonely Planet published a guide to top Indigenous cuisine across Alberta, highlighting a movement revitalizing ancestral flavours. Downtown Edmonton features fine dining at Bernadette's by Mushkego Cree chef Scott Iserhoff and market-fresh options from Cree chef Shane Chartrand's Paperbirch at the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market. Outside of Edmonton, destinations include Métis Crossing in Smoky Lake, offering farm-to-table dishes from Chef Ron Ladouceur, and Twisted Fork in Saint Paul, known for its Treaty 6 terroir cuisine by Chef Debra Poulin.
- The Alberta government has refused to release early results of its Alberta Next surveys to Postmedia, prompting three requests for review with the province's information and privacy commissioner. Premier Danielle Smith's Executive Council cited a section of the Access to Information Act that allows the withholding of records deemed "advice to officials." The surveys, launched June 24, sought public input on a provincial pension plan and immigration, following panel events in Edmonton and Sherwood Park. This refusal mirrors a 2023 incident where the province delayed releasing pension survey results for two years.
- Trevor Daroux officially took command as the new Deputy Commissioner of Alberta RCMP in a ceremony held in Edmonton on Aug. 7. This appointment places Daroux in charge of the provincial police division.
- Tsuut'ina Nation Chief Roy Whitney, 71, faces two sexual assault charges in Edmonton, the Edmonton Police Service announced on Aug. 7. The charges relate to historic incidents reported by two male complainants from Tsuut'ina Nation, police said. The first alleged assault occurred in early 1994 in west Edmonton and the second in summer 2005 near Stony Plain Road and 178 Street. Whitney's lawyer, Jim Lutz, states his client "absolutely denies any wrongdoings" and claims the accusations are baseless and politically motivated.
- Court of King's Bench Justice Colin Feasby reserved his decision on whether to halt a judicial review of a proposed Alberta separation referendum question, with a ruling expected by Aug. 14. Alberta Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure referred the question — "Do you agree that the Province of Alberta shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a province in Canada?" — to the Edmonton court to determine its constitutionality, including treaty rights. Mitch Sylvestre of the Alberta Prosperity Project argued the review is premature. Premier Danielle Smith and Justice Minister Mickey Amery criticized McClure's referral.
Headlines: Aug. 8, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim