Hey neighbour, happy Saturday!
Today's issue is one of those ones that hits close to home in more than one way. We have answers finally coming for a young woman who disappeared from our city months ago, a group of Edmonton doctors putting their names on the line for their patients, and a leadership race that could put an Edmonton MP at the helm of a federal party before the weekend is out. There is a lot to get into. And speaking of stories worth telling, our Local Love Spotlight is still wide open and we are actively looking for our next local hero. If you own a business in Edmonton or the surrounding areas and have a story worth sharing, the link is waiting for you at the bottom of that section. Now let us get into it. 💛
Now grab your coffee, or tea or a drink something and let's get into it. 💛
They Crossed the Country to Find Her Killer. They Found Him.
For months, Marika Sutton's family had no answers. Now they do.
Edmonton police announced Friday that 47 year old John Angus Joseph MacArthur has been charged with second degree murder and indignity to a body in the death of Marika "Mika" Sutton, 29, who was last seen in the Richfield neighbourhood of Mill Woods in early August 2025 and reported missing by family in September
Investigators flew to Prince Edward Island on March 17, arrested MacArthur, and brought him back to Edmonton on March 20 where he remains in custody; police say the two were in an intimate relationship and that a history of domestic violence was uncovered during the investigation
Mika's body has never been recovered; investigators believe her remains were disposed of along Highway 2 between Wetaskiwin and Lacombe between August 22 and 29, and are asking anyone who may have seen a 2014 black Jeep Patriot with Alberta plate CFB 2578 in an unusual location along that stretch to come forward
"I think it is important that we find Marika's remains," said Homicide Det. Braydon Lawrence. "Not only for us but I think that the family deserves to have that closure as well."
If you were travelling Highway 2 that last week of August, this story needs you.
🌿 This Edmonton Group Is Healing Grief One Walk at a Time
It does not look like therapy. It just looks like neighbours going for a walk. That is exactly the point.
A community group in Edmonton is bringing people together to process grief through shared walks in natural settings, creating space for loss that does not require a waiting room or a referral
Members say walking alongside others who understand loss creates a kind of connection that is hard to find anywhere else, no pressure to talk, just the rhythm of movement and the presence of people who get it
The group is open to anyone carrying grief in whatever form it takes, and organizers say the response from the community has far exceeded what they expected
Have you ever found comfort in nature during a hard season? This one might resonate more than you think.
🎬 She Has Been Dreaming of This Since She Was Five. Edmonton's Jenny Angus Just Made It Real.
Some stories are worth celebrating just because they remind you what is possible.
Edmonton actress Jenny Angus has landed her first film role after years of chasing a dream she has held since childhood, a moment she describes as surreal and one long time coming
Angus built her skills through local theatre and community productions before catching the attention of filmmakers, and says Edmonton's arts community gave her the foundation she needed to be ready when the opportunity finally arrived
The film is in production and Angus says she hopes her story encourages other young Edmontonians who are quietly holding onto something big to keep going
Edmonton keeps producing them. The dreamers who actually do it.
Twenty Five Edmonton Doctors Just Signed Their Names Against This Law. Here Is Why.
When doctors start writing open letters, something is wrong.
More than two dozen Edmonton and area physicians, psychiatrists and nurse practitioners who work in the medical assistance in dying program have signed a statement calling Alberta's Bill 18 a "significant step backward" that would cause needless suffering and put clinicians in "ethically untenable" positions
The legislation, introduced on March 18, would limit MAID only to patients expected to die within 12 months, ban doctors from initiating conversations about it with patients, and prohibit MAID information from being displayed in health care settings, including long term care homes
Dr. Alexandra McPherson, an Edmonton psychiatrist who helped draft the letter, says the restrictions would cut off people with prolonged organ failure and dementia who are suffering deeply but not in their final year: "These are Albertans who are suffering in a really severe, enduring way"
Premier Smith says the legislation protects vulnerable people. These doctors say it punishes them instead. Whose job is it to know the difference?
🗳️ Today Is the Last Day to Vote for Canada's Next NDP Leader. Edmonton Has a Candidate.
By tomorrow morning, the NDP will have a new direction. And Edmonton might be the one setting it.
Voting in the federal NDP leadership race closes at 7 PM Eastern tonight, with the winner to be announced Sunday morning in Winnipeg at the party's convention; the race comes after the NDP was reduced to just seven seats in last spring's federal election and leader Jagmeet Singh stepped down
Edmonton Strathcona MP Heather McPherson, the only sitting MP in the race and the only candidate from the Prairies, has pitched herself as the pragmatist the party needs: someone who can hold the government to account in the House of Commons from day one; she has won her Edmonton riding three times and earned the endorsement of former Alberta NDP premier Rachel Notley
Her main rival is Avi Lewis, an activist and filmmaker who has out-raised all other candidates and describes his campaign as an "anti-capitalist movement"; polls of past NDP voters show Lewis with a narrow lead but with 44 per cent of past supporters saying they do not recognize any of the candidates at all
If McPherson wins, Edmonton will have produced the new leader of a federal party by Sunday morning. Does that matter to you?
💥 Day 28: A Missile Kills One in Tel Aviv. Ten American Troops Hurt in Saudi Arabia.
The war is not slowing down, even as both sides say they are talking.
An Iranian missile strike on Tel Aviv on Friday night killed one person, the latest in a relentless back and forth that has now killed more than 1,900 people in Iran and over 1,100 in Lebanon since the US and Israel launched strikes on February 28; at least 10 US service members were also injured in a separate Iranian attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, with a refueller tanker aircraft damaged
President Trump has delayed planned strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure by another 10 days until April 6, saying peace talks are going "very well"; Iran's foreign minister is describing the US proposal as "one-sided and unfair," and Pakistan has confirmed it is relaying messages between Washington and Tehran as a mediator
Iran's Revolutionary Guard has also turned back three ships attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, which remains effectively closed to vessels linked to Iran's "enemies"; analysts say this makes clear that safe passage through the strait cannot be guaranteed
Canada has already said it has no intention of joining this war. But Alberta's energy sector is watching every development.
⛳ Tiger Woods Has Been Arrested Again. This Time It Is a Rollover.
Even legends have their lowest moments. And then some have two.
Golf icon Tiger Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence on March 27 after his vehicle was involved in a rollover crash; this is his second DUI arrest and his fourth high profile car accident, a pattern that has followed one of the most decorated careers in sports history
The arrest comes during what was shaping up to be a quieter chapter for Woods, who has spent recent years managing serious physical injuries and a gradual return to competitive golf; his representatives have not yet released a statement
Woods remains one of the most recognized athletes on earth, with 15 major championships to his name, and every stumble he takes lands in headlines around the world whether he wants it to or not
Whatever you think of Tiger, this one stings a little. What do you make of it?
Edmonton local Weather
Day⬇10° lower than historical avg, ⬇8° lower than historical avg.
🌤️ Edmonton Weather - Saturday March 24
It is a cold but manageable one out there today, neighbour. Expect a high of around -4°C with a 20 per cent chance of flurries, so if you are heading out to any events this afternoon, layers are non-negotiable. The good news is it is nothing Edmonton has not handled a thousand times before. Bundle up and get out there.
Could This Be You?
Every issue of The Urban Brief Edmonton celebrates the people behind the businesses that make this community so special. And right now, we are looking for our next story.
If you own a local business in Edmonton or the surrounding areas and have a story worth telling, we want to hear from you
Our Local Love Spotlight is not an advertisement. It is a conversation. We lead with the human behind the business, the journey, the why and the heart of what you have built
Past features have included a pizza maker in Spruce Grove, a fitness studio changing lives, a student lawn care business and an end of life doula working out of Gunn, Alberta. Every story has been completely different and completely unforgettable
If you are ready to share yours, the door is wide open.
Feature My Business
Do you have a business you’d like us to show case or shine a spotlight on? Tell us about it by submitting a request here ➡ Feature My Business
📅 Events Happening This Week in Edmonton
🍳 Nuthin’ but a Brunch Thang (Hip‑Hop Brunch) Details
🗓 Mar 28 · ⏰ Open–2 p.m. · 📍 The Banquet
Live DJ spinning hip‑hop classics over brunch for a fun, high‑vibe daytime hang.🍫 Chocolate & Sake Pairing at Delavoye Details
🗓 Mar 28 · ⏰ Evening · 📍 Delavoye Chocolate Maker
Guided tasting that walks through chocolate making and sake brewing, then pairs the two course‑style.🌸 JW Marriott Spring Garden Party Details
🗓 Mar 28 · ⏰ Evening · 📍 JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District
Chef‑curated, rosemary‑infused spring menu with welcome cocktail/mocktail and wine pairings in a garden‑themed dinner.🎤 Gauri B (Stand‑Up) Details
🗓 Mar 28 · ⏰ Evening · 📍 Comedy venue
Fearless, culturally sharp stand‑up with strong crowd work for a late‑night laugh.🎧 Dion Timmer Tickets
🗓 Mar 28 · ⏰ 10 p.m. · 📍 Temple Ballroom
High‑energy electronic/dance headliner for a big Saturday night out.Sunday, March 29
☕ Shop the Art Off the Walls at Felice Cafe Details
🗓 Mar 29 · ⏰ Afternoon/early evening · 📍 Felice Cafe (10930 84 St)
Meet local artists and buy prints/smallwares as the cafe closes out its current gallery display.🌷 Matcha & Floral Workshop Details
🗓 Mar 29 · ⏰ Afternoon · 📍 Local studio
Guided floral‑arranging workshop with a handcrafted matcha drink; ticket includes flowers, materials, and a vase to take home.🎷 Daze Days Jazz at Mimi Bar Details
🗓 Mar 29 · ⏰ 7–11 p.m. · 📍 Mimi Bar
$10 jazz night with cocktails and food, easy, low‑key Sunday vibes.🧠 Lectures on Tap: Sleep Science Tickets & details
🗓 Mar 29 · ⏰ Evening · 📍 Frank’s Pub
A tongue‑in‑cheek talk on “sleep crisis” culture, revenge bedtime procrastination, and why sleep is also political.Monday, March 30
📚 Audrey’s Book Club: March Edition 🎟️ Details
🗓 Mar 30 · ⏰ 7–8:30 p.m. · 📍 Local venue (see listing)
A curated book‑club night for readers who want discussion plus community.🏒 Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks Tickets & details
🗓 Mar 28 · ⏰ 1:30 p.m. · 📍 Rogers Place
Home game vs. Anaheim; easy to plug in as a weekend sports highlight.🎭 The Wizard of Oz – Live Musical Tickets
📅 March 27 – April 12, 2026
🕢 Evening shows: 7:30 PM | Matinees: 1:30 PM
📍 Citadel Theatre, 9828 101A Ave, EdmontonThe Citadel Theatre brings the classic story of Dorothy and her journey down the Yellow Brick Road to life in a vibrant stage musical featuring iconic songs, colourful characters, and a magical adventure for all ages
We know you are out there with photos on your phone that deserve to be seen.
Edmonton is full of moments that deserve a wider audience, a frost covered branch catching the morning light, a street mural you walk past every day, a dog doing something ridiculous in a park, your favourite local spot dressed up for the season, a sunrise that stopped you in your tracks.
This week we want to see it. Drop your best Edmonton snapshot in the comments and tell us where you took it and what made you stop. We will feature our favourites in an upcoming issue.
What does Edmonton look like through your eyes right now? 📸