China may soon open its doors to Australian canola

The move to accept Australian shipments comes as China conducts an anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola

Canada’s canola growers could soon be facing stiff competition in their top seed market.

Reuters is reporting that Australia is close to finalizing an agreement that will reopen the Chinese market to canola shipments from Down Under.

The world’s second-largest canola exporter has been shut out of the largest import market since 2020 due to phytosanitary requirements aimed at preventing the spread of blackleg disease.

Ag In Motion 2025 draws strong attendance, more international visitors

This year’s show saw three clear days for attendees to see equipment, livestock and the latest in technology

Ag In Motion 2025 organizers are pleased with this year’s attendance.

"We’re very pleased with attendance, response from exhibitors and the overall tone of the show this year," said Rob O’Connor, Ag In Motion show director.

Potential Alberta separation referendum question referred to judge for approval

A potential referendum question on Alberta separating from Canada has been referred to a judge for confirmation that the question doesn't violate the Constitution.

The proposed question seeks a yes or no answer to whether people agree with Alberta becoming a sovereign country and ceasing to be a province in Canada.

Alberta's chief electoral officer says in a news release that provincial laws require potential referendum questions to respect more than 30 sections of the Constitution, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Strathmore resident lands a spot in national karaoke contest

Kyle Chavente was just two years old when he first started singing, and now he's taking his voice to the national stage.

Chavente recently achieved success at a provincial karaoke competition, hosted by Karaoke World Championships, and will now be heading to a national competition in Calgary.

"I grew up around music. When I turned two, the very first song that I learned to sing was Dancing Queen," said Chavente. "I have a recording that my mom kept, and we listen to it every once in a while."

Strathmore again under Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Wheatland County, including Lyalta, Strathmore, and Carseland, is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch. 

Environment Canada issued the advisory on Monday (July 28), warning that weather conditions could develop into a storm. 

"Thunderstorms are expected to develop over southern Alberta this afternoon and evening," wrote Environment Canada. "When thunder roars, go indoors!" 

The weather agency reminds residents that lightning, strong gusts of wind, and hail may cause damage or injury. 

Fingers on Fire 3 reunites fingerboarders from across Canada

Despite the rain kicking off the weekend, Fingers on Fire 3 went off without a hitch.

Hundreds of residents made it out to Kinsmen Park on Saturday (July 26) for the event, which featured dozens of homemade fingerboard parks alongside a community BBQ.

This is the third time the event has been posted in town, with the get-together being organized by Strathmore resident Brandon Kehler.

Alberta immigrants say seeing an uptick in anger, rise of racist narratives

Alberta resident Shamaila Akram says she can handle the increase in racial slurs and derogatory comments being thrown at her, but she worries about her newcomer and immigrant clients.

As debates unfold over Canada's immigration system, those who provide help to newcomers in Alberta say there has been an uptick of hostility toward immigrants.

"I hear from people in my own communities -- women specifically who wear hijabs -- many bad things and we realize there is a need to educate people," said Akram, with Calgary's Centre for Newcomers.