- A heat wave is gripping Edmonton, with temperatures forecast to reach 33C on Aug. 27. Hope Mission is asking the community to help vulnerable Edmontonians experiencing homelessness by donating bottled water, sunscreen, hats, and summer clothing to its location at 99 Street and 106 Avenue, or its warehouse at 7011 Girard Road. The City of Edmonton has activated its extreme heat response, urging residents in Edmonton, St. Albert, and Sherwood Park to stay hydrated, seek cool shelter, and never leave children or pets in vehicles. For those in distress, you can contact the Crisis Diversion Team by dialing 211.
- Edmonton's outdoor swimming season is concluding, with the Borden, Fred Broadstock, Mill Creek, and Wîhkwêntôwin pools closing for the season on Sept. 2. Queen Elizabeth Outdoor Pool will remain open until Sept. 14 for public swims, lane swims, and rentals. As of Aug. 25, Edmonton's five outdoor pools welcomed 78,707 people, the City of Edmonton said.
- As the municipal election approaches in October, the City of Edmonton and Edmonton Elections are reminding candidates about campaign sign regulations. Candidates are held accountable for proper placement due to vicarious liability, according to the City. Bylaw officers can remove improperly placed signs and issue fines ranging from $250 to $500. Signs are allowed on road right-of-ways but are prohibited in municipal facilities, school board properties, medians, and within 15 metres of intersections or 30 metres of transit facilities.
- Postmedia published an article highlighting Edmonton mayoral candidates' positions on public safety ahead of the October municipal election. Tim Cartmell and Tony Caterina stressed rebuilding trust with police, while Andrew Knack and Michael Walters tied crime to homelessness, addictions and mental health. Rahim Jaffer pushed for more police presence, Malik "Chase" Chukwudi highlighted organized crime, and Omar Mohammad called for visible transit policing and small business support. Vanessa Denman emphasized compassion-driven solutions, and Olney Tugwell proposed rezoning for small homes, but all agreed residents feel less safe and urgent action is needed.
- Edmonton Coun. Andrew Knack, a mayoral candidate in the upcoming municipal election, called for more city council transparency. Knack also announced his plans to soon release his mayoral campaign donor list as he runs for mayor.
- Alberta schools will be required to implement opt-in policies for sex education starting Sept. 1. This new requirement applies to all schools across the province, including those in the Edmonton region. The YWCAs of Alberta launched a campaign reminding parents to opt their children into sex education this fall.
- Social conservative groups, including Take Back Alberta and Parents for Choice in Education, are intensifying efforts to train prospective school trustees for Alberta's municipal elections on Oct. 20, CBC News reported. The groups want to influence school boards on issues like 2SLGBTQ+ rights and parental control, with Parents for Choice in Education hosting workshops in Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer. The Alberta Teachers' Association expressed concerns these efforts could lead to board dysfunction and undermine student well-being.
- Edmonton Police Service Sgt. Michael Bates pleaded guilty to assault on Aug. 25, for striking Tristan McAdam in the head twice. The incident occurred on Jan. 20, 2024, at the Corona LRT Station, where McAdam was found sleeping. Bates took McAdam to the ground and hit him as McAdam was gathering his belongings and complying with instructions to leave. Bates received a conditional discharge, avoiding a criminal conviction if he abides by a no-contact order and completes six months of psychological counselling.
- Postmedia columnist Keith Gerein's latest article argues the UCP is pushing gerrymandering that dilutes urban influence in Alberta politics. He cites limits on new constituencies despite city growth and the scrapping of rules keeping boundaries aligned with municipal borders. Gerein pointed to proposals from UCP ministers Searle Turton and Nathan Neudorf that would merge cities with rural areas in ways that favour the UCP, which Gerein warns undermines democratic fairness and mirrors partisan tactics seen in the U.S.
- Minister of Children and Family Services Searle Turton faced criticism after he conducted a late-night tour of the Alberta legislature on Aug. 22 for controversial American Christian singer Sean Feucht after his concert on the grounds. Feucht, known for his social conservative views, posted a video of a "worship session" inside the rotunda. Turton acknowledged the tour was "not usual procedure" and said he was "in communication with the Speaker's Office and understand the appropriate measures to take moving forward."
- For National Dog Day on Aug. 26, CityNews profiled Dash, one of Edmonton's bed bug hunting dogs. Dash sniffs out the pests for Orkin Canada, a pest and wildlife control company.
- The Edmonton Oilers have announced the team's 2025-26 promotional schedule, featuring 16 unique theme games for its home season. Highlights include the home opener on Oct. 8 against Calgary, Hockey Fights Cancer on Nov. 25, the Indigenous celebration on Jan. 20, the South Asian celebration on Jan. 29, and Pride night on March 19. Single game tickets are on sale Aug. 28 at 10am, with full, half, and quarter season seat options also available.
Headlines: Aug. 27, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim