- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced a new order will soon replace a paused directive to remove books with explicit sexual content from school libraries. The initial order, set for Oct. 1, led Edmonton Public Schools to list more than 200 books, including classics like The Handmaid's Tale, for removal, drawing criticism from Smith, who accused the school board of "vicious compliance." The updated ministerial order will explicitly target "graphic pornographic images" while ensuring literary classics remain available in schools across Alberta.
- Wildfire smoke from fires near Fort Providence, NWT, blanketed northern Alberta and Edmonton. Edmonton's air quality health index reached 10+ on Sept. 1 but improved to a moderate risk of five by Sept. 2, leading the City of Edmonton to lift its poor air quality response. Anne Hicks, a University of Alberta professor, warned of increasingly "smokier summers" and long-term health risks like heart disease and lung damage, even at moderate levels, advising vulnerable groups to limit outdoor exposure.
- Edmonton's Animal Protection Unit rescued 87 animals from a city home on Aug. 20. The seizure included 83 snakes, a leopard gecko, a tarantula, and two cats. More than 80% of the snakes were found emaciated, dehydrated, and suffering from respiratory and bacterial diseases, all requiring immediate medical treatment at the Animal Care and Control Centre. An investigation is ongoing to determine if charges will be laid.
- Edmonton's 200-acre Exhibition Lands are set for a two-decade redevelopment into a residential, commercial, and community hub following the Coliseum's scheduled 2026 demolition. Cantiro is negotiating to start the first phase on the south side, with plans for 200 units. The framework calls for two new LRT stations, potentially replacing the existing Coliseum station. BILD Edmonton Metro and Explore Edmonton anticipate the project will significantly boost the north central district. The Alberta Avenue Business Association has expanded its borders to support the future of Edmonton's Exhibition Lands.
- The opening of a new Zellers location in Edmonton's Londonderry Mall was delayed on Sept. 1. Several dozen shoppers arrived anticipating the store's opening but left empty-handed as it failed to open on schedule. The store was expected to open later this week.
- As the new school year began on Sept. 2, Edmonton schools experienced morning drop-offs for the first time since the City of Edmonton removed photo radar. The Edmonton Police Service is adopting a targeted approach to catch unsafe drivers near school and playground zones, responding to specific concerns rather than random patrols.
- The City of Edmonton is accepting offers for two more weeks on the Connaught Armoury, one of the city's oldest buildings. The historic building is up for sale, with the City seeking bids for its future redevelopment.
- University of Alberta students are struggling to find affordable housing near campus. The Elev app, created by U of A alumni, helps students locate rentals, noting affordable and furnished options are quickly snapped up. The City of Edmonton has launched a $15 million Downtown Student Housing Incentive, providing grants of up to $30,000 for each unit for below-market student housing projects in the downtown core, an initiative welcomed by the University of Alberta Students' Union.
- NorQuest College is mourning the death of Priscilla McGreer, a 39-year-old instructor, who was fatally shot in an SUV at Jasper Avenue and 119 Street in Edmonton just after 4am on Aug. 30. Police charged Kyle Laumen of Edmonton with first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and breach of probation. Police said the victim and accused knew one another. NorQuest College issued a statement calling McGreer a "well-respected and well-liked instructor" and is offering support to its community.
- Red Deer residents are opposing a proposal to rezone a Clearview Ridge green space from low-density single-family homes to allow duplexes and townhouses. Residents expressed concerns about increased traffic, parking problems, and decreased property values. This opposition follows Red Deer city council's unanimous rejection in August of a federal housing grant requiring blanket zoning for four units per lot without public consultation.
- The Edmonton Elks have agreed to terms with offensive lineman Carter O'Donnell. O'Donnell, 26, previously spent five seasons in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals, and played for the University of Alberta Golden Bears.
Correction: This file has been updated to correct how much is offered through City of Edmonton grants for student housing.