- Edmonton Police Service detectives now presume 14-year-old Samuel Bird is dead and believe his disappearance is criminal in nature. Bird was last seen on June 1 walking through Holy Cross School grounds in west Edmonton, before visiting a friend's home near 150 Street and 106 Avenue. Police searched the home in September. Police suspect his body was disposed of within 150 kilometres of Edmonton, on land, and concealed. Homicide Det. Jared Buhler appealed to the public, including landowners, and outdoor enthusiasts, to look for his remains. Police have conducted searches and continue to investigate.
- Edmonton Elections is forming contingency plans for voter cards and special ballots due to the Canada Post strike. With the municipal election on Oct. 20, the City's elections office is developing solutions to ensure voters receive necessary election materials and can cast their ballots despite possible postal service disruptions.
- Puneeta McBryan, the outgoing executive director of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association, sharply criticized the outgoing Edmonton city council for what she sees as a failure to promote the arts scene and downtown nightlife. She made the comments at an Oct. 1 mayoral forum, attended by candidates Rahim Jaffer, Michael Walters, Andrew Knack, and Tim Cartmell. The discussion also addressed Edmonton City Centre Mall, which was ordered into receivership in July 2025, with ideas floated for transforming the space into a student hub, entertainment venue, or unique destination to revitalize the core.
- Small business owners in Edmonton are urging mayoral candidates to address their concerns ahead of the Oct. 20 municipal election. Chip Tang, owner of Hong Kong Bakery in Chinatown, highlighted persistent crime, homelessness, and a perceived lack of consultation on City of Edmonton projects like 98 Street sidewalk widening, which removes parking. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business reports more than 70% of Alberta small businesses feel ignored by municipalities.
- The Edmonton Police Service is considering releasing more details about the 2023 killing of an eight-year-old girl, depending on the sentence given to a 29-year-old woman. Chief Warren Driechel said that the police service might take the unusual step if justice is not perceived as served, following a public dispute with Crown prosecutors. The woman pleaded guilty to manslaughter after the girl, who endured chronic abuse, died from head trauma. Her body was found in a hockey bag on the Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis. Police felt the plea deal and eight-year sentence the Crown requested did not match the crime.
- Edmonton's municipal election introduces local political parties, a change enabled by provincial legislation. While the majority of candidates, including 12 of 13 mayoral hopefuls, remain independent, two parties have emerged: Better Edmonton, led by mayoral candidate Tim Cartmell, and PACE. Better Edmonton is fielding candidates in all 12 wards, and PACE in nine, with both platforms addressing city spending, transit safety, and zoning. A 2023 survey indicated that most Albertans oppose parties in municipal elections.
- A fatality inquiry has recommended random staff searches at the Edmonton Remand Centre following the fentanyl overdose deaths of inmates Peter William Mudryk and Alyssa Blance Evert in 2017 and 2018. Joyce Lester, assistant chief justice at the Alberta Court of Justice, said that to prevent illicit substances from entering Canada's largest correctional facility, all staff should undergo random security screenings using technology, body scanners, and drug-detecting dogs. These recommendations echo a 2022 fatality inquiry concerning other overdose deaths at the facility. Recovery Alberta has yet to respond to the recommendations.
- OEG will host two free Edmonton Oilers Pre-Game Tailgates in the heated event tent at ICE District for the first two home games of the 2025-26 season. These all-ages events will take place before the Battle of Alberta home opener against the Calgary Flames on Oct. 8, and before the game against the Vancouver Canucks on Oct. 11. Running from 5pm to 8pm, the tailgates will feature food, drinks, music, games, a live DJ, Oilers alumni autograph sessions, and appearances by Hunter, the Orange & Blue Ice Crew, and Oilers Drum & Brass Crew. No game ticket is required for entry.
- The Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity at MacEwan University is launching Queer History Month in Edmonton in October 2025, inviting the public to a series of online and in-person events. These include speakers, documentary showings, storytelling, and temporary exhibits around the city. Numerous organizations, such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton Public Library, and Explore Edmonton, are also involved. The initiative aims to highlight undocumented local queer stories of activism, oppression, and resistance to build empathy, counter ignorance, and combat discrimination.
- Curtis Stange, President and CEO of ATB, has announced his retirement after a 16-year career with the organization, including more than seven years leading it. Under Stange, ATB achieved record financial performance, surpassed $100 billion in total assets, and established a strong balance sheet. ATB's Board of Directors has begun its search for a new president and CEO, with the goal of an announcement in December. Stange will continue in his role during the transition.
- The Edmonton Oilers have acquired goaltender Connor Ingram from the Utah Mammoth in exchange for future considerations. The deal sees Utah retain $800,000 of the 28-year-old's $1.95 million average annual value, with Ingram set to report to the American Hockey League's Bakersfield Condors. Ingram had a career-best 2023-24 season, establishing highs in starts, wins, and shutouts, earning the NHL's Bill Masterton Trophy.
- The Alberta government began its controversial new COVID-19 vaccine rollout on Oct. 1, offering free immunizations to high-risk Albertans, including seniors aged 65 and older, healthcare workers, and those with underlying conditions. Most other Albertans will pay $100 for the shot, with appointments available from Oct. 20. This policy makes Alberta the only province to not offer universal free access.
Headlines: Oct. 2, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim