- University of Alberta student Carmela Spadafora conducted a survey that helped improve accessibility for DATS on campus, addressing challenges DATS drivers faced locating pick-up spots without exact street addresses. Spadafora's project gathered data from classmates and community members, highlighting issues like missed rides and "no-show" penalties." Instructor Jay Friesen and strategic infrastructure planner Kyle Witiw with the university used this information to audit campus stops and implement new numbered signs.
- The Alberta government concluded its turbulent fall 2025 sitting after passing 14 bills. The session was marked by repeated use of the notwithstanding clause, including a bill passed on Oct. 27 that invoked the clause to order striking teachers back to work and impose a four-year contract agreement. By the end of the sitting, 21 MLAs, including Premier Danielle Smith, were facing citizen-led recall petitions. Government House Leader Joseph Schow defended the government's agenda, saying it focus on healthcare, cost of living, and education. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi stressed the Opposition's role in accountability.
- A ThinkHQ survey conducted from Oct. 31 to Nov. 5 shows nearly 60% of Albertans want to end public funding for private schools. This finding coincides with a citizen initiative by Alberta Funds Public Schools, which began gathering signatures to put the issue to a referendum. The group, which argues that public schools are inadequately funded, needs 177,732 signatures by Feb. 11.
- The Edmonton Arts Council has named 15 local artists as recipients of the 2025 Edmonton Artists' Trust Fund awards, each receiving $15,000. The $225,000 program, supported by the Edmonton Community Foundation and the City of Edmonton, aims to give artists financial stability to advance or experiment in their work. Established in 1997, the fund now holds $2.1 million and has awarded $1.3 million to Edmonton artists over its history. This year's honourees represent a wide range of disciplines, including theatre, music, comedy, poetry, dance, and design.
- Auditor General Doug Wylie released a report finding that Alberta Health Services (AHS) did not comply with reporting laws, failing to publish its 2023 business plan and releasing its 2024 plan 300 days late. The report also criticized AHS's "positive" and "selective" public reporting on the Healthcare Action Plan, announced by Premier Danielle Smith in November 2022, citing a lack of context and skewed metrics like EMS response times. Recommendations include a new provincial reporting framework for Acute Care Alberta and the Ministry of Primary and Preventive Health Services.
- The Edmonton Oilers placed defenceman Jake Walman on long-term injured reserve due to an undisclosed injury that head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed is worse than expected. Walman, who last played Nov. 20, will be out indefinitely after signing a seven-year, $49 million extension in the off-season. The team also put forwards Jack Roslovic and Connor Clattenberg on injured reserve; Roslovic is expected to return around Christmas. Meanwhile, the Oilers recalled Max Jones from the AHL's Bakersfield Condors.
Headlines: Dec. 12, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim