- A winter storm in Edmonton and across central Alberta brought strong winds, rapidly dropping temperatures, and heavy snowfall after an overnight flash freeze. The storm was expected to continue into the morning of Dec. 18. The storm caused more than 12 flight cancellations at Edmonton International Airport. A Phase 1 parking ban is in effect in Edmonton. Drivers in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, and Red Deer should use caution due to blowing snow and icy conditions.
- Edmonton is considering charging for parking at attractions like the TELUS World of Science – Edmonton and Edmonton Valley Zoo. Coun. Michael Janz introduced a motion to study the costs of maintaining free parking lots and potential user fees, arguing that taxpayers currently provide an "enormous parking subsidy." The proposal includes tiered fees based on income and separate charges for non-Edmonton residents.
- The Edmonton Community Foundation is investing more than $1.85 million in early childhood programs, bringing its 2025 funding in the sector to over $2.5 million. The funding supports 18 organizations serving children from infancy to kindergarten and aims to stabilize frontline services. Funded projects include Indigenous land-based learning at Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, more than 5,300 new picture books for Edmonton Public Library, and a renovated site for ABC Head Start.
- Prairies Economic Development Canada has invested $10.9 million over two years in CKUA for upgrades to its headquarters in downtown Edmonton, including both studio and performance-space amenities. Acting CEO Adam Mitchell emphasized that the federal funding does not change CKUA's ongoing fundraising for operations. "This investment will help us in our stabilization plan; it is not the stabilization plan," he said.
- Ritchie residents in Edmonton are divided over plans for the 76 Avenue renewal, a central thoroughfare in need of rebuilding. Earlier this month, City of Edmonton planners presented three options at the Ritchie Community League, which include features like multi-use trails or raised bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and traffic calming measures. Some residents expressed concern that proposals to reduce parking could negatively impact local businesses and residential parking. The City said the final design would depend on community feedback.
- The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) recommended no charges against Edmonton police officers following an investigation into a 2021 overdose death. ASIRT concluded there were no reasonable grounds to believe the officers committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident.
Headlines: Dec. 18, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim