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Headlines: June 18, 2026

· The Pulse
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  • The City of Edmonton has launched a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe spaces action plan to enhance inclusivity over four years. The plan, unanimously approved by city council on June 17, involves making facilities sensitive to diverse community needs. Mayor Andrew Knack emphasized the critical timing of these initiatives amid restrictive provincial laws affecting transgender rights. A $750,000 budget will be available to support community groups and discussions are ongoing for continued funding. In 2024, 50 hate crime incidents were reported in Edmonton alone.
  • Environment Canada issued a funnel cloud warning for Edmonton and its surrounding areas, including St. Albert and Sherwood Park, on June 17. The agency cautioned that weather conditions were conducive to the formation of funnel clouds. Residents in affected regions are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for sudden weather changes, which could lead to the development of funnel clouds or even weak landspout tornadoes.
  • Edmonton Public Schools has approved a locally developed Arabic language course, offering students language classes from elementary to high school. While this initiative aligns with attempts to integrate diverse language education, the board is reconsidering language course requirements generally. Alongside this, families expressed disappointment over the cancellation of international school travel.
  • Two Edmonton students face charges for creating AI-generated, sexualized images of classmates using photos taken without consent from social media and personal captures. The ALERT Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit led the investigation after a teacher reported the incident in March. The two 14-year-old boys were charged with making and possessing child sexual exploitation materials and voyeurism. This case marks the second instance investigated by ICE where AI was used for sexual exploitation at a school. Edmonton Police Service and Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre also participated in the investigation.
  • A report from Alberta's child and youth advocate, Terri Pelton, urged the province to strengthen supports for homeless children and youth. In 2025, the office handled more than 100 cases, but the true number of homeless youth is likely higher. The report highlighted systemic issues, with many youths coming from unstable homes or aging out of systems. It recommended a youth-specific homelessness strategy, enhanced data collection, and specialized shelter support as essential measures to address this crisis.
  • The Edmonton Oilers have announced their pre-season schedule, ahead of the 2026-27 NHL regular season, which now includes 84 games. The pre-season features four games from Sept. 19-26 against Western Canadian rivals. The Oilers will face the Winnipeg Jets twice, hosting them on Sept. 19 at Rogers Place and playing away on Sept. 22. Edmonton will visit the Vancouver Canucks on Sept. 24 and conclude the pre-season at home against the Calgary Flames on Sept. 26.