City Notebook: Donald Trump 2.0 arrives on Groundhog Day

By Collin Gallant on February 1, 2025.

The end of January has been a trip down memory lane for “the media” as it attempt to get a grip on what’s coming out of Washington, D.C.

A tariff threat from the once and new U.S. President Donald Trump was supposed to happen on inauguration day, then maybe not oil, or maybe two tariffs on steel?

As late as Friday afternoon, some reports pegged March 1 as a the new D-Day, but it’s February 1 at last look.

So, waking up this morning… were they? Weren’t they? Maybe something completely different? Are we still talking about that?

It may as well be five or six years ago and nobody seems the wiser on how to cover Trump’s unique style of business and governing.

And if you think the media’s lost the plot, what do you make of political and business leadership in this country hoping to prevail with statements about net-benefit and highly integrated supply chains?

Floating a good idea

The observance of the Medicine Hat Fire Service’s 125th anniversary provides an idea that deserves city-wide reconsideration.

Along with typical fare of a ceremonial patch, gala and open houses, the fire department will enter a float in the Medicine Hat Stampede parade in July.

“We’ll of course bring the fire trucks, because everyone loves them, but we’re doing quite a bit more,” said chief Chad Eakins.

For several years the event has suffered from a lack of imagination and volume when it comes to entries, which could be easily addressed by any number of community groups, inspiration and some elbow grease.

Hockey Talk

When was the last time an Eastern Conference WHL team swept the U.S. Division on their biennial road trip?

Not to jinx it, but the Tigers had a shot as they were set to face the Portland Winterhawks on Friday and league bottom-dweller Seattle on Saturday.

It turns out the eventual league champion Moose Jaw Warriors did it last year, but it seems an impossible task.

It’s hard enough to win six straight road games, but even more so facing a division that always has two or three bonafide contenders and requires a nine-day bus trip.

However, win-lose-or-draw (shootout loss?) this weekend, it would be disappointing not to see Tigers fans give the team a big welcome back salute next Friday when they’re back at home.

A look ahead

City council sits Monday to discuss a potential way forward for a grant and loan request from the Medicine Hat Stampede on its grandstand renovations.

Council members will also hear the proposed terms of reference for a task force to address crime and social issues in the city’s centre.

Regulators are scheduled to issue a decision on the city’s purchase of the Saamis Solar Park on Thursday, Feb. 6.

100 years ago

A deal to drill for oil on city owned leases would go before the voters in a plebiscite, city council announced in late January 1925, the News reported.

The joint endeavour would see the city lend its drilling rights and receive any natural gas production found in the wells while the U.S.-based company would obtain any oil found and process it, by requirement, within Medicine Hat city limits.

A film actress in Los Angeles whose legs were often pictured in place of other starlets as a “double” was treated in hospital after she poured acid on the limbs in a fit of despondency over her limited career.

Controversy in Prairie League Hockey at Lethbridge as goals were allegedly scored on the Medicine Hat Monarchs after the final gong.

Canada’s labour unions took the official stance that the Senate should be abolished as the Trades and Labour Congress prepared policy positions ahead of meetings with Prime Minister King.

Collin Gallant covers city politics and a variety of topics for the News. Reach him at 403-528-5664 or via email at cgallant@medicinehatnews.com.