Local News
Mounties arrest Brooks man for human trafficking; believe more victims outstanding
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 21st, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com Chad Jensen, 46, of Brooks is facing several charges related to human trafficking following a nearly year long investigation. Mounties in Brooks arrested Jensen on Jan. 8 after an investigation that began in February 2025 after RCMP received a report for a female victim who said she was in a relationship with Jensen and ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Chia seeds recalled for salmonella
By Medicine Hat News on January 21st, 2026
Left Coast Organics brand chia seeds have been recalled due to possible salmonella contamination. Organic chia seeds with the best before dates of Nov. 13 and Nov. 14 are currently listed as the affected product. Consumers are warned that contaminated seeds may not look or taste off, but can still be dangerous. Those who have ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Coun. Young appointed next deputy mayor in only new business at Monday’s council meeting
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 21st, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com Coun. Stuart Young has been appointed as the next deputy mayor, beginning next month, following a motion Monday evening in council chambers. As acting mayor, a member of council will temporarily assume the powers, duties and responsibilities of the mayor if they are absent. “Honestly, it’s just a procedural thing, we always have to ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Water Act exemptions to allow more for dugouts
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 21st, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com New exemptions to the Water Act announced Tuesday will increase water availability for Alberta farmers, ranchers, communities and businesses. The new rules will allow farmers and ranchers to fill dugouts up to 7,500 cubic metres with available water, provided it is used for agricultural purposes. The change represents a threefold increase in the amount ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Raymond RCMP seek whereabouts of man missing since Dec. 27
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 21st, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com RCMP are looking for a missing man from Raymond and are concerned for his wellbeing. Raymond RCMP are asking the public’s assistance in locating 46-year old Paul Frank Jamison. Jamison is described as white, 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes. Mounties are concerned for Jamison, who was last seen Dec. 27 ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!‘The canary is dead’: Doctors call out province as ER deaths, close calls spike
By ZOE MASON on January 21st, 2026
zmason@medicinehatnews.com Doctors have shared a list of anonymized cases with hospital leadership that illustrate a system at its limits as crisis conditions continue in Alberta’s ERs. The News obtained the document from an anonymous source. The document contains details regarding six deaths described as preventable and more than 30 “near misses,” many of which produced ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!2025 was the 10th most expensive for weather damage
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on January 21st, 2026
asmith@medicinehatnews.com Last year made the top 10 in insured weather damage, with costs exceeding $2.4 billion. According to Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc, 2025 is the 10th costliest year on record for weather-related insured losses. The most costly event was the late-March ice storm in Ontario and Quebec, at $490 million in losses, followed by ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!City of Medicine Hat wants public feedback as it develops Airport Master Plan
By Medicine Hat News on January 21st, 2026
The City of Medicine Hat is seeking input from residents as they begin work on the Airport Master Plan. Currently in the first stage of development, the plan aims to guide the future of YXH and establish its long-term vision for the next 20 years. Following the current phase, which includes an impact survey as ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Lots of moving parts to consider in bid for standalone urban riding
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 21st, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com Following a presentation to the Alberta Electoral Boundary Commission last Friday, city councillors say the commission needs to consider a variety of factors making any decision to change Medicine Hat to a standalone urban electoral riding. City officials are seeking to change the city’s current electoral boundaries, especially its Brooks-Medicine Hat electoral district, into ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!AGLC opens request window for expanded liquor service during Olympics
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 21st, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission is accepting requests for expanded liquor service hours ahead of the Olympic Games. The upcoming Winter Olympic Games kick off Feb. 6 in Milano, Italy, an eight-hour time difference from Mountain Time. Alberta establishments holding Class A, B and C liquor licences can submit notice starting immediately to ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!City committees will examine outstanding items
By BRENDAN MILLER on January 20th, 2026
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com In an effort to catch up on loose ends left by the previous councils and receive helpful information, all outstanding council motions, budget capital projects and major operating expenses will be reviewed in detail at upcoming committee meetings. During a brief public meeting Monday councillors thanked city staff for efforts to compile the large ... Read More »
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