Local News
‘Blue Monday’ rooted in tough time of year for many
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on January 20th, 2026
asmith@medicinehatnews.com This week started on a low note with Blue Monday, marketed as the most depressing day of the year. Initially coined in 2005 by UK travel company, Sky Travel, it is thought that cold temperatures, short daylight hours and post-holiday stress all contribute to the feeling, though there is no scientific evidence to suggest ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!AUPE demands action on staffing levels as health-care ‘crisis’ continues
By Medicine Hat News on January 20th, 2026
The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees is calling for change as workers hit the wall. AUPE vice-president James Gault says the solution requires much more than the hospital rooms and beds promised by the provincial government, as the union says “it is time to recognize Alberta’s health-care system is in crisis.” “Staff are being assaulted. ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Comedy for the Games event will support Special Olympics
By Medicine Hat News on January 20th, 2026
Supporting the upcoming Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, comedians Adam Growe and Todd Ness will be taking the stage at the Esplanade. Both Growe – the host of Cash Cab – and comedy festival regular Ness will be in the city March 8 for the event. The show will consist of a trivia-comedy segment with ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Veiner Centre operator calls for more resources for elder abuse victims
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 20th, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com Unison, the company that operates the Veiner Centre and the Kerby Centre in Calgary, is calling for more support for Alberta seniors who experience elder abuse, and is reminding victims to call EARL. “With so few shelter options, the Elder Abuse Resource Line plays a critical role in protecting vulnerable seniors,” reads a Monday ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Weather experts expect another hot year as temperatures to continue breaking record highs
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 20th, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com According to new weather data released by the federal government Monday, forecasters expect conditions in 2026 to be among the hottest on record, and comparable to the last three years. The Government of Canada released its annual global mean temperature forecast this week and based on current modelling, the Earth is predicted to be ... Read More »
1 responseGas and electric fees set to rise for Brooks ratepayers in April
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 17th, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com Residents of Brooks have until the end of the month to send objections, concerns or support for the increase of a franchise fee for ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd., which supplies natural gas – a move that will impact ratepayers. The utility company will file an application with the Alberta Utilities Commission requesting the ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Province has offered shelter funding but specifics lacking on full gov’t investment
By ZOE MASON on January 17th, 2026
zmason@medicinehatnews.com The Mustard Seed homeless shelter has received further investment from the province as the City of Medicine Hat continues to struggle to establish a new permanent location for a dedicated daytime shelter. The Mustard Seed’s Community Impact Centre closed last winter after the location was denied a development permit. In the interim, SafeLink began ... Read More »
1 responseMHIP hosting all-ages letterboxing scavenger hunt
By Medicine Hat News on January 17th, 2026
A combination of puzzles, riddles and hide-and-seek, the Medicine Hat Interpretive Program will host a letterboxing scavenger hunt. On Jan. 29 beginning at 11 a.m., participants will be given a clue leading to a location within Police Point Park. Those who find the correct location will find the next clue, leading attendees along a set ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Jobseekers invited to attend annual college job fair
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 17th, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com Medicine Hat College is hosting its annual large-scale job fair next week featuring career opportunities for residents as well as summer positions and internships for students. Last year the annual Community Job Fair attracted a full house of 60 exhibitor booths, the maximum available, operated by recruiters and industry representatives looking to fill a ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!State of the City luncheon will touch on year past, year ahead
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 17th, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com Mayor Linnsie Clark will speak to citizens to highlight city actions over the past year during the upcoming annual State of the City luncheon held at the end of the month. This will be Clark’s fifth address to Hatters to start the year following her re-election in last October’s election, and is themed “Building ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Cypress County creates subdivision, development appeal board
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on January 17th, 2026
asmith@medicinehatnews.com Cypress County moved to form a new subdivision and development appeal board Tuesday, following recent changes and the repeal of the Municipal Planning Commission bylaw. Under the Municipal Government Act, there must be clear division between those who make subdivision and development decisions and who hears appeals of said decisions. With council now serving ... Read More »
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