Local News
Hat’s New Year’s Baby born to first-time parents
By ZOE MASON on January 3rd, 2026
zmason@medicinehatnews.com The first baby born in Medicine Hat in the New Year arrived just under five hours after the turn of the calendar to 2026. Wren Durham was born at 4:43 a.m. at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Thursday morning, making her the unofficial New Year’s Baby for the region. Wren is the first child ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Natural gas rates dip in January, electric rates set to default minimum
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 3rd, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com This month’s natural gas rate for all customers has dipped approximately 50 cents from December, while still beginning the year approximately $1 more than January 2025. On Friday, Medicine Hat set its January natural gas rate at $2.865 per GJ, down from December’s rate of $3.293, the highest of 2025. However, at this time ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Police seek two suspects in early morning shooting
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 3rd, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com Police have issued warrants and are looking for two suspects involved in a targeted robbery and shooting in the city’s southeast in the early morning hours Friday. Members of the Medicine Hat Police Service’s Major Crime Unit are looking for Brendon Webb, 33, and Brooklyn Carriere, 31, after officers responded to an altercation between ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Fate of two local elementary schools awaits vote on Tuesday
By BRENDAN MILLER on January 3rd, 2026
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com Medicine Hat Public School Division school board trustees will vote on the proposed closure of two elementary schools during a special meeting set for 2 p.m. on Jan. 6. During the only item for action planned in the special meetings agenda, trustees will vote on whether to permanently close both Southview and Webster Niblock ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Wright cites strong working relationships with UCP caucus for promotion to chief whip
By ZOE MASON on January 3rd, 2026
zmason@medicinehatnews.com In a set of shakeups to the Alberta government cabinet and caucus leadership announced this week, Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright has taken on a new role as the chief government whip for the UCP caucus. The role of the chief government whip is to facilitate communications between members of the United Conservative Party, ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Schulz resigns, Wright named party whip and Hunter takes over environment
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 2nd, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com Premier Danielle Smith announced several changes to cabinet and caucus leadership on New Year’s Eve. Among changes announced Wednesday is a new role for Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright, who will become the Chief Government Whip for the United Conservative Caucus. The changes were announced following the resignation of Minister of Environment and Protected ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!MH Interpretive Program celebrating 40th anniversary in 2026
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on January 2nd, 2026
asmith@medicinehatnews.com Facing the new year and a 40th anniversary, the Medicine Hat Interpretive Program also reflects on its past and present. The program first began in 1982, which is also when the Nature Centre located in Police Point Park was first opened. While it is a long time partnership between the City of Medicine Hat ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Brooks residents will see slight increases in taxes in 2026
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 2nd, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com Brooks city councillors approved that city’s 2026 interim budget during its last public meeting in December, which includes an average tax increase for a homeowner of $15 per month in property taxes and utility rates. To maintain essential service and utilities council approved the 2026 Budget, which includes an average increase of $9.99 per ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Applications open for CFSEA’s annual Community Impact Award
By Medicine Hat News on January 2nd, 2026
The start of applications for the 2026 Community Impact Award is just around the corner, with organizations able to submit theirs starting Monday. This annual award “supports innovative, community-driven projects that strengthen communities, create lasting impact and enhance quality of life across southeastern Alberta,” said the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, which distributes the award ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!It’s Old News: Canada, U.S. agree to first trade agreement
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 2nd, 2026
On Jan. 2, 1988, the News reported that Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and U.S. President Ronald Reagan signed the first Canada-U.S. trade agreement. The deal signed on Jan. 2 went into effect the following January after both countries enacted the requisite legislation to implement it. The News is looking back at notable events from Medicine ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Big Marble rings in the New Year with family festival
By BRENDAN MILLER on January 2nd, 2026
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com Dozens of families gathered in the gymnasium at the Big Marble Go Centre to ring in the New Year with a balloon drop on Wednesday afternoon. The annual New Year’s Eve Fest was a huge success, according to organizers, attracting hundreds of families and children and offering several free activities including swimming, skating, fitness ... Read More »
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