1. Big-picture housing news: Canada saw 259,028 housing starts in 2025 (up from 245,367 in 2024) and Alberta alone began 53,000 homes — a 14% jump from 46,000 — meaning the province produced nearly a quarter of national starts despite under 12% of the population, says Housing Minister Jason Nixon; experts warn we still need ~430,000–480,000 units a year to restore affordability.
2. Police alert about break-ins: Calgary police are probing several Dec. 5–13, 2025 break-and-enters where thieves smashed sliding doors and stole high‑end jewelry and accessories; suspects drove a grey/silver 2024–25 Toyota Sienna XSE and anyone with tips should call 403‑266‑1234 or Crime Stoppers.
3. Recall petition update: Elections Alberta closed the first recall file after Jenny Yeremiy’s petition against MLA Demetrios Nicolaides gathered 6,519 signatures — about 40% of the 16,000 needed — and won’t verify further; 25 other petitions remain active, with the next deadline Feb. 3 for Angela Pitt.
4. Teachers say classrooms are breaking point: A survey of 5,700 Alberta teachers and leaders finds over 90% feel stressed and pessimistic, reporting burnout, rising student aggression and feeling “disrespected” after the government used the notwithstanding clause to end last year’s strike; the ATA calls schools in crisis.
5. Butterdome facelift: The U of A will renovate the 40‑year‑old Universiade Pavilion starting this spring to fix leaks, add windows, solar panels and a new west entrance, with a green/gold exterior inspired by campus colors; work (backed by a $27‑million provincial grant) aims to finish fall 2027.
6. Cute and important: Penguin walk returns: The Calgary Zoo held its first penguin walk of 2026 (the 14th year) with king penguins aged 2–27 choosing to waddle outside; walks usually run Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. when temps are between 5°C and −25°C and winds are under 20 km/h.
7. Former justice ministers speak out: Nearly 30 lawyers, including ex‑ministers Ken Rostad and Verlyn Olson, condemned UCP actions — four uses of the notwithstanding clause, retroactive rules on a separation referendum, and efforts to shield justice ministers — saying it risks democratic checks and balances; Justice Minister Mickey Amery defends the government’s moves.
8. How goalies became goalies: A light, human piece profiles NHL netminders like Connor Hellebuyck, Joseph Woll, Juuse Saros and Dustin Wolf, sharing childhood stories — bruises, big pads and a love for the crease — and reminding readers why goaltending is such a unique hockey role (published Jan. 21, 2026).
9. Edmonton opens extreme weather response: As forecasts dip (wind chill to −30°C), Edmonton activated its extreme weather plan from 9 a.m. (Jan. 21) through Jan. 28, opening extra shelter spaces, warming centres and shuttles to help people reach emergency shelters.
10. Tsuut’ina Nation murder charge: Tsuut’ina police charged 40‑year‑old Amanda Audrey Nicole Crane with second‑degree murder after a 29‑year‑old Nation member was found dead inside a Wintergreen Road home on Jan. 5; Crane was arrested in Calgary and is due in Cochrane court Jan. 27.
11. China trade opening for canola and beef: Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald says a Chinese importer ordered 60,000 tonnes of Canadian canola seed and the first Canadian beef shipment will go next week after tariff reductions and Beijing lifting a beef ban; tariffs on canola seed fall on March 1, and premiers had mixed reactions.
12. Skier triggers avalanche near Lake Louise: Parks Canada reports a skier at ~2,450 m triggered a Size‑2 deep persistent slab avalanche on the “Vortex,” was buried to the waist but uninjured; authorities remind backcountry users to carry skills and rescue gear and check daily avalanche reports.
13. Devils hold leads, beat Oilers 2–1: In Edmonton the New Jersey Devils won 2–1 (Arseny Gritsyuk and Cody Glass each had a goal and an assist), goalie Jake Allen made 22 saves and the team extended its mark to 17‑0‑0 when leading after 40 minutes; Connor McDavid was held pointless and Matthew Savoie scored for Edmonton.