Lacombe

Today marks the start of AgSmart 2025, the educational agriculture expo is now being held at Olds College.

The event falls under the direction of the Agri Trade Equipment Expo Group. Show Manager Tracy Gardner says this year's event is going to look a little different. 

Reproductive health advocates say the federal government's failure to commit to funding pharmacare in all provinces and territories is leaving people with a lot of uncertainty, and could create inequality across the country.

"It's really disappointing, honestly," said Liz Thompson, advocacy lead for Cover Contraception.

"It seems like they don't really know what they're going to do."

Alberta and the union representing thousands of provincial government employees say they have agreed to a new round of mediated bargaining.

Alberta Union of Provincial Employees president Guy Smith says the renewed talks are considered the final opportunity for getting a new deal for some 23,000 government workers after 18 months of bargaining.

Smith credits Finance Minister Nate Horner for stepping in to restart talks and recognizing the importance of continuing negotiations.

The pace of auto theft is dropping in Canada thanks to collective efforts to crack down on thieves, says an industry group focused on insurance fraud and crime.

Équité Association said in a report released Monday that the number of vehicles reported stolen nationally dropped 19.1 per cent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Just over 23,000 vehicles were reported stolen in the first six months of the year in Canada, the report said.

A man is facing several charges after Lacombe police found suspected drugs and a loaded firearm during a traffic stop over the weekend.

Police say the stop took place around 1:40 a.m. on July 27 at the intersection of 52nd Avenue and 51st Street, after officers observed a violation under the Traffic Safety Act.

While speaking with the driver, officers noticed suspected drugs on the vehicle’s centre console and signs consistent with drug use. The driver was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.

The move to accept Australian shipments comes as China conducts an anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola

Canada’s canola growers could soon be facing stiff competition in their top seed market.

Reuters is reporting that Australia is close to finalizing an agreement that will reopen the Chinese market to canola shipments from Down Under.

The world’s second-largest canola exporter has been shut out of the largest import market since 2020 due to phytosanitary requirements aimed at preventing the spread of blackleg disease.

This year’s show saw three clear days for attendees to see equipment, livestock and the latest in technology

Ag In Motion 2025 organizers are pleased with this year’s attendance.

"We’re very pleased with attendance, response from exhibitors and the overall tone of the show this year," said Rob O’Connor, Ag In Motion show director.

After years of anticipation, Penhold Waskasoo Middle School will officially open its doors on Sept. 3, welcoming students in Grades 4 through 8.

The new facility replaces Penhold Elementary and marks a significant milestone for the growing central Alberta community.

“There’s something powerful about opening a school in a community that's just been waiting for it,” said principal Lisa Baird. “It's not just about our classrooms and hallways—it's about building a home for learning and belonging.”

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of Central Alberta, including:

• Mountain View County near Sundre

• Mountain View County near Olds and Didsbury

Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms capable of producing strong wind gusts, damaging hail, and heavy rain.

Storms are forming over the southern Alberta foothills and are expected to move eastward through the afternoon and evening.

A potential referendum question on Alberta separating from Canada has been referred to a judge for confirmation that the question doesn't violate the Constitution.

The proposed question seeks a yes or no answer to whether people agree with Alberta becoming a sovereign country and ceasing to be a province in Canada.

Alberta's chief electoral officer says in a news release that provincial laws require potential referendum questions to respect more than 30 sections of the Constitution, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.