US State passes law requiring half of advertising dollars be spent with community news outlets
Posted inNews Out-of-Town News

US State passes law requiring half of advertising dollars be spent with community news outlets

Maryland has passed groundbreaking legislation requiring state agencies to allocate 50 percent of their advertising budgets to eligible local news outlets, becoming the first state to implement such a policy. This bipartisan measure aims to boost the struggling local news sector, promote community journalism, and enhance transparency in government advertising spending.
Volunteering helps build multiple career tools
Posted inNews Out-of-Town News

Volunteering helps build multiple career tools

Keara Higgins, a local volunteer and secretary at the Garden of the Gulf Museum in Montague, PEI, advocates for increased youth involvement in volunteering. Despite declining participation, she emphasizes the benefits of networking, skill development, and community connections. Volunteering offers valuable experience and fosters personal achievements, particularly in the arts sector.
Lloydminster RCMP issue public safety reminder on dangers of replica firearms
Posted inAlberta News News Out-of-Town News

Lloydminster RCMP issue public safety reminder on dangers of replica firearms

Between April 14 to 22, 2026, Lloydminster RCMP responded to multiple complaints involving youths with firearms, including airsoft guns. Police seized a bead gun and emphasized the dangers and legal ramifications of replica firearms. They urge parents to discuss the risks and keep such items out of public spaces to avoid dangerous situations.
Tourism org warns new tourism taxes and separation talk costing Alberta hundreds of millions
Posted inAlberta News News Out-of-Town News

Tourism org warns new tourism taxes and separation talk costing Alberta hundreds of millions

Political uncertainty and new taxes threaten Alberta's tourism industry, with potential losses of $164 million in visitor spending and 813 jobs at risk, according to the Tourism Industry Association of Alberta. Despite this, the provincial government claims ongoing growth in tourism, attributing it to upcoming high-profile events and promotion efforts.
Alberta’s ‘irrational optimists’ face restaurant industry reset
Posted inAlberta News News Out-of-Town News

Alberta’s ‘irrational optimists’ face restaurant industry reset

UCP member Eric Bouchard highlighted the importance of supporting independent Alberta restaurants during a legislative discussion. He warned that their closure impacts community character and personality. The industry faces significant challenges, including rising costs and competition, especially post-COVID-19. Despite Alberta's sales growth, many businesses struggle to survive.
Amery hosts rural roundtable on MAID concerns
Posted inAlberta News News Out-of-Town News

Amery hosts rural roundtable on MAID concerns

Minister of Justice Mickey Amery discussed Bill 18, the Safeguards for Last Resort Termination of Life Act, which aims to regulate Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) for Albertans, especially those with mental illness. The bill restricts MAID eligibility and prohibits advance requests, coercion, and referrals outside Alberta while requiring training for providers.
Teenagers ditch smartphones for flip phones in brain-scan study
Posted inAlberta News News Out-of-Town News

Teenagers ditch smartphones for flip phones in brain-scan study

Calgary high school student Jarrett Gross initiated a flip phone study to address smartphone addiction among peers. Involving seven participants, including friends and family, the study aims to examine psychological effects through brain scans. Preliminary observations indicate that reduced smartphone use may enhance mindfulness and sensory perception, sparking interest in further research.
Sovereignty or Stewardship? The $28.7M Rift Dividing the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations
Posted inAlberta News News Out-of-Town News

Sovereignty or Stewardship? The $28.7M Rift Dividing the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations

Indigenous Services Canada has mandated the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations to repay $28.7 million for “ineligible and unsupported” expenses. Amid a KPMG audit, FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron defends the spending as justified for urgent pandemic needs, while Chief Mark Arcand criticizes FSIN for a lack of transparency and accountability.
Advocate says light at end of tunnel for rural service issues
Posted inAlberta News News Out-of-Town News

Advocate says light at end of tunnel for rural service issues

Jackie Northey presented to the Town of Bashaw council, highlighting improvements in rural service delivery through a collaborative model. She emphasized overcoming fragmentation, particularly in healthcare access, and pointed out that Bashaw's integrated system allows residents to access multiple services seamlessly. Positive feedback indicates potential for broader adoption across Alberta and Canada.