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Good morning Edmonton, Happy Friday!
What a week it has been. The Oilers ended the regular season in style last night and playoff hockey at Rogers Place starts this weekend. In between the excitement there are two stories in today's issue that genuinely deserve your attention, one about the future of your public library and one about your dental coverage. Let's get into all of it. 💛
🏒 The Oilers Crushed Vancouver 6 to 1. Playoffs Start Saturday. Game 1 is Monday at Rogers Place.
What a way to end the regular season.
Edmonton dominated the last place Canucks 6 to 1 Thursday night, finishing second in the Pacific Division and securing home ice advantage for the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs
The playoffs get underway Saturday across the league and the Oilers host Game 1 on Monday April 20 at Rogers Place against either the LA Kings or Anaheim Ducks
Leon Draisaitl is expected to return during the first round after missing the end of the regular season with an injury. Connor McDavid wrapped up his sixth NHL scoring title with 134 points
Oil Country, it is time. Are you watching Game 1 from the couch or heading out somewhere?
📚 Edmonton's Public Library CEO Says Alberta's New Book Law Is Simply Censorship
The head of the Edmonton Public Library is not mincing words about Bill 28.
EPL CEO Pilar Martinez told Taproot Edmonton that the proposed provincial legislation, which would require parental consent for anyone under 16 to borrow books deemed to contain graphic sexual content and restrict where those materials can be displayed, is outright censorship
The Coalition of Alberta Public Libraries has launched a campaign urging Albertans to contact Premier Danielle Smith, Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams and their own MLAs to oppose the bill
Martinez pointed out that parents already have full control over what their children borrow when they sign up for a library card, and that the books the province named as examples are award winning literary works, not pornography
"Public libraries have something to offend everybody in their collection," Martinez said. "And that means we're doing a good job."
This one deserves your voice, Edmonton. Do you think the province should have the power to restrict what your public library can display?
🚨 Edmonton Hate Crimes Are Down. But the Ones That Are Happening Are Getting More Violent.
The numbers went the wrong way in one important direction.
Edmonton Police recorded 60 total hate crimes in 2025, down from 83 the year before. But more than 73 percent of those crimes were violent, compared to no more than 37 percent in each of the previous three years
The 2SLGBTQIA+ community remained the most targeted group. The Black, Arab and South Asian communities also saw increases, which police linked to rising online rhetoric targeting newcomers to Canada
EPS told the police commission Thursday that online platforms present real challenges. Charges can be laid but police cannot control what social media companies choose to leave up
The police commission passed a motion Thursday asking EPS to work with community advisory groups on the question of whether certain communities are under reporting hate crimes out of distrust.
What would make you more likely to report a hate incident to police?
🦷 If You Are on the Canadian Dental Care Plan, You Have Until June 1 to Renew. Here Is What You Need to Know.
This is the first time the Canadian Dental Care Plan has ever had a renewal cycle, and millions of Canadians may not realise they need to take action.
Over 6.3 million Canadians are enrolled in the plan, which covers people without private dental insurance and with a household income under $90,000. The plan saves eligible members an average of $900 a year
Renewals opened April 15 and close June 1, 2026. Members who miss the deadline will face a gap in coverage and any dental work done during that gap will not be reimbursed retroactively
To renew, you need to have filed your 2025 taxes and received your Notice of Assessment from the CRA. Renewal can be done online or by phone at canada.ca/dental
Health Minister Marjorie Michel is making a further announcement about the plan today at 1:30 PM Eastern. We will keep an eye on what comes out of that and share any important updates in tomorrow's issue.
Is your dental coverage up to date? If you are enrolled, today is a great day to check.
🌍 Israel and Lebanon Are Holding Their First Direct Talks in Decades. Here Is Why It Matters.
A significant diplomatic moment is unfolding today.
President Trump announced Thursday that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon will hold direct talks today, the first time the two countries have engaged at that level in decades. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to speak with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun
The talks are part of a broader push to extend the fragile US-Iran ceasefire, which expires April 22. Iran has been pushing for a Lebanon ceasefire as part of any wider peace deal
The International Energy Agency warned Thursday that Europe has roughly six weeks of jet fuel remaining at current supply levels, and that the longer the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted, the worse the economic pain will be for the entire world including Canada
Every step toward peace in the region is a step toward lower oil prices and relief at the pump for Albertans. The federal gas tax cut arrives Monday April 20. Whether that relief holds depends heavily on what happens in the days ahead.
Edmonton local Weather
Day⬇2° lower than historical avg, ⬇1° lower than historical avg.
🌤️ Edmonton Weather - Friday April 17th
Friday is shaping up to be the best day of the week. A high of 6°C with only a 5 percent chance of snow. By Saturday the city hits 10°C and Sunday climbs toward 13°C with just a chance of rain. Spring is finally arriving just in time for playoff weekend. Get outside today if you can.
Feature My Business
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Joke of the Day
Why did the Edmonton gardener plant a light bulb?
He wanted to grow a "power" plant!
📅 Events Happening This Week in Edmonton
Friday, April 17
🎸 Said the Whale (20th Anniversary Tour) 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 17 · ⏰ 7:30 PM · 📍 The Starlite Room
Canadian indie rock legends celebrate two decades of music with a special anniversary show.🎭 Stage Struck! 2026 Opens 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 17–18 · ⏰ 7:30 PM · 📍 Workshop West Playwrights' Theatre (10447 81 Ave NW)
Six new one-act plays by Edmonton writers compete for a spot at the Alberta Drama Festival.🎻 Balourdet Quartet 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 17 · ⏰ 7:30 PM · 📍 All Saints' Anglican Cathedral
Edmonton Chamber Music Society presents this acclaimed string quartet known for fresh perspectives on classics and modern compositions.🎬 Edmonton Tattoo & Arts Festival Opens 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 17–19 · ⏰ 11 AM–11 PM · 📍 Edmonton Expo Centre
Three-day festival featuring fire shows, a bad tattoo contest, live art, and ink from internationally recognized artists.🎬 Ukrainian Film Festival Opens 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 17–19 · ⏰ Various times · 📍 Metro Cinema
Critically acclaimed Ukrainian cinema including 2000 Meters to Andriivka (documentary) and The Editorial Office (comedy-drama).🎤 Killers of Kill Tony with David Lucas 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 17 · ⏰ 7 PM · 📍 Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Podcast meet-up comedy special featuring David Lucas.🚜 Duane Steele Country Acoustic Concert 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 17 · ⏰ 7 PM (Doors) / 8–10 PM (Show) · 📍 Daysland Palace Theatre
Award-winning singer-songwriter brings country acoustic vibes to Daysland.🎸 Drive Inn, Mojo, Live A Life at The Rec Room 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 17 · ⏰ 8 PM · 📍 The Rec Room (South Edmonton Common)
Electrifying night of live music featuring three local bands.Saturday, April 18
🎨 Art Battle Edmonton 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18 · ⏰ 7:30 PM · 📍 Pure Casino Yellowhead (Edmonton)
Local artists compete live on canvas for cash prizes while you sip, snack, and cheer.🍕 4.20 Pizza Rave 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18 · ⏰ 8 PM–1 AM · 📍 Seitan's (11219 Jasper Ave)
All-you-can-eat pizza by the slice + 5 hours of nonstop grooves from local DJ legends. Pure vibes.🎡 Spruce Grove Spring Carnival 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18 · ⏰ All day · 📍 Spruce Grove (Grain Elevator Park)
Fair rides, delicious food, and fun for the whole family while raising funds for the iconic Grain Elevator.🎠 Carnival at Riverview Crossing 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18 · ⏰ 10 AM–10 PM · 📍 Riverview Crossing (176 St & 137 Ave)
Almost 50 attractions including rides, games, and all your favourite fair foods. Kick-off of fair season!🍌 Despicable Me – Cineplex Family Favourites 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18 · ⏰ 10 AM · 📍 Cineplex Theatres (Citywide)
Affordable family morning at the movies. No cleanup required, just big screen fun.🧡 The Lorax – Reel Family Cinema 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18 · ⏰ 11 AM · 📍 Metro Cinema (8712 109 St NW)
Old-fashioned joy of a family matinee. FREE admission for all kids ages 12 and under.🧭 Play Rangers: FREE Drop-In Outdoor Adventures 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18 · ⏰ 10 AM–2 PM · 📍 Whitemud Park & Northeast River Valley Park
FREE outdoor fun: orienteering, geocaching, and adventures with program leaders.🍪 Highland School Culinary Arts Cook-Off: The Cookie-Off 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18 · ⏰ 11 AM–3 PM · 📍 Highlands School (11810 100 Ave NW)
Local chefs, home bakers, and students compete. Sample cookies, vote, enjoy face painting, prizes, and an auction.🛍️ Wholly Handmade Market (Day 1) 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18 · ⏰ 10 AM–5 PM · 📍 401 Festival Lane (Sherwood Park)
40+ local makers, artisans, and small businesses. Perfect for unique spring gifts.🌾 Fort Saskatchewan Chamber Spring Farmers’ Market (Opening Day) 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18 · ⏰ 10 AM–4 PM · 📍 Fort Saskatchewan (2nd St & 50 Ave)
Kick-off of the 2024 market season. Shop local, support regional vendors.🍻 Edmonton BeerFest 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18–19 · ⏰ 2 PM–10 PM · 📍 Edmonton Convention Centre
Edmonton's biggest and longest-running beer festival. 19th year. 100+ beers, ciders, and spirits.
🗳️ THIS OR THAT
Playoff season is officially here and Game 1 is Monday night at Rogers Place. So we have to ask. 🏒
Watching Game 1 from your couch;- snacks ready, jersey on, full control of the remote.
OR
Watching at a sports bar;- the crowd, the energy, the collective groans and celebrations with strangers who feel like family when the Oilers score.
Where are you watching Game 1? Drop your answer in the comments! 👇