Calgary Citizen Newsletter Thursday Feb. 20

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Good morning !

It may be 2025, but many books still continue to face challenges and bans across North America, highlighting the ongoing need to protect the right to access diverse perspectives and ideas. With Freedom to Read Week starting Monday, the Calgary Public Library is highlighting the importance of intellectual freedom for Calgarians. Did you know that even in 2024, 97 books were challenged in Canada? That’s a stark reminder that censorship still exists and when books are removed from shelves, it deprives readers of the freedom to enjoy those voices and access to information without restriction.

The Library is celebrating Freedom to Read all month long beginning with the launch of Page, an animated video showcasing the importance of access to knowledge. Read our second story below to view some of the banned books and in the meantime, enjoy some reading over the weekend!

Krista

👀 In today's edition:

  • Carbon monoxide kills woman, child hospitalized

  • A man was shot and killed by police

  • Calgary ER patients stuck in cold

  • A glimpse of some banned books

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⛅️ Today: High 4C, Low -17C. See the 7-day forecast.

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A woman is dead, a child in hospital after carbon monoxide exposure tragedy

Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms often include headache, dizziness, weakness, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. // Shutterstock

Neighbours are reeling after a carbon monoxide poisoning call ended in tragedy Tuesday. Emergency responders were called to a residence in the 100 block of Shawmeadows Crescent SE on Tuesday about carbon monoxide concerns. Officials say the woman was unconscious and was taken to hospital where she later died, while the child was rushed to hospital in critical condition but is expected to survive.

As CTV News reports, neighbours identified the woman as a single mother to an approximately 12-year-old girl. They say the pair was friendly and often out walking their dogs and pet turtle.

CityNews reports that an investigation by ATCO and fire crews indicate the source of the carbon monoxide was a slow leak from the furnace.

According to Global News, it was the second carbon monoxide call that emergency responders have received recently, highlighting the importance of carbon monoxide detectors, especially in the winter.

Related Story

Need to know

🚓 A man has died after being shot by a police officer at a mobile home park in the city’s southeast.

🏥 A Calgary woman says she and other people seeking emergency care were stuck in the cold inside the hospital's ER.

😰 The 32-degree temperature change could be a nightmare for Calgary migraine sufferers.

🪧 Calgary school custodial workers have served strike notice after voting 94% in favour of walking off the job.

🚔️ A suspect implicated in a 2020 murder is now accused of committing manslaughter while out on bail.

🥶 February has been unusually cold but the incoming rapid increase of temperature may come with a downside.

💸 Calgary fire officials are warning of an ongoing scam offering fake furnace inspections.

😠 The Calgary Bluesfest blindsided by paving plans at former Millennium Park, organizers say.

🏢 A proposed tower development is sparking density concerns in southeast Calgary.

🚰 Calgary residents react to learning their neighbourhoods have had the most water main breaks in the city.

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A snapshot of five iconic book titles that are currently banned or challenged in Canada

Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom. // Freedom to Read

Even in a country as free as Canada, there are many book titles that have landed on the challenged or banned list, including some notable iconic treasures. Here is a snapshot of five banned titles. For the curious, you can get the full list from Freedom to Read.

Described as a dystopian horror, A Clockwork Orange by English writer Anthony Burgess, is also a work of exuberant invention which created a new language for its characters. 1962.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is among the first in major American literature to be written throughout in vernacular English, characterized by local colour regionalism. 1884.

The Handmaid’s Tale is a dystopian novel written by Canadian author Margaret Atwood and explores themes of women in subjugation and the various means by which they gain agency. 1985.

The wildly popular children’s book series depicting a magical world of witches and wizards called Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling also landed on the challenged books list. 1997.

In 1991, Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird was petitioned to be banned from school reading lists. 1960.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Vera's Burger Shack: Have you checked out this burger shack located in Northland Calgary yet? Delicious burgers and fries made to order… and don't forget to try the shakes!

🍴 Chronicle Coffee Roasters: Chronicle Coffee understands coffee as the new wine and travels to new destinations to create sustainable relationships. Committed to small-batch roasting, this boutique shop focuses on bringing out the best in every bean.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ Spruce Meadows February Classic: This Friday to Sunday, Spruce Meadows hosts the second show jumping event of the Winter Series – the February Classic II – indoors at the Spruce Meadows Equi-Plex. The event is free with free parking.

🎟️ Tasty, Low Salt Cooking February 27: Learn how to cook delicious dips and sauces with less salt in this FREE virtual cooking demo with Registered Dietitians from the South Health Campus Wellness Kitchen. Recipes included!*

*Sponsored Listing

Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

From our readers

One of our readers sent this stunning photo of a sun dog from Legacy in south Calgary. // Richard Maki

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We’ll see you back here on Tuesday, same time, same place!

Krista

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