Goodnight Moon arrives at Telus Spark

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Last week, we asked how you felt about Calgary's election results, and most of you were happy to see change at city hall. One reader bluntly put it: "Anyone is better than Gondek." While some expressed concerns about having so many rookie councillors, the majority seemed ready to turn the page. A few weren't thrilled—one worried the new mayor would cause more problems—but overall, readers seemed cautiously optimistic about the next four years.

👀 In today's edition:

• Province changes workplace policies for employees

• Education strike enters third week

• Costumed pups celebrate Halloween in style

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QUICK POLL

Goodnight Moon arrives at Telus Spark

I remember my mum reading Goodnight Moon to my brother and me when we were kids—the rhythm of saying goodnight to everything in that great green room before bed. So it caught my attention when I heard that Telus Spark is bringing the beloved bedtime story to life in an immersive digital experience starting November 5th. Visitors can step inside that famous room in a 3,000-square-foot space and interact with the iconic elements from Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd's 1947 classic—the quiet old lady whispering "hush," the cow jumping over the moon, and the rest.

The immersive exhibition doesn't just lean on nostalgia, though. It weaves in science education by exploring what actually helps us get a good night's sleep, all while staying true to the gentle magic of the original story. Developed with Supply and Demand and licensed through HarperCollins Publishers and the Margaret Wise Brown Estate, it's Spark's signature blend of interactive storytelling and learning.

"This experience brings the wonder of a classic story into the modern age," said Pamela Todd, Spark's Vice President of Brand, Marketing and Communications. "Goodnight Moon invites guests to rediscover curiosity and comfort — and learn about the science behind a good night's sleep." The Digital Immersion Gallery exhibition runs through February 2026 and is included with general admission or free for Spark members.

Need to know

🐕 Hundreds of Calgarians and their costumed dogs attended the fifth annual Pup Crawl in Kensington, which has grown from a small business event to include over 35 local companies and now features donations for Parachutes for Pets.

🏫 Calgary's seven incoming public school trustees said the board could immediately hire more teachers and find space for additional classrooms if the province increases per-student funding, with some suggesting non-traditional locations as options.

💊 A Calgary man faces charges after border officials seized nearly 77 kilograms of cocaine worth $7 million from his commercial truck at the Coutts crossing as he attempted to enter Canada from the United States in September.

💻 Alberta's technology minister aims to attract $100 billion in data centre investments over five years despite concerns about electricity grid capacity and water usage, with Red Deer County approving the province's latest facility proposal.

🏢 Alberta government employees will return to full-time office work starting in February as the province ends its hybrid policy that allowed nearly 12,600 workers to work from home up to two days per week since 2022.

📋 Hundreds of protesters canvassed Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides' Calgary riding on Saturday supporting a recall petition that needs over 16,000 signatures as the province-wide teachers' strike entered its third week.

📚 Calgary startup Tutred saw registration spike during the teachers' strike by offering instant tutor connections through an AI assistant that handles administrative tasks and creates personalized study plans for students.

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Raegan First Rider crowned 2026 Stampede First Nations Princess

The 2025 Calgary Stampede might not feel that far behind us, but preparations are already underway for next summer's Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. The Stampede announced this week that Raegan First Rider, a 19-year-old Jingle Dress dancer from Kainai Nation, has been selected as the 2026 Calgary Stampede First Nations Princess following a competition that tested cultural knowledge, traditional dance, public speaking, and interview skills.

First Rider, whose Blackfoot name Isspitapoyi means Stands Tall, will serve as an ambassador for both the Stampede and her community throughout 2026. She's studying to become an elementary teacher and says she was inspired by her parents' advice to "liyika'kimaat"—try hard—every day. "I feel every emotion right now," First Rider said after being crowned. "I feel overjoyed, I feel proud – I don't think there's a word for it. This means the world to me."

The First Nations Princess program has been running for 60 years, providing a platform for young women from Treaty 7 First Nations to share their culture on a global stage. "As an ambassador for the Calgary Stampede, this prestigious role highlights the integral relationship between the Stampede and the Treaty 7 First Nations," said Erin Shirley, Chair of the First Nations Events Committee. First Rider will attend hundreds of events throughout her reign from January 1st to December 31st, 2026, alongside the Calgary Stampede Princess, who will be crowned later this week.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Seniore's Pizza: Try Calgary's iconic donair pizza—a uniquely Canadian creation featuring donair meat and sweet sauce—alongside specialty options like butter chicken and chicken pesto at this popular late-night spot known for generous slices and family meal deals.

🍴 Tool Shed Brewing Company: Discover craft beer engineered with precision at this Calgary brewery that started in a backyard tool shed in 2012, founded by a former IT specialist who successfully lobbied to change Alberta's liquor laws and launch the province's craft beer revolution.

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

Things to do

🎟️ Ghost Tours in Okotoks: Discover the hidden history and haunted tales of downtown Okotoks during these annual walking tours led by the local museum and historical society, running three nights from October 28-30 with each tour lasting approximately 60-75 minutes.

🎟️ Unsettled Fright Nights at Heritage Park: Brave this intense scare experience as historic Settlement buildings transform into terrifying scenes with actors lurking around every corner during standalone horror evenings recommended for ages 12 and up, running select nights through November 1st.

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

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