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The referendum continues to dominate the news cycle, and today's main story is no exception. We promise not to harp on about it all summer, but with an independent economic analysis now being commissioned and the October vote inching closer, it's hard to look away.

On a lighter note, we've got two restaurants this week with almost identical names — purely a coincidence — plus two free ways to spend the weekend.

👀 In today's edition:

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With the October 19 referendum on Alberta's future in Canada now confirmed, the provincial government is commissioning an independent analysis of the potential economic impacts of separation.

The University of Calgary's School of Public Policy has been selected to conduct the analysis, which will examine the estimated transition costs, economic impacts, potential savings, and risks that could result if Alberta pursued secession. The report is expected to be released in late summer, giving Albertans time to read and consider the findings before heading to the polls.

An expert advisory panel has also been appointed to provide input throughout the process, led by economist Dr. Jack Mintz. Other panel members include:

While the panel will offer feedback, the School of Public Policy retains full and independent control over the final report.

"Albertans deserve clear and credible information on the potential impacts of separation," said Jason Nixon, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance. "This is a huge decision that will impact our kids and grandkids long into the future, and we cannot approach it lightly."

As a reminder, the referendum will include ten questions, each on its own colour-coded ballot, with the separation question — Question 10 — handed out and counted first. To vote, you must be a Canadian citizen, ordinarily resident in Alberta, and at least 18 years old.

🌳 Calgary's Branching Out program doubled its tree giveaway to 10,000 trees this year as the city works toward increasing its tree canopy from 10 per cent to 16 per cent by 2060.

🚇 More than 60,000 parcels near Calgary's LRT and BRT stations will be downzoned to low-density residential on August 4, with no replacement framework yet in place.

🐻 Four grizzly bears have been killed through Alberta's Wildlife Management Responder Network since 2024, all connected to livestock predation near Pincher Creek, where grizzly density is among the highest in the province.

⚖️ A fatality inquiry has made 12 recommendations after a 50-year-old Airdrie man died in RCMP custody in 2019, having been mistaken for being drunk while actually suffering a stroke.

🦽 As Alberta's new disability assistance program prepares to replace AISH on July 1, many recipients are expressing fear over reduced supports and uncertainty about what comes next.

🗳️ CBC News attended both separatist and pro-Canada events this week, finding both sides accuse each other of spreading misinformation — with pensions, passports, and economic benefits among the most disputed claims.

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Monster Jam is rolling into Calgary's GMC Stadium for a three-day run from September 11 to 13, with 12,000-pound trucks, world-class drivers, and gravity-defying stunts on the schedule.

The weekend features three competitions — racing, two-wheel skills, and freestyle — with fans scoring drivers in real time to help crown the event champion. Freestyle is the highlight for many, where drivers push their trucks to the limit with backflips, vertical two-wheel tricks, and big air jumps that seem to defy the laws of physics.

The truck lineup includes crowd favourites like Grave Digger, driven by Weston Anderson, and El Toro Loco, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and driven by MJ Solorio. Also on the roster are Sparkle Smash, Earth Shaker, ThunderROARus, Jurassic Attack, and Velociraptor. New to Calgary is Bailey Circuit, a Monster Jam truck inspired by a robotic dog, driven by Brianna Mahon — built, according to the organizers, to chase thrills and fetch fun.

Friday's event kicks off at 7:00 p.m., while Saturday and Sunday shows start at 3:00 p.m. On both weekend days, the Monster Jam Pit Party runs from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., offering fans a chance to meet drivers, get autographs, and get an up-close look at how the trucks are built to withstand the competition.

🍴 Streats: A Calgary original since 2017, Streats draws inspiration from street food flavours around the world, cooking almost everything in-house and made to order. The menu is built around sustainability — fully recyclable packaging, Ocean Wise-approved seafood — and a regular food drive that sends donations directly to people in need.

🍴 The Street Eatery: A lively spot known for Korean fried chicken, wild milkshakes, and plant-based options, The Street Eatery brings global street food flavours to a fun, contemporary setting.

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

🎟️ Farmers and Makers Market at cSPACE Marda Loop: A free weekly Saturday market running through October at cSPACE in Marda Loop, featuring over 50 local farms, food artisans, craft vendors, and food trucks, with live music throughout.

🎟️ Bridgeland-Riverside Farmers Market: A free weekly Thursday evening market running June 18 through October 1 at the Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association, with over 30 vendors, food trucks, a kids play area, and live music from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

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

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