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Daily Calgary Apr 17 - Apr 17, 2026

Calgary’s Hit-and-Run Mysteries, Growing Gambling Scene & Celebrating Kidney Donations — Your Friday Rundown

22 articles 1 month ago 174

🚗 Roads & Weather

  1. Evanston hit-and-run leaves family seeking answers. A northwest Calgary family is reeling after a motorist crashed into their home while they slept, sending them on a quest to find the hit-and-run driver. They saw the collision on their security video and are asking the community for help. This incident raises questions about local road safety and community vigilance.

⚖️ Crime & Safety

  1. Targeted shooting brings police response. Early Friday morning saw a man shot in southeast Calgary, with police investigating it as a targeted attack. Thankfully, they don't believe there is wider public danger. It underscores the ongoing issue of urban violence and safety in our neighborhoods.

💼 Business & Economy

  1. Private sports betting set to hit Alberta. Get ready for a betting bonanza! Major players like DraftKings are gearing up to enter Alberta’s iGaming market this summer, promising a wave of online gambling opportunities. What does this mean for local businesses and the economy? Stay tuned for exciting developments!

  2. SAIT layoffs signal post-secondary struggles. The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology is cutting more than 30 jobs as it grapples with declining international enrollment and strict provincial funding caps. This raises concerns about the future of vocational education in Alberta, especially as the demand for skilled workers grows.

🎉 Feel-Good Stories

  1. A sister's love shines through 50 years of kidney donation. Beverly Sharp-Samograd is celebrating half a century of life after her sister donated her kidney, transforming her health and future. This heartwarming story highlights the strength and love that family ties can bring.

🌿 Community & Culture

  1. FARRM sanctuary seeks support for new barn. The Farm Animal Rescue and Rehoming Movement needs help funding a new barn to continue its important work with animals in need. Founded 13 years ago, it’s a community haven that reminds us of the importance of compassion for our furry friends.

🏥 Health

  1. Canada’s emissions reduction progress stalls. Ottawa’s latest report shows a 0.3% drop in greenhouse gas emissions, much slower than needed. It raises concerns about our commitment to climate action and what steps can be taken moving forward.

🌍 General News

  1. Electoral boundary redraw raises concerns. As Alberta gears up for an electoral overhaul, timing becomes a challenge for Elections Alberta. With the next vote slated for October 2027, many are questioning how this will impact local representation.

  2. Calgarians divided on Mayor Farkas. A recent poll indicates that while 44% of Calgarians appreciate Mayor Jeromy Farkas, many remain unsure. This snapshot reflects the city’s sentiments as it navigates through new policies and changes.

  3. Oil prices plummet after Strait of Hormuz opens. A significant 13% drop in oil prices has left markets buzzing, as Iran announces an open Strait of Hormuz. What does this mean for our economy? Only time will tell as we monitor the situation.

  4. Sexual assault charges against spiritual leaders paused. Controversial news as sexual assault charges against an Alberta spiritual leader and his wife have been stayed, raising eyebrows about the legal proceedings and community responses.

  5. Search continues for missing 82-year-old woman. It’s been over ten days since Diane Cooper and her beloved dog went missing, and search efforts are ramping up across Saskatchewan. Missing persons cases touch everyone’s hearts, reminding us to keep an eye on the vulnerable in our midst.

  6. Young fan’s dream comes true at Flames game. Kade Heisler had a whirlwind experience meeting his hockey idol, thanks to the Calgary Flames goalie. This delightful moment inspires us all to chase our dreams, no matter how big or small!

So there you have it, folks! From heartwarming kidney donations to thrilling sports betting opportunities, Calgary’s Friday news promises to keep you informed and entertained while you sip your morning coffee.

Source Articles (23)

Alberta wants to set aside commission report, strike MLA committee to look at 91-seat legislature

Alberta's UCP government wants to take another run at redrawing provincial riding boundaries, proposing to strike a new committee of MLAs to consider increasing the number of seats in the house by four.

General Apr 17, 2026

From political rump to anti-separatism powerhouse: Inside a politico's bid to transform the Alberta Liberals

Veteran operative Stephen Carter wants to change the small party into a big referendum advertiser. He may change its name, too.

General Apr 17, 2026

Charter at a turning point as it turns 44

Canada's Justice Minister Sean Fraser says he has significant concerns with the way the provinces are overriding Charter rights by invoking the notwithstanding clause, and he's prepared to establish guardrails around its use as the document turns 44.

General Apr 17, 2026

SAIT cutting more than 30 positions, citing declining enrolment

SAIT is cutting dozens of positions, according to an internal email obtained by CBC News. The educational institution told the CBC in a statement the cuts are due to lower enrolment and shifts in government policy regarding international students.

General Apr 17, 2026
‘He turns size into motivation’: Calgary Flames goalie inspires young fan to dream big

‘He turns size into motivation’: Calgary Flames goalie inspires young fan to dream big

'It was just a really cool moment,' said 10-year-old Kade Heisler. 'I've never been to an NHL practice before.'

Canada Apr 17, 2026
Oilers confident they’ll be serious contenders

Oilers confident they’ll be serious contenders

The Edmonton Oilers will start their pursuit of a third consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup final at home on Monday and this time the Ducks are on the menu.

Sports Apr 17, 2026

Sexual assault charges stayed against Alberta spiritual leader, wife

Sexual assault charges against a self-styled spiritual leader and his wife in the Edmonton area have been stayed.

General Apr 17, 2026

Oil falls by 13% after Iran declares Strait of Hormuz open

Oil prices plunged by about 11 per cent on Friday, extending earlier losses, after Iran's foreign minister said that passage for all commercial vessels through the ‌Strait of Hormuz was open for the remaining ceasefire period.

General Apr 17, 2026

75K queued for Moraine Lake and Lake Louise shuttle reservations this week

Parks Canada saw massive demand when it released the first batch of summer shuttle reservations this week for Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in Banff National Park. By the end of opening day, roughly 40,000 bookings were made.

General Apr 17, 2026

Alberta commits to restore power line with Montana to capacity, potentially easing trade tension

Alberta has mandated a goal to restore the Montana-Alberta intertie to full capacity, whenever reasonable, potentially providing some relief to a trade irritant cited by U.S. President Donald Trump’s top trade representative last year.

General Apr 17, 2026
Redraw of electoral boundaries would present challenging timeline: Elections Alberta

Redraw of electoral boundaries would present challenging timeline: Elections Alberta

The new review will be overseen by a UCP-majority committee of MLAs and would leave Elections Alberta with about one year before the next election if the deadline is met.

Politics Apr 17, 2026
Alberta woman marks 50 years with sister’s donated kidney: ‘I’ve been very lucky’

Alberta woman marks 50 years with sister’s donated kidney: ‘I’ve been very lucky’

Beverly Sharp-Samograd received a kidney from her sister more than 50 years ago, which the Alberta woman says saved her life and allowed her to live it to the fullest.

Health Apr 17, 2026
Canada’s emissions reductions slowed in 2024, federal data shows

Canada’s emissions reductions slowed in 2024, federal data shows

A new report from the federal government says an increase in greenhouse gas emissions from the oil and gas industry in 2024 offset decreases in several other industries.

Environment Apr 17, 2026
Poll shows 44% of Calgarians feel positive about Mayor Farkas while many remain unsure

Poll shows 44% of Calgarians feel positive about Mayor Farkas while many remain unsure

According to the poll, 44 per cent of respondents feel positive about Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas, while 40 per cent say they don't know enough yet to form an opinion.

Canada Apr 17, 2026
Calgary police believe victim of early Friday morning shooting was targeted

Calgary police believe victim of early Friday morning shooting was targeted

Calgary police are investigating a shooting in the city's southeast that sent a man to hospital in life-threatening condition.

Crime Apr 17, 2026
SAIT layoffs highlight funding challenges at Alberta post-secondary schools

SAIT layoffs highlight funding challenges at Alberta post-secondary schools

A decision by the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology to lay off 30 employees is highlighting the funding challenges faced by post-secondary institutions across Alberta.

Education Apr 17, 2026
Alberta’s FARRM animal sanctuary fundraising for new barn

Alberta’s FARRM animal sanctuary fundraising for new barn

The Farm Animal Rescue and Rehoming Movement (FARRM) is busier than ever and has plans to expand, but needs help reaching their goal of building a new barn.

Features Apr 17, 2026
Baby dead, toddler missing in rural Brazeau County house fire

Baby dead, toddler missing in rural Brazeau County house fire

Breton RCMP said a woman and two children were able to successfully get out of the house but, two other children —an infant and a toddler — were still inside.

Fire Apr 17, 2026
Search underway for Alberta woman, 82, lost in Saskatchewan with her dog

Search underway for Alberta woman, 82, lost in Saskatchewan with her dog

Diane Cooper, and her Dalmatian, Halo, have been missing for more than 10 days. The 82-year-old Alberta woman is believed to have driven into Saskatchewan earlier this month.

Canada Apr 17, 2026
Elgersma turns focus to Bombers after U.S. pursuit

Elgersma turns focus to Bombers after U.S. pursuit

Taylor Elgersma doesn't view coming to the CFL and signing with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers this week as a consolation prize. 

Sports Apr 17, 2026
Northwest Calgary family seeks answers after motorist crashes into home, drives away

Northwest Calgary family seeks answers after motorist crashes into home, drives away

Neil and Sherri Sponagle say they were asleep when the crash occurred on Wednesday night.

Crime Apr 17, 2026
Online gambling in Alberta to grow as private sports betting allowed in

Online gambling in Alberta to grow as private sports betting allowed in

Two major players in the online sports gambling industry are moving to enter the Alberta market as the province prepares to open iGaming to private operators this summer.

Consumer Apr 17, 2026
Most homes at risk of flooding on Manitoba First Nation still need protection: Kinew

Most homes at risk of flooding on Manitoba First Nation still need protection: Kinew

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says about a quarter of the homes at risk of flooding on Peguis First Nation are being protected so far

Weather Apr 17, 2026