Calgary Daily Digest — Jan 23, 2026

Lights, camera — Calgary’s film scene keeps booming. MovieMaker Magazine ranked Calgary the 4th best North American city for filmmakers (ahead of Vancouver at 6th, behind Toronto at 1st), noting generous tax incentives (Alberta Film and Television Tax Credit: 22–30%) and grants like the Alberta Made Production Grant (covers 25% of eligible costs up to $125,000); Edmonton also made the list at 22nd and indie success stories like Kyle Edward Ball’s $15,000 Skinamarink (which earned $2 million) were highlighted.

Big legal challenge targets Alberta separation petition. The Siksika, Piikani and Blood Nations filed for judicial review in the Court of King’s Bench in Edmonton (filed Wednesday), asking the Citizen’s Petition/Initiative Acts be declared unconstitutional for failing to consult First Nations and for conflicting with sections 92 and 96 of the Constitution — they want the petition declared null and void and costs reimbursed; note a previous Dec. ruling by Justice Colin Feasby found an earlier question unconstitutional before the province moved to limit court review.

Beloved Edworthy Park cafe told to move on short notice. Angel’s Cafe, open 28 years, got a Friday notice to vacate within 30 days (must tear down by Feb. 22) so the city can fast‑track replacement of the Bearspaw feeder main after a second rupture; the project was accelerated (completion now targeted by December rather than 2028), will use microtunnelling from Shaganappi Pump Station to 73 St. NW, and contractors Ward & Burke Microtunnelling Ltd. and Graham Construction have been hired — the owner, Cathy Jacobs, says employees’ livelihoods are at risk.

U.S. official stirs talk of Alberta independence. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Real America’s Voice in Davos Alberta’s oil makes it “a natural partner for the U.S.” and suggested some Albertans want sovereignty; federal Minister François‑Philippe Champagne and Premier Danielle Smith pushed back, and the independence drive still needs about 177,000 signatures by May 2 (with 10% from eligible voters in the last provincial election).

Accused associate of alleged drug lord faces bail hearing. Allistair Chapman, 33, arrested last year in an FBI probe of alleged drug boss Ryan Wedding, is in custody and has a two‑day bail hearing set for Feb. 4–5; Chapman faces charges including conspiracy to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to retaliate against a witness, and an extradition hearing to the U.S. has not yet been scheduled (Wedding surrendered at the U.S. embassy in Mexico City).

Care home battling mice and droppings — staff and families alarmed. Covenant Health says it’s hiring new pest control at the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre after reports (flagged months ago by NDP critic Sarah Hoffman) of mice and droppings in resident rooms; the downtown centre houses nearly 500 people and Health Canada warns droppings can carry hantavirus, prompting calls for better protections and faster action.

Penguins jump on Oilers in wild early burst. In Edmonton on Jan. 23, 2026 the Pittsburgh Penguins raced to a 3–0 lead in 37 seconds (third‑fastest three goals in franchise history) and beat the Oilers 6–2 — Anthony Mantha had two goals, Sidney Crosby added his 27th and extended a five‑game points streak, Arturs Silovs made 29 saves, and the Pens improved to 25‑14‑11 with a three‑game win streak.