Mild Thursday — live music, tech stories, and a new Market spot

Morning. It's a proper mild one out there — 15°C, mostly cloudy, and you won't need the heavy jacket. Sunset's at 6:44, so you've got a decent window if you're thinking outdoor plans after work.

Commute-wise, nothing major flagged this morning. The usual flow.

Couple of things worth knowing. City staff have been keeping tight-lipped about Bluesfest fireworks plans — emails are showing folks were asked to stay quiet about a surprise element. Interesting behind-the-scenes stuff. On the tech side, Ottawa's drone manufacturers are flexing at GCXpo right now, showcasing defence work; the Robotics Centre alone is running 10,000 units a month. Also worth noting: local firm Trellis just spun up a U.S. operation to dodge the tariff and trade uncertainty headwind. Smart move for a lot of folks watching what's coming.

If you're a Senators watcher, defence is getting thin before the opener — Jake Sanderson and Artem Zub are both sidelined. That's a hit.

On the food front, there's actual movement. Nutty Greek Bake Shop on Preston is closing after 15 years; Ek Bar, the Toronto restaurateur's only Ottawa spot, is wrapping up by month-end. But Ruby's just opened in the ByWard Market if you're after elegant small plates and a real wine program. Worth a look. And if you haven't heard, Ottawa chef Yannick La Salle just advanced to the 2027 Canadian Culinary Championship — local talent punching up.

Tonight's got legs if you're out. Cirque du Soleil's *Luzia* is running at St Laurent Shopping Centre at 7:00 — that's the acrobatics and spectacle you'd expect. If live music is more your speed, Faber Drive and Living Room For Small are at Overflow Brewing at 7:30, or the Supersuckers are at The 27 Club at the same time. The Festival of Small Halls kicks off at Ontario Small Halls at 8:00 if you want something more intimate. Plenty of options and the weather's mild enough for a walk between spots.

One more thing on the civic side: Algonquin artists have designed benches for the Sherbourne LRT station rooted in Indigenous teachings. Worth checking out when you're next that way.

Have a solid Thursday.