Gee, I wonder what story I’ll find this morning in the headlines…
Seriously though, it’s not every day (thankfully) that a gunman takes people hostage in the city.
It appears from the conversation with the CBC that the guy wanted some attention for his case. I’m not saying a one-man protest at the Alberta Legislature is going to garner the community’s attention, but there are clearly better, safer, non-dangerous, non-stupid ways of getting attention.
It does mean it’s time to seriously consider why the Workers’ Compensation Board is an office people with guns show up to. And to look at what could change with the WCB to, you know, keep their employees from wearing Kevlar vests.
I’m not just talking about more security and metal detectors either, but something systemic. There are plenty of people commenting on the news stories, and speaking out, about understanding the man’s position. That kind of empathy doesn’t come from a place where everything works out perfectly.
My editorial ranting done, let’s get into the news of the day.
WCB hostage-taking ends peacefully
Schools under vigilant watch as flu season hits earlier
Edmonton census may go ahead despite $1.9M cost
Air carrier sues authority over City Centre closure (The legal fight over the City Centre Airport is on. Read the statement of claim here. H/T @davidamaclean)
Weird weather leaves trees wanting (Leaves. Get it?)
St. Albert pond won’t receive fish pesticide this year
Alberta’s economy to rebound, grow by 3.1% in 2010: Scotiabank
Residents, businesses, may be paid to move into tough neighbourhoods (The news here, for me, was that I live in a tough neighbourhood. “Forget it, Jeff. It’s Cupcaketown.”)
Alberta to begin swine flu vaccinations
Alberta anti-vaccine tour concerns disease experts
Ex-Official warns of power price roller coaster
“Go change the world” (Bias note: I wrote this take on ChangeCamp.)
Can Smith define the Wildrose before others do?
Know when to walk away (Is Alberta really the third largest gaming community in North America?)
George W. Bush on the defensive
Wildrose Alliance: A Wildrose by any other name
Mordecai Briember: Can we talk? (Canwest sues, he speaks at North of Nowhere Expo.)
That’s a lot of stuff to read. But I know you want to know what’s going on.
