August 18 Edmonton Headlines
Good morning, Edmonton. Let’s ignore that slight chill in the air and keep our minds focused on summer. Though, we can hear the gears grinding to life over at the Long John Index.
Edmonton’s streets have been safer this year (so far).
Building housing and neighbourhoods around LRT stations would go a long way toward densifying communities within the Henday’s boundaries, and increase transit usage. The City just has to get it right this time. (Though, to be fair, Clareview isn’t that bad.)
Edmonton’s got a little star power involved in the Boyle Renassaince project. Not sure yet if that means a higher contract price, but it could be worth the camera appeal that Mike Holmes will bring to affordable housing and the revitalization project.
Some days I have to take a deep breath before diving into the crime stories to see if there’s anything that speaks to trends, and information that might add more value to the Edmonton conversation. Most days it just seems like “…journalists believe that the world gets better if you remind people that the world is broken every day.”
We’re a terrible city – Crime can be frightening, but put it into context, tell people what they can do about, offer solutions.
Murder at the Max – an inmate at the Edmonton Institution (a prison at northeast city limits) is dead after a fight. Nobody’s been charged with murder, but it sounds like the headline writer here knows it’s coming.
“Axe Attack” – Maybe.
Knives, shanks, and slashing throats with paper – I like to think this story is about how a crackdown on knives, and concealed weapons, cannot be the only measure taken to combat violent crime in Edmonton. (Prevention of crime, and the causes of crime – like homelessness, drugs, and gangs – are way more important. And court sentences are something the federal government may be asked to look at.) Though, I could be wrong and that story could just be about knives.
Are all the bleeding leads done? Good. (more…)
Take yourself out to the ballgame
Just because the Edmonton Capitals had to find a new manager doesn’t mean they don’t still deserve our support.
The whole team isn’t prone to homophobic outbursts, and they’re doing pretty well in this year’s Golden Baseball League sesason. So head down to Telus Field and let the players know you still like what they do.
You can also tell the team, and management, that you’re looking for more diversity training. Perhaps come up with some kind of rallying chant for that.
And speaking of the Edmonton Capitals, you can bring your dog to the game this Sunday, to support the Edmonton Humane Society. Yes you can bring your actual dog, this isn’t some odd reference to hot dogs.
A smattering of Canada Day
Here’s a few things we got up to on Canada’s birthday.
FIREWORKS!
Did you find a nice spot in the river valley to watch the fireworks? Maybe you saw them down in Mill Woods?
Watching dogs run and jump through an obstacle course as part of the Canada Day celebrations at the Alberta Legislature.
Sometimes they slipped and flipped off course. But in a cute way.
And, of course, what’s a holiday without reduced transit service to pack the trains and buses?
Transit boss #3: "I'm telling you guys, nobody will use ETS on a holiday full of big events."
