We made it, you guys! It’s Friday in the Forest City and, if the world did end, at least we couldn’t tell, what with all the construction and such. I drove up Wellington near the mall today and survived, so maybe Canada’s London is nearly finished. We live in hope. And clouds of dust.
And this is London, Ontario, the city that didn’t invite you to the meeting after the meeting but was quite nice about you, actually. Welcome to London Ontario Online News, where every glorious Friday I do this free local news ROUNDUP to keep you in the know.
Overwhelmed by news? Fried by life? Irritated that bacon comes in that packaging, like some cruel universal balance that nobody deserves?
Don’t worry - I’ve got you. Read this every week and you’ll make sense at the watercooler on Monday1. Because, by virtue of caring at all, you’re the leadership in our community and it’s in everyone’s interest for me to brief you. I’m the comms guy and you’re the executives, you see. The babbling of nonsense comes at no additional cost.
Let’s go.
Soundtrack of the week
Shall we have some motivation for the weekend? I have some family time planned and this song, something of a signature here at Castle Donnachaidh, always fills me with joy. Get stompin’.
Now let’s get cracking with some news shares. I already covered a lot of it earlier, and it’s a quiet week in many ways, despite various crimes, crashes and conflagrations, so this won’t take too long.
Remember this is, oddly, not designed to be read in full. Just skim it if you like. There’s no exam. So thanks for paying attention to important community matters, such as…
Municipal issues
What’s popping at City Hall? Well, you know that’s a lot, because of my CITY HALL NOTES post earlier today.
Here’s more podcast discussion from Blackburn Media’s Craig Needles, whose panel touches on transit, the election, and dogs in hot cars. Two days earlier, he took a special look at the mayor’s race, and Ward 4 candidate Tom Cull joined him for this episode.
And on Monday, Jack Moulton of the London Free Press had this excellent analysis piece about the City Hall race.
Interlude: Wanders in Old North
That’s all you get. Lovely brick buildings round there.
Let’s keep going, by the issues:
Housing…
The London Free Press had something about buyers preferring new houses.
Education…
A new education director has been announced for Thames Valley District School Board. Kevin Auckland will take over when Bill Tucker retires. LFP and CBC.
And healthcare
Those are some big numbers at LHSC, where their most senior staffer revealed some earnings info to the Free Press. link
The Lightning round
Get struck! Bring back basketball and, for now, here are some stories you might look at:
We start in historic Woodfield for a story that will touch your hearts. Firefighters resuscitate two cats after fire.
I see British comedian Jimmy Carr’s coming to town2. Here’s a good piece about him, from Cracked, of all places. Have a nice evening and all that.
CTV has 12 photos of the new London Knights dressing room here, and it looks awfully swish.
Delightful LFP story here from Ryan Goodison. It’s a new edition of the book London Street Names, which is very readable indeed3.
Weather: it’s tornado time
Let’s not forget there was some notable weather t’other day, here in bracing London. Here’s some Global News video with tales of the wildness, including people counting the rings on a felled tree to find out it was 160 years old. And here’s a story and pix from CTV London.
And, you might try nine interesting minutes with tornado expert Dr. David Stills, who joined Mike Stubbs on afternoon radio.
Everyone loves a weather story until they’re in one. Sending good vibes to the folks affected.
Meet the locals
Before we’re done, please remember these independent storytellers in your area4:
City guy: Cedric Richards’ Southwestern Ontario Journal.
Video blog: Steve Cordes’ Community Matters.
Discussion: Matt Brown’s podcast.
Reflection: Larry Cornies’ audio blog.
Culture: The Beat Magazine and TheatreInLondon.ca.
Business: London Inc.
Sports: Gameday London.
Enough
That was a bit of a tornado, eh? And - yes - look at those clouds over there. I can see more storms coming, starting with CAPS on Monday and continuing forever and ever until we all just say “to hell with it” and go to the pub. Hey, isn’t that an idea?
Happy weekend. Keep your hand upon your wages.
- Mike
This is not a guarantee. Your hangover is your problem.
He’ll tell slightly nasty jokes at Canada Life Place in October. The British Prime Minister once described Mr. Carr’s tax payment strategy as “morally wrong”.
I have a copy of this book and recommend it.