Right in the centre - Finding the foundation

By Ken Waddell

Neepawa Banner & Press

Millions of words and tons of ink have been poured out decrying the state of visible minorities and poor people in Canada and the United States. That we still have minority and poverty issues in North America is both disappointing and discouraging, but it should not be surprising.

All the tragic events of the past days, years and decades show that while, in general, we have life pretty good, we have some disastrous gaps in our society.

We need to step back and push the reset button.

Read more: Right in the centre - Finding the foundation

Right in the centre - Normal better come soon

By Ken Waddell

Neepawa Banner & Press

In a news release on Monday, the Province of Manitoba issued its 99th advisory to Manitobans.

It said, “Public health officials advise no new cases of COVID-19 have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today (Monday June 1). The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba are, as of Wednesday, June 3, are 298.

The data also shows no individuals in hospital or intensive care, nine active cases and 282 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. The number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at seven. The total number of tests performed since early February is 445,923.”

The province, its health officials and staff have done a good job of keeping COVID-19 at bay. The early initial response was the correct one. But the time has come to evaluate and move on.

Read more: Right in the centre - Normal better come soon

Column like I see 'em - Watching from the sidelines for too long

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Banner & Press

Note: Protests related to the death of George Floyd continue to spread across the United States and Canada. In relation to what’s going on, Eoin Devereux requested an additional space within the pages of the Banner & Press to briefly discuss  the situation.

I don’t know what to do. From the relative safety of small town Canada, I’m watching, in real time, the United States of America crumble.

I don’t know how to stop feeling helpless. But honestly, what I’m feeling is likely a fraction of what African Americans feel, not just now, but on a constant basis.

Read more: Column like I see 'em - Watching from the sidelines for too long

Column like I see 'em - Selfishness disguised as freedom

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Banner & Press

There’s no reason to let a little global pandemic get in the way of your good time bro! That seemed to be the mindset of many people recently, as there appears to be an aggressive strain of stupid going around out there parallel to COVID-19.

Read more: Column like I see 'em - Selfishness disguised as freedom

Right in the centre - Rural is different and maybe better

By Ken Waddell

Neepawa Banner & Press

A recent study done by Totum Research for News Media Canada confirms that a universally applied strategy will not result in universal access to a message. In smaller markets across the prairies, media habits are different, particularly when it comes to readership of newspapers. Printed community newspapers are read by almost 80 per cent of those who live in prairie communities under 100,000 residents. It appears that the transition from print to online has not happened in rural areas like it has in urban markets.

Read more: Right in the centre - Rural is different and maybe better