Article content
Thursday marked the 24th day since Premier Jason Kenney took direct questions from the media, a period of time during which Alberta’s COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations have skyrocketed.
Thursday marked the 24th day since Premier Jason Kenney took direct questions from the media, a period of time during which Alberta’s COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations have skyrocketed.
On Wednesday night, the Premier appeared publicly for the first time since Aug. 9 to answer self-selected questions from Albertans on Facebook Live, saying his government is concerned about the surge in cases and suggesting his officials would hold a news conference this week.
“We have always looked at restrictions as a last and limited resort,” said Kenney. “If indeed we do see this wave jeopardizing the health-care system, we may have to take some very targeted actions.”
The Premier’s comments fed speculation that the UCP would announce renewed public health measures as early as Thursday, but following caucus and cabinet meetings the sole government announcement was that 70 per cent of eligible Albertans had received both doses of vaccine — a 0.1 per cent increase from Wednesday’s update.
The health-care system is already facing renewed pressure due to higher COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations. Surgeries have been delayed, patients have been transferred and some emergency room beds have been temporarily closed.
On Aug. 9, the day Kenney last held a news conference, the province reported 244 new cases of COVID-19 and 3,380 active cases. There were 129 Albertans in hospital, 26 of whom were in intensive care units.
On Thursday, Alberta reported 1,339 new cases of COVID-19 — the highest daily case count since mid-May and the second consecutive day new cases surpassed 1,300. There are currently 12,868 active cases in the province and 487 people in hospital, of which 114 are in intensive care.
The Opposition NDP and Alberta doctors have been critical of Kenney’s absence, and during Wednesday’s Facebook Live one person accused him of hiding by not holding a news conference, which Kenney rejected.
“I’m hiding in plain view,” he said, adding that he has been working out of his office at the McDougall Centre in Calgary this week after taking “a couple weeks of holiday.”
Dr. Deena Hinshaw, the province’s chief medical officer of health, hasn’t held a news conference since Aug. 13, when she announced a delay in plans to end routine COVID-19 testing and mandatory isolation. Those measures are set to end Sept. 27.
Health Minister Tyler Shandro last gave a media briefing July 28.
The government has defended the leaders’ absences by pointing to daily updates posted on Twitter by Hinshaw and her team.
Meanwhile on Thursday, Opposition NDP Leader Rachel Notley called for the government to introduce vaccine passports for Albertans to enter non-essential businesses and attend mass gatherings, saying the move will curb transmission and keep hospitals from being overwhelmed.
Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia and Quebec are phasing in or already have requirements for people to show a vaccine card, online image or smartphone verification for activities deemed non-essential such as visiting bars, restaurants, casinos and sports events.
“If we don’t act now, I fear we will reach a place where Albertans will be scrambling to catch up with the rest of the world, and our health care and economy will be needlessly injured in the process,” said Notley.
“No one wants to go back to restrictions. That’s why we’re proposing a better way.”
Kenney has repeatedly said the province will not mandate proof of immunization to access non-essential businesses and public spaces, arguing the measure would go against privacy laws.
But some private businesses and universities in Alberta have announced vaccine requirements, including the Edmonton Elks and the Edmonton Oilers and Rogers Place, or proof of negative testing.
Notley said she wants to see the government offer Albertans a scannable digital QR code by the end of September that would encourage vaccinations and lower the risk of public COVID-19 transmission.
Albertans can access their proof of vaccination records online. The government has also announced Albertans will soon be able to get a smaller paper proof-of-vaccination card.
During the Facebook Live, Kenney reiterated the importance of getting vaccinated and said the government is considering a “new and different” incentive to encourage people get people immunized.
Alberta lifted almost all health restrictions July 1, with officials saying it was time to stop treating COVID-19 as a crisis and instead manage it long term, which would free up health workers and resources for other health issues.
The province now leads Canada in per capita cases.
— With files from The Canadian Press and Anna Junker
Stay posted with 10/3, our Canadian affairs podcast featuring expert perspectives, wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to the latest episode:
|
|
|
|
Hallmark launching a streaming service with two new original series, and Bill Skarsgård out for revenge in “Boy Kills World” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.
Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Alex Garland’s “Civil War” starring Kirsten Dunst, Natasha Rothwell’s heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone” and Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts.
NEW MOVIES TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15
— Alex Garland’s “Civil War” is finally making its debut on MAX on Friday. The film stars Kirsten Dunst as a veteran photojournalist covering a violent war that’s divided America; She reluctantly allows an aspiring photographer, played by Cailee Spaeny, to tag along as she, an editor (Stephen McKinley Henderson) and a reporter (Wagner Moura) make the dangerous journey to Washington, D.C., to interview the president (Nick Offerman), a blustery, rising despot who has given himself a third term, taken to attacking his citizens and shut himself off from the press. In my review, I called it a bellowing and haunting experience; Smart and thought-provoking with great performances. It’s well worth a watch.
— Joey King stars in Netflix’s adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s “Uglies,” about a future society in which everyone is required to have beautifying cosmetic surgery at age 16. Streaming on Friday, McG directed the film, in which King’s character inadvertently finds herself in the midst of an uprising against the status quo. “Outer Banks” star Chase Stokes plays King’s best friend.
— Bill Skarsgård is out for revenge against the woman (Famke Janssen) who killed his family in “Boy Kills World,” coming to Hulu on Friday. Moritz Mohr directed the ultra-violent film, of which Variety critic Owen Gleiberman wrote: “It’s a depraved vision, yet I got caught up in its kick-ass revenge-horror pizzazz, its disreputable commitment to what it was doing.”
NEW MUSIC TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15
— The year was 2006. Snow Patrol, the Northern Irish-Scottish alternative rock band, released an album, “Eyes Open,” producing the biggest hit of their career: “Chasing Cars.” A lot has happened in the time since — three, soon to be four quality full-length albums, to be exact. On Friday, the band will release “The Forest Is the Path,” their first new album in seven years. Anthemic pop-rock is the name of the game across songs of love and loss, like “All,”“The Beginning” and “This Is the Sound Of Your Voice.”
— For fans of raucous guitar music, Jordan Peele’s 2022 sci-fi thriller, “NOPE,” provided a surprising, if tiny, thrill. One of the leads, Emerald “Em” Haywood portrayed by Keke Palmer, rocks a Jesus Lizard shirt. (Also featured through the film: Rage Against the Machine, Wipers, Mr Bungle, Butthole Surfers and Earth band shirts.) The Austin noise rock band are a less than obvious pick, having been signed to the legendary Touch and Go Records and having stopped releasing new albums in 1998. That changes on Friday the 13th, when “Rack” arrives. And for those curious: The Jesus Lizard’s intensity never went away.
— AP Music Writer Maria Sherman
NEW SHOWS TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15
— Hallmark launched a streaming service called Hallmark+ on Tuesday with two new original series, the scripted drama “The Chicken Sisters” and unscripted series “Celebrations with Lacey Chabert.” If you’re a Hallmark holiday movies fan, you know Chabert. She’s starred in more than 30 of their films and many are holiday themed. Off camera, Chabert has a passion for throwing parties and entertaining. In “Celebrations,” deserving people are surprised with a bash in their honor — planned with Chabert’s help. “The Chicken Sisters” stars Schuyler Fisk, Wendie Malick and Lea Thompson in a show about employees at rival chicken restaurants in a small town. The eight-episode series is based on a novel of the same name.
— Natasha Rothwell of “Insecure” and “The White Lotus” fame created and stars in a new heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone.” She plays Mel, a broke, go-along-to-get-along, single, airport employee who, after a near-death experience, makes the conscious decision to take risks and pursue her dreams. Rothwell has been working on the series for the past eight years and described it to The AP as “the most vulnerable piece of art I’ve ever put into the world.” Like Mel, Rothwell had to learn to bet on herself to make the show she wanted to make. “In the Venn diagram of me and Mel, there’s significant overlap,” said Rothwell. It premieres Friday on Hulu.
— Shailene Woodley, DeWanda Wise and Betty Gilpin star in a new drama for Starz called “Three Women,” about entrepreneur Sloane, homemaker Lina and student Maggie who are each stepping into their power and making life-changing decisions. They’re interviewed by a writer named Gia (Woodley.) The series is based on a 2019 best-selling book of the same name by Lisa Taddeo. “Three Women” premieres Friday on Starz.
— Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts Sunday on Paramount+. Stallone plays Dwight Manfredi, a mafia boss who was recently released from prison after serving 25 years. He’s sent to Tulsa to set up a new crime syndicate. The series is created by Taylor Sheridan of “Yellowstone” fame.
NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
— One thing about the title of Focus Entertainment’s Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 — you know exactly what you’re in for. You are Demetrian Titus, a genetically enhanced brute sent into battle against the Tyranids, an insectoid species with an insatiable craving for human flesh. You have a rocket-powered suit of armor and an arsenal of ridiculous weapons like the “Chainsword,” the “Thunderhammer” and the “Melta Rifle,” so what could go wrong? Besides the squishy single-player mode, there are cooperative missions and six-vs.-six free-for-alls. You can suit up now on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.
— Likewise, Wild Bastards isn’t exactly the kind of title that’s going to attract fans of, say, Animal Crossing. It’s another sci-fi shooter, but the protagonists are a gang of 13 varmints — aliens and androids included — who are on the run from the law. Each outlaw has a distinctive set of weapons and special powers: Sarge, for example, is a robot with horse genes, while Billy the Squid is … well, you get the idea. Australian studio Blue Manchu developed the 2019 cult hit Void Bastards, and this Wild-West-in-space spinoff has the same snarky humor and vibrant, neon-drenched cartoon look. Saddle up on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch or PC.
Former President Donald Trump is on the brink of a significant financial decision that could have far-reaching implications for both his personal wealth and the future of his fledgling social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). As the lockup period on his shares in TMTG, which owns Truth Social, nears its end, Trump could soon be free to sell his substantial stake in the company. However, the potential payday, which makes up a large portion of his net worth, comes with considerable risks for Trump and his supporters.
Trump’s stake in TMTG comprises nearly 59% of the company, amounting to 114,750,000 shares. As of now, this holding is valued at approximately $2.6 billion. These shares are currently under a lockup agreement, a common feature of initial public offerings (IPOs), designed to prevent company insiders from immediately selling their shares and potentially destabilizing the stock. The lockup, which began after TMTG’s merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), is set to expire on September 25, though it could end earlier if certain conditions are met.
Should Trump decide to sell his shares after the lockup expires, the market could respond in unpredictable ways. The sale of a substantial number of shares by a major stakeholder like Trump could flood the market, potentially driving down the stock price. Daniel Bradley, a finance professor at the University of South Florida, suggests that the market might react negatively to such a large sale, particularly if there aren’t enough buyers to absorb the supply. This could lead to a sharp decline in the stock’s value, impacting both Trump’s personal wealth and the company’s market standing.
Moreover, Trump’s involvement in Truth Social has been a key driver of investor interest. The platform, marketed as a free speech alternative to mainstream social media, has attracted a loyal user base largely due to Trump’s presence. If Trump were to sell his stake, it might signal a lack of confidence in the company, potentially shaking investor confidence and further depressing the stock price.
Trump’s decision is also influenced by his ongoing legal battles, which have already cost him over $100 million in legal fees. Selling his shares could provide a significant financial boost, helping him cover these mounting expenses. However, this move could also have political ramifications, especially as he continues his bid for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential race.
Trump Media’s success is closely tied to Trump’s political fortunes. The company’s stock has shown volatility in response to developments in the presidential race, with Trump’s chances of winning having a direct impact on the stock’s value. If Trump sells his stake, it could be interpreted as a lack of confidence in his own political future, potentially undermining both his campaign and the company’s prospects.
Truth Social, the flagship product of TMTG, has faced challenges in generating traffic and advertising revenue, especially compared to established social media giants like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Despite this, the company’s valuation has remained high, fueled by investor speculation on Trump’s political future. If Trump remains in the race and manages to secure the presidency, the value of his shares could increase. Conversely, any missteps on the campaign trail could have the opposite effect, further destabilizing the stock.
As the lockup period comes to an end, Trump faces a critical decision that could shape the future of both his personal finances and Truth Social. Whether he chooses to hold onto his shares or cash out, the outcome will likely have significant consequences for the company, its investors, and Trump’s political aspirations.
Tobacco giants would pay out $32.5B to provinces, smokers in ‘historic’ proposed deal
Here are the key numbers in the deal proposed by three tobacco giants
RCMP say girl’s death in Alberta lake could be criminal
Canadanewsmedia news October 18, 2024: Testy B.C. election campaign reaches final day
Scientists show how sperm and egg come together like a key in a lock
Advocates urge Ontario to change funding for breast prostheses, ostomy supplies
US to probe Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving’ system after pedestrian killed in low visibility conditions
Elon Musk holds his first solo event in support of Trump in the Philadelphia suburbs