HAL'S HEADLINES: Safety concerns closing Osborne coffee shop

The Starbucks in Osborne Village is closing temporarily on Monday over worries about safety. The chain says its employees at that location will be able to transfer to nearby stores. It's not the first time we've seen a business make a move like this as a last resort when dealing with crime and related issues. In fact, according to a survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, over half of its members in Manitoba have been directly or indirectly impacted by crime. No other province has a rate that high. Callers, texters and emailers to my radio show on Friday pointed to a church in the area which offers help to the homeless and addicts. They believe the church brings problematic people to the area who might not normally be there. I'm not sure I buy that. I think River and Osborne is simply a busy corner where all people gather. The CFIB's SeoRhin Yoo hopes government can offer more help for her members as they struggle with a variety of challenges including the safety of their workers and customers. But we're all struggling with crime and I'm not sure there's any one answer. As University of Winnipeg urban studies professor Jino Distasio said on CJOB, we've got to get on it. I'd love to hear your thoughts in an email to Hal@HalAnderson.ca.

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FREE ART VALUATION

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If you weren't lucky enough to get your painting valued at Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq this week, you can still email the expert who was in town for the event on Wednesday. Send Rob Cowley, president and co-founder of Cowley Abbott in Toronto, a photo of your art with some details and he'll get back to you with what he thinks it's worth. The address is RSVP@CowleyAbbott.ca. By the way, Cowley Abbott is auctioning off 14 WAG artworks at the end of the month to benefit the gallery's Legacy Fund with The Winnipeg Foundation.    

RIVER CITY SOUND CONCERT

If you're an Acappella fan, there's a concert you should be at next weekend at Prairie Spirit United Church. River City Sound Chorus will hold its annual spring event on Saturday, May 11th at 2:30 p.m. at 207 Thompson Drive. Tickets are $25 through Eventbrite or at the door. Kids 12 years old and younger get in free. As always with River City, a charity will get a donation. This time it's Willow Place, a shelter from family violence and abuse.

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DULL DEVICES ARE COOL

The Boring Phone is a new flip phone that has almost no features. It's aimed at younger people who want to ditch their smartphone in favour of a dumbphone. The collaboration, between Heineken beer and fashion retailer Bodega, caused quite a storm when it was unveiled at Milan design week. It all started last year with the hashtag #BringBackFlipPhones. Gen Z is the only generation whose time on social media has fallen since 2021.

MYSTERY TRAVEL TREND

Some big travel companies, like Lufthansa, are trying something new for people who want their vacation to be more exciting. These people are paying thousands of dollars to go on a trip without knowing their destination. Alexandra Kaoukji at Scandinavian Airlines says there's a desire to make travel an adventure again.

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DELAY

People ignore their vehicle's check engine light for four months before doing something about it. A Pep Boys survey of 2,000 car owners found 20% wait between six and 18 months. 39% are likely to hold off until an incident before taking their auto to a mechanic.  

— Hal has written columns for years. He's also the host of Connecting Winnipeg weekday mornings from 10 to noon on 680 CJOB. You can email him at Hal@HalAnderson.ca.

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