Is this the result of pent up frustration over restrictions, or a culture of over consumption? As parents and community, it may be disappointing to see university students partying in the streets and gathering in huge numbers. And while we've learned to ease them into life behind the wheel, we do little to encourage responsible consumption.

Every once and awhile, my faith in social media can be restored with a post that stands out because of its kind and empathetic tone. And that happened this week with the story from a woman who lost her dog when she was hit by a car. This is the story of Elizabeth and her dog Emily.

The Fourth Estate is as much a part of our democracy as the politicians who run for office and make the laws that guide our lives. And when it comes to speaking truth to power, there's something to be said about being fair, balanced and respectful. And that's a perfect description of Steve Murphy.

After a spike in COVID-19 cases, Nova Scotia decided to hold off on moving into Phase 5 of reopening to coincide with a proof of vaccination policy. It was to give people time to get their shots if they hadn't already. And FOMO - fear of missing out - seems to be inspiring some people as we join other provinces with similar policies.

After 36 days and 610-million dollars, we now have almost exactly the same seat distribution in a minority House of Commons. And that had me wondering what the lessons are for the party leaders, and for voters.

It wasn't the size of the crowd of protesters that was the problem, but rather it was where they hose to protest that prompted Premier Tim Houston to release a statement on Friday evening. And he got it right when he called out the selfish, childish behaviour of these people throwing public temper tantrums and directing them towards the wrong people.

I'm okay with the "fan mail" as my co-worker Kate Walker describes it. These commentaries are a way for me to work through and make sense of what I'm seeing and hearing in the news and in the world around us. But there are times when divergent opinions in a pandemic don't hold any water.

A protest outside of a Halifax hospital this week came a day before the Health Authority announced surgeries and other procedures were being cancelled because of capacity issues. And there's also pressure on the system because of the spike in COVID cases among the unvaccinated. You're entitled to your own opinion, but not your own facts.

Nova Scotia has delayed the move into Phase 5 and the full removal of COVID restrictions. Outbreaks in several communities in the province have caused our case numbers to spike and Doctor Strang to pump the brakes on reopening. And most of the new cases involve the unvaccinated. I'm trying to be fair when I say this was the right decision because of some of the choices people are making in a pandemic.

With reports of community spread and cases in schools, COVID numbers in Nova Scotia are going the wrong way as we are looking at reopening and ending most public health measures. Nova Scotia is looking to enter Phase Five with 75 percent of the population fully vaccinated. We aren't there yet and we shouldn't be taking off our masks unless we want regressive, instead of progressive guidance.