Jacksons, jubilation & jets

The National Post previews the events likely to make headlines in the week ahead.

1 LEGAL THRILLER

The $40-billion wrongful death claim by the mother of Michael Jackson against the concert promoter AEG Live goes before a jury on Monday. Katherine Jackson alleges the company was negligent in hiring dr. Conrad Murray, since convicted of involuntary manslaughter, who cared for the late King of Pop as he prepared for a comeback tour. He died in 2009 of cardiac arrest brought on by powerful depressant drugs.

2 HIGH WATER

The annual flood crest on the red river is likely to pass through Winnipeg next week, although indications are that it will not be as high as in previous years, especially 2011 when some roads were closed for more than a month. Further upstream, Fargo, Nd, has lowered its prediction of how high the water will get, although some of Winnipeg’s riverside parks remain closed as a precaution.

3 LONG LIVE THE KONING

The Netherlands will welcome a new monarch Tuesday when Queen Beatrix will formally abdicate and her son Willem-Alexander, 46, will be enthroned as the first king since the late 19th century. He and his Argentine wife Princess (soon to be Queen) Maxima, have a reputation for the high life and are ardent supporters of water management around the world. They have three daughters aged 6 to 9, so the next mon - arch is almost certain to be a queen.

4 SOLIDARITY

Wednesday is May day, or International Worker’s day, the great socialist day of protest and celebration. Events include a “free food garden” in front of the Ontario legislature and marches around the country. For workers, the festivities will help take the edge off of Tuesday, which is the last day to file 2012 income tax and benefit return and pay any balance owing.

5 PULL UP!

Amid fears that the F-35 fighter jet is about to be doomed by rising costs and cancelled orders, including Canada’s, aerospace giant Lockheed Martin hosts an online “webinar” to promote the plane’s “unmatched stealth and agility to protect Canada’s borders,” and its “full interoperability with allies for a more secure world.” Part of a wider publicity blitz, the presentation will feature Billie Flynn, a veteran fighter pilot and husband of astronaut Julie Payette.