In pictures: Fifty years of Folk Fest By: Photography by the Winnipeg Free Press Posted: 1:00 PM CDT Thursday, Jul. 10, 2025 Last Modified: 12:28 PM CDT Friday, Jul. 11, 2025

Winnipeg biz owners encouraged to fly the Maple Leaf

A Winnipeg city councillor says business owners should fly the Maple Leaf to bolster Canadian pride as the country fends off a trade assault from the U.S.

“It’s all about being patriotic and showing that we are all on the same page and are unified in our efforts as we negotiate trade with the United States,” said Markus Chambers.

The St. Norbert - Seine River representative launched “Operation Naked Flag Pole” Wednesday.

“I’m seeing flag poles in our downtown area, but they’re not covered with Canadian flags,” he said. “They’re sitting empty. They’re naked. So let’s get them dressed with the Canadian flag.”

E-scooters can be the future — if done right

The summer of 2026 has been the season that e-scooters and e-bikes transitioned from something advocates were predicting would be a big deal to an obvious reality to everyday Manitobans.

The conditions have been right for an uptick — we’re in the midst of an affordability crisis in which more and more people are looking for alternatives to driving. As demand has soared, availability has moved beyond mostly European exports to incredibly cheap options being available on dubious sales platforms such as Temu.

If you’ve been passed by a zooming e-bike or nearly run off the sidewalk by an e-scooter, you’re probably saying “the city ought to have some rules about this!”

Municipalities have been requesting that the province update the Highway Traffic Act for years so that micromobility options, such as e-scooters, can be regulated under bylaws. Provincial legislation that would prohibit riding on sidewalks, set age limits, restrict speed and require helmet use was passed on June 1, but has not yet been proclaimed. This has created the “Wild West” environment we’re in now.

Today’s horoscope

MOON ALERT: Caution! Wait until after 2:30 p.m. today to shop or make important decisions. The lunar eclipse in Pisces takes place at 11:18 p.m.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Even though there’s some strong energy with the full moon, you can hustle and get a lot done! Don’t go against authority figures. Keep to yourself. Someone younger might help you. Stay busy and you’ll be pleased with the results.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Man who tried to kill pregnant woman pleads guilty

A 21-year-old man has pleaded guilty to attempted murder for cutting a pregnant woman’s throat and repeatedly stabbing her during a home invasion in Erickson in 2023.