Good morning!
Train of thought: We begin the day choo-choo-choosing (for all you Simpsons fans) to highlight a story about a rail-line relocation plan that’s clearly running out of steam. FP reporter Kristin Annable writes that the new Tory government could put the brakes on a planned task force — headed by former Quebec premier Jean Charest — responsible for examining the relocation of Winnipeg rail lines. Premier Brian Pallister said Tuesday the $400,000 project may have been promised by the former NDP government but then added this kick in the caboose: “The (Selinger) government has approved a lot of stuff that they shouldn’t have.” READ MORE
Your forecast: Here at Head Start headquarters, the glass is always half-full. So, we’re shrugging off a suggestion by Environment Canada that there’s a 40 per cent chance of rain showers this morning in Winnipeg. Instead, we’re focusing on the likelihood of a partly sunny day and a high of 24 C, while looking ahead to a pair of terrific days to round out the work week. Expect a hot, windy Thursday and a high of 30 C, while Friday’s daytime high is expected to hit 31 C under a bright, blue sky.
In case you missed it
MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESSRCMP officers at the scene where human remains were found Monday evening in the Red River north of Selkirk.
Grisly discovery: An East Selkirk couple out testing their personal water craft on the Red River on Monday evening discovered human remains near the end of their dock. RCMP investigators spent much of the day at the scene Tuesday. Information on whether the deceased was male or female hasn’t been released. READ MORE
Supportive housing: The big demand for personal care home beds in Manitoba could be lightened if more supportive housing beds were created for seniors. A new report by the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy says as many as 10 per cent of nursing home residents could be cared for in a less institutionalized setting. Supportive housing offers a refuge for people who are no longer able to live on their own, even with home care, but who do not need the intensive 24-hour services of a personal care home. READ MORE
Zimmer passes away: Former Liberal Senator Rod Zimmer, who battled esophageal cancer and bouts of pneumonia, died late Monday night in Ottawa. Zimmer, who spent many years living and working in Winnipeg, was 73. READ MORE
Up next
Trevor Hagan/Winnipeg Free Press filesIn this 2010 pre-season game against the Montreal Alouettes, Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ quarterback Steven Jyles scrambles during the first half. The Bombers won the game 34-10.
Bombers’ game day: The Winnipeg Blue Bombers finally get to bash heads with someone other than themselves. On the 11th day of training camp, the CFL club plays host to the Montreal Alouettes tonight in a preseason matchup at Investors Group Field. Game time is 7 p.m. READ MORE
Demonstrating for a deal: Unionized Canadian government workers gather on the front steps of a federal building at 290 Broadway today to raise awareness about their dissatisfaction with the Trudeau government’s commitment to collective bargaining. The “Day of Action” starts at 12:10 p.m.
Around the water cooler
PHOTOS BY JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESSForest tent caterpillars invade Winnipeg’s west end Monday.
No more spraying: Forest tent caterpillars continue to cover trees and crawl up homes and buildings in Winnipeg, but the city’s spring spraying program is over. A press release from the insect control branch said the majority of caterpillars “have stopped feeding, thereby rendering any further spraying ineffective. Get ready for an influx of moths in July. READ MORE
Drive to save drive-in: Film fans in Morden have saved the community’s drive-in theatre, raising about $50,000 for a new digital projection format. In all, the new equipment cost about $85,000 but the group of families that owns the Stardust Drive-In covered the rest. The drive-in reopened on the May long weekend with a triple feature that included The Jungle Book. READ MORE
Emotional return: Residents of three of Fort McMurray’s most badly damaged neighbourhoods are expected to get a look at their homes — or what’s left of them — today. People whose homes were destroyed by wildfires in May will be allowed back, but they’ll have to be escorted by a disaster response unit. Those whose homes are still standing can return to check on their properties and grab belongings, but they won’t be able to stay. READ MORE
Trending now
KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILESNigerian soccer player and coach Stephen Keshi, known as “Big Boss” because of his charismatic leadership, has died. He was 54.
Stephen Keshi: One of the soccer world’s most recognizeable figures, former Nigerian player and coach Stephen Keshi, 54, died of a suspected heart attack early Wednesday morning. READ MORE
#NationalBestFriendsDay: Yep, today is the unofficial holiday celebrating the bond between best friends. Who founded the day is anyone’s guess but who cares. It’s an excuse to hang out with true friends who’ve seen you at your best — and worst.
On this date
On June 8, 1998: The Winnipeg Free Press reported that Winnipeg teachers could earn extra days off by working on extracurricular activities. Winnipeg environmentalists were pleased the province had doubled its funding to combat Dutch elm disease to $1.38 million. The Winnipeg International Children’s Festival set an attendance record for the event, reaching 20,000 people.
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