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Free Press Head Start for May 26, 2026

Good morning.

Critics are again taking aim at a private blood plasma collection company, calling it out for using financial incentives, rewards and bonuses to lure new donors through the doors. Tyler Searle has the story.

Fort Richmond neighbourhood families are calling for better school communication and sun protection practices after children suffered burns Friday during an emergency-prompted day of outdoor learning. Maggie Macintosh reports.

— David Fuller

 

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Your forecast

Mainly sunny. Wind becoming east at 20 km/h gusting to 40 this morning. High 27 C. UV index 7 or high.

Today’s must-read

After several tumultuous months at the helm of Winnipeg’s largest homeless shelter, Siloam Mission’s chief executive officer is stepping down.

The move to part ways with Sonia Prevost-Derbecker comes as part of a “six-month organizational support plan and leadership transition” in response to challenges facing the charitable sector across Canada, a Monday news release said.

“This is a critical period of transition for Siloam,” board chair Tracey Silagy said in the release. “Like many charities across Canada, we are navigating rising costs, declining donations, increasing service demand, and an extremely challenging fundraising environment. The board has made the decision to move forward with focused organizational support efforts to ensure Siloam remains strong, sustainable, and able to serve the community for years to come.” Scott Billeck has the story.

Siloam Mission (Mikaela MacKenzie / Free Press files)

Siloam Mission (Mikaela MacKenzie / Free Press files)

On the bright side

More than 70 people gathered inside the Investors Group Athletic Centre early Monday to celebrate a monumental day for Manitoba Bisons basketball.

John Loewen, a post player for the Herd from 1968-73, has donated $1 million towards the men’s hoops program to help support key initiatives for the next decade.

After his playing career, Loewen went on to become an MLA and a prominent businessman who founded Payworks.

“My time at the University of Manitoba was very formative in everything that happened afterwards,” Loewen told the Free Press on Monday. Taylor Allen has more here.

Former Bison John Loewen (centre) poses with the current men’s basketball team in a ceremony celebrating his $1 million donation to the program at the U of M. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Free Press)

Former Bison John Loewen (centre) poses with the current men’s basketball team in a ceremony celebrating his $1 million donation to the program at the U of M. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Free Press)

On this date

On May 27, 1956: The Winnipeg Free Press reported the British royal family faced public criticism over their spending habits while the chancellor of the exchequer Harold McMillan told a Consevative party rally that an increase in wages for workers would be “disastrous.” Winnipeg’s civic finance committee turned down a proposal that the city buy the Canadian Pacific Railway’s Winnipeg Beach line bcause the railway wanted nearly $1 million for it.

Today’s front page

Get the full story: Read today’s e-edition of the Free Press.

 
 

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Savour Manitoba Spring issue cover featuring colourful mixed drinks on a table.
 

Top news

Nicole Buffie:

Man faces 89 charges after organized crime unit seizes guns, drugs

A man has been charged with 89 weapons and drug offences following a gun seizure earlier this month. Read More

 

Carol Sanders:

Social media, screen time bigger risks to kids than substance use, inactivity: Doctors Manitoba

Social media and excessive screen time pose a bigger health risk to youth than substance use and inactivity, say Manitoba doctors, who are throwing their support behind a ban proposed by the province. Read More

 

Chris Kitching:

Body found near burning truck at Carman self-storage facility

A male’s death has been deemed suspicious after his body was found near a burning pickup truck at a self-storage compound in a southern Manitoba town early Monday morning. RCMP officers and firefig... Read More

 

Joyanne Pursaga:

Arlington Bridge into its final weeks

Demolition of 114-year-old span about to begin, but no timeline for replacement Read More

 
 
 

New in Sports

Zoe Pierce:

From snowy fairways to the cross-country skiing World Cup

Klaschka first Winnipegger in decades to compete in pinnacle event Read More

 

Taylor Allen:

Third Texada could be just right for Bombers

Rookie defensive back Ridge Texada is the third member of his family to be under contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. His two older brothers, fellow defensive backs Ranthony and Raleigh, were a... Read More

 

Ken Wiebe:

‘One of the best junior golfers in Manitoba’

Thomas shooting for title with golf season in full swing Read More

 
 

New in Arts and Entertainment

AV Kitching:

Delta blues

Museum diorama detailing marshland, rye farm decommissioned owing to pest infestation Read More

 

Denise Duguay:

Watch it: Chillers, thrillers and some workplace drama

Revenge is a dish best served with humour and … coloured contact lenses? Who can say. These are crazy times. Here are some mostly retaliatory new viewing suggestions for passing the time while awaitin... Read More

 

Craig Macrae, The Canadian Press:

‘SkyMed’ moves from CBC to Paramount Plus as new love triangle unfolds for Season 4

TORONTO - The star of a Canadian medical drama that just premiered its fourth season says he feels elevated by the recent success of other homegrown TV shows such as "Heated Rivalry" and "Nor... Read More

 
 

New in Business

Gabrielle Piché:

Vision for portable diagnostic technology

Winnipeg pair look to launch EyeMirage device for sale in Canada in fall, with eyes to follow on international markets Read More

 

Aaron Epp:

FarmerTitan app rolls into agriculture equipment tracking field

Katie Friesen is used to playing games. The Manitoban’s prowess on the volleyball court led to a scholarship to Florida International University in Miami, where she competed on the Division 1 schoo... Read More

 

Malak Abas:

Two more 7-Eleven locations bite the dust

Inner-city crime, rising food prices blamed for latest closures Read More

 
 

Fresh opinions

Dan Lett:

Offended U.S. ambassador’s cries of bullied anguish on trade ring hypocritically hollow

You really have to feel for Pete Hoekstra. U.S. President Donald Trump’s hand-picked ambassador to Canada has suffered innumerable indignities in the months since he officially began the job. So ro... Read More

 

Editorial:

Keeping Transit users and drivers safe

A city cannot build confidence in public transit if people are afraid to use it. Read More

 

Deveryn Ross:

American ownership and Canadian sovereignty

As Canada’s federal and provincial governments prepare to invest billions of dollars toward making Canada more economically independent of the U.S., they must do a better job of explaining how that goal can be accomplished despite high levels of American ownership in key sectors of the Canadian economy. Read More

 
 

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