Good morning!
JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Cutting costs: In a bid to reduce spending at the urging of the provincial government, the cost of even the smallest items are being scrutinized by regional health authorities. For example, an email from a nursing supervisor states warmed flannel blankets should be used “only when necessary” at a treatment clinic in the Southern Health region. The RHA denies the memo had anything to do with saving costs. Jane Gerster reports. READ MORE
Your forecast: It will be sunny this morning, with a high of 27 C, a mix of sun and cloud and a 30 per cent chance of showers late this afternoon.
In case you missed it
BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESSDon Swirsky is a local skate shop owner being squeezed by rent increases and fees from the city. He may have to close his shop at Dakota Community Centre after eight years.
Sharp increase: The owner of a skate-sharpening business says rent increases by the Dakota Community Centre and fees imposed by the City of Winnipeg may put him out of business. His rent is being hiked by 35 per cent, and the city told him he will have to pay an annual $500 administration fee and a documentation-preparation fee between $4,000 to $5,000 each time his lease is renewed, as well as property taxes, even though he doesn’t own the space. Ryan Thorpe reports. READ MORE
No expert testimony at trial: Winnipeg chef Rob Thomas was acquitted Thursday of sexual assault. Court of Queen’s Bench Justice David Kroft said he would have liked to hear expert testimony about the effects of cognitive behavioural therapy on memories. The complainant told police about the alleged 2007 incident after going to therapy seven years later. Katie May reports. READ MORE
Timely tale: Randall King has a preview of the upcoming Jeremy Renner movie Wind River, which features several Canadian actors and, given its plot about the killing of a young Aboriginal woman, will be particularly relevant to Canadian audiences. First-time director Taylor Sheridan says while the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women is vital in Canada, there is “zero” awareness of it in the United States. READ MORE
Up next
Cameron Witting / BloombergThe gospel group Blind Boys of Alabama has performed for more than 75 years, ever since its founding members started singing together in 1939 at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Deaf and Blind.
The blues are back: The annual Winnipeg BBQ and Blues Festival begins this evening at the Burton Cummings Theatre and ends Saturday. The Fabulous Thunderbirds are the main act tonight. There’s also an outdoor stage with free performances tonight and Saturday. READ MORE
Around the water cooler
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin TangWinnipeg Blue Bombers’ Matt Nichols (15) throws the ball against the Ottawa Redblacks during first half of a CFL football game in Ottawa on Friday, Aug. 4, 2017.
Staying centred: Quarterback Matt Nichols has become known for leading the Blue Bombers to late-game comebacks, but his savvy and determination developed long before he arrived in Winnipeg. Mike Sawatzky reports on the Eastern Washington University alumnus, who has seven game-winning, fourth-quarter comebacks in his last 15 regular-season CFL starts. READ MORE
Pin-terest: Columnist Jen Zoratti explores the subculture of pin trading at the Canada Summer Games. Barry Taman of the Pin People, the company behind the event’s official lapel pins, explains some of the etiquette involved. READ MORE
Trending now
Not backing down: President Donald Trump is warning of military action “should North Korea act unwisely.” Trump tweeted: “Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path!” READ MORE
Brad Wall: One of Canada’s most high-profile premiers who rose to national prominence for his down-to-earth style, sharp wit and, more recently, his willingness to lock horns with Ottawa is retiring from politics after a decade in office.
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On this date
On Aug. 11, 1977: David Berkowitz, believed to be the notorious serial killer Son of Sam, was arrested in New York. The Free Press, for the first time in history, replated between editions to bring readers a colour photo of the Son of Sam in the afternoon edition. Manitoba Attorney-General Howard Pawley said he would ask for a report from the RCMP after officers fired shots at a van driven by three emotionally disturbed youths. And the Bellan report recommended Winnipeg city council appoint a commissioner of land development with extensive powers to act as a watchdog over land matters. READ MORE
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