Free Press Head Start for Feb. 8

Good morning!

A Manitoba Indigenous man argues members of seven First Nations are owed $11 billion related to a treaty signed more than 150 years ago, in a lawsuit against the federal government. Erik Pindera reports.

Three neurologists from Ontario have recently signed on to work at the MS Clinic at the Health Sciences Centre, the only clinic in the province dedicated to MS. Katie May has the story.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James passed an NBA milestone Tuesday night, pushing his career total to 38,388 points and breaking the record that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar held for nearly 39 years. Abdul-Jabbar, who was at the game, rose from his seat and applauded. At the end of the game, James’ total was 38,390 points.

— David Fuller

Your forecast

Mainly cloudy, with 30 per cent chance of flurries this afternoon. Expected high today is with a high of -1 C, with a low of -9.

Today’s must-read

In Scott Gillingham’s first budget as mayor, Winnipeggers can expect property tax and frontage levy increases, while the rainy-day fund is nearly drained to cover what is likely the largest-ever deficit. Chris Kitching reports.

Mayor Scott Gillingham (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files)

On this date

On Feb. 8, 1955: The Winnipeg Free Press reported in Fort Frances, a fire destroyed the third floor of the Ontario-Minnesota Pulp and Paper Company’s new $3.5-million grinder plant, killing one man and throwing 500 people out of work; the plant was the town’s main industry. Manitoba premier D.L. Campbell hinted provincial taxes would not be increased in the coming fiscal year. In Moscow, Georgi Malenkov resigned and defence minister Nikolai Bulganin became premier of the Soviet Union. Search our archives for more here.

Today’s front page

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

Top news

Carol Sanders:

‘Devil’s always in the details’

Manitoba must analyze fine print before agreeing to health funding pitch Read More

Maggie Macintosh:

Winnipeg School Division says ‘sí’ to Spanish expansion

Facing growing enrolment and pressure from parents, the Winnipeg School Division is expanding its Spanish bilingual program — the only one of its kind in the province — so students can complete their elementary studies in both English and Español. Read More

Kevin Rollason:

Longtime city lawyer Harvey Pollock dies at 89

Veteran lawyer Harvey Pollock, who represented the family of slain Indigenous leader J.J. Harper in Manitoba’s groundbreaking Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, died Sunday at the age of 89. Read More

New in Sports

Jeff Hamilton:

Lawler returning to Bombers

Receiver has agreed in principle to two-year deal with Blue and Gold Read More

Mike McIntyre:

Lambert excited to ‘get rolling again’

Jets prospect reassigned from Moose to juniors Read More

Manitobans enshrined in North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame

A pair of Manitobans were immortalized among the best Indigenous athletes ever last week. Read More

New in Arts and Entertainment

Alan Small:

Yukkity yuk and do come back

Comedy chain set to make triumphant return to city Read More

AV Kitching:

The chill is on thanks to Winter Wanderland

It’s a harsh reality for ice sculptors — their masterpieces will always be reduced to puddles. Read More

John Longhurst:

Concert to show support for human-rights activists fighting repression in Iran

Winnipeggers have an opportunity to express support for Iranians facing violent repression in their fight for human rights at a solidarity concert entitled Woman, Life, Freedom Saturday. Read More

New in Business

Martin Cash:

Optimistic forecast for Manitoba and Canada

BDC chief economist says interest rates should drop as inflation eases Read More

Nojoud Al Mallees, The Canadian Press:

Slow growth good thing in overheated economy: BoC

OTTAWA - Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says that although a slowing economy may not seem like a good thing, it is when the economy is overheated. Speaking in Quebec... Read More

Fresh opinions

Editorial:

Addictions crisis needs more than good intentions

It is hard to overstate the severity of the addictions crisis gripping Manitoba. Read More

Tom Brodbeck:

Meet the new health-care deal… same as the old health-care deal

Ottawa claims agreement means more control over provinces’ spending choices, but the Constitution disagrees Read More

Erna Buffie:

Data required to stop downtown’s downward slide

When I was a kid, Portage Avenue was an exciting destination. In addition to banks and businesses, there were two huge department stores selling everything from groceries to furniture, surrounded by boutiques, jewelry stores, cinemas and restaurants — all within easy walking distance. Read More

Head Start