Good morning!
Parlez-vous français?: If you’re Rochelle Squires, the answer to the question is “No, I don’t speak French.” It wouldn’t be a big deal except that Squires is the minister responsible for francophone affairs in the new government of Brian Pallister. When she was asked in French about her lack of French language skills, she could only smile and admit (in English) to a “steep learning curve,” Bonne chance, Madame Squires. READ MORE
Cooler today: Following Thursday’s record day of heat, more than a few Manitobans are likely feeling the pink-skinned sting of Precancerous Radiation Glow (otherwise known as sunburn). Today will be considerably cooler than Thursday’s 34 C. The high today will be 19, with cloudy periods and a 40 per cent change of showers. The wind will be 20 km/h from the north, with gusts up to 60 km/h. Saturday and Sunday will both be sunny with highs of 19.
In case you missed it
FACEBOOK PHOTO / ONTARIO STORM TRACKERCrews were fighting a forest fire near the Manitoba-Ontario border Thursday evening.
Fire in the Whiteshell: A wildfire that broke out about seven kilometres northeast of Caddy Lake forced the evacuation of about 100 people from the town of Ingolf, Ont., late yesterday. Water bombers from Manitoba and Ontario, along with ground crews, were working to douse the fire. READ MORE
Worse fire in Fort McMurray: The Alberta city was water bombed Thursday in a desperate attempt to keep away an intense wildfire that has already torched 1,600 structures in the evacuated oil hub. More than 22 water bombers were fighting the blaze, which is expected to spread even more today with expected high winds. READ MORE
Up next
Celebrating V-E Day: A special reception celebrating the 71st anniversary of Victory in Europe Day will be held today at 11 a.m. in the Rotunda of the Manitoba Legislative Building. It’s being held in conjunction with a touring exhibit on display there, “From Vimy to Juno,” which showcases defining moments in Canadian history and the experiences of Canadians who fought in both world wars.
Wheaties begin final: The Brandon Wheat Kings open the best-of-seven Western Hockey League championship series tonight against the Seattle Thunderbirds. The puck drops at 8 p.m. at Brandon’s Westman Place. The Wheat Kings are looking for redemption after being swept in four straight games by the Kelowna Rockets in last season’s league final. Game 2 of the series is slated for Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in Brandon.
Annual Jane’s Walk: The 10th annual Jane’s Walk is strolling into town this weekend. Winnipeggers can choose from more than a dozen guided walks today through Sunday across the city as a way to explore the neighbourhoods they live, work and play in. A complete list of walks is published online at janeswalk.org/Canada/Winnipeg. READ MORE
Around the water cooler
An exercise rider pushes his mount around the smaller training track. (PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)
And they’re off!: While there were some fears recently about the future of Assiniboia Downs due to financial instability and politics, the problems were always about the people, not about the horses. The horses are ready to run. The first post of the season is Sunday at 7:30 p.m. READ MORE
Right to die: A Court of Queen’s Bench hearing will today consider the arguments of a second terminally-ill Manitoban who is asking a judge to allow a physician-assisted death. A court document says the woman has “a grievous irremediable medical condition that causes suffering.” The woman would be the second terminally-ill Manitoban to be allowed to die this way. The first ruling was made in a Manitoba court March 15.
Trending now
FILM FRAME / MARVELJeremy Renner (from left), Elizabeth Olsen, Chris Evans and Sebastian Stan in a scene from Captain America: Civil War.
Civil War: No it’s not the historical era that’s trending, but Marvel’s new superhero blockbuster, in which Captain America and Iron Man find themselves on opposite sides of a conflict that draws in multiple superheroes from across Marvel’s cinematic universe — and introduces some new ones as well. Captain America: Civil War opens today. READ MORE
#Preds: The Nashville Predators turned in a thrilling performance Thursday night, winning Game Four against the San Jose Sharks in triple overtime, making it the longest game in Nashville Predators history. The Predators won 4-3, with Mike Fisher scoring the winning goal. READ MORE
On this date
On May 6, 1975: The Winnipeg Free Press reported that firefighters battled a huge blaze at a lumberyard on Sutherland Avenue in Winnipeg. Metropolitan Properties Co. Limited was found guilty and assessed a token fine for making illegal campaign contributions to five city councillors in the previous year’s civic election. In Ottawa, the federal government made no move to abolish the death penalty. In Washington, the U.S secretary of state expressed disappointment over Canada’s announcement of a 60 per cent increase in the export price of gas.
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