Free Press Head Start for July 27

What’s happening today

Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive line during a walk-thru practice at Investors Group Field Thursday morning. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press)

Tackling Toronto: The Blue Bombers host the Toronto Argonauts at 7:30 p.m. With a second win over the Argos in less than a week, the Bombers would have a winning record for the first time this season. Jeff Hamilton reports. READ MORE

Drugs on display: Manitoba RCMP are holding a news conference later this morning about a large drug seizure made on the Trans-Canada Highway. The evidence will be on display to show “the size and scope,” the Mounties say.

Liberal leader: Manitoba Liberal leader Dougald Lamont, who was elected to represent St. Boniface last week, is being sworn in as an MLA. It’s happening at the legislature at 3 p.m.

Weather

Your forecast: It will be sunny this morning, with a mix of sun and cloud this afternoon, a high of 27 C and humidex of 28.

In case you missed it

Jason Franson / THE CANADIAN PRESS Files
Jordan Peterson

‘Quite welcome’ here: Controversial professor and author Jordan Peterson responded on Twitter late Thursday night to activists who want his Sunday lecture cancelled. The event, part of his book tour, is at the Burton Cummings Theatre. Activists are holding an “anti-fascist picnic” at the legislature in protest earlier that day. Erik Pindera reports. READ MORE

Blackout blame: A union representing Manitoba Hydro workers says a power outage in south Winnipeg yesterday likely could have been avoided. Spokesman Mike Velie said the on-call operator driver had worked the maximum hours and was unable to respond after a pole caught fire. There are only three such workers on Hydro’s after-hours standby list because of buyouts and transfers, Velie said. Larry Kusch reports. READ MORE

Silent on stadium loan: Key players involved in a failed financing deal for Investors Group Field that has left taxpayers on the hook for $118.7 million refused or ignored interview requests Thursday. The plan, overseen by the previous NDP government, was intended to eliminate the need for taxpayers to fund a significant portion of the stadium construction costs. Ryan Thorpe reports. READ MORE

Trending now

#TOpoli: Trending after it was reported that new Ontario premier and former Toronto city councillor Doug Ford will reduce the number of city council members in Toronto from 47 to 25. READ MORE

On this date

On July 27, 2007: The Winnipeg Free Press reported that a sewage disaster, which included human waste spewing out of shower heads, toilets and basement drains in at least 50 St. James homes, was the city’s fault; it had resulted from a pumping station gate being left closed. A dog named Elvis alerted his sleeping owners to an early-morning fire in their Anola-area home, enabling them to get to safety. READ MORE