What’s happening today
THE CANADIAN PRESS / Government of ManitobaFires burn in Little Grand Rapids.
Forest fires: Residents of Pauingassi First Nation and Little Grand Rapids First Nation in northeastern Manitoba are being flown to Winnipeg to escape smoke from nearby forest fires. The military is using Hercules transport planes and a Chinook helicopter in the evacuation effort. Nick Martin, Dylan Robertson and Larry Kusch report. READ MORE
Grand opening at the Grace: A grand opening for Grace Hospital’s new, 38,000-sq.-ft. emergency department — more than five times the size of the current one — will take place this morning. It opens to patients next week and signals the launch of Phase 2 of the city’s health overhaul. Jane Gerster reports. READ MORE
Test site scrapped: North Korea destroyed what it says was its nuclear test site today as foreign journalists watched. The explosions came as the isolated state called U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence a “political dummy.” READ MORE
Your forecast
Weather: Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement saying near heat-warning criteria will continue today, with a high of 30 C and humidex of 35. There will be a mix of sun and cloud this morning, with wind from the southeast at 20 km/h. It will be cloudy with a few showers and thunderstorms in the mid-afternoon, and there is risk of a severe thunderstorm late this afternoon.
In case you missed it
RYAN THORPE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Up in the air: Reporter Ryan Thorpe took a ride on the Winnipeg Police Service’s helicopter this week. As a feasibility review of the $3.5-million chopper looms, the unit has been busy helping with wildfires during a particularly dry month. READ MORE
Around the water cooler
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESSChris Streveler is 6-2, 220 pounds with a strong arm who recently clocked 4.45 seconds in the 40, a number usually associated with running backs and wide receivers.
‘Fast and physical’: Mike Sawatzky has a profile on Chris Streveler, one of four quarterbacks on the Blue Bombers’ preseason roster. With backup Darian Durant’s sudden retirement, the University of South Dakota product may have landed in an ideal spot. READ MORE
Big win for Washington: The Washington Capitals earned a berth in the Stanley Cup final with a Game 7 win over the Lightning in Tampa last night. The Capitals have reached the final once before, when they were swept by the Detroit Red Wings 20 years ago. READ MORE
Trending now
#WorldTurtleDay: It was actually Wednesday, but the term is still trending today as scientists, environmentalists, animal rights activists and turtle enthusiasts continue sharing photos and information about these shelled reptiles on Twitter.
On this date
On May 24, 1943: The Winnipeg Free Press reported that the a mighty fleet of RAH-RCAF bombers struck at the German rail and canal hub of Dortmund, dropping 2,000 tons of bombs; it was called the “greatest air attack of history.” It was speculated that any Allied invasion of the northwest coast of France could drive German forces away from Paris and back to the Hindenburg line. READ MORE
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