Free Press Head Start for May 31

Good morning.

Niigaan Sinclair’s latest column is on the announcement that the remains of 215 Indigenous students are buried on the grounds of a former residential school in Kamloops, B.C.

Ten years ago today, True North and the NHL announced the Atlanta Thrashers would be moving to Winnipeg. The team that was eventually renamed the Winnipeg Jets will return to practice today after an off day Sunday as they wait to learn whether they will face Toronto or Montreal next. And federal government sources told The Canadian Press that work is underway for a travel exemption that would allow the winner of the all-Canadian series to cross the border during the third and, if necessary, final rounds of the NHL playoffs.

Events today will mark the anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, which started 100 years ago on this date. More than 35 city blocks in a Black area of the Oklahoma city were burned, and thousands of people were displaced. The death toll from the incident is believed to be between 75 and 300. The Associated Press reports.

— Adam Treusch, assignment editor

What’s happening today

THE CANADIAN PRESSThe Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs will meet in Game 7 in Toronto this evening. (Frank Gunn / The Canadian Press files)

Jets finally learn foe: The Toronto Maple Leafs will host the Montreal Canadiens in Game 7 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series this evening. The Winnipeg Jets will face the winner on Wednesday evening, either in Toronto or here against the Habs. Mike McIntyre reports. READ MORE

Mental health minister speaks: Mental Health Minister Audrey Gordon and Dr. Erin Knight of the Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine clinic will hold a news conference on “mental health supports” this morning. Gordon, who is a member of Springs Church, will likely face questions about justice officials investigating the alleged violation of public health orders there. READ MORE

COVID-19 crisis: The Manitoba government is scheduled to hold its regular Monday COVID-19 news conference. Seventeen COVID-19 patients were admitted into intensive care units during a 24-hour period beginning at noon Friday, and nearly 650 new cases were announced this weekend. Ryan Thorpe reports. READ MORE

China eases birth limits: China, facing concerns over its aging population, announced it will allow couples to have three children instead of two. The ruling Communist Party has enforced birth limits since 1980. The Associated Press reports. READ MORE

Weather

Your forecast: Sunny with a high of 25 C and wind from the west at 10 km/h.

In case you missed it

The mass vaccination site at the RBC Convention Centre (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Keen on vaccine: Maggie Macintosh reports on young people who are eager to get a COVID-19 vaccine. READ MORE

‘Terribly sad’: In her latest column, Shelley Cook says a visit to a cemetery gave her “a dose of perspective and a jolt of reality.” READ MORE

Walkout blocks bill: Democrats walked out of the Texas legislature Sunday night to prevent the passage of a bill that would put strict voting restrictions in place. The Associated Press reports. READ MORE

On this date

On May 31, 1919: The Manitoba Free Press reported that in the ongoing general strike in Winnipeg, the price of butter and eggs, along with other necessities, was going up. Winnipeg city council heard from a representative of the Canadian Problem club that the Trades and Labour Council had no authority to order any affiliated unions to strike. Swedish scientists planned to send a naked man out into the central Swedish forests to live the life of a Stone Age human.

Today’s front page

Get he full story: Read today’s e-edition of the Winnipeg Free Press READ MORE

Head Start