Your forecast
Sunny. Wind from the south at 30 km/h gusting to 50 increasing to 50 gusting to 70 near noon. High 26 C. UV index 7 or high.
What’s happening today
Today is the 80th anniversary of VE-Day, marking the end of the Second World War in Europe.
When the news reached Canada in May 1945 that the German army had surrendered, and the threat and horrors of the Nazi regime had finally been defeated, Canadians from coast to coast took to the streets to celebrate. And as they often do in times of joy and jubilation, Winnipeggers gathered that day at the intersection of Portage and Main. Dave Baxter has more here.
Victory in Europe Day Parade in Winnipeg, May 8, 1945. (L.B. FOOTE / National Air Force Museum of Canada)
As Martin Zeilig writes, Dora Paul was just 16 years old and a high school junior when news of Germany’s unconditional surrender reached St. John’s High School in the city’s North End neighbourhood 80 years ago this week. Amid the cheers of classmates, her heart was heavy. Victory in Europe could not erase the profound loss her family had endured. Read the full story here.
Today’s must-read
Winnipeg’s violent crime severity index had its first “meaningful” drop in more than a decade, in 2024, while a surge in shoplifting reflected increased enforcement, a new police annual report showed Wednesday.
The index — a measurement that considers the volume and seriousness of crimes, and average court sentences — was 203.7, a decline of five per cent from a peak of 214.4 in 2023, the Winnipeg Police Service said.
Winnipeg’s index was among the highest in Canada and higher than the national index of 99.5 in 2023, the latest Statistics Canada data show. Chris Kitching has the story.
Winnipeg police Chief Gene Bowers (Mikaela MacKenzie / Free Press)
On this date
On May 8, 1962: The Winnipeg Free Press reported in London, British scientists were increasing pressure to get the United States to call off its forthcoming nuclear blast in the Van Allen belt. The Hong Kong Human Rights Council called on Canada and other countries to provide living space for thousands of refugees from Communist China. Read the rest of this day’s paper here. Search our archives for more here.
Today’s front page
Get the full story: Read today’s e-edition of the Free Press.
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