Free Press Head Start for Sept. 16

Good morning.

The new, much-touted federal dental-care program has meant a loss of patients for dentistry students, who need patients to practise and improve their skills.

The University of Manitoba college of dentistry has noticed a dramatic drop in the number of patients who seek treatment. They tend to be low-income earners who are attracted by the reduced cost: the college charges as much as 50 per cent of the cost of a private clinic. Kevin Rollason has the story.

— David Fuller

Your forecast

Increasing cloudiness, with 60 per cent chance of showers or thunderstorms this afternoon. Wind becoming south at 20 km/h early this afternoon. High 26 C, Humidex 32, UV index 4 or moderate.

What’s happening today

Canadians in two federal ridings are choosing their next member of Parliament today. Winnipeg’s Elmwood —Transcona seat has been vacant since the NDP’s Daniel Blaikie left federal politics. The Montreal seat of LaSalle—Émard—Verdun opened up when former justice minister David Lametti left politics. The Canadian Press reports.

Today’s must-read

After waiting nearly five years, Tom Landy finally has a functional wheelchair.

He’s taken it for a spin in the garage, but the customized power wheelchair still needs work before it can be operated outdoors.

“I am happy that I am mobile, but it’s still far from over,” Landy said. Katie May has the story.

Tom Landy has spinal muscular atrophy, a progressive disease that causes degeneration, so he needs a customized sip-and-puff wheelchair. (Mike Dea; / Free Press files)

On the bright side

Jordon Lanthier has a frightening amount of fun when he’s volunteering.

The 50-year-old is gearing up for Boo at the Zoo, the annual after-hours Halloween event. Lanthier usually stands near the entrance to the Assiniboine Park Zoo in full costume, greeting attendees as they enter.

“That’s what’s fun — making that first impression as people come in,” he says. “I sort of see myself as a ringmaster, inviting everyone into the show.” Aaron Epp has more here.

Jordon Lanthier usually stands near the entrance to the Assiniboine Park Zoo in full costume during Boo at the Zoo, greeting attendees as they enter. (Ruth Bonneville / Free Press)

On this date

On Sept. 16, 1929: The Manitoba Free Press reported the opening of the airport in St. Catherine’s, Ont., was marred by tragedy when a plane crash killed six people. Automobile mishaps injured five people in Winnipeg and on the highways over the weekend. British soldiers returning from duty in the Rhineland were welcomed back enthusiastically in London. 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.

Top news

Nicole Buffie:

A paw to lean on

Glossy comes to the emotional rescue of children at court Read More

Tyler Searle:

Hundreds participate in Terry Fox run to raise funds for cancer research

As Carlisle Settee embarked on the 44th annual Terry Fox run in Assiniboine Park Sunday morning, words spoken by the late Canadian hero echoed in his mind. Read More

Tyler Searle:

Police investigate fire as homicide after two people die

City police have launched a homicide investigation after a fire ripped through a building in the St. John’s neighbourhood over the weekend. Details released by the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service on Saturday indicated three people were hospitalized after a fire broke out within a three-storey mixed-use building on the 200 block of Atlantic Avenue. The Winnipeg Police Service announced Sunday afternoon that two of the victims died. They have been identified as 49-year-old Geda Wodisso and 38-year-old Zenabu Gula. Two people were killed in a suspicious fire in the 200 block of Atlantic Avenue in the early morning hours of […] Read More

New in Sports

Mike McIntyre:

Goldeyes need to pack offensive punch after 1-0 loss Sunday

For the Winnipeg Goldeyes, it was a case of far too little and much too late. And now the club’s championship hopes are hanging by a thread following heartbreaking one-run losses this weekend to th... Read More

Joshua Frey-Sam:

Conway’s timely pass knockdown sends Bisons to third consecutive victory

No university football program in the country had a more demanding schedule to open the 2024 season than the Manitoba Bisons. The Bisons faced three nationally ranked programs, all with conference ... Read More

Mike McIntyre:

Fanning 9th at seniors

Cockerill wins $165K at Irish Open Read More

New in Arts and Entertainment

Alex Nino Gheciu, The Canadian Press:

Eugene and Dan Levy bring Canadian politeness, ‘Schitt’s’ reunion to Emmy Awards

Father-and-son actors Eugene and Dan Levy brought a touch of Canadian politeness to the Emmy Awards during a televised event that saw a “Schitt’s Creek” reunion and “SNL” greats unite to roast show creator Lorne Michaels. During their opening monologue, the stars and co-creators of CBC’s “Schitt’s Creek” joked about the irony making Canadians responsible for cutting off actors’ acceptance speeches. “In what can only be described as a cruel joke, two Canadians have been put in charge of playing you off tonight,” Dan said to an audience of celebrities including Catherine O’Hara, Meryl Streep and Jennifer Aniston. Daniel Levy […] Read More

Holly Harris:

Two masterworks for the price of one

Brandon’s James Ehnes returns for WSO’s opening night Read More

Alison Gillmor:

Tongue tied

Remake an effective iteration of Danish horror film Read More

Denise Duguay:

How ’bout these road apples? Hip doc to air

Plus witches, penguins and lovebirds Read More

New in Business

Joel Schlesinger:

Whoever has the most chips wins?

Investing in big tech has been winning strategy — until it suddenly wasn’t Read More

Rosa Saba, The Canadian Press:

Fed intervention in labour disputes could set dangerous precedent: labour experts

In an era of increased strike activity and union power, labour experts say it’s not surprising to see more calls for government intervention in certain sectors like transportation. ... Read More

Fresh opinions

Dan Lett:

Undecided voters are often deciding factor in elections

What lurks in the minds of undecided voters? During a long career covering politics, it’s a question I’ve asked myself many times given that undecided voters are, more often than not, the deciding factor in many elections. Read More

Editorial:

Too much trash, too little effort to clean it up

Early in the morning, almost every working day, across from the McPhillips Station Casino, right next to Jarvis Avenue, a man comes out of the strip mall with a long set of tongs and a garbage bag, and works his way around the parking lot. Read More

Jeff Shantz:

Finding justice for Indigenous people killed by police

The death of Tammy Bateman, an unhoused Indigenous woman run over by Winnipeg police, is a horrific event — one that has negatively impacted and traumatized people who are already among the most marginalized and oppressed in our society. Read More

Head Start