Good morning!
Good morning: We begin the day with a tale about a typo. ‘There’s no “I” in team,’ or so the saying goes. But there are two “I”s in Winnipeg, although a T-shirt manufacturer in Atlanta either can’t spell or is having some quality control issues. The other day, a hockey fan and former Winnipegger now living in Kelowna, B.C., picked out a Jets shirt from a gift store at Richardson International Airport but didn’t give it a proper inspection before purchasing it. The shirt says “Winnepeg” and she’s none too satesfied (sorry, satisfied.) Free Press reporter Bill Redekop has the spellbinding story. READ MORE
Your forecast: Get ready to sweat. Environment Canada is calling for a couple of very hot, muggy days in Winnipeg and across southern Manitoba, with temperatures in the high 20s and high humidex ratings. Today, we’ll see plenty of sunshine and a high of 27 C, while the humidity will make it feel like 29. On Friday, the day starts out bright and sunny but the clouds move in after lunch and there’s a 30 per cent chance of showers. The high Friday is 29 C, while the humidex rating is 35. Expect a mix of sun and cloud on Saturday and a high of 26 C, but showers begin that evening and continue Sunday.
In case you missed it
Sandra Giesbrecht
Kids caught in custody battle: Two children believed to be abducted by their mother Monday had been caught in an ugly and protracted custody dispute between their parents, Sandra Giesbrecht and lawyer Jacob Giesbrecht. On Wednesday, after Winnipeg police issued a Canada-wide warrant for the arrest of 44-year-old Sandra Giesbrecht, the Free Press reviewed court documents that show a lengthy and very nasty legal battle ensued after the parents of Montana Giesbrecht, 11, and Joshua Giesbrecht, 9, split up. READ MORE
Steinbach Pride hits street: In an about-face Wednesday, the RCMP said it is allowing the July 9 Pride parade in Steinbach to move from the sidewalk onto the street. Initially, a permit was granted for the Pride participants to use the sidewalk to march from Steinbach United Church to city hall “for safety reasons,” the RCMP explained. There were reports that the RCMP had turned down a street parade because of construction and Saturday traffic. The Mounties have since changed their minds. Close to 700 Pride supporters are expected to attend. READ MORE
Paramilitary machine’s day in the park: The Winnipeg Police Service unveiled its $340,000 armoured rescue vehicle on Wednesday, choosing a spot next to the Assiniboine Park duck pond for the public showing. Offering rides to reporters and hailing the “rescue” utility of the vehicle, the WPS was keen to reinforce to the public that the ARV isn’t a sign of the militarization of the police service. READ MORE
Up next
The Winnipeg Free Press debuts its new design June 16.
Free Press and free coffee!: Just a quick note that Free Press editor Paul Samyn is inviting our readers to join him at our News Café this morning for some feedback on our new print redesign. Paul wants to hear your thoughts on what we are delivering for you in print plus whatever else might be on your mind about the Free Press. The free coffee pot will be on from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at our café, 237 McDermot Ave.
News for air travellers: NewLeaf Travel Company, a business that bills itself as an “ultra-low-cost travel company,” makes an announcement about its future in Winnipeg this morning. A press conference is slated for Richardson International Airport at 10 a.m. Back in late March, NewLeaf was cleared for takeoff by the Canadian Transportation Agency when it ruled the company does not need an aircraft licence because it is considered a reseller, not a carrier.
Keeping kids safe: Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister is joined by former NHLer Sheldon Kennedy, an advocate for children, along with Families Minister Scott Fielding and several other community leaders to announce details of new legislation to better protect Manitoba kids.
Around the water cooler
WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESSSt. Johns MLA Nahanni Fontaine
Threats against politicians no joke: Being in the public eye isn’t just wearing, it’s sometimes downright dangerous — especially for female politicians, today’s editorial argues. All politicians have to deal with criticism, but women in politics often face more personal and vicious threats. On the same day U.K. MP Jo Cox was shot and killed, Manitoba MLA Nahanni Fontaine received a threatening phone call from an anonymous male caller who told her she should “watch what she says.” READ MORE
Injuries on eve of opener: Let’s just say all was not right in Bomberville on Wednesday. Winnipeg’s CFL club was hit with some bad news when it was learned Johnny Adams, one of the team’s best defensive backs, is hurt and won’t play Friday when the Blue Bombers host the Montreal Alouettes at Investors Group Field. The season opener for both clubs kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Adding to the frustration, one of the team’s big offseason free agent signings, running back Andrew Harris might not answer the bell, either. READ MORE
Hockey honeymoon in Vegas: The NHL’s board of governors has accepted an expansion bid from Las Vegas with the new team to begin play in the 2017-18 season. Commissioner Gary Bettman said the vote was unanimous. The decision means Quebec City is left out in the cold, despite having a brand new arena as part of its application to become the 31st NHL franchise. READ MORE
Trending now
House Television / The Associated PressHouse Speaker Paul Ryan stands at the podium as he brings the House into session Wednesday night in Washington. Rebellious Democrats staged an extraordinary all-day sit-in on the House floor to demand votes on gun-control bills, shouting down Ryan when he attempted to restore order as their protest stretched into the night.
#NoBillNoBreak: In the United States, Democrats continued Thursday morning with a sit-in in the House of Representatives, refusing to leave until the House brought forth “common-sense legislation on gun control.” READ MORE
#remain: Citizens of Great Britain vote today whether to remain part of the European Union or leave. The #remain hashtag is trending across Canada. READ MORE
On this date
On June 23, 1919: The Manitoba Free Press reported that in Winnipeg during the general strike mounted police officers fired on a crowd after the Riot Act had been read. One person was shot dead and between 60 to 70 others wounded. The crowd consisted of roughly 2,000 people who had congregated in Market Square behind city hall to listen to pro-strike speakers. The mayor had refused to authorize a parade by the strikers, nor to clear streetcars off the streets; the strikers’ representatives stated they would parade anyway.
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