This morning
FACEBOOK PHOTOIrvine Jubal Fraser
R.I.P. Irvine Jubal Fraser: The 58-year-old transit driver was killed when his bus stopped at the University of Manitoba about 2 a.m. Tuesday, allegedly stabbed by a passenger who then tried to flee across the frozen Red River. The tragedy prompted debate about safety measures including protective shields for drivers, security cameras and more security officers on buses. READ MORE
Your forecast: It will be warm enough today to leave parkas in the closet and opt for lighter-weight winter coats. It will reach a high of -3 C, with a mix of sun and cloud, and wind from the southeast at 20 km/h.
In case you missed it
JOE BRYKSA / FREE PRESS files’I’m going to try to get those last seven and finish up strong,’ Khalil Bass said today.
Bombers lose top tackler: With the opening day of CFL free agency on Tuesday, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers said farewell to the team’s leading tackler, linebacker Khalil Bass, and signed defensive tackle Drake Nevis, an ex-NFLer. Paul Wiecek reports. READ MORE
Somalis warning compatriots: Asylum seekers in the U.S. planning to make the dangerous winter trek across the border into Manitoba at Emerson are being warned that it’s too cold to take the risk. A Somali organization used a press release, social media and a radio message on Tuesday to urge their countrymen not to attempt the dangerous winter route that includes crossing snowy fields on foot to avoid border sentries. READ MORE
Up next
JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILESManitoba Premier Brian Pallister
Premier travels north (for a change): While Premier Brian Pallister often heads south to Costa Rica during winter, he has reversed direction and today is in The Pas to attend the opening ceremony of the 70th Annual Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival, and make a funding announcement for University College of the North.
Visitors from Down Under: A cultural exchange group of 28 Australians and one New Zealander arrive in Winnipeg today to experience a typical Canadian winter. It has been an unusually warm summer Down Under, with temperatures above 40 C on Christmas Day. The visitors will be relieved to know they don’t have to worry about sunburns in Winnipeg in February.
Around the water cooler
SUPPLIEDWinnipeg singer Rayannah.
Soufle and song: The next performer at the Free Press’s Sunday Brunch Collective series will be (drum roll please) … Rayannah. The Winnipeg singer-songwriter is fresh from a European tour and will be entertaining diners March 5 at Kitchen Sync (370 Donald St.) in the Exchange District. Erin Lebar reports. READ MORE
Extreme athletes honour asylum-seekers: Manitoba’s most gruelling ultra-endurance event — called Actif Epica — has added a new course extension for its 2017 race to start in Emerson Saturday. They will also raise money for an organization helping refugee claimants who’ve trudged through bitter cold and knee-deep snow to cross the border into Canada at Emerson. Carol Sanders reports. READ MORE
Trending now
#GoJetsGo: The Winnipeg Jets ended their four-game losing streak thanks to a 5-2 win over the Dallas Stars Tuesday night. READ MORE
On this date
On Feb. 15, 1979: The Winnipeg Free Press reported that the Manitoba government, in it speech from the throne, said it was looking at opening up liquor sales to private outlets, rationalizing the provincial tax-credit system and beginning Ukrainian immersion classes in early grades, among other initiatives. The Canadian government borrowed 100 billion yen (US$500 million) to back the Canadian dollar. The RCMP warned Canadians against seeking the services of “psychic surgeons” in the Philippines, and medical professionals called such practitioners “quacks.” In the United States Paramount Pictures agreed to pay for extra security at 200 theatres showing the gang warfare film The Warriors, after violence broke out at two theatres. READ MORE
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