In hard times, our readers show up

Our pages and pixels have not shared much in the way of good news these past weeks.

That’s what happens when far too much of Manitoba is on fire amid a provincewide state of emergency.

That’s the sad reality when 21,000 residents from 27 communities have been forced from their homes.

That’s what life is like when even pausing to take a deep breath is cause for concern, given the dire air quality index readings.

But even though the smoke has yet to clear, tonight I have some good news to report: Less than a week after launching our donation portal for the Canadian Red Cross, Free Press readers have raised more than $65,000 to aid wildfire victims.

Given that the federal and provincial governments will match donations on a dollar-to-dollar basis, that adds up to nearly $200,000.

I’ve said it before in these nightly newsletters and I am delighted to say it again: Free Press readers are truly special people.

Thank you for your generosity. And thank you for being Canada Proud and Manitoba Strong.

Paul Samyn, Editor

COMING UP

The Hudson Bay Company’s vast collection of artifacts represents the evolution of colonial Canada. While many have been distributed to museums and provincial archives, the moribund company’s private collection, which will soon be up for auction, remains a mystery.

Writer Conrad Sweatman takes a look at what is publicly accessible and examines the question of rightful ownership.

Conrad Sweatman digs into the Hudson Bay Company archives. (Mike Deal / Free Press)

This spring, Manitoba’s wildfires have taken on mythical proportions. Reporter Tyler Searle talks to experts on what it takes to eventually slay these fire-spewing wildland dragons.

Feature writer David Sanderson pays a visit to Stoney Brook Creamery, Manitoba’s lone organic dairy farm.

IN PICTURES

The steam train at Assiniboine Park is up and running again. The city icon celebrated its 60th anniversary at the park last summer. Weather permitting, the train runs daily from noon to 6 p.m. until Labour Day, and on weekends until Thanksgiving. (Ruth Bonneville / Free Press)

Cpl. Taylor Jackiw kisses his wife, Reagan Chittenden, while reuniting with her and their children Revan and Ivy at CFB Shilo on Tuesday evening. Reynolds was among 150 soldiers returning home from an operation in Latvia. (Tim Smith / The Brandon Sun)

Take Pride Winnipeg unveiled a new mural at 492 Main Street Monday. “Pray for Ukraine,” was the vision of Ukrainian activist Liudmyla Shykota (left); it was brought to life by artist Jennifer Mosienko, who has painted more than 40 murals in the city. (Ruth Bonneville / Free Press)

BREAKING NEWS

Chris Kitching:

Cranberry Portage residents to return home Saturday; Ontario out of room for evacuees

A northern community evacuated due to wildfire has been deemed safe for residents to return this weekend, while Ontario has stopped accepting evacuees from Manitoba after welcoming thousands to Niagara Falls. Read More

Skye Anderson and Erik Pindera:

Teen accused in sword attack planned to hurt others: police

The 16-year-old accused of seriously assaulting a fellow student with a sword at a Brandon high school Tuesday was planning to attack more people, police say. Read More

Hillel Italie, The Associated Press:

Brian Wilson, Beach Boys visionary leader and summer’s poet laureate, dies at 82

Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys’ visionary and fragile leader whose genius for melody, arrangements and wide-eyed self-expression inspired “Good Vibrations,” “California Girls” and other summert... Read More

WELL-READ STORIES THIS WEEK

Mike McIntyre:

From Whiteout to down and out

Jets co-owner says it's 'patently unacceptable' to see downtown go from thriving to struggling as he battles to improve the city's core Read More

Tyler Searle:

Doc suspended after multiple patient complaints, including breast implant mixup

Manitoba’s physician watchdog suspended a Winnipeg plastic surgeon who admitted to professional misconduct after three patients complained of post-operative complications from breast augmentations and... Read More

Kevin Rollason:

Court dropped his driving suspension, but he still can’t get a job behind the wheel

Winnipeg man can’t get a job as a commercial driver even though his suspension was dropped by the courts, so he's asking the provincial government to change the Highway Traffic Act Read More

Matthew Frank:

Thunderbird Restaurant closes after 6 decades

Founding family hopes to restart eatery with new owners but hampered by parking lot dispute with city Read More

Dean Pritchard:

Court grapples with how to handle senior who made 350 calls to 911, went to ER 137 times

A Winnipeg senior has spent more than 130 days in jail for making hundreds of phone calls to emergency response services in which she claimed crises that didn’t exist. Read More

DEEP DIVES

Gabrielle Piché:

The long haul to trucking safety

Tragedies on our highways signal urgent need for driver-training standards and professionalization of the industry Read More

Eva Wasney:

Cutting edge tips

Learn kitchen knife skills in our new monthly cooking feature Read More

Ken Wiebe and Mike McIntyre:

Jets mailbag: Pending free agents and possible roster moves

Your May Jets questions answered Read More

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Free Press staff:

Where to donate, how to volunteer to help Manitoba wildfire evacuees

Wildfires have forced thousands of Manitobans to flee their homes and move into temporary shelters in Winnipeg and beyond. Here's how you can help. Read More

Colleen Zacharias:

Grow au naturel

Tips for creating a naturalistic perennial garden Read More

Nina Dragicevic, The Canadian Press:

Want to crush your debt? Financial experts suggest trying a money crash diet

Crash diets are extreme and unhealthy, but the financial version might actually make sense. Scott Terrio recommends them to his clients sometimes, as manager of consumer insolvency for Hoyes, Micha... Read More

Gabrielle Piché:

Costco seeks to build new store in RM of West St. Paul

Global big box retailer Costco is seeking to build a nearly 162,000-square-foot store just outside Winnipeg’s northern boundary. If approved, the site will mark Costco’s fifth Manitoba hub. Read More

OPINIONS: COLUMNS AND ANALYSIS

Russell Wangersky:

Tangible ties to our past, gone in a flash

We survived the fire. But none of the things I thought would outlive us did. I know it’s just stuff. But I also know that a lot of it was the kind of stuff that stretches between generations, connecting along thin threads that are easily broken. Read More

Dan Lett:

Ignorance far from bliss, PC leader pleads in effort to leave stench of ’23 campaign behind

Obby Khan wants to make it perfectly clear that the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba’s controversial 2023 election campaign is not an accurate reflection of who he is. Khan, who became PC... Read More

Tom Brodbeck:

Health minister’s political interference with nursing college puts Manitoba lives at risk

When you find yourself in a hospital bed, you want to believe the nurse taking your pulse knows exactly what they’re doing — not just because they passed a test once upon a time, but because they’ve been in the field, working with patients, staying sharp, staying current. Read More

Editorial:

CRA’s My Account needs repairs — now

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) endlessly nudges you towards its personal tax information system, My Account, which can be a wonderful option. It can help you through the tax process, automatically supply and auto-fill tax slips, and show you whether or not you can put money into your tax-free savings account (TFSA). Read More

Brent Bellamy:

Finding what’s missing in the Winnipeg housing market

Last week, Winnipeg city council spent several long days and late nights debating a sweeping set of zoning bylaw amendments that could fundamentally change how our city is built in the future. Read More

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

David Sanderson:

A howling success

Indigenous-owned Dugald café all about bannock, brew and belonging Read More

Mike McIntyre:

Hart for Hellebuyck heard through the grapevine?

No Jack Adams for Arniel, but Jets netminder’s win possibly leaked Read More

Conrad Sweatman:

Plans for Pantages Theatre renovations unveiled

The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra is finding a new home. The news was announced at a Tuesday press conference in the atrium of the historic Pantages Theatre, where the WSO will present much of its an... Read More