The Wrap: Doc on depression, biz break-ins, Collaros’ plan of attack and local bands’ European invasion

Dr. Joss Reimer runs six kilometres through Winnipeg’s snowy streets to get to work, even during the winter.

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority’s chief medical officer — who may be better known to the public for her work on the COVID-19 vaccine implementation task force — isn’t just running for her physical health. She is also running for her mental health.

Reimer has gone public about her longtime struggle with depression to help reduce the stigma still faced by people with mental illnesses.

A health-care aide enjoying a night out in Winnipeg was pressed into action last weekend when she learned the victim of a shooting required medical help.

The woman didn’t notice any signs of trouble at the St. James pool hall when she arrived after midnight. But shortly after two men left, one ran back in to ask for help, saying his friend had been shot in the head.

The woman used a car’s airbag to apply pressure to the man’s head wound until medical help arrived, but the man later died of his injuries in hospital.

She’s been through a range of emotions, including anger, over the shooting. “It’s senseless,” she said.

Two popular Winnipeg eateries are among the latest businesses to sport boarded-up doors and suffer break-in costs.

Coffee Culture Café & Eatery, a Fort Richmond shop off Pembina Highway, experienced its first break-in Sunday. Bagelsmith’s downtown location had its fourth incident within three years Monday.

Both businesses raised concerns with police response time, saying they’ve waited hours or until the next day for investigators to respond.

Football is more than just a game to Zach Collaros. It’s a deep love for the craft and a commitment to himself and his teammates.

“It’s wanting to honour the people that put their faith in you,” says the Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback.

That’s why the 35-year-old veteran pivot spends time every night after practice studying the playbook.

Jeff Hamilton talks to Collaros about the hours of prep he undertakes before and after team-mandated meetings.

This coming week, William Prince, who has become musical royalty in Peguis First Nation, will be in the land of Prince William to play a string of concerts in London, Manchester, Bath and Glasgow, following a set of similar shows in the Netherlands and Germany.

Winnipeg singer-songwriters Begonia and Leith Ross are touring Europe together in November and will be in Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne. The Bros. Landreth take off for Europe next week for a 14-city tour that spans four countries. KEN Mode toured seven countries across the pond in September and October.

The bottom line is the biggest reason why Manitoba acts tour Europe, even if the venues are far smaller than they’re used to at home. Alan Small talks to local bands who hear London calling.