The Wrap: Fight for MMIWG justice, Centre Village death, Writes of Spring, Andrew Harris returns and Rumour’s celebrates 40 years of laughs

When it begins hearing evidence May 8, the trial of alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki is expected to put a spotlight on Canada’s crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls — and Winnipeg, its epicentre.

Chris Kitching reports on affected families’ ongoing struggles for justice and closure, and the systemic issues contributing to the crisis.

Housing Minister Bernadette Smith and Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, as well as representatives from the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, were slated to make a long-awaited housing announcement at 575 Balmoral St. at 9 a.m. Friday morning.

But Winnipeg Police Service officers arrived at the shuttered government housing complex about half an hour earlier after receiving a report that a body had been found inside.

Police said the death appeared, at this point, to be non-criminal. But break-ins, squatting, drug use and frequent police visits have become a constant complaint by neighbours of the abandoned complex.

2024 marks a notable year: the 150th anniversary of Winnipeg’s first city council meeting.

So, for the ninth edition of Writes of Spring, we asked Winnipeggers to write to the city – travelling from its complicated past to its potholed present. We asked, where we go from here and how do we get there?

For the first time since joining the Toronto Argonauts in 2022, Andrew Harris is at the Bombers stadium wearing blue and gold.

The retired running back will be signing a one-day contract with his hometown club Saturday at The Met before the screening of his new documentary Running Back Relentless.

Taylor Allen reports.

A Montreal-based entertainment company has released a list of the top 10 comedy clubs in North America. Placing fifth is Rumor’s Restaurant and Comedy Club, the subterranean locale that has been serving up laughs at 2025 Corydon Ave. for 40 years.

To be ranked alongside legendary venues such as the Comedy Store in Los Angeles and Chicago’s Second City is a sweet yet unexpected anniversary present, says Rumor’s general manager Tyler Schultz.

David Sanderson looks back on the top-flight talent that’s graced the stage, and looks ahead to how the venue will celebrate the milestone.