The Wrap: Menorah removed, police body cams, Kyle Connor injury and what a librarian knows

A large menorah outside Winnipeg’s city hall was temporarily moved inside the building on the weekend to avoid any trouble with protestors.

The city heard word of two rallies in support of Palestine planned for the area and wanted to avoid “any potential conflict,” Mayor Scott Gillingham said today.

The menorah was moved indoors on Saturday for about 24 hours, then returned yesterday evening to its home next to a Christmas tree.

 

In recent months, several other families whose loved ones were shot and killed by Winnipeg police officers, or who died following altercations with law enforcement, have told the Free Press they hope city officers are outfitted with cameras.

Body-worn cameras are not a panacea to issues in policing – and researchers are not unified on their potential to reduce officers’ use of force. Some raise concerns regarding over-surveillance and privacy.

But supporters cite benefits in transparency, public trust in police and evidence-gathering.

Investigative reporter Marsha McLeod reports.

Fingers are crossed when it comes to Kyle Connor’s knee and heads are being shaken over the NHL’s decision to not impose further discipline on the player who caused his injury.

Connor, the leading scorer for the Winnipeg Jets, was knocked out of Sunday’s game in Anaheim after Ducks forward Ryan Strome caught him with a knee-on-knee hit.

He had an MRI done Monday in San Jose and his status has not been made public by the team.

“What I Know About…” is a new series in which the Free Press interviews professionals from all walks of life about what they do for a living.

In our latest edition, Stephanie George, the branch head librarian at St. James-Assiniboia Library, hopes to dispel some rumours and reinforce this city’s love for libraries.