The Wrap: Sheegl, Cherisse Houle, rental bylaw, Facebook and folk fest

Good evening. Here’s a look at what our newsroom has been working on today:

The province’s highest court has not only agreed the City of Winnipeg’s former chief administrative officer took a bribe during the construction of the Winnipeg Police Service headquarters, it says he has to be further punished financially for his conduct. Kevin Rollason has the full story.

As part of an ongoing series on murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls, Shelley Cook writes about Cherisse Diane Houle. Cherisse was 17 when she was killed in 2009. Her homicide remains unsolved.

With the city on the verge of regulating the informal accommodation sector, Gabrielle Piché spoke to a wide number of Winnipeggers affected by short-term rentals ahead of the bylaw’s passing.

Facebook and Google have been making no shortage of headlines this week, in large part because of the move by the tech giants to block Canadians from seeing headlines and news stories. Free Press editor Paul Samyn outlines how the Free Press is responding, including the newspaper’s decision to stop advertising on Facebook.

And, the Winnipeg Folk Festival continues this weekend and Alan Small chatted with troubadour Charley Crockett who will appear on Saturday’s mainstage. Ben Waldman caught up with local klezmer all-stars Finjan who return for the first time in more than 20 years and Rebecca Chambers writes about how Birds Hill Provincial Park becomes a utopia filled with peace, love and everything that makes summertime wonderful in our province.

'Victory for the people of Winnipeg'

Kevin Rollason:

‘So serious and so reprehensible’

Court slams conduct of former city CAO, dismisses appeal in bribery case Read More

Three Savour Manitoba magazine covers promoting a food, drink, and lifestyle publication.

'She had hopes and dreams'

Shelley Cook:

‘Somebody stole her’

Cherisse Houle spent years trying to reconnect with family but was slain at 17 before she got the chance Read More

'That community has eroded'

Gabrielle Piché:

Short-term rentals, long-term headaches

With the City on the verge of regulating the informal accommodation sector, driven by digital platforms like Airbnb, some worry the bylaw will stifle the industry, while others fear it won’t go far enough to stem growing concerns Read More

'Red River Valley over Silicon Valley'

Paul Samyn:

Free Press — not Facebook — will always be your trusted news source

For years, it’s been a common refrain that made newspaper editors shake their collective heads. “I don’t need to subscribe, I get all my news from Facebook,” was the explanation from those who migr... Read More

'A little bit better known'

Alan Small:

The cult of Crockett

Seasoned Texas troubadour still honing country sound forged on street corners Read More

Ben Waldman:

Forty years of Finjan

‘Canada’s first klezmer band’ returns to folk fest Read More

Rebecca Chambers:

Folk fest thrives as a paragon of collective optimism

This weekend brings with it a heady and nostalgic tradition. A time when many of us throw off our workaday selves. We become sudden and fervent adherents to love, music and friendship. Skin is bared a... Read More