The Wrap: Shoplifting battleground, trustee candidates, Arlington Bridge, WRHA food, Jets questions
Plus: a new episode of Niigaan and the Lone Ranger

Theft is no longer a “victimless crime” committed by bored teenagers or desperate perpetrators simply trying to survive.

Now, there’s a level of sophistication and organization. At times, there’s gratuitous violence.

Big supermarket chains are taking a beating, but one they are built to withstand, to a certain degree. But mom-and-pop shops are ill-prepared to handle the spike in crime and the danger that comes with it.

In the first of a two-part series on shoplifting, reporter Mike McIntyre takes a detailed look at the growing problem in our city and what is behind it.

Two candidates in the Louis Riel School Division Ward 1 vote are campaigning on the so-called “parental rights” movement, drawing concerns from board members and challengers on the June 6 ballot.

Chris Kitching looks at the five-way race to replace Francine Champagne, who quit in November after being suspended for racist and anti-LGBTTQ+ social-media posts.

A new tender is seeking a company to replace multiple bearings on the Arlington Bridge, which was suddenly shut down in November after an assessment found significant steel corrosion and structural issues.

“We anticipate the repair project to cost up to $1 million. This includes engineering, materials, and construction. The repair is considered urgent to keep the bridge standing and underlying railway property safe,” a city spokeswoman wrote in an emailed statement.

The traffic closure remains in effect, and an engineering study, which will provide recommendations on whether the council should demolish, repair, or replace the bridge, is expected this fall.

Where does hospital food come from?

For most major health centres in Winnipeg, the pastel meal trays are assembled in a large regional distribution facility surrounded by commercial warehouses and industrial manufacturers on the outskirts of St. Boniface. The facility prepares more than 8,000 meals daily for patients at 11 local hospitals and long-term care centres.

Recently, the health authority invited members of the media to don hairnets, white smocks and disposable booties for an extensive tour of the facility — and a taste of its offerings.

Food writer Eva Wasney took up the offer.

Critical decisions are looming for the Winnipeg Jets that will have a far-reaching impact on the team’s quest to move forward.

Free Press hockey writers Ken Wiebe and Mike McIntyre take a look at six pressing questions facing the team, from coaching-staff vacancies to pending unrestricted free agents to backup goalies.