The Wrap: Skibicki sentenced, Trudeau in town, McGroarty speaks
Plus: The Handsome Daughter's turning 10

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

'A vile coward'

Serial killer Jeremy Skibicki returned to a Winnipeg courtroom today to be formally sentenced to four concurrent life sentences — and to hear what the families and supporters of his four victims have endured in the wake of his horrifying crimes.

More than 150 people, including family, community members, police officers and reporters filled every available seat in the courtroom, including two jury boxes.

Dean Pritchard reports from the courtroom.

Dean Pritchard:

Serial killer Skibicki a ‘heartless, evil monster,’ victim’s aunt tells court

Victims’ loved ones celebrate after life sentence imposed in packed courtroom Read More

Iced drink with lime on a wooden surface beside the Savour Manitoba magazine cover.

'I hope that a meaningful conversation can take place'

In Winnipeg to campaign at a byelection event Wednesday, an energetic Trudeau tried to harness the power of positive thought in a speech to attendees. In particular, Trudeau highlighted recent statistics from the International Monetary Fund, which showed Canada is forecast to have the second-highest economic growth of any G-7 country this year, and the highest in 2025.

But the prime minister’s optimistic tone is really a sign of how desperate his political fortunes have become writes columnist Dan Lett

Dan Lett:

PM’s positivity pleas unlikely to sway Liberal-weary voters

Faced with relentless attacks from his political enemies and declining support among voters, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has turned to a rather unusual narrative to snatch his political career out o... Read More

Carol Sanders:

Liberals on labour side in railway dispute, Trudeau tells union during Winnipeg visit

Days after ordering an end to Canada’s railway labour dispute, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told a union gathering in Winnipeg Wednesday that his party is on the side of organized labour, and defende... Read More

'I feel like I’m going to get what I deserve'

Rutger McGroarty is quick to admit he still needs to work on his skating, but it turns out he’s already adept at stickhandling both on and off the ice.

The former Winnipeg Jets prospect met the media in Pittsburgh for the first time since last Thursday’s trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

While he was quick to display his charm and enthusiasm, McGroarty wasn’t interested in providing any details about why it didn’t work out with the Winnipeg Jets.

Sportswriter Ken Wiebe listened in.

Ken Wiebe:

McGroarty mum on Jets snub

Penguins prospect’s reasons for wanting out of organization remain a mystery Read More

'It’s almost an institution'

Since it opened in 2014, the Handsome Daughter has been a scrappy, indefatigable locus for independent performance.

As its tenth anniversay approaches, Ben Waldman reports on the bar’s approach to accommodating the whims of a turbulent and notoriously difficult industry

Ben Waldman:

Handsome Daughter, undaunted

Spunky bar raising a glass to its bright future Read More