Welcome to The Wrap, an evening roundup of today’s news

Good evening and welcome to the first edition of The Wrap, a new briefing delivered to your inbox every weeknight.

In today’s fast-paced world, we hope this curated evening edition will get you to speed on the news of the day and other essential reads from our newsroom when you finally have a chance to slow down and lean back.

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And now, on to the top headlines for May 30, 2023:

Paul Samyn, Editor

Winnipeg police release 2022 stats

As Winnipeggers exited their pandemic bubbles in 2022, crime also returned to the city’s streets.

Police Chief Danny Smyth said he’s seen years in his career when crime was worse — particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s — but he thinks recent trends are concerning.

Erik Pindera:

Winnipeg’s not a ‘war zone,’ police chief says about troubling crime stats

Winnipeg’s police chief tried to quell people’s fear, saying the city is not a “war zone,” after the service’s annual report for 2022 showed violent crime was the worst in 13 years. “I never want t... Read More

Kevin Rollason:

Key stats in Winnipeg crime in 2022

The Winnipeg Police Service tracks the statistics down to a granular level, breaking down anti-social activities in myriad ways to help identify areas that might need more or less resources or different strategies to protect people and their property. Read More

Get ready to savour Manitoba's freshest summer flavours

Priest accused of sexual assault

A priest who worked in remote northern Manitoba communities has been charged with sexual assault, child luring and forcible confinement in connection with allegations he inappropriately touched a young girl.

RCMP said today additional potential victims have come forward since the suspect, Arul Savari, was arrested in Little Grand Rapids, and investigators believe there could still be more victims.

Chris Kitching and Tyler Searle:

Little Grand Rapids priest accused of sexually assaulting girl, 8

A 48-year-old priest from Winnipeg has been accused of sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl at a Roman Catholic church on a remote Manitoba First Nation — and police believe there may be more vi... Read More

Alberta UCP wins majority

Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party won a majority government in Monday’s provincial election in Alberta.

The UCP won 49 seats to 38 for Rachel Notley’s NDP in the 87-seat legislature, a 14-seat swing compared to the 63-24 vote split between the two parties in 2019.

Smith said it’s time to put personal and political attacks in the “rear-view mirror” and focus on the province’s economy. She’s promised to keep taxes low, vowing to introduce a law to mandate a binding referendum if personal or corporate income tax hikes are proposed.

Notley told supporters she will stay on as leader and harness the power of the largest official Opposition in the province’s history.

Dean Bennett, The Canadian Press:

'Miracle on the Prairies:' Alberta United Conservatives win majority government

Alberta’s United Conservative Party emerged bloodied but still standing in Monday’s bitterly contested provincial election. Danielle Smith’s UCP dominated outside Alberta’s two largest cities while... Read More

Stephanie Taylor and Mia Rabson, The Canadian Press:

Smith victory spells climate battle with Ottawa

OTTAWA - Danielle Smith's electoral victory in Alberta could spell the beginnings of a renewed confrontation between her province and Ottawa over climate policy — and create fodder for ... Read More

Dean Bennett, The Canadian Press:

Journalist to premier: The political journey of Danielle Smith

The political story of Danielle Smith is one of triumph then defeat, followed by betrayal, banishment and redemption. Read More

The woman on the health-care hot seat

In the latest episode of their podcast, Free Press columnists Niigaan Sinclair and Dan Lett talk with Shared Health CEO Lanette Siragusa about how she will heal an ailing health-care system. Plus, Manitoba’s odd decision to politically appoint a high-profile residential school denier, and the equally odd emergence of Liberal Party trolls. Listen at the link below or on your favourite podcasting platform.

Niigaan and the Lone Ranger:

Making sense of a nonsensical election with Eric Grenier

Listen to the latest episode of Niigaan and the Lone Ranger.... Read More