Lifesaving scientist 'Professor Popsicle' to receive province’s highest honour

Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht, widely known as 'Professor Popsicle,' is being named to the Order of Manitoba for his groundbreaking work in cold-weather survival and hypothermia research.

The Order of Manitoba was established in 1999 to honour Manitobans who have demonstrated excellence and achievement, which has in turn enriched the social, cultural or economic well-being of the province and its residents.  

The professor emeritus who retired at the University of Manitoba says he received the phone call about a month ago. 

2 hospitalized after early morning house fire in North End

Two people are in hospital after getting trapped in a house fire early Wednesday morning. 

The blaze broke out just after midnight in a home in the 300 block of Aberdeen Avenue. 

When firefighters arrived, flames and smoke were pouring out of the home, and they quickly learned that there were still people trapped inside.

Firefighters rescued two people from the home. They were both transported to hospital in unstable condition. 

It took about half an hour to get the fire under control.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

RM of Piney resident 'so grateful' for work of firefighters

Evacuees from Woodridge are back home now—and for one resident, the realization of what could have been hits hard.

"All the homes in our town had been spared, and out town had been spared. But speaking with the firefighters, they said it was the closest call they have ever had," says Cheryl Wilson-Janz. "If the winds and rain hadn't come, then they think they probably would have lost the town within the hour."

Wilson-Janz, who is a member of the Woodridge Community Club, says when the town was ordered to evacuate, it was extremely difficult.

Union head says new federal government needs to regain public servants' trust

The head of one of Canada's largest federal unions says the federal government needs to focus on repairing the relationship between public servants and management.

Nathan Prier, president of the Canadian Association of Professional Employees, said this is a "delicate moment" and that new Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali has his work cut out for him.

Prier said the Trudeau government made several questionable decisions that eroded trust among workers. They included a messy return-to-office rollout that was conducted without consulting employees, he said.

Manitoba government says it's working to get promised tax credit to homeowners

The Manitoba government faced more questions about its property tax reforms Tuesday after some homeowners did not receive a promised $1,500 credit on their annual bill.

Finance Minister Adrien Sala said there was a problem with some homeowners not registering their properties as their primary residence, which is a condition to get the credit. He put part of the blame on municipal governments.

Bank of Canada rate cut odds for June fall after April inflation data

Signs that underlying inflation was picking up in April put the Bank of Canada in a tricky position ahead of its June interest rate decision, with some economists arguing a second straight pause is now more likely.

"It is going to make it a much more challenging backdrop for the Bank of Canada to continue cutting rates, at least in the near term," said Benjamin Reitzes, managing director of Canadian rates and macro strategist at BMO Capital Markets.

Lung Association experts warn of wildfire smoke dangers

The Manitoba Lung Association is educating people on the dangers of wildfire smoke inhalation, especially during air quality warnings. 

"We provide education and ongoing research to local researchers to provide evidence-based programming and supports," says Juliette Mucha, the President and CEO of the Manitoba Lung Association in Winnipeg. "We also provide support groups for people with lung cancer, long-COVID, and lung transplants."

Verse of the day: May 21

1 Corinthians 1:10

"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought."

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

God's not deaf

1 Kings 17:21–24

Ever wonder if God has gotten hard of hearing?

I know my kids and grandkids tease me about noticing the inevitable signs of ageing. A minor stumble now and then, a little forgetfulness, a pinch of grumpiness.

Thankfully, my hearing may be one of the last things to wane.

But you need to know, God’s hearing is perfect—and it’s especially tuned to the voice of His children.

Prayer is the act of faith that believes God is not deaf. That He lovingly and graciously hears our voices and attends to the cries of our hearts.

Hit-and-run claims life of pedestrian over the weekend

A 49-year-old male is dead following the report of a hit-and-run over the weekend. 

On May 17 at 7:10 a.m., the Winnipeg Police Service were called to the 300 block of Redwood Avenue following a hit-and-run between a vehicle and a pedestrian. 

A 49-year-old male was located by paramedics suffering from injuries consistent with being hit by a vehicle. He was transported to hospital in stable condition. 

North District General Patrol officers located a stolen rental moving van in the back lane of where the incident happened.