David Bowie Dies
David Bowie, the innovative and iconic singer whose illustrious career lasted five decades, has died after a battle with cancer. He was 69.
Representative Steve Martin said early today that Bowie died "peacefully'' and was surrounded by family.
The statement read: "While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy during their time of grief.''
Bowie turned 69 on Friday, the same day he released a new album called "Blackstar.''
---
Fire in Winnipeg Sends Nine to Hospital
It's not clear yet what sparked a house fire in northern Winnipeg that sent nine people -- including six children -- to hospital.
Firefighters say everyone got out of the house, which was gutted early yesterday.
All nine of the injured were treated for smoke inhalation.
---
More Weather Stations for Manitoba
The Manitoba and federal governments are expanding a chain of weather stations in the province to give farmers better information about the changing climate.
The announcement follows the release of a report commissioned by Manitoba that says more is needed to help farmers deal with excess moisture and flooding and the risk of extended periods of drought.
The number of automated agriculture weather stations is to be expanded from 61 to 84 by 2018.
The governments say data from the stations will be used to improve flood and drought forecasting, precipitation maps and monitoring severe weather.
---
Wheelchair Accessibility Changes Coming to Legislature
Changes are coming for the Manitoba legislature to ensure wheelchair accessibility, but it's a challenge given that the building is 96 years old.
Chris Hauch, an assistant deputy minister in charge of accommodation services, says the legislature is classified as a heritage building and changes are not supposed to deter from its historical appearance.
The government is looking at long-term alterations, but also short-term fixes that will be in place right after the April 19th provincial election.
Former MP Steven Fletcher will be running for a seat, but there's currently no way for the quadriplegic politician to get to the chairs inside the chamber.
---
Expensive Years for Parks Canada Firefighting
Parks Canada has been burning through its reserve money for fighting forest fires.
Lightning strikes on tinder-dry forests made 2015 the third big fire year in a row and firefighting cost $14-million last summer.
Director of fire management Jeff Weir says the reserve is pretty much depleted.
He says if firefighting exceeds the $8-million allocation next year, Parks Canada will have to look at other funding sources within the agency to cover the cost.
