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A Winnipeg man who admitted to helping smuggle nearly 2 dozen guns across the U.S. border into this country, in exchange for cash and drugs, will now spend a year in an American jail.  20 year old Thomas Scher, struck a plea bargain with prosecutors in exchange for a quick trial and reduced sentence.  2 co-accused, including another Winnipeg man, are still awaiting sentencing.

Corporations are being asked to help out Manitoba First Nations, trying to cope with an outbreak of the swine flu.  Ron Evans, of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs says they can’t afford to wait for the feds to come up with funding for 15 thousand swine flu kits.  Those kits include everything from hand sanitizer, to masks and anti bacterial tissue.

Well Canadians who wonder when summer weather will begin may soon get their answer.  David Phillips of Environment Canada says it’s been unseasonably cooler this year, but that is about to change.  Phillips says new forecast models released today, are showing warmer than normal temperatures for the most of the country from mid July to mid August.

NASA says zoom in photos will be taken of the entire shuttle just before it docks with the international space station tomorrow.  Officials want to check for damage after some pieces of foam insulation fell off during the much delayed launch last night.  Canadian astronaut Julie Payette is part of the 7 member crew on this 16 day mission that’ll include 5 spacewalks.

Swine flu has reared its ugly head at summer camps in the heart of Ontario’s cottage country.  Health officials in Muskoka says 227 kids and 61 staffers at 3 different camps, have come down with signs suggesting they have the H1-N1 virus.  Fortunately, all of the cases have so far been mild, and no one’s required hospitalization.

There are 3 winning tickets out there for last night’s Lotto 6/49 jackpot of more than 32 million dollars.  Lotto officials say 2 of the winning tickets were bought in Ontario, and one somewhere in western Canada. 

Well for those heading south for holidays, you’ll like this news.  The loonie continues to soar this week.  Our buck shot up 1.71 yesterday to now sit at almost 90 cents U.S.  The buck has gained almost 4 cents this week alone.

Well as a lot of you may know, entry into provincial parks is free for the next couple of years.  The government came up with that idea to try and get tourists, and Manitobans for that matter, out enjoying these areas.  Only problem is this year?  Not a lot of people are heading to places like Grand Beach and St. Malo.  And the reason?  The weather.  Weather officials say we’ve had 8 straight months of below normal weather, something that’s only happened twice before.  And, 9 straight months of below normal?  Well, that’s never been recorded.

City police are looking for a man who sexually assaulted a woman working at a city tanning salon.  The incident happened Monday evening.  The man, armed with a knife, came into the salon in East Kildonan, and demanded money from the 26 year old employee who was working alone.  After she gave him the loot, he then forced her to the back of salon where he sexually assaulted her.   

A Winnipegger is now Canada’s Next Top Model !  19 year old Meaghan Waller took that title last night.  And for winning…she’ll get a 100 thousand dollar beauty contract from Proctor and Gamble, and a spread in Fashion magazine. 

Kiss rocker, Gene Simmons has visited Parliament Hill for a tour and a brief lesson on Canadian government.  In Ottawa for Bluesfest, Simmons and Shannon Tweed were given a semi private tour of the House of Commons, library and senate yesterday.  Born in Newfoundland and a former Ottawa resident, Tweed said she recently filed Canadian citizenship papers for their two grown children.

Hundreds of upset Mexicans have been lining up outside the Canadian embassy in Mexico City.  They’re ticked with Ottawa’s sudden move to require visas of travelers from that country.  The new rule announced Monday, is aimed at stopping the flow of bogus applications for refugee status from Mexican citizens and those from the Czech republic.

Aarf-Aarf and away !  Well these passengers certainly prefer dog biscuits over peanuts and pretzels.  A new company operating out of New York, has launched the first ever all pet airline.  Flights on Pet Airways are already booked up for the next two months.  And yes….all of those on board get their own private stewartdess.

Bernie Madoff is spending his first night in jail, where he’ll almost certainly spend the rest of his life.  The convicted swindler was taken to a medium security prison in North Carolina yesterday.  Last month, Madoff was slapped with a 150 year sentence for bilking thousands of people out of billions of dollars.  Those people can now take some solace in the fact he’s now in a cell with 2 bunk beds, a toilet and a sink.

After hitting its highest close in more than 3 weeks, the dollar is up again this morning.  Right now it’s trading at around the 88 cent U.S. level. 

A memorial service to honor Winnipeg sculptor, Leo Mol, drew several hundred people last night.  Mol, one of the province’s most prolific and famous artists, died on July 4^th at the age of 94.  Known worldwide, his works can be seen everywhere from the Vatican to Washington D.C.

The 2 Portage men arrested in the murder investigation of Amber McFarland, have now been released.  Last week, police took the 2 into custody to question them about the disappearance of the 24 year old.  But for whatever reason, the two have now been let go.  McFarland was last seen leaving a Portage bar with 2 men, last October.

NASA will try again tomorrow night to launch the space shuttle Endeavour.  That’s after the 5^th launch attempt last night ended in yet another delay.  Launch managers stopped the countdown just minutes before blast off, due to lightning and storms in the area.  The space station mission by Canadian Julie Payette and her 6 crewmates, have now been grounded for an entire month, all because of leaks and weather problems.

The Czech republic is fuming over Ottawa’s decision to require visas of all Czech citizens visiting our country.  And, to show its anger, the Czech government announced this morning it’s recalling its ambassador.  New visa requirements are being re-imposed on Czech and Mexican visitors to try and reduce asylum seekers.

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia has been voted the 3^rd best island in the world this year by readers of Travel and Leisure magazine.  The island jumped 7 spots from its number 10 ranking last year.  Readers of the magazine rated Bali as the world’s number one island, followed by the Galapagos islands.

Talk about a scary ride.  America’s Southwest Airlines is conducting inspections of nearly 200 aircraft after a hole force one of their planes, a 737, to make an emergency landing last night.  An airport spokesperson says passengers could literally see the outside through the one-by-one foot hole in the rear of the plane.  So far, it’s not clear what caused the damage.

An L.A. coroner’s official says toxicology reports that may determine the cause of Michael Jackson’s death, could be done by the end of this week.  Authorities are investigating claims the star took big amounts of prescrips.

City police say a group of thugs charged in the city’s latest murder, had been on a rampage earlier in the evening.  Cops say 4 young gang members robbed at least 7 other people before killing 24 year old Joseph Hall.  Hall was fatally stabbed Friday night, about a block from his home.  Police say all 4 suspects are known gang members and range in age from 17 to 21.

Several Humane Society’s are condemning the deaths of 4 animals at this year’s Calgary Stampede.  3 horses and 1 calf died at the annual rodeo.  A Society spokesperson says all of the animals died for a completely unnecessary purpose, to amuse a crowd. 

Another disappointment for Canadian astronaut, Julie Payette and the rest of the crew of the space shuttle Endeavour.  The ship was set to rocket off to the international space station yesterday when storm clouds quickly doused NASA’s plans.  This is the 4^th time Endeavour’s mission has been set back.  They’ll now try to get the bird off the ground sometime this evening.

For those who missed it the first time, the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum is recreating the moon landing in cyberspace.  The recreated Apollo 11 mission will be broadcast in real time Thursday morning online.  The website called, WeChooseTheMoon-dot-org, goes live 90 minutes before the 40^th anniversary of the Apollo 11 launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

An unbelievable story of survival is coming out of China today.  3 miners have been found alive after being trapped for nearly a month in a flooded coal mine.  Officials say the miners survived by drinking water that seeped through the earth.  12 other miners are still missing however.

Bruno is numero uno at the box office.  Sascha Baron Cohen’s mock documentary took in 30.4 million to lead the weekend for Hollywood.  “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs” was number 2, and “Transformers” slipped to 3^rd place.

One of Michael Jackson’s sisters is making some startling statements about the death of her brother.  LaToya Jackson is saying that she believes Michael was murdered in a conspiracy.  LaToya says people close to Michael wanted to keep him drugged to manipulate him.  She says the plan was to steal his money, and that, he had lots of it….in fact about a billion dollars.

Police are now questioning a 2^nd man in the disappearance of that Portage woman 9 months ago.  24 year old Amber McFarland was last seen leaving a bar in that city in October.  Police eventually ruled the case a homicide and took a 39 year old man into custody a couple of days ago.  Now, a 40 year old man has also been picked up in regards to the case.

A Manitoba woman is going to jail for a year for not getting medical care for her 3 year old daughter’s horrific injuries.  25 year old Melissa Audy plead guilty as part of a plea bargain.  Her daughter died just 9 months after being returned from foster care.  The woman’s former boyfriend is charged in the girl’s death.

Huge drug bust in the city.  Police seized over 175 thousand dollars worth of drugs from a North end home.  2 people are now facing numerous charges.  And both are apparently known to police.

Well heck of a storm we had yesterday.  Thanks to that morning deluge of rain we got, streets were flooded, light’s knocked out, trees and power lines came down, basements got flooded and even Victoria Hospital suffered some damage.  The weather office says we got over an inch of rain in about an hours time.  And officials say thanks to the Red River already being so high, the pounding of rain yesterday caused more problems than usual when it comes to drainage.

Some pause for thought news from health Canada today.  They say the controversial chemical bisphenol A, was found in baby food in glass jars with metal lids, and in water from large cooler bottles.  But, they also say the levels were low enough for people not to get worried.

One of the country’s big banks says there are signs that the Canadian housing market may have hit bottom.  T.D. points to an 8 per cent boost in housing starts last month, on top of an increase of almost 11 per cent in May. 

Bernie Madoff’s lawyer says the convicted swindler won’t appeal the 150 year prison sentence he was slapped with.  Madoff, who’s 71, was sentenced last week, after admitting he bilked thousands of investors out of tens of billions of dollars.

A 40 year old man has been arrested in the disappearance last fall of Amber McFarland.  The 24 year old Portage woman, was last seen leaving a nightclub in that city with 2 men.  So far, police are not releasing the man’s name, and what charges he may be facing. 

Renowned Winnipeg sculptor, Leo Mol will be remembered at a funeral this Monday, in the garden that bears his name and houses his work.  Mol died on the weekend at the age of 94. 

Carnage is being reported out of both Iraq and Afghanistan this morning.  In Iraq, bombs have killed more than 40 people and injured hundreds of others.  And in Afghanistan, a truck bombing has left 25 people dead, including several schoolchildren. 

The first fines have been issued to telemarketers who’ve violated the new national do not call registry.  The CRTC says the 2 unnamed companies now have 30 days to pay the fines, or, launch an appeal.  Although no one’s saying how big the fines are, they can range up to 1500 dollars for individual telemarketers, and 15 grand for companies.

A memorial for ex NFL quarterback Steve McNair will be held today in Nashville, Tennessee.  His friends, ex teammates and widow will celebrate his life during viewings at a funeral home and at the stadium where he used to play.  

So, Michael Jackson has left behind another mystery.  Where exactly is his body?  His casket was of course center stage at his memorial service on Tuesday.  But records say his final resting place should be at Forest Lawn cemetery in L.A.  But guess what?  There’s no record of him being actually buried there. 

Well you’re gonna like this news on a Thursday morning.  Gas prices are dropping in many Canadian cities today.  Prices are down over 3 cents a litre in Ontario and Quebec this morning, and are expected to drop by more than 2 cents in the west, including right here in Winnipeg.  The drop is thanks to oil prices going down on the major markets.

Police have arrested a teacher for allegedly using a computer, belonging to the Interlake School Division, to download child pornography.  The man who lives in Winnipeg, but, taught in Teulon, was fired at the end of May.  Police say the alleged offences took place from March 2008 to March of this year.  Investigators say they found no evidence to suggest that the safety of students was ever compromised.

Child pornography charges have been laid against a Manitoba teacher.  Police say the man allegedly used a school computer to download the materials.  He lives in Winnipeg but taught in Teulon for the Interlake School Division.  Police say the alleged offences took place between March of 2008 and March of this year.

Atomic Energy officials will apparently announce today that the Chalk River nuclear reactor…one the world’s biggest producers of medical isotopes, will be down longer than expected.  Reports say it’ll take several more months to repair a heavy water leak on the aging Ontario reactor.  It’s already been shut down since May.  The shortage of medical isotopes is affecting hospitals worldwide, forcing many doctors to look for other testing options when it comes to things like tumors and heart problems.

Canadian astronaut Julie Payette and her 6 American crewmates are back at Florida’s Cape Canaveral now, ahead of this weekend’s planned launch of the space shuttle Endeavour.  Payette and company are there again, in the hopes Endeavour will actually lift off as scheduled this time for a planned 16 day mission.  A hydrogen gas leak led to back to back launch delays last month.

The G-8 leaders annual summit starts up today in Italy.  Prime Minister Harper who’s there, wants to focus on the economy, though other countries also want tough talk on climate change and food security. 

Family, friends and fans have said a sad and musical farewell to Michael Jackson.  The most dramatic moment of yesterday’s star studded memorial service in Los Angeles, was when Michael’s 11 year old daughter Paris, unexpectedly took the microphone. 

Meantime, public health officials have now finally issued Jackson’s death certificate, but it does not list a cause of death.  Both L.A. police and the DEA say they’re investigation into the case continues.

The province says damage from this year’s flooding in the Red River Valley, will top 40 million dollars.  In fact, officials say in some areas, it was the most severe in the last 100 years.  Both Ottawa and the province are now offering disaster financial assistance to RM’s and homeowners.  And several million more will be spent to buyout some homeowners in areas that flood frequently.

The final bill for flood damage in Manitoba is in.  Official say it’ll cost the feds and the province some 40 million dollars to compensate people for damage after the Red River turned into a massive lake and sent giant chunks of ice crashing into homes.  This year’s spring flooding has turned out to be the 2^nd worst flood of the century in Manitoba.

Another body found in the Red River.  Police say the man who was found yesterday could be that 26 year old who disappeared on Friday after he jumped into the river in an attempt to save his cousin.  The unidentified man was apparently swept away by the current and presumed drowned.  Police say they hope to have his identity confirmed by today.

2 more Canadian soldiers have been killed in the Afghan mission.  Both men died yesterday in a helicopter crash.  Military officials say the incident was not tied to enemy action.  The Canadian death toll from the Afghan mission now stands at 124.

Well if you’re staying home today and planning on watching a little t.v., get ready for all Michael, all the time.  The King of Pop’s funeral is this morning, and pretty much every major network will be covering it.  Some officials think that a billion people around the world will be tuning in.  And for those who lucked out getting a seat at the Staple Center for the actual event?  Well, yesterday on sites like E-Bay and Craig’s List, a pair of tickets were running at over 150 thousand dollars.

Prime Minister Harper leaves today for the G-8 summit near Rome, Italy.  Leaders will talk about the global economic crisis, climate change, African aid and the recent disputed Iranian election.

Well the state of Alaska is known for a few things……pristine wilderness, the Iditarod dog race, natural resources….and now…..I-did-a-quit, Sarah Palin.  As you probably heard, the Alaskan governor decided to quit her job this past Friday.  Some had speculated that it could be because of legal troubles she may, or may not be facing….but yesterday, her lawyer said she decided to walk because she was simply tired of being a political lightning rod.

A standoff in the city has resulted in a couple of arrests.  Police at a checkstop chased a car that accelerated and drove towards an officer, narrowly missing him.  Officers say 2 men abandoned the car and barricaded themselves in a house and refused to leave until a heavily armed tactical team showed up.  A 27 and 24 year old have now been charged.

2 men are recovering in hospital following a shooting early yesterday.  Police say a 22 year old man is in critical condition with gunshot wounds to his upper body.  His 23 year old buddy was treated in hospital and released.  Apparently, the 2 were arguing with 2 other men just before the shooting happened.

Cottage owners north of the city whose property has been damaged by spring flooding, find out today how much the province will compensate them for their properties.  But, residents of Breezy Point worry the buyout program may not pay them a fair price. 

Well apparently you either love it or you hate it.  But, as it stands right now, looks like Winnipeggers are loving the new Bud Light Lime beer.  That is, if you can find the stuff.  A liquor control spokesperson says the product is so popular that it’s selling out almost as soon as it hits vendors and LC’s around town.  Apparently, one the reasons for the popularity of the beer is….women.  They’re simply loving it.

Prehistoric creatures and robots share the top spot at the box office this weekend.  Early estimates show “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” and “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs” each took in 42.5 million dollars this weekend…to tie for first at the North American box office.

Officials in Los Angeles are preparing for huge crowds for tomorrow’s public memorial service for pop star Michael Jackson.  Fans around the world found out by e-mail yesterday whether they won an online lottery for tickets to the event at the Staples Center.  More than 1.6 million entered the draw, but only 8750 will get a pair of tickets each.

Police in Nashville are classifying the death of former NFL star, Steve McNair as a homicide.  The married father of 4 was hot 4 times this weekend.  So far, police don’t have any suspects.

Not often you get a heads up about this but……police have a warning for those who like to speed….they’re gonna get ya if you’re on McGillvary today.  The stretch between Waverly and Kenaston is now 60 because of construction….and that’s for both east and westbound traffic.  Cops say speed traps and photo radar will be out in the area, and if you get caught by the way…the fines are going to be bigger.

A fuel spill in St. Boniface appears to have been easily contained.  Firefighters and hazmat crews were called to a parking lot yesterday near some railway tracks after a delivery truck hit a light standard.  About 375 litres of diesel fuel spilled when the pole ruptured the truck’s storage tank.  Most of that was able to be mopped up though.

A teen who neighbors say had just returned from a grad party at a city hotel, is now recovering in hospital after someone broke into his home and stabbed him in his bed.  Police say they found the 18 year old with multiple stab wounds to his chest and upper body.  He was rushed to HSC in critical condition.  So far, police don’t have any suspects.

Another food warning for you this morning.  The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning Canadians to not eat a whack of President’s Choice fresh roast beef, steaks and ground beef products.  It’s feared they may contain E. coli.  The recall is linked to last week’s massive recall in the States of U.S. beef products, believed to have sent 12 people to hospital.  So far though, there’ve been no reported illnesses in this country.

Governor General Michaelle Jean used yesterday to announce 60 new appointments to, or within the Order of Canada.  Hockey great Wayne Gretzky were among those promoted to a Companion of the Order….the highest of the Order’s 3 ranks.  Among those named Officers of the Order was former Manitoba premier Sterling Lyon.

L.A. police have asked the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency for help in investigating Michael Jackson’s death…specifically, about the star’s doctors and his medications.  Officials say the federal agency has expertise in areas of drug abuse and laws that local police may not.  Meantime, Jackson’s family says a public memorial is in the works, but it’s not gonna be held tomorrow at the Neverland Ranch as was previously reported.