New Trial for Jolivet, Olympic Stadium Overhaul & Lac‑Mégantic Bypass — Montreal Friday

🚨 Crime & Public Safety

1. Federal justice minister orders new trial for Daniel Jolivet, who spent 33 years behind bars. Justice Minister Sean Fraser announced a new trial on Friday after finding reasonable grounds of a possible miscarriage of justice in the 1994 convictions for four 1992 Brossard shootings; Jolivet, now 69, was granted bail in December 2025 pending a federal review.
2. Quebec police ethics commissioner opens investigation into allegations of racism in Montréal‑Nord. The commissioner began the file June 26 at Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière’s request after Montreal police removed 16 officers from patrol duties, including two suspended and under criminal investigation, amid allegations such as officers keeping pieces of racialized citizens’ hair.

🏛️ Government & Politics

1. Quebec approves interior renovation plan for Montreal’s Olympic Stadium; work to finish by 2028. Tourism Minister Amélie Dionne announced the redesign Friday on the 50th anniversary of the 1976 opening; the plan follows the $870‑million permanent roof project approved in 2024 and includes bringing seats closer, adding suites and reconfiguring the lower bowl to a rectangular layout for football or soccer.
2. Canadian Transportation Agency approves 12.5‑km rail bypass for Lac‑Mégantic, 13 years after the 2013 disaster. The CTA approved the bypass Thursday after CPR’s September 2025 application; the 2013 derailment killed 47 people and the town lies about 200 kilometres east of Montreal, and federal and provincial governments committed financing in 2018.

💼 Economy & Business

1. June storms caused more than $1.1 billion in insured damage nationwide, with Montreal flooding topping $409 million. Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. estimated the June 9–10 Prairie storms caused over $728 million and Montreal floods on June 20–21 caused more than $409 million, prompting the Insurance Bureau of Canada to call for stronger flood protection and land‑use planning.
2. Quebec launches road‑safety campaign targeting collisions during the construction holiday. The provincial campaign aims to reduce crashes during the busy construction holiday period by raising awareness of road risks and promoting safer driving near work zones.

🏈 Sports

1. Alouettes visit Calgary for a CFL rematch after a 37‑30 Montreal win last week. Tyson Philpot had 132 receiving yards and a first‑quarter touchdown in Montreal’s Week 6 win; the Stampeders (2‑3) host the Alouettes for the back half of the home‑and‑home on Saturday, with Calgary missing defensive end David Perales this week due to a groin injury.
2. Canadiens re‑sign centre Kirby Dach to a one‑year, $3.6‑million contract. The Montreal Canadiens agreed to the short‑term deal for Dach, keeping the 23‑year‑old centre under contract for the upcoming NHL season at $3.6 million.

🎨 Community & Culture

1. Meet the Montreal illustrator behind Fantasia Festival’s iconic posters. The profile highlights the local artist responsible for the festival’s recognisable poster art and traces how their imagery has become part of Fantasia’s branding over recent editions.
2. Fifty years after 1976, debate continues over Montreal’s Olympic legacy. The anniversary piece revisits the 1976 Olympics’ long‑term effects on the city’s infrastructure and finances as stakeholders mark the 50th year since the opening ceremony.

🌦️ Weather & Roads

1. El Niño has arrived and forecasters warn of a strong event developing this year. Meteorologists describe the current El Niño as already emerging and likely to influence North American weather patterns through the coming months, with implications for precipitation and temperature trends.
2. (See Economy & Business item 1) — June 20–21 Montreal floods caused more than $409 million in insured damage. The Insurance Bureau of Canada uses these preliminary figures to press for improved flood mitigation investments.

📰 Also Today

• Small private plane crashes at Montreal Metropolitan Airport, details under investigation.
• Only a fraction of the Big O’s old roof survives, despite public call for pitches.
• More Quebecers moving to the Laurentians as demographics shift, story examines population trends.
• Canadian Transportation Agency formally approves Lac‑Mégantic bypass, related coverage to 10999.
• Montreal illustrator showcased at Fantasia Festival, related profile to main item 11021.
• Quebec justice minister ordered a new trial earlier this week, related to Jolivet coverage.
• Quebec police ethics commissioner probe ongoing in Montréal‑Nord, related to main item 10998.
• Scientists say El Niño could be ‘mind‑blowing’, related to main item 10957.
• CTA approval marks next step toward Lac‑Mégantic construction start, related to 10999 coverage.