Uncategorized – Winnipeg Free Press

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press
Kirby Oryniak and his boss work to get his vehicle out of a snow drift on Victoria Avenue East near Redonda Street in Transcona Thursday morning.

Symphony of stuck buses

Scott Billeck 1 minute read Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025

Just after 7 a.m. Thursday, Kirby Oryiak left his Transcona home for work.

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Arts & Life briefs

2 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025

Kane Brown tops Country Thunder bill

The lineup for next year’s Country Thunder concert event at Princess Auto Stadium was announced Tuesday and features mega-selling U.S. singer-songwriter Kane Brown (Heaven, What Ifs) and viral social media star Bailey Zimmerman (Fall in Love).

The show, which will also include American outlaw country act Koe Wetzel and Canadian singer-songwriter Robyn Ottolini (F-150), is set for Friday, July 3.

Country Thunder is a production of the Winnipeg Football Club and True North Sports and Entertainment. The series also includes a Rockin’ Thunder

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Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025

Police in Newfoundland and Labrador apprehend third man wanted for murder

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Police in Newfoundland and Labrador apprehend third man wanted for murder

The Canadian Press 1 minute read 10:34 AM CST

ST. JOHN'S - Police in Newfoundland and Labrador say they have apprehended the third suspect in a St. John's murder after warning the public he was at large and possibly armed.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary says officers took the 47-year-old man into custody without incident on Tuesday evening.

Earlier that morning the force said officers had charged a 42-year-old man and a 28-year-old man for murder in connection with the death and were looking for a third suspect.

A news release says charges against the 47-year-old are pending and the investigation is ongoing.

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10:34 AM CST

A Royal Newfoundland Constabulary police car is shown in St. John's in a June 2020 photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sarah Smellie

Florida State QB Thomas Castellanos drops NCAA appeal, enters NFL draft

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Florida State QB Thomas Castellanos drops NCAA appeal, enters NFL draft

The Associated Press 2 minute read 10:07 AM CST

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos has dropped his appeal for another year of college eligibility and declared for the NFL draft.

Castellanos thanked family, friends, coaches and teammates and “everyone who has supported me along this journey" in a statement posted on social media.

Just Win Management Group, which represented Castellanos during his legal fight, said it supported his decision.

“While the unique facts and circumstances surrounding the petition for an additional year of eligibility did create a path of viability, after careful review and consideration, we full support Mr. Castellanos' decision to forego that continued pursuit and focus his attention on preparing for the 2026 NFL draft," the agency said in a statement.

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10:07 AM CST

Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos warms up before an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

RCMP charge N.S. man with weapons offences, including possession of homemade bombs

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

RCMP charge N.S. man with weapons offences, including possession of homemade bombs

The Canadian Press 1 minute read 9:40 AM CST

HALIFAX - Nova Scotia RCMP have charged an Annapolis County man with multiple offences after seizing a slew of prohibited weapons, including two homemade bombs.

Police say the investigation began on Dec. 16 when they learned a 42-year-old man had been shot with a rubber bullet two weeks earlier by a man he knew.

The 34-year-old alleged shooter from Brickton, N.S., had an outstanding arrest warrant against him and was thought to have had illegal firearms.

RCMP say they searched the suspect's home and pickup truck, seizing ammunition, prohibited devices, gun parts, imitation guns, a shotgun and two improvised explosive devices.

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9:40 AM CST

P.E.I. police charge man for alleged antisemitic hate crimes, firearm offences

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

P.E.I. police charge man for alleged antisemitic hate crimes, firearm offences

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Updated: 9:55 AM CST

CHARLOTTETOWN - Police in Prince Edward Island have charged a 25-year-old man with firearm offences and hate crimes, alleging he posted antisemitic content online.

The charges followed a lengthy investigation sparked by several complaints about the man's social media posts, RCMP said in a news release Tuesday.

"The recent attacks in Australia clearly show the impacts of hate-motivated crime," RCMP Chief Supt. Kevin Lewis said in the release, referring to a mass shooting earlier this month during a Hanukkah celebration at Australia's Bondi Beach, which left at least 15 people dead and 38 wounded.

Lewis said he believes the case in P.E.I. involves the first hate crime charges ever laid in the province.

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Updated: 9:55 AM CST

An RCMP epaulette is seen in Edmonton, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Here’s what stores are open, and which ones are closed, on Christmas

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Here’s what stores are open, and which ones are closed, on Christmas

The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: 9:50 AM CST

From department stores to grocery stores, most retailers across the U.S. close early on Christmas Eve and shut their doors entirely on Christmas Day — while others opt to cut back hours. But there’s also a handful of businesses that will be open during the holiday.

Before you run out the door this Christmas — whether it’s to buy last-minute gifts or simply get out of the house — it’s wise to double-check operating hours, which can differ depending on their location. When in doubt, call ahead or look up more specific schedules online for stores in your neighborhood.

Here’s a rundown of major chains on Christmas Day this year.

IS WALMART OPEN ON CHRISTMAS?

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Updated: 9:50 AM CST

FILE - A shopper heads into a Walmart store Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

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Problems continue for England as star bowler Jofra Archer is out of the final two Ashes tests

Dennis Passa, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Problems continue for England as star bowler Jofra Archer is out of the final two Ashes tests

Dennis Passa, The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: 2:38 AM CST

England's Ashes tour of Australia appears to be going from bad to worse.

Star bowler Jofra Archer will not play in the remaining two tests due to a left side strain, a team official said Wednesday, adding to England's problems both on and off the field that include accusations of drunken behavior by opener Ben Duckett.

The 30-year-old Archer spent four years battling a variety of fitness issues, including stress fractures of the back and right elbow, but has been in strong form since making a long-awaited red-ball return against India.

The fourth test begins Friday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the fifth on Jan. 4 in Sydney. Australia has a winning 3-0 lead in the five-test series and has retained the Ashes.

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Updated: 2:38 AM CST

England's Ben Stokes, right, walks with teammate Jofra Archer after dismissing Australia during play on day four of the third Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Adelaide, Australia, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/James Elsby)

Bangura rushes for 149 yards and a TD as Ohio beats UNLV 17-10 in Frisco Bowl

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Bangura rushes for 149 yards and a TD as Ohio beats UNLV 17-10 in Frisco Bowl

The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 11:53 PM CST

FRISCO, Texas (AP) —

Sieh Bangura rushed for 149 yards and a touchdown and Ohio beat UNLV 17-10 on Tuesday night to win the Frisco Bowl.

The Bobcats (9-4) have won their last seven bowl games — dating to 2017 — after losing eight of their first 10.

Defensive coordinator and interim head coach John Hauser led Ohio to this victory after head coach Brian Smith was fired earlier in the month for having an affair with an undergraduate student.

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Yesterday at 11:53 PM CST

Ohio quarterback Parker Navarro (13) is congratulated after winning the Frisco Bowl NCAA college football game against UNLV Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Sieh Bangura runs for 149 yards and a score, helps Ohio beat UNLV 17-10 in Frisco Bowl

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Sieh Bangura runs for 149 yards and a score, helps Ohio beat UNLV 17-10 in Frisco Bowl

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 11:45 PM CST

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Sieh Bangura rushed for 149 yards and a touchdown and Ohio beat UNLV 17-10 on Tuesday night to win the Frisco Bowl.

The Bobcats (9-4) have won their last seven bowl games — dating to 2017 — after losing eight of their first 10.

Defensive coordinator and interim head coach John Hauser led Ohio to this victory after head coach Brian Smith was fired earlier in the month for having an affair with an undergraduate student.

Ohio's Parker Navarro had a 5-yard touchdown run on a quarterback keeper five minutes into the second quarter for the only score of the first half. The lead was 6-0 after David Dellenbach's extra-point kick hit the right upright.

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Yesterday at 11:45 PM CST

UNLV quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) is grabbed by Ohio defensive lineman Evan Herrmann (11) during the second half of the Frisco Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Japanese boxing stars Inoue and Nakatani poised for showdown if Saudi bouts go their way

Ken Maguire, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Japanese boxing stars Inoue and Nakatani poised for showdown if Saudi bouts go their way

Ken Maguire, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 11:12 PM CST

The Floyd Mayweather Jr.- Manny Pacquiao bout happened probably five years too late. Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua still haven’t fought.

Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani are ready to square off now in what would be the biggest fight in Japanese boxing history. No posturing, just two top pound-for-pound boxers in their prime seemingly willing to give fans what they want.

Here’s the catch: They each have one more fight and need to avoid a surprise before their expected showdown.

Inoue (31-0, 27 KOs) is the undisputed super bantamweight (122 lbs) champion and the headliner Saturday in Saudi Arabia. He faces Mexico’s Alan David Picasso (32-0-1, 17 KOs). Nakatani (31-0, 24 KOs), moving up in weight to make his debut in the division, faces Sebastian Hernandez Reyes (20-0, 18 KOs) — also Mexican — on the same card, a showcase of Japanese fighters.

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Yesterday at 11:12 PM CST

FILE - Naoya Inoue celebrates after defeating Ramon Cardenas in a junior featherweight title boxing match Sunday, May 4, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

Maverick McIvor rallies Western Kentucky to a New Orleans Bowl victory, beating Southern Miss 27-16

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Maverick McIvor rallies Western Kentucky to a New Orleans Bowl victory, beating Southern Miss 27-16

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 9:12 PM CST

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Quarterback Maverick McIvor came off the bench to lead three second-half touchdown drives and Western Kentucky rallied to beat Southern Mississippi 27-16 on Tuesday night to win the New Orleans Bowl at Caesars Superdome.

Head coach Tyson Helton has led the Hilltoppers (9-4) to a bowl game in seven straight seasons, winning five of them.

McIvor completed 12 of 19 passes for 199 yards with one interception and rushed for a season-high 48 yards and a score on eight carries. Matthew Henry had seven receptions for 126 yards. Jack Cannon kicked two field goals.

Braylon Braxton threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to Tychaun Chapman in the first quarter and Creighton Wilbanks kicked two field goals in the second to help the Golden Eagles (7-6) take a 13-6 lead into halftime.

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Yesterday at 9:12 PM CST

Western Kentucky Quarterback Rodney Tisdale Jr. (16) being rushed by a Southern Miss defender during the first of half of the New Orleans Bowl Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025 in New Orleans, La. (Aimee Cronan/The Gazebo Gazette via AP)

Caleb Hollenbeck scores 25 to help Marshall beat NAIA’s West Virginia Tech 102-52

The Associated Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 9:06 PM CST

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — Caleb Hollenbeck had 25 points in Marshall's 102-52 victory over NAIA member West Virginia Tech on Tuesday night.

Hollenbeck also had eight rebounds for the Thundering Herd (8-5). Wyatt Fricks totaled 19 points and eight rebounds. Noah Otshudi pitched in with 13 points, six rebounds and six assists.

Jackson Tackett finished with 17 points for the Golden Bears. Brandon Moore added nine points and Trayten Woods scored eight.

___

Villanova turns back Seton Hall 64-56 in Wildcats’ Big East Conference opener

The Associated Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 9:01 PM CST

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Acaden Lewis had 16 points and Villanova beat Seton Hall 64-56 in the Wildcats' Big East Conference opener on Tuesday night.

Lewis added five rebounds and three steals for the Wildcats (10-2, 1-0). Bryce Lindsay hit three 3-pointers and scored 15, while Matthew Hodge hit two 3-pointers and scored 12.

Elijah Fisher had 13 points to lead the Pirates (11-2, 1-1), who saw a five-game win streak end. Josh Rivera added 10 points and A.J. Staton-McCray scored nine.

Villanova took the lead for good with 6:53 to go in the first half. The score was 31-27 at halftime with Lindsay racking up eight points. Villanova used a 16-0 run in the second half to build a 47-29 advantage with 14:11 left.

Rodney Brown Jr. scores 23 as Loyola Marymount beats Morgan State 83-56

The Associated Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 7:49 PM CST

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rodney Brown Jr. scored 23 points to lead Loyola Marymount over Morgan State 83-56 on Tuesday.

Brown went 8 of 14 from the field (5 for 9 from 3-point range) for the Lions (9-4). Jalen Shelley added 14 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Aaron McBride pitched in with nine points and six rebounds.

The Bears (2-11) were led by Rob Lawson, who recorded 14 points and six assists. Walter Peggs Jr. added 12 points and David Bumpass scored 11.

Loyola Marymount took the lead with 19:46 remaining in the first half and did not trail again. Brown had 14 first-half points for a 40-21 advantage at the break.

Surrey, B.C., Conservative candidate scraps the court challenge of his loss

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Surrey, B.C., Conservative candidate scraps the court challenge of his loss

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 8:19 PM CST

SURREY - The B.C. Conservative Party candidate who lost in the riding of Surrey-Guildford by 22 votes in last year's provincial election has given up his court challenge of the results.

Honveer Singh Randhawa announced in a statement on Tuesday that he is withdrawing his B.C. Supreme Court petition, saying his team has already achieved a material outcome after the chief electoral officer admitted that some violations had occurred.

Randhawa claimed in his petition that some non-residents of the riding voted, that others cast multiple ballots and that some residents of a seniors care home cast mail-in ballots, despite them not being aware there was an election.

A statement from Elections BC says there is no evidence that violations of the Election Act occurred in the last provincial election and the election result remains valid.

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Updated: Yesterday at 8:19 PM CST

December 24, 2025

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