AI fears to curb homework assignments

Francophone teachers have been asked to limit homework wherever possible and promote nightly reading routines in response to the rise of artificial intelligence.

The Division scolaire franco-manitobaine shared new guidelines on “donner des devoirs” — handing out obligatory after-school assignments — with staff this month.

The Nov. 10 advice recommends Grade 7 to 12 students receive homework in moderation.

After-school assignments should be tailored to a student’s needs, focus on a specific skill and complement in-class support, according to the four-page document obtained by the Free Press.

From tie-dye to tied up… in court: Foster sued

The co-owner of a Corydon bakery that closed its doors amid accusations of mismanagement is now suing tie-dye maven and former business partner Pepper Foster for nearly $200,000.

Pennyloaf Bakery, known for its sourdough bread, opened its doors at 858 Corydon Ave., in 2015, and was purchased by Foster and accountant James Fiebelkorn in June 2022, both owning 50 per cent of the business.

But issues rose quicker than dough with baker’s yeast; staff told the Free Press they had quit in response to concerns about Foster and his wife Vanessa Foster’s management of the business, and the shop closed in December 2022.

A lawsuit filed last month alleges that Fiebelkorn contributed over $193,000 to the business’ account with the agreement that Foster would contribute an equal amount, but said he has “neglected, failed or refused to make any contributions to service the debt on the loan.”

Humane society launches holiday hamper drive amid spike in pet food bank demand

The number of appointments at the Winnipeg Humane Society’s pet food bank more than tripled last month compared with April.

The food bank had 88 appointments in April and 301 in October. The humane society has launched its first-ever pet food holiday hamper drive to support its food bank after the 242 per cent increase in demand.

The organization wants to hand out at least 100 hampers — half for dogs, and half for cats — to help relieve the financial pressure many people face during the holiday season. The list of desired items — such as food, toys and treats — can be found at wfp.to/pethamper.

“Everything these days just costs more, and that includes caring for your pet. No one should have to choose between feeding themselves or their animal,” Kendra Galbraith, the society’s manager of community outreach, said in a news release Wednesday.

Fifteen highlights from the throne speech

New health-care staff-to-patient ratios, a crackdown on meth and a bill to stop “unfair” rent increases are among the province’s priorities in the next legislative session.

Senators amend legislation to make it easier to pass on First Nations status

OTTAWA - Senators have passed sweeping amendments to a bill that would simplify the transfer of First Nations status between generations, rejecting the federal government's advice to limit its scope.

Bill S-2, introduced in the Senate with support by the Liberal government, was drafted to eliminate some gender inequities in the Indian Act and allow some 6,000 people to become eligible for First Nations status.

Some senators and Indigenous community leaders said the bill didn't go far enough.

On Tuesday, senators changed the legislation to eliminate what is known as the "second-generation cutoff," opting instead for a one-parent rule that would allow First Nations status to be transferred to a child if one of their parents is enrolled.

Premier promises ‘Trump-proofing’ of Manitoba economy in $3-B project

A $3-billion combustion turbine facility is proposed for Westman as Manitoba Hydro projects power shortages in the coming years.

Two camps cleared just as new city policy takes effect

One day after the city started enforcing its new ban on homeless encampments in many areas, including at schools and playgrounds, the city said two small sites had been removed.

On Tuesday, city officials said they found housing for about three to four people, which enabled them to move out of homeless camps at 395 Pacific Ave. and a property behind 655 Empress St.

“It’s meaningful, I think, particularly for the neighbours. I have a great deal of empathy for folks who are living in encampments. These are people who are surviving. But, at the same time, we have to balance that with our responsibility to the public to maintain these important public spaces” said Greg MacPherson, the city’s acting manager of community development.

“Seeing the difference in those two sites (Monday) was quite remarkable.”

Thompson hospital nurses voting on measure to ‘grey-list’ facility over safety concerns

Unionized nurses in northern Manitoba will vote on whether to “grey list” their workplace because of persistent safety concerns and staffing issues.