The Wrap: Affordability and the election, law dean spending, election roundup and bonding with the bench boss

Good evening. Here’s a look at what our newsroom has been working on today:

'I don’t have any ways of living to save money'

Politicians on the election path tout a range of affordability promises to lure voters — from tax cuts to rent legislation changes.

Economists and housing experts believe major action is needed, regardless of who forms the next Manitoba government — otherwise personal debt will grow, missed payments will become more common, and consumers will continue to feel the financial squeeze tighten even more.

Gabrielle Piché:

Money on the mind

As financially strained Manitobans prepare to cast their votes, many are considering which party can effectively take the lead in addressing inflation, price hikes, rising inequality and a daunting housing market Read More

Get ready to savour Manitoba's freshest summer flavours

'“Most concerning” expenses were $518,000 on personal professional development'

Confidential minutes from a July 14, 2020 meeting — which were leaked to and independently corroborated by the Free Press this week — expose former U of M law dean Jonathan Black-Branch’s pattern of inappropriate spending and related institutional gaps.

“There were numerous examples of expenses without due regard for financial prudency, which demonstrate patterns of spending when reviewed in the aggregate,” said the meeting minutes.

Maggie Macintosh:

Audit flags ex-dean’s spending spree

‘Most concerning’ expenses total $643,000 Read More

Election roundup

Kevin Rollason:

NDP edges past Tories on public safety plank: poll

Manitoba voters name crime, health care, poverty/homelessness top election issues Read More

Tyler Searle:

Party leaders shift into overdrive in final hours before advance polls open

Niigaan and the Lone Ranger:

Making sense of a nonsensical election with Eric Grenier

Listen to the latest episode of Niigaan and the Lone Ranger.... Read More

The Canadian Press:

Manitoba NDP leader looks to rally supporters

WINNIPEG - Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew appears to be urging his supporters to not be complacent. Opinion polls suggest the NDP has a strong lead over the governing Progressive Conservatives headi... Read More

Danielle Da Silva and Carol Sanders:

Leaders square off in last major debate

Beneath bright studio lights and appealing directly to Manitobans via a row of cameras, the province’s main political leaders staked their claim for the premier’s office during a live, hour-long telev... Read More

'He genuinely cares for the people he’s coaching'

A phone call out of the blue in the middle of summer. A Happy Birthday greeting. A random check-in to make sure the newborn baby is doing well. An invitation to go golfing. A round of drinks on the road.

It’s the Rick Bowness way. And, given recent headlines about an out-of-touch coach in Columbus whose bizarre attempt to “connect” with his players quickly got him canned, it really is a breath of fresh air.

Mike McIntyre:

Bowness bonds like Super Glue

Jets bench boss steadfast in building player/coach relations Read More