The Wrap: PC election campaign post-mortem, multi-sport athletes and a field trip to Glenboro

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

'It was the campaign we needed to run'

“I knew it was going to get a bit messy,” says Marnie Larkin, co-chair of the Progressive Conservative’s 2023 re-election campaign.

“But I knew that if I could keep us in the 20s (in terms of seats), it would give us a chance to stay close and fight again in four years.”

Larkin spoke extensively to columnist Dan Lett about why the campaign unfolded as it did, and what the Tories were trying to accomplish.

Dan Lett:

Larkin: ‘I’m not going to apologize’

Tory campaign architect ‘stands firm’ on party’s far-right turn on the way to opposition benches Read More

Carol Sanders:

Stefanson to head PC party until leadership contest

She may have been an unpopular premier who led the Tories to a major defeat, but Heather Stefanson staying on as leader until a successor is chosen sometime in the next 18 months is no surprise, experts say. Read More

Carol Sanders:

Chance to serve on Kinew advisory team, advocate for municipalities behind Morden mayor’s sudden departure

Brandon Burley is thrilled to be sitting at the adult table. The Morden resident got a call following Tuesday’s election from Manitoba’s new premier-designate, who asked him to join his transition ... Read More

Tom Brodbeck:

No delivery guarantee on promises made; proof of progress on key issues what matters most

Manitoba’s incoming NDP government will not make good on all of its election promises. New governments rarely, if ever, do. Read More

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

Get ready to savour Manitoba's freshest summer flavours

'It’s quite a feat when you think about it'

Basketball, volleyball, cross-country, rugby, track and field, badminton, lacrosse, and more. In an era of specialization, local high schoolers are packing their schedules and managing their time efficiently to play multiple sports that span across intersecting seasons (and crushing it).

Mike Sawatzky:

What a bunch of do-it-alls

One multi-sport Winnipeg high school athlete plays on 11 different teams, others play on as many as six or seven. And one finds time to sell rat leashes between games Read More

'We need your help to keep the shop alive'

It’s life or death for Sk8 Skates. The 36-year-old Main Street shop is struggling to survive amidst inflation’s one-two punch: product and shipping costs are rising, and consumers mindful of cost-of-living hikes are spending less on sporting goods and hobbies.

Shop owner Fane Smeall is now surrounded by sales — a marathon of deals through the first weeks of October, promising discounts of up to 70 per cent off.

“We… need a boost… to get through these next couple months,” he says.

Gabrielle Piché:

Struggling for sales

Sk8 Skates offers deep discounts to attract customers as slump in purchases of non-essential items puts shop in survival mode Read More

'This is one of the nicest and most beautiful place for one to live'

Located approximately 170 kilometres west of Winnipeg, present-day Glenboro, nestled at the junction of highways 2 and 5, is surrounded by potato, wheat, sunflower and canola fields.

This is farming country and agriculture, although recently displaced by manufacturing, is still one of the top economic drivers for Manitoba.

Our latest Free Press Field Trip takes us to meet the faces and take in the landmarks of Glenboro.

AV Kitching:

Vital valley village

Glenboro residents embrace peaceful lifestyle in Westman crossroads and farming hub Read More

'There is always something to be thankful for'

A scheduling note: Monday is Thanksgiving Day. The Free Press will not publish a print edition Sunday or Monday, but you can catch up on the latest news at winnipegfreepress.com.

What’s open, what’s closed this Thanksgiving weekend

Manitobans will get a chance to give thanks and enjoy the change in seasons Thanksgiving Monday. It’s a statutory holiday, meaning civic, provincial and federal offices are closed. The Free Pres... Read More