The Wrap: Arrest in teen’s slaying, year-end interview with the mayor, fixing the Jets’ power play, and holiday cocktails

A 17-year-old boy is facing charges of second-degree murder after a 14-year-old girl was fatally stabbed last week in downtown Winnipeg.

The accused remained in police custody Tuesday afternoon when he made his first court appearance via video at the Manitoba Youth Centre.

The 14-year-old is the youngest of Winnipeg’s 40 homicide victims this year. Her death could prompt a review by Manitoba’s advocate for children and youth, Sherry Gott, who said the homicide speaks to a lack of services for young people.

During a recent year-end interview, Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham said tackling homelessness and increasing the Manitoba capital’s affordable housing supply will remain among his top priorities.

While some projects are taking longer than expected, he has high hopes groundwork laid in 2023 will soon pay off.

Rick Bowness is still planning personnel changes for Winnipeg’s struggling power play, but the Jets head coach wasn’t ready Tuesday to provide any hints publicly as to what those might be.

The Jets currently rank 23rd in the NHL in power-play efficiency. With the talent on the roster, this should be an area of strength for them.

Ken Wiebe looks at some potential changes.

There’s nothing wrong with rum and eggnog. And it doesn’t get easier than Bailey’s on ice.

But for hosts looking to spice up their holiday cheer, the Free Press has collected several slightly more ambitious cocktails from a bevy of local bartenders.

Check out three recipes for hot, cold and non-alcoholic mixed drinks inspired by Manitoba’s coldest season — all designed to serve a crowd with directions for batch preparation.