Arsonist arrested, pet food bank, studying abroad
Plus: Computer and gaming museum aims to open in 2027

Scott Billeck:

From the judge’s chambers to the beer vendor

Ukrainian man sacrifices career to be reunited with family in Winnipeg Read More

Ben Waldman:

Playwright, educator known as Joe From Winnipeg, Ian Ross dies at 57

Born in McCreary to a Saulteaux mother and Métis father, Ian Ross took the theatre world by storm in 1997 when his first professional play was awarded the Governor General’s Award for English Drama, making the 29-year-old the first Indigenous person to receive the honour in Canadian history. Read More

Chris Kitching and Scott Billeck:

Suspected arsonist’s arrest a relief for targeted cabinet ministers, business owners

A 35-year-old Winnipeg man has been charged in a five-month spree of arson attacks against the constituency offices of two NDP government cabinet ministers, downtown restaurants and bars and other locations. Read More

Malak Abas:

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

Dispute over investment in Pennyloaf bakery leads to lawsuit Read More

Kevin Rollason:

Cougar makes rare appearance in Manitoba

A cougar made a rare appearance on a trail camera in the Whiteshell Provincial Park. Read More

Julia-Simone Rutgers:

Big data, big footprint

’Intangible assets’ come with all-too-tangible costs thanks to the ever-expanding energy and water needs of the digital mega-repositories powering the AI ‘revolution’ Read More

By Free Press staff:

In pictures: Santa parade lights up downtown

Scenes from the Santa Claus Parade, Grey Cup Edition in downtown Winnipeg on Nov. 15, 2025. The parade has run annually in Winnipeg since the former Eaton’s department store organized the first... Read More

Tyler Searle:

Province changes entrance requirements to remove barriers, boost paramedic training numbers

Manitoba is aiming to bolster its paramedic ranks by introducing a direct-entry pathway for high school students and others seeking to become emergency first responders. Fourteen seats within the prim... Read More

Gabrielle Piché:

Canadian banks’ strength shines in times of crisis: former Scotiabank CEO

Rick Waugh uttered the words, jokingly, well before fresh United States tariffs became a reality: “Gimme a crisis.” Read More

Cheyanne Mumphrey And Rio Yamat, The Associated Press:

Preparing to study abroad requires knowing what might go wrong during and after the trip

Experts say students need to study up on not only safety precautions and cultural differences, but also the emotional shifts that may come with leaving home — and returning to it. Read More

Aaron Epp:

WestJet maps new Winnipeg-Iceland route

‘More than convenience — it is about connection’: weekly direct flight to Icelandic capital from Manitoba begins in June Read More

Chris Kitching:

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. Read More

Joyanne Pursaga:

Accessible upgrades unveiled as Bonivital Pool reopens after 18 months

A revamped, more accessible Bonivital Pool is welcoming back swimmers, after it closed for more than a year for renovations. Read More

Malak Abas:

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

Rachelle St. Cyr has had to scrape together change or go without basic necessities if it means her three cats are happy and healthy. The 49-year-old self-described animal lover has had her two senior... Read More

Chris Kitching:

Twelve takeaways from the City of Winnipeg budget

Winnipeg’s preliminary 2026 budget includes plenty of road construction projects, expanded late-night bus service, extra firefighters and paramedics, and new safety measures for the downtown Millennium Library. Here are 12 highlights. Read More

Gabrielle Piché:

New Manitoba Computer and Gaming Museum powers up

Founders behind the proposed Manitoba Computer & Gaming Museum aim to open a permanent location in 2027. Read More

Aaron Epp:

Future Hope to help parolees take the Next Step

Harlen Card is an accomplished professional who gives back to the community, but that wasn’t always the case. “Into my 20s, I was a very selfish person. I wasn’t great,” he says. He was out of shape,... Read More

Erik Pindera:

Operation Red Nose gears up for 30th year fighting impaired driving

Operation Red Nose is about to rev up again for the holiday season. The annual free designated-driver program will begin offering rides Nov. 28. It runs until New Year’s Eve. The service — now in its... Read More

Dan Lett:

Premier must keep his promise on supervised consumption site — but it won’t be easy

How should we judge Wab Kinew’s pledge to finally open a supervised drug consumption site in downtown Winnipeg sometime in January? After two years of delays, it’s fair to ask if this is a promise he can finally keep. Read More

Melissa Martin:

Keep their names in the light

News involving killer should never overshadow memories of his victims, nor efforts of family to bring loved ones home Read More

Tom Brodbeck:

Politics, misinformation, complacency dragging public health backwards

Canada’s loss of its measles elimination status this week is more than just an international embarrassment. It’s a sign of how badly our public health infrastructure has eroded and how far we’ve slipped in protecting one of the most basic tools of modern medicine: vaccination. Read More

Daniel Johnson, The Canadian Press:

All in on stocks? Young investors should beware of the risks, experts say

With Bay and Wall streets hovering near all-time highs recently, young investors might be inclined to load up on stocks and forgo more stable fixed-income investments, without realizing how much risk they're truly taking on. Read More

Daniel Johnson, The Canadian Press:

Consumers facing new scam threats this holiday season: BMO’s financial crimes head

The list of newer scams includes AI-powered fraud, where scammers create fake retailer websites, along with phishing emails or deepfake videos to impersonate brands or influencers. Read More

Joel Schlesinger:

Secure, stable, yet still coming up short?

New Canada Pension Plan survey shows many fear outliving retirement savings — when many should direct that energy to act now to ensure they have enough Read More

Eva Wasney:

Your moment of baking zen

A little bit of science and a lot of patience are the only magic required Read More

David Sanderson:

Cue the cukes

Family-recipe garlic-dill pickles make cameo in locally-lensed holiday movie Read More

Janine LeGal:

The value(s) of veganism

During World Vegan Month, vegans across generations share their reasons for embracing the lifestyle Read More

Ben Sigurdson:

Vintage of aging wine writer hits sweet spot

A couple of big-ish milestones got me thinking about the vast, rapidly evolving world of wine and drinks, and my place in it. Read More

Sammy Hudes, The Canadian Press:

Canadians seeking ways to save on groceries as food costs remain top concern: survey

A survey of Canadians’ perceptions around food affordability and purchasing behaviours suggests that consumers have changed how they shop, cook and eat in response to rising prices. The latest e... Read More

What’s up: My Favourite Monster, BPM, Strumbellas, Montreal party, Dead of Winter

Free Press staff recommend things to do this week Read More

Ben Waldman:

What goes around, swims around for new Snakeskin Jacket show

If you ask Winnipeg actor-director Jane Walker which Canadian artist has most profoundly challenged her theatrical expectations, there’s no competition: the answer is Daniel MacIvor. Read More

Eva Wasney:

The adrenaline rush of Tosca

Manitoba Opera mounts Puccini’s classic for the first time since 2010 Read More

Ben Waldman:

Hospital bed as easel

Artist with Parkinson’s prolific output celebrated with upcoming exhibitions Read More

Ben Waldman:

In the glare of many sons

Identity, family, connection explored in cloning drama 'A Number' at RMTC Warehouse Read More

The week that was: Nov. 10 to Nov. 15

This week's news quiz topics include: The Grey Cup, seniors advocate, Costco and more. Take the quiz