Community choirs, holiday baking, depolarizing politics
Plus: This raccoon got too lit

Kevin Rollason:

Tattletale tickets

City’s parking authority proposes using snitch photos to nab rule-breakers Read More

Gabrielle Piché:

City grants Uniqlo construction permit at St. Vital Centre

Japanese retail clothing giant has been green-lit to start construction on a large store in St. Vital Centre. Read More

Gabrielle Piché:

Pair prepare to deliver Crumbl cookies to Winnipeg market

There was a massive chocolate chip cookie … and a pink sugar one … and some with cheesecake components. As friends Kristina Bighill and Paulina Coombs munched on the popular Crumbl desserts, they considered: why don’t we bring this to Winnipeg? Read More

Conrad Sweatman:

WECC needs $50K of help to stay open

Non-profit venue is appealing to the general public for donations through a fundraising campaign. Read More

Conrad Sweatman:

Pernicious cycle

Is there any strategy that can shift bike-theft crisis out of high gear? Read More

Mike McIntyre:

The Jets’ team at 35,000 feet

A peek behind the charter curtain with the club’s dedicated flight crew Read More

Photos by Mikaela MacKenzie :

City considers restrictions on Bois des Esprits tree carving

It started out as something quirky, a bit like hide-and-seek in the Bois des Esprits forest. First came Woody, a large mythical troll-like carving in the trunk of a diseased tree marked for removal, o... Read More

Joshua Frey-Sam:

‘It’s a great honour’

Basketball bursary created in recognition of one of Manitoba’s historic builders Read More

Abiola Odutola:

Brandon University gets $1-M gift in memory of donor’s wife

Brandon University has received a $1.1-million gift from Michael Chernoff, a longtime supporter, to expand one of the institution’s most prestigious entrance awards. Read More

Aaron Epp:

RRC Polytech to cut staff after loss of language training funds

More than 40 faculty and staff members at Red River College Polytechnic will lose their jobs after the federal government cut support to a language training program for newcomers. Read More

Alex Lambert:

Former MLAs seek to depolarize Manitoba’s politics

The Association of Former Manitoba MLAs’ Democracy Initiative plans to meet over the next few months with stakeholders across the province to hear ideas about how politics can be less polarizing. Read More

Chris Kitching:

Safety concerns force city to close East Kildonan arena for extensive repairs

Alternative ice in short supply for area teams, programs Read More

Tyler Searle:

Transit heeds ‘direct feedback,’ adds late-night hours to most on-request zones

Winnipeg Transit will soon add late-night service to most of its on-request zones, allowing riders to hail buses until 2 a.m. most days. Read More

Chris Kitching:

Hackers posted extensive data involving Pembina Trails students, staff on dark web: probe

Students at risk of fraud or other threats well into their adult years, expert says Read More

Eva Wasney:

Hamm about town

Winnipeg works at being a welcoming but low-key location for actors shooting projects in the city Read More

Ashland,Va., The Associated Press:

Raccoon goes on drunken rampage in Virginia liquor store and passes out on bathroom floor

ASHLAND, Va. (AP) — The masked burglar broke into the closed Virginia liquor store early on Saturday and hit the bottom shelf, where the scotch and whisky were stored. The bandit was something of a no... Read More

John Longhurst:

About more than just Sundays

The ‘Big Red Church’ will always be a ‘huge resource for the neighbourhood’ Read More

Jen Zoratti:

Doorways to nostalgia

Luxury advent calendars tap into warm holiday memories Read More

Niigaan Sinclair:

Carney tries to be slick but pipeline games won’t end well

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently agreed to a deal committing their governments to work towards building an oil pipeline to the northwest coast of British Columbia “in the national interest.” Read More

Rebecca Chambers:

Young viewpoints have power to broaden adult minds

“How do you talk to your children about the news?” I see parents lamenting on social media, as though by “news” we only mean “existential threats of global collapse.” However, there is of course much more to the news than what occupies our cynical adult minds. Read More

Jen Zoratti:

You don’t really need to get matching sweaters

This year marks the 60th anniversary of A Charlie Brown Christmas and the special’s central concerns – commercialization and rampant consumerism — are still relevant today, especially as people have turned the holidays into a competitive sport on social media. Read More

Kumutha Ramanathan, The Canadian Press:

How to shop for the holidays without unwrapping spending regret come January

The holidays promise laughter and the joy of togetherness, but the sparkle of the season can quickly fade when your credit card bills start rolling in.  Read More

Joel Schlesinger:

Philanthropic legacy

Thinking of giving big to charities this holiday season? Consider donor-advised funds Read More

Homemade Holidays: A sweet daily recipe in December

Homemade Holidays offers a sweet daily recipe in December to inspire your holiday baking. See the latest recipes here. Homemade is a Free Press series celebrating home cooking in Manitoba. To submit a... Read More

Ben Sigurdson:

Brewery artisan markets a chiller way to gift shop

If the thought of frenzied shoppers clambering for hot Black Friday deals at the mall sends shivers up your spine, fret not — you can avoid the throng while finding charming gifts (for others or for y... Read More

What’s up: Serena Ryder, Show Pony, holiday market, Meng Su

Free Press staff recommend things to do this week Read More

Eva Wasney:

Down to Earth

Pop culture helps astrophysicist make complicated topics, ideas understandable Read More

AV Kitching:

Sing it loud

Local choirs spread joy this holiday season Read More

Ben Waldman:

Rainbow Stage producing three shows next summer

Legally Blonde and Jesus Christ Superstar make their debuts in Kildonan Park Read More

The Week That Was: Nov. 24 to Dec. 1

This week's topics: Jon Hamm, Jets' victory, Vi Houssin, book prices, Steinbach concert Take the quiz