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Free Press Head Start for Dec. 30, 2025

Good morning.

Manitoba nurses and doctors say they’re working hard this holiday and flu season to make sure they see hospital patients first who are triaged with the most acute health-care issues. Carol Sanders reports.

A southern Manitoba family is grieving the loss of a new father, killed in a freak accident on Boxing Day when his snowmobile malfunctioned and launched him into an embankment. Tyler Searle has the story.

— David Fuller

 

 

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Your forecast

Periods of light snow ending this morning then cloudy; risk of freezing drizzle this morning. Wind from the south at 20 km/h becoming northwest 30 gusting to 50 near noon. High -8 C, wind chill near -21.

Today’s must-read

More than 30 years after “child pornography” was specifically criminalized in Canada, the terminology has been eliminated from federal laws in favour of the phrase “child sexual abuse and exploitation material.”

The change, which took effect on Oct. 10, is meant to emphasize that the material depicts abuse — not entertainment.

The result of a private member’s bill, all federal laws that once referred to “child pornography” now say “child sexual abuse and exploitation material,” in a swap that will also change the language used in police news releases, courtroom discussions, judges’ decisions and beyond.

Advocates, including the Winnipeg-based Canadian Centre for Child Protection, had long called for the change, which doesn’t alter the scope of criminal charges or the legal consequences. Marsha McLeod has the story.

Conservative MP Frank Caputo, a former prosecutor, drafted the bill to update the terminology. (Adrian Wyld / The Canadian Press files)

Conservative MP Frank Caputo, a former prosecutor, drafted the bill to update the terminology. (Adrian Wyld / The Canadian Press files)

On the bright side

Wagasaming reels in the tourists in summer, but these days, its winter offerings are on the agenda.

A large snow structure is being erected in the town site to enhance the recreational area in the cold season and host events such as a fashion show.

The Klar So Winter Pavilion is an arched hallway — 16 feet high at its peak — that stretches 48 feet in length, said Karly McRae, chair of the Clear Lake Country Destination Enrichment Organization. The Brandon Sun‘s Connor McDowell has more here.

A rendering depicts the inside of the winter pavilion, which will stand 16 feet high at its peak. (Supplied)

A rendering depicts the inside of the winter pavilion, which will stand 16 feet high at its peak. (Supplied)

On this date

On Dec. 30, 1933: The Winnipeg Free Press reported in Ottawa, prime minister R.B. Bennett indicated the tradition of titles and honours being bestowed on Canadians by the King would be resumed on New Year’s Day. Economies in the operations of the Winnipeg Electric Company were not made by reducing wages, the company’s vice-president said. Search our archives for more here.

Today’s front page

Get the full story: Read today’s e-edition of the Free Press.

 
 

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Top news

Chris Kitching:

Derailment shows rail study on track: Axworthy

Incident highlights what could have happened with dangerous cargo, residents say Read More

 

Free Press staff:

Man charged with murder in Weston homicide

A Long Plain First Nation man charged in a recent slaying in the Weston neighbourhood was arrested and released for allegedly impersonating a Mountie during an attempted home invasion this summer. ... Read More

 

Malak Abas:

City receives dozens of complaints after snowplows damage young trees

The city has received more than three dozen complaints of trees being damaged by snowplows as street-cleaning efforts have ramped up in recent weeks. Snowplow operators hired by the city can be fin... Read More

 

Nicole Buffie:

Skating trail expected to open in time for New Year’s Day activities at The Forks

Skaters, rejoice: the Nestaweya River Trail at The Forks could be open as early as New Year’s Day, marking one of its earlier openings in recent years. The port rink on the Assiniboine River and a ... Read More

 
 
 

New in Sports

Mike McIntyre:

Status quo clearly not enough

Changes long overdue as Jets’ tailspin continues with loss to Oilers Read More

 

Ken Wiebe:

Oilers the right fit for Roslovic

Former Jet providing much-needed secondary offence for team led by McDavid and Draisaitl Read More

 
 

New in Arts and Entertainment

Jen Zoratti:

Made you look

From tiny beads to sweeping statements, 2025’s art exhibitions had an impact Read More

 

Martin Zeilig:

First comes the shock

Considering options and finding strength in community after prostate cancer diagnosis Read More

 

Denise Duguay:

Laughing — and screening — all the way to 2026

There is abundant comedy available to ease into the formal new year and abundant new and returning television in the month to follow to keep your various screens crackling. Press Play now. Read More

 
 

New in Business

Gabrielle Piché:

Negotiating turbulent waters of year ahead

International and interprovincial trade, federal investment levels among top topics of Manitoba business community leadership concern for ‘high-stakes, consequential’ 2026 Read More

 
 

Fresh opinions

Dan Lett:

Critics quick to ignore the revenue side of Manitoba’s deficit situation

Whenever government reports a deficit larger than it forecast, there will be howls of concern and condemnation. That was certainly the case when Finance Minister Adrien Sala recently confirmed Manitoba is facing a $1.6-billion deficit, more than twice what it forecast just three months ago. Read More

 

Editorial:

The environmental cost of instant delivery

The box arrives before you’ve finished your coffee. That, in a nutshell, is the modern miracle — and modern problem — of online shopping. Read More

 

Kele Schreckenbach:

We need more Wellington Crescent bike lanes

At the beginning of November, the City of Winnipeg announced an initiative to add a temporary bike lane to Wellington Crescent. It will stretch across the entirety of the street, and will, of course, require modifications to how parking and driving work, as well as having the speed limit reduced to 40 km/h. Read More

 
 

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