Dying star resembles a billowing crystal ball in new telescope photo

Trump defends Iran war in address to UN General Assembly

UNITED NATIONS - U.S. President Donald Trump told the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday he has a choice to make on Iran: negotiate a deal or "annihilate the Islamic Republic."

In a wide-ranging speech, Trump defended his war on Iran and boasted of American strength, claiming that "while others have talked, I have acted.”

He celebrated the U.S. military operation to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro earlier this year and a new agreement to expand the American military presence in Greenland, which came after his threats of annexation.

But those actions have upended U.S. relationships with other nations, including traditional allies. Many of those allies have used the United Nations forum to call for a return to international law.

Today’s horoscope

MOON ALERT: Caution. Avoid shopping (except food and gas) and important decisions from 3 a.m. until 10:55 p.m. After that, the moon moves from Aquarius into Pisces.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

There’s a moon alert all day so restrict spending to food and gas, and postpone important decisions. However, you are the artisan of the zodiac, and a moon alert is an excellent time for socializing and making art.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Driver of stolen vehicle facing impairment, other charges after fatal high-speed crash in West Kildonan Sunday

A 19-year-old man faces impaired driving and other charges after a crash involving a stolen vehicle in north Winnipeg killed a 20-year-old woman and another left another woman with life-threatening injuries.

Post-secondary leaders to discuss cross-campus collaborations

The artificial intelligence boom is inducing panic about the makeup of Manitoba’s future workforce and influencing new post-secondary application trends.

What remains a constant, says the economist who oversees the University of Manitoba, is the often-overlooked value of a liberal arts degree.

“I’ve always believed in it being a foundation for lifelong learning,” said Michael Benarroch, president and vice-chancellor of the largest post-secondary institute in the province.

“Even more so, in a world of AI, where AI is going to do certain tasks, I think humanities education and social sciences education is going to become even more important.”

Audited public accounts show Manitoba's deficit last year half of predicted $1.67 billion

Manitoba’s audited public accounts for the last fiscal year show the province is “moving in the right direction,” NDP Finance Minister Adrien Sala said Monday.

The provincial deficit for fiscal 2025-26 was $832 million, nearly half the $1.67-billion deficit forecast in December, and in line with the $794-million estimate in Budget 2026.

“I’m particularly proud of this final result, (given the potential) implications of tariffs on our economy, the worst wildfire season in 30 years — which resulted in significant emergency expenditures — and, of course, a significant drought,” Sala said at a news conference.

The province reported revenues of $25.1 billion and expenses of $25.9 billion, resulting in the $832-million deficit. Manitoba’s net debt is $36.5 billion and costs the province $2.3 billion a year in debt-servicing charges.

Councillor facing sex charges running for re-election

A Winnipeg city councillor who faces sexual assault charges says he is running for re-election.

A day before Tuesday’s deadline, Russ Wyatt registered to run in the Transcona ward where he has served five terms and to which he was first elected in 2002.

“After much reflection, I have decided to stand for re-election in the Winnipeg municipal election,” Wyatt said in a statement Monday.

“Time and time again, I have stood up to the powers that be, and they would love to get rid of me. But I see the mess this city is in today, with the disastrous new bus routes, ever rising water bills, developer largesse, and poverty in our streets,” he said.