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Arts & Life

Disordered care

Disordered care

Eva Wasney 7 minute read 2:00 AM CST

Functional neurological disorder (FND) is often described as an invisible illness.

The condition affects how the brain processes information and communicates with the body, resulting in a wide range of physical and neurological symptoms that differ from person to person. Unlike structural brain issues — such as tumours, strokes or lesions — functional neurological disorder (FND) symptoms don’t show up in conventional diagnostic testing and imaging.

This common, gendered disorder traces its roots to hysteria; yet, centuries later, its causes and mechanisms remain largely unknown.

Winnipeg academic Jen Sebring is among those working to make this invisible illness more visible in Canada.

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Mary Roberts measured her wealth in hugs to family, friends, parade watchers and even Rita MacNeil

Janine LeGal 6 minute read Preview

Mary Roberts measured her wealth in hugs to family, friends, parade watchers and even Rita MacNeil

Janine LeGal 6 minute read Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026

It was Christmastime at a Transcona casino when Mary and some of her family members went to see Canadian singer Rita MacNeil. Mary was determined to meet the award-winning entertainer, so she wandered the halls of the casino and, sure as Mary’s luck would have it, there was Rita.

She was thrilled and asked, as Mary always did, if she could give her a hug. The celebrated singer agreed.

“Even a celebrity could not escape a hug from Mary,” said her daughter-in-law Deborah Roberts.

Mary Maksymczuk. Mary Maximchuk. Mary Maxim. Mary Roberts. The woman with a few different names was legendary for more than a few different reasons.

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Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026

SUPPLIED

Mary Roberts was known for the Mary Maxim trademark and her trademark hugs, but her love of animals was profound.
SUPPLIED Mary Roberts was known for the Mary Maxim trademark and her trademark hugs, but her love of animals was profound.

‘Heated Rivalry’ rewatch event brings fans together at Montreal bookshop

Charlotte Glorieux, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

‘Heated Rivalry’ rewatch event brings fans together at Montreal bookshop

Charlotte Glorieux, The Canadian Press 4 minute read 3:00 AM CST

MONTREAL - On Sunday nights at an independent bookstore in Montreal, a city known for its love of hockey, fans of the hockey romance TV series "Heated Rivalry" gather to rewatch episodes of the just-concluded first season with fellow enthusiasts.

“I've joined the group psychosis of 'Heated Rivalry,' and I'm so excited about it,” said Jodi Tellier, one of 60 fans who attended the screening of the first episode on a cold Sunday evening at Joie de livres on St-Laurent Boulevard.

“We consider ourselves 'Heated Rivalry' headquarters!” exclaimed Carrie-Ann Kloda, director of hospitality at the bookshop, which also hosted a sold-out Q-and-A in October with Rachel Reid, author of the novel that the show was adapted from.

The event this past Sunday night featured themed cocktails, such as The Rocket and The Naughty Scott Hunter, and a post-screening discussion led by co-owner Claire Trottier.

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3:00 AM CST

Fans of the series "Heated Rivalry" met in Montreal at the independent bookstore Joie de livres to watch the show's first episode as a group on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Charlotte Glorieux
Fans of the series

Visitors join shabbat service to support synagogue tagged with hateful graffiti

John Longhurst 4 minute read Preview

Visitors join shabbat service to support synagogue tagged with hateful graffiti

John Longhurst 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 7:43 PM CST

Non-Jewish visitors gathered for a shabbat service at a Winnipeg synagogue Saturday to demonstrate unity after it was tagged with hate symbols.

“We support the Jewish community. We wanted to show our support,” Rudy Fidel, pastor of Faith Temple, an evangelical congregation in the city, said before the service.

“It’s most distressing what happened,” wife Gina Fidel said of swastikas being spray-painted on Shaarey Zedek synagogue last week. “That’s why we are here.”

Todd and Kathy Picklyk also thought it was important to attend.

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Updated: Yesterday at 7:43 PM CST

JOHN LONGHURST / FREE PRESS

Faith Temple pastor Rudy Fidel and his wife, Gina, say they wanted to show their support by attending a service at a recently vandalized synagogue.
JOHN LONGHURST / FREE PRESS Faith Temple pastor Rudy Fidel and his wife, Gina, say they wanted to show their support by attending a service at a recently vandalized synagogue.

Nikki Glaser takes swings at CBS and Leo, goes gentle on Julia in Golden Globes monologue

Andrew Dalton, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Nikki Glaser takes swings at CBS and Leo, goes gentle on Julia in Golden Globes monologue

Andrew Dalton, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 11:01 PM CST

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nikki Glaser went hard then eased up in her monologue to open Sunday's Golden Globes.

In her earliest jokes she suggested stars in the room might be in the Epstein Files and took a shot at CBS, the network airing the show.

“There are so many A-listers, and by A-listers, I do mean people who are on a list that has been heavily redacted," she said. “And the Golden Globe for best editing goes to the Justice Department."

She segued into mocking the recent woes at CBS News and its killing of a critical “60 Minutes” story about the Trump Administration sending immigrants to a prison in El Salvador.

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Updated: Yesterday at 11:01 PM CST

This image released by CBS Broadcasting shows host Nikki Glaser during the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Kevork Djansezian/CBS Broadcasting via AP)
This image released by CBS Broadcasting shows host Nikki Glaser during the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Kevork Djansezian/CBS Broadcasting via AP)

Culinary couple have been all over the map, but ‘family’ of loyal clientele always tracks them down

David Sanderson 6 minute read Preview

Culinary couple have been all over the map, but ‘family’ of loyal clientele always tracks them down

David Sanderson 6 minute read Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026

A fair number of businesses in the city are partly named for their street location. Sargent Blue Jeans. Pembina Insurance Services. Corydon Cycle & Sports.

What happens, then, if the roadway highlighted on your business sign suddenly goes “poof,” causing customers to scratch their head while they drive around in circles, trying to find you?

That was the predicament friends Lee Finch and Nicole Fanshaw found themselves in seven years ago when DeVries Avenue, the thoroughfare that led to their restaurant Lee’s on DeVries, was permanently barricaded east of Henderson Highway to pave the way for a new housing development.

“It was a huge headache, especially because there’s a DeVries Avenue that runs parallel to Lagimodière Boulevard, so when people were Googling us, it was taking them over there,” says Finch, seated next to Fanshaw inside what is now called Lee’s Restaurant, a homey, open-to-the-general-public diner that since 2007 has operated out of the Royal Canadian Legion’s East St. Paul branch.

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Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press

Feature on Lee’s Restaurant with owners Nicole Fanshaw and Lee Finch located inside the Royal Canadian Legion east of Henderson Hwy just before the Perimeter Intersection.
Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Feature on Lee’s Restaurant with owners Nicole Fanshaw and Lee Finch located inside the Royal Canadian Legion east of Henderson Hwy just before the Perimeter Intersection.

Canada not considering a ban on X over deepfake controversy, AI minister says

Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Canada not considering a ban on X over deepfake controversy, AI minister says

Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 5:18 PM CST

OTTAWA - Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon says Canada isn’t considering a ban of the social media platform X, though his office says discussions about X's deepfake controversy are underway.

The platform, which is owned by Elon Musk, has drawn global criticism over sexualized deepfakes created by X’s artificial intelligence chatbot Grok, which have proliferated in recent weeks.  

On Saturday, The Telegraph reported the U.K. government was gathering international support to respond to the controversy, with Canada sharing U.K. Prime Minister Kier Starmer’s concerns.

Regulator Ofcom is investigating, which could lead to X facing a ban in the U.K.

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Updated: Yesterday at 5:18 PM CST

Canada's Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon, and Minister of Industry Melanie Joly, not shown, hold a press conference during the G7 Industry, Digital and Technology Ministers’ Meeting, in Montreal on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
Canada's Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon, and Minister of Industry Melanie Joly, not shown, hold a press conference during the G7 Industry, Digital and Technology Ministers’ Meeting, in Montreal on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Arts Editor's Picks

Conrad Sweatman:

Field guide focuses on variety of architectural styles in Canada

SUPPLIED The Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

Conrad Sweatman:

Mixed-media artist works slowly to examine rapid ramifications of social media

Supplied Charlotte Sigurdson gave up being a lawyer to be a full-time artist.

Winnipeg Free Press:

American actor praises burgers at VJ’s Drive Inn

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files VJ’s Drive Inn has been a downtown mainstay since 1958.

Jen Zoratti:

Series continues to mine later-life feminine reality for laughs, insight

Supplied Meredith MacNeill (right) and Jennifer Whalen explore the realities of later life.

Eva Wasney:

While difficult stories dominated news feeds, caring and community were everywhere this year

TAYLOR ALLEN / FREE PRESS FILES Blue Bomber Brady Oliveira and his girlfriend Alex Blumberg spend the off-season rescuing dogs in Bali.

AV Kitching:

Family from the Democratic Republic of Congo navigates chilly firsts alongside IRCOM supports

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Travor Ishmwe Ndihano (five, left), Minyone Mutoni, Clever Ganza (eight) and Ruhumuriza Mushumba Ndihano enjoy the snow in the IRCOM courtyard.

Diversions

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Puzzles Palace is home to your favourite word games and brain teasers. Enjoy seven Sudokus, five crosswords (including the Thomas Joseph and Premier) as well as two new puzzles: Word Sleuth and Plus One.

Puzzles Palace is home to your favourite word games and brain teasers. Enjoy seven Sudokus, five crosswords (including the Thomas Joseph and Premier) as well as two new puzzles: Word Sleuth and Plus One.

California wants to mix hydrogen with gas to cut climate pollution. Critics say that poses risks

Dorany Pineda, The Associated Press 7 minute read Preview

California wants to mix hydrogen with gas to cut climate pollution. Critics say that poses risks

Dorany Pineda, The Associated Press 7 minute read 8:08 AM CST

Alma Figueroa began to worry when she learned that her gas provider wanted to test a controversial solution to curb global warming: blend hydrogen with natural gas to power her stove and other appliances. Figueroa, who has asthma and recently learned her lung cancer is back, worries about health risks.

“I don't want to be anyone's experiment," said Figueroa, 60, a resident of Orange Cove in California's Central Valley.

The Southern California Gas Co. wants to blend and inject hydrogen into the town’s gas infrastructure, after the state agency that regulates utilities directed them and other companies to launch pilot projects. Proponents see it as key to helping California reduce planet-warming pollution by curbing reliance on gas while integrating cleaner energy into existing infrastructure. It's part of a statewide effort to create safety rules for hydrogen blending. But opponents say it poses unnecessary risks, and Orange Cove's mostly Latino and low-income residents say processes are happening without transparency or their input. Projects in states such as Colorado and Oregon have also raised concerns.

Interest in deploying hydrogen boomed during the Biden administration but has been hard hit with the Trump administration's cancellation of billions of dollars for hydrogen technology and other clean energy projects, including $1.2 billion for a hydrogen hub in California.

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8:08 AM CST

FILE - Hydrogen storage tanks are visible at the Iberdrola green hydrogen plant in Puertollano, central Spain, March 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue, File)
FILE - Hydrogen storage tanks are visible at the Iberdrola green hydrogen plant in Puertollano, central Spain, March 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue, File)

‘Sinners’ leads movie nominations for NAACP Image Awards

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

‘Sinners’ leads movie nominations for NAACP Image Awards

The Associated Press 2 minute read 8:02 AM CST

Ryan Coogler’s pulsating supernatural thriller “Sinners” leads the movie categories in nominations for the NAACP Image Awards, announced Monday.

“Sinners,” in which Michael B. Jordan pulls double duty as twins, received 18 nominations, followed by Spike Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest,” which got nine. In television, “Bel-Air” leads with seven nods.

Jordan is also one of the five luminaries vying for the NAACP's Entertainer of the Year award. He joins Cynthia Erivo, Doechii, Kendrick Lamar and Teyana Taylor. Last year's winner was Keke Palmer.

As for Taylor, who stars in “One Battle After Another,” she received the most individual nods with six across multiple categories, including movies, music and TV. In music, Lamar led the group with six nods.

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8:02 AM CST

This image released by Warner Bros Pictures shows Michael B. Jordan, foreground from left, Michael B. Jordan and Omar Benson Miller in a scene from "Sinners." (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)
This image released by Warner Bros Pictures shows Michael B. Jordan, foreground from left, Michael B. Jordan and Omar Benson Miller in a scene from

This beef taco recipe from the cookbook ‘Plantas’ uses salsa for seasoning the meat

Alexa Soto, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

This beef taco recipe from the cookbook ‘Plantas’ uses salsa for seasoning the meat

Alexa Soto, The Associated Press 3 minute read 7:58 AM CST

“Taco night” for many across the United States consists of an Americanized idea of Mexican food: ground beef cooked with a packaged seasoning mix, taco shells, lettuce, tomato and sour cream.

Let’s just say that if you’re reading this and have enjoyed a similar meal, you will be blown out of the water by this authentic version from my cookbook “Plantas: Modern Vegan Recipes for Traditional Mexican Cooking. " These tacos were a favorite of mine as a kid. I remember watching my Tía Chela making them, and they felt like such a treat. The secret here is using salsa to season your meat, rather than dried herbs and spices. It creates much juicier, deeper flavor.

Tacos Dorados de Picadillo/Crispy “Beef” Tacos

Makes 12 tacos

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7:58 AM CST

This image released by Voracious shows a recipe for tacos dorados de picadillo, from the cookbook "Plantas: Modern Vegan Recipes for Traditional Mexican Cooking" by Alexa Soto. (Alexa Soto/Voracious via AP)
This image released by Voracious shows a recipe for tacos dorados de picadillo, from the cookbook

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