Iran pardons Grammy Award winner whose song became an anthem to the 2022 protests

Today’s horoscope

MOON ALERT: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Scorpio.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Tread carefully as it’s easy to get into an argument, especially with your kids or even a romantic partner. Very likely the dispute will be about mutual expenses, shared property or perhaps differing values. Do what you can to keep the peace.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Collaros turns back the clock in crucial win over Stamps

It was around this time seven years ago that the Winnipeg Blue Bombers officially became Zach Collaros’s team.

Making his first start in blue and gold after being acquired via trade, Collaros ran backwards to escape a collapsing pocket before rolling to his right and firing a perfect pass to Darvin Adams in the back corner of the south end zone during a home game against the Calgary Stampeders.

The play marked the beginning of the Collaros era in Winnipeg.

And a similar play Saturday night, once again against the Stampeders, served as a reminder that the 38-year-old pivot isn’t done just yet.

Gillingham promises sweeping 311 upgrades if elected

Scott Gillingham says a new round of customer service improvements would reduce lengthy waits for water bill queries, automate some 311 updates and expand online access to city services, if he’s re-elected mayor.

One promise would integrate Winnipeg water and waste’s Utility Billing Centre into its broader 311 service.

“Right now, if you have a question about your water bill, you deal with a separate call centre. And we know that people have been frustrated with long wait times there,” said Gillingham.

The pledge follows some sharp spikes in the wait to reach the Utility Billing Centre last year. In August 2025, one resident reported waiting about three hours and 40 minutes for that centre to answer her call. The city confirmed a wait time of up to four hours took place Aug. 5.

‘People count on this place’: Pembina Hwy. Giant Tiger latest location slated to close

Another Giant Tiger store in Winnipeg will shutter next year, leaving some area residents concerned about a lack of affordable groceries in the neighbourhood.

Red papers taped to the front doors of the Canadian retail chain’s location at Pembina Highway and Southpark Drive indicate it will close Feb. 27.

Doreen Yanchuk, a self-described bargain hunter, shook her head when she saw the signs Monday. The 67-year-old said she’s a regular customer at the location because it’s a five-minute drive from her home.

“They have very good sales here, which draws people to the shop because everything is expensive,” Yanchuk said.

‘We know we’re not going to beat Mother Nature’: Ice prep begins at Princess Auto Stadium for Heritage Classic

Derek King typically has ice in his veins.

But the Manitoban admits there may be a few more butterflies than usual as he prepares for the ultimate home game — the 2026 Heritage Classic between the Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens.

“This is so exciting to be back,” King, the NHL’s vice-president of hockey operations and facilities operations, said Tuesday afternoon.

“It’s definitely going to be a fun event to be part of.”

Hydro’s unpredictable fortunes

Hope for rain. Or snow. Or both. There’s a truism buried deep in a financial outlook in Manitoba Hydro’s 2025-26 annual report, released in late September: “Manitoba Hydro’s net income is highly dependent on several uncontrollable factors.”