Young here to play, give First Nation a hand

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.

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 "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 the United States' 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.

Jets up against the clock

Time has often been on the side of the Winnipeg Jets, with Cole Perfetti’s famous “Manitoba Miracle” buzzer-beater serving as Exhibit A.

But that won’t necessarily be the case this coming season, when the clock threatens to become a stubborn and, at times, confusing opponent.

Premier Wab Kinew’s decision to adopt permanent daylight time will have a significant impact on the hockey club, both as hosts and visitors, head coach Scott Arniel told the Free Press on Sunday.

Athletes are creatures of habit, and their regular routines are going to be challenged during the period from Nov. 1 to March 14, which covers the majority of the 84-game campaign.

Former private-school teacher jailed nine months for luring after sending messages declaring love for teen

A former Catholic school teacher who sent inappropriate romantic messages to a teenage student, professing his love for her, has been sentenced to nine months in jail.

Rudick banks win, Bisons nab first team victory in seven years

Jack Rudick knew what it meant personally. He was surprised to find out how significant his breakthrough victory was for his program.

Earlier this month, the fourth-year Manitoba Bisons golfer strung together 36 holes of excellent play to win by four strokes over teammate Rory Neill at the Augsburg Fall Invitational at Majestic Oaks Golf Club in Ham Lake, Minn.

Rudick not only earned the individual victory, but his 5-under-par finish also helped the Bisons to their first team victory in seven years. With Neill (1-under), Terence Rafferty (6-over) and Ethan Portey’s (9-over) cumulative scores, Manitoba combined for a dominant 12-stroke victory.

For Rudick, it was a long-awaited breakout as a university player.