Cyndi & Cher

Police, street groups looking to extend co-ordinated outreach-first approach to drug-use, trafficking crackdown

Winnipeg police and street outreach groups are discussing how to extend an initiative that tries to link people with addictions and homelessness services, while targeting open drug use and dealing.

A decision with potential for ‘distraction’ and ‘disrespect’ in Transcona

Transcona voters acknowledge they have a tough decision to make at the ballot box on election day.

The east Winnipeg working-class ward is replete with lawn signs and posters, but most of the people the Free Press spoke with said they were still undecided.

While Winnipeg is, historically, more likely to elect an incumbent, longtime councillor Russ Wyatt is seeking a sixth term while facing five criminal charges, including sexual assault and administering a noxious substance, after incidents alleged to have occurred in 2023 and 2025.

Residents are not without options. In addition to Wyatt, former councillor Shawn Nason — who occupied the city council seat from 2018-22 is on the ballot (Wyatt chose not to run in the 2018 election after taking several months off to undergo addictions treatment) — there are three new faces on the ballot: Lora Meseman, Chris Giesbrecht and Nathine Dagdick.

Possibility of Hellebuyck’s return grows each day as pay slips away

CHICAGO — Buckle up, folks. The next plot twist in the ongoing soap opera between the Winnipeg Jets and Connor Hellebuyck could be a doozy.

Let’s start with a few cold, hard facts. Or, if you prefer: “Previously on As the Hellebuyck Turns…”

The franchise goaltender, with five years remaining on a contract extension he willingly signed with Winnipeg in 2023, refused to report to training camp last month as he awaits word on a trade request made at the end of last season. He’s the first NHL player in more than a quarter century to essentially go on strike.

The Jets are under no obligation to move Hellebuyck, but have indicated they would try to accommodate him if another team meets their needs. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has made it clear he needs to “get this right” and wants a haul for a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and one-time Hart Trophy recipient.

Secondary scoring steps up as Jets ride 4-1-1 record into Chicago

CHICAGO — It’s the type of unselfish, team-first play that can go a long way.

With the Winnipeg Jets holding a 5-2 lead over the Minnesota Wild late in the third period Tuesday night, forward Cole Koepke threw himself in front of a blistering slapshot off the stick of Daemon Hunt.

The result was painfully predictable — the puck was deflected far away from Jets goaltender Stuart Skinner, Koepke was briefly in agony as he hobbled to the bench and the crowd inside Canada Life Centre roared in approval.

“Fine. A little sore. But it’s all good,” Koepke said Wednesday following the team’s optional practice ahead of flying to the Windy City where they’ll face the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night.

White-supremacist highway sign casts pall on Steinbach city council campaign

The RCMP is investigating a white-nationalist sign near Steinbach with racist messaging and alleged links to a known Canadian far-right group.