Food bills to soar, Toews demoted, American alcohol sales
Plus: Winnipeg Transit is driving some people to buy cars

Maggie Macintosh and Scott Billeck:

Former cabinet minister Goertzen won’t seek re-election

Longtime PC MLA Kelvin Goertzen, who was briefly Manitoba’s premier, won’t seek re-election, following a six-term streak representing Steinbach. Goertzen, 56, announced his plan to retire from the ... Read More

Chris Kitching:

Taking the bus ‘just unbearable and stressful’

Winnipeg Transit system’s already-frustrating flaws amplified by cold, says committed customer now shopping for car Read More

Joshua Frey-Sam:

Winnipeg’s latest pickleball hub a real banger

Pickleball Club of Winnipeg has welcomed more than 800 people since opening its doors Read More

Scott Billeck:

Eager Winnipeggers line up to snap up sorely missed star-spangled booze

It’s the first time since March that the American-made spirit has returned to Manitoba shelves, after Premier Wab Kinew pulled dozens of American products off Liquor Mart shelves in response to tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Read More

Mike McIntyre:

Toews taking demotion in stride

Jets’ forward moves from second centre to fourth-line winger Read More

Nicole Buffie:

Intervention by isolation

As incidences of violence and psychosis increase, use of seclusion rooms in health-care settings play critical role Read More

Nicole Buffie:

Life in a dying town

Summer wildfire threat was the latest nail in the coffin for once-prosperous Leaf Rapids Read More

Maggie Macintosh:

Distasio named U of W interim president

A University of Winnipeg professor who researches poverty and urban renewal at the downtown campus now has a new leadership role at the province’s second-largest university. Read More

Taylor Allen:

First time’s the charm for Berubé

Manitoban posts sub-2:20 time in first marathon Read More

AV Kitching:

Gift guide: 15 Manitoba-made stocking stuffers

If you’re looking for a unique stocking filler this holiday season, we’ve got you covered — and there’s not an Amazon link in sight. Read More

Chris Kitching:

Cost of feeding family of four to soar by $1,000 in 2026

Local charities alarmed by bleak national food price prediction Read More

The Canadian Press:

Last chance to claim part of settlement in bread price-fixing case as deadline nears

It's the last call for many Canadians to get a piece of the $500 million class-action lawsuit that accused Loblaw Cos. Ltd. and its parent company George Weston Ltd. of engaging in an industr... Read More

Caleigh Wells, The Associated Press:

The holiday shopping season comes with tons of extra emissions. Here’s how to do it sustainably

We're in the thick of the holiday shopping season, and U.S. residents are expected to shatter the spending record again this year. The National Retail Federation forecasts that 2025 will be t... Read More

Jessica Damiano, The Associated Press:

The secret to keeping your holiday greenery fresher longer

I’ve planted the potted mums in the garden and packed away the scarecrows -- now it’s time to deck the halls. That means filling vacant pots with evergreen branches foraged from my tr... Read More

Aaron Epp:

Students aim to brighten season for struggling young Winnipeggers

Gift-wrapping fundraiser part of 5 Days campaign to boost support for homeless youth Read More

Aaron Epp:

Hundreds of bicycles brought back to life

WRENCH’s Cycle of Giving provides bikes to children in need Read More

Joshua Frey-Sam:

Cheer Board’s elves busy at work with warehouses packed to the brim

Christmas Cheer Board’s elves settled into their workshop for the first time in early October. As head elf, Shawna Bell (also known as the executive director) showed her staff around one of two lar... Read More

Aaron Epp:

Full steam ahead for Winnipeg start-up

Saunder Sauna Tents aims to make products portable, accessible Read More

Niigaan Sinclair:

We all suffer when one of us goes missing

I remember giving a talk just before the 2023 Manitoba election — an election almost completely defined on the question of whether the remains of four Indigenous women, murdered by a serial killer, we... Read More

Russell Wangersky:

Step out of yourself to truly take in nature

Please forgive me — I don’t get out nearly enough. So when I do, it can have an over-large effect on me. Read More

Dan Lett:

Free bus rides for all might be what’s needed to save Winnipeg Transit

When you look at the multitude of problems facing Winnipeg Transit — declining ridership, increasing costs and chronic concerns about safety — it becomes increasingly clear that some new, and even radical, ideas need to be embraced. Read More

Ritika Dubey, The Canadian Press:

Setting expectations important when lending money to loved ones: experts

Lending money to close friends or family can be a risky affair. There are chances you may not see that money again, and even worse, it could sour your relationship. Read More

Joel Schlesinger:

How the pinch steals Christmas

Inflation, stagnant wages, constantly upping ante for holiday expectations may have some households seeking to navigate spending frenzy more frugally Read More

David Sanderson:

Sweet belief

Hard work pays off with plant-based desserts that have even non-vegans asking for seconds Read More

Homemade Holidays: A sweet daily recipe in December

Homemade Holidays offers a sweet daily recipe in December to inspire your holiday baking. Check out the latest recipe, and submit your own! Read More

Stef Ferrari, The Associated Press:

This Tuscan flatbread is a colorful, gluten-free alternative to classic crostini

In Tuscany, schiacciata — which is pronounced skee-ah-CHA-tah and roughly means “crushed,” “flattened” or “squashed” — is a versatile word applied to a variety of breads and bread-like things... Read More

Ben Sigurdson:

Return of U.S. booze a case of ‘get it while it lasts’

Don’t be surprised if the bourbon lover in your life has a little extra spring in his/her step this holiday season. On Dec. 4, the Manitoba government announced that $1 million of the $3.4 million ... Read More

What’s up

Free Press staff recommend things to do this week Read More

Ben Waldman:

Christmas flicks target of PTE holiday improv Outside Joke’s Holiday Musical Extravaganza

The Lightning Thief run extended Read More

The week that was: Dec. 2-8

Test your city savvy! WECC, photo parking enforcement, Cheer Board, HBC Charter, Bois des Esprits Take the quiz