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Free Press Head Start for Dec. 18, 2025

Good morning.

Manitoba’s homelessness strategy remains without a key leader weeks after the premier’s hand-picked adviser stepped aside — a vacancy the minister responsible for housing and homelessness says must be filled for the work to continue, reports Scott Billeck.

Support for the New Democrats shows no sign of waning more than two years after the party took power from the Tories, writes Tyler Searle.

Some Manitoba school divisions are cancelling classes or school bus service as a blizzard continues to work its way across the province.

— Nadya Pankiw

 

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Your forecast

Blizzard conditions are expected to end this morning. Blowing snow will continue until early this afternoon. Snowfall amount 2-4 cm, with wind from the north gusting at 60 km/h gusting to 80 km/h, diminishing to 40 km/h gusting back to 60 km/h this morning. High of -17 C.

What’s happening today

🎶 The Little Opera Company performs The House Without a Christmas Tree at the Desautels Concert Hall. Tickets are available online for the 7:30 p.m. show. Reporter Ben Waldman has the preview on the production.

Today’s must-read

B’nai Brith Canada has taken the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba to court after it dismissed a complaint about a doctor’s social media posts, which the Jewish organization called antisemitic. Erik Pindera reports.

Dr. Barry Lavallee was reposting and commenting on social-media posts in 2024 about the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. (Mike Deal / Free Press files)

Dr. Barry Lavallee was reposting and commenting on social-media posts in 2024 about the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. (Mike Deal / Free Press files)

On the bright side

As researchers watched polar bears making their way towards Churchill in mid-November, they took note that the mother, who they had observed with a single cub in the spring, had added a second to her travelling party.

It’s just the 13th known case of a polar bear adoption in the western Hudson Bay subpopulation. Toni De Guzman reports.

A wild polar bear outside Churchill has adopted a cub that isn’t her own. Polar Bears International captured her on camera with her own cub and the adopted cub. (Dave Sandford / Discover Churchill)

A wild polar bear outside Churchill has adopted a cub that isn’t her own. Polar Bears International captured her on camera with her own cub and the adopted cub. (Dave Sandford / Discover Churchill)

 

On this date

On Dec. 18, 1961: The Winnipeg Free Press reported Indian soldiers pushed to within seven miles of the capital of Goa, apparently stopping short of taking the town amid other reports of stiffened opposition from Portuguese troops defending the colony against the Indian invasion. In Ottawa, preliminary negotiations were set to begin with the provinces on farm aid program that could see $15 million a year earmarked for agricultural rehabilitation. Search our archives for more here.

Today’s front page

Get the full story: Read today’s e-edition of the Free Press.

 
 

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Top news

Dean Pritchard:

‘Unrepentant drug dealer’ sentenced to 18 years for participation in interprovincial trafficking ring

A Winnipeg man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in an interprovincial drug network that provided Manitoba RCMP with its largest-ever drug seizure. Read More

 

Chris Kitching:

Third Tory MLA announces intention to quit politics

Ron Schuler, elected in 1999, latest PC veteran to say he won’t seek re-election Read More

 

Joyanne Pursaga:

Former MLA Mayer set to lead Winnipeg Police Board

The next leader of the Winnipeg Police Board looks set to come from within its ranks. Colleen Mayer is being recommended to lead the board, which oversees the Winnipeg Police Service, a city report... Read More

 
 
 

New in Sports

Mike McIntyre:

From bros to foes

Schenn brothers meet for first time this season, relive first-round scrap Read More

 

Mike McIntyre:

Jets find another way to lose

Team that can’t shoot straight blanked by Blues Read More

 

Taylor Allen:

Sticking with the Fish a no-brainer for Murphy

Goldeyes all-time home run leader returning for sixth season Read More

 

Taylor Allen:

‘He’s pretty much the heartbeat of that defence’

Bombers’ Kramdi happy to stay in Blue and Gold Read More

 

Joshua Frey-Sam:

Wesmen hope to spike trend in new year

Close losses frustrating as men’s volleyball team head into holiday break Read More

 
 

New in Arts and Entertainment

Conrad Sweatman:

The prisoner’s dilemma: Familiar formula makes thrilling cinema

Five films and TV shows centred around a classic prisoner’s dilemma Read More

 
 
 

New in Business

Free Press staff:

NFI Group announces leadership transition as longtime CEO Soubry to retire

Prominent Manitoba businessman Paul Soubry is retiring after 16 years at the wheel of NFI Group Inc. Read More

 

Aaron Epp:

Showcasing AI application in ‘legacy industry’

Scale AI non-profit tabs $4.7M investment in Manitoba agritech business Agi3; joint venture pitches data centre in Richot Read More

 
 

Fresh opinions

Dan Lett:

It’s time for show; tell has failed to convince opponents of supervised consumption’s benefits with facts

After one false start and facing a fresh surge in opposition over a new proposal, there’s nothing left for Manitoba’s NDP government to do but dig in and show people that supervised consumption works.... Read More

 

Erna Buffie:

Developers say protection is ‘for the birds’

One in three North American bird species is in urgent need of conservation and 75 per cent of the total bird population is in decline. Read More

 

Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak:

After 10 years, why the TRC’s promise still demands action

Ten years ago this week, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released its final report, a landmark document that laid bare truths that First Nations have known for generations. Read More

 

Anne Lindsey:

Nuclear energy no panacea

It’s unfortunate that the nuclear industry’s PR machine continues to mislead the media and the public. Read More

 
 

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