Weather
People walk through the snowy Manitoba legislative grounds in Winnipeg on Tuesday. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)
Your forecast: A low of -22 C, with wind chill as low as -36 this afternoon, wind from the north at 50 km/h gusting to 70 this morning, and a risk of frostbite.
What’s happening today
COVID-19 crisis: The provincial government is scheduled to announce the latest COVID-19 numbers at a news conference this afternoon. Manitoba reported 18 deaths Tuesday, one short of the record. New cases were in the 100s for the second consecutive day, but acting deputy chief provincial public health officer Dr. Jazz Atwal warned there could be about 400 new cases today. Carol Sanders reports. READ MORE
‘Relaxed’ restrictions begin: Today is the first of six consecutive days where Peguis First Nation households are allowed to host a single visitor under “relaxed” holiday restrictions. Premier Brian Pallister has criticized the plan, which also includes eased restrictions on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Dylan Robertson reports. READ MORE
Drunk defence: The Supreme Court will announce whether it will weigh in on an Ontario ruling that a provision barring an accused person from using extreme intoxication as a defence is unconstitutional. The Canadian Press reports. READ MORE
In case you missed it
JESSE BOILY / WINNIPEG FREE PRESSThe city-owned building 266 Graham Ave.
Plan for properties: The City of Winnipeg plans to hire a consultant to help figure out what it should do with the more than 200 buildings it owns, rents or leases out. The scope of the report will include heritage buildings and facilities leased to non-profit groups, council’s property and development chairwoman said. Joyanne Pursaga reports. READ MORE
Workers waiting for doses: The province says more doses of a COVID-19 vaccine have been ordered for Manitoba but won’t say when they will arrive. Reporter Katie May spoke with a hospital employee who has an underlying respiratory condition. “It’s hard to sit there and wonder when it’s your turn,” the worker said. READ MORE
Cops killed in standoff: Three French policemen were killed and a fourth officer was injured during a standoff with a gunman who had taken his partner hostage. The killer fled and was later found dead, The Associated Press reports. READ MORE
Trump could torpedo bill: U.S. President Donald Trump criticized a bipartisan COVID-19 relief package Tuesday night, saying he wants to increase direct payments for most Americans, and suggested he might not sign it. Both chambers of Congress passed the massive bill with veto-proof majorities. READ MORE
Defending champs downed: The Los Angeles Clippers beat the Los Angeles Lakers on the opening night of the shortened NBA season, 72 days after the Lakers won their record-tying 17th championship. Earlier, Canadian Steve Nash got a win in his head coaching debut for the Brooklyn Nets. READ MORE
On this date
On Dec. 23, 1987: The Winnipeg Free Press reported that Autopac announced rate increases as well as a hike in driver’s licence fees, with the latter jumping from $24 with $15 of that going to Autopac, to $44, with $35 going to Autopac. The increases were attacked by spokespersons for taxi and trucking companies, city transit, and senior citizens and the general driving public. Meanwhile, undercover police nabbed people who drove away from provincial court after having their licences suspended. Members of the Slobinski Brothers baseball team indulged in an outdoor hot tub on Portage Avenue to raise money for the Christmas Cheer Board.
Today’s front page
Get the full story: Read today’s e-edition of the Winnipeg Free Press READ MORE
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