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Free Press Head Start for Nov. 21, 2025

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A now-senior executive at Brandon University turned a student’s failing grade into an A+ when she was the dean of science, a move that overrode the course instructor’s concerns and is raising questions about grading oversight in the aftermath. Maggie Macintosh has the story.

The police watchdog review of a fatal shooting by an RCMP officer on a Manitoba First Nation earlier this week will, for just the second time, use video from a body camera worn by a Mountie. Scott Billeck reports.

— David Fuller

 

 

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Your forecast

Sunny, becoming a mix of sun and cloud this afternoon. Wind becoming south at 20 km/h this afternoon. High 1 C, wind chill minus 13 this morning. UV index 1 or low.

What’s happening today

BPM X, featuring Adiyo, DXXN and DJ Saint takes place at WAG-Quamajuq, 300 Memorial Blvd., starting at 7 p.m. Facilitated by Tomiwa Omolayo (also known by his musical moniker, Tommyphyll), BPM is a collaboration between WAG- Qaumajuq and Manitoba Music. It supports Black artists and music entrepreneurs by bringing them together to share ideas, mix and perform. Admission is free.

Adiyo is a Congolese-Canadian singer-songwriter and producer from Winnipeg who specializes in Afrofusion. (Supplied)

Adiyo is a Congolese-Canadian singer-songwriter and producer from Winnipeg who specializes in Afrofusion. (Supplied)

Today’s must-read

The Manitoba Nurses Union is threatening to “grey-list every hospital” in the province after a nurse was sexually assaulted in the parkade of St. Boniface Hospital this month — the latest violent incident against a staff member at a health facility.

Manitoba Nurses Union president Darlene Jackson confirmed Thursday the victim was a nurse.

“We talk about safety, we give examples of what needs to happen, and nothing happens until an incredibly heinous event like this happens, and suddenly the employer is putting out memos, and they’re busy fixing safety.”

Grey-listing a care facility means staff discourage other nurses from taking work at the site as a result of workplace concerns, including violence and understaffing. Malak Abas has the story.

A nurse was sexually assaulted in this parkade across the street from St. Boniface Hospital on Nov. 8. (Mike Deal / Free Press)

A nurse was sexually assaulted in this parkade across the street from St. Boniface Hospital on Nov. 8. (Mike Deal / Free Press)

On the bright side

Kieran Schellenberg wasn’t just stirring soup at the launch of the Raw Carrot on Thursday — he was mixing up hope and purpose.

“It’s difficult for people with disabilities to find a job,” said Schellenberg, 26, who is on the autism spectrum and also deals with OCD, ADHD and anxiety.

“It’s great to get out, have work and be productive,” he said, adding that having a job also aids with self-esteem.

Schellenberg is one of eight people with disabilities working at the Raw Carrot, a social enterprise that launched this week at St. Peter’s Anglican Church in River Heights. John Longhurst has more here.

Kieran Schellenberg stirs soup at the Nov. 20 launch of the Raw Carrot. (John Longhurst / Free Press)

Kieran Schellenberg stirs soup at the Nov. 20 launch of the Raw Carrot. (John Longhurst / Free Press)

On this date

On Nov. 21, 1978: The Winnipeg Free Press reported Guyanese troops searched for hundreds of U.S. cultists who fled from a mass suicide in which 400 others died at Jonestown, which had been established by Rev. Jim Jones and his People’s Temple four years earlier. In Canada, the cost of first-class mail would increase to 17 cents an ounce, up from 14 cents. A task force headed by the Winnipeg fire department recommended that city fire alarm boxes be removed and that telephone booths be used by the public for emergency calls. 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

Chris Kitching and Scott Billeck:

Keeping the lights on: restaurants plan security upgrades in aftermath of arsons

MLAs also mull options after arrest made in spree Read More

 

Joyanne Pursaga:

Charleswood residents weigh in on 55-plus development

A multi-family complex proposed for Charleswood has triggered a mixed response, with some residents concerned it would bring unwanted traffic and clash with the surrounding community. The proposed dev... Read More

 

Maggie Macintosh:

Man with spinal muscular atrophy pleads for $300-K drug

The Tories are accusing the province of abandoning a rural man who has lost coverage for a costly drug that gave him optimism about his degenerative disease “for the first time in (his) life.” Jeremy... Read More

 

Nicole Buffie:

Province to expand law on sharing of intimate images

The Manitoba government plans to broaden the law governing the non-consensual distribution of intimate images to include nearly nude pictures and threats to share the material. Read More

 
 
 

New in Sports

Mike McIntyre:

Not every reunion is warm and fuzzy

Jets shine light on former teammate protocol with Ehlers rolling into town Read More

 

Joshua Frey-Sam:

Bisons believe they can weather early storm

Men’s basketball team not panicking yet after slow start to season Read More

 

Abdulhamid Ibrahim, The Canadian Press:

Off-season with plenty of change and movement brings excitement to new PWHL season

It was an off-season full of change in the PWHL. Players were stunned by some of the roster movement, and some fans were disappointed. But with the Vancouver Goldeneyes and Seattle Torrent joining to... Read More

 
 

New in Arts and Entertainment

Jen Zoratti:

Wear and tear wonders

In Croquis, sculptural paper costumes are handmade works of legacy and identity Read More

 

Tian Macleod, The Associated Press:

Mexico’s bullied pageant contestant gets payback by capturing Miss Universe crown

BANGKOK (AP) — Fátima Bosch Fernández of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025 on Friday, a dramatic victory for a 25-year-old at the center of the turbulent 74th staging of the popular beauty pageant... Read More

 

Maria Sherman, The Associated Press:

Lainey Wilson wins entertainer of the year at 2025 CMA Awards

NEW YORK (AP) — The top prize of entertainer of the year at the 2025 Country Music Association Awards went to none other than Lainey Wilson, who hosted, performed and barely left the stage Wednesday n... Read More

 
 

New in Business

Gabrielle Piché:

Manitoba First Fund, Emend Vision Fund prep $10M for local startups

A Vancouver-based venture capital fund has slated $10 million for Manitoba startups. Read More

 

Gabrielle Piché:

Risk of recession in 2026 seen as ‘low’: IG Wealth report

Manitoba investors — and Canadians at large — will benefit from Bank of Canada rate cuts and new government spending in 2026, according to a report from IG Wealth Management. Read More

 

The Canadian Press:

CAE signs new agreement with Sweden-based Saab to provide training services, devices

MONTREAL – CAE Inc. has announced an agreement to be the preferred supplier of certain training and simulation equipment for Sweden-based Saab’s airborne early warning system.   The Montre... Read More

 
 

Fresh opinions

Daniel Leonard:

Municipal board needs oversight

If you’ve only paid passing attention to what has become a multi-year fight over a federally funded housing project next to the Granite Curling Club, then you’d be forgiven for believing the Granite Curling Club is at grave risk. Read More

 

Editorial:

The throne speech: an oft-predictable event

It’s hard — really hard — to speak harshly about the perennial chicken-in-absolutely-every-pot that is the long legislative tradition of the throne speech. It’s like dissing free candy. But here goes. Read More

 

Thomas S. Axworthy:

School resources officers a valuable safety option

The recent Manitoba throne speech placed crime and public safety at the heart of the provincial agenda. It declared: “No matter where you live in Manitoba you should feel safe — at home, at your neighbourhood park, downtown.” Read More

 
 

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