Human Ecology

Carrie’s voice is back. So is the show’s soul as ‘And Just Like That…’ grows up

Thomas Adamson, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

Carrie’s voice is back. So is the show’s soul as ‘And Just Like That…’ grows up

Thomas Adamson, The Associated Press 6 minute read Sunday, Sep. 21, 2025

PARIS (AP) — “She’s messy. It can be messy. But it’s real.”

So says Cynthia Nixon — not just of Miranda Hobbes, the character she’s embodied for almost three decades, but of the show itself. “And Just Like That...,” HBO’s “Sex and the City” revival, has come into its own in Season 3: less preoccupied with pleasing everyone, and more interested in telling the truth.

Truth, in this case, looks like complexity. Women in their 50s with evolving identities. Not frozen in time, but changing, reckoning, reliving. Queerness that’s joyful but not polished. Grief without melodrama. A pirate shirt with a bleach hole that somehow becomes a talisman of power.

At its glittering European premiere this week, Nixon and co-star Sarah Jessica Parker, flanked by Kristin Davis and Sarita Choudhury, spoke candidly with The Associated Press about how the show has evolved into something deeper, rawer and more reflective of who they are now.

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Sunday, Sep. 21, 2025

Nicole Ari Parker, from left, Kristin Davis, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sarita Choudhury and Cynthia Nixon pose together at the premiere of "And Just Like That..." Season 3 at the Crane Club on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Nicole Ari Parker, from left, Kristin Davis, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sarita Choudhury and Cynthia Nixon pose together at the premiere of

Tony Hawk, Mark McMorris help open skateboard park expansion in Smithers, B.C.

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Tony Hawk, Mark McMorris help open skateboard park expansion in Smithers, B.C.

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Monday, Oct. 6, 2025

Tony Hawk and Mark McMorris wanted their presence at the Smithers Skate Park expansion unveiling to amplify skateboarding's importance in the remote, northern B.C. community.

Skateboarding icon Hawk and Canadian snowboarding star McMorris travelled to the town of 5,000 people for Thursday's opening. They lauded the community's pluck in raising $1.8 million to increase the size of the street park and build a bowl for skateboarders next to the Yellowhead Highway that runs from Winnipeg to the West Coast.

"I don't go to many grand openings, to be honest, but this seemed like a really unique situation," Hawk said. "I don't want to say it's the most remote area, but in remote areas, skateboarding is still a valid option for kids to choose, and they want to do it. We need to provide facilities for them."

McMorris, a three-time Olympic slopestyle bronze medallist whose 24 X Games medals is the most among snowboarders, has a special place in his heart for skateboarding.

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Monday, Oct. 6, 2025

Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk high-fives young fans during the grand opening of the expanded Smithers Skate Park in Smithers, B.C., in this Thursday, May 29, 2025 handout photo. Hawk and Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris visited the northern B.C. town of 5,000 to celebrate the community’s $1.8-million effort to grow the park. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Erica Chan *MANDATORY CREDIT*

Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk high-fives young fans during the grand opening of the expanded Smithers Skate Park in Smithers, B.C., in this Thursday, May 29, 2025 handout photo. Hawk and Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris visited the northern B.C. town of 5,000 to celebrate the community’s $1.8-million effort to grow the park. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Erica Chan *MANDATORY CREDIT*

Heiltsuk Nation ratification feast brings written constitution into force

Brieanna Charlebois, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Heiltsuk Nation ratification feast brings written constitution into force

Brieanna Charlebois, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Monday, Sep. 22, 2025

The Heiltsuk Nation has ratified its written constitution through a celebratory feast in Bella Bella, B.C.

Marilyn Slett, the nation's elected chief, called it a "monumental day" that comes after two decades of development and consultation.

"It's hard to put into words how big it is. It's definitely a day of celebration and reflection on everything that brought us to the day," Slett said of Friday's feast.

The Heiltsuk Nation approved the adoption of a written constitution for the First Nation on British Columbia's central coast in February. That followed six months of engagement with more than 2,000 Heiltsuk members in Bella Bella, Nanaimo and Vancouver.

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Monday, Sep. 22, 2025

Heiltsuk Nation Chief Marilyn Slett, right, speaks as Hereditary Chief Wigvilhba Wakas Harvey Humchitt Sr. listens during a news conference, in Vancouver, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Heiltsuk Nation Chief Marilyn Slett, right, speaks as Hereditary Chief Wigvilhba Wakas Harvey Humchitt Sr. listens during a news conference, in Vancouver, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Rent-free months and gift cards: How Toronto-area landlords are vying for tenants

Sharif Hassan, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Rent-free months and gift cards: How Toronto-area landlords are vying for tenants

Sharif Hassan, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Sunday, Sep. 21, 2025

TORONTO - Toronto landlords are trying to lure in tenants with rent-free months, complimentary Wi-Fi and $500 gift cards amid an unprecedented supply of condos and lower rents.

Real-estate market experts say the fierce competition – which extends beyond the Greater Toronto Area – is giving renters more negotiating power, echoing trends last seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two months of free rent, free parking and gift cards for food delivery or public transit are among thousands of dollars' worth of perks and discounts advertised on Toronto rental listing websites and apps.

While such incentives are ubiquitous in Toronto, landlords in other GTA cities and the Greater Hamilton Area are also locked in a tight contest that benefits renters.

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Sunday, Sep. 21, 2025

Condo towers dot the Toronto skyline Jan. 28, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Condo towers dot the Toronto skyline Jan. 28, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Residents, advocates say trust issues, strict rules, red tape keep encampments up

By Scott Billeck 6 minute read Preview

Residents, advocates say trust issues, strict rules, red tape keep encampments up

By Scott Billeck 6 minute read Friday, May. 30, 2025

Tents, tarps, and makeshift shelters line the beaten path along the Assiniboine River near Balmoral Street in West Broadway — a community hidden in plain sight.

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Friday, May. 30, 2025

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS

A large encampment along the banks of the Assiniboine River at the end of Spence Street at Balmoral Street.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS
                                A large encampment along the banks of the Assiniboine River at the end of Spence Street at Balmoral Street.
                                MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS A large encampment along the embankment of the Assiniboine River at the end of Spence Street off of Balmoral Street. Reporter: Scott Billeck 250528 - Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

Program offers a promising future

Jim Timlick 4 minute read Preview

Program offers a promising future

Jim Timlick 4 minute read Friday, May. 23, 2025

As soon as Anfernee Clarke learned about the Pre-Apprentice Bricklayer Program being offered by First Peoples Development Inc. he was intrigued.

A decade ago an 18-year-old Clarke started working in the construction industry doing concrete work. He loved the physical nature of the work but a back injury he suffered five years ago forced him to temporarily put that career on hold and seek out other employment opportunities.

Now fully healed, he learned about FPDI’s bricklayer program late last year and wasted no time applying. He was one of 12 people who were part of the program’s initial cohort of students when it was launched this past January.

“I made up my mind pretty quickly (about applying),” he says.

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Friday, May. 23, 2025

Oilers defenceman Stecher understands Scheifele’s pain: ‘Still affects me day to day’

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Oilers defenceman Stecher understands Scheifele’s pain: ‘Still affects me day to day’

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Sunday, Sep. 21, 2025

DALLAS - Edmonton Oilers defenceman Troy Stecher felt for bereaved Mark Scheifele when the Winnipeg Jets centre suited up for an NHL playoff game with the knowledge his father had just died.

Stecher's father Peter died of diabetes complications at age 65 in 2020, shortly before the defenceman entered the NHL's summer playoff bubble with the Vancouver Canucks.

Scheifele scored Winnipeg's lone goal in Saturday's Game 6 loss to the Dallas Stars — Edmonton's opponent in the Western Conference final — after learning his father, Brad, had just died at age 68.

"A lot of respect for him," Stecher said Friday before Game 2 of the conference final.

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Sunday, Sep. 21, 2025

Vegas Golden Knights' Brett Howden (21) is checked by Edmonton Oilers' Troy Stecher (51) during third period round 2, game 4 NHL Stanley Cup playoff action in Edmonton, Monday, May 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Vegas Golden Knights' Brett Howden (21) is checked by Edmonton Oilers' Troy Stecher (51) during third period round 2, game 4 NHL Stanley Cup playoff action in Edmonton, Monday, May 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

‘Soup Nazi’ actor dips ladle for victims of Vancouver festival attack

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

‘Soup Nazi’ actor dips ladle for victims of Vancouver festival attack

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2025

VANCOUVER - "Soup Nazi" actor Larry Thomas, best known for his guest role as a strict soup seller on the sitcom "Seinfeld," will be picking up his ladle again to raise money for victims of last month's attack on Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day festival.

The Los Angeles-based actor said he will be serving at the Greens And Beans Deli in New Westminster, B.C., on Sunday as part of the restaurant's fundraising efforts.

Thomas said the April 26 attack that killed 11 people was a "terrible thing," prompting him to reprise his fundraising relationship with the deli that stretches back 20 years.

Leona Green, owner of the deli, first reached out to Thomas to ask him to serve soup at a fundraiser for the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.

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Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2025

People hold a candlelight march during a vigil on the street where a vehicle-ramming attack occurred at the Filipino community's Lapu Lapu Day festival last week in Vancouver, on May 2, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

People hold a candlelight march during a vigil on the street where a vehicle-ramming attack occurred at the Filipino community's Lapu Lapu Day festival last week in Vancouver, on May 2, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Publix recalls baby food pouches after testing finds elevated levels of lead

Jonel Aleccia, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Publix recalls baby food pouches after testing finds elevated levels of lead

Jonel Aleccia, The Associated Press 3 minute read Friday, Oct. 3, 2025

The supermarket chain Publix has recalled fruit and vegetable baby food sold in eight states because product testing found elevated levels of lead, according to federal health officials.

Publix recalled 4-ounce Greenwise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea Baby Food pouches sold at more than 1,400 stores.

The pouches were produced by Bowman Andros, a French company with a manufacturing plant in Mount Jackson, Virginia, according to the company's website. Publix issued the voluntary recall on May 9, but it wasn't added to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recall list until late Thursday.

The potential contamination was flagged by officials in North Carolina, the state that first identified a 2023 lead poisoning outbreak linked to tainted applesauce pouches that sickened more than 500 U.S. children.

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Friday, Oct. 3, 2025

FILE - A Publix grocery store is seen, Aug. 9, 2023, in Neptune Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark Long, File)

FILE - A Publix grocery store is seen, Aug. 9, 2023, in Neptune Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark Long, File)

Celebrating 50 years, Winnipeg's downtown Keg steakhouse takes pride in its endurance

David Sanderson 8 minute read Preview

Celebrating 50 years, Winnipeg's downtown Keg steakhouse takes pride in its endurance

David Sanderson 8 minute read Friday, May. 23, 2025

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar at 115 Garry St. — commonly referred to as the Garry Street Keg, or simply Garry Street — turns 50 years old in June.

Gord Howard, the owner of Winnipeg’s three Keg restaurants including the downtown locale, intends to mark the milestone in some manner, though he admits it will be difficult to match the goings-on that occurred there 40 summers ago.

Howard was a manager at the Garry Street Keg in June 1985 when his then-supervisor Griffin Tripp suggested they throw a shindig to toast the popular dining spot’s 10th anniversary. The pair arranged to have Garry Street closed to vehicular traffic between Broadway and York Avenue to facilitate a daylong block party featuring live music and free Keg-size victuals. And because George Tidball, the chain’s founder, was flying in from Vancouver to attend, Tripp suggested they present their boss with a gift upon his arrival.

“George was a horseman originally from Alberta, so Griff thought it would be a good idea to get him a commemorative saddle,” Howard says, seated in the attractive 255-seat spot that, since the outset, has boasted brick walls, oak tables and well-situated fireplaces.

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Friday, May. 23, 2025

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press

Scott Stephen, director of ops for local Kegs, says while the Garry Street location is part of a chain, it’s always had its own distinctive character.

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press INTERSECTION - The Keg Photo of Scott Stephen, irector of operations for the Winnipeg Kegs, in the front lounge area of the Garry Street Keg. What: This is for an Intersection piece on the 50th anniversary of the Garry Street Keg. The downtown restaurant opened in June 1975 in a former Hudson’s Bay Livery stable; Gord Howard, who owns the three Winnipeg Kegs, started working there a year later and has been with the company ever since. Scott Stephen, who worked as a server is the director of operations for the Winnipeg Kegs. See story by Dave. May 21st, 2025

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press
                                Scott Stephen, director of ops for local Kegs, says while the Garry Street location is part of a chain, it’s always had its own distinctive character.
                                Ruth Bonneville / Free Press INTERSECTION - The Keg Photo of Scott Stephen, irector of operations for the Winnipeg Kegs, in the front lounge area of the Garry Street Keg. What: This is for an Intersection piece on the 50th anniversary of the Garry Street Keg. The downtown restaurant opened in June 1975 in a former Hudson’s Bay Livery stable; Gord Howard, who owns the three Winnipeg Kegs, started working there a year later and has been with the company ever since. Scott Stephen, who worked as a server is the director of operations for the Winnipeg Kegs. See story by Dave. May 21st, 2025

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Local news co-anchor Olivia Jaquith went ahead with a three-hour morning newscast even after her labor contractions began and her water broke, keeping viewers updated about the coming birth of her first baby.

“We do have some breaking news this morning -- literally,” co-anchor Julia Dunn said at the top of the CBS6 Albany broadcast Wednesday morning. “Olivia’s water has broke, and she is anchoring the news now in active labor.”

“Early labor, early labor,” replied Jaquith, who was two days past her due date.

Jaquith stayed on air as Dunn kept recording on Facebook Live.

Demonstrators demand overpass at dangerous Carberry intersection

Alex Lambert 5 minute read Preview

Demonstrators demand overpass at dangerous Carberry intersection

Alex Lambert 5 minute read Friday, May. 23, 2025

CARBERRY — More than 150 people stood near the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 5 to denounce the preferred option for a redesign of the intersection in response to a collision two years ago that killed 17 people.

They carried signs that read “safety not shortcuts,” and “how many more accidents before they listen.” The group opposes a U-turn option, which is called an RCUT.

Jordan Dickson, 31, one of the organizers, said the RCUT model isn’t safe for the farmers and truckers who live in the area.

“There’s hundreds, if not thousands of trucks … plus all the other everyday passenger traffic coming through here,” she said.

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Friday, May. 23, 2025

More than 150 people gathered to protest proposed changes for the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 5, where 17 people died in a crash in June 2023.

More than 150 people gathered to protest proposed changes for the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 5, where 17 people died in a crash in June 2023.

Innovative horse simulator helps riders with disabilities get in the saddle

Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Innovative horse simulator helps riders with disabilities get in the saddle

Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Saturday, Sep. 20, 2025

VICTORIA - "Do you want to go faster?"

Jayne Imeson already knew the answer she was going to get from her six-year-old son, Casey, sitting astride his new steed in a park in Central Saanich, B.C.

He nodded with a smile. "Always faster -- this kid loves his speed," Imeson said.

Casey's usual ride is a Fjord horse named Valla, but on Thursday, he became the first official user of the MiraColt horse-riding motion simulator developed for the Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association.

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Saturday, Sep. 20, 2025

Six-year-old Casey, of Saanich B.C., becomes the first official user of the new MiraColt Horse-Riding Motion Simulator as Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association board chair Liz Gagel assists him at a demonstration hosted by the VTRA in Central Saanich, B.C. on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The simulator is the first of its kind by pairing a commercially available simulator with software developed at the University of Victoria in Victoria, B.C. to create a more authentic and motivating experience for riders. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Wolfgang Depner

Six-year-old Casey, of Saanich B.C., becomes the first official user of the new MiraColt Horse-Riding Motion Simulator as Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association board chair Liz Gagel assists him at a demonstration hosted by the VTRA in Central Saanich, B.C. on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The simulator is the first of its kind by pairing a commercially available simulator with software developed at the University of Victoria in Victoria, B.C. to create a more authentic and motivating experience for riders. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Wolfgang Depner

Increase in sextortion cases prompts call for legislation to combat predators

Chris Kitching 6 minute read Preview

Increase in sextortion cases prompts call for legislation to combat predators

Chris Kitching 6 minute read Thursday, May. 8, 2025

The spike in online sextortion cases in Winnipeg has alarmed police and augmented advocates’ calls for Canada to begin regulating social media platforms to help protect children from predators.

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Thursday, May. 8, 2025

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS

Jacques Marcoux, with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, says the Winnipeg Police Service’s online exploitation stats are not surprising, as this type of crime is rampant.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS
                                Jacques Marcoux, with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, says the Winnipeg Police Service’s online exploitation stats are not surprising, as this type of crime is rampant.

Little pictures, big ears, and bad examples

Jordan Laidlaw 5 minute read Preview

Little pictures, big ears, and bad examples

Jordan Laidlaw 5 minute read Monday, Apr. 28, 2025

One of the pillars of a thriving democratic society is exemplified through the civil conduct of our elected political leaders. The ethos of honesty, humility, and empathy are becoming increasingly relinquished in lieu of posturing public vitriol and moral indifference.

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Monday, Apr. 28, 2025

Alex Brandon / The Associated Press

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on April 17, as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick listens.

Alex Brandon / The Associated Press
                                U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on April 17, as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick listens.

Despite ease of digital media, candidates still rely on old-fashioned campaign lawn signs

Malak Abas 10 minute read Preview

Despite ease of digital media, candidates still rely on old-fashioned campaign lawn signs

Malak Abas 10 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 22, 2025

When the federal election was called last month, candidates across Canada quickly arranged to have lawn signs printed and placed in willing supporters’ yards. Does all of the the planning, care and consideration that go into such an old-fashioned aspect of the democratic process pay off in the end?

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Tuesday, Apr. 22, 2025

BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS

Incumbent Conservative candidate Marty Morantz (left) holds a large re-elect campaign sign with his campaign manager Michael Kowalson while the duo are pictured alongside Portage Avenue in Winnipeg, Man., Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morantz, who is a two-term Conservative incumbent, is running in the federal riding of Winnipeg West.

BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS
                                Incumbent Conservative candidate Marty Morantz (left) holds a large re-elect campaign sign with his campaign manager Michael Kowalson while the duo are pictured alongside Portage Avenue in Winnipeg, Man., Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morantz, who is a two-term Conservative incumbent, is running in the federal riding of Winnipeg West.

‘Special to the world’: Supporters hope to save beloved Drumheller dinosaur

Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

‘Special to the world’: Supporters hope to save beloved Drumheller dinosaur

Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Monday, Sep. 22, 2025

DRUMHELLER - A plan to send Tyra the tyrannosaurus, the popular tourist attraction that towers over the skyline in Drumheller, Alta., into proverbial extinction has sparked demands that she be spared.

The town of 8,400 northeast of Calgary bills itself as the Dinosaur Capital of the World. Home to the famed Royal Tyrrell Museum, the community also has statues of dinosaurs that look like they've crawled out of "The Flintstones" cartoon greeting people on the streets.

There's an extinct reptile riding a motorcycle. A triceratops in a frilly dress sits on a bus bench. Another dinosaur wearing a fireman's hat and holding a hose is poised outside a fire station.

The biggest is Tyra, standing across from the intersection of Gorgosaurus Street and Tyrannosaurus Drive near a visitor information centre. A nearby ice cream stand offers fossils, T-shirts and dino toys.

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Monday, Sep. 22, 2025

Tyra the Tyrannosaurus, the lovable landmark that towers over the Drumheller skyline in the heart of the Canadian Badlands, is facing an extinction-level event and is pictured in Drumheller, Alta., Tuesday, April 1, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Tyra the Tyrannosaurus, the lovable landmark that towers over the Drumheller skyline in the heart of the Canadian Badlands, is facing an extinction-level event and is pictured in Drumheller, Alta., Tuesday, April 1, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Runway show focuses on treasures, not trash

Conrad Sweatman 5 minute read Preview

Runway show focuses on treasures, not trash

Conrad Sweatman 5 minute read Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025

Some of Manitoba’s best-known public figures — including radio host Ace Burpee, activist Mitch Bourbonniere and politician Nahanni Fontaine — walk the catwalk in a fashion show at 109 Higgins Ave. tonight.

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Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025

BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS

Voices alumni and dress designer Brittany-Morgan Erb paints a garbage bag dress, which symbolizes how many youths in care are forced to move between homes with their belongings stuffed in garbage bags.

BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS
                                Voices alumni and dress designer Brittany-Morgan Erb paints a garbage bag dress for the Voices: Manitoba’s Youth in Care Network fundraiser.

Slow fashion houses embrace made-to-order to reduce waste

Nicole Thompson, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Slow fashion houses embrace made-to-order to reduce waste

Nicole Thompson, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Sunday, Sep. 21, 2025

TORONTO - On occasion, fashion designer and clothier Katelyn Woodburn is accused of running a scam.

When a customer makes a purchase without reading the "about" section on her website or following her on social media, they might send an email a week or two later saying something like: "Where's my order? It hasn't even shipped yet? What's going on?" Woodburn recounted from her Vancouver studio.

"Which is a totally reasonable response," she added. Consumers are conditioned to expect instant gratification when it comes to clothes shopping, but that's not really how Woodburn does things.

"I'll say, 'Oh, your shirt is being cut out. We're going to sew it tomorrow.' I tell them the whole process of what's happening. And 100 per cent of the time, I get a response going, 'Oh my gosh, I didn't even realize. This is so cool, no rush at all.'"

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Sunday, Sep. 21, 2025

Fashion designer and clothier Katelyn Woodburn poses in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Victoria Black *MANDATORY CREDIT*

Fashion designer and clothier Katelyn Woodburn poses in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Victoria Black *MANDATORY CREDIT*

Miss Shakespeare turns gender bias on its ear

Holly Harris 6 minute read Preview

Miss Shakespeare turns gender bias on its ear

Holly Harris 6 minute read Sunday, Sep. 29, 2024

Winnipeg Studio Theatre kicked off its season with the guts and glory of female empowerment in its all-women-led local premiere of Miss Shakespeare.

The two-hour musical — directed by company artistic director Erin McGrath and presented by Rainbow Stage — runs through Oct. 5 at the University of Winnipeg’s Asper Centre for Theatre and Film. Saturday night’s crowd eagerly lapped up its feminist ethos.

Its quasi-historical protagonist, Judith Shakespeare (played by a spunky Rhea Rodych-Rasidescu), is the Bard’s real-life daughter “born with a poetic soul.” Judith lives in the shadows of her famous father during the repressive 1600s, when women were relegated to becoming wives and mothers, rather than pursuing their own passions.

Judith yearns for her own identity as a self-actualized creative powerhouse, and cobbles together the “Gossips,” a merry band of like-minded women who surreptitiously meet each week in the bowels of The Cage tavern to create a play. They spar, share stories, and dream, risking public humiliation if they’re discovered treading the boards like their male counterparts.

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Sunday, Sep. 29, 2024

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Rhea Rodych-Rasidescu (centre) and others run through a scene on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. An all-woman cast and crew are behind the upcoming Winnipeg Studio Theatre-Rainbow Stage presentation of Miss Shakespeare. For arts story. Winnipeg Free Press 2024

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Rhea Rodych-Rasidescu (centre) and others run through a scene on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. An all-woman cast and crew are behind the upcoming Winnipeg Studio Theatre-Rainbow Stage presentation of Miss Shakespeare. For arts story. Winnipeg Free Press 2024

Manitoba bans cellphones for K-8 students

Maggie Macintosh 5 minute read Preview

Manitoba bans cellphones for K-8 students

Maggie Macintosh 5 minute read Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024

Manitoba has announced a ban on cellphones in elementary schools and strict rules to silence devices and keep them out of sight during Grade 9-12 lessons next month.

Kindergarten to Grade 8 students will be barred from using phones at any point in the school day, including during lunch and recess.

High schoolers will be asked to leave their phones in their locker, with a teacher or at the principal’s office when classes are in session.

Teenagers can access their devices on breaks and when a classroom teacher approves usage for educational purposes.

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Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS

Education minister Nello Altomare shows new school signage (related to the cell phone ban) in his office at the Manitoba Legislative Building.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS

	
Education minister Nello Altomare shows new school signage (related to the cell phone ban) in his office at the Manitoba Legislative Building on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024. 

For Carol story.

Cellphones have messages about learning

Ken Clark 4 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024

Distractions. I recall, decades ago, two high school lads riveted by the random outcomes of a surreptitious, they thought, game of cards, rather than attuned to my teaching of the Canada Food Guide. Message received — think about how I teach the Canada Food Guide.

Classrooms don’t have to be smartphone-free zones, tech-fluent educators tell province

Maggie Macintosh 5 minute read Preview

Classrooms don’t have to be smartphone-free zones, tech-fluent educators tell province

Maggie Macintosh 5 minute read Friday, Feb. 9, 2024

A group of tech-savvy teachers is calling on the province to create guidelines on cellphone use in schools and offering to help get it done.

The Manitoba Association of Education Technology Leaders has taken a firm stance against introducing a sweeping ban of personal wireless devices in kindergarten-to-Grade 12 buildings.

Manitoba Education has no policy in place. School divisions create their own appropriate use policies, while most buildings allow teachers to make rules for their own classrooms.

Tuxedo’s Laidlaw School, Collège Béliveau in Windsor Park and West Kildonan Collegiate are among Winnipeg facilities that have imposed stricter measures this year.

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Friday, Feb. 9, 2024

BROOK JONES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Grade 12 student Amy Klos puts her cell phone in a cell phone storage pouch fastened to the wall while in her pre-calculus classroom at West Kildonan Collegiate in Winnipeg, Man., Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. West Kildonan Collegiate is one example among a number of schools across school divisions in Winnipeg that are implementing strict cell phone guidelines for the second semester.

BROOK JONES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
                                Grade 12 student Amy Klos puts her cell phone in a cell phone storage pouch fastened to the wall while in her pre-calculus classroom at West Kildonan Collegiate in Winnipeg, Man., Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. West Kildonan Collegiate is one example among a number of schools across school divisions in Winnipeg that are implementing strict cell phone guidelines for the second semester.

Frustrated educators disconnecting distracted students from devices

Maggie Macintosh 4 minute read Preview

Frustrated educators disconnecting distracted students from devices

Maggie Macintosh 4 minute read Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024

More school leaders across Manitoba are asking students to unplug themselves entirely during lesson times and requesting staff to be role models around positive phone-use.

Tuxedo’s Laidlaw School, Collège Béliveau in Windsor Park and West Kildonan Collegiate are among those that have announced stricter guidelines surrounding personal devices in 2024.

“Ultimately, we want our kids to disconnect with their devices and reconnect with their classmates and teacher,” said Adam Hildebrandt, principal of West Kildonan Collegiate. “We think this really is the best thing for their learning.”

Hildebrandt began his career at the high school in 2004. It was around 2010 when it became commonplace for his students to carry personal devices everywhere they went, and his classroom was no exception.

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Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024

BROOK JONES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Grade 12 students Calan Duchart, Amy Klos and Rachel Mickall put their cell phones in a cell phone storage pouch fastened to the wall while in their pre-calculus classroom at West Kildonan Collegiate in Winnipeg, Man., Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. West Kildonan Collegiate is one example among a number of schools across school divisions in Winnipeg that are implementing strict cell phone guidelines for the second semester.

BROOK JONES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
                                Grade 12 students Calan Duchart, Amy Klos and Rachel Mickall put their cell phones in a cell phone storage pouch fastened to the wall while in their pre-calculus classroom at West Kildonan Collegiate in Winnipeg, Man., Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. West Kildonan Collegiate is one example among a number of schools across school divisions in Winnipeg that are implementing strict cell phone guidelines for the second semester.