Sustainable Tourism

Commuter traffic stops for whales on Australia’s humpback highway

Charlotte Graham-mclay And Mark Baker, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Commuter traffic stops for whales on Australia’s humpback highway

Charlotte Graham-mclay And Mark Baker, The Associated Press 4 minute read Friday, Oct. 3, 2025

PORT STEPHENS, Australia (AP) — The ferry was late, but not because of the usual traffic. Sydney commuters watched from an idling boat this month as humpback whales the size of buses surfaced nearby, halting the vessel’s passage across the harbor. The curious mammals seemed to be watching them back.

In June and July, it’s not uncommon for whales to stop water traffic in Sydney. Winter heralds the opening of the so-called humpback highway, a migratory corridor along Australia's east coast used by about 40,000 of the massive creatures as they travel from feeding grounds in freezing Antarctica to tropical breeding areas off Queensland state.

“It’s blubber to blubber,” said Dr. Vanessa Pirotta, a wildlife scientist at Macquarie University in Sydney and author of the book “Humpback Highway.” During peak traffic periods the bustling coastal city of 5.5 million people becomes one of the world’s few urban centers where you might see a breaching whale on your morning walk, while buying a coffee, or waiting at a bus stop – anyplace you can see the ocean.

Whales cruise close to shore

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Friday, Oct. 3, 2025

FILE - A humpback whale breaches off the coast of Port Stephens, north of Sydney, Australia, on June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker, File)

FILE - A humpback whale breaches off the coast of Port Stephens, north of Sydney, Australia, on June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker, File)

Long-awaited Winnipeg Transit network overhaul goes live Sunday

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Long-awaited Winnipeg Transit network overhaul goes live Sunday

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Tuesday, Jun. 24, 2025

Winnipeg’s bus network will undergo a massive one-day transformation on Sunday that alters virtually every route.

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Tuesday, Jun. 24, 2025

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press

Student Winner Nnah at the bus stop on Portage Ave. at Polo Park Tuesday. Winnipeg’s bus network will undergo a massive one-day transformation on Sunday that alters virtually every route.

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press
                                Student Winner Ninah at the bus stop on Portage Ave. at Polo Park Tuesday. Winnipeg’s bus network will undergo a massive one-day transformation on Sunday that alters virtually every route.

Downtown pilot project will add furniture, art, picnic tables to Graham Avenue

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Preview

Downtown pilot project will add furniture, art, picnic tables to Graham Avenue

Joyanne Pursaga 4 minute read Monday, Jun. 23, 2025

Over the next three weeks, the city aims to breathe new life into a four-block stretch of Graham Avenue, with a bright new look, ping pong tables, street furniture and art.

As the Free Press reported last week, a pilot project will see Graham reserved for cyclists and pedestrians between Carlton and Garry streets, once a new primary transit network removes buses from the area on June 29.

On Monday, the city laid out its vision for the pilot, which is expected to continue at least until the end of summer.

“The buses will move off of Graham Avenue and in just three weeks … after that, we will completely transform this stretch of Graham,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham.

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Monday, Jun. 23, 2025

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS

Mayor Scott Gillingham speaks at the launch of the re-imagining Graham pedestrian placemaking project at Graham Avenue on Monday.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS
                                Mayor Scott Gillingham speaks at the launch of the re-imagining Graham pedestrian placemaking project at Graham Avenue on Monday.

Sometimes we’re left with the power of words

Martin Zeilig 5 minute read Monday, Jun. 23, 2025

I’m not a head of state. I’m not a general. I’m not a billionaire.

I’m a writer. And in times like these, that is both a burden and a responsibility.

Graham Avenue stretch to get pedestrian, bike-only trial when buses vanish

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Preview

Graham Avenue stretch to get pedestrian, bike-only trial when buses vanish

Joyanne Pursaga 5 minute read Friday, Jun. 20, 2025

The city will turn a four-block stretch of Graham Avenue into a living lab when Winnipeg Transit’s network overhaul pulls buses off the downtown street.

It will be cyclists and pedestrians only between Carlton and Garry streets in an indefinite pilot project scheduled to begin after June 29.

“In July 2025, buses will be removed from four blocks, creating a rare opportunity to transform the street into a safer, pedestrian-first space. With a focus on recreation, public gathering areas, and cultural programming, Graham Avenue can become a dynamic hub of activity in the heart of downtown,” a city document states.

Without changes, the area risks becoming a neglected corridor with minimal foot traffic once buses leave, it warns.

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Friday, Jun. 20, 2025

SUPPLIED

A rendering of Graham Avenue between Donald and Smith Streets.

SUPPLIED
                                A rendering of Graham Avenue between Donald and Smith Streets.

Hockey hero coming home: Jonathan Toews to make comeback with Jets

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Preview

Hockey hero coming home: Jonathan Toews to make comeback with Jets

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Friday, Jun. 20, 2025

The homecoming is happening for Jonathan Toews. The St. Vital product has decided to make his NHL comeback with the Winnipeg Jets, agreeing to terms on a one-year contract as he returns to the league after a two-year absence related to his health.

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Friday, Jun. 20, 2025

Jonathan Toews (Jeffrey T. Barnes / The Associated Press files)

Jonathan Toews (Jeffrey T. Barnes / The Associated Press files)

Racing in her blood: Rookie rider knows she has ‘big shoes to fill’ as she follows in jockey dad’s footsteps

Mike McIntyre 24 minute read Preview

Racing in her blood: Rookie rider knows she has ‘big shoes to fill’ as she follows in jockey dad’s footsteps

Mike McIntyre 24 minute read Friday, Jun. 20, 2025

Ciera Pruitt had pictured the scene since she was a little girl running wild on the grounds of Assiniboia Downs — her backyard, really — while her parents were hard at work nearby. Back then, she was the wide-eyed Winnipeg kid peering over the paddock railing, watching the colourful parade of jockeys from faraway places like Bermuda, Venezuela and Mexico leading majestic thoroughbreds toward the track while the bugle call to the post played over the loudspeakers.

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Friday, Jun. 20, 2025

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS
The jockeys and their horses walk out to the gate for the last race of the evening.
Ciera Pruitt, 23, is currently the only female rider at Assiniboia Downs (ASD) and just won in the 7th race of her career. Her parents Jerry and Lise both have long ties to the ASD.
Reporter: Mike McIntyre
250611 - Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS
The jockeys and their horses walk out to the gate for the last race of the evening. 
Ciera Pruitt, 23, is currently the only female rider at Assiniboia Downs (ASD) and just won in the 7th race of her career. Her parents Jerry and Lise both have long ties to the ASD.
Reporter: Mike McIntyre
250611 - Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

Growing up Bombers: Football increasingly a family affair in Winnipeg

Taylor Allen 8 minute read Preview

Growing up Bombers: Football increasingly a family affair in Winnipeg

Taylor Allen 8 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 18, 2025

Nine months after a serious knee injury put his career in jeopardy, an emotional Chris Streveler stood before reporters, searching for words to describe what it meant to lead the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to a season-opening victory last week.

He could’ve started with what it felt like to suit up in front of 32,343 Blue and Gold supporters again after a gruelling rehab, or spoken about his three touchdown passes and how they helped his team prevail 34-20 over the B.C. Lions.

Instead, the first place the quarterback went was his daughter, Sunny, and how much it meant to him to play in front of her for the first time.

“I think it’s just really different having a daughter now, and after the injury, I just think my perspective is really different on the game, and life in general, and I have more appreciation for these moments,” Streveler told the Free Press earlier this week as the Bombers prepare to meet the Lions in a rematch on Saturday at BC Place.

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Wednesday, Jun. 18, 2025

SUPPLIED

Winnipeg Blue Bomber Chris Streveler with fiance Taylor and their daughter Sunny.

SUPPLIED

Winnipeg Blue Bomber Chris Streveler with fiance Taylor and their daughter Sunny.

Flin Flon’s school year comes to disappointing end for graduating evacuees

Maggie Macintosh 5 minute read Preview

Flin Flon’s school year comes to disappointing end for graduating evacuees

Maggie Macintosh 5 minute read Monday, Jun. 16, 2025

Homesick evacuees from the Flin Flon area were dealt another blow Monday when they learned an out-of-control forest fire had cancelled the rest of the school year in northwestern Manitoba.

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Monday, Jun. 16, 2025

SUPPLIED

Cassidy Alexander had photos taken recently wearing her graduation gown, but her high school in Flin Flon just announced the remainder of the school year, including graduation ceremonies, will be cancelled due to wildfires that forced the town’s evacuation.

SUPPLIED
                                Cassidy Alexander had photos taken recently wearing her graduation gown, but her high school in Flin Flon just announced the remainder of the school year, including graduation ceremonies, will be cancelled due to wildfires that forced the town’s evacuation.

How the humble water gun became the symbol of Barcelona’s anti-tourism movement

Joseph Wilson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

How the humble water gun became the symbol of Barcelona’s anti-tourism movement

Joseph Wilson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — A group of tourists were sitting at an outdoor table in the Spanish city of Barcelona, trying to enjoy their drinks, when a woman raised a cheap plastic water gun and shot an arc of water at them.

Her weapon of choice — the cheap, squirt-squirt variety — is an increasingly common fixture at anti-tourism protests in the southern European country, where many locals fear that an overload of visitors is driving them from their cherished neighborhoods.

How did the humble water gun become a symbol of discontent?

From refreshing to revolutionary

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Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

A protester holds a water gun during a protest against overtourism in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, June 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Pau Venteo)

A protester holds a water gun during a protest against overtourism in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, June 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Pau Venteo)

Pray for rain — and plant more trees

Patricia Dawn Robertson 5 minute read Preview

Pray for rain — and plant more trees

Patricia Dawn Robertson 5 minute read Monday, Jun. 16, 2025

As I write this, Saskatchewan is under another air-quality alert as smoke from Alberta and B.C. drift over to cast a shadow on what would typically be a sunny June day.

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Monday, Jun. 16, 2025

Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun

The sun, obscured by smoke from forest fires in northern Manitoba, glows pink in the sky as an aircraft takes flight at the Brandon Airport.

Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun
                                The sun, obscured by smoke from forest fires in northern Manitoba, glows pink in the sky as an aircraft takes flight at the Brandon Airport.

Like mother, like daughter: Sunshine Fund camp experience runs in the family

Kevin Rollason 3 minute read Preview

Like mother, like daughter: Sunshine Fund camp experience runs in the family

Kevin Rollason 3 minute read Friday, Jun. 13, 2025

Peyton Toth is weeks away from graduating from Grade 3 and heading to summer camp for the first time.

And the bubbly outgoing eight-year-old will soon be on her way to Camp Arnes, on the western shore of Lake Winnipeg north of Gimli, thanks to the Sunshine Fund.

Peyton’s mom, Lindsay, said she knows firsthand the type of experience her daughter will get. Three decades ago, when she was eight years old, she went to camp for the first time — at Camp Arnes.

“I wanted her to go to camp so I began looking at the camps out there,” she said. “But I didn’t realize (camping fees) would be that much. It costs $800 for the week.

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Friday, Jun. 13, 2025

BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS

Peyton Toth (left) is heading off to the same summer camp her mother Lindsay went to three decades ago.

BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS
                                Peyton Toth (left) is heading off to the same summer camp her mother Lindsay went to three decades ago.

Wildfire smoke changing outdoor sports landscape

Zoe Pierce 7 minute read Preview

Wildfire smoke changing outdoor sports landscape

Zoe Pierce 7 minute read Friday, Jun. 13, 2025

Air quality concerns due to wildfire smoke are changing the landscape of sporting events in Winnipeg. From community centre-run programs to professional leagues, outdoor sports have been impacted by smoke delays, cancellations and playing in less than ideal conditions, leading some to rethink how summer outdoor seasons should be planned going forward.

Krista Fraser-Kruck, general manager of Riverview Community Centre in South Osborne, which offers baseball, soccer, softball, ultimate (frisbee) and summer day camps, says wildfire smoke has forced cancellations and caused rescheduling challenges, especially difficult in a short summer season.

“The priority is keeping kids safe,” said Fraser-Kruck. “For our community, we just want to keep our kids safe, and so doing what’s in the best interest of their health is our priority.”

For their youth soccer games, Riverview Community Centre follows the Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association’s policy, which calls for citywide cancellations if Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) reaches seven or higher.

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Friday, Jun. 13, 2025

BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS

The Manitoba Marathon currently has no specific air quality protocols laid out regarding what systems or Air Quality Health Index levels would trigger a race cancellation on Sunday.

BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS
                                The Manitoba Marathon currently has no specific air quality protocols laid out regarding what systems or Air Quality Health Index levels would trigger a race cancellation on Sunday.

The bully is a person in our neighbourhood

Editorial 4 minute read Preview

The bully is a person in our neighbourhood

Editorial 4 minute read Friday, Jun. 13, 2025

A new kid moves into your neighbourhood. A loudmouth, pretty darned full of himself; “I’m the best, the bigly-est, the smartest person ever,” but you’re used to all sorts, even windbags, so you don’t pay him much mind.

And then one day as you’re walking by, he punches you in the face.

Later, he’s all smiles, and says “Let’s let bygones be bygones, we could be the bestest of friends.” And things get better for a bit, though he’s still insufferable.

Not long after, as you’re walking by, he comes up and punches you in the face, saying that you were mean to him.

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Friday, Jun. 13, 2025

Demetrius Freeman / The Washington Post

U.S. President Donald Trump

Demetrius Freeman / The Washington Post
                                U.S. President Donald Trump

More than 7,000 elms felled in Winnipeg last year due to disease

Massimo De Luca-Taronno 5 minute read Preview

More than 7,000 elms felled in Winnipeg last year due to disease

Massimo De Luca-Taronno 5 minute read Thursday, Jun. 12, 2025

A city report reveals elm trees were chopped down more than expected last year due to Dutch elm disease.

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Thursday, Jun. 12, 2025

BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS

Urban Foresty worker Trevor Viznaugh, 42, points to an elm tree that has been tagged for removal, as the City of Winnipeg’s Urban Forestry Branch removes American elm trees along Downing Street in an effort to fight Dutch elm disease.

BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS
                                Urban Foresty worker Trevor Viznaugh, 42, points to an elm tree that has been tagged for removal, as the City of Winnipeg’s Urban Forestry Branch removes American elm trees along Downing Street in an effort to fight Dutch elm disease.

‘She’s all of us’: mural illustrates ties between Winnipeg and grateful Ukrainian newcomers

Matthew Frank 3 minute read Preview

‘She’s all of us’: mural illustrates ties between Winnipeg and grateful Ukrainian newcomers

Matthew Frank 3 minute read Monday, Jun. 9, 2025

Blue and yellow ribbons wrapping around the city’s skyline show the deep connection between Ukraine and Manitoba in a new mural.

Take Pride Winnipeg, a downtown non-profit that seeks to clean up and inspire civic pride, unveiled its newest mural, titled “Pray for Ukraine” in the Exchange District on Monday.

It pictures a Ukrainian woman in traditional clothing stoically gazing into the distance as butterflies and a dove — which symbolize hope, peace and rebirth — flutter around the Esplanade Riel and Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

The installation at Exchange District BIZ at 492 Main St. was painted by Jennifer Mosienko, who’s worked on more than 40 murals across the city.

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Monday, Jun. 9, 2025

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press

LOCAL - Pray for Ukraine mural Photo of Ukrainian activist Liudmyla Shykota, who spearheaded the vision and funding for a new striking mural at 492 Main called - Pray for Ukraine, at the unveiling Monday. Shykota worked with local artist, Jennifer Mosienko, who has been painted over forty murals in the city. The vision Shykota shared with the artist was to connect the spirit of Ukraine with Winnipeg Canada bringing hope and prosperity to both nations. See story June 9th, 2025

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press
                                LOCAL - Pray for Ukraine mural Photo of Ukrainian activist Liudmyla Shykota, who spearheaded the vision and funding for a new striking mural at 492 Main called - Pray for Ukraine, at the unveiling Monday. Shykota worked with local artist, Jennifer Mosienko, who has been painted over forty murals in the city. The vision Shykota shared with the artist was to connect the spirit of Ukraine with Winnipeg Canada bringing hope and prosperity to both nations. See story June 9th, 2025

Your generosity can make a kid’s summer

Kevin Rollason 3 minute read Preview

Your generosity can make a kid’s summer

Kevin Rollason 3 minute read Saturday, Jun. 7, 2025

In a few short weeks, children will be able to trade school books and assignments for the possibility of jumping in a kayak, getting on a horse, or racing down a zip line.

That means it’s also time to help needy families give their kids a camping experience they will never forget.

For the 45th summer, the annual Free Press Sunshine Fund is kicking off with the hope that thousands of generous readers will help children who deserve a break from their studies in an outing that normally would be out of reach financially for their families.

“The Free Press is again counting on our readers to help make the Sunshine Fund a reality for as many children in our province as possible,” Free Press editor Paul Samyn said.

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Saturday, Jun. 7, 2025

SUPPLIED

L to R: Audrey Hicks (manager, training & risk management True North Youth Fdn), Kim Scherger (executive director MCA), Kayla Yakielashek (community outreach coordinator, MCA), Nancy Paschke (Standards & Accreditation Coordinator, MCA), Lexi (RRBC staff) and Duane Goertzen (executive director RRBC)

SUPPLIED 
                                L to R: Audrey Hicks (manager, training & risk management True North Youth Fdn), Kim Scherger (executive director MCA), Kayla Yakielashek (community outreach coordinator, MCA), Nancy Paschke (Standards & Accreditation Coordinator, MCA), Lexi (RRBC staff) and Duane Goertzen (executive director RRBC)

Community gathers to remember couple who died in wildfire

Massimo De Luca-Taronno 4 minute read Preview

Community gathers to remember couple who died in wildfire

Massimo De Luca-Taronno 4 minute read Saturday, Jun. 7, 2025

LAC DU BONNET — Mourners wiped away tears and shared fond memories as they paid tribute to Susan and Richard Nowell, the couple who died May 13 as a wildfire ripped through homes on Wendigo Road in this tight-knit community.

There almost weren’t enough seats in the town’s community centre Friday as nearly 700 friends, family, and community members gathered to remember the Nowells at a 90-minute celebration of life. The stage was filled with brightly coloured flowers and a collage of photographs.

Emmett Nowell, the couple’s youngest son, looked at the large crowd and took a deep breath, to steady himself before speaking.

“They made everyone feel so special with their love,” said Emmett, who was the first family member to speak. “I could really stand up here and talk about them forever.”

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Saturday, Jun. 7, 2025

A service Friday celebrated the lives of Lac du Bonnet residents Richard and Susan Nowell.

A service Friday celebrated the lives of Lac du Bonnet residents Richard and Susan Nowell.

Ottawa, Manitoba decided jointly to send evacuees to Niagara Falls

Scott Billeck 4 minute read Preview

Ottawa, Manitoba decided jointly to send evacuees to Niagara Falls

Scott Billeck 4 minute read Friday, Jun. 6, 2025

The Manitoba government confirmed Friday the decision to send some of the 18,000 wildfire evacuees to southern Ontario was made jointly with the federal government.

“Manitoba, in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada, worked quickly to ensure evacuees secured shelter and lodging in Ontario, much like Manitoba housed over 1,000 evacuees from Wabaseemoong Independent Nations (in northwestern Ontario) in May,” a spokesperson said in an email.

The province said it requested assistance from Ottawa — via Public Safety Canada’s Government Operations Centre — that emphasized the need for federal help to ensure a successful emergency response, including evacuation logistics.

“Support measures remain in place for affected on-reserve and eligible First Nation communities, with resources available for both immediate and long-term recovery,” ISC said in an emailed statement.

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Friday, Jun. 6, 2025

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES

Lisa Naylor, the minister responsible for Emergency Management Operations, said the Ontario hotel rooms were offered “before we were able to mobilize as many rooms here in Manitoba.”

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES
                                Lisa Naylor, the minister responsible for Emergency Management Operations, said the Ontario hotel rooms were offered “before we were able to mobilize as many rooms here in Manitoba.”

Singer-songwriter Kelly Bado’s music imbued with the richness of her culture

Eva Wasney 7 minute read Preview

Singer-songwriter Kelly Bado’s music imbued with the richness of her culture

Eva Wasney 7 minute read Friday, Jun. 6, 2025

Kelly Bado, a keen observer of the world around her, forged a sense of camaraderie with her new city — with its landscape, its history and its people — at The Forks.

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Friday, Jun. 6, 2025

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS

Kelly Bado spends a lot of time with her family at The Forks.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS
                                Kelly Bado spends a lot of time with her family at The Forks.

‘I hope that we don’t lose the town’: Snow Lake residents get mandatory evacuation order

Chris Kitching 7 minute read Preview

‘I hope that we don’t lose the town’: Snow Lake residents get mandatory evacuation order

Chris Kitching 7 minute read Friday, Jun. 6, 2025

Another wildfire-threatened town in northern Manitoba began a mandatory evacuation Friday, while a 140-kilometre-long blaze threatened multiple communities in two provinces and put evacuees on tenterhooks.

Snow Lake, home to about 1,100 people, ordered residents to get out before noon Saturday and head to an evacuation reception centre in Winnipeg if they need a place to stay.

“I put the sprinkler on my home, and locked the door and left,” resident Caroline Denby told the Free Press during her roughly seven-hour drive to Winnipeg. “I hope that we don’t lose the town. Everybody getting out is the main thing. I really trust our (fire) crew, and believe they’re really wonderful at what they do.”

Town officials started planning for a potential evacuation as early as about two weeks ago. A voluntary evacuation began Tuesday. Denby was ready to go when it became mandatory.

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Friday, Jun. 6, 2025

PROVINCE OF MANITOBA

Fire crews in Flin Flon on Thursday.

PROVINCE OF MANITOBA
                                Fire crews in Flin Flon on Thursday.

‘Pray for rain’: wildfire races toward Flin Flon

Carol Sanders and Nicole Buffie 8 minute read Preview

‘Pray for rain’: wildfire races toward Flin Flon

Carol Sanders and Nicole Buffie 8 minute read Friday, May. 30, 2025

Premier Wab Kinew urged Manitobans to remain calm Friday, a pivotal day in the war on wildfires in which shifting winds sent flames bearing down on Flin Flon, more people had to be evacuated from more communities and desperately needed resources were promised by the United States.

“Keep calm and carry on,” Kinew told an afternoon news conference at the legislature.

He said the threat to Flin Flon, about 830 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, had become so severe that the mayor, council and the few others who remained after a citywide evacuation order issued Wednesday afternoon had no choice but to leave Friday.

“We had our health-care workers leave this morning… the only folks remaining on the ground are the firefighters and folks in the office of the fire commissioner and RCMP who are there to battle the blaze,” Kinew said.

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Friday, May. 30, 2025

NICHOLAS ZAHARI / CANADIAN ARMED FORCES FILES

In Norway House, military members help to evacuate residents from Mathias Colomb First Nation, who had escaped a wildfire near their community at the end of May.

NICHOLAS ZAHARI / CANADIAN ARMED FORCES FILES
In Norway House, military members help to evacuate residents from Mathias Colomb First Nation, who had escaped a wildfire near their community at the end of May.

Canada international Achini Perera takes to the street for Cricket to Conquer Cancer

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Canada international Achini Perera takes to the street for Cricket to Conquer Cancer

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Sunday, Sep. 21, 2025

TORONTO - Achini Perera gets to tick a few boxes Saturday, playing cricket and helping raise money for a good cause.

The Canadian international cricketer is taking part in the inaugural Cricket to Conquer Cancer, a street cricket fundraiser for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

More than 40 teams will be participating at Celebration Square in suburban Mississauga, Ont., with celebrities including singer Jully Black, former soccer star Dwayne De Rosario and former Raptor Jamaal Magloire and West Indies cricketer Carlos Brathwaite.

Like many taking part, Brathwaite has a personal connection to the cause. His mother is a cancer survivor.

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Sunday, Sep. 21, 2025

Canadian cricketer Achini Perera (26) is shown in action at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Americas Region Qualifier, which ran March 10-17, 2025, in Buenos Aires, where the Canadian women finished runner-up to the U.S. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO — International Cricket Council (ICC) *MANDATORY CREDIT*

Canadian cricketer Achini Perera (26) is shown in action at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Americas Region Qualifier, which ran March 10-17, 2025, in Buenos Aires, where the Canadian women finished runner-up to the U.S. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO — International Cricket Council (ICC) *MANDATORY CREDIT*

Syria’s only female minister says lifting of economic sanctions offers hope for recovery

Ghaith Alsayed, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Syria’s only female minister says lifting of economic sanctions offers hope for recovery

Ghaith Alsayed, The Associated Press 5 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025

DAMASCUS (AP) — The lifting of economic sanctions on Syria will allow the government to begin work on daunting tasks that include fighting corruption and bringing millions of refugees home, Hind Kabawat, the minister of social affairs and labor, told The Associated Press on Friday.

Kabawat is the only woman and the only Christian in the 23-member cabinet formed in March to steer the country during a transitional period after the ouster of former President Bashar Assad in a rebel offensive in December. Her portfolio will be one of the most important as the country begins rebuilding after nearly 14 years of civil war.

She said moves by the U.S. and the European Union in the past week to at least temporarily lift most of the sanctions that had been imposed on Syria over decades will allow that work to get started.

Before, she said, “we would talk, we would make plans, but nothing could happen on the ground because sanctions were holding everything up and restricting our work.” With the lifting of sanctions they can now move to “implementation.”

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Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025

Syrian Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Kabawat, speaks during an interview with the Associated Press, in Damascus, Syria, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed)

Syrian Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Kabawat, speaks during an interview with the Associated Press, in Damascus, Syria, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed)