In photos: Swan River flooding By: Photos by Lance Jacobson Posted: 4:45 PM CDT Tuesday, Jun. 9, 2026 Last Modified: 7:02 AM CDT Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026

Little house, big female energy and golf drama

From its earliest black-and-white flickers to today’s kaleidoscope of small-screen streaming options, television has offered many pleasures.

This new handful of new viewing recommendations dances nicely along that spectrum, from a period drama with a much needed modern perspective, a weekend of she-raging, a couple of spy thrillers and golf as a path to true grace (and a few gut-laughs). Onward!

●Little House on the Prairie (series premières Thursday on Netflix)

Based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved Little House books, a new Winnipeg-shot adaptation moves beyond the 1974-83 sentimental TV adventures of the Ingalls family homesteading in the 19th-century American Midwest. The new effort promises to be not only grittier but also narratively broader, expanding beyond the story of the family planting roots in “free land.” Says the show’s Osage Nation consultant Julie O’Keefe, “If you’re going to tell the story, then you need to tell both sides.” The series has already been renewed for a second season. For more on the series, check out Randall King’s recent preview.

In photos: Swan River flooding

The town of Swan River has declared a state of emergency after floodwaters crept into the town Monday night.

Swan River Mayor Lance Jacobson provided the Free Press with following photos depicting the community underwater.

Animal Justice wants lawsuit by Manitoba farmer tossed out

Animal Justice says a defamation lawsuit filed against it by a Swan River farmer who exports horses to Japan has no merit and should be tossed out of court.

Carolyle Farms and its owner, Lyle Lumax, filed the lawsuit in the Court of King’s Bench last month, naming Animal Justice and its executive director, Camille Labchuk, as defendants.

The farmer alleges Labchuk made a defamatory comment in a video posted to social media platforms in February.

Animal Justice argues its director’s comment was factual.

Work permits extended to 2027 for international grads

The federal government is offering a reprieve for international graduates who found work and settled in Manitoba, giving the province more time to process a backlog of provincial nominee applications.

Mayor takes RM to court to recover legal fees

Three years after winning a legal appeal against the Rural Municipality of St. Andrews, the area’s mayor has filed litigation to recover costs from the court battle that followed a coup by a group of former councillors.

Mayor Joy Sul filed a statement of claim against the RM north of Winnipeg on June 30, seeking indemnity for nearly $50,000 in legal fees she incurred while fighting council’s attempts to strip her of key responsibilities.

“Several years ago, I went to court because I believed the actions being taken against me were wrong and contrary to municipal law,” Sul said in a statement to the Free Press Monday.

“I want to be very clear about one thing: I am not seeking a windfall, damages, or any personal financial gain. I am simply seeking reimbursement for the legal costs I actually incurred while successfully defending my elected position.”