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Follow the trail

Free Press staff 2 minute read Yesterday at 2:00 AM CDT

The trail of sweet treats from Hansel & Gretel has come to life in Winnipeg — in a much less sinister way.

● Take a self-guided tour of five local bakeries and cafés to sample special Hansel & Gretel-themed goodies ahead of opening night for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s fairy-tale production, running Oct. 9-12.

● High Tea Bakery (2103 Portage Ave.) has created a set of 12 mini imperial cookies emblazoned with photos from the production. Visit highteabakery.com to pre-order.

● Jenna Rae Cakes is serving gingerbread macarons with icing and sprinkles at its locations at The Forks, Academy Road and Island Shore Boulevard.

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Rugby nations unite, announcing plans to ban players who join R360 rebel series

Steve Mcmorran, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Rugby nations unite, announcing plans to ban players who join R360 rebel series

Steve Mcmorran, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 9:29 PM CDT

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Eight of rugby’s most powerful nations have announced international bans for any players who join the breakaway R360 organization which intends to launch a multi-city series next year.

England, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, France, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia have written a joint letter in which they urge men's and women's players to think carefully before accepting offers from the R360 organization.

Representatives of the R360 reportedly have approached leading rugby union and rugby league players around the world in an effort to create a series which upends rugby’s existing global order.

R360’s organizers say they have agreements in place with 200 men's players and approached leading players at the recent Women's Rugby World Cup in England. Those players have been told that R360 has secured funding for three years and intends to launch next September.

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Yesterday at 9:29 PM CDT

South Africa's Siya Kolisi raises the trophy after winning the Rugby Championship match against Argentina at Twickenham stadium, in London, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

South Africa's Siya Kolisi raises the trophy after winning the Rugby Championship match against Argentina at Twickenham stadium, in London, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

WNBA Finals draw most viewers for a Game 1 since the league’s inaugural season

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

WNBA Finals draw most viewers for a Game 1 since the league’s inaugural season

The Associated Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 7:22 PM CDT

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The opening game of the WNBA Finals was the most watched Game 1 since the league's inaugural season.

An average of 1.9 million viewers watched Las Vegas edge Phoenix 89-86 on Friday night, according to ESPN. That was up 62% from last season's matchup of New York and Minnesota.

The game peaked with 2.5 million viewers.

Only the 1997 championship, which was a winner-take-all Game 1 had more people watching.

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Yesterday at 7:22 PM CDT

Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray leaves the court after Game 1 of the WNBA basketball finals against the Phoenix Mercury, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray leaves the court after Game 1 of the WNBA basketball finals against the Phoenix Mercury, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

US women to play in Puerto Rico for FIBA World Cup qualifier

Doug Feinberg, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

US women to play in Puerto Rico for FIBA World Cup qualifier

Doug Feinberg, The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 7:18 PM CDT

The U.S. will play in Puerto Rico in March for the FIBA Women's World Cup qualifier.

The Americans, who have already qualified for the World Cup next year in Germany, are in a pool with Italy, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Senegal and Spain.

The U.S. will open competition on March 11 vs. Senegal, followed by Puerto Rico a day later. The Americans play Italy on March 14 and New Zealand the following day. The U.S. and Spain will close out competition on March 17.

There will be a training camp or two for the Americans before the qualifying tournament, which most likely would include Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. She said during her exit interviews that she was going to be preparing this offseason to play for USA Basketball.

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Yesterday at 7:18 PM CDT

Indiana Fever's Aliyah Boston, left, talks with Caitlin Clark during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Minnesota Lynx, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Indiana Fever's Aliyah Boston, left, talks with Caitlin Clark during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Minnesota Lynx, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Mercury down 2-0 to Aces in WNBA Finals, but expanded best-of-seven format gives them hope

David Brandt, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Mercury down 2-0 to Aces in WNBA Finals, but expanded best-of-seven format gives them hope

David Brandt, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 6:29 PM CDT

PHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Mercury are already experienced at comebacks during this postseason, dropping the first game in each of the first two series before rallying and advancing to the WNBA Finals.

They'll need to climb out of an even bigger hole to win the championship.

The Las Vegas Aces have a 2-0 advantage in the best-of-seven series as the Mercury prepare to host Game 3 on Wednesday. Phoenix hopes a change of scenery, complete with a raucous home-crowd advantage, can help them overcome a frustrating first two games.

“Starting out on the road is tough," Mercury veteran DeWanna Bonner said. "That's not an excuse, because in order to win a championship, you've got to win on the road. But I think being home, we're more comfortable.

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Yesterday at 6:29 PM CDT

Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24), right, fouls Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) during the first half in Game 2 of the WNBA basketball finals, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24), right, fouls Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) during the first half in Game 2 of the WNBA basketball finals, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Colorado’s live mascot Ralphie VII earns nickname ‘Brandy’ after classic rock hit by Looking Glass

Pat Graham, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Colorado’s live mascot Ralphie VII earns nickname ‘Brandy’ after classic rock hit by Looking Glass

Pat Graham, The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 6:05 PM CDT

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado’s live buffalo mascot Ralphie VII appears to be a big fan of a certain yacht rock song. So much so that it inspired her new nickname of Brandy.

This is a fine buffalo, too.

The 1-year-old bundle of 700-pound energy earned her moniker after the Ralphie Handlers squad noticed she took a liking to the 1972 hit tune “Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" by Looking Glass.

A release from the school Tuesday said that “in addition to enjoying the tune, Brandy, clearly a fine girl, strongly identifies with the lyrics.”

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Yesterday at 6:05 PM CDT

Handlers guide Colorado mascot Ralphie Vii on ceremonial run in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Brigham Young Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Handlers guide Colorado mascot Ralphie Vii on ceremonial run in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Brigham Young Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Baylor vs. Auburn next season moved to Atlanta to give Tigers players NIL benefits

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Baylor vs. Auburn next season moved to Atlanta to give Tigers players NIL benefits

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 5:39 PM CDT

Baylor and Auburn have moved their September 2026 game from the Tigers’ Jordan-Hare Stadium to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium to provide name, image and likeness opportunities to Auburn players.

According to a press release, Auburn’s players will be able to engage in NIL opportunities tied to ticket sales, surrounding events and the Aflac Kickoff Game itself.

“Any time we have the ability to advance Auburn student-athletes’ ability to earn third-party NIL compensation, we will take that opportunity,” Auburn athletic director John Cohen said Monday. “The exposure of playing on a national stage against a Power Four opponent in one of the premier neutral-site games in the country will not only benefit our student-athletes financially, but it will also enhance their brands."

Auburn will receive an allotment of nearly 21,000 tickets for the game, while Baylor will receive 3,000 tickets held for visiting teams. The 2026 season opener will mark the sixth all-time meeting between Auburn and Baylor and complete a home-and-home series.

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Yesterday at 5:39 PM CDT

Texas A&M linebacker Taurean York (21) holds on to the foot of Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) for a sack during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)

Texas A&M linebacker Taurean York (21) holds on to the foot of Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) for a sack during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)

Man charged in shooting near Surrey, B.C., police building

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Man charged in shooting near Surrey, B.C., police building

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 5:38 PM CDT

SURREY - Police say a man is facing multiple charges after allegedly firing shots near a Surrey SkyTrain station and a community police office yesterday afternoon. 

The Surrey Police Service says 34-year-old Jose Centeno has been charged with unauthorized firearm possession, reckless discharge, assaulting an officer and obstruction.

The charges come after police say Centeno allegedly opened fire near the Gateway SkyTrain Station and a community police office on Monday afternoon. 

Investigators say the suspect fled the area of the station before being located near a Surrey Police Service community office on King George Blvd., where more shots were allegedly fired.

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Yesterday at 5:38 PM CDT

A Surrey police department logo is seen on an officer's jacket in Surrey, B.C., Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

A Surrey police department logo is seen on an officer's jacket in Surrey, B.C., Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Transportation Safety Board sending team to accident site near Squamish, B.C.

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Transportation Safety Board sending team to accident site near Squamish, B.C.

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 4:56 PM CDT

SQUAMISH - The Transportation Safety Board says it's sending a team of investigators to the site of a helicopter crash near Squamish, B.C., that occurred this morning. 

Board spokesman Chris Krepski says the accident happened just before 9:30 a.m. and involved a Bell 214 B1 helicopter that was carrying an external load. 

Krepski says the pilot was taken to Vancouver with serious injuries. 

He says the board couldn't confirm who the owner of the aircraft is, and could only share preliminary information after receiving a report. 

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Yesterday at 4:56 PM CDT

Transportation Safety Board of Canada signage is seen outside TSB offices in Ottawa, Monday, May 1, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Transportation Safety Board of Canada signage is seen outside TSB offices in Ottawa, Monday, May 1, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

The ACC’s 1st run with Atlantic-to-Pacific league travel offers tweaks, lessons for Year 2

Aaron Beard, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

The ACC’s 1st run with Atlantic-to-Pacific league travel offers tweaks, lessons for Year 2

Aaron Beard, The Associated Press 6 minute read Yesterday at 4:47 PM CDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Ask California women's coach Charmin Smith about her team's first run of cross-country travel for Atlantic Coast Conference games last year, and she'll shrug off the question about the challenges of doing it.

“We’re in the ACC, we’re happy to be in the ACC,” she said Tuesday during the league's preseason media days. "And we get on a plane and we go.”

Still, the league's expansion to stretch from the Pacific to the Atlantic coastlines last year, along with a similar change in the Big Ten, led to lots of flight hours, airborne study halls and sleep-altering routines as men's and women's teams criss-crossed the country. The losses piled up at a much higher rate than other road games in both leagues, too. And the challenges were particularly acute for teams like California and Stanford as the ACC's western outposts, forced to cross all four continential U.S. time zones multiple times in the same season.

So Year 2 in this 18-team configuration means a chance for the Bears and Cardinal men's and women's basketball teams to tweak their travel approaches, as well as giving a second wave of Eastern-footprint programs their first taste of journeying a very lengthy road.

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Yesterday at 4:47 PM CDT

FILE - California head coach Charmin Smith reacts during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against North Carolina in Berkeley, Calif., Jan. 30, 2025. (Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via AP, File)

FILE - California head coach Charmin Smith reacts during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against North Carolina in Berkeley, Calif., Jan. 30, 2025. (Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via AP, File)

Reeling Penn State players and coaches are looking to salvage season after disastrous two weeks

Travis Johnson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Reeling Penn State players and coaches are looking to salvage season after disastrous two weeks

Travis Johnson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 4:11 PM CDT

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — The pain and anger was just beginning for Penn State players as handfuls of UCLA fans stormed the Rose Bowl to celebrate their Bruins’ upset win on Saturday.

The Nittany Lions, ranked second in the country just two weeks earlier, still had a nearly seven-hour flight home, where they’d have to relive their loss to the previously winless Bruins in the film room.

“It’s hard to look at,” offensive lineman Drew Shelton said. “You honestly hate looking at a loss, but it’s so important to be able to put it behind us.”

Penn State players are still smarting as they prepare to face Northwestern (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten) on Saturday.

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Yesterday at 4:11 PM CDT

UCLA running back Anthony Woods (6) runs past Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley (6) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

UCLA running back Anthony Woods (6) runs past Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley (6) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

‘Really unfair’: Students outraged after three schools in Durham Region cancel prom

Sharif Hassan, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

‘Really unfair’: Students outraged after three schools in Durham Region cancel prom

Sharif Hassan, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 6:20 PM CDT

Charlotte Leersnyder had heard stories about her parents' prom since childhood, so she was looking forward to celebrating her own graduation. She even thought about the dream dress she would wear.

But she might not get that same chance to celebrate an important milestone after three Ontario high schools, including hers, decided to cancel proms at the end of the school year.

Students reacted to the news with anger.

"I had plans and everything for it," Leersnyder said in an interview outside Brooklin High School in Whitby, Ont., on Tuesday afternoon.

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Updated: Yesterday at 6:20 PM CDT

Brooklin High School is seen in Whitby, Ont., on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sharif Hassan

Brooklin High School is seen in Whitby, Ont., on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sharif Hassan

Bail hearing delayed for boy charged in stabbing of younger brother

Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Bail hearing delayed for boy charged in stabbing of younger brother

Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 4:17 PM CDT

LETHBRIDGE - A bail hearing for a 12-year-old boy charged with the attempted murder of his younger brother in southern Alberta has been delayed.

The accused, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is also charged with aggravated assault.

The matter was adjourned Tuesday to Oct. 22 and a bail hearing has been rescheduled for that date.

The accused remains in custody.

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Updated: Yesterday at 4:17 PM CDT

A sign on Lethbridge Police Service headquarters is pictured in Lethbridge, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

A sign on Lethbridge Police Service headquarters is pictured in Lethbridge, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

E-scooter driver dies after being hit by two cars in Edmonton intersection

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

E-scooter driver dies after being hit by two cars in Edmonton intersection

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 3:48 PM CDT

EDMONTON - Police in Edmonton say an e-scooter driver has died in hospital after being hit by two cars in an intersection.

They say the 49-year-old man was riding the scooter around 9:30 p.m. two weeks ago in the city's north end when the collision happened.

They say the man was hit by one car going in the same direction, was dislodged from the scooter, then hit a second time by a car going the opposite direction.

The man died in hospital Monday.

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Yesterday at 3:48 PM CDT

Edmonton Police badge seen in Edmonton, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Edmonton Police badge seen in Edmonton, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

QB John Mateer could miss No. 6 Oklahoma’s rivalry game vs. Texas with injury

Cliff Brunt, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

QB John Mateer could miss No. 6 Oklahoma’s rivalry game vs. Texas with injury

Cliff Brunt, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:24 PM CDT

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer might not be healthy in time for Saturday's rivalry game against Texas in Dallas.

Mateer suffered an injury to his right hand — his throwing hand — during Oklahoma's 24-17 win over Auburn on Sept. 20. He played three quarters with the injury and scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 9-yard run while hurt.

He had surgery during Oklahoma's bye week, then sat out last week's 44-0 win over Kent State.

Oklahoma coach Brent Venables said Mateer, one of the top quarterbacks in the nation before the injury, has not practiced against the Sooners' first-string defense since the injury. Michael Hawkins Jr. and Whitt Newbauer are getting practice reps against the defensive starters for the sixth-ranked Sooners (5-0, 1-0 SEC).

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Yesterday at 2:24 PM CDT

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) passes against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) passes against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

Michigan’s Bryce Underwood one of many Big Ten quarterbacks starting in 1st or 2nd year of college

Larry Lage, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Michigan’s Bryce Underwood one of many Big Ten quarterbacks starting in 1st or 2nd year of college

Larry Lage, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 2:17 PM CDT

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Bryce Underwood took a shotgun snap, dropped back, stood tall and delivered a 33-yard pass to Donaven McCulley up the sideline with perfect placement to show a flash of his talent in a win over Wisconsin.

Three snaps later, Michigan's quarterback looked like the freshman he is.

Underwood rolled left and threw left, losing control of the football as it came out of his right hand and sailing a pass over his target that was nearly picked off by the Badgers.

The 15th-ranked Wolverines are one of several Big Ten teams who are starting quarterbacks in their first or second year of college and are living with good moments and growing pains.

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Yesterday at 2:17 PM CDT

Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood gestures after a defensive penalty during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood gestures after a defensive penalty during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

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