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Winnipeg Free Press
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Wildfire impacts, security committee, parole denied, 50th folk fest underway
Photography by the Winnipeg Free Press: In pictures: Fifty years of Folk Fest The Winnipeg Folk Festival celebrates its 50th year running in 2025, and the Free Press has been there since Day 1. Here are a collection of photos from the earliest days to today, commemorating the past five decades of festivities at Birds Hill Park and the community that resulted. Read More
Winnipeg Free Press
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Tax dollars shouldn't fund political ads
Opinion The Manitoba NDP government spent more than $94,000 of taxpayers' money on billboard ads promoting its universal school meal program. The glossy orange advertisements boasted about 'food in every school' and featured branding that is unmistakably partisan — using the same orange background that mirrors the NDP's campaign materials. It was a blatant misuse of public funds. Mikaela Mackenzie/Winnipeg Free Press Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew There is a line between informing the public and promoting a political party, and the NDP government crossed it — again. The billboards, which ran from Nov. 11 to Dec. 29, were not about informing parents of how or when their children can access meals at school. They were not about explaining where to find help. They were, plain and simple, self-congratulatory ads with a political agenda dressed up as public service. If the government genuinely wanted to ensure that families, students and school staff were aware of the meal program, there are more effective — and appropriate — ways to do so. School divisions, principals, teachers, and parent advisory councils already communicate directly with families. They could send home notices through schools, post information online, or co-ordinate with local school boards. These would be targeted, cost-effective ways to spread essential information to those who actually need it. Billboards on city streets and highways, by contrast, are designed to reach everyone, including voters who have no connection to the school system. They're aimed not at parents but at the broader public to showcase the government's perceived successes. This was not an isolated incident. Since taking office in October 2023, the NDP government has repeatedly blurred the lines between legitimate government communications and party promotion. Billboard ads purchased earlier this year touting a so-called 'Hydro rate freeze,' (even though there was no freeze) and others related to perceived improvements in health care, have also carried similar NDP-aligned branding and a tone more in line with campaign literature than neutral information sharing. This is troubling because these actions erode public trust. Voters rightly expect governments to act as stewards of public money — not to use it as a political slush fund to boost their party's image between elections. It is also hypocritical. While in opposition, the NDP sharply criticized the former Progressive Conservative government for spending millions on pre-election advertising that mirrored the Tories' partisan messaging. Now in office, the NDP is doing the same thing. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew hands out lunch after a school nutrition news conference. Tuesdays A weekly look at politics close to home and around the world. This has to stop. Government advertising should be strictly limited to essential information the public needs to know, such as public health alerts, emergency preparedness, or changes to public services that require action by citizens. Anything beyond that is at risk of becoming political advertising and should not be paid for with public funds. That is why Manitoba needs a law — similar to one already in place in Ontario — that explicitly bans partisan government advertising. A new provincial law should define and prohibit partisan content, ban the use of political party colours or slogans, and require independent oversight before ads are published or broadcast. Premier Wab Kinew has spoken often about building a more honest, transparent, and accountable government. That is an admirable goal, but it has to be more than a slogan. It must be backed by action. Ending the use of public money for partisan self-promotion would be a good start. In the meantime, the government should immediately suspend all partisan-style advertising and focus instead on delivering programs. Let the results of those programs speak for themselves, without the help of taxpayer-funded advertisements.
Winnipeg Free Press
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Keplin-Arnason partnership riding the wave of success
The mood was jovial Friday morning at trainer Steve Keplin, Jr.'s barn, and for good reason. The 32-year-old Turtle Mountain Chippewa from Belcourt, N.D., won three of the four $50,000 stakes carded at Assiniboia Downs this week and opened a commanding lead in the trainer standings. His horses had to survive three foul claims to do it. Keplin won the $50,000 Free Press Stakes for older horses on Tuesday with Judo for owner James Parisien and followed up Wednesday with wins by Ginas Serenade in the Chantilly Stakes for three-year-old fillies for owner Arnason Farms, and the La Verendrye Stakes for older fillies and mares with Sophia's Storm for ownership partners Arnason Farms, Parker Wallette and James Keplin. George Williams / Winnipeg Free Press Tuesday's Free Press Stakes winner, Judo, with James Keplin, assistant trainer for Steve Keplin, Jr. The Stewards' decisions went their way in all cases, and now Keplin sits atop the trainer standings with a 17-8 lead over his nearest competitors, winning at an exceptional 41 pre cent clip. 'It feels pretty good,' said Keplin. When asked how he plans to keep his head out of the clouds after his fast start and big wins, he was philosophical about racing's cyclical nature. 'Eventually we'll get brought back down to planet earth,' he said. 'But everything's running good right now so we'll just enjoy it.' 'We'll ride the wave until it crashes,' said owner Barry Arnason, who is a partner in the successful construction company Arnason Industries. 'And just get some more bullets if we need them.' Arnason knows full well the ups and downs in the racing industry, having been to the top of the game in North America with the best mare in Manitoba history, Sovereign Award-winning champion Escape Clause. For Arnason, the early-season success represents a remarkable turnaround and the fruition of an aggressive investment strategy. 'I decided I'm either gonna get out of this thing or I'm gonna go all in and kick some ass, you know?' The partnership between Keplin and Arnason came together over the winter when Keplin was deciding whether to commit to full-time training at the Downs. 'We had a horse a couple years ago,' said Keplin, who was previously commuting back and forth with horses and trying to decide whether to go full time or not. Arnason helped make Keplin's decision easier. 'I told him when you're ready to rock and roll, so am I. And then he decided he was going to go for it and I said, 'Let's load up', and we went shopping. I said 'Hey, I've got the money, you've got the time, let's go.'' Their claiming strategy has been aggressive and successful, and includes Keplin's younger brother and assistant trainer James. 'How many have we got?' said Keplin to his partners. 'I think we claimed four or five this winter, but we lost a couple, so we're trying to get more. Our goal was to have 18 to 20 horses here, and I'm short about four or five right now.' Keplin currently has 14 horses in the barn, the partners are actively looking to expand, and new horses can come from anywhere. Ginas Serenade was a $12,000 purchase in a digital sale 'The digital sales were just getting started, and I've had good luck with them,' said Arnason. Sophia's Storm was purchased in Florida, and she has proven adaptable to different distances and conditions. 'She's won 12 races,' said Keplin. 'But she won nine in Florida.' And eight of those wins came in high claiming or allowance races at Gulfstream Park. The six-year-old mare has a versatile running style and the partners are looking forward to stretching her out, trying to build on her record current of 12-7-3 from 40 starts for earnings of over US$270,000. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Despite their current success, Keplin remains grounded in the reality of horse racing. 'We're pretty loaded this year, we've been pretty lucky,' he said, acknowledging fortune's role in the game. For Arnason, who has tasted success at the highest levels, the current run is particularly meaningful. 'I'm getting older, so I'm pressing,' he said. 'You know, I've got enough to get to the old folks home no matter what I do. So I'm gonna press, and I'll do it here.' The veteran owner appreciates Keplin's professionalism and communication style. 'The one thing I love, besides the fact that we have nice horses, is the good communication we have, we're on the same page.' With three recent stakes victories and a commanding lead in the trainer standings, the Keplin-Arnason partnership represents one of racing's feel-good stories right now, a perfect combination of aggressive claiming, smart partnerships, and the wisdom to ride the wave while it lasts. As for the future, both men are optimistic about their partnership and their horses. 'I'm looking all over the place for horses,' said Arnason. 'I'm ready to rock and roll, and I ain't shy.'
Winnipeg Free Press
19-06-2025
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
It's safety first with young ones at the lake
Opinion DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: My husband — a former lifeguard — went ahead and bought a cabin for our family at a lake in southern Manitoba. What a disaster. I'm not happy. I swim like rock, and I would be the one alone at the lake with our two young kids during the week while he's at work. My husband says he'll make every weekend a long weekend, but I don't even want that. I need him there all the time for safety. What do you think? The cabin sale is already finalized. How do I cope with this? — Dangerous Situation, southwestern Manitoba Dear Dangerous Situation: A drowning death in a family is tragedy for life. When your husband is not at the lake with you and the children are in the water or even just on the beach, you will need a well-paid older babysitter with lifesaving credentials. As a former lifeguard, your hubby should certainly understand this. You always must be there on the beach with your helper, as well, to look out for a child not in the water with the sitter. And everybody must be wearing life preservers at all times. That is not overdoing it. If this is not going to be a happy situation for you, then stand your ground and stay at home on weekdays and only go up when your swimmer husband goes with you for those three-day weekends he's promising. Also, you and your children need some swimming lessons now, no matter what happens. Private instruction may be the best bet. Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I was just hanging out at home recently, when my doorbell started ringing incessantly. I knew instantly who it was — my old boyfriend who always arrived this way in high school. This stunt was how he liked to announce himself — he's always been kind of charmingly goofy. So I unlocked the door, and he knelt down, took my hand and kissed it dramatically. I must admit it was kind of exciting. He said he'd had two long years to think about it, and he was willing to take me back. I just laughed. Then he spelled out the primary reason for trying again — we've both rejected everyone else we've dated since breaking up. Then he said he'd punished me long enough and we should give it another try. Ha. I'm tempted, but I would hate if we got back together and it turned out to be a mistake. I do admire his nerve, however. Should I give him another try, or would I be wasting my time? — Another Whirl or Not? St. Vital Dear Another Whirl: If you don't give it a whirl, are you going to regret it? If so, try it — no matter what friends and family think. If it isn't going well for the two of you as adults, say your final goodbyes and you can both go in peace. People may laugh at you for trying, but just brush them off — it's not their business to judge from the sidelines. There still seems to be a spark there for you both, so see how it goes. Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@ or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6. Maureen ScurfieldAdvice columnist Maureen Scurfield writes the Miss Lonelyhearts advice column. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
13-06-2025
- Climate
- Winnipeg Free Press
Flin Flon wildfire tour June 12, 2025
Premier Wab Kinew got a firsthand look at the battle against the largest wildfire in the province during a tour of northern Manitoba Thursday. Tuesdays A weekly look at politics close to home and around the world. 'Just know that it's been a long go for the people here,' Landon Shepherd, wildfire incident commander of Jasper National Park, told Kinew as they met at the Flin Flon command centre. 'We're happy to be helping out Manitoba Wildfire (staff), and it's great to see people that come together and work so well (together).' he said. Mike DealPhotojournalist Mike Deal started freelancing for the Winnipeg Free Press in 1997. Three years later, he landed a part-time job as a night photo desk editor. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
