Don’t give any more time, energy to ‘friend’

Hamelin, Poulin named Canada's flag-bearers

Also, a reader expresses support for a husband who keeps in touch with an ex from 30 years ago.

Jets rookies look to make an impression in tournament

His resumé certainly stands out amongst his peers. Now the challenge is for Kristian Vesalainen to make a similar impression on the ice.

Vesalainen, 20, is Winnipeg's most notable prospect to have travelled to Belleville, Ont., for the Rookie Showcase tournament. The Jets hopefuls will play three games against future Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators beginning tonight, with additional games on Sunday and Monday.

“Great to be back. I’m excited to start a new season," Vesalainen, the 24th-overall pick in the 2017 NHL draft, said Thursday after his team skated at Bell MTS Iceplex prior to getting on a plane. “Just get a good feeling, playing with the guys. Just get touches on the ice and obviously show what I can do.”

There's no question Vesalainen has the tools, and there should be plenty of opportunity for him to translate that into a bigger role with the Jets this season. The big, skilled winger made the team out of camp last year, recording one assist in five games before being relegated to the press box as a healthy scratch, then sent to the Manitoba Moose of the AHL for further seasoning.

What does the PC stand for in party’s name? Seems to be Pretty Confused

It should have been obvious from the beginning that the Manitoba Progressive Conservative party was going to have trouble holding itself together under Obby Khan.

The warning came in April 2025, when the now-former PC party leader narrowly won the leadership over far-right populist candidate Wally Daudrich.

Technically, Khan won. Politically, however, it was a more complicated result.

Daudrich received more votes than Khan, but Khan prevailed because the party used a constituency-weighted points system that gave him just enough of an advantage to put him over the top.

City considers first-come, first-served Transit Plus

The city's much-maligned Transit Plus, which is for people with disabilities, could soon do away with a system that prioritizes jobs and medical trips over recreation and visits with friends, in favour of first-come, first-served bookings.

While the city says the changes could mean Transit Plus users would no longer be guaranteed to get to work or medical appointments, several disability advocates are in favour of the move. They don't believe any trip should take priority over another.

Natalie Pirson has used Transit Plus, and the former Handi Transit system, for more than 20 years. She is pleased with the proposed changes, which will be discussed by the city's public works committee next week. Pirson was quick to point out the city will have to do more than change the booking system.

"I rely on Transit Plus for every aspect of my life," Pirson said on Thursday.

No dog? No problem Local program offers offices pup for a day

Brandt and Paisley are raring to start their new jobs.

They’ve passed their assessment tests, aced their personality evaluations, received all the relevant vaccinations and are getting ready to greet their colleagues at their respective places of employment.

But instead of hellos and handshakes, they’ll most likely be giving their co-workers tail wags and face licks. Not that anyone in the office will mind.

The doggie duo are part of Business Buddies, a new program from the city’s Animal Services Agency which sees canines in the facility spending the afternoon with local businesses.

Rich colours, nature-inspired hues key decorating trends for 2026

Forget featureless white walls and cold, pale floors, a warm, rich colour palette is one of the key decorating trends this year — and it won’t break the budget to update your house if repainting isn’t on the cards.

Despite Pantone’s announcement of a “soft, serene and versatile” shade of white as 2026’s colour, interior designers and decorators are eschewing Cloud Dancer, informally christened “the landlord’s special,” for richer, jewel- and nature-inspired hues such as soft ochre, deep green and earthy brown.

Moving away from the sleek, clinical practicality of flat minimalism, this year’s trends reflect the uncertain political, social and economic climate, firmly re-establishing the home as a place of safety, comfort and refuge.

“Spaces that are overly minimal can feel empty and dated,” says Michelle Chisick, interior designer at Interior Illusions on Princess Street.