The force is strong with maestro Julian Pellicano and the WSO

This weekend, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra presents the thrilling fifth episode in the Star Wars saga: The Empire Strikes Back – in concert!  

Returning to the WSO is former associate conductor Julian Pellicano, who makes his way back to Winnipeg from a galaxy far, far away... Toronto.  

“It feels unusual to be a guest,” says Pellicano. “It definitely feels strange. I have to say after, you know, a few 100 concerts over the past decade.”  

City expected to move forward with plans for pedestrian crossings at Portage and Main

A busy Winnipeg intersection in Downtown may soon be open to pedestrians. 

On Sept. 20, the City of Winnipeg issued a tender for construction that will allow pedestrians to cross the intersection at Portage and Main at street level (an at-grade crossing).

The operation of the intersection would change significantly to facilitate the safety of pedestrians, vehicles, and cyclists through the busy intersection. It includes:

University of Manitoba receives $5 million donation towards dental clinic

The University of Manitoba received a significant gift this week.

Today, UM announced that Gerald and Reesa Niznick gifted the University of Manitoba’s (UM) Bannatyne campus $5 million towards a state-of-the-art dental clinic.

“Reesa and I are pleased to support the construction of this beautiful five-storey building. It will provide medical students with lecture facilities for an enhanced learning environment and dental students with state-of-the-art clinics for training on the full scope of patient care, utilizing the latest technologies,” said Dr. Gerald Niznick.

Winnipeg police make arrest in connection to suspicious Atlantic Avenue fire

Winnipeg police have made an arrest in connection to a fire over the weekend that left two people dead.

On Sept. 14, shortly before 3 a.m., fire crews were called to a commercial and residential mix-use building in the 200 block of Atlantic Avenue. When they arrived, flames were pouring out of the building.

Firefighters rescued a man and woman from one of the suites. they were transported to hospital in critical condition, where they were pronounced dead. Two additional adults were treated for smoke inhalation. 

Quebec premier calls on Bloc Québécois to help topple Trudeau government next week

Quebec Premier François Legault on Thursday urged the Bloc Québécois to help topple the federal Liberal government and trigger an election, saying Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues to disrespect the will of the province.

Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet responded moments later, rejecting that call and saying he serves Quebecers "according to my own judgment."

Winnipeg Indigenous youth invited to sing at Carnegie Hall alongside award winning vocalist

An award-winning Mezzo-Soprano vocalist from northern Manitoba was recently asked to perform at Carnegie Hall and she's bringing some special guests with her. 

Rhonda Head, who has won 41 awards, performed with the Flin Flon choir at Carnegie Hall last year. The Maestro loved it so much, that he asked her to return.  This time she is bringing four youths from the Arts for Manitoba Indigenous Youth Choir.

"One of my goals was to get them to go and perform on stage in Carnegie Hall, but I didn't think it would happen so fast," said Head.

Lawsuit by Manitoba chiefs urges Lake Winnipeg be legally defined as a person

A Manitoba court is being asked to declare Lake Winnipeg a person with Constitutional rights to life, liberty and security of person.

The contention is contained in a lawsuit filed by the province's Southern Chiefs Organization, which hopes to use the lawsuit to force the government to hold public hearings on Manitoba Hydro's licence renewal to continue regulating the lake's waters for power generation. 

The lawsuit says Lake Winnipeg, one of the world's largest, has a spirit, is alive and is suffering. 

Universite de Saint-Boniface evacuated due to suspicious package

Classes at Université de Saint-Boniface have been cancelled for the rest of the day following the discovery of a suspicious package that led to a full campus evacuation Thursday morning.

The Winnipeg Police Service’s bomb disposal unit was called to the scene around 9a.m. By 11:10 a.m., they had cleared the area after confirming the package did not contain any dangerous materials.

In an official statement, posted to the school's X account, the university explained that the evacuation took place at 9 a.m., with all students and staff safely leaving the campus.

Blue Bombers' Adam Bighill out for remainder of season following knee surgery

The defence for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers has taken a hit.

The Blue and Gold are going to be without linebacker Adam Bighill for the remainder of the season due to season-ending knee surgery. 

Bighill shared the news on Instagram saying, "Unfortunately today I’m going in for surgery on my knee that will end my season."

Manitoba government opens first extended hours primary care clinic

The province has opened its first-ever Extended Hours Primary Care Clinic.

The new clinic will be open evenings, weekends and holidays, allowing people to get care outside of business hours. 

"We’re helping you see a family doctor by opening new clinics that stay open late into the evening, during the weekends and holidays," said Premier Wab Kinew. "It’s going to make life more convenient for parents, families and working people. Plus, by increasing primary care options in our communities, we will improve overall health outcomes across our province.”