Leons Headlines Dec 5: Manitoba will temporarily sell US alcohol Dec 12–24, redirecting up to $500K in proceeds to charity. 2 Brandon area Charities will benefit, Brandon-Westman Christmas Cheer Registry and Helping Hands.
-Harvest MB reports a 150% surge in food bank use over 5yrs, now reaching 60K Manitobans monthly including more families with children & a growing number of employed. | MB MLAs go on winter break until March after a fall sitting marked by heated debate & the introduction of 3 bills.
-The CP Holiday Train returns today with ½ hour stops in Portage, Neepawa, Minnedosa & Shoal Lake with music, festive fun & donation drop-offs at each.
-City of Brandon plans to raise fees 2–8% in 2026 for recreation, transit & other services to prevent taxpayers from subsidizing choice.
-Brandon’s planning commission approves 7 new street names for city’s southwest including Bluestem Grass Place, Clover Way, Morningstar Bay, Rye Grass Place, Sun Dog Drive, Sunflower Way & Sweetgrass Place.
-Unconfirmed reports suggest the Jets & Canadiens are set for an October Heritage Classic in 2026.
-Netflix has won the bidding war to acquire Warner Bros., beating out rival bids from Comcast (the owner of Universal) and Paramount. Netflix will pay $82.7B for the studio & it’s library of TV and films.
-Jets host Buffalo tonight.
-Wheat Kings in Regina tonight & home to host Moose Jaw Saturday.
US BOOZE IS BACK – It’s a Christmas Miracle although some would rather be a Grinch. Manitoba will allow American alcohol back on store shelves for a limited time. From bourbon to craft spirits, shelves are filling up just in time for Christmas cheer, but the change will NOT be permanent.
Outdoor Classic. The NHL and Winnipeg are taking hockey back outdoors, in another full-on winter stadium experience set for October although the announcement has NOT been made official yet.
RATE THIS EXPERIENCE on a scale of 1-10. “It’s Greeeaaat!” – Men Rate Costco Visits With Their Wives. A new trend has men rating their Costco trips with their wives, scoring everything from free samples to marital patience.
Dave Chappelle RUN OUT of Edmonton? Dave Chappelle’s Edmonton show went sideways after hecklers derailed the performance, forcing the comedian to cut things short. Fans say it was an unexpected exit from the comedian, while others blame the crowd for crossing the line.
JellyRoll looks amazing on his Ozempic journey, however fans are concerned with Kelly Osbourne’s Transformation. Kelly Osbourne’s latest transformation has fans divided, with many saying she looks unrecognizable. Her tribute to Ozzy on his 77th birthday only added fuel to the online conversation.
The ‘Happiest’ Christmas Playlist According to Science. Researchers say they’ve cracked the code for the happiest Christmas playlist, using tempo, key, and nostalgia triggers. The songs are scientifically crafted to boost mood, proving holiday cheer can actually be measured.
