CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Known across the globe as the stuck astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams hit the six-month mark in space Thursday with two more to go. The pair rocketed into orbit on June 5 , the first to ride Boeing's new Starliner crew capsule on what was supposed to be a weeklong test flight. They arrived at the International Space Station the next day, only after overcoming a cascade of thruster failures and helium leaks . NASA deemed the capsule too risky for a return flight, so it will be February before their long and trying mission comes to a close. While NASA managers bristle at calling them stuck or stranded, the two retired Navy captains shrug off the description of their plight. They insist they're fine and accepting of their fate. Wilmore views it as a detour of sorts: "We're just on a different path." NASA astronauts Suni Williams, left, and Butch Wilmore stand together for a photo June 5 as they head to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 in Cape Canaveral, Fla., for their liftoff on the Boeing Starliner capsule to the International Space Station. Chris O'Meara, Associated Press "I like everything about being up here," Williams told students Wednesday from an elementary school named for her in Needham, Massachusetts, her hometown. "Just living in space is super fun." Both astronauts lived up there before, so they quickly became full-fledged members of the crew, helping with science experiments and chores like fixing a broken toilet, vacuuming the air vents and watering the plants. Williams took over as station commander in September. "Mindset does go a long way," Wilmore said in response to a question from Nashville first graders in October. He's from Mount Juliet, Tennessee. "I don't look at these situations in life as being downers." Boeing flew its Starliner capsule home empty in September, and NASA moved Wilmore and Williams to a SpaceX flight not due back until late February. Two other astronauts were bumped to make room and to keep to a six-month schedule for crew rotations. Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts Butch Wilmore, left, and Suni Williams pose for a portrait June 13 inside the vestibule between the forward port on the International Space Station's Harmony module and Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. NASA via AP Like other station crews, Wilmore and Williams trained for spacewalks and any unexpected situations that might arise. "When the crews go up, they know they could be there for up to a year," NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free said. NASA astronaut Frank Rubio found that out the hard way when the Russian Space Agency had to rush up a replacement capsule for him and two cosmonauts in 2023, pushing their six-month mission to just past a year. Boeing said this week that input from Wilmore and Williams was "invaluable" in the ongoing inquiry of what went wrong. The company said it is preparing for Starliner's next flight but declined to comment on when it might launch again. NASA also has high praise for the pair. "Whether it was luck or whether it was selection, they were great folks to have for this mission," NASA's chief health and medical officer, Dr. JD Polk, said during an interview with The Associated Press. NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, both Expedition 71 flight engineers, make pizza Sept. 9 aboard the International Space Station's galley located inside the Unity module. Items are attached to the galley using tape and Velcro to keep them from flying away in the microgravity environment. NASA via AP On top of everything else, Williams, 59, had to deal with "rumors," as she calls them, of serious weight loss. She insists her weight is the same as it was on launch day, which Polk confirms. During Wednesday's student chat, Williams said she didn't have much of an appetite when she first arrived in space. But now she's "super hungry" and eating three meals a day plus snacks, while logging the required two hours of daily exercise. Williams, a distance runner, uses the space station treadmill to support races in her home state. She competed in Cape Cod's 7-mile Falmouth Road Race in August. She ran the 2007 Boston Marathon up there as well. She has a New England Patriots shirt with her for game days, as well as a Red Sox spring training shirt. "Hopefully I'll be home before that happens — but you never know," she said in November. Husband Michael Williams, a retired federal marshal and former Navy aviator, is caring for their dogs back home in Houston. As for Wilmore, 61, he's missing his younger daughter's senior year in high school and his older daughter's theater productions in college. The astronauts in the video seemed to be in good spirits with one stating, “It’s gonna be delicious.” (Scripps News) Scripps News "We can't deny that being unexpectedly separated, especially during the holidays when the entire family gets together, brings increased yearnings to share the time and events together," his wife, Deanna Wilmore, told the AP in a text this week. Her husband "has it worse than us" since he's confined to the space station and can only connect via video for short periods. "We are certainly looking forward to February!!" she wrote. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) Chris O'Meara A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) Chris O'Meara NASA astronaut Nick Hague, left, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, left, gives a thumbs up as they leave the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to Launch Complex 40 for a mission to the International Space Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla., (AP Photo/John Raoux) John Raoux NASA astronaut Nick Hague, right, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov leave the Operations and Checkout building for a trip to the launch pad 40 Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) Chris O'Meara NASA astronaut Nick Hague, right, talks to his family members as Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov looks on after leaving the Operations and Checkout building for a trip to the launch pad 40 Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Two astronauts are beginning a mission to the International Space Station. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) Chris O'Meara In this image from video provided by NASA, Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, left, and astronaut Nick Hague travel inside a SpaceX capsule en route to the International Space Station after launching from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (NASA via AP) HOGP A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) Chris O'Meara A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a crew of two astronauts, lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) Chris O'Meara A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of two lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) John Raoux A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of two lifts off from launch pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) John Raoux The Falcon 9's first stage booster returns to Landing Zone 1 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) John Raoux

NEW YORK , Dec. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation - The global voice evacuation systems market size is estimated to grow by USD 1.1 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 16.84% during the forecast period. Growth of real estate and construction industry is driving market growth, with a trend towards adoption of lot in building control systems. However, high initial cost of installation of voice sounder and loudspeakers poses a challenge. Key market players include 4EVAC Hacousto Holland BV, ABB Ltd., Ambient System SP ZOO, ATEIS International SA, Audico Systems Oy, Baldwin Boxall Communications Ltd., Cofem SA, Eaton Corp. Plc, Hochiki America Corp., Honeywell International Inc., Johnson Controls International Plc, Mircom Group of Companies, NAFFCO FZCO, OPTIMUS SA , ORR Protection Systems Inc., Protec Fire and Security Group Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH, Siemens AG, TOA Corp., and Zeta Alarms Ltd., Active Total Security Systems, Edwards Signaling by Carrier Global Corporation, Guangzhou DSPPA Audio Co., Ltd., Heinrich Limited, Hochiki Corporation, PASO S.p.A., Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC, BYD Company Ltd.,Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.,LG Energy Solution,Panasonic Corporation,Tesla GE Vernova,Hitachi Energy Ltd.,Siemens Energy. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Key Market Trends Fueling Growth Voice evacuation systems, also known as voice alarm systems, are becoming increasingly popular for emergency communication in public facilities, commercial buildings, industrial sites, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. These systems use spoken messages to alert individuals of potential risks, such as fire breakouts, in a calm and clear manner. This trend is driven by the need for safe evacuation during unprecedented events, ensuring the safety and awareness of individuals in secure environments. Traditional fire alarm systems have limitations, such as the use of horns or chimes which can cause panic. Voice evacuation systems offer a more effective solution by providing customized messages and clear instructions. The initial financial investment for voice evacuation systems can be higher than traditional systems due to necessary equipment, customization, and professional installation services. However, the long-term benefits, including cost savings from retrofitting existing buildings and seamless communication with building automation systems, make it a worthwhile investment. The decision-making process for potential clients includes considering the building size, complex zoning, and existing building technologies. Voice evacuation systems offer interoperability with smart building technologies, elevators, and real-time monitoring, making them a converging solution for safety and security. With the industry shift towards innovative technologies, compatibility challenges with existing building technologies and communication protocols are being addressed. Safety and wellbeing are top priorities for private buildings, residential areas, public sector undertakings, industrial units, governments, and corporations. Voice evacuation systems are an essential part of safety solutions, ensuring social consideration for individuals with disabilities, impairments, and an ageing population. These systems offer a critical infrastructure for emergency communication, providing and effective solution for evacuation during fire incidents. The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized building systems and safety equipment by enabling interconnected devices to exchange data over a network. Traditionally, voice evacuation systems operated independently. However, integrating IoT technology has significantly improved their functionality. This integration enhances data and control management, ensuring quick response and notification without human intervention. The development of mesh networks further supports connectivity, allowing every device to function as a node to a central location. This advancement in technology not only increases reliability but also eliminates redundancy, making voice evacuation systems more efficient and effective. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges Voice evacuation systems are essential safety solutions for public facilities, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. These systems deliver spoken messages during emergencies like fire breakouts, unprecedented events, or fire incidents. Traditional alarm systems using horns or chimes can cause panic and confusion. Voice evacuation systems provide clear instructions for safe evacuation, enhancing safety, awareness, and security. However, adopting voice evacuation systems comes with challenges. Cost is a significant factor, influenced by building size, necessary equipment, and professional installation services. Complex zoning, customization, and hardware costs add to the initial financial investment. Custom content and audio quality are essential considerations. Retrofitting existing buildings with voice evacuation systems can be complex due to interoperability issues with existing building technologies, communication protocols, and compatibility challenges. Critical infrastructure like airports, stadiums, and other public spaces require evacuation systems to ensure safety and wellbeing. Safety and social considerations, such as an ageing population, disabilities, and impairments, necessitate innovative technologies and assistance in understanding risks. The convergence of voice evacuation systems with smart building technologies, building management, real-time monitoring, and building automation systems offers seamless communication and evacuation processes. The industry shift towards voice evacuation systems underscores the importance of professional skills in installation and design, as well as the need for preloaded messages and custom content. The decision-making process for potential clients includes considering the potential risks, necessary equipment, and the benefits of voice evacuation systems over traditional alarm systems. Voice evacuation systems are essential safety features in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. In small and mid-size buildings, the cost of deploying these systems includes hardware installation, which is the largest expense, and minimal service and maintenance costs. However, in large buildings and high-rise residential complexes, regulations mandate the installation of automated emergency alarms and voice evacuation systems, leading to higher procurement and setup costs. In the commercial sector, especially healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and hotels, the expense of installing multiple systems, including emergency alarm control systems, is significant. Overall, the cost of voice evacuation systems varies depending on the size and complexity of the building or facility. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This voice evacuation systems market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Commercial sector 1.2 Industrial sector 1.3 Residential sector 2.1 Voice sounders 2.2 Loudspeakers 2.3 Emergency microphones 2.4 Networked and wireless system 3.1 APAC 3.2 North America 3.3 Europe 3.4 Middle East and Africa 3.5 South America 1.1 Commercial sector- The commercial sector is experiencing significant growth in the voice evacuation systems market due to increased regulations and safety awareness. This trend is driven by stringent government requirements and user education in various countries. The global market is also benefiting from rising foreign direct investment and construction activity in emerging economies. A major technological advancement is the integration of voice evacuation systems with fire alarms and security control systems. However, compatibility and interoperability challenges persist when integrating these systems with existing infrastructure. Mature markets like the US, Canada , and parts of Europe will primarily focus on replacement activities and software upgrades. In contrast, the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, particularly Dammam in Saudi Arabia , is poised for substantial growth due to commercial hub development and expanding retail sectors. Key projects like the Al-Rehab project in Dammam are expected to boost market expansion during the forecast period. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis Voice evacuation systems, also known as voice alarm systems, are essential components of modern public address (PA) systems designed to ensure safety and order during emergency situations. These systems use spoken messages to alert and guide people in buildings during unprecedented events such as fire breakouts. They are installed in various public facilities, including private buildings, residential areas, public sector undertakings, industrial units, government establishments, and new age constructions. The voice evacuation system is a crucial part of a building's ecosystem, prioritizing safety and wellbeing, and is a matter of corporate social responsibility and strict safety laws. The system's detectors trigger a preloaded message, which may include instructions on the nature of the emergency and the safest evacuation routes. The message can be delivered through a voice alarm or a combination of voice and horn or chime. The effective implementation of voice evacuation systems requires professional skills and adherence to industry standards. Market Research Overview Voice evacuation systems, also known as voice alarm systems, are essential safety solutions designed to ensure safe evacuation of individuals in public facilities and buildings during fire breakouts or unprecedented events. These systems use spoken messages instead of traditional alarm systems with horns or chimes to provide clear instructions and reduce panic. Public facilities, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities all benefit from voice evacuation systems, prioritizing safety, awareness, security, and the wellbeing of individuals. The adoption of voice evacuation systems is driven by potential risks such as fire incidents and the need for evacuation systems to protect assets. Traditional alarm systems may not provide adequate communication during emergencies, making voice evacuation systems a cost-effective and necessary investment for buildings of all sizes. Customization is a crucial factor, with prefabricated messages and custom content available to cater to specific building needs. Audio quality, initial financial investment, and necessary equipment are essential considerations in the decision-making process. Professional installation services ensure seamless communication and interoperability with existing building technologies, including building management systems, elevators, and smart building technologies. Voice evacuation systems are increasingly important in private buildings, residential areas, public sector undertakings, industrial units, government establishments, and new age buildings. The safety and wellbeing of individuals, corporate social responsibility, and strict safety laws are driving the industry shift towards voice evacuation systems. Existing buildings may require retrofitting with voice evacuation systems, posing challenges related to existing building technologies, communication protocols, and compatibility with proprietary technologies. Critical infrastructure and converging technologies, such as building automation systems, elevators, and real-time monitoring, are essential considerations in the adoption of voice evacuation systems. The voice evacuation system market is continually evolving, with innovative technologies addressing consumer requirements and addressing the unique needs of various sectors. Detectors, preloaded messages, and modern designs are essential components of voice evacuation systems, ensuring effective and efficient evacuation during emergencies. The understanding of risks, social considerations, and the ageing population, disabilities, and impairments are crucial factors in the design and implementation of voice evacuation systems. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation End-user Commercial Sector Industrial Sector Residential Sector Type Voice Sounders Loudspeakers Emergency Microphones Networked And Wireless System Geography APAC North America Europe Middle East And Africa South America 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE TechnavioCops release new photos of CEO’s alleged assassin in taxi after brazen murder

Flux Power Receives Non-Compliance Letter from NasdaqAn anti-corruption probe into one of the state’s busiest hospitals is examining claims that surgeons charged the Transport Accident Commission for operating on multiple patients at the same time. This masthead revealed on Sunday that the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission was investigating a handful of surgeons at the Royal Melbourne Hospital over allegations they billed the TAC for medical procedures never carried out on patients, and fraudulently claimed assistant surgeon fees. IBAC is investigating claims that surgeons fraudulently billed the TAC. Credit: iStock Four sources – speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal – have revealed that surgeons would simultaneously run multiple theatres, often staffed by registrars, and then claim to the TAC they had operated in all theatres at the same time. This, the sources said, enabled them to attract higher rebates from the public insurer. Registrars are not allowed to charge the TAC. “The primary surgeon is jumping from one theatre to the next and not being meaningfully involved in the actual surgery but just writing operation reports,” one hospital source said. “They might write these reports from the tearoom. It is really disgusting.” The government-owned TAC is funded by Victorian motorists to pay for the treatment of road accident victims, and reimburses hospitals, surgeons and anaesthetists for each TAC patient they treat. Loading Surgeons and anaesthetists bill the TAC for this work in addition to receiving an hourly rate from their hospital, an arrangement insiders say creates a perverse financial incentive for some surgeons to harvest TAC patients. It can also be revealed that IBAC is looking into concerns that some surgeons at the Parkville hospital cherry-picked lucrative TAC patients, prioritising them over public patients waiting for urgent surgery. “Some surgeons have monopolised the trauma ... they have gone out of their way to treat TAC cases ... to make sure they are the only ones who bill for it,” said one hospital source, who did not want to be identified for fear of reprisals. This masthead has seen evidence of one injured TAC patient being moved to a rehabilitation facility before their operation and then transported to the Royal Melbourne Hospital to allegedly coincide with a particular surgeon being rostered on. A hospital source claimed this was orchestrated to allow the particular surgeon to bill the TAC for the patient’s surgery. “Everyone knows what happens; they are too frightened to say anything,” another hospital source said. Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas. Credit: Nine On Sunday, Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas welcomed the IBAC investigation, saying that while there was no evidence the alleged behaviour was widespread, if the allegations were true that would be “a gross misuse of public funds and breach of trust”. “If this is true, I’m absolutely devastated. This is a breach of trust with the Victorian people,” she said. “The integrity of our health system is absolutely paramount, and it’s important that Victorians can have the highest trust in our healthcare system.” Both Thomas and TAC Minister Danny Pearson said they were not aware of the allegations before Friday, despite three hospital sources telling The Age the accusations were the worst-kept secret among Melbourne’s medical community. Thomas said there was no reason to believe the TAC incentives gave surgeons and anaesthetists the opportunity to abuse the state’s system. Pearson told media he would not comment on an ongoing investigation other than to say he had not been aware of the allegations until he read about them in this masthead. “I think it’s appropriate that that investigation be allowed to run its course without providing a running commentary,” he said. Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier called on IBAC to release its findings and said she believed the alleged scam was costing taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars a day. “These allegations were reported to the TAC years ago, reported to IBAC years ago, reported to the Royal Melbourne Hospital executive years ago,” she said. Credit: Paul Harris “Victorians deserve better than a health system that is mired in corruption and scandals like this ... we’ve got corruption rorting in one of Victoria’s largest and most prominent hospitals – and it’s just not acceptable.” Crozier said the relevant ministers should be stepping in to resolve these issues. While the exact scale of the IBAC investigation is unknown, medical fraud and compliance expert Dr Margaret Faux said better technology was needed to crack down on incorrect claims. While the TAC has adopted the Medicare Benefits Schedule items, definitions and rules for services provided by medical practitioners, Faux said it did not have a rigorous system to interrogate claims. “As soon as they have a TAC number, it is open slather,” said Faux, who runs a company that processes medical bills for doctors and hospitals. “They do as many things as they can to these patients because they are cash cows.” A recent hospital patient, who did not receive treatment at the Royal Melbourne, contacted The Age after reading about the claims and agreed that the system was open to “all kinds of manipulation”. The Victorian resident, who requested anonymity, said that after managing to check their surgery item numbers, they were surprised by how many there were. “What other business transaction can be made without the receiver seeing an account?” A Royal Melbourne Hospital spokesperson said the health service upheld strict governance and was proud to deliver exceptional care. Loading Both IBAC and the TAC have said it would be inappropriate to comment on an any investigation. The TAC finalised 14 prosecutions last financial year, resulting in $484,124 in restitution payments for the public insurer. Thirty warning letters were sent over the same period in cases that did not meet the prosecution threshold. With Selina Zhang Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter . Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article Healthcare IBAC For subscribers Henrietta Cook is a senior reporter covering health for The Age. Henrietta joined The Age in 2012 and has previously covered state politics, education and consumer affairs. Connect via Twitter , Facebook or email . Broede Carmody is a state political reporter for The Age. Previously, he was the national news blogger for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Connect via Twitter or email . Carla Jaeger is a Victorian state political reporter at The Age. She has previously covered sports affairs and worked in the investigations unit. Connect via Twitter or email . Most Viewed in National Loading

A fresh coat of paint and track lighting has turned a former gender-affirming clothing shop into an art gallery, library and gathering space with a similar community-minded mission. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * A fresh coat of paint and track lighting has turned a former gender-affirming clothing shop into an art gallery, library and gathering space with a similar community-minded mission. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? A fresh coat of paint and track lighting has turned a former gender-affirming clothing shop into an art gallery, library and gathering space with a similar community-minded mission. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS From left: Revolution Wellness Centre’s Carla Taylor co-founded Matter Queer Space with spouses Bre Cristobal Calma and Nix Cristobal Calma in the basement below the centre. Matter Queer Space Manitoba — located in the previous basement home of Closet Space at 433 Graham Ave. — is a non-profit venture designed to offer LGBTTQ+ and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of colour) Winnipeggers a welcoming place to connect over art, books and shared interests. “A lot of (hanging out) happens in bars and not all queers are into that scene.” Matter was founded by spouses Bre and Nix Cristobal Calma and friend Carla Taylor, who runs Revolution Wellness Centre on the building’s main floor. “There aren’t a lot, if any, spaces in the community right now to just come and be together,” Bre says, adding the goal is to offer barrier-free programming to visitors of all ages. “Having a queer intergenerational space, that’s a really big thing because the queer community can be segmented in some ways,” Nix says. “A lot of (hanging out) happens in bars and not all queers are into that scene.” The basement is bright and cosy, with a gallery room at one end, library shelving in the middle and seating areas throughout. There are plans to add a gender-affirming retail shop in the future. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Matter Queer Space Manitoba is a new art gallery, library and programming space for the local LGBTTQ+ and BIPOC community. In addition to art shows and workshops, the programming schedule is going to be community-driven, meaning anyone is invited to pitch and host public or private events that fit with Matter’s mandate. Ideas discussed so far include yoga classes, movie nights, craft groups and a reading club. “Not a book club, where you have to sit and talk; instead, you sit and collectively read together. You’re not necessarily forced into socialization that may be uncomfortable for some people, but it still gives you an opportunity to be out and around people that you know will accept you as you are,” Taylor explains. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS While Matter Queer Space Manitoba launches Saturday with an open house and maker’s market, the gallery space will open in January. It’s the kind of gathering that speaks to the project’s overall ethos. “We picture this space as a bit of an introvert haven,” Taylor says. Matter launches Saturday with an open house and mini maker’s market from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring goods from 15 queer vendors, with sensory-friendly and mask-required shopping during the first two hours. The first art exhibit is set to open in January, featuring the work of local visual artist and muralist Cat Hues, a.k.a. Pink Panda. Matter’s founders believe it will be one of the city’s first permanent gallery spaces designated specifically for showing work by marginalized LGBTTQ+ artists. “It’s surprising it hasn’t been done yet because there are a lot of wonderful, racialized, trans, queer, non-binary artists,” says Nix, who is also a multimedia artist. “We picture this space as a bit of an introvert haven.” With every exhibit, the featured artist will be invited to host talks and art-making workshops for the public, the results of which will be turned into a group show curated by the artist. “We really want to challenge the idea of meritocracy. This idea that you have to have a degree in art curation to curate an exhibit,” Bre says. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Matter’s library — which is the continuation of a project started by Taylor and friend Renu Shonek in 2019 — is stocked with borrowable books by bell hooks, Joshua Whitehead, James Baldwin and others. A book drive by Winnipeg’s Willow Press has brought dozens of new titles into the fold and Matter is accepting donations of used books of any genre by queer BIPOC authors. “We know these books are out there, but not everyone does. It’s nice to bring them together in a collection to learn about more authors and more talent in the community, and even to encourage some of our community members in their own writing and creativity,” Taylor says. To reduce financial barriers for visitors, the programming at Matter will be offered on a pay-what-you-can basis. 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. Other than donations collected through a GoFundMe campaign, the organizers have been footing the bill for the project out-of-pocket. They hope to find sustainable, long-term funding in the future. “This has definitely been a passion project and a labour of love. The three of us are just community members, none of us have experience doing any of this — running galleries or libraries — but it’s a space that we wanted to see and we knew there was a need for,” says Bre. “Nobody else was doing it, so someone had to.” Visit for more information. eva.wasney@winnipegfreepress.com Eva Wasney has been a reporter with the Arts & Life department since 2019. . Every piece of reporting Eva produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.

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