Brandon fire fighters quickly doused a blaze outside the entrance to Brandon hospital’s emergency department Sunday afternoon. No patients or staff were evacuated, and emergency patients were temporarily diverted from the entrance. The fire remains under investigation, but officials say it was not suspicious.
———-
About 70 people showed up at a meeting last week to discuss a proposed cell tower on 34th Street in Brandon. The 35-meter tall tower would be home to a new antenna for Rogers Communications, but some residents said it would be an eyesore. The city is currently reviewing its cell tower policies.
———-
Over 100 people, and just as many dogs, came out for the Brandon Humane Society’s ‘Wag-A-Tail Walk-A-Thon’ on Sunday. Organizers say it was one of the best turnouts in years. Money raised goes to operate the shelter covering food costs, vet bills and daily care.
———-
There are 100 fewer international students at Brandon University this fall, a decline being blamed on the federal government’s cap on overseas students to ease the housing crunch. On the other hand, Indigenous student enrolment is up 14% – and there are 403 new students from Brandon, compared to 351 in 2023.
———-
Some schools in the province are talking about creating guidelines to handle a rise in the use of artificial intelligence programs among students. A recent survey found they used A-I to generate ideas, do research and write essays. However, concerns about A-I include academic dishonesty, incorrect information, and bias in algorithms.
———-
Former Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Willard Reaves wants to be Manitoba’s Liberal leader. He promises to rebuild a party that currently has just one seat in the Legislature. The party’s next leadership contest is scheduled for October 25th.
———-
Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled the government’s new ‘Buy Canadian’ strategy late last week. The measures include the waiver of the EV mandate for automakers, and a relief package for canola farmers dealing with Chinese tariffs.
———-
Air Canada flight attendants have voted overwhelmingly to reject the airline’s wage offer which included salary increases of between 8% and 12%. The wage issue will now go to mediation. In the meantime, there will be no strike or lockout, and flights will continue to operate.
———-
A WestJet flight travelling from Toronto had a rough landing at St. Maarten airport in the Caribbean is Sunday afternoon. The airline says foam was deployed as a precaution and the plane’s slides were activated. All 164 passengers and crew safely evacuated. There’s no word yet on what happened to the plane.
———-
‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ had a huge opening at the weekend box office with $83 million in ticket sales. Rounding out the Top 5 were Disney’s filmed version of ‘Hamilton’, ‘Weapons’, ‘Freakier Friday’ – and director Darren Aronofsky’s crime thriller ‘Caught Stealing’.
