-Nicolás Maduro and his wife appeared before a judge in a New York courtroom today. The ousted Venezuelan leader is accused of narco-terrorism, drug trafficking and weapons charges. He was captured in Venezuela by the U-S on Saturday. Maduro’s lawyers are expected to contest the legality of his arrest. Meantime; the U-N Security Council is meeting right now discussing this situation. And locally, a small group also protested in Winnipeg on the weekend, criticizing the U-S force and removal of Maduro.
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-Manitobans can expect to pay higher premiums for their cabins and home insurance policies this year. This, after last year’s fire season destroyed about 130 Manitoba properties and forced over 32 thousand people from their homes. A MyChoice Financial report says Manitoba saw the second-highest increase in home insurance in 2025. The Insurance Bureau of Canada says Canada experienced more than $2 billion in insured damages last year.
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-Manitoba’s child welfare system is in trouble. Its union says limited funding and training are making the job difficult. CUPE, says workers are spending their own money to give kids what they need. While new emergency placement workers do get some training when starting, the union would like to see more provided. The Manitoba Government says they’re “committed to ensuring children have what they need, whether that’s clothing, food, or opportunities for recreation.”
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-7 Internationally trained doctors have signed on to work again in 6 rural communities in Southwestern Manitoba. Prairie Mountain Health says the doctors will continue to practice in Killarney, Minnedosa, Ste. Rose, Russell, Rossburn and Shoal Lake starting in the fall. Manitoba lost 8.3 physicians per 1,000-people to other provinces in 2024, that’s the second worst in Canada followed by New Brunswick.
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-The City of Brandon’s organic waste program could reach more residents this year, to extend the life of the landfill. Right now, only single family homes and smaller multi-unit buildings have green-bin pickups. This pilot project would also allow multi-unit homes and apartments to use a new version of this service at a cost of about $50,000. A date for this pilot project will be discussed later this month.
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-It’s going to be more affordable to catch an event at The Keystone Centre. That’s because almost all food and beverage item prices have dropped at the facility. Why? To make events more affordable. The Keystone Centre says the drop will apply to concession items like Hotdogs, Popcorn and even beer. As a bonus, The Wheat Kings game on Wednesday will be only $10 dollars for all ages.
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-Brandon fire crews were kept busy over the weekend responding to two separate structure fires. On Saturday, A fire at Full Tilt Towing and Transport on 49th Street East caused extensive damage, while yet another fire on Sunday did the same to a vacant house on the 1100 block of Sixth Street. In both fires, No one was injured, and the cause is under investigation.
