Friday News Roundup: Crime, Health Pressures, Retail Closures, and Community Highlights Across Manitoba
Brandon Police say a 16‑year‑old boy has been arrested after allegedly extorting a female youth for more intimate images and threatening to share a photo she had already sent him. The investigation began in January, and officers arrested him Wednesday. He’s scheduled to appear in court in July on multiple charges.
At Assiniboine Community College, spring enrolment has reached a record high, driven by strong demand in trades, nursing, and ag‑tech programs. ACC says interest in skilled‑labour training continues to outpace capacity, with further program expansion planned.
Across Manitoba, ER wait times are rising again as hospitals manage a late‑season bump in respiratory illnesses and ongoing staffing shortages. Several rural sites are diverting non‑urgent patients to larger centres as volumes climb and capacity tightens.
Winnipeg‑founded Warehouse One is liquidating all 128 Warehouse One and Bootlegger stores after entering creditor protection. Court filings cite steep losses, fast‑fashion competition, and more than $39 million in shareholder loans that still couldn’t keep the retailer afloat.
The Manitoba government is also moving ahead with its plan to remove the PST from all groceries by July 1, with Finance Minister Adrien Sala urging quick passage of the Budget Implementation Bill so families can see savings at the checkout.
Manitoba has declared a public health emergency as HIV rates climb to roughly 3.5 times the national average. The province says the surge is concentrated in under‑served communities and is expanding rapid testing, treatment access, and outreach.
StatsCan reports more Manitoba adults in their late 20s are staying in the family home as housing costs continue to climb and entry‑level options remain limited.
The WHO says the Hondius outbreak involves the Andes strain, which can spread between people in rare cases. Officials are tracing 62 potential contacts but stress it is not comparable to COVID‑19, despite requiring strict containment.
Community News:
A free outdoor concert featuring The Incredibly Hip is set for July 9 at the Riverbank Discovery Centre, with more summer events to be announced. Brandon’s spring street sweeping continues through residential areas as weather allows.
Brandon has honoured world‑renowned violinist James Ehnes by renaming a street near Brandon University after him. Ehnes, in town for a sold‑out birthday‑tour concert, said the city still holds a special place in his heart.
McHappy Day raised over $44,000 across Brandon, Portage la Prairie, and Neepawa for Ronald McDonald House Charities and Westman Dreams for Kids.
And for classic‑car fans, downtown cruise nights return to Rosser Avenue starting this Thursday, with events running the first Thursday of each month through September.
