🌊 Weather & Flooding
🌊 Assiniboine River Running High Through Brandon
After receiving more than 100 millimetres of rain across parts of western Manitoba, the Assiniboine River continues to run high through Brandon.
Provincial officials say flows from Shellmouth Reservoir remain elevated and, with the river already near the top of its banks in some areas, even a modest rise could result in pockets of overland flooding. Low-lying agricultural land, trails and other vulnerable areas are being closely monitored.
🦟 Mosquito Season Expected to Intensify
Manitobans may want to stock up on bug spray.
Officials say June’s wet weather and recent flooding have created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes across much of the province. Early trap counts show floodwater mosquito populations climbing rapidly as standing water continues to provide prime hatching areas.
🌾 Agriculture
🌾 Seeding Nearly Complete Across Manitoba
Manitoba’s latest crop report shows seeding is now 97 per cent complete, with most crops across the province off to a promising start.
The biggest challenge remains moisture conditions. Parts of the Northwest, Interlake and Eastern regions continue to deal with excessive rainfall, while much of southwestern Manitoba remains below normal precipitation levels.
Closer to home, Kenton received more than 23 millimetres of rain over the past week, while Minnedosa recorded less than three millimetres.
🎓 Education
🏫 Parent Raises Concerns Following School Field Trip Incident
A Waverly Park School parent is raising concerns after her 12-year-old son was allegedly assaulted during a Grade 6 field trip.
The parent claims several students forced the boy’s head into a bus toilet and smeared him with waste.
The Brandon School Division says a review of the incident is underway and additional measures have been introduced to strengthen student safety and address bullying concerns.
🎓 Brandon University Approves Tuition Increase
Brandon University students will pay more beginning this fall.
The university has approved a four per cent increase in domestic tuition fees and a six per cent increase for international students for the 2026-27 academic year.
University officials say the increases are necessary to help offset rising costs related to inflation, staffing, maintenance and program delivery.
🚓 Public Safety
🚓 Bomb Threats Force Thompson School Closures
Six schools in Thompson were closed Tuesday after RCMP received bomb threats targeting the facilities.
Police searched the schools and found no suspicious packages or devices. Despite that, classes were cancelled for the day as a precautionary measure.
The investigation remains ongoing.
🛴 New E-Bike Rules Bring Fines and Possible Impoundment
Riders of e-bikes and electric scooters could face fines under Manitoba’s new personal electric vehicle framework.
Infractions can include riding without a helmet, carrying passengers, operating on sidewalks or failing to obey traffic laws.
Morden has become the first municipality in Manitoba to introduce and enforce local regulations under the province’s new legislation, a move that other communities could eventually follow.
🏥 Health & Wellness
👶 PST Removed From Prenatal Vitamins
The Manitoba government is removing the provincial sales tax from prenatal vitamins beginning July 1.
Officials say the change builds on recently expanded supports for families, including a doubled prenatal benefit and automatic enrolment for eligible income assistance recipients.
The province says the goal is to improve maternal and newborn health while helping reduce early childhood poverty.
♿ New Bariatric Wheelchairs Added in Dauphin
Prairie Mountain Health says new specialized equipment is now available at Dauphin Regional Health Centre thanks to support from RBC and the Dauphin Hospital Foundation.
Two bariatric wheelchairs have been added to the facility. The chairs can accommodate patients weighing up to 700 pounds and are designed to better support people living with obesity and other metabolic conditions.
❤️ Manitoba Couples Blame Phones for Relationship Distractions
A new survey suggests Manitoba couples may be spending more time scrolling than connecting.
According to Woolroom Canada, 34.3 per cent of Manitoba respondents say intimacy seldom or rarely happens in their relationship — about 10 points higher than the national average.
Many respondents pointed to digital distractions, including smartphones and doomscrolling, as major interruptions to their relationships.
🚧 Infrastructure & Transportation
🚧 Highway 2 Improvements Move Ahead
The Manitoba government says upgrades to a 22-kilometre section of Highway 2 near Souris are progressing.
The project is currently in the design phase, with tenders expected to be issued this fall.
Construction on the stretch between the west junction of Highway 21 and an area west of Souris is expected to begin in 2027.
🤝 Community
⛳ Westman Hospice Continues Push for New Facility
Fundraising efforts continue for a proposed new Westman Hospice building.
The organization recently held a golf tournament fundraiser, one of several initiatives supporting the project.
President Terri Miller says Westman Hospice is working closely with Prairie Mountain Health and the Manitoba government as it continues advocating for the new facility.
📚 Brandon Public Library Celebrates 80 Years
The Brandon Public Library is inviting the community to celebrate a major milestone this weekend.
The Downtown Branch will mark its 80th anniversary with a birthday celebration beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday.
The event will feature games, snacks and entertainment from Manitoba children’s performer Al Simmons.
🏈 Sports
🏈 Roughriders Post Small Loss
The Saskatchewan Roughriders reported a net loss of roughly $150,000 during their most recent fiscal year.
Team officials cite Grey Cup-related expenses and a postponed game as major factors. The loss follows a profit of more than $2 million the previous year.
⚽ Canada Faces Crucial World Cup Test
Canada faces 19th-ranked Switzerland today at BC Place in a key Group B matchup.
A win would secure first place in the group, while a draw should also be enough to send Canada through to the knockout round.
A loss would leave the Canadians needing help elsewhere to advance.
