⛈️ MPI Hit with Record Storm Claims
Manitoba Public Insurance says it has received more than 40,000 storm-related claims since early June, making 2026 one of the most expensive severe weather seasons in provincial history.
The June 9 storm alone became the largest single claims event ever recorded by MPI, with total insured losses expected to climb into the hundreds of millions of dollars.
🎯 Brandon First Could Become City’s Tourism Lead
Brandon City Council is reviewing a proposal that would make Brandon First the city’s primary destination marketing organization.
Under the new model, tourism promotion and event attraction duties would move from Brandon Riverbank Inc. to Brandon First, creating a single point of contact for visitor economy development. Riverbank would continue focusing on the Discovery Centre and riverbank operations.
🚌 Federal Transit Funding Moves Forward
Brandon is one step closer to securing nearly $3.9 million in federal transit funding after council approved a new 10-year contribution agreement.
The funding would help replace aging buses and support the long-term sustainability of Brandon Transit services.
🚗 48-Hour Parking Rule Stays in Place
Brandon City Council has voted to maintain the city’s existing 48-hour parking limit on public streets.
City officials say the bylaw helps ensure fair access to parking, prevents vehicle abandonment, and preserves space for residents, visitors, deliveries, and emergency services.
🏃 Students Encouraged to Get Active
Premier Wab Kinew and Education Minister Tracy Schmidt have launched the Premier’s Fitness Challenge for Manitoba students.
Schools can apply for up to $10,000 to support physical activity initiatives, while students will be encouraged to set fitness goals and track their progress throughout the school year.
✈️ Two Injured in Air Show Crash
Two people were hospitalized after a small aircraft aborted takeoff and crashed into a ditch during an air show at the Portage la Prairie Airport.
RCMP say the plane experienced a malfunction while accelerating down the runway. A 61-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman were taken to hospital with injuries.
🚔 Swan River Crime Spree Ends with Arrests
RCMP say a three-day crime spree in Swan River has ended with the arrest of two suspects.
Investigators allege the incidents included breaking and entering and sexual assault. Police say one suspect attempted to flee and was stopped using a 40-mm extended-range impact weapon.
💊 New Review Finds No Link Between Tylenol and ADHD or Autism
A new review published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology found no evidence linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to increased rates of ADHD, autism, or other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers caution that most studies remain observational, meaning the findings cannot completely rule out all potential risks.
🤟 Manitoba Expands ASL Training Opportunities
The Manitoba government is investing $146,000 into new American Sign Language training through RRC Polytech.
The initiative includes micro-credential courses delivered on reserve and funded interpreter training seats for Indigenous women, helping expand access to ASL services in rural and First Nations communities.
⛏️ Potash Expansion Could Create Hundreds of Jobs
Manitoba’s only potash mine, PADCOM near Russell-Binscarth, is pursuing a $400 million expansion.
The project could triple production, generate up to $450 million annually in sales, and create more than 250 direct and indirect jobs over the next five years.
Meanwhile, plans by U.S. President Donald Trump to source potash from Belarus instead of Canada have reportedly been shelved. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says the proposal was unrealistic and raised concerns over Belarus’ ties to Russia.
💻 Data Centre Debate Emerges in Brandon Election
Mayor Jeff Fawcett says he would support a modest data centre development in Brandon if it creates local jobs and delivers tangible economic benefits.
However, Fawcett remains opposed to large-scale projects that consume substantial power without significant community returns. The comments came during a mayoral debate at Brandon University.
Mayoral candidate Len Isleifson did not attend. Isleifson says he never received an invitation, while organizers maintain three separate invitations were sent.
🌧️ Harvest Progress Stalled by Persistent Rain
Another wet week has brought harvest activity across southwestern Manitoba nearly to a standstill.
Miniota recorded almost 78 millimetres of rainfall, the highest total in the province, leaving standing water in fields and making travel difficult.
Spring wheat harvest is estimated at just 40 to 45 per cent complete, while canola remains less than 25 per cent harvested. Farmers are increasingly concerned about sprouting, lodging, and crop quality losses as wet conditions persist.
🎤 Entertainment Brief
🌟 Dolly Parton’s Estate Seeks Restraining Order
Court documents filed in Nashville show Dolly Parton’s estate has requested a restraining order against her nephew, Bryan Seaver.
The filing alleges Seaver sent threatening messages and posed a risk to employees and business operations. It further claims he threatened violence and vowed to destroy Parton’s legacy. He has not publicly responded to the allegations.
