💧 Brandon Eyes Water & Wastewater Rate Hike
Brandon City Council will review a proposed water and wastewater rate increase at Monday’s meeting. The city says the hike would cost an average family of four about $5 more per month.
🏛️ New Chamber President Outlines “Future‑Ready” Vision
Emelio Brown has taken over as president of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, outlining a “future‑ready” vision focused on resilience, inclusion and helping local businesses adapt to change. He told members the chamber will champion collaboration, AI literacy and long‑term economic growth as he steps into the one‑year role.
🎉 Tourism Westman Celebrates Local Excellence
Westman’s tourism sector shined at the Tribute to Tourism Gala at The Backyard on Aberdeen. Twenty‑seven nominees competed for nine awards. Full winners list available here.
🌈 Brandon Pride Prepares for Big Weekend Finale
Brandon Pride wraps up its week of events with Pride in the Park Saturday at Riverbank Discovery Centre. Chairperson Nora Wilson says well‑known performers will headline the 4:30–10 p.m. celebration.
🥫 Ottawa Unveils National Food Strategy
The federal Liberals have launched a national food strategy aimed at lowering prices by boosting local production and modernizing food processing. The plan includes support for small and mid‑sized processors to compete globally.
⛈️ Manitoba Cleans Up After Severe Storms
Communities across Manitoba are recovering after storms brought torrential rain, tennis‑ball‑sized hail and widespread outages. Manitoba Hydro says most power has been restored, though about 1,400 Winnipeg customers were still out Thursday.
🌪️ Saskatchewan Tornado Rated F3
Preliminary reports confirm the tornado near Oxbow, Saskatchewan was an F3, with winds up to 265 km/h. It’s the province’s strongest tornado in more than 15 years.
🔥 Experts Warn El Niño Will Intensify Extreme Weather
Climate experts say El Niño has officially arrived — and could “turbocharge” extreme weather across the Prairies. The warming Pacific pattern is known to disrupt global weather systems.
🚨 Sayisi Dene First Nation Declares State of Emergency
Sayisi Dene First Nation has issued a state of emergency over a worsening drug crisis and rising violence. RCMP say patrols will increase as the province works with the community on safety.
🛡️ Brandon Bear Clan Marks Nine Years of Patrols
The Brandon Bear Clan is celebrating nine years of community patrols in the downtown core. Volunteer Paul Palidwar says the group’s work is vital and powered by community support. Follow them on Facebook here.
🚧 Gordie Howe Bridge Opening Delayed
The Windsor‑Detroit Bridge Authority says the Gordie Howe International Bridge will open later than its planned fall 2025 date due to construction and safety testing. Prime Minister Mark Carney says the delay was requested by the U.S. and is unrelated to CUSMA negotiations.
🌍 U.S. Says Iran Deal “Very Close,” Tehran Urges Caution
President Donald Trump says the U.S. is nearing a new agreement with Iran, though Tehran warns no deal has been finalized. Negotiators continue to work through nuclear limits and potential sanctions relief.
