👶 Free Child Care for Low‑Income Families
Manitoba is making child care free for 4,100 children from low‑income families, eliminating all parent fees under the provincial subsidy program. Families stand to save $520 to $2,600 per child as part of a broader push to reduce child and family poverty.
🧪 Dynacare Strike Could Strain Hospitals
Manitoba’s health authority warns a strike by 350 Dynacare lab workers on Tuesday would strain hospitals already at full capacity. Shared Health says hospital labs cannot absorb the backlog, and Brandon’s Dynacare site is one of six community lab locations affected.
🚧 Hospital Access Disruptions in Brandon
Construction begins today at Brandon Regional Health Centre, affecting access for the next two weeks. Russell Street is closed from Victoria Avenue to the hospital parking lot road, and Victoria Avenue is reduced to one lane. Alternate routes and a map are available on our website.
🌱 United Way Names Tyson Tame Campaign Chair
City Councillor Tyson Tame is the new campaign chair for United Way Westman. He says the Planting Possibilities campaign focuses on reaching youth before crisis becomes part of their story. The fundraising goal will be revealed during a Sept. 21 flag‑raising at city hall.
🗳️ Waddell Seeking Full Term as Cornwallis Reeve
Mike Waddell will seek a full term as Cornwallis reeve, aiming to continue the stability and development work he began after last year’s byelection. No other candidates have registered ahead of the Sept. 22 deadline.
🚨 RCMP Seek Suspect in Portage Assault
RCMP are searching for a suspect after a firearm‑related threat in Portage la Prairie. A modified air rifle was recovered, but the suspect fled. A photo and Crime Stoppers link are available on our website.
🛻 Child Dies in UTV Rollover Near Dauphin
A nine‑year‑old girl has died and her father was hospitalized after a UTV rollover near a residence in the RM of Dauphin. First responders attempted lifesaving measures, but she was pronounced deceased at the scene.
🏙️ Winnipeg Ranks Last in National Safety Survey
Winnipeg placed last out of 15 cities in a Liaison safety‑perception survey, citing crime severity, strained infrastructure and eroding public trust. Ottawa ranked safest. A detailed article is available on our website.
🇺🇸 Cross‑Border Travel Continues to Decline
Canadian travel to the U.S. is down sharply, with cross‑border trips now more than 50% below their August 2024 peak. Same‑day land crossings remain well below pre‑2025 levels as Canadians choose domestic and overseas destinations.
⛳ Jordan Old Memorial Tournament Raises Record Funds
Organizers of the 2026 Jordan Old Memorial Tournament thank donors and volunteers for helping raise $49,550 for STARS Ambulance and the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation. Since 2023, the event has raised just over $125,000.
⛽ Gas‑Tax Holiday Extended to January
Canadian motorists will get continued relief at the pumps as Ottawa extends the 10‑cent‑a‑litre gas‑tax holiday to January. The Carney government says global instability is still driving up oil prices, with the tax set to phase back in early next year.
💵 New $20 Bill Featuring King Charles
Canada’s new $20 bill featuring King Charles is being unveiled today — the first Canadian banknote to carry his image. It replaces Queen Elizabeth II and follows Charles’ appearance on Canadian coins since 2023.
🌾 Crop Conditions Improve After Recent Rains
Recent rainfall is boosting soybean, corn and sunflower crops across Manitoba. Soybeans are in the R5–R7 stages, canola harvest is underway, and second‑cut hay is 90% complete with adequate forage supplies heading into winter.
🍔 Canada’s First Drive‑Thru‑Only McDonald’s Opens
Canada’s first drive‑thru‑only McDonald’s opens in Winnipeg this week, offering 24‑hour service with no lobby. A second location is planned for Regina as the company tests the streamlined model on the Prairies.
