📌 In Brief
- United Way launches an $867,530.90 fundraising campaign.
- Brandon highlights road upgrades ahead of the October civic election.
- Gasoline prices could approach $2.00/L despite the fuel-tax holiday.
- Flight disruptions delay Prime Minister Carney’s UN travel.
- Parliament resumes with six vacant seats.
- Saskatchewan opposes U.S. plans to import Belarusian potash.
- Media outlets challenge White House access restrictions in court.
- Ebola deaths near 3,700 in Congo outbreak.
- Most adults still fall short of vegetable consumption targets.
- The music community remembers Brandon-born drummer Chris “Suds” Sutherland.
🌱 United Way Launches “Planting Possibilities” Campaign
The Brandon & District United Way has officially kicked off its 2026 Planting Possibilities fundraising campaign with a unique goal of $867,530.90, inspired by the classic Tommy Tutone hit 867-5309/Jenny. Campaign Chair Tyson Tame says the organization supports the community through 32 partner agencies and programs, helping thousands of residents each year. Several fundraising events are planned throughout the campaign as organizers encourage local residents and businesses to get involved.
🚧 Road Improvements Front and Centre in Civic Election
As Brandon voters prepare to head to the polls on October 28, infrastructure remains a major election issue. Mayor Jeff Fawcett says the city has made significant progress improving Brandon’s road network, noting that roughly 40 kilometres of the city’s 300 kilometres of roads have been upgraded. Fawcett also highlighted strong provincial partnerships that have helped advance key projects, with construction of a traffic circle at 18th Street and Braecrest Avenue expected next spring.
⛽ Could Gas Hit $2 Per Litre?
The provincial fuel-tax holiday may now extend into January, but Manitobans could still be facing a painful increase at the pumps. Industry trends suggest volatile crude oil prices and refinery constraints could push regular gasoline close to, or even briefly above, $2.00 per litre this fall. Seasonal winter fuel blends may offer some relief, but analysts say upward pressure remains.
✈️ Flight Chaos Delays Carney’s UN Visit
Hundreds of flight cancellations and thousands of delays across the northeastern United States disrupted Prime Minister Mark Carney’s trip to New York. The travel issues caused him to miss an opening United Nations General Assembly event, although he is still expected to participate in several high-level meetings and discussions.
🏛️ Parliament Returns With Six Seats Vacant
Members of Parliament are back in Ottawa for the fall sitting, but six House of Commons seats remain unfilled following a summer wave of resignations. Liberals have already captured three byelections, while six more contests are expected in the coming months involving former Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Québécois and NDP seats.
🌾 Saskatchewan Pushes Back on U.S. Potash Plan
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is criticizing a U.S. proposal to import potash from Belarus, arguing the move would benefit a regime closely aligned with Russia. The proposal comes as the United States seeks to reduce its reliance on Canadian fertilizer imports, despite Saskatchewan’s status as the world’s largest potash-producing region and a major supplier to American farmers.
📰 White House Press Access Battle Heads to Court
A growing fight over media access has moved into the courts after CNN, MSNBC and Politico launched a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The organizations argue their removal from White House grounds violates First Amendment protections. The White House maintains that press access is a privilege rather than a right, while several media outlets have taken solidarity actions in support of the affected organizations.
🦠 Ebola Death Toll Continues to Climb
Health officials say the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has claimed 3,699 lives among 7,672 confirmed cases. Officials have also recorded 1,879 recoveries since the outbreak was declared in May. The situation remains under close international surveillance as health agencies continue containment efforts.
🥗 Most Adults Still Not Eating Enough Vegetables
Despite years of nutrition campaigns and public awareness efforts, only about one in ten adults is consuming enough vegetables daily. Health experts continue to recommend at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, highlighting poor produce consumption as one of the biggest barriers to improving overall diet quality.
🥁 Tributes Continue for Manitoba Musician Chris “Suds” Sutherland
Tributes are pouring in for acclaimed Canadian drummer Chris “Suds” Sutherland, who died Monday at the age of 58. A graduate of Vincent Massey High School in Brandon, Sutherland went on to study at the Musicians Institute in California before building a distinguished career performing with artists including Kim Mitchell, Streetheart, Doc Walker and The Road Hammers. No cause of death has been released, but friends and fellow musicians continue to celebrate his decades-long contribution to Canada’s music scene.
