🛡️ Youth Online Safety in the Spotlight
Researchers are calling for stronger protections for children and teens online, arguing that responsibility should shift from families to governments and technology companies.
A new Lancet report says parental controls and screen-time limits alone are not enough to address digital harms. Experts are urging regulators to hold social media platforms accountable for features designed to maximize engagement, citing concerns over mental health, sleep disruption and problematic online behaviour among young people.
⏰ Experts Question Permanent Daylight Saving Time
As Manitoba and several western provinces prepare to remain on daylight saving time year-round, researchers are warning of unintended consequences.
A new analysis published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests permanent standard time would be healthier. Researchers say darker winter mornings could disrupt sleep patterns, affect student learning and contribute to broader health concerns linked to long-term sleep deprivation.
🩸 Free Menstrual Products Now Required at Work
CUPE Manitoba is launching an awareness campaign after changes to Manitoba’s Employment Standards Code took effect.
The new rules require workplaces to provide menstrual products at no cost to employees. The union says it’s prepared to help workers understand and enforce their rights if employers fail to comply.
🏨 Brandon Hospitality Company Expands in Alberta
Brandon-based Genesis Hospitality is growing its presence in Western Canada.
The company has acquired two Calgary airport hotels, increasing its national portfolio to 16 properties. Genesis traces its roots back to 1978 when three Brandon families partnered to build the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre, launching a hospitality business that has expanded across the country.
📞 Cause of 911 Outage Identified
Bell says a latent software issue was responsible for last month’s 911 outage that disrupted emergency communications across five provinces.
The telecommunications company says a permanent fix has now been implemented following the 90-minute interruption, which affected dozens of emergency dispatch centres.
🎀 Brandon Run for the Cure Raises $28,000
More than 200 participants gathered at Assiniboine Community College on Sunday for Brandon’s annual CIBC Run for the Cure.
The event raised $28,000 for breast cancer research and support programs. Across Canada, more than 65,000 participants and volunteers helped raise approximately $18 million for Canadian Cancer Society initiatives.
⚠️ Nationwide Recall Issued for Vegan Snack
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a nationwide recall for Smarter Snacks Vegan Protein Puff Chili & Lime Flavoured snacks.
Officials say the product contains undeclared milk, posing a serious risk to consumers with milk allergies. The affected product was sold across Canada, including through online retailers. A picture of the product packaging is available here.
🚗 More Driver Z Training Coming to Westman
MPI is expanding Driver Z training opportunities across western Manitoba this winter.
Officials say additional course capacity and a revamped registration process are helping more students access driver education and work toward obtaining their Class 5 licence. Eligible students will receive registration details directly from MPI.
🏫 Trustee Seeks Second Term
Brandon School Division trustee Shawna Mozdzen is seeking re-election.
Mozdzen says experience gained during her first term has prepared her to take on a stronger leadership role. Key priorities include addressing school overcrowding, planning for future growth and advocating for increased education funding.
🗳️ Ward 1 Race Takes Shape
Voters in Brandon’s Ward 1 will choose between incumbent councillor Heather Karrouze and challenger Ron Shaluk in the Oct. 28 civic election.
Karrouze is highlighting transit, airport and Riverbank development, while Shaluk is focusing on neighbourhood infrastructure improvements, added green space, a new school and the return of regular ward meetings.
🌙 Rare Jupiter-Moon Event Before Dawn
Skywatchers will have a special reason to look east before sunrise Tuesday morning.
The Moon will briefly pass in front of Jupiter in a rare lunar occultation. Astronomers say the event could produce the appearance of a sparkling diamond along the Moon’s edge, marking only the third such Jupiter occultation visible from North America since 1889.
🌾 Harvest Weather Finally Arrives
Southwest Manitoba farmers are expected to make significant harvest progress this week as warmer, drier weather settles into the region.
Frequent rain slowed fieldwork through much of September, leaving cereals, canola and soybeans behind schedule. Agronomists say producers will be focused on preserving crop quality while taking advantage of what may be the best harvest window in weeks.
Looking Ahead
After a challenging stretch of weather and a busy start to the fall season, this week’s headlines highlight issues ranging from youth health and workplace protections to economic growth, community fundraising and a welcome break for Manitoba’s harvest.
