🚓 Fatal Crash Investigation Continues
Brandon Police are still investigating Tuesday’s deadly collision at Highway 110 and Richmond Avenue East, where a 49‑year‑old woman died at the scene. Semi‑truck driver Brijpal Panwar, 35, appeared in court Thursday, charged with Dangerous Driving Causing Death. Inactive traffic lights have remained at the intersection for months.
🛣️ Worst Roads: Richmond Avenue Climbs the List
Richmond Avenue has risen on CAA Manitoba’s Worst Roads list for three consecutive years. Potholes continue to worsen across the region — First Street made its debut this year, while Highway 34 in the Pembina Valley has appeared seven times and held the #1 spot for the past two years.
🚧 4‑H Highway Cleanup Saturday
Manitoba is urging drivers to slow down Saturday as 4‑H members clean litter along highways from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cleanup zones will be marked, with June 6 as the weather backup date.
🏥 RAAM Clinic Seeing Rising Demand
Brandon’s RAAM clinic is experiencing a sharp rise in demand, says Manager Shannon Morrow‑Stritz, noting the increase spans many types of addiction. Province‑wide, substance‑related overdose deaths have dropped from 570 in 2024 to 388 last year — a trend she says gives her team hope. RAAM clinics offer walk‑in, low‑barrier support for adults seeking help with high‑risk substance use or addiction.
🏥 Spirit Sands Medical Clinic Opening Delayed
The new Spirit Sands Medical Clinic in Glenboro will now open Monday, June 8. The clinic will have two physicians and a nurse. Councillor Dale Fisher says early local investment was crucial, and a grand‑opening celebration is planned for August.
💜 Alzheimer Society Walk Raises $4,500
About 130 participants took part in this year’s Alzheimer Society Walk, raising more than $4,500 for dementia support. Regional Coordinator Christine Jefferies says the turnout shows how a small office can still make a mighty impact.
📄 Bill 11 Moves Forward
Manitoba’s Bill 11 has passed its third reading. The legislation would significantly limit when employers can request a doctor’s note, aiming to reduce unnecessary clinic visits. If enacted, workplaces will need to update their sick‑note policies once the bill receives its final legislative step.
🎓 BU Installs New President
Brandon University has officially installed Dr. Christine Bovis‑Cnossen as President and Vice‑Chancellor. Her installation opened Convocation, where 530 graduates are celebrating their next steps. Today’s ceremonies for Health Studies and Arts take place at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the HLC.
💰 Sunrise Credit Union Awards $53,500
Five community projects will share $53,500 through Sunrise Credit Union’s spring intake, chosen from $1.6 million in requests. The grant program has now supported 26 initiatives across the region, strengthening facilities, services, and local wellbeing.
💵 Fake Trump $250 Bill Circulates Online
A mock‑up $250 bill featuring Donald Trump is circulating on social media. Federal law bars living people from appearing on U.S. currency, making the bill nothing more than online novelty content.
🔥 Record‑Breaking Heat Across Southern Manitoba
Temperatures soared into the mid‑30s Thursday, likely breaking several May 28 heat records. Brandon hit 35°C, shattering the previous 33.3°C record set in 1919. Environment Canada has yet to issue official confirmation, but the data is already in.
🌍 Canada Pauses 24,000 Travel Documents Over Ebola
Canada is suspending more than 24,000 immigration and travel documents for people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan under new Ebola‑related border measures. The 90‑day pause affects visas and eTAs, and arrivals from affected regions will face a mandatory 21‑day quarantine. There are currently over 1,000 confirmed and suspected cases and 234 deaths.
📉 Canada Enters Technical Recession
New data shows Canada slipped into a technical recession, with GDP dipping at a 0.1% annualized rate in Q1 — a sharper decline than expected. April data suggests a possible rebound.
🍿 Budget Bill Removes PST From Snacks July 1
Manitoba’s budget bill passed late last night, clearing the way to remove PST from snacks, soft drinks, and prepared meals starting July 1. The exemption is expected to save a family of four about $100 a year.
