🚔 Brandon Police Arrest 23 Men in Sexual Exploitation Crackdown
Brandon police have arrested 23 men during a recent operation targeting sexual exploitation.
Investigators say the men were taken into custody for allegedly paying for sex or attempting to arrange the purchase of sexual services. Police say the initiative was aimed at reducing demand and combating exploitation in the community.
💉 Manitoba Expands Free Hepatitis A Vaccinations
The Manitoba government has broadened eligibility for free hepatitis A vaccinations as the province continues to deal with an ongoing outbreak.
Since September 2024, Manitoba has reported 784 cases and four deaths linked to hepatitis A. Expanded eligibility now includes more children, people in affected communities, travellers and other higher-risk groups.
🚑 New Emergency Responders Arrive as Glenboro Clinic Opens
A dozen newly graduated Emergency Medical Responders are heading to rural Manitoba communities, including Glenboro, Erickson and Minnedosa.
The timing comes as Glenboro celebrates the opening of its new Spirit Sands Clinic. Town Councillor Dale Fisher says the facility is already making a difference for local health care.
Residents raised more than $2 million to build the clinic, which is staffed by two physicians and a nurse. The new EMRs will provide front-line emergency care and support ambulance operations throughout the region.
🧡 Nurses Association Releases Reconciliation Framework
The Canadian Nurses Association has unveiled a new reconciliation framework aimed at improving Indigenous health care outcomes.
The organization says national consultations revealed a significant gap between nurses’ awareness of reconciliation issues and their confidence in delivering culturally safe care. The framework calls for system-wide changes and increased federal support for education, training and Indigenous health equity initiatives.
🎉 Downtown Brandon Ready for Kick’n Off Summer Block Party
One of Brandon’s biggest summer celebrations returns Saturday as the Kick’n Off Summer Block Party takes over 12th Street and Princess Avenue.
The free event runs from 1 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. and features entertainment, vendors, food and beverages throughout the day.
🌊 Flooding Generates More Than 20,000 MPI Claims
A week of severe storms and flooding across Manitoba has resulted in more than 20,000 insurance claims with Manitoba Public Insurance.
MPI says temporary measures are being implemented to help manage the high volume of claims, but customers are still being asked to remain patient. The Crown insurer says it is on track to set a record for the most claims generated by a single weather event in Manitoba history.
🌾 Flooding Devastates Parts of Swan Valley
Heavy flooding in the Swan Valley region has flooded crops, damaged roads and bridges, and left producers working to protect agricultural land from further water damage.
Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation says it is preparing to fast-track insurance claims and financial assistance in an effort to get support to affected producers as quickly as possible.
National & International News
🇨🇦 Minister Says Synagogue Shootings Linked to Foreign Funding
Canada’s Secretary of State for Combatting Crime says individuals involved in recent synagogue shootings were allegedly financed by a foreign entity.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Ruby Sahota said those responsible were recruited online. Her remarks came during debate surrounding the federal government’s proposed lawful access legislation, which would expand police and federal authorities’ ability to access digital communications.
🇮🇱 Fighting Escalates Between Israel and Hezbollah
Israel carried out additional strikes in southern Lebanon overnight as tensions with Hezbollah continue to rise.
Local reports indicate at least 16 people were killed, while Israel says four of its soldiers also died. Concerns are growing that the worsening conflict could threaten a recently negotiated U.S.-Iran agreement.
🇷🇺 Russia Reports Massive Drone Attack
Russian officials say hundreds of drones were intercepted during one of the largest attacks on Moscow this year.
Ukraine says the operation was retaliation for recent Russian bombardments and included a targeted strike on an oil refinery.
🇺🇸 Poll Shows Americans Unhappy With Trump’s Iran Policy
A new poll suggests most Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of tensions involving Iran.
Approximately 65 per cent of respondents criticized the president’s approach to the Middle East, although Trump’s overall approval rating was reported at 37 per cent.
Community & Business
🎵 Conservatory Launches New Camp Registration System
The Eckhardt-Gramatté Conservatory in downtown Brandon has introduced a new online registration platform for its summer music camps.
Officials say the move to CampBrain is the first step in modernizing registrations and improving access for families across western Manitoba.
⚡ Electrical Industry Showcase Draws Regional Businesses
The latest products and innovations in the electrical industry were on display Thursday at Westburne’s annual Midwest Business Community Event at Brandon’s Victoria Inn.
General Manager Leigh Budd says the event’s biggest benefit is the relationships it helps foster among contractors, suppliers and businesses. Westburne now operates more than 100 locations across Canada, including its Brandon branch.
🪶 Sioux Valley Hosts Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations begin at noon today at the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Powwow Grounds.
The event includes a grand entry, live entertainment, sports tournaments, family activities and fireworks. Featured performers include Brayden King, the C-Weed Band and popular TikTok creator Gramma Sherry.
🎸 Little Valley Jamboree Continues Supporting Children
What started as one musician’s idea to combine live music with helping children has grown into one of western Manitoba’s premier charity events.
Founded in Polonia in 1998, the Little Valley Jamboree has raised support for children with special needs for nearly three decades. Now held in Erickson, the event begins today with a full lineup of performers and activities continuing Saturday.
🚒 Fireman’s Breakfast Returns to Carberry
The North Cypress-Langford Fire Department is inviting residents to support local volunteer firefighters at its annual Fireman’s Breakfast on Saturday.
The event runs from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Carberry Plains Community Centre. For $20, guests can enjoy a Texas-style breakfast featuring New York strip steak or pork loin, eggs, toast, beans and hash browns.
Officials say community support is especially important as volunteer recruitment remains a challenge across Manitoba.
🪶 Neepawa Marks National Indigenous Peoples Day
Neepawa residents are invited to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 at Kinsmen Park.
Organizers say the event honours the traditions, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples while recognizing the summer solstice as a time of renewal and connection.
