🌪️ Funnel Cloud Reports Near Kola
Several witnesses reported a funnel cloud near Kola about an hour before wind damage hit barns, grain bins and trees in Elkhorn. Environment Canada’s Terri Lang says Northern Tornadoes Project investigators have yet to file an official report, with a final classification expected later today.
🏫 BSD Suspensions Total 529
Brandon School Division recorded 529 suspensions last school year — 439 out-of-school and 90 in-school — involving 346 students. Officials say levels were similar to the previous year, with 18 cases involving assaults on staff.
🎒 Trustee Candidate Urges School Supply Donations
BSD trustee candidate Kirk Carr is challenging fellow school board and municipal candidates to donate school supplies to local schools. The effort aims to help more than 500 students who may otherwise go without essentials for the upcoming school year.
🛒 Food Rescue Grocery Store Plans New Home
Brandon’s Food Rescue Grocery Store is preparing to relocate to the former Prairie Oasis Centre. The new space will include a café and eventually a kitchen to make it a bookable community venue. Renovations are expected to wrap up by mid-September; operations continue at the Town Centre until then.
💼 Manitoba Rolls Out $100M in Tariff Supports
Facing a new round of U.S. tariffs, Manitoba is launching more than $100 million in supports to protect jobs and businesses. Measures include employer relief and expanded lending programs for farmers. The province says it is working with business, labour and Indigenous leaders to respond to tariff impacts.
💰 Bank of Canada Expected to Hold Rate
The Bank of Canada is expected to keep its key interest rate unchanged Wednesday as policymakers assess the impact of renewed Canada–U.S. tariffs. Analysts say recent growth has been stronger than expected, though trade uncertainty may weigh on momentum.
🏥 Health-Care Rallies Planned Nationwide
Health coalitions in 26 communities across Canada will hold rallies Tuesday over Alberta’s new health-care law. Organizers are calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney and Health Minister Marjorie Michel to protect public health care. No rallies are planned in Brandon; Winnipeg will host one tomorrow.
📶 Waskada Cell Service Concerns
Residents in Waskada are raising alarms over unreliable cell service, with officials warning gaps pose a public safety risk. Reeve Maurice Saltel says inconsistent coverage can leave rural residents unable to call for help during farm accidents and other emergencies.
🌊 Nepal–Tibet Flood Death Toll Tops 900
The death toll from last week’s Nepal–Tibet floods has climbed above 900 as crews work to reach isolated communities. Authorities say 31 Canadians are among more than 4,700 people still missing after homes, roads and critical infrastructure were destroyed.
🗺️ Lake Ontario or Lake America?
Google Maps users are seeing different names depending on location: U.S. users see “Lake America,” Canadians see Lake Ontario, and international users see both.
⛽ Brandon Gas Prices Drop
Brandon motorists saw relief at the pumps as wholesale fuel prices fell across the Prairies. Local competition pushed savings of more than 15 cents per litre. Brandon’s lowest price is 142.9¢/L — well below the national average of roughly 170–178¢.
🥩 Meat Council Flags Food Safety Concerns
The Canadian Meat Council is raising concerns over proposed federal changes allowing some provincially inspected meat products to be sold across provincial borders. While supporting reduced trade barriers, the council warns the four-year exemption could weaken food safety and market access. Industry leaders say efforts should focus on helping more plants achieve federal certification.
