📌 Morning Headlines at a Glance
- ⛽ Federal gas-tax break expected to be extended until Jan. 31, 2027
- 🏦 Bank of Canada holds rate at 2.25%
- ⚡ Brandon power outage caused by vehicle hitting pole
- 🦴 Arthritis costs Manitoba $4.6 billion annually
- 🚶 Canadians falling short on physical activity goals
- 🚔 Armed home invasion suspect faces 10 charges
- 🌾 Harvest progress advancing across Manitoba
- 🌎 UN warns Paris climate targets likely out of reach
- 🇳🇵 30 Canadians still missing after Nepal floods
- 🦠 Congo Ebola outbreak tops 3,000 deaths
⛽ Federal Gas-Tax Break Set for Extension
Canadians may continue saving at the pump well beyond Labour Day. Reports indicate Ottawa is preparing to extend the suspension of the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline and diesel until January 31, 2027. The tax break currently saves drivers 10 cents per litre on gasoline and 4 cents per litre on diesel, with Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne expected to make the announcement today.
🏦 Bank of Canada Holds Rates Again
The Bank of Canada has left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.25 per cent for a seventh consecutive decision. Economists widely expected the move as inflation remains around three per cent while the economy continues to show signs of recovery following a lengthy slowdown.
⚡ Vehicle Crash Causes Brandon Power Outage
A temporary power outage affecting approximately 850 Brandon customers Tuesday morning was traced to a vehicle striking a power pole near Park Avenue and Russell Street.
The outage briefly interrupted Manitoba Public Insurance services before power was restored shortly after 1 p.m.
🦴 Arthritis Burden Growing Across Manitoba
As National Arthritis Week begins, a new report says arthritis now affects roughly 200,000 Manitobans and carries an annual economic and social cost of $4.6 billion.
Researchers project the number of Manitobans living with arthritis will rise to 320,000 by 2055, increasing the yearly burden to an estimated $7.1 billion.
🚶 Canadians Still Not Moving Enough
Health researchers warn that prolonged sitting is becoming one of Canada’s fastest-growing health risks.
Only 13.6 per cent of Canadian adults meet national 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, while just 18 per cent of children and teens achieve recommended daily activity targets. Experts say simple habits such as walking, stretching, and strength training can significantly improve overall health.
🚔 Armed Home Invasion Leads to 10 Charges
A 66-year-old Souris man is facing 10 charges after RCMP say he forced his way into a residence while armed with a high-powered rifle.
Police say two occupants received minor injuries, while the homeowner disarmed and restrained the suspect until officers arrived.
🔫 Shotgun Incident Ends in Arrest
In an incident that sounds straight out of Breaking Bad, a Brandon man is facing multiple firearm charges after RCMP received reports of a shirtless man carrying a shotgun into a Portage la Prairie apartment building.
Police recovered the firearm from a suite and say 23-year-old Slade Anderson-Houle remains in custody.
🚑 Woman Found Crawling in Downtown Brandon
A 28-year-old woman was taken into protective custody Monday night after police found her crawling across a street in the 800 block of Rosser Avenue.
She was detained under the Protective Detention and Care of Intoxicated Persons Act and later released once sober.
⚖️ Fatal ATV Collision Under Investigation
A 39-year-old woman is dead and a 34-year-old man injured after an ATV struck two pedestrians from behind on Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation on Monday.
RCMP have arrested a 21-year-old male who now faces numerous charges as the investigation continues.
🩸 Manitoba Mandates Free Menstrual Products in Workplaces
A new Manitoba workplace regulation now requires employers to provide free menstrual products and appropriate disposal containers.
The province says the change improves accessibility, dignity, and workplace inclusion while creating only minimal costs for employers.
🌾 Manitoba Harvest Progress Accelerates
Harvest activity continues to gain momentum across the province.
Winter wheat harvest is now 86 per cent complete, while fall rye has reached 92 per cent. Spring wheat sits at 21 per cent complete and barley at 26 per cent. Manitoba Agriculture says recent rainfall is helping later-season crops, although early cereal yields range from below average to average in many regions.
👓 Free Mobile Eye Clinic Stops in Brandon
Families preparing for back-to-school season can take advantage of a mobile optometry clinic in Brandon today.
The clinic is operating from the WestVic Common parking lot with no appointment required and includes a family-friendly barbecue and activities throughout the day.
🌎 Earth Expected to Miss Paris Climate Target
The United Nations says Earth is now projected to overshoot the Paris climate agreement target, making some climate impacts unavoidable.
Researchers say aggressive emissions reductions and carbon-removal efforts can still lessen long-term damage despite worsening climate-related disasters.
🇳🇵 30 Canadians Still Missing After Nepal Floods
Several tourists initially reported missing following devastating floods in Nepal have since contacted authorities.
However, 30 Canadians remain unaccounted for as search efforts continue. More than 1,100 people have been confirmed dead and over 4,400 remain missing.
🦠 Congo Ebola Outbreak Reaches Grim Milestone
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 3,000 deaths.
Health officials report nearly 6,200 confirmed cases since mid-May and warn the virus continues spreading faster than containment efforts, making it the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record.
