Portage

Marc Garneau, the first Canadian in space who went on to become a high-profile federal politician, has died at 76 years old.

MPs rose for a moment of silence in the House of Commons tonight at the request of government whip Mark Gerretsen.

Garneau was a pioneer in Canada's space program.

He later entered politics, serving as a Liberal member of Parliament for a Montreal-area riding between 2008 and 2023. 

He held many cabinet positions in Justin Trudeau's government, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Transport.

Portage la Prairie City Councillor Joe Masi has been re-elected to the Board of Directors for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), continuing his role as Manitoba’s voice in national municipal discussions.

Now heading into his third term, Masi says the FCM board advocates for municipalities across the country, making sure local priorities are heard when it comes to federal policies and funding.

Update:

The road closure on 2nd Street Southwest from Saskatchewan Avenue West to the back lane will remain in effect until the end of the day, Friday, June 20.

Previous Story:

A stretch of 2nd Street Southwest in Portage la Prairie is temporarily closed due to construction.

The city says the closure began at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4.

The affected section runs from Saskatchewan Avenue West to the back lane behind it.

Captain Jon Phipps, a helicopter instructor at 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School (CFFTS) in Southport, found himself thrust from the routine of training into the heart of the Manitoba wildfire crisis this past weekend.

Alongside fellow aviators, he piloted a CH-146 Griffon helicopter on a critical mission, airlifting evacuees from the fire-threatened northern Manitoba community of Pukatawagan to safety.

Manitoba RCMP say they’re seeing an uptick in calls for service in communities housing wildfire evacuees, including Portage la Prairie, Thompson and Dauphin.

About 260 people forced from their homes in northern Manitoba arrived in Portage late last week, with some later relocated to other communities.

Two sections of Highway 350 west of Portage la Prairie were recently affected by poor road conditions, but both have now reopened to traffic.

Southern section reopens after muddy conditions

The stretch of Highway 350 between MacGregor and Road 60, located south of Highway 1, was temporarily closed due to soft, muddy surfaces and rough patches that made driving unsafe.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will take "some time" on its response to increased U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum.

Tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum to the United States increased to 50 per cent on Wednesday after President Donald Trump followed through on his vow to double the duties.

On his way into the weekly Liberal caucus meeting in Ottawa today, Carney said Canada is in "intensive" discussions with the U.S. on trade.

The Bank of Canada held its benchmark interest rate steady at 2.75 per cent Wednesday as policymakers keep waiting for more clarity on how tariffs will impact the economy.

“Uncertainty remains high,” Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem said in prepared remarks after the release of the rate decision.

“At this decision, there was a clear consensus to hold policy unchanged as we gain more information.”

Economists and financial markets widely expected the second consecutive hold.

The man accused of firing multiple gunshots into a Rosser home has turned himself in, according to Manitoba RCMP.

On June 2, 2025, Kale Johnson, 37, of Powerview-Pine Falls, surrendered to Stonewall RCMP and has since been remanded in custody.

The charges against him are extensive and include possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, and discharging a firearm with intent.

The Winnipeg Goldeyes (10–13) were shut out 5–0 by the Kane County Cougars (10–12) Tuesday evening at Blue Cross Park, dropping the opening game of the three-game series.
 
Kane County opened the scoring in the fourth inning on a wild pitch by Winnipeg starter Luke Boyd that brought Armond Upshaw home. Despite the run, Boyd (0–2) turned in a quality start in his home debut, allowing just one hit and one earned run over six innings, walking two and striking out five.