Portage

In the heart of Stonewall, a remarkable social enterprise called 'Something Beautiful Cafe and Card & Gift Shop' is changing how communities support individuals with disabilities. What began as a vision has grown into a vibrant cafe, gift shop, and community gathering space that celebrates inclusion.

Robin Varndell, a board member for five years, shares what drew her to the organization after retirement:

Three auctioneers from Gladstone Auction Mart walked away with major accolades at the 2025 Canadian Livestock Auctioneering Championships, held May 9 at Heartland Livestock Services in Virden, Manitoba.

The event brought together 39 of the best auctioneers from across Canada as part of the Livestock Markets Association of Canada’s annual convention.

Tyler Slawinski earns Reserve Champion title

Tyler Slawinski, head auctioneer at Gladstone Auction Mart and longtime competitor, placed as Reserve Champion—his best finish yet after more than a decade of competing.

Delnora Rice, president of the Associated Manitoba Arts Festival (AMAF), discusses the recent May 3 event and its unique approach to showcasing Manitoba’s top young performers. 

Students who qualified for the provincial festival were recommended by adjudicators from local events, including the Winnipeg Festival, Portage Festival, and others across the province. 

Statistics Canada is set to release inflation data for April today.

Market data shows economists on average expect the annual rate of inflation cooled to 1.6 per cent last month, from 2.3 per cent in March.

The Liberal government eliminated the consumer carbon price at the start of April, offering motorists some relief at the pump.

Last month also marked the first full month of tariffs between Canada and the United States, though both sides have offered some exemptions in the trade dispute.

High-ranking officials from the world's top economies are in Banff, Alta., this week for a three-day summit that will cover topics including the global economy, the war in Ukraine and artificial intelligence.

The meeting comes during a period of heightened instability as U.S. President Donald Trump continues his tariff-driven effort to bring industry to American soil, leading many countries to reconsider their trade relationships with the United States and other trading partners.

Canada Post says it has received strike notices from the union representing some 55,000 postal workers, with operations poised to shut down by the end of the week.

The Crown corporation says the union informed it that employees plan to hit the picket line starting Friday morning at midnight.

A work stoppage would affect millions of residents and businesses who typically receive more than two billion letters and roughly 300 million parcels a year via the service.

As wildfire smoke continues to affect communities across Manitoba, the Manitoba Lung Association is urging residents to take air quality warnings seriously and reduce exposure where possible.

Air quality poses real health risks

Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can travel long distances and enter the lungs, even when the fire itself is far away. These particles can worsen existing conditions like asthma, COPD and heart disease.

Timothy Brown is the newly-appointed executive director of Prairie Fusion Arts and Entertainment in Portage la Prairie. Being an artist, himself, he's brining a vibrant blend of artistic passion and educational experience to his new position. He began his tenure on May 6 transitioning from Winnipeg’s art scene to lead our local cultural hub, emphasizing community connection and creative innovation.

An evacuation order for the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet in eastern Manitoba has been partially lifted as officials say crews continue to make good progress battling a wildfire that forced close to 1,000 people from their homes.

A statement from Lac du Bonnet Emergency Management posted to Facebook on Sunday afternoon says the province's Wildfire Service has recommended reopening the southern section of the evacuated Wendigo region.

The post says people who live south of PR 313 between Urban Road and Belluk Road can now return to their homes.

Prime Minister Mark Carney reaffirmed Canada's "steadfast and unwavering support" for Ukraine in his first meeting with the country's president on Saturday in Rome.

His meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy was one of several sitdowns with world leaders taking place in the Italian capital, where Carney — a devout Catholic — has travelled to attend the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV. The Prime Minister is making a concerted effort to meet with other G7 leaders ahead of the global summit Canada is hosting in Kananaskis, Alta., next month.