Steinbach

Residents of two communities were preparing to head home Tuesday, while another community was being evacuated, as crews continued to battle wildfires across a large swath of the Prairies.

Some of the 2,400 residents of Tataskweyak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba started making their way back, two months after they were forced to leave by encroaching fire.

"It's very good news this week," Chief Doreen Spence said in a video posted to Facebook on Monday night.

The U13 AAA Carillon Sultans are gearing up for provincials in Winnipeg this upcoming weekend, and coach Joel Lussier likes where his team is at, believing they are ready to do something special. 

As wildfires rage across the province, the environmental impact is being felt in every corner of the ecosystem, including one vital link in our food chain. 

Curtis Oude Voshaar, local beekeeper at OV Honey Farms, is witnessing firsthand how smoke is affecting his bees, their behaviour and honey production. 

As e-bike and e-scooter usage increases, local leaders are encouraging riders to prioritize safety.

A recent report from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) and the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) shows that usage of these devices is outpacing existing safety laws.

In the dog days of summer, it's important to make sure your pooch—and other pets—are kept safe and cool.

Chelsey Westerbeek with LR Horse and Pet, says limiting activity outside on blistering days, and ensuring access to plenty of water are guaranteed a tail-wag.

Preventative tips to beat the heat

"The safest thing is to make sure you have a bottle of water and a dish, or get water bottles that have the dish already," Westerbeek says, noting communal water bowls for pets can spread viruses and other diseases.

The Bank of Canada is expected to make an interest rate decision this morning.

Economists and financial markets widely expect the central bank will keep its policy rate steady at 2.75 per cent.

A surprisingly strong June jobs report and signs of stubbornness in core inflation convinced many economists the bank would remain on hold.

The Bank of Canada left its key rate unchanged at its two most recent decisions as it waits for more clarity on how Canada's tariff dispute with the United States will affect inflation and the economy.

British Columbians are being urged to stay away from coastal areas that remain under a tsunami advisory, after one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded triggered warnings and alerts around the Pacific.

The District of Tofino says beaches are closed, while the province's emergency information agency says people in areas covered by the advisory should stay away from shorelines, with strong waves and currents possible.

After more than 40 weeks of "Chase the Ace," the Niverville Nighthawks have crowned the winner of nearly $50,000.

The fundraiser for the local hockey team has been held Monday nights at Smitty’s in Niverville, inviting participants to test their luck drawing the right card for a chance at a weekly cash prize—or the jackpot.

That jackpot was finally claimed on July 28, when Joe Strebley of Winnipeg took home $46,483 plus $3,330 in weekly winnings.

Ray Dowse, vice president of the Nighthawks, says Smitty's was packed out for the event.

The Manitoba Wildfire Service (MWS) says high winds and dry conditions are creating a very high fire danger across much of our province today. 

A mandatory evacuation order is in effect for the community of Cormorant effective at 1 pm, Tuesday. This evacuation will affect approximately 300 residents.

For the safety of both evacuees and frontline and firefighting personnel, the province is reminding Manitobans not to enter areas under a mandatory evacuation until local authorities identify the situation is safe and evacuees are able to return.

The MLA for La Verendrye says residents of Piney are outraged by the closure of their community well. 

Konrad Narth says a year ago the community well in Woodridge was closed and now the same thing has happened in Piney. And, he says the move came without public consultation.