Portage

The group representing Manitoba physicians is warning people in northern and rural areas that they could see reduced hours and periodic closures in emergency rooms this summer.

Doctors Manitoba says based on the data and feedback it has received, 20 — or one quarter of rural hospitals — will have their emergency rooms open around the clock.

"This isn't a new problem. It's been building for many years, but the prolonged uncertainty and short staffing is taking a toll," group president Dr. Nichelle Desilets said Thursday.

The Federal Court has approved a multi-billion-dollar class-action settlement for people who suffered abuse at federally run 'Indian hospitals' following out-of-court negotiations between Ottawa and Indigenous survivors.

The federal government ran 33 such hospitals between 1936 and 1981. The total compensation amount is expected to be between $3 billion and $5.3 billion.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Thursday that a 49-year-old Canadian has died while in its custody.

A detainee death notice from the agency, commonly known as ICE, said that Johnny Noviello was pronounced dead by the Miami Fire Rescue Department at 1:36 p.m. on June 23.

The agency said he was found unresponsive at 12:54 p.m. at a federal detention centre where he was being held pending deportation proceedings. Medical staff attempted CPR and defibrillation but were unsuccessful, the agency said.

They make for an interesting concoction, these ever-evolving Winnipeg Blue Bombers now just three games into their 2025 Canadian Football League schedule.

Some, not all, of the familiar faces still remain in place from a crew that has appeared in five straight Grey Cup games, with championships in 2019 and 2021 and the early indicators are they have been mixed with a tasty crew of newcomers and second-year pros who are bringing their own magic to the potion.

THURSDAY, JUNE 26TH

CFL
Winnipeg 36 Edmonton 23

American Association Baseball
Winnipeg Goldeyes 5 Sioux City Explorers 4 (7 Innings)
Sioux City Explorers 1 Winnipeg Goldeyes (7 Innings)

MLB
Toronto 6 Cleveland 0

FRIDAY, JUNE 27TH

The final school board meeting of the year was a heartfelt evening of community, celebration, and reflection on years of quiet dedication. On Wednesday, Tricia Sawchuk, a Grade 1 teacher at Oakville School (OVS), was presented with the Portage la Prairie School Division (PLPSD) Excellence in Education Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions and commitment to her students. 

When cheerleading squads took over Stride Place earlier this year, it seemed to spark an interest from some of the youth at Yellowquill School.

Physical Educator Nathaniel Guiboche headed up the team and outlines how it got started.

Environment Canada says Portage la Prairie and surrounding areas continue to experience below-average precipitation, with no widespread rainfall expected in the near future.

The Portage Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC) is once again rolling out its summer graffiti removal program, offering a no-cost service to help clean up vandalized spaces around the city.

PCRC executive director Mari Kozar explains the long-running program gives residents an easy way to report graffiti and get it taken care of, whether it’s on their own property or not.

Portage Collegiate Institute celebrated a stellar year of athletic achievement Tuesday night at Stride Place, honouring over 220 student-athletes at the annual PCI Athletic Awards.

The electric ceremony recognized major award winners across numerous sports, spotlighting standout performances while celebrating the collective spirit of Saints athletics. Dozens of team photos were snapped throughout the evening, culminating in a large group photo capturing all the award-winning students present.