Leons Headlines July 17: MPI will open registration for its popular Driver Z high school program on July 23 at 8 am, offering a mix of online, virtual, and in-person classes with behind-the-wheel training.
-MB government doubles BU medical training program to 20 seats, investing $3.3M in upgrades for the science building & hospital library.
-A MB Hydro poll suggests many Manitobans support higher electricity rates to maintain reliability & upgrade infrastructure, as it preps for $6.8B in upgrades for Bipole 1 & 2 lines, ensuring reliability through 2037 & a 3.5% rate increase each of the next 3 years.
-Brandon-based Genesis Hospitality donates $30K to Canadian Red Cross wildfire relief.
-Latest MB Crop report; warm weather helped MB crops, but many fields need more rain, most spraying done.
-MB tourism industry is struggling due to wildfires, with 45 lodges affected—some not even open—and the association calling for government disaster relief.
-Portage hotel owner granted bail after charges of human trafficking following allegations from 4 employees of exploitation, long hours & threats of deportation.
-MB RCMP constable convicted after crash between police car, 2 other vehicles in Portage June 2023.
-2 people arrested after vehicles stolen with a tow truck in Transcona area of Wpg.
-RCMP are asking for tips after a 25-foot-tall silver windmill was stolen between July 4–6 from a property in the RM of Grey, south of Portage.
-Local Tim Hortons Camp Day raised over $20K for underserved youth to experience camp programs designed to build confidence, leadership skills, and resilience. 17 youth from Brandon are participating this year.
Update: NORAD scrambled U.S. F-15 fighter jets from Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington to respond to the hijacking. Canadian CF-18 Hornets were also prepared to respond but were not deployed. The aircraft was intercepted by US fighter jets after it entered the airspace over Vancouver International Airport, where it circled for approximately 25 minutes before landing safely.
Trading Elbows for Hugs: The Eastern Townships Tourism ad inviting Americans for a warm “hug” has gone viral, even earning praise from Oscar-nominated actress Sharon Stone. After a drop in U.S. visitors earlier this year, the heartfelt campaign has boosted American confidence to travel to Quebec, sparking a surge in reservations and website traffic.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/11/travel/video/canadian-travel-ad-promotes-kindness-digvid
🍦 Canada’s Top 10 Ice Cream Truck Treats list is out, and it’s a nostalgic blend of classics and fan favorites. From the legendary Chipwich and Firecracker pops to the quirky Screwball and creamy Drumstick, Canadians are all about cool, sweet memories. Whether you’re a Fudgsicle fan or chasing down the elusive Snow Cone, these frozen icons are summer in a wrapper.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/sharky243/whatas-your-go-to-ice-cream-truck-treat-this-sum
🎉 July 17, 1955-Disneyland turns 70, marking seven magical decades since it first opened its gates in Anaheim, California. From Sleeping Beauty Castle to Galaxy’s Edge, it remains “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Walt Disney’s dream continues to enchant millions with every churro, parade, and fireworks show.
Disney Parade!
And the FIREWORKS!!!! Amazing they do this every night!
2025, the return of COMEDY?!?! Original theatrical comedies have become rare, pushed aside by superhero films and reboots, but a small resurgence may be underway with The Naked Gun hitting theaters and Happy Gilmore 2 heading to Netflix. While studios still favor safer, high-earning franchises, strong audience support this summer could help bring silly, raunchy comedies back to the big screen. But Friendship is getting alot of attention and alot of buzz. But caution: VERY WIERD.
