Leons Headlines Jan 26: NEW: In response to Canadians continued struggle at the grocery store, PM Mark Carney announced Monday morning, a “Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit” that boosts GST credits by 25% over 5 years with a one-time 50% top-up this June, raising annual payments to up to $1,890 for a family of 4 and $950 for a single person.
-Deep freeze lifts after 5 days of extreme cold. Southern MB is seeing relief as warnings ended Monday morning & a gradual warming trend begins with highs rising into the minus teens this week, though frostbite risk remains with cold wind chills.
-Double digit tax increase may still be on the menu in Brandon as residents are invited to City tonight at 6:00 pm to discuss the 2026 budget, with formal public feedback starting at 7:00 pm.
-Federal cuts will affect the Brandon Research Centre with up to 10 of 70 unionized employees identified for cuts so far.
-About 75 U of M medical students attended a weekend rural workshop in Brandon & Minnedosa to gain hands-on exposure to rural medicine.
-More than 40 troops from the 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery worked in extreme cold at Brandon Airport last week as part of Operation Nanook, an Arctic defence exercise.
-Ag Days wrapped up another 3-day show at Brandon’s Keystone Centre last week, with organizers praising strong energy and innovation despite attendance slightly lower than last year.
-The Picklr, a U.S.-based indoor pickleball chain with over 100 locations, opened its first Canadian facility in Winnipeg Saturday.
-Red Wings fly to 5-1 victory against the Jets, who have lost 4 of last 5 NHL matchups.
-Wheat Kings took a 3-2 Saturday win in Portland & visit Seattle Tuesday.
Netflix Building Climber. Alex Honnold casually climbed a massive building in Taiwan the way most people climb stairs—except without ropes and with death involved. The man continues to prove fear is optional and OSHA is merely a vibe.
World’s Tallest Hotel Opens in Dubai. Dubai has opened the world’s tallest hotel because of course it has. The views are unreal, the luxury is extreme, and if you’re scared of heights, the elevator ride alone counts as an adventure sport.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/04/travel/ciel-tower-dubai-worlds-tallest-hotel
Military Sleep Technique. The military claims this sleep trick can knock you out in under two minutes, even in high-stress situations. Insomniacs everywhere are now aggressively trying to relax harder than ever before.
The Hair Theory Trend. TikTok’s latest obsession claims people make instant judgments about you based on your hairstyle, and honestly… most of us know that’s at least socially true. Science may not back the personality part, but first impressions? Yeah, hair absolutely does some heavy lifting. 💇♂️
Hotel Bathroom Doors Are Disappearing. Hotels are removing bathroom doors in the name of “modern design,” shocking guests who enjoy privacy while doing private things. Nothing says luxury like making eye contact while someone brushes their teeth. 😬
