Leons Headlines March 25: A Spring snowstorm could bring up to 15 cm of snow to parts of southwestern MB today, with lighter snowfall & possible freezing rain in southern regions.
-MB’s 2026 budget aims to cut the deficit through increased federal money, while boosting health-care spending & offering a grocery PST cut & free transit for youth, drawing criticism for relying too heavily on federal funding.
-BPS is investigating a sexual assault downtown early Saturday, where a masked suspect fled after the victim escaped unharmed, and are interested in speaking with anyone who was in the 500 to 700 block of 20th Street between 3 & 4 am March 21.
-Amaranth RCMP is seeking help locating 13-year-old Cleora Roulette, last seen in Langruth early March 24, and may be in Portage la Prairie or Ebb and Flow First Nation.
(Cleora Roulette RCMP Handout)
-Brandon School Division is urging drivers and families to exercise extra caution in increasingly busy school zones to keep children safe.
-Canada’s federal minimum increases next week, from $17.75 to $18.15 an hour for workers in federally regulated industries, including banking, air transport & telecom.
-PM Carney ‘very disappointed’ in Air Canada CEO’s unilingual condolence video; summoned to Ottawa saying it violated the Official Languages Act, as plane crash investigators are held up by airport delays as partial US shutdown continues.
-Wpg Jets score rare home win over Vegas Golden Knights 4-1.
Manitoba PST on Food Gone! Manitoba is giving your grocery bill a sweet break—no more PST on food! While normal everyday groceries are tax exempt, soon it will be time to stock up on chips, chocolate, and all the snacks you’ve been eyeing. And yes rotisserie chicken!
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-pst-groceries-2026-budget-9.7140023
Brandon Potholes are a concerning problem, but they’re not all bad? Potholes might rattle your car, but one pothole literally jolted a woman back to life! Vineeta Shukla in India fainted at home, and a sudden bump at the hospital helped wake her up—proof that sometimes, a little shock can be a good thing.
Most and Least Stressed States & Canada. A new US survey shows which states are struggling… and which are just chillin’. Looking north, Canada’s economic and mental health numbers give us our own stress scoreboard! Newfoundland is doing well, but the rest of the East Coast is really struggling.
https://studyfinds.com/louisiana-tops-list-most-stressed-states-2026
Here’s a 12‑province (plus region) ranking of stress levels in Canada based on self‑reported stress and life satisfaction survey data, with a brief idea of why they might rank that way (note: detailed provincial stress percentages vary by survey but are listed in order of MOST stressed to least.):
Prince Edward Island – Often reports the highest share of adults saying most days are very stressful, possibly tied to economic pressures and small‑economy limitations.
New Brunswick – Atlantic economic challenges and rural job market pressures may contribute to higher stress.
Nova Scotia – Stress levels above the national average, with housing costs, income pressures, and health concerns cited.
Quebec – Some surveys show high life satisfaction, but also high reported stress, potentially from urban life and work pressures.
Ontario – Larger cities, commuting stress, housing costs, and financial pressures can elevate daily stress.
British Columbia – High cost of living and housing affordability issues may raise stress despite attractive environment.
Alberta – Economic volatility, jobs tied to energy sector ups and downs, and cost pressures can affect stress.
Manitoba – Moderate stress levels in surveys, possibly reflecting a balance of community support and reasonable cost of living.
Saskatchewan – Lower stress reports possibly linked to stronger community bonds in rural/ smaller urban areas.
Newfoundland and Labrador – Often among the least stressed, which may relate to slower pace of life and strong community ties.
Airlines: WestJet vs. United “Relax Row”. WestJet tried to cram us like sardines, but United Airlines is rolling out “Relax Row.” Finally, a place to stretch your legs and pretend you’re in first class without selling your kidney.
BRACE Yourself for an even MORE Costly Easter in 2026. Even though the PST will be gone NEXT Easter, chocolate bunnies just got a little sweeter on your wallet.
Meta Loses Landmark Case. Meta just got hit with a court loss over social media harming kids. Maybe now your newsfeed won’t feel like a scary haunted house for young minds.
GLP-1 Drugs Cheaper and Made in Canada. Weight loss meds are about to get more affordable and proudly “Made in Canada.” Finally, your health plan can save some money while your future self thanks you.
Hannah Montana Dropped on Disney+ The Hannah Montana reunion is streaming now, and fans are screaming “Best. Day. Ever!” Don’t worry, this won’t be the last time Miley and friends hit your screen.
