On July 9, 2026, at 3:30 pm, Oxford House RCMP were notified about a female passenger that arrived at the airport, possibly transporting illicit drugs.

 

First Nation Safety Officers alerted police and proceeded to bring her to the detachment.

 

A search of the female was conducted and two packages wrapped in electrical tape, along with two other smaller packages were located inside her purse.

 

The community value of the crack cocaine seized is estimated at over $180,000.

 

Ariel Hart, 27, from Bunibonibee Cree Nation was arrested and charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking.

 

Hart was remanded until her court date in Thompson.

 

Oxford House RCMP continue to investigate.

On July 9, 2026, at 5:55 pm, South Indian Lake RCMP responded to a single vehicle ATV collision on Airport Road in O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation (OPCN).

 

Officers responded immediately and arrived to find a group of people gathered around a seriously injured female on the road, and an ATV in the ditch.

 

Officers from South Indian Lake and paramedics from Manitoba Wildfire Service in Leaf Rapids, who had flown in to assist, provided medical aid to the victim until the trauma helicopter from Thompson arrived.

 

The 59-year-old female from OPCN, succumbed to her injuries at the scene. She was part of the local essential workers that remained in the community during the current evacuation order.

 

South Indian Lake RCMP continue to investigate.

The Canadian Mental Health Association is warning that mental health and addictions care funding across Canada could be at risk.

 

CMHA National says the federal government’s ten-year investment in mental health and addictions care is set to expire in March of 2027.

 

The organization says decades of funding decisions have left too many people and families without the support they need.

 

CMHA is hosting a free webinar on Thursday, July 23rd from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time to explain what’s happening, what’s at stake, and what people can do to help.

 

Registration is required, and details are available through CMHA National.

The Hello Parents Network of Thompson is hosting its annual Summer Safety Community Block Party later this month.

 

The free event is being held for Safe Kids Day, which focuses on helping families learn more about preventing injuries and keeping children safe.

 

Yosola Fagade, Community Health Developer with the Northern Health Region, says the day brings the community together around safety education.

 

 

The block party takes place July 22nd from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Juniper Splash Pad.

 

It will include games, safety giveaways, a free barbecue while supplies last, and the return of Paint the RCMP Van.

Camping in northern Manitoba can be a great way to enjoy the summer, but for first-time campers, a little planning can make a big difference.

 

Paint Lake Provincial Park District Manager Matthew Jansen Martin says people should do their research before booking a site, including checking what amenities are available and what kind of setup they are comfortable with.

 

 

Jansen Martin says new campers can make the experience easier by arriving with daylight left, reading the park rules ahead of time, and making sure they have basic items like a first aid kit.

 

Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care has expanded eligibility for free hepatitis A vaccines ahead of the 2026 Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games.

 

The games are taking place July 8th to 12th in Norway House Cree Nation, and August 10th to 15th in Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation.

 

Free hepatitis A vaccines are now available for people six months and older who are community members in Norway House or Sagkeeng, anyone travelling to or working in those communities, including athletes, staff, volunteers and visitors attending the games, and people who have household visitors from those communities.

 

In Thompson, vaccine appointments can be booked by calling 204-677-5350.

 

Walk-ins are also welcome at Public Health Services on Thompson Drive South, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The federal government is asking for feedback on a redesigned Additions to Reserve Policy.

 

The policy deals with the process of adding land to First Nations reserves, something Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada says can support housing, infrastructure, economic development, and community planning.

 

The government says the redesigned policy is meant to make the additions-to-reserve process clearer, faster, and more predictable for First Nations and partners.

 

Feedback is open until September 22nd, 2026, and can be submitted through an online feedback form, by email, or by arranging a virtual meeting with department representatives.

A local musician has taken his passion for the Afro-beats genre to an international level.

Babatunde Adewole, known as SCUD, has combined his Nigerian musical roots with reggae, fuji and other influences to create his own music that is gaining recognition locally and nationally, as well.

Here, SCUD explains the process of his music-making.

 

 

SCUD recently performed at New Skool Rules in Rotterdam, learning more about the music industry and making industry connections.

Around the same time, he learned of his nomination for a Western Canada Music Award in the Afro-beats Artist of the Year category.

Hear more about his musical journey and upcoming plans on Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

The City of Thompson is advising residents of a road closure on Dominion Bay as curb installation gets underway.

 

The work is part of the city’s 2026 local road renewal project and is scheduled to begin July 8 at 7 a.m.

 

During the work, traffic will be limited to local traffic only, and residents are being asked to park outside of Dominion Bay until the curb installation is complete.

 

Driveway access will also be unavailable for 72 hours after the curb is installed.

 

The city says residents should follow all road signs and flaggers, and expect changes or delays while the work is underway.

 

Updates will be shared through Thompson Connect, and more information is available by contacting Development and Technical Services.

July is BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, and CMHA Thompson Region is encouraging people to think about the barriers some community members may face when trying to access support.

 

Education and Training Coordinator Iris Chan says those barriers can be cultural, financial, or personal, especially for people who may have grown up in communities where talking about mental health was not common.

 

 

Chan says connection can be an important part of healing, whether that means reaching out to a counsellor, a friend, or the wider community.

She adds people can learn more through CMHA Thompson Region’s Facebook page, and through resources like healingincolor.com.

July is Disability Pride Month, and CMHA Thompson Region is reminding people that not every disability is something you can see.

 

Education and Training Coordinator Iris Chan says the month recognizes both visible and invisible disabilities, including mental health challenges, neurodiversity, chronic illness, partial hearing or sight loss, and other conditions people may be dealing with quietly.

 

 

Chan says workplaces and community spaces can help by avoiding assumptions, asking people how they want to be supported, and making simple accessibility changes where possible.

 

She points to Manitoba Possible’s local Thompson chapter as a resource for accessibility support, while CMHA Thompson Region can help connect people with mental health resources.

Residents in the Thompson area are being reminded to keep an eye on air quality today as wildfire smoke continues to affect parts of the north.

 

Environment Canada and Manitoba Health have a yellow air quality warning in effect for Thompson, Thicket Portage, and Pikwitonei.

 

The warning says wildfire smoke could cause poor air quality and reduced visibility at times through the rest of the week.

 

People may notice symptoms like eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, or a mild cough.

 

Those most at risk, including seniors, young children, pregnant people, people with chronic health conditions, and outdoor workers, are being advised to reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities.

 

Residents are also encouraged to keep windows and doors closed when smoke is present and continue checking the latest alerts.

The CNIB Mobile Hub is making a stop in Thompson on Thursday, July 9th.

 

The free event will be hosted at the Wellington and Madeline Spence Memorial Library at UCN from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

The Mobile Hub offers in-person programming for people who are blind, partially sighted, or Deafblind, as well as their families, friends, and caregivers.

 

Visitors can learn more about accessible technology, recreational programs, peer support groups, and take part in live CNIB SmartLife product demonstrations.

 

Registration can be done through La-Toya Gibbons at 431-866-9376 or by email at la-toya.gibbons@cnib.ca.

Summer schedules can get busy across the North, but healthy eating does not have to be complicated.

 

Joanna Ledoux, community dietitian with the Northern Health Region, says summer is a good time to keep meals simple, especially with more fresh fruits and vegetables available and families spending more time camping, travelling, and enjoying the outdoors.

 

She says a little planning can make a big difference.

 

 

Ledoux says choosing convenience once in a while, like pre-cut fruit or veggie trays, can help families actually eat the healthy food they buy instead of letting it go to waste.

 

To hear more from Joanna Ledoux on healthy summer eating tips, tune into Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 on 102.9 CHTM.

Manitoba’s Independent Investigation Unit is investigating after a 63-year-old man was shot and killed by police in Norway House.

 

RCMP say officers were called to a disturbance at a residence on July 5th around 3:35 p.m., after reports the man had allegedly threatened someone inside the home with a firearm.

Police say the man later barricaded himself in a shed with access to firearms.

 

RCMP say crisis negotiators attempted to de-escalate the situation, but shortly before 7:30 p.m., a confrontation occurred and the man was shot by police.

 

Officers and local EMS provided first aid, but he died from his injuries.

 

No other injuries were reported.

On July 4, 2026, at 11:05 am, Cross Lake RCMP officers attended to a residence, located on Garrioch Drive, on a request to assist First Nation Safety Officers with a check on wellbeing request for the occupants of the home.

While officers remained near the residence, they heard a commotion inside followed by two males running out the front door who then turned towards to the back of the property and headed into the bush towards the lake.

The officers were then advised that one of the suspects had dropped a handgun onto the deck which was secured by the FNSO’s on scene.

Both officers pursued the two suspects on foot into the bush where they were eventually located as they tried to hide in the water.

The two male suspects (19,18), both from Brampton, ON, were arrested without incident.

A search of the suspects, and the backpack they were carrying, led to the seizure of a small quantity of a drug, believed to be cocaine, cash, illicit pills and other drug related paraphernalia.

A search of the residence and the deck led to the seizure of two 9mm handguns and a loaded magazine for each.

The two suspects, Jaden Cooper, 19, and Prabhroop Bassi, 18, were remanded into custody on a number of drug and firearms-related offences.

Cross Lake RCMP continue to investigate.

On July 5, 2026, at approximately 3:35 pm, Norway House RCMP responded to a disturbance at a residence in the community.

Information provided to police was that a 63-year-old male had made threats to harm an individual within the home with the use of a firearm. Officers were then advised that the suspect was currently outside and had access to firearms in the shed.

Officers attended to the residence and immediately contained the area as it was determined that the suspect had barricaded himself in the shed with a firearm.

With the assistance of crisis negotiations, officers were able to communicate with the suspect and attempted to de-escalate the situation.

Shortly before 7:30 pm, a confrontation occurred with the suspect which led to the 63-year-old male being shot by police. No other injuries were reported.

Officers, along with local EMS, provided immediate first aid to the victim however he succumbed to his injuries.

The Manitoba Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) has been notified and is taking carriage of the use of force investigation.

No further information will be provided.

Candidate registration is now open in Thompson for those considering a run for city councillor or school trustee.

 

With election day set for October 28th, Mayor Colleen Smook says residents interested in putting their name forward need to make sure they meet the basic requirements and register before campaigning or fundraising.

 

 

Smook says candidates will still need to complete their nomination requirements and collect signatures before the deadline in mid-September.

 

She adds anyone with questions should contact Senior Election Official Norma Howitt at 204-679-4848.

Mall of The Arts has a couple of hands-on opportunities coming up for anyone looking to get creative this summer.

 

First up is a Rattle Making Workshop on July 13th and 14th at City Centre.

 

It runs from noon to 5 p.m. both days, with Elder Malcolm Spence leading participants through the process of learning about and making their own Indigenous ceremonial rattle.

The workshop is open to the public and costs 50 dollars per participant.

 

Then in August, Mall of The Arts is turning up the volume with Summer Beat, a two-week music making camp from August 10th to 21st.

 

Participants will learn music production skills, create their own song, and even design single cover artwork.

 

More information is available through Mall of The Arts.

Wawanesa Insurance is joining a global initiative aimed at improving how financial institutions measure and report climate-related emissions.

 

The Winnipeg-based company has joined the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials, also known as P-C-A-F.

 

The initiative provides a standardized approach for tracking greenhouse gas emissions connected to financial activities.

 

Wawanesa says the move is part of its work to better assess climate-related risks and support long-term resilience in the communities it serves.

 

The company plans to measure and disclose emissions across a defined part of its portfolio within three years.

 

Wawanesa adds that participation is non-binding and will not impose requirements, targets, or constraints on its business, underwriting, or investment decisions.

The Rylen Solski Memorial Fishing Derby launched on Canada Day and runs until July 12th.

The purpose of the derby is two-fold.   To remember Rylen and his love of the outdoors and to create awareness of Kawasaki Disease, the condition that lead to his death.

Here is Ray Solski, Ryan’s father.
 
Symptoms of the disease include high fever, swollen lymph nodes, red eyes and tongue, and swollen hands and feet with peeling skin.

The condition can be treated if diagnosed in time, but if untreated, the arteries around the heart can be damaged.

Funds from this year’s Rylen Solski Memorial Fishing Derby are being shared 50/50 between Kawasaki Disease Canada and local projects.

Catch the full interview with Ray this afternoon on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

The City of Dauphin is under a local state of emergency as serious flooding continues to impact the Parkland region.

 

The city says heavy rainfall has led to flooding on roads and properties, while putting major pressure on local storm water, wastewater and water infrastructure.

 

Residents are being asked to avoid all non-essential travel, stay away from flooded roads, and reduce water use where possible.

 

The flooding has also impacted the Dauphin Regional Health Centre, with Prairie Mountain Health saying the emergency department is closed until further notice.

With several northern communities dealing with wildfires, evacuations, and states of emergency, Thompson residents may be wondering what the local fire risk looks like right now.

 

Mayor Colleen Smook says recent cooler weather and rainfall have helped conditions around Thompson, and the city is not facing any major immediate risk.

 

But she says people only need to look at nearby communities like Lynn Lake and South Indian Lake to see how quickly wildfire situations can change.

 

 

In the evening hours of June 30, 2026, the Manitoba RCMP were informed by the Winnipeg Police Service in regards to an online threatening video.

The information provided to the RCMP was that a male user of a social media site had posted a video of himself, on June 30, threatening to live stream an active shooting situation. The suspect also claimed he was in possession of firearms.

Although the identity of the suspect was not immediately established, an investigation was commenced by both the RCMP’s and Winnipeg Police Service’s Major Crime units.

This collaborative effort led to the quick identification of a suspect, a 16-year-old male, from St. Theresa Point First Nation.

On the morning of July 1, Island Lake RCMP officers attended to the community where the 16-year-old male was located and arrested without incident.

A search of the residence led to the seizure of ammunition for several firearms for which officers were advised could be found in the residence next door. As a result of this search, four unsecured firearms were located and seized.

The 16-year-old male was taken to the Island Lake RCMP Detachment where he was later remanded into custody on a charge of Uttering threats.

Island Lake RCMP continue to investigate.