You can leave your clocks alone this weekend.

Manitoba is moving to permanent daylight saving time, known as Manitoba Standard Time, meaning clocks will no longer fall back an hour.

The province says the change became official last month following consultation with Manitobans.

Residents should make sure their phones, computers and other devices have the latest software updates so they display the correct time. Most modern phones and computers will handle the update automatically.

The province also recommends double-checking travel departure and arrival times, along with medical appointment times, during the transition.

More information is available at gov.mb.ca/timechange.

Two other northern Manitoba communities have chosen new mayors, with a close finish in Flin Flon.

Roger Armstrong won Flin Flon’s three-person race with 687 votes, finishing just 46 votes ahead of Alison Dallas, who received 641. Leslie Beck finished third with 232 votes.

Armstrong received about 44 per cent of the vote, compared with Dallas’s 41 per cent.

In The Pas, Herb Jaques won with 527 votes — more than half of the ballots cast in the mayoral race.

Ralph McLean finished second with 278 votes, while James Ridderikhoff received 128.

That gave Jaques a 249-vote margin over his nearest challenger.

Both communities elected their new mayors in Wednesday’s municipal election.

Two people from southern Ontario are facing drug and firearm charges following a traffic stop in Thompson.

RCMP say officers stopped a vehicle on McGill Place Tuesday afternoon and discovered one passenger had an outstanding warrant for a firearms offence in Ontario.

Police say a search uncovered a loaded handgun reported stolen, about 500 grams of cocaine valued at 49-thousand dollars, and five-thousand dollars in cash.

Twenty-year-old Terrence Campbell of Toronto and a 17-year-old from Etobicoke face multiple charges, including possession for the purpose of trafficking and firearm offences.

Both were remanded in custody until their court date.

Thompson RCMP and the Crime Suppression Unit continue to investigate.

If someone other than the regular recycling crew empties your blue bin, there may be a simple explanation.

A residential recycling audit is underway in Thompson until November sixth, covering 100 addresses across the city’s five collection areas.

City of Thompson Communications Officer Ian Graham says the Canadian Beverage Container Recycling Association, also known as Recycle Everywhere, wants to see what’s ending up in those bins.
 

For households taking part, the routine stays the same: put your recycling out on your usual collection day.

Graham says the city shared the notice so residents would know why a different truck and crew might be stopping at their bins.

More people voted in Thompson’s municipal election this time around, but turnout still finished at 27 per cent.

Just under 23 hundred residents cast a ballot Wednesday. That’s about 225 more than in 2022, although the number of eligible voters also grew.

City of Thompson Communications Officer Ian Graham says the TRCC got busy as the workday wrapped up.
 

Those still waiting at closing time were able to vote. Graham says some residents reported difficulty standing in the longer lines because of their age or physical condition.

This was the second straight municipal election with the TRCC as the only election-day polling location.

On October 27, 2026, at approximately 4:45 p.m., Thompson RCMP Municipal traffic members were on patrol when they initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle on McGill Place.

While running routine checks on two male passengers inside the vehicle, one was found to have a warrant of arrest issued for a firearms offence by York Regional Police in Ontario. He was immediately taken into custody.

A subsequent search of the vehicle was performed. The other male passenger, a youth, was arrested for possession for purpose of trafficking. Police also located a loaded handgun that had been reported stolen.

In total, police seized approximately:

• 500 grams of cocaine with an estimated community value of $49,000;
• $5,000 in Canadian currency; and
• Various drug paraphernalia.

Terrence Campbell, 20, from Toronto, ON, is charged with:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking;
• Possession of property obtained by crime;
• Unsafe storage of firearms;
• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose;
• Carrying concealed weapon;
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm/prohibited weapon or restricted weapon;
• Possession of restricted firearm/prohibited weapon with ammo without license; and
• Possession of weapon obtained by crime.

A 17-year-old male from Etobicoke, ON, is charged with:

• Carrying a concealed weapon;
• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose;
• Unsafe storage of firearms;
• Possession of restricted firearm/prohibited weapon with ammo without license;
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking;
• Possession of weapon obtained by crime;
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon or restricted weapon;
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm; and
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

Both were remanded until their court date.

Thompson RCMP along with the Thompson RCMP Crime Suppression Unit continue to investigate.

Thompson has chosen its next mayor, with Oswald Sawh winning Wednesday’s municipal election.

Sawh received 1,043 votes, finishing 180 votes ahead of incumbent Colleen Smook. Smook received 863 votes, while Duncan Wong finished with 388.

At the council table, Kathy Valentino led the way with 1,663 votes, followed by Sandra Oberdorfer.

Joining them on the eight-member council are Louis Fitzpatrick, Joyce McIvor, Carla Antichow, Ron Matechuk, Tony Colbourne and Earl Colbourne.

It was a close finish for that last seat, with Earl Colbourne finishing just 15 votes ahead of Ken Latour.

Meanwhile, Leo Landers topped the school trustee race, followed by Bryan Young. Michele Nichol-Sawh, Michelle Tomashewski, Abbie Humby, Lindsay Anderson and Oyekanmi Abioye also secured seats.

Abioye finished just 16 votes ahead of Henk Warner-Brown for the seventh and final spot.

An RCMP officer has been charged with aggravated assault following an incident at the Thompson Regional Community Centre last year.

Manitoba’s Independent Investigation Unit says RCMP responded to a disturbance on October 16th, 2025.

An off-duty officer was attempting to make an arrest when a physical altercation occurred and a man was taken to the ground.

The man was taken to Thompson General Hospital, where medical staff confirmed he had a broken arm.

Following its investigation, the IIU says Constable Mike McGrath has been charged with one count of aggravated assault.

The charge has not been proven in court. The IIU will not comment further while the matter is before the courts.

The Manitoba Métis Federation is pushing back against comments from Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak.

Speaking at a meeting in Ottawa on Monday, Woodhouse Nepinak used the term “pretendians” while discussing people denied First Nations status, and suggested many people identifying as Métis have First Nations roots.

MMF President David Chartrand calls her remarks prejudiced and inaccurate.

He says the Red River Métis are a distinct people whose identity, history and existence are not up for debate.

Métis leaders in Saskatchewan and Alberta have also condemned the comments, saying Métis people have their own history, culture and governments.

Sources: MMF’s October 26 statement and reporting on the other Métis leaders’ responses. 

Your first winter in Thompson can be a chance to try something new—and meet people along the way.

Whether it’s curling, skating or ice fishing, you don’t have to know how before getting involved. Longtime resident and Thompson Chamber of Commerce Vice President Volker Beckmann says there’s help getting started.
 

For Beckmann, finding an outdoor activity he loved became one of the reasons he stayed in Thompson. These days, winter is a season he looks forward to.

Hear more from Beckmann about getting involved and enjoying your first northern winter on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

MKO Chiefs are calling for concrete action on treaty rights, housing and economic Partnerships following meetings in Ottawa.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak says First Nations MUST be involved from the start in decisions about major resource and infrastructure projects affecting their territories.

Chief David Monias called for an equal share of wealth generated from those territories, while Chief Delia Hart pushed for action on overcrowded housing and more resources for policing, health and addictions.

MKO says First Nations support responsible development, but projects cannot come at the expense of Treaty and constitutional rights.

The Chiefs want the meetings to lead to sustained, accountable work between First Nations and governments.  

Seeing a photo or hearing a familiar voice online doesn’t always mean it’s real.

Artificial intelligence is making fake content harder to recognize, and visual clues like strange hands or blurry images are becoming less reliable.

Dr. Kara Brisson-Boivin, Director of Research with MediaSmarts, says checking where information comes from is an important step.
 

Dr. Kara recommends looking beyond the post itself to find out who created it and whether that source is trustworthy.

She also encourages people to pause and verify information before passing it along.

When officers arrived on scene The Pas Fire department and EMS were already attending to the drivers of both vehicles. An SUV and a truck both with significant damage, were located in a field in the southeast area of the intersection.

The initial investigation determined the truck was travelling south on PR 282, while the SUV had been going east on Big Lake Angus Road when the collision occurred.

The driver of the SUV, a 19-year-old male from Alberta, was declared deceased at the scene by EMS.

The driver of the truck, a 66-year-old female from The Pas, was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

There were no passengers in either vehicle.

The Pas RCMP along with Manitoba RCMP Traffic Services continue to investigate.

Anticipation and excitement mark the lead up to Halloween.

If you’ve ever wondered why we like the scare factor of the holiday, Dr. Kristin Reynolds with the Department of Psychology at the University of Manitoba has some thoughts.

Reynolds says we experience exhilaration in simulated scary situations without the prolonged stress that would come from real danger.

She adds that Halloween is a good time to look at things that trigger our fear responses and try to determine why some things cause us to react more than others.

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

Before plugging in those Halloween lights, Manitoba Hydro is reminding residents to check their decorations for electrical hazards.

Media Relations Assistant Amy-Jean MacLean says a little preparation can give people time to replace damaged equipment.
 

Hydro also reminds residents to avoid overloading outlets and keep cords uncovered by rugs or mats.

Any cords used for outdoor displays should be designed and rated for outdoor use.

Residents who need a ride to vote tomorrow can arrange pickup and a trip home through the School District of Mystery Lake.

Danny Morris says voting at one location, the TRCC, makes transportation an important consideration.
 

Rides will run from 9:30 in the morning until polls close at eight, with a break from 2:45 to 3:30 for a school run.

Anyone can use the service, but the bus does not have a wheelchair lift.

Residents can call 204-677-6308 when they’re ready.

A new book by University College of the North faculty explores how educators can better support Indigenous students.

Empowering Indigenous Students in the Classroom and Beyond brings together thirteen chapters on approaches including relationship-building, community engagement and incorporating Indigenous knowledge into teaching.

UCN says the collection offers practical strategies to help students succeed both in the classroom and in life.

A public launch takes place Wednesday, November fourth, at five p.m. in the main-floor lobby of UCN’s Thompson campus.

Everyone is welcome, and those attending can ask questions of the editors and contributing authors. Copies will also be available for purchase and signing.

Manitoba RCMP are renewing their appeal for information in a Thompson homicide that remains unsolved after 19 years.

Shortly before one a.m. on October 26th, 2007, officers responded to a home invasion on Yale Avenue.

They found 61-year-old Bernie Carlson shot dead in the hallway. His wife, Elva, was found unharmed.

No arrests have been made.

Investigators announced a tip-line Monday, urging anyone who remembers something suspicious or out of place that night to come forward.

Police say they have continued working to find answers for Carlson’s family.

Anyone with information can call 204-984-5604.

A new agreement aims to strengthen trade connections through northern Manitoba.

Arctic Gateway Group, CentrePort Canada and global logistics company DP World have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore opportunities involving the Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway.

The partners will look at port operations, shipping services and a potential transportation corridor connecting Manitoba businesses with international markets.

Arctic Gateway President and CEO Chris Avery says the goal is to connect Western Canadian resources with new customers and diversify trade.

The announcement does not outline specific construction projects, investment commitments or timelines.

Shortly before 1 a.m., on October 26, 2007, Thompson RCMP received a call about a home invasion that had just taken place on Yale Avenue.

Officers arrived on scene and discovered 61-year-old Bernie Carlson deceased in the hallway. The victim had been shot and killed by an unknown suspect who broke into the residence.

Carlson’s wife Elva was also home at the time and called police  –  they found her alone in the bedroom and unharmed.

Investigators have continued their work on the case but despite their ongoing efforts that has spanned almost two decades, no arrests have been made.

On the 19^th anniversary of the homicide, the Manitoba RCMP Historic Case Unit has released a tip-line in the hopes that new information from that night may come to light.

“Even though a significant amount of time has passed, that does not mean that investigators have stopped working to find answers for the family,” said Corporal Gennifer Furkalo, Manitoba RCMP Historic Case Unit. “If anyone remembers anything suspicious, or out of place from that night – we urge them to call the tip-line.”

If anyone has any information regarding the Bernie Carlson homicide, they are asked to contact the Manitoba RCMP Historical Crime Unit tip-line at 204-984-5604.

More than two dozen people were arrested last week as part of targeted operations by the Manitoba Integrated Violent Offenders Apprehension Unit in several communities.

MIVOAU, which is comprised of RCMP and Winnipeg Police Service officers, targets the most violent, dangerous and prolific offenders – including suspects in serious and violent crimes and individuals who are wanted on outstanding arrest warrants.
 

From Oct. 19-21, MIVOAU officers visited Dauphin, Grandview, Winnipegosis, Sandy Bay First Nation and Ebb and Flow First Nation as part of efforts to locate and arrest offenders. MIVOAU was assisted in their search by several RCMP units, including Police Dog Services, the West District General Investigation Section (GIS) and the West District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team (CREST).

In total, RCMP knocked on 143 doors, arrested 28 offenders, seized three firearms and an ounce of cocaine over the three days.

The most notable incident occurred just after 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 21, when officers went to a residence in Grandview. In that incident, officers searched the residence with the owner’s consent and found a firearm in plain view.

Six people inside the home were arrested, including one who was wanted by MIVOAU officers. Officers subsequently found a small quantity of cocaine in the residence. All six suspects were charged with drug and/or weapons-related offences.

Pimicikamak Chief David Monias is calling for a continuing leadership summit between First Nations, Ottawa and provincial governments.

In a letter addressed to the prime minister and premiers, Monias proposes regular meetings, clear timelines and public reporting on progress toward fulfilling Treaty obligations and addressing unresolved disputes.

He also wants a framework for negotiating development agreements that respect First Nations’ rights, protect the environment and provide equitable economic opportunities.

Monias says each First Nation must retain the ability to negotiate directly on matters affecting its rights and territory.

He says reconciliation requires fulfilled commitments and accountability, along with meetings and announcements.

Safety around the library and the condition of the downtown were among the concerns raised at the mayoral candidates’ forum.

Questions focused on break-ins, library funding and a fence that residents had expected to see installed near the library.

The discussion also touched on concerns about the condition of Pipe Road and what could be done to make the downtown cleaner and more welcoming.

The forum gave residents an opportunity to question those seeking the mayor’s chair about issues affecting everyday life.

To watch the full discussion, visit the City of Thompson YouTube page, and make sure to have your say by voting in the municipal election.

A freshly patched pothole doesn’t always mean the problem underneath has been fixed.

City of Thompson spokesperson Ian Graham says cracks allow water beneath the asphalt, where freezing and thawing can leave gaps that collapse under passing vehicles.

He says longer-lasting repairs require more extensive work.
 

Graham says crews also need suitable temperatures and must clear water and debris before patching.

To learn more about what goes into maintaining our roads, tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

Residents can get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines at a walk-in clinic tomorrow.

The Northern Health Region is holding the clinic at St. Lawrence Hall, at 114 Cree Road, from ten tomorrow morning until four in the afternoon.

One more clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, also running from ten in the morning until six in the evening at the same location.

No appointment is needed. Residents are asked to bring their Manitoba Health Card and stay home if they’re feeling ill.

For more information, contact Thompson Public Health at 204-677-5350.