Permanent DST, High‑Risk Offender Release & Diesel Price Surge — Winnipeg Friday

🚨 Crime & Public Safety

1. High‑risk sex offender released into Winnipeg after serving time. Cecil Junior Houle, 50, was released Friday from Headingley Correctional Centre; police say he was convicted in 2006 of manslaughter and sexual assault causing bodily harm and served 12 years for the killing and five years for the sexual assault. The Winnipeg Police Service and Manitoba Integrated High Risk Sex Offender Unit warn Houle is considered high risk for sexual reoffending.
2. Winnipeg woman charged with decade‑long criminal harassment spanning 11 victims. Police allege harassment of 11 victims over 15 years involving hundreds of texts, emails, calls and in‑person contacts; the 58‑year‑old faces seven counts of criminal harassment, two counts of uttering threats, and related charges and remains in custody. Officers executed a Sept. 3 search warrant in the 400 block of Stradbrook Avenue and seized multiple electronic devices.
3. Winnipeg police officer charged with sexual assault and choking an intimate partner. The city police service has charged an on‑duty member with sexual assault and choking in relation to an intimate‑partner incident, according to reporting; the officer is under investigation and charges have been laid by investigators.

🏛️ Government & Politics

1. Manitoba will stay on permanent Daylight Saving Time, premier announces. Premier Wab Kinew told 680 CJOB the province will not fall back in November and will remain on DST permanently, producing later winter sunrises (Thompson sunrise 10:05 a.m. on the shortest day) and later sunsets, a decision made after a public survey favoured summer time. Government materials cite mental‑health reasoning for more winter sunlight access.
2. NHL shifts 12 Winnipeg Jets home start times after Manitoba keeps DST. The NHL moved most Saturday home puck drops from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and several weekday games to 7:30 p.m. for dates between Nov. 1 and Mar. 13; listed changes include Saturday, Nov. 21 vs. Vegas (7 p.m.) and Wednesday, Feb. 17 vs. Los Angeles (7:30 p.m.).
3. Three Winnipeg mayoral candidates roll out new public‑safety promises. The candidates each announced distinct public‑safety platforms this week ahead of the municipal campaign, signalling campaign focus on policing, community safety programs and city responses to rising safety concerns.

💼 Economy & Business

1. Diesel prices surge; trucker reports $1,500 fill‑up in Northern Ontario. Truck drivers say fuel costs have doubled compared with pre‑COVID levels; Professional Material Relocation Specialist Don Taylor reported paying nearly $1,500 to fill his tank, and experts link rising prices to refinery losses tied to the Russia‑Ukraine war and supply disruptions. Transport Canada temporarily allowed truckers extra hours to respond to pipeline‑related shortages.
2. Wet weather delays Manitoba harvest behind schedule. Farmers report harvest progress slowed by persistent wet conditions this season, pushing fieldwork and crop deliveries back from normal timelines and creating logistical challenges for grain handling and storage.

🏥 Health

1. Sleep experts say Manitoba chose the wrong time option; warn on health effects. Experts argue the decision to stay on Daylight Saving Time was the wrong choice for sleep health, saying permanent DST can worsen circadian disruption and sleep disorders compared with permanent Standard Time. The commentary contrasts with government arguments favouring more winter evening sunlight.
2. Alasko frozen raspberries recalled in seven provinces over norovirus risk. The recall covers Alasko brand frozen raspberries sold across seven provinces after a norovirus contamination risk was identified by public‑health authorities.

📰 Also Today

• Man convicted of sexual assault and manslaughter expected to live in Winnipeg after release.
• Driver dies after vehicle wedged between two others east of Winkler, Man.
• Winnipeg lawyer previously disciplined by law society disbarred.
• Misipawistik Cree Nation chief urges voluntary halt to moose harvest.
• Winnipeg woman charged with harassment and intimidation.
• Iranian conscripts in Canada face deportation threats after terrorist designation.
• Riley Laychuk's Manitoba forecast for Friday, Sept. 18, 2026.
• Cheeseburger Day sparks conversation among Winnipeggers.
• Siloam Mission seeks stabilization after a difficult year for the non‑profit.
• A dozen appeals filed asking Manitoba to reconsider licence for Hutterite colony lagoon.
• Some Manitoba plumbing apprentices wait over a year for required college course.
• Court rejects Winnipeg man's traffic‑ticket challenge over extension cord across street.
• Mayoral candidate Don Woodstock promises discounted parking for students.