News briefs for Friday, February 13, 2026

Province to begin annual ice cutting program Tuesday

2:45 PM

The province will begin cutting ice on the Red River on Feb. 17 in an effort to reduce the impacts of ice-jam related flooding, it announced in a media release Friday.

River users are being asked to follow posted warning signs and stay clear of equipment. The ice-cutting and breaking work is expected to be completed by March 10.

More information on Manitoba’s water conditions and forecasts can be found on the province’s website.

Youth charged after threats to North End elementary school

2:28 PM

City police have charged a youth after threats were made to a North End elementary school.

Police launched an investigation into the threats, which were made on Feb. 3 and involved a school on the 400 block of Flora Avenue, the Winnipeg Police Service said in a news release Friday.

Investigators identified a youth suspect and arrested them Tuesday without incident.

“No physical threats were discovered at the school and there is no threat to public safety,” police said.

WPS did not provide the age or gender of the youth. They are charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm and have been released on an undertaking, police said.

The police service said it investigates all reported threats to schools. If anyone has information regarding such threats, they should call the WPS non-emergency at 204-986-6222, Crime Stoppers 204-786-8477 (TIPS) or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.

Province funds Black-led organizations

12:24 PM

The Manitoba government has tabbed upwards of $1.2 million for Black-led organizations in the province and another $40,000 in relief for Jamaican families affected by Hurricane Melissa.

Ministers Jamie Moses and Uzoma Asagwara made the announcement Friday, during Black History Month.

Around $100,000 is slated for the National Black Canadians Summit happening this September. People from across the country are expected to attend.

Black-led organizations and ethnocultural entities, such as the Afro-Caribbean Association of Manitoba, are among the funding recipients.

Man, 30, last seen near U of M

11:23 AM

Winnipeg police are asking for the public’s help in finding a 30-year-old man.

Michael Masukume was last seen Sunday morning near the University of Manitoba and King’s Park, police say.

He is described as 5-8 with a medium build, and has short black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on Masukume’s whereabouts is asked to call the missing persons unit at 204-986-6250.

NDP MLA has “health complications”

10:47 AM

The Manitoba NDP caucus says MLA Amanda Lathlin  “is currently experiencing health complications.”

A statement this morning from NDP caucus chairman Robert Loiselle said the caucus “stands with Amanda and is holding her and her family in our thoughts as she takes the time to deal with these concerns.”

It said The Pas-Kameesack member’s constituency office remains open and Lathlin’s staff continue to support constituents. It asked he public to respect her privacy.