The Wrap: Murder suspect on bail, no phones in schools, interest rate holds steady, and an election roundup

Good evening. Here’s a look at what our newsroom has been working on today:

'Thumbing his nose at the highest rung of the ladder'

A man accused of second-degree murder in a West End apartment building in August was out on bail and under orders to wear an ankle monitor, when the crime occurred. Another man accused in the crime was also on a release order at the time. Reporter Tyler Searle reviewed the court records.

Tyler Searle:

Co-accused in Furby shooting death was on bail, ankle monitoring

A man accused in a fatal Spence neighbourhood shooting last month was out on bail, despite Crown recommendations he remain in custody, and under orders to wear an ankle monitor, when the crime occurre... Read More

Get ready to savour Manitoba's freshest summer flavours

'During class time, there was no cellular anywhere'

La Division scolaire franco-manitobaine is banning mobile devices from elementary and secondary classrooms to minimize distractions and reduce students’ overall screen time.

Maggie Macintosh:

Calling the shots: francophone schools ban cellphones from class

Manitoba’s francophone schools are cracking down on texting and mindless scrolling during lessons with a new ban on cellphones, as classes return for another year. La Division scolaire franco-manit... Read More

'The Bank of Canada’s probably done hiking interest rates'

The Bank of Canada surprised almost no one when it held interest rates steady at five per cent Wednesday amid cooling economic data. Recent evidence, including labour market, inflation and GDP reports, shows excess demand in the economy is easing, the central bank said in its news release.

Nojoud Al Mallees, The Canadian Press:

BoC holds key rate steady at five per cent

OTTAWA - The Bank of Canada decided to hold its key interest rate steady on Wednesday amid mounting evidence the economy is slowing, but the central bank isn't declaring victory yet as it remains caut... Read More

The Canadian Press:

What today's interest rate decision means, and what experts say is next

Here’s what you need to know about the Bank of Canada's decision Wednesday to hold interest rates steady at five per cent — and what could happen next. Read More

Election round-up

Danielle Da Silva:

Liberals kick off campaign by promising billion dollars in new spending

Manitoba Liberal Party Leader Dougald Lamont released a platform that proposes targeted tax hikes and a billion dollars in new spending as he officially launched his party’s election bid Wednesday, on... Read More

Carol Sanders:

Tories vow to scrap land transfer tax

Manitoba Tories made a pitch to young voters Wednesday by promising first-time homebuyers will no longer have to pay a costly land transfer tax. Read More

Katie May:

NDP vows financial incentives for new neighbourhood clinics

Neighbourhood medical clinics, staffed by off-duty ER physicians, are part of the NDP plan to take pressure off Manitoba’s overburdened emergency departments. Read More