The Wrap: Psychiatrist shortage, deadly highway crashes, party pop-up shop
Plus: MB VIPs on could-be US veep

Defence lawyers say Manitoba has failed to knock down months-long waits for psychiatric assessments of people accused of crimes, which ties up court time and is a “flagrant disregard”of guidelines set out in the Criminal Code.

The shortage of forensic psychiatrists has plagued court proceedings for years and has made it impossible to receive assessments in a timely manner to determine whether a client can be deemed criminally responsible the lawyers say.

Malak Abas reports.

Whichever way the American public decides to vote, Manitoba stands to benefit from the relationship it has with the governors of neighbouring states.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was chosen as U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris’ running mate on the Democratic presidential ticket.

And North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum is rumoured to be a likely member of Trump’s Republican cabinet if he returns to the White House.

Legislative reporter Carol Sanders talks to the premier, MPs and MLAs about what it could mean to have a close neighbour in the White House.

At least 12 people were killed in vehicle crashes in a two-week span, prompting a plea for Manitobans to take care on the roads and avoid high-risk driving behaviours.

The grim toll includes three people who died in related collisions on Highway 6 Monday — a head-on crash involving a handi-van and the other involving people who became stranded waiting for the route to reopen.

Jen Skerritt, co-owner of Party Stuff, a local party and event supply retailer, is eyeing the company’s future expansion.

It starts this year: challenging seasonal mainstay Spirit Halloween at its own game.