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The co-founder of Lakewood Church in Texas and mother to Joel Osteen has died. 

On Wednesday, Joel took to social media to share that his mother, Dolores Osteen, had passed away. 

"It is with a heavy heart that Victoria and I, along with our family, announce the passing of our cherished mother and grandmother, Dolores 'Dodie' Osteen," said Joel in a post on Facebook. "She was the beloved matriarch of Lakewood Church, an inspiration to millions of people around the world, and a faithful servant of God.

Residents across Manitoba are noticing more wasps and nests as summer progresses.

Dr. John Gavloski, an extension entomologist with Manitoba Agriculture, explains why wasp activity increases late in the season and shares advice on safe ways to handle them.

The number of Manitobans concerned about crime and public safety has risen steadily, an opinion poll done for the Manitoba government suggests.

The Benchmark poll by Leger is commissioned by the province and conducted every few months to gauge public concerns. The latest available survey, done in October and obtained by The Canadian Press under Manitoba's freedom of information law, suggests affordability and health care remain the most popular concerns.

A judge is scheduled to rule today on whether to grant bail to three men facing terrorism charges in an alleged plot to forcibly seize land in the Quebec City area.

Quebec court Judge René de la Sablonnière heard evidence and arguments over three days.

Simon Angers-Audet, 24, Raphaël Lagacé, 25, and Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24, face charges of facilitating a terrorist activity, and other charges related to the illegal storage of firearms and possession of explosives and prohibited devices.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday that Canada intends to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September, as long as the Palestinian Authority holds elections next year.

"Preserving a two-state solution means standing with all people who choose peace over violence or terrorism. And it means honouring their innate desire for peaceful coexistence," Carney told reporters on Parliament Hill.

He said Ottawa intends to officially recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September.

With the long weekend coming up, Canadian Blood Services is inviting people to donate blood before going out to the lake. 

"The need for blood really rises in the summer, especially right now," says Brett Lawrence, the Community Development Manager with Canadian Blood Services. "We're calling for O-negative donors to come out. The special thing about O-negative blood is it can be given to any other blood type. It's also called the universal donor."

John 1:12-13

"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God."

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Psalm 31:1

Under heaven's lock and key, we are protected by the most efficient security system available—the power of God.

There is no way we will be lost in the process of suffering. No disorder, no disease, not even death itself can weaken or threaten God's ultimate protection over our lives...

"God stands between you and all that menaces your hope or threatens your eternal welfare," James Moffatt wrote. "The protection here is entirely and directly the work of God."

The Winnipeg Jets announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to terms with defenceman Dylan Samberg on a three-year contract.

The deal follows Samberg's career year with six goals and 20 points in 2024-25 with Winnipeg in 60 games. He suited up for all 13 playoff games, registering three assists.

The Minnesota native led the team and was tied for sixth in the NHL in plus/minus with a +34. 

A new 3,000-square-foot accessible spray pad opened along with other features at the Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre.

“Spaces like the new spray pad at Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre bring people together and help build stronger, healthier communities,” said the Honourable Kevin Lamoureux, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons in a news release. “We’re proud to celebrate this vibrant new addition to the neighbourhood that families can enjoy for years to come.”