Steven Wilson

A familiar smoky haze has settled over southeastern Saskatchewan this week, prompting the issuance of a special air quality statement by Environment and Climate Change Canada. The smoke, which blew in on Thursday and is expected to linger until Saturday morning, has created conditions that also make it essential to take precautions. 

One of the most anticipated annual traditions for photographers across the province is back. The ExploreSask Photo Contest, hosted by Tourism Saskatchewan, is officially open for entries, and both amateur and professional photographers are encouraged to take part. 

The $8.2 billion merger between Bunge and Viterra has officially cleared its final hurdle, creating one of the world’s largest integrated agribusiness companies with operations focused on food, feed, and fuel. But while the newly merged entity positions itself as a global powerhouse, many producers in Western Canada remain uneasy. 

Nature Saskatchewan is drawing attention to one of the province’s most unique and endangered grassland birds, the chestnut-collared longspur. 

“This is a super cool grassland specialist songbird,” explained Emily Putz, Habitat Stewardship Coordinator with Nature Saskatchewan. “They have a very bold colouring and they’re the 2025 Avian Ambassadors of Birds Canada.” 

As southeast Saskatchewan deals with an early July heatwave, meteorologists are watching the skies with cautious anticipation. With temperatures expected to reach the low 30s and humidex values pushing 40, the atmosphere over southeast Saskatchewan is primed for potential severe thunderstorms, but whether those storms actually form remains the big question. 

Summer has arrived in full force across southeast Saskatchewan, with temperatures this week soaring into the low 30s and humidex values making it feel even hotter. Residents are being reminded to take precautions through the short but intense stretch of heat. 

The South East Cornerstone Public School Division on June 17th included what is called a Data Wall Walk. This is a review of data that focuses on student outcomes. The walk covered a variety of topics, including support for students in Grades 4 to 6, Indigenous student achievement, and the well-being of the students overall.  

This past weekend saw the fourth annual Energy City Exposure Showcase deliver its most ambitious and successful event yet at Nickle Lake Regional Park. The three-day showcase brought together softball players from across the Prairies for a weekend of skill development, games, and face time with college scouts. 

Nature Saskatchewan is drawing attention to one of the province’s most unique and endangered grassland birds, the chestnut-collared longspur. 

“This is a super cool grassland specialist songbird,” explained Emily Putz, Habitat Stewardship Coordinator with Nature Saskatchewan. “They have a very bold colouring and they’re the 2025 Avian Ambassadors of Birds Canada.” 

Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck was in Weyburn Wednesday morning, meeting with CUPE Local 5430 Region 4 Vice President Arlene Picard. The two spoke to the media, highlighting concerns over staffing shortages in healthcare, worker burnout, and service disruptions at emergency rooms in the Weyburn area.