Local World War II veteran Jim Spenst passed away at 99

"He's just going to be missed."

A local war hero has died just days before the 80th anniversary of Europe's liberation in the Second World War. Veteran Jim Spenst has passed away at the age of 99. 

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #60 Estevan's President Jim "Frosty" Forrest was close to the veteran. He shared that Spenst was a huge driving force for the Legion, having been a member of the local branch for over 70 years. 

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Severe weather season safety considerations begin as the southeast heats up

It's Emergency Preparedness Week in Saskatchewan, and with that lining up with some summer weather, we talked with Environment and Climate Change Canada to see how people can prepare for severe weather. As the southeast heats up, thunderstorms, hail, and even tornadoes can all appear, which need to be prepared for accordingly.

Warning Preparedness Meteorologist Danielle Desjardins says that as the severe weather season starts, people should be prepared ahead of time.

St. Joseph’s Auxiliary finishes $100K donation to MRI campaign

The St. Joseph’s Health Care Auxiliary has fulfilled its $100,000 commitment to the MRI for Estevan Project.

The final payment of $20,000 was presented during the Auxiliary’s annual Spring Tea & Bake Sale, held Wednesday. The event brought together community members in support of both the Auxiliary’s fundraising efforts and the ongoing goal of enhancing local health care services.

Canadian expert says India-Pakistan tension at highest point since 1999

A British Columbia researcher in South Asian affairs said Thursday that concerns about the current India and Pakistan tensions are justified, given that the region has not seen conflicts this intense in more than 25 years. 

M.V. Ramana, professor at University of B.C.'s school of public policy and global affairs, said the last time there was a realistic risk of nuclear weapons being used was the conflict between the two sides in the Kargil region of Kashmir in 1999. 

Canada could lose its measles elimination status if spread lingers, PHAC advisor says

A senior medical advisor with the Public Health Agency of Canada says the country could lose its measles elimination status if the highly contagious disease continues to spread into the fall.

Dr. Marina Salvadori warned of the possibility Thursday as cases in Ontario grew by nearly 200 infections, adding that would only occur if prolonged spread continued beyond mid-October 2025.

Measles cases rising rapidly in Sask., mostly infecting young children: SHA

The Saskatchewan Health Authority released an update on the situation regarding measles in the province, as outbreaks have been spreading across North America. Confirmed cases have included unvaccinated communities in Alberta, Ontario, Mexico, multiple U.S. states, and Saskatchewan as well.

Dr. Saqib Shahab, the Chief Medical Health Officer for the Ministry of Health, gave an update on the current transmission of measles in the province.

Canadians mark Victory in Europe Day in special ceremonies

Veterans, diplomats, members of the Armed Forces and political leaders gathered Thursday at events across Canada commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

"Nearly every family knows somebody who suffered from the effect of war," said Fraser McKee, a 100-year-old veteran who helped to lay a wreath at the Toronto ceremony.

"This is to remember people that will have to go to war, as well as remembering those that went and didn’t come back."

Pope Leo XIV: American Cardinal, Robert Francis Prevost, named new pope

A new pope has been elected following the death of Pope Francis. White smoke began billowing from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, signalling the decision by the College of Cardinals.

A large crowd in the thousands erupted into cheers as the words “Habemus Papam” ("We have a pope") rang out in St. Peter's Square, about an hour after the smoke first poured out. The new pope then came out onto the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and greeted the crowd.