Estevan

The shadow of violence in the United States will be hanging over Canada's political scene this week in the wake of an attempted assassination on former president Donald Trump.

A shooting at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday left one rally attendee dead and two others critically injured, while the shooter was also killed.

Trump has said he's fine, and is now in Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention. 

While school may be out for the summer, the Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) Elecs football team is already gearing up for what promises to be an exciting season.

Chris Bayerle will take over as head coach this season, bringing with him 13 years of experience. He previously served as an assistant head coach, defensive coordinator, and strength conditioning coach.

The Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) has approved 416 grants totaling $5.3 million with its latest grant application intake. The grants will be distributed to 151 communities, providing a financial boost to local initiatives.

"The CIF supports a wide range of organizations, programs, people, and communities in all regions of the province," said Community Initiatives Fund Executive Director Tracey Mann. "The creativity and resilience of these organizations and communities strengthen our province, and CIF is proud to provide its support."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was sickened by the shooting at former president Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania, as Canadian politicians condemned the attack.  

"It cannot be overstated — political violence is never acceptable," Trudeau said in a post on social media Saturday evening. 

"My thoughts are with former president Trump, those at the event, and all Americans."

Politicians denounced the attack in Butler, a city north of Pittsburgh. 

Motorists passing through Chamberlain heading to Country Thunder had to be on their best behavior. For the eighth year, the Saskatchewan RCMP had a check stop set up in the village on Wednesday and Thursday before the big country music festival. 

The check stop included Saskatchewan RCMP, Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Conservation Officers, and Saskatchewan Highway Patrol. 

The Assembly of First Nations finalized a deal with Ottawa late Wednesday night that will see the federal government spend $47.8 billion to reform child welfare programs over the next 10 years.

AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak made the announcement on the final day of the AFN's annual general assembly in Montreal, just two days after she told chiefs there was an offer on the table but that she could not yet discuss it publicly.

The latest Innovation Conversation featured Estevan’s own Andrew Wahba, who discussed unexpected career opportunities that led to the creation of his software, which helps others find careers that best suit them.

Wahba, CEO of Variable Hub and founder of Tech Career Bridge, explained that the software helps identify skill gaps and provides upskilling opportunities, giving candidates a better chance of landing their desired jobs.

Tech Career Bridge initially focused solely on the tech sector but has since evolved to assist people seeking various types of employment.

Other political figures in the southeast are looking back at their work with Souris-Moose Mountain MP Robert Kitchen following his announcement that he won't be running for reelection in 2025.

Estevan MLA Lori Carr has been serving the southeast since she was elected in 2016, serving nearly the same period as Kitchen who was elected in 2015.

Carr says that Kitchen has done well with his time in office in the southeast.

The summer heat has hit the province, and for many the best way to stay cool is heading to one of the many lakes and swimming areas. The Lifesaving Society Saskatchewan Branch is encouraging those who do so to take steps to be safe while they enjoy being in or around the water. 

CEO of the Saskatchewan Branch of the Lifesaving Society, Shelby Rushton, offers some tips to keep safe while enjoying some aquatic recreation. 

The U13 Softball Provincial weekend is in full swing at the Pleasantdale Diamonds, promising exciting games and community spirit.

The Estevan Elites kicked off the tournament with an impressive victory, winning their first game against the SE Supernovas with a score of 11-9. Estevan Minor Softball board member Rebecca Foord praised the team’s performance, highlighting the thrilling back-and-forth nature of the match.