Estevan

With less than a year to go until the 2026 World Cup, political tensions and U.S. policy threaten to pose problems as Canada, the United States and Mexico prepare to co-host the tournament.

Next year’s FIFA World Cup will be the biggest ever, with the three countries hosting a record 48 teams. Between June 11 and July 19, they will play 104 matches, most of them in the U.S.

Avery Shenfeld doesn't think the Bank of Canada will cut its benchmark interest rate at its decision on Wednesday, but if it does, he said it will be a "pleasant surprise."

"There's always a chance that they'll surprise with the rate cut," the chief economist of CIBC said.

Most economists are also expecting the Bank of Canada will hold its policy rate steady at 2.75 per cent for a third consecutive decision later this week.

The Supreme Court of Canada has dismissed a request to hear an appeal from Achter Land and Cattle regarding an earlier court decision that found a thumbs-up emoji served as an agreement to a grain contract. South West Terminal launched a claim for damages after Achter Land and Cattle failed to deliver on the contract.

The community of Estevan came together once again in a powerful show of support for a little girl with a big goal, to walk on her own.

The latest fundraiser for the “Help Aubrey Walk” campaign brought in another wave of generosity, with a full house at the Estevan Church of God for a community BBQ on Friday night, followed by a pancake breakfast the next morning. The family-friendly events filled the space with food, laughter, and a shared sense of purpose, as people of all ages came out to help raise funds for Aubrey Dyck’s upcoming medical journey.

Midale residents were left on high alert this weekend following a string of break-ins that occurred late Friday night into early Saturday morning.

At 2:52 a.m. on July 26, RCMP were advised of suspects actively breaking into vehicles and stealing items. Reports quickly followed of numerous sheds, garages, outbuildings, and vehicles being hit across the community.

Carlyle Fire and Rescue has donated $25,000 to Carnduff Fire and Rescue as a thank-you for their support during this year’s northern wildfire response.

Carnduff firefighters Mike Pirie and Randy Spencer joined Carlyle’s team up north for a week, stepping in when Carlyle could not fully staff their unit.

"We were short guys and couldn’t put a full crew together, so Carnduff stepped up and ran our truck for us," said Carlyle Deputy Fire Chief Rob Klassen. "That was the whole reason for the donation."

In some of their latest crime data, the Saskatchewan RCMP took a look at some of the increase in firearms offences and violent crime across the province, as the number of affected victims continues to climb.

Last year in the RCMP's jurisdiction, there were around 6,700 more victims of reported violent crime than 10 years ago, making up a 45 per cent increase. 21,907 individuals reported they were victims of violent crime in 2024, compared to 15,160 victims in 2015 and 21,304 victims in 2023.

The Canadian Nurses Association says it hopes the new "united Team Canada" approach at the Council of the Federation will lead to harmonization of nurses' licences across the country.

The association was among a number of health-care advocacy groups at the recent annual meeting of Canada's premiers.

While health care tends to take centre stage when the premiers meet, this year's gathering with Prime Minister Mark Carney was dominated by discussion of U.S. President Donald Trump's global trade war.

Most Canadians believe the country is making good progress on reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, a new poll from Leger suggests.

"The extent to which people feel progress on reconciliation is being made or not has an important bearing on how they feel about the country," said Jack Jedwab, president and CEO of the Association for Canadian Studies, which commissioned the poll.

The survey of 1,580 respondents was conducted between June 20 and 22. A margin of error cannot be associated to the survey because online polls are not considered to be truly random samples.

To help maintain momentum and upgrade their racing infrastructure, the SCRC is hosting a major cash raffle fundraiser, and the entire community is invited to take part. 

 Raffle Prizes: 

• 1st Prize: $2,500 

• 2nd Prize: $1,500 

• 3rd Prize: $1,000