Estevan

Vancouver is waking to the tragic aftermath of a deadly ramming attack on a Filipino community street festival that killed at least nine people, with survivors describing horrifying scenes of victims strewn on the ground.

Interim Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai says a 30-year-old Vancouver man has been arrested for Saturday night's attack in which an SUV plowed through a crowded South Vancouver street at high speed.

Moosomin has been recognized for adopting age-friendly principles through advocacy and action throughout the community.

"An age-friendly community is designed to help seniors live safely, enjoy good health and stay involved," Seniors Minister Lori Carr said. "Our government believes the Age-Friendly Communities initiative is important for promoting healthy, accessible and inclusive communities for all. I am pleased to recognize the efforts of the community of Moosomin in this regard."

Elections Canada has tallied up their full vote count following advanced polling last weekend.

That voting lasted from Friday, April 18, to Monday, April 21, giving people the chance to vote early from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The final total of votes from Saskatchewan was 206,754, with a national number of 7,280,975. Both numbers were higher than what was seen in 2021's federal election, with those coming in at 183,898 for Saskatchewan and 5,852,391 nationally.

For the Souris-Moose Mountain area, advance polling brought in 13,265 votes.

Federal party leaders hit the hustings Friday with election day fast approaching, as Mark Carney of the Liberals focused on U.S. tariff threats in a steel town and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre campaigned on his anti-crime platform in Saskatoon.

Canadians cast ballots to choose their next government on Monday.

The Liberals are widely seen to be leading in the polls, with the Conservatives in second place and the Bloc Québécois, NDP and Greens trailing behind.

Canadians scattered among the tens of thousands in and around St. Peter's Square for the funeral of Pope Francis described the ceremony as profoundly beautiful. 

While dignitaries such as Gov.-Gen. Mary Simon were seated near the front of the square, members of the general public were positioned farther back or gathered in the streets of Rome to watch on large screens.

Falguni Debnath says being at the back of the square didn't dampen the effect of the familiar ritual.

Prysm Gooding has been passionate about softball since she was a child—and now, she’s hoping to pass on that passion to the next generation of players.

The Estevan pitcher is hosting a softball pitching clinic on May 4 and May 11 at the Jody Waloshin Pleasantdale Ball Diamonds to help young athletes improve their skills before the season starts.

“I’ve been going to pitching camps since I was eight years old, and I think it’s really good to hear from other pitchers’ perspectives,” said Gooding. After strengthening her skills, she is excited to pass on the knowledge.

The Estevan Police Service is seeing an increase in its operations, with a few new positions being filled thanks to a provincial funding initiative. The work's being done as part of the province's $11.9 million Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods commitment to hire approximately 100 new municipal police officers. 

Estevan Police Chief Jamie Blunden talks about the benefits that it's bringing to the southeast.

It’s spring cleaning season, and as people begin clearing out sheds, garages and seasonal cabins, medical professionals are reminding residents to take precautions to avoid exposure to hantavirus.

Hantavirus is a lung infection caused by breathing in contaminated airborne particles found in the saliva, urine and droppings of rodents — most commonly deer mice in Saskatchewan. People can also become infected by coming into contact with contaminated dust, touching rodent urine, saliva or droppings, or being bitten by an infected mouse.

This weekend will be one to keep an eye on as some unsettled weather is popping up, though there will be a break providing summer-like conditions. The last weekend of April will bring some springtime showers, though when exactly those will hit is still shifting.

Environment Canada Meteorologist Danielle Desjardins talks about the warmth we'll be seeing.

There’s been a shakeup in the world of baby names in Saskatchewan.

After nine years at the top, Olivia has finally been dethroned. Sophia takes over as the most popular name for girls in 2024, while Olivia settles into second place. Over on the boys’ side, Henry made a huge leap—from 18th place last year all the way to number one. That bump pushed Oliver down to second after holding the top spot in 2023.

Long-time favourites Liam and Noah are still going strong, holding onto the third and fourth spots for boys. Levi rounds out the top five.