REGINA NEWS

Regina's Frankie Parris, 58, shines in world basketball event
The FIMBA World Maxibasketball Championship is a competition featuring former collegiate and semi-pro athletes from around the globe with age brackets spanning from 35 to 85-plus.

Garbage truck trapped in sinkhole after water main break behind Regina strip mall
The sinkhole left part of the garbage truck submerged in muddy water and flooded Dependable Vacuums, a nearby business. This happened behind the Towers strip mall in Regina, early Wednesday morning.

Overnight fire leaves Regina business with 'tens of thousands' in damages
Staff at Auto Parts Plus describe rushing to the scene or learning about the blaze through social media as police investigate how flames spread from burning pallets into the store's warehouse.

'I was nervous': Passenger smelled smoke on Porter flight forced to make emergency landing at YQR
A flight from Ontario to B.C., was forced to make an emergency landing at YQR in Regina on Tuesday night, with a passenger reporting problems began with the wi-fi and entertainment system.

Regina police now investigating man's death as city's seventh homicide of 2025
Regina Police Service said Tuesday the investigation into the killing of 53 year-old Brando Peji in the 3000 block of 4th Avenue in the North Central neighbourhood on July 14 is ongoing.

Man found dead on 4th Avenue Monday, Regina police investigating
Regina Police found a deceased man in the 3000 block of 4th Avenue around 8 p.m. on July 14. A death investigation is underway with help from the Coroners Service, Major Crime, and Forensic units.

Police kept busy, campers clean up as Country Thunder festival ends
Campers had a slow start on Monday packing up their belongings and driving off after five days of country music fun, while police dealt with 156 callouts throughout the popular festival.

Regina MP calls Rhonda Blackmore's firing 'unfair,' seeks answers
Regina-Wascana MP Michael Kram demands transparency after Saskatchewan RCMP leader Rhonda Blackmore "was pulled from her post and publicly humiliated over what has only been described as 'anonymous complaints.'"

Regina's Urgent Care Centre reduces hours, 3rd time in a month, closed Sunday
Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said the province's focus is on opening six more centres: another one in Regina, two in Saskatoon and one in Prince Albert, North Battleford and Moose Jaw.

Regina aims to help keep city's trees and plants healthy with annual ladybug release
Many of the helpful, aphid-eating insects were released in Victoria Park on Thursday morning, while others were given out to residents who will release them in their own yards or other parks.

'We can't live anymore': CUPE members rally in Regina
Healthcare workers gathered outside Regina's Delta Hotel, demanding better working conditions and higher wages. CUPE President Kent Peterson said low salaries have led to a retention crisis.

Woman facing murder charge after man killed in collision with vehicle: Regina police
After an investigation, police said 36-year-old Alexandra Crowe was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. She's also facing a charge of failing to comply with a probation order.

Fourth person charged in relation to death of Regina's Aron Lunan
On Tuesday, the Regina Police Service arrested and charged 37-year-old Kayla Mitton with first-degree murder. Mitton will make her first court appearance on Wednesday morning.

Regina Police investigating vehicle, pedestrian crash in Al Ritchie neighbourhood
The incident occurred in the north parking lot of the Al Ritchie Community Centre, and it is currently under investigation. Police are asking the public to avoid the area and find an alternative route.

Traffic reopened on Ring Road and Albert St. South after semi rollover
Traffic has since been reopened and the Regina Police Service thanked the public for its cooperation and patience during the road closure.

Saskatchewan NDP calls out provincial government over Regina urgent care centre hours
The Saskatchewan NDP's Keith Jorgenson said the urgent care centre being open for a year and still not operating 24-7 as promised is another example of broken promises and horrible planning.

Culture review of Regina hospitals finds bullying, incivility, disengagement among doctors
The review followed allegations of unprofessionalism, misconduct and racism among doctors working in Regina's hospitals. In 2023, 10 foreign-trained doctors claimed they faced racism from hospital leaders.

Regina kids have fun and learn about health care at Teddy Bear Bash
Kids gathered in Wascana Park with their stuffed animals to learn about different health-care procedures. The idea behind the event is to reduce any fear surrounding trips to the hospital or doctor for kids.

Smoky air invades Regina and south-central areas, funnel clouds possible Saturday
Smoke from Saskatchewan wildfires is causing poor air quality in many south-central areas of the province, while conditions would also be favourable for the development of funnel clouds in some parts.

Prevention is key against Dutch Elm disease: Rick Van Duyvendyk on Greg Morgan
Rick Van Duyvendyk of Garden Talk emphasized prevention as the best line of defence against Dutch Elm disease. The disease is caused by a fungus carried on the backs of tiny elm bark beetles.

No timeline for Regina's Urgent Care Centre to be open for 24 hours
The centre was set to operate 24-7 last fall. Sheila Anderson with the SHA said the UCC was meeting the needs of patients at its current hours, but said it would look into 24-hour operation if needed.

'In our hearts': Aron Lunan's father hoping for justice as more murder charges laid
Aron Lunan, 35, was found dead in a field near Grand Coulee on June 10. Three people have been charged with first-degree murder in connection to his death. Aron's dad, Allan, hopes justice will be served.

Three people now facing murder charges in death of Regina's Aron Lunan
Police officers were called to a rural area near Grand Coulee, just west of Regina, on June 10 after officers got a report of a deceased person, who was later identified as 35-year-old Aron Lunan.

Regina Public Schools approves band cuts, denies parent group appeal
The Regina Band Parent Leadership Team filed to appeal the decision on Wednesday, but it was denied on Thursday. Parent rep Mark Claxton said music is an important part of children's education.

Ice cream and splash pads keep Regina cool during heat wave
The city-owned spray pads are open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. To activate a spray pad, simply push the button or wave your hand in front of the sensor to turn the water on.

Dutch elm disease hits Regina early, city urges public to help protect urban forest
Regina is battling an early surge of Dutch elm disease, with 17 infected trees confirmed so far this year. Acting parks director Ray Morgan says residents play a crucial role in stopping the spread.

First-degree murder charge laid after Regina man found dead near Grand Coulee
RCMP officers were called to a rural area near Grand Coulee, just west of Regina, on June 10 after police got a report of a deceased person, who was later identified as Aron Lunan.

'Heartbreaking': Neighbours horrified after house fire sends multiple people to hospital
Neighbours say two kids were among those who escaped the burning home on Rosemont Crescent on Wednesday. "Everybody was sitting here in tears," said Cherish Pelletier, who lives nearby.

Police remind owners to take precautions after string of garage break-ins
According to police, there have been 15 reported break-ins at garages around the city between June 17 and Tuesday. In seven of the incidents, side doors to garages were left unlocked.

Regina man dead after pickup collides with hay truck on Highway 10: RCMP
"The lone driver of the pickup truck, a 45-year-old man from the Regina area, died at the scene," the RCMP said. "The lone adult male driver of the semi did not report any injuries to police."

Woman charged with assault after bear spray attack
A 22-year-old woman has appeared in Regina Provincial Court charged with assault and possession of a weapon after being arrested in the city on Sunday after two reports about bear spray.

Regina celebrates Canada Day in style from a pancake breakfast to a fireworks spectacular
Free celebrations are happening across the Queen City, including at Wascana Park, Government House, and the RCMP Heritage Centre. But, one group is recognizing July 1 in an entirely different way.

Regina recycling changes mean coffee cups can go in blue bins, glass can't
The city will be rolling out an education program including a mailed guide, social media campaigns, and even AI on recycling trucks that can identify banned items and send a postcard.

LISTEN: Regina's signature scent captured in new candle
Local artisan Sara Lindsay shares what went into making Regina's signature scent, a blend of cedar, vanilla, lavender, and sage. It can be found at City Hall and the Regina Airport.

'I'm never gonna stop': Woman fasting outside Regina landfill until city searches for daughter's remains
Michele Bear is the mother of Richele Bear, who first was first reported missing in 2013. She was killed by Clayton Bo Eichler, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in 2016.

Evraz North America to be sold to Atlas Holdings
The deal, called "a major investment in creating a more vibrant domestic steel production industry in the United States and Canada," comes despite the tariffs war between the two countries.

Co-op refinery celebrates 90 years of operation
More than 1,000 people work at the refinery in Regina, but hundreds more also work in support roles in places like Saskatoon. The refinery produces 130,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

Two arrested after alleged robbery involving police impersonation in Regina
"... two females and one male entered the business, with the male identifying himself as a police officer," police said. "The suspects then threatened and assaulted the victim before stealing a cellphone and money.

Bachynski says downtown construction is 'short-term pain for for some long-term gain'
Mayor Chad Bachynski said he understands the frustration during an appearance on the Greg Morgan Morning Show. "That's a big stretch of road to block off, and it is frustrating," he said.

Council approves new budget process and wastewater lift stations
"I'm glad we're reviewing this and doing things a little bit differently and continuing to improve," said Ward 5 Coun. Sarah Turnbull. The changes were approved at a meeting on Wednesday.

'Three days of extreme pain': Ryan Booker's family disagrees with jury decision
The jury ruled Booker's 2022 death as a suicide. The jury did not make any recommendations to prevent similar deaths in the future. The family believe there are a number of recommendations that could have been made.

School's out for summer for Regina elementary students
The excitement was definitely in the air at École Connaught School in Regina as kids smiled from ear to ear, counting down the minutes to the final bell and the official start of summer vacation.

'I saw the window shatter': RCMP sniper testifies at inquest into death of Ryan Booker
Booker was fatally shot by police in July of 2022. The second day of an inquest into the 26-year-old man's death heard from several law enforcement officers who responded to the standoff.

Upgrades to courtyard at Regina General Hospital offer space for healing
The upgrades make the space feel more comforting and welcoming, including additional plants and flowers, lighting, seating and five pieces of art created by local artists.

'He was loved': Family members of man fatally shot by police testify at inquest
Ryan Booker, 26, was fatally shot by police after an altercation on Highway 1 in July of 2022. A public inquest being held in Regina is investigating the circumstances leading up to his death.