Saskatchewan News

Former Sen. Joe Lieberman, Democrats’ VP pick in 2000, dead at 82

News Talk 650 CKOM - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 15:54
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, who nearly won the vice presidency on the Democratic ticket with Al Gore in the disputed 2000 election and who almost became Republican John McCain's running mate eight years later, has died, according to a statement issued by his family. Lieberman died in New York City on Wednesday due to complications from a fall, the statement said. He was 82. The Democrat-turned-independent was never shy about veering from the party line. Lieberman's independent streak and especially his needling of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential contest rankled many Democrats, the party he aligned with in the Senate. Yet his support for gay rights, civil rights, abortion rights and environmental causes at times won him the praise of many liberals over the years. “In an era of political carbon copies, Joe Lieberman was a singularity. One of one," said Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat. "He fought and won for what he believed was right and for the state he adored.” Over the last decade, Lieberman helped lead No Labels, a centrist third-party movement that has said it will offer as-yet-unnamed candidates for president and vice president this year. Some groups aligned with Democrats oppose the effort, fearing it will help presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump win the White House. Lieberman came tantalizingly close to winning the vice presidency in the contentious 2000 presidential contest that was decided by a 537-vote margin victory for George W. Bush in Florida after a drawn-out recount, legal challenges and a Supreme Court decision. He was the first Jewish candidate on a major party’s presidential ticket and would have been the first Jewish vice president. He was also the first national Democrat to publicly criticize President Bill Clinton for his extramarital affair with a White House intern. Lieberman sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004 but dropped out after a weak showing in the early primaries. Four years later, he was an independent who was nearly chosen to be McCain’s running mate. He and McCain were close pals who shared hawkish views on military and national security matters. McCain was leaning strongly toward choosing Lieberman for the ticket as the 2008 GOP convention neared, but he chose Sarah Palin at the last minute after “ferocious” blowback from conservatives over Lieberman’s liberal record, according to Steve Schmidt, who managed McCain’s campaign. Lieberman generated controversy in 1998 when he scolded Clinton, his friend of many years, for “disgraceful behavior” in an explosive speech on the Senate floor during the height of the scandal over his relationship with Monica Lewinsky. Yet Lieberman later voted against the impeachment of Clinton. He defended his partisan switches as a matter of conscience, saying he always had the best interests of Connecticut voters at heart. Critics accused him of pursuing narrow self-interest and political expediency. In announcing his retirement from the Senate in 2013, Lieberman acknowledged that he did “not always fit comfortably into conventional political boxes” and felt his first responsibility was to serve his constituents, state and country, not his political party. He had a tortured relationship with Democrats. During his final Senate speech, Lieberman urged Congress to look beyond party lines and partisan rancor to break Washington gridlock. “It requires reaching across the aisle and finding partners from the opposite party,” said Lieberman. “That is what is desperately needed in Washington now.” Harry Reid, who served as Senate Democratic leader, once said that while he didn’t always agree with the independent-minded Lieberman, he respected him. “Regardless of our differences, I have never doubted Joe Lieberman’s principles or his patriotism,” Reid said. “And I respect his independent streak, as it stems from strong convictions.” Privately, some Democrats were often less charitable about Lieberman’s forays across party lines, which they saw as disloyal. He bolted his party and turned independent after a 2006 Senate primary loss in Connecticut. Lieberman’s strong support of the Iraq War hurt his statewide popularity. Democrats rejected Lieberman and handed the 2006 primary to a political newcomer and an anti-war candidate, Ned Lamont, who is now serving his second term as Connecticut governor. Lieberman went on to win reelection as an independent. In a statement issued Wednesday expressing condolences, Lamont said he and Lieberman eventually became friends after the grueling race. “While the senator and I had our political differences, he was a man of integrity and conviction, so our debate about the Iraq War was serious,” Lamont said in a statement. “I believe we agreed to disagree from a position of principal." “When the race was over, we stayed in touch as friends in the best traditions of American democracy. He will be missed," he added. Defying Democratic leaders and friends, Lieberman ran successfully for reelection as an independent and drew support from some Republican allies. Lieberman won praise from the White House and fundraising help from prominent Republicans, such as then-New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg, who himself later ran as an independent. Lieberman made his Senate experience and congressional clout a strong selling point, saying he’d fight hard for the state’s defense jobs and its fair share of federal largesse. The strategy paid off. Lieberman won reelection to a fourth term, even though many of his Democratic allies and longtime friends, including former Sen. Chris Dodd, supported Lamont. Lieberman was candid about what he considered a betrayal by old pals such as Dodd, but the two men later reconciled. Longtime friend and former chairman of the Connecticut Democratic Party, Nick Balletto said many rank-and-file Democrats were unhappy with Lieberman but credited the former senator for dedicating his life to public service and the state. “He was the most genuine, honest, straightforward, politician you’d probably ever meet. What you saw is what you got,” said Balletto. “His issues were the issues of the people." After his rebound reelection in 2006, Lieberman decided to caucus with Democrats in the Senate, who let him head a committee in return because they needed his vote to help keep control of the closely divided chamber. But it wasn’t long until Lieberman was showing his independent streak and ruffling his Democratic caucus colleagues. Despite the decision of Democrats to let him join their caucus as an independent, Lieberman was an enthusiastic backer of McCain in the 2008 presidential contest. Lieberman’s speech at the 2008 GOP presidential nominating convention criticizing Obama, the Democratic presidential nominee, struck a deep nerve with many Democrats. Lieberman cast Obama as a political show horse, a lightweight with a thin record of accomplishment in the Senate despite his soaring eloquence as a speaker. “In the Senate, during the 3 1/2 years that Sen. Obama has been a member, he has not reached across party lines to ... accomplish anything significant, nor has he been willing to take on powerful interest groups in the Democratic Party to get something done,” Lieberman said at the convention. “Eloquence is no substitute for a record,” he said. Lieberman campaigned heartily across the country for McCain. Many Democrats considered it a betrayal to Obama and his former party colleagues. “Joe Lieberman has said things that are totally irresponsible when it comes to Barack Obama,” House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California said in a radio interview during the 2008 race. After the election, there was speculation Senate Democrats might strip Lieberman of his chairmanship of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee as payback. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., chair of the Judiciary Committee, was among those who said Lieberman should lose his chairmanship. Leahy branded Lieberman’s attacks on Obama as “beyond the pale.” But at Obama’s urging, Senate Democrats decided not to punish Lieberman for supporting McCain and the GOP ticket. Obama was eager to strike a bipartisan tone for his presidency and giving Lieberman a pass helped reinforce that message. Yet Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent and staunch liberal, called it a “slap in the face” for millions of Americans who backed Obama. Lieberman was known in the Senate for his hawkish foreign policy views, his pro-defense bent and his strong support for environmental causes. Five weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, he became one of the first politicians to call for the ouster of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and later voted in favor of the military invasion of Iraq. His vocal support for the war would later help doom his candidacy in the 2006 Connecticut Democratic primary. Lieberman tended to vote with Democrats on most issues and was a longtime supporter of abortion rights, a stance that would have proved problematic with conservatives had McCain chosen him as his running mate in 2008. He played a key role in the legislation that created the Department of Homeland Security. Lieberman grew up in Stamford, Connecticut, where his father ran a liquor store. Lieberman graduated from Yale University and Yale Law School in New Haven. As Connecticut’s attorney general from 1983 to 1988, he was a strong consumer and environmental advocate. Lieberman vaulted into the Senate by defeating moderate Republican incumbent Lowell Weicker in 1988. After leaving the Senate in 2013, Lieberman joined a New York City law firm. His funeral will be held Friday at Congregation Agudath Sholom in his hometown of Stamford. An additional memorial service will be announced at a later date. Lieberman and his wife, Hadassah, have four children. ___ Former Associated Press writer Andrew Miga contributed to this report. Susan Haigh, The Associated Press

'Reclamation of identity': Sask. libraries updating terminology to reflect Truth and Reconciliation

CTV Regina - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 15:52
Saskatchewan's libraries are working to update the way people search for information, related to Indigenous peoples.

Regina committee votes in favour of lowering speed limit to 30 km/h in Cathedral neighbourhood

CBC Saskatchewan - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 15:43
The "vision zero" framework would implement changes across the city and create a a community safety zone in the Cathedral neighbourhood.
Categories: Saskatchewan News

Completion of audit into Arkansas governor’s $19,000 lectern has been pushed back to April

News Talk 650 CKOM - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 15:42
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A report detailing the audit of a $19,000 lectern purchased for Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders will be completed later than expected after the governor's office said it needed more time for its response, the state's legislative auditor told lawmakers on Wednesday. Legislative Auditor Roger Norman told a legislative committee in an email that a draft report has been completed of the audit requested last year of the lectern — which last fall gained national attention and became the focus of intense scrutiny — would be completed in early April, rather than the end of the month timeline he originally said. Norman said the governor's office requested an extension for its “management response," which is included in reports issued by the Division of Legislative Audit, and that response is due Friday. Legislative Audit conducts more than 1,000 reviews of state agencies, school districts and local governments every year. The 3 1/4-foot-tall (1-meter-tall) blue and wood paneled lectern was bought in June with a state credit card for $19,029.25 from an events company in Virginia. The Republican Party of Arkansas reimbursed the state for the purchase on Sept. 14, and Sanders’ office has called the use of the state credit card an accounting error. Sanders’ office said it received the lectern in August. Sanders, a Republican who served as press secretary for former President Donald Trump, has dismissed questions about the lectern as a “manufactured controversy,” and the item has not been seen at her public events. Sanders' office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. It's not clear when and how the report will be released the public. The co-chairs of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee could order the report’s early release, or it could be released at a special meeting ordered by either co-chair or by a request from 10 members of the panel. Otherwise the report won’t be released until the committee’s next regularly scheduled meeting in June. Andrew Demillo, The Associated Press

Potash sector forecasts a return to stability in 2024

Saskatoon StarPhoenix - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 15:39
It’s been a rollercoaster for Saskatchewan’s potash industry in recent years, leaving producers looking forward to a more stable 2024. Read More

Potash represents nearly one-third of Saskatchewan exports: STEP

Saskatoon StarPhoenix - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 15:38
Now more than ever, potash is vital to Saskatchewan’s growing economy. In 2022, potash became Saskatchewan’s number one export, overtaking crude oil as the leading economic driver for the province. Read More

K+S Potash committed to social responsibility

Saskatoon StarPhoenix - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 15:37
K+S Potash Canada might still be a relatively recent new entity in Canada, but it already feels like a key piece of the fabric of Saskatchewan. Read More

Nutrien poised to meet increased demand for potash

Saskatoon StarPhoenix - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 15:36
Nutrien Inc. anticipates a period of stability after two years of market uncertainty and reduced demand, according to Chris Reynolds, executive vice-president and president of potash. Read More

Mosaic's Esterhazy mine built for the future

Saskatoon StarPhoenix - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 15:35
The Mosaic Company's Esterhazy complex is a giant within Saskatchewan’s potash industry. With the completion of the new K3 mine in 2021, Esterhazy is now the world’s largest potash operation, capable of producing nearly eight million tonnes of potash annually. Read More

Kari Lake declines to defend defamation lawsuit filed by Arizona election official

News Talk 650 CKOM - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 15:34
PHOENIX (AP) — Kari Lake, a Republican Senate candidate in Arizona who says she lost a 2022 race for governor because of fraud, is declining to defend against a defamation lawsuit filed by a top election official. Lake this week asked a judge to jump directly to the damages phase of the lawsuit filed by Republican Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer. The extraordinarily rare request for a default judgment seeks to bypass the opportunity to argue her statements weren't defamatory, skipping ahead to determine how much she owes Richer. The court had already rejected her motion to dismiss the case, and the Arizona Supreme Court declined to take her appeal. "After months of doubling down and defending their lies across Arizona, in the media, and on social media, when push came to shove, the defendants decided to completely back down and concede that their lies were just that: lies,” Richer said in a statement. While declining to defend her statements in court, Lake maintains she was truthful and says she wants to avoid spending time and money on a protracted legal process. She questioned whether Richer can prove that he was harmed by her statements and demanded he release his medical and psychological records. “By participating in this lawsuit, it would only serve to legitimize this perversion of our legal system and allow bad actors to interfere in our upcoming election,” Lake said in a video posted to social media. “So I won’t be taking part.” Lawyers for Richer last week asked the court to sanction Lake and the other defendants, arguing they were trying to waste time and delay discovery, the phase of a lawsuit where the parties turn over documents, text messages, emails and other relevant records. There has been considerable speculation in Arizona and in Washington about whether discovery in the defamation case would unearth damaging or embarrassing communications that could affect Lake's Senate campaign. Lake and her aides have secretly recorded conversations, including one where the former state GOP leader offered her a job if she'd stay out of the Senate race. Richer told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he will still demand records from Lake to prove damages. Lake is a former Phoenix television news anchor who quickly built an enthusiastic political following as a loyal supporter of former President Donald Trump and his lie that the 2020 election was stolen from him. She went on to narrowly lose her own race for Arizona governor last year along with a lawsuit challenging the results. She is the second prominent Trump ally to give up the chance to defend against a defamation lawsuit after Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani was found liable for defaming two Georgia election workers. A judge found Giuliani ignored his duty as a defendant to turn over information requested by the workers. A jury ultimately awarded the women $148 million. Richer's lawsuit, filed in Maricopa County Superior Court, names Lake, her husband, her campaign and her political fundraising group as defendants. In addition to unspecified monetary damages, Richer is seeking a court order declaring Lake’s statements false and requiring her to delete them from social media. Supreme Court precedent sets a high bar for defamation cases brought by public officials like Richer. He would have been required to prove not just that Lake's statements were untrue but that she made them with “actual malice;" that is, knowing they were false or with reckless disregard for whether they were true or false. The suit takes issue with two claims in particular — that Richer intentionally had 19-inch ballot images printed on 20-inch paper, causing counting problems, and that he injected 300,000 bogus ballots. It details nearly three dozen times she made the claims publicly on social media or at rallies and news conferences. The suit says Richer has faced death threats, including one that was prosecuted by the Justice Department, and has spent thousands of dollars on home security. He said he and his wife have altered their routines and law enforcement has stepped up patrols around their home and workplaces. Jonathan J. Cooper, The Associated Press

Fertilizer Canada: Potash increases drought resistance in plants

Saskatoon StarPhoenix - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 15:32
As we head into another growing season, climate change is pushing onto our front burners again. Phillip Harder, a Saskatchewan hydrologist, said in a recent media report that we’re likely to see another drought this year. Read More

BHP's employment strategy building a diverse workforce

Saskatoon StarPhoenix - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 15:32
BHP’s Jansen project east of Saskatoon may not be a literal goldmine of opportunity.   Read More

Regina's Cathedral neighbourhood could soon have a reduced speed limit

CTV Regina - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 15:26
A mandatory 30 kilometre per hour (km/h) speed limit could soon be implemented in Regina’s Cathedral neighbourhood as part of a plan to reduce motor vehicle collisions, according to the city.

Blades prepare for Raiders to begin quest for Ed Chynoweth Cup

News Talk 650 CKOM - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 14:58
The WHL’s regular season is over, and it was quite a year for the Saskatoon Blades. The Blades won 50 games, finished with the best record in the WHL and saw a couple of players reach regular-season milestones that hadn’t been reached by a Saskatoon player in 28 years. Yet as the Blades prepare for their first game of the playoffs Thursday night, all that occurred during the regular season was just preparation for their run at the Ed Chynoweth Cup. That trophy is presented to the team that wins the WHL championship, and it’s a title the Blades are desperately hoping to claim for the first time ever. The team’s quest for the cup begins with a best-of-seven series against the Prince Albert Raiders. The teams met in the final two games of the regular season, with the Blades coming out on top both times. Blades head coach Brennan Sonne said his team has a great mentality heading into the playoffs. “We view ourselves as a wolfpack,” said Sonne. “We’re just going to keep coming and coming, and we’re going to run and hunt and chase.” Last year, the Blades continuously found themselves on their back foot in the playoffs. After dropping the first game of series against the Regina Pats, Red Deer Rebels and Winnipeg Ice, the importance of winning Thursday’s game is big for Saskatoon. But Sonne said what happened last year isn’t taking up much space in anyone’s head this time around. “It might be in the minds of some. That’s not in our minds,” said Sonne. “We want to play Blades hockey. We believe that when we play Blades hockey, we’re pretty tough to beat.” A lot of eyes will be on Blades captain Trevor Wong after he ended the season with 101 points, becoming the first Blade to have a 100-point campaign since 1996. While generating points in the playoffs can be difficult, Wong said he believes that if he sticks with what worked during the season, he will continue to see success. “Obviously they are going to play us harder,” said Wong. “What helped me be successful this season I’m sticking to in this playoffs.” The rivalry between the Raiders and Blades will continue to be felt over the next four to seven games, and Blades defenceman Charlie Wright said he’s excited to play against Prince Albert in the playoffs. “I haven’t played them in the playoffs in my career yet,” said Wright. “It’s kind of cool to get that opportunity to play against the No. 1 rivals.” This is Wright’s last playoff run with Blades, as the 20-year-old will age out of the league after the season. He said he is prepared to leave it all out on the ice. “I’m excited. I’m ready to empty the tank (and) give it my all,” said Wright. “I’m going to do whatever I can to help this team go as far as we can.” The Blades might be one of the most experienced teams when it comes to the WHL playoffs, with most of the core from last year’s run returning. They’ve also added Fraser Minten, who has played in 27 WHL playoff games and the Memorial Cup. Minten said he feels like he can tap into that experience to control his emotions when it matters. “I know how exciting it can be,” said Minten. “I know how emotional it can be too, so (that’s) all good experience to draw back on from trying not to get too high, not get too low, stay present (and) stay even-keeled.”

Overcoming residential school trauma target of discussion group, Regina conference: organizer

CBC Saskatchewan - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 14:48
First Nations people are starting to open up more about the intergenerational effects of residential school trauma, the organizer of a wellness conferencesays.
Categories: Saskatchewan News

Saskatchewan names new chief firearms officer

News Talk 650 CKOM - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 14:37
Saskatchewan has a new chief firearms officer. Murray Cowan is to start in that role, and that of deputy commissioner of the Saskatchewan Firearms Office, on Monday. Cowan will report to Robert Freberg, who now is Saskatchewan’s firearms commissioner. Freberg was named the province’s first chief firearms officer in September of 2021. Previously, the federal government had appointed the people who held that office in the province. According to the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, Cowan has more than 45 years of firearms-related experience and nearly 40 years of service in public safety. He served with the Estevan Police Service for 30 years, attaining the rank of deputy chief in 2017. An active member of the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police, Cowan is an avid outdoorsman, hunter, target shooter and firearms enthusiast. “I am excited and honoured for the opportunity to become a part of the Saskatchewan Firearms Office and will be dedicated to upholding the rights and safety of legal firearm owners in our province,” Cowan said in a release. “I am eager to collaborate with dedicated and skilled professionals of the Saskatchewan Firearms Office in my new role, to navigate the complexities we face, and to seize the potential for positive change. This includes working alongside our law enforcement partners, Indigenous governments in Saskatchewan and all our community stakeholders.” While Saskatchewan still follows federal gun laws, the province’s chief firearms officer has discretion over how those rules are applied. “We are thrilled to welcome Murray to our team,” Freberg said in the release. “His breadth of experience, firearms knowledge, and deep understanding of the Saskatchewan people we serve will be instrumental in guiding our office toward achieving our objectives and delivering effective programming.” In April of last year, the provincial government passed the Saskatchewan Firearms Act, which is aimed at improving public safety and protecting the rights of lawful gun owners. The act set up a provincial firearms regulatory system to “promote the safe and responsible use of firearms.” The legislation also took steps to minimize the impact of federal gun bans on lawful gun owners.

Manitoba government says new minor illness clinic first of many

News Talk 650 CKOM - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 14:25
BRANDON, Man. — The Manitoba government has announced a new minor injury and illness clinic, slated to open in Brandon in September. The province says the clinic is part of a new $17-million plan to open similar clinics across Manitoba and reduce the demand on hospital emergency departments. Premier Wab Kinew says details will be released in the provincial budget on Tuesday. The Brandon clinic is to be staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses, and operate 12 hours a day, seven days a week. The New Democrats promised during last year's election campaign to open clinics, hire more health-care workers and reduce wait times. Other health promises that may be fulfilled in the budget include free prescription birth control and more hours of direct care for seniors in personal care homes. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 27, 2024. The Canadian Press

Sask. singer awarded golden buzzer — and $25K — at Canada's Got Talent

CBC Saskatchewan - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 14:18
Rebecca Strong, a Denesuline singer from Prince Albert, belted out a cover of Demi Lovato's Stone Cold for her audition on the show, bringing audience members to their feet and winning high praise from the judges.
Categories: Saskatchewan News

Ontario international student permits to go to in-demand areas

News Talk 650 CKOM - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 14:12
TORONTO — Ontario will give the vast majority of its allocated international student study permits to post-secondary institutions that offer in-demand programs such as in the skilled trades, child care and health care. Colleges and Universities Minister Jill Dunlop says the province is prioritizing programs to support in-demand jobs upon graduation. The federal government announced earlier this year it would slash the international student permits it would hand out, with Ontario seeing its allotment cut in half. Post-secondary institutions, especially colleges, in the province turned increasingly to international students after Premier Doug Ford's government in 2019 cut tuition by 10 per cent and froze it. Last month, Dunlop gave a $1.3 billion funding lifeline to post-secondary institutions, but the colleges and universities said they needed double that amount. Ontario's budget this week indicated that the lost international student revenue in the college sector, whose finances show up on the province's books, will total about $3 billion over two years. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 27, 2024. The Canadian Press

Ottawa signs $3.7B health deal with Quebec, final province to sign onto health accord

News Talk 650 CKOM - Wed, 03/27/2024 - 14:10
OTTAWA — Health Minister Mark Holland signed a $3.7-billion health pact with Quebec today, which means all 13 provinces and territories have now signed on to Ottawa's new health accord. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau first pitched a new health-funding deal to provinces more than a year ago to increase federal health transfers and provide targeted help. The offer came as premiers and health workers raised the alarm about the ailing state of Canada's health-care systems. In exchange for the funds, Ottawa demands provinces report on how the money will be spent and measure whether those funds are improving health outcomes for Canadians. Quebec was the only province not to sign onto the deal in principle over concerns about the sovereignty of its health data and Ottawa overstepping its jurisdiction. Now that Ottawa has signed deals with each province and territory, Holland says he'll be getting his fellow health ministers together in the coming weeks to talk about next steps. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 27, 2024. The Canadian Press

Pages