The new voice of Saskatchewan. Evan Bray discusses the latest stories about Saskatchewan with Saskatchewan listeners. Heard from 8:30am - 12:30pm on 650 CKOM & 980 CJME.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders won a thrilling overtime game against the Calgary Stampeders last weekend. Britton Gray, Green Zone Rider reporter, joins Brent to recap the game and bring us up to speed on other sports news.

As costs rise and the agriculture industry evolves, many farm families are balancing today's challenges with planning for the future. The Stevenson family from Hi-Lite Feedlot in northeast Saskatchewan joins us to discuss succession planning, innovation, and the realities of running a multi-generational farm. Farmers Beau and Cashe Steven join Brent to talk about their farm and the changing face of agriculture in this province.

Saskatoon now has Saskatchewan's first Black Legal Clinic, created to help improve access to legal information, support and advocacy for Black people and families across the province. Organizers say many Black people continue to face barriers when it comes to access and understanding of the legal system. This clinic hopes to close that gap. Anthony Olusola, Executive Director, Truly Alive Youth and Family Foundation Inc. (TAYFFI), joins Brent to talk about the clinic and its plans for the future.

BHP's Jansen potash mine project has released another update, but it's not necessarily a positive one. The company now says the total price tag for Stage 2 has risen by US$2 billion. Is this common for projects this size? Should the people of Saskatchewan be concerned? Paul Martin, Saskatchewan business commentator and expert, joins Brent to explain what this latest increase means.

You don't often hear Conservative MPs advocating for easier access to psychedelic drugs, but Saskatoon MP Corey Tochor has introduced a private member's bill that would make it easier for doctors to prescribe psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms. He says current federal rules are preventing patients from accessing potentially life-changing treatments for conditions like PTSD, depression, and addiction, and joins Brent to explain why he believes Canada's approach to psychedelic-assisted therapy needs to change.

The Saskatoon new public library is on track to open in 2027. But it still has many asking questions about the $150-million price tag and what taxpayers can expect in return. Bronwyn Eyre, Saskatchewan's former attorney general and justice minister and senior fellow at the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy, is one of those voices who has been critical of the project. She joins Brent to talk about this and her recent piece on the Notwithstanding Clause.

Summer is officially here, and for a lot of Saskatchewan families, that means road trips, weekends at the lake, and plenty of time behind the wheel. But will drivers feel relief at the pump this summer? Roger McKnight, Chief Petroleum Analyst at EN-PRO, joins guest host Brent Loucks to answer this question.

Tally up the score, tell us who wins and the real winner could be you! It's time for Green & White Prognostications presented by Paladin Canada. Pick the game winner and the closest combined score, and you could win a $100 Co-op gift card from Sherwood Co-op!

This Sunday also marks National Indigenous Peoples Day! It's a day to celebrate Indigenous cultures, histories and teachings. Andrew McDonald, Co-Executive Director for Wanuskewin Heritage Park and Sascha Sasbrink Harkema, Board Chair on Wanuskewin's Board of Directors, join Brent to talk about the events happening that day and why Wanuskewin remains an important gathering place for all people.

What time is it? It's Eatin' Time! with Belton Johnson - powered by the Saskatchewan Cattle Association! Grillmaster Belton Johnson joins Evan with his recipe for Smoked Brisket Jalapeños Poppers.

Summer officially begins this Sunday! And for many Saskatchewan families, that means spending time at the province's lakes and beaches. As people head out to the water, Chief Medical Health Officer for Saskatchewan, Dr. Saqib Shahab, joins us to talk about the Healthy Beaches Program and how to stay safe at the beach this summer.

Every Friday, we open the phone lines and give you a chance to call out or commend anyone you think deserves it.

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of many veterans' redeployment to Afghanistan. Jim Sinclair, retired corporal with the Royal Regina Rifles, is one of the veterans taking part. He joins Brent to discuss Canada's federal monument, which is causing some controversy, and the upcoming Patricia's Howl reunion at Regina Beach to honour those veterans who served in Afghanistan.

Brad Wall, former Saskatchewan Premier, says Saskatchewan has "soft power." While we hold few seats in parliament and do not decide elections, we have something of value; we have what the world needs: Potash. He joins Brent to explain how Saskatchewan stood alone in its trade relationship building and what other provinces or countries could learn from the landlocked region.

After four months, a U.S.-Iran agreement to extend the ceasefire and open the Strait of Hormuz has been signed. The Memorandum of Understanding says that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon and also commits funding for the reconstruction and economic development of the country, although the U.S. is not required to contribute. Kaveh Shahrooz, Senior Fellow at the Macdonald Laurier Institute, joins guest host Brent Loucks to bring us up to speed on the latest.

EG Auctions returns to Prairieland Park this weekend for its second annual collector car auction, bringing the excitement of a Barrett-Jackson-style event to Saskatoon. Todd Schwindt, President and CEO of EG Auctions and a longtime classic car enthusiast, joins Brent to talk about this year's event, the collector car market, and some of the incredible vehicles expected to cross the auction block.

Canadian rock legends The Stampeders are hitting the road once again with their Prairies Tour 2026. Kim Berly, Canadian drummer from the folk rock trio The Stampeders, joins Brent ahead of the groups' shows in Saskatoon and Regina.

Ticket prices and fees are under the microscope right now. Ontario has introduced new rules around ticket pricing and resales, while many consumers continue to push back against high fees from major ticketing platforms. One Saskatoon entrepreneur thinks more competition is part of the solution. He's created a local ticketing platform designed to cut fees, support event organizers, and leave more money in the pockets of both promoters and attendees. Liam Iverson, founder of OnStage, joins Brent.

After a young employee was killed in a tragic work zone accident, Saskatchewan businessman, marathon runner, and now author Reg Willick found an unexpected way to channel his grief. His new book, Not a Runner, tells the story of loss, resilience, and a journey that would eventually take him far beyond anything he could have imagined. He joins the show to tell Brent about his adventures.

Brent Loucks sits down with Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block for her monthly mayoral check-in. Mayors Block takes Brent's and your questions and gives an update on the city's state of affairs.

June is Stroke Month, a time to raise awareness about the signs of a stroke and the importance of getting help quickly. Terry Yuzik, Saskatchewan stroke survivor and part of the Coronary Artery Rehabilitation Group (CARG) of volunteers, joins the show to talk about his recovery after suffering from a stroke and why he continues to advocate and help other survivors.

Book clubs are often associated with community centres, libraries and living rooms, but Stephen Marche, novelist, essayist and author of nine books, including The Next Civil War: Dispatches from the American Future, recently hosted one in an Ontario prison. He joins us to talk about the group of readers, which he says was the most thoughtful and informed book club he's ever attended. He also shares his thoughts on Canada's plan to eliminate all librarian positions across Canada.

From flooding to wildfires, hail and EF3 tornadoes, Saskatchewan has seen no shortage of wild weather in the last few weeks. What's behind all these dramatic swings, and are they becoming more common? Michael Flannigan, BC Innovation Research Chair in Predictive Services, Emergency Management and Fire Science, Faculty of Science, as well as the Science Director of the Canadian Partnership for Wildland Fire Science, joins Brent to answer this question.

Nearly two decades after the death of Misha Pavelick, a judge has handed down a sentence. The offender, who was 17 at the time, was given the maximum youth sentence of seven years for the killing of Misha in 2006. To bring us up to speed on the case and explain the Youth Criminal Justice Act, Andrew Hitchcock, criminal lawyer with Pfefferle Law in Saskatoon and the offender's defence lawyer in the Mischa Pavelick case, joins guest host Brent Loucks.

Weather has already been kind of a wild ride this year. Floods, fires, late snow... and the ride continues. A developing El Niño could bring more extreme weather around the world over the coming months. Experts are warning it often amplifies droughts, floods, storms, and temperature swings. For more on this, Evan is joined by Dr. John Pomeroy, Director of the University of Saskatchewan's (USask) Centre for Hydrology.

Father's Day is on Sunday, and while the gifts/crafts from the kids can be sweet, they can also cause confusion and heartbreak for kids who have poor relations with their parents or live in an untraditional household. Last month, an elementary school in Winnipeg sent students home with "family gifts" instead of the traditional Mother's Day and Father's Day presents. Is this the right move?

You're quick & clever! And for some weird reason you've carried the right answer in your head for years. Or maybe you just trust Uncle Google. It's time for Saskatchewan's Smartest Radio Listener for Little Town Apparel -- your chance for fame and acclaim and to prove just how smart you are. Not only do you get bragging rights, you'll win prizes too!

Saskatchewan has two seasons: winter and construction season. We're well into construction season, and we want to know what we'll have to show for it when the dust settles. What improvements are coming to the province's highways? Evan is joined by Saskatchewan Highways Minister Kim Gartner.

Back in April, the province announced the Saskatchewan Small Town and Rural (STAR) Police Services Grant Program. But how is it actually helping rural services? Rob Duttchen, Chief Constable, Corman Park Police Service, joins us to answer that question!

Saskatchewan Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill joins Evan for a full hour of listener calls as Saskatchewan's health system continues to face pressure on multiple fronts — from long ER wait times, safety concerns and staffing shortages to ongoing questions about access to family doctors and care in rural communities.

Evan goes to the phones to chat with listeners about construction projects and highways that are giving them a headache during their summer travels.

Yesterday, it was announced that the man who killed Misha Pavelick in 2006 would be sentenced as a youth. He was 17 at the time of Misha's death. The full sentence is to be delivered later today. Lisa Schick, 980 CJME senior reporter, brings us up to speed on the case.

If you've ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of your favourite fishing lake, today's guest can help answer that question. Trystan Meyers, owner of Armed With Harmony Music Services LTD. and part of the Angler's Edge Mapping team, joins Evan to discuss modern lake mapping tech and how hours on the water turn into a useful tool for fishers, and also a beautiful piece of art.

A Saskatoon startup is developing a portable device that allows farmers to detect crop diseases in the field in under two hours, potentially saving crops before infections spread. This could also reduce the need for broad pesticide use. To talk about this new invention, Evan is joined by Ethan Done, chief operating officer and co-founder of PathoScan Technologies.

Young people are facing a tough job market. In April, the unemployment rate among youth his 14.3 per cent, which is higher than it was before the pandemic. But some experts say there are still several things youth can do to build up their resume, like volunteering. Genelle Payant, HR consultant and founder of Spark People Solutions, joins the show to discuss the value behind volunteer work and to share her tips and tricks on how to stand out in a flood of resumes.

Evan goes to the phones to chat with listeners about what's on their minds today.

Continuing our discussion on the independent review of Saskatchewan's 2025 wildfire response. While the province has accepted all 11 recommendations, many in the forestry sector are now looking at what lessons can be learned to better prevent, detect, and respond to major wildfires in the future. Forest Saskatchewan CEO Carl Neggers joined the show last week, calling for the report's release. Now that it's public, he's back with his take on this report.

The independent review of Saskatchewan's 2025 wildfire response found the SPSA was not fully prepared for a wildfire season of that scale. The report identified significant gaps in preparedness, emergency management, evacuations, and communication. To talk about what was found and what the province is going to do about it Evan is joined by Michael Weger, Minister of Community Safety.

Canadians across the country continue to feel the pinch at the grocery store. To address this, the federal government announced its $3B food security strategy. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, food distribution and policy professor at Dalhousie University Agri-Food Analytics Lab and visiting scholar in food distribution and policy at McGill University, says it's a positive step, but the strategy is missing a clear, long-term vision. He joins Tamara Cherry to discuss what changes Canada needs to make to improve food security.

As Alberta grapples with renewed separatist sentiment and questions about its future, Tyler Dawson's new book, The Republic of Alberta: An Idea That Won't Go Away, explores why these tensions keep returning. He traces the movement's roots back more than a century and argues today's debate is part of a much longer story of Western alienation and Alberta identity.

It's been a while since Tamara caught up with Jeffery Straker, Saskatchewan pianist and singer-songwriter. He joins us now to discuss his upcoming shows and his exciting summer wedding plans!

Ontario schools are installing vape detectors in washrooms in an effort to curb teen vaping and make students feel safer at school. But while the technology may help catch students in the act, it also raises a bigger question: why are so many young people vaping in the first place, and what can parents, schools, and policymakers do about it? Tamara speaks with Rob Cunningham, Senior Policy Analyst with the Canadian Cancer Society.

Tamara sits down with the Mayor of Regina, Chad Bachynski, for his monthly mayoral check-in. Mayor Bachynski takes Tamara's and your questions and gives an update on the city's state of affairs.

A new app developed with the University of Regina and the Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board helps public safety personnel keep track of their mental health through regular check-ins and self-assessments. Tamara speaks with Dr. Nicholas Carleton of the Psychological Trauma and Stress Systems Lab about how the tool works and why early intervention matters.

New research is raising concerns about a steady rise in colon cancer among younger adults, a trend that doctors and scientists are still working to fully understand. While genetics can play a role, gut health and ultra-processed foods may be increasingly important. To help break down what the latest research is showing and what it might mean for prevention, Tamara is joined by health correspondent Hilary Brueck of Business Insider.

There's been no shortage of major developments coming out of Washington, from trade tensions involving the Gordie Howe International Bridge to renewed uncertainty around the future of CUSMA. At the same time, U.S. President Trump continues to make personal headlines as well, revolving around his health and major public-facing events. Kelly Malone, Washington correspondent for the Canadian Press, joins guest host Tamara Cherry to break this all down.

Tally up the score, tell us who wins and the real winner could be you! It's time for Green & White Prognostications presented by Paladin Canada. Pick the game winner and the closest combined score, and you could win a $100 Co-op gift card from Sherwood Co-op!

Big things are happening in Rider Nation! The 2026 season kicks off tomorrow, along with official tailgating and last year's Grey Cup championship banner! Craig Reynolds, president and CEO of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, joins us ahead of all the fun and excitement and a new season for the Green & White.

With the Saskatchewan Roughrider season officially kicking off this weekend, many Rider fans are pulling out their best green and white--but do you have unique custom-made pieces? That's what Hilary De Paz, owner of Me & You Handmades, creates! She takes your Rider gear and turns it into a unique vest, windbreaker or jacket! Being a longtime Rider fan who loves crafting, it's a match made in heaven! She joins us ahead of Saturday's game to talk about her business's journey and how you can get a custom piece!

The Ryan Schlechter Memorial Golf Classic returns on July 6 to raise money for The Caring Place, helping ensure mental health counselling remains accessible and affordable for Regina families. Organizers are hoping for their biggest tournament yet as they honour Ryan's legacy and support vital mental health services in Saskatchewan. To talk about the event and the man it honours, Evan is joined by Angie Schlechter, co-founder of The Ryan Schlechter Foundation and Ryan's sister.

What time is it? It's Eatin' Time! with Belton Johnson - powered by the Saskatchewan Cattle Association! Grillmaster Belton Johnson joins Evan with his recipe for BBQ'd Korean Short Ribs.