As the calendar turned to 2026, CTV News Regina looked back at the stories that dominated headlines and captivated audiences throughout the previous year. The compilation, released on January 2, 2026, offers a revealing snapshot of the major events, both local and national, that resonated most with viewers in Saskatchewan and across Canada.
A Year of Headline-Making Events
The list of top trending stories for 2025 encompasses a wide range of topics, reflecting a year of significant incidents and ongoing issues. One of the most prominent local legal stories involved Romana Didulo, the self-proclaimed "Queen of Canada" and conspiracy theorist. In September 2025, she was led by a police officer into provincial court in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, for a bail hearing, an image that captured national attention.
Public safety stories featured heavily, with reports of a staged collision leading to a carjacking in Vaughan, Ontario, and a tragic bar fire in Switzerland believed to be ignited by sparkling flares on wine bottles. In British Columbia, a real estate agent had his licence cancelled after assaulting two people during an open house while in what was described as a drug-induced psychosis.
From Sports to Weather and Beyond
The trending topics extended far beyond crime and courts. A fascinating piece of potential music history emerged when a B.C. expert claimed with "100 per cent" certainty that a guitar once belonged to legendary musician Johnny Cash.
In sports, a significant moment occurred when, for the first time since 1952, no players from Quebec were named to Canada's hockey roster, a fact that one commentator said "has to raise an alarm." Meanwhile, Winnipeg Jets stars Kyle Connor and Connor Hellebuyck were named to the U.S. Olympic team.
The list also highlighted the relentless force of nature, with winter weather warnings active across Canada on the first Friday of the new year, and a reminder of the powerful "Big Dig" continuing in a northern Ontario city after a massive snowstorm. The year also began with seismic activity, as three earthquakes rattled the Alaska-Yukon border area within minutes just before January 1.
Local Saskatchewan Stories That Made the List
Saskatchewan was well-represented in the trending stories. A heartwarming local event saw a First Nation mother give birth to Saskatoon's first baby of 2026. The community of Prince Albert rallied in support of the Salvation Army following a devastating fire. On a solemn note, a Regina house fire resulted in one person being taken to hospital.
The province also celebrated national recognition, as author Michelle Good was one of two Saskatchewanians to receive the Order of Canada, described as "a tremendous honour." New provincial employment law changes affecting worker tips and sick leave also trended as significant local policy news.
From the arrival of New Year's babies across Manitoba to new Ontario laws taking effect, and from a nationwide pistachio recall linked to salmonella to the latest developments in electric vehicle demand affecting Tesla, the list curated by CTV News Regina paints a comprehensive picture of a dynamic and eventful year for Canadians.
