By Natasha Bulowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Canada’s National Observer

From avian flu to diseases that kill off oysters and invasive pests decimating trees, Canada’s food safety agency is facing an ever-increasing list of challenges to its job performance that are multiplying with climate change. In a detailed statement to Canada’s National Observer, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) broke […]

By Matt Prokopchuk
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

GRASSY NARROWS — The chair of a group of six First Nations says the latest step for a proposed nuclear waste site is yet another cause for concern. Rudy Turtle, with the Land Defence Alliance, says it’s the newest bit of news that’s worrying Indigenous communities concerned about the environment […]

By Sandi Krasowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

Thunder Bay’s waterfront business district saw the reopening of Red River Road this past year after extensive construction during 2024 to replace underground infrastructure and renew the streetscape. While construction is not yet fully complete, Kara Pratt, Waterfront Business Improvement Area executive director, said it has been encouraging to have […]

By Maggie Macintosh
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Winnipeg Free Press

Banaise-Kwe Henry is battling homesickness so she can return to the southern shores of Lake Huron to help raise her nephew and his peers in Anishinaabemowin. “Nigaan-inaabidan,” is the phrase that comes to mind for the 19-year-old when asked to describe her mission in Manitoba. “It means, ‘to think ahead […]

By Thomas Kent
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Woolwich Observer

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a new way to tackle one of the world’s most persistent forms of pollution: microplastics that slip through wastewater treatment plants and into rivers and lakes, and eventually into the food chain. The team has engineered bacteria already found in wastewater systems […]

By Thomas Kent
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Woolwich Observer

New federal food regulations taking effect last week will significantly increase the amount of vitamin D added to several everyday foods sold in Ontario, including milk and margarine, as part of a national effort to address widespread vitamin D deficiency and improve long-term bone health. Under updated rules announced by […]

The family of Robert Luke Archie regrettably announce his passing on January 3, 2026, at the Rainy River Hospital with his daughter by his side. Robert was born in Assabassca, now known as Mishkosiminiiibiing First Nation, Ontario, on November 5, 1938, to Robert John and Pauline (nee Bluebird) Archie. Left […]

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Tom Campbell at Riverside Hospital, Fort Frances, Ontario, on December 29, 2025, at age 79. Tom felt that he was very fortunate during his lifetime and was grateful for the many opportunities that he experienced. He grew up in […]