By Clint Fleury
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

THUNDER BAY — There were no substantive changes to the city’s 2026 operating budget, but plenty of conversation on funding safety and security programs, in the first of two budget review meetings Monday. A majority of city departments presented their budgets and took questions from council, but the debate focused on a […]

– Allan Bradbury photo

Canadian rock band Big Sugar brought their high energy, high octane show to the Townshend Theate last night as part of Tour De Fort’s sold out passport season. The Canadian music icons performed the entirety of their 1996 record Hemi-Vision before launching into a set of more of their classic […]

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

At a time when the federal government is encouraging Canadian financial institutions to invest in nation-building projects, the country’s biggest pension fund keeps investing in fossil fuels and backing away from climate commitments. The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) invested at least $7.1 billion in new fossil fuel and pipeline assets between October 2024 and […]

By Mark Pavilons
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
King Weekly Sentinel

There’s mounting opposition to the federal government’s firearm buy-back program. The program opened Jan 19, despite widespread opposition and refusal of some provinces to participate. The federal government unveiled the next steps in its national gun buyback program and Canadians will have about two months to declare their interest in […]

By Connor McDowell
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Brandon Sun

A police officer and a military member who were involved in the rescue of three stranded fishers on Lake Manitoba earlier this month detailed the night as a collaboration that involved some help from the missing fishers. RCAF member Capt. Zach Hotte was on the rescue plane, a CC-130H Hercules, […]

By Renee Lilley
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Portage Graphic Leader

The Portage Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is turning to unique community events like “cat yoga” and targeted foster programs to meet the growing needs of its local rescue operations. Chrissy Nesbitt, fundraising coordinator for PAWS, says the organization is looking for creative ways to engage the public while supporting the […]

By Matt Prokopchuk
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

SIOUX LOOKOUT — Several years’ worth of work is scheduled to start this spring on Sioux Lookout’s wastewater system. That’s according to Mayor Doug Lawrance, who told Newswatch increasing the capacity of the existing water treatment plant is needed to accommodate the municipality’s growth. “Our population has just grown steadily […]

Thankfully it is looking like we might be moving out of the deep freeze. I am hoping I can stop worrying about all the things that could potentially go wrong. Then again, it is doubtful because that seems to be something I am good at. I really don’t have anything to complain […]

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Russell Cyr, 62, on January 25, 2026, at LaVerendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont., with his daughter Kayla, and niece Nancy by his side. Russell was born on April 23, 1963, to Louis and Rosie Cyr. Throughout his […]

It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Eddie Tetu, 82, of Stratton, Ont., at his residence on January 20, 2026. Eddie was born in Fort Frances on November 29, 1943, to parents Laurie and Clara Tetu. After his schooling, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air […]