By Maya Ekman,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
NWOnewswatch.com

EMO — When Coeur Mining took over the New Gold Mine in Rainy River, it was left with thousands of coveralls bearing the old logo — and the Emo Seniors’ Centre stepped up to the task of rebranding. The mine reached out seeking an efficient way to rebrand the clothing, […]

By Sandi Krasowski,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

The federal government has accelerated the transition of up to 33,000 workers in Canada to permanent residence in 2026 and 2027. The initiative announced Monday by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab aims to focus immigration on the areas of greatest impact, including rural and remote communities facing labour shortages in […]

By Connor McDowell,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Brandon Sun

A large number of Manitoba farmers are protected from the rising cost of fertilizer this spring because they pre-purchased before the war in Iran broke out, according to Manitoba’s general farm policy organization. It has become clearer that many farmers are insulated for the year, as several weeks have passed […]

By Nicole Goldsworthy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SaskToday.ca

STURGEON LAKE FIRST NATION, Sask. — Sturgeon Lake First Nation has declared a state of emergency to secure support and resources as rising water levels, flooded roads and deteriorating bridge conditions affect access to the community. Chief and council passed a band council resolution on May 5, declaring the emergency […]

THUNDER BAY – When and how the city would move people out of encampments, and when it would use force, will soon be up for debate. City council will consider a new use of public spaces bylaw, alongside options for designated encampment sites, at Wednesday’s special committee of the whole meeting. The bylaw […]

The Sunset Palliative Care Committee invites everyone and their loved ones to the Pushing Up Daisies fair. Explore informational booths and connect with local services offering support to you and your family throughout the end-of-life journey. This year’s event also features two speakers you won’t want to miss. This event […]

NWOnewswatch.com
By Carrie Ivardi,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

RAINY RIVER — Constable Kristina Bombay said she was completely surprised to learn that she had won the IODE Community Policing Award for 2026. The Rainy River OPP officer had been nominated for the award by Staff Sgt. Dereck McLean and said she was caught off guard by the nomination. […]

By Carrie Ivardi,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
NWOnewswatch.com

RAINY RIVER — Efforts to make satellite courts in the Ontario Court of Justice system more accessible in the Northwest region are advancing, according to Rainy River lawyer Jeffrey Marchuk. Marchuk said that this greater accessibility through both virtual and in-person court is happening through renovations to the Legion in […]

The Chronicle-Journal
By: Carl Clutchey,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Despite a cooler-than-normal spring last month, wildfires burned over nearly 40 hectares of land across the province, with most of the damage occurring in Northwestern Ontario. The figures, compiled by the province’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) agency, show the amount is greater than what was burnt in […]

The Chronicle-Journal
By Sandi Krasowski,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In an attempt to help airlines manage rising jet fuel costs, the Thunder Bay International Airport Authority will temporarily reduce select airport user fees from May 1 to 30. Graham Ingham, airport president and chief executive officer, said the move comes amid increasing fuel prices and tightening supply, placing additional […]

NWOnewswatch.com
By Maya Ekman,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

DRYDEN – Multiple factors are driving the need for housing in Dryden, and Mayor Jack Harrison says that need is being met. “Most communities have a housing shortfall,” Harrison said, but by the end of 2026, the city will have gained 177 new units since 2025. “It’s quite remarkable for […]