By Carrie Ivardi
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

THUNDER BAY — It cost over $300,000 to cover legal fees for city police in the first three months of the year, putting a serious dent in the budget of the board overseeing the service. As part of their legal obligation to service members the Thunder Bay Police Service Board […]

By Mike Stimpson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SNnewswatch.com

THUNDER BAY — Confederation College has seen a steep drop in enrolment by international students, but college president Michelle Salo says the province has come through with more money to help soften the financial blow. The college’s 2026 Report to Community says the eight-campus institution had 3,456 full-time students enrolled […]

By Brenda Sawatzky
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Niverville Citizen

On May 20, the provincial government extended an invitation to all Manitobans to share their views on the long-held tradition of seasonal time changes. Should the province shift away from the practice of a biannual clock adjustment? They’re also seeking input on whether the majority would opt for permanent standard […]

By Sarah Cooke
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
NorthBayNipissing.com

What started as a turned-down offer from Ontario Hydro (now known as Hydro One) decades ago has become an investment that generates between $20,000 and $45,000 in annual dividends. During Magnetawan’s May 6 meeting, Mayor Sam Dunnett reflected on the municipality’s long-standing equity stake in Lakeland Power. It has grown […]

By Renee Lilley
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Portage Graphic Leader

A local community non-profit is looking to breathe life into a new affordable housing project by dangling a rare carrot in front of potential partners: upfront capital funding. The Portage Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC) has officially launched an expression of interest, seeking proposals from non-profits, housing co-operatives, and private property […]

By Makenzi Fisk
Special to the Times
Originally published in the Atikokan Progress, May 20, 2026

Writer Mackenzi Fisk, a leader of the Pictograph Community Arts project, lost her residence in the Factor Lake fire. She offered the following reflections…. “Do you smell smoke?” my neighbour asked. He’d just climbed down the ladder after patching a leaky spot on my shed roof. “Maybe someone having a […]

By Aynsley Teeple
Emo Devlin Beef Club Press Reporter

On Tuesday, May 12, the Emo Devlin 4-H Beef Club met for their first meeting. The meeting was held at Ontario Crops Research Centre and began at 7 p.m. The club recited the pledge and welcomed our returning and joining members. Everyone began introducing themselves, as well as their 4-H […]

By Clint Fleury,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

THUNDER BAY — An extension could be in store for a 60-day foot patrol pilot project. “It’s going very well. It’s well received by the businesses, in the north and south core and by community members,” Thunder Bay Police Service Deputy Chief Ryan Hughes told Newswatch in an interview. The street team has made close […]

By Carrie Ivardi
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

THUNDER BAY — When a first responder arrives at a home, ERIK can provide them with “immediate information to help the client if they’re unconscious or can’t communicate,” according to Donna Nagy. Nagy is chair of Age Friendly Thunder Bay, which launched a revamped ERIK (emergency response information kit) alongside […]

By Maya Ekman
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
NWOnewswatch.com

RED LAKE – Six local middle school students have taken on the challenge of competing in a Canada-wide youth quilting competition. Seventh and eighth graders at the Golden Learning Centre began crafting their quilts around February, after teacher Katherine Fawthrop learned of the Canadian Quilters Association’s Youth Challenge from a […]

By Maya Ekman
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
NWOnewswatch.com

KENORA – Andrew Poirier filed nomination papers on May 7 seeking a second term as mayor of Kenora. Poirier says he’d like to see the many positive things coming to the city through to their end. “I feel that I still bring an awful lot of experience to the table […]

By Jacqueline St. Pierre
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Manitoulin Expositor

CANADA—There is a moment in conversation with Meggie Cywink where her voice changes. Not louder. Not angrier. Just tired in the way granite is tired after carrying winter for centuries. “Families are no longer asking to be consulted as an afterthought,” she said quietly. “Families are asking to lead.” For […]