By Mike Stimpson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Thunder Bay Source

CAT LAKE FIRST NATION – An abrupt “Christmas present” shows where the Ontario government’s priorities are, says Chief Russell Wesley. On Dec. 22, the Friday before Christmas, Wesley received a letter from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to inform him and his remote First Nation northwest of Sioux […]

By Rochelle Baker
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Canada's National Observer

The ocean, the planet’s greatest ally in the fight against global warming, barely made a ripple in the UN climate deal recently crafted in Dubai.  The UAE Consensus agreement reached last Wednesday references oceans in only four paragraphs of the 10,000-word text.  A preamble paragraph on the importance of ensuring […]

TORONTO — Today, Premier Doug Ford issued the following statement to mark the start of the New Year: “Happy New Year, Ontario! As we turn the calendar to 2024, I want to take a moment to pause and reflect upon the progress we’ve made as a province over the past […]

By Sandi Krasowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

As 2023 winds down, the record-breaking trend in port activity continues at Keefer Terminal with potash exports at the top of the list. Chris Heikkinen, the port’s chief executive officer, said the port has been busy this year in most areas, with total cargo volumes expected to increase by about […]

By Kyle Darbyson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Sault Star

Lake Superior State University rang in the new year by unveiling its annual Banished Words List over the weekend, with terms like “hack,” “rizz,” “slay” and “cringe-worthy” making the cut. LSSU officials dropped this list on Sunday morning with the hope of encouraging residents on both sides of the St. […]

From the NWHU
Press release

Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) advises that cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are high in the region. Local rates of many STIs, including chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV are much higher than the average rates in Ontario. Those aged 15 to 34 years and their partners are most likely to […]

By Lee Griffi
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette

The creation of a National Suicide Prevention Hotline is drawing praise from all political stripes, including two area Members of Parliament. The hotline is for anyone having suicidal thoughts or emotional distress and is available to everyone in Canada. It is being led by the Centre for Addiction and Mental […]

By Carl Clutchey
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

Kakabeka Falls, Ont. — The majority of people relying on a Kakabeka Falls food bank are seniors who struggle to make ends meet on meagre pensions and incomes, organizers say. “They are getting older,” Rural Cupboard Food Bank board member and treasurer Kimm White said on Friday. “About 68 per […]

By Mike Stimpson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Thunder Bay Source

IGNACE – Chéla Breckon says her team’s mission is to help Ignace residents as they decide whether they would be okay with hosting nuclear waste management operations in the area. “We are here for the residents,” Breckon, president of the consulting firm With Chéla Inc., said Tuesday from her home […]

(SHUNIAH, ON) – On December 15, 2023, at 5:41 p.m., members of the Thunder Bay and Nipigon Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachments, Shuniah Volunteer Fire Department, and Superior North Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision on Highway 11-17 in the area of Superior Shores Road […]

Elisa Nguyen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

Natural disasters and emergencies happen from time to time. In particular, the Rainy River District has experienced many floods over the last few years, making the importance of being prepared for emergencies greater than ever. Patrick Briere, Emergency Management Field Officer in the Amethyst Sector, noted that the last flood […]