By Carl Clutchey
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

The appointment of an independent review panel into a proposed underground storage site for spent nuclear-fuel rods is likely several months away, but those following the project say they’re relieved a panel hearing will be part of the process. “We would have been surprised if it wasn’t,” We the Nuclear […]

By Sylene Argent
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Essex Free Press

The Provincial PC-run government presented its 2026 Budget last Thursday, which Essex MPP (PC) Anthony Leardi said focuses on protecting Ontario workers and businesses.  The 2026 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario was the eighth consecutive PC Budget with no new taxes, Leardi boasted.  “That distinguishes us quite considerably […]

By Carrie Ivardi
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

THUNDER BAY — Cameron Adomko has been sentenced to life imprisonment and ineligibility for parole for 17 years. This was the ruling of Justice Robin Lepere of the Superior Court of Justice on Tuesday. Adomko was found guilty of second-degree murder for his role in the death of his stepmother, […]

By Debbie Christinck
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Eganville Leader

Eganville – The Buy Ontario Act may be a good idea in principle, but the implementation and practicality make it a challenge for small municipalities. “One of the biggest problems now is voting equipment if you can believe that” said Bonnechere Valley (BV) CAO Annette Gilchrist last Tuesday in her […]

By Mike Stimpson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SNnewswatch.com

FORT HOPE — One of the most welcome components of the Ontario Final Agreement (OFA) to reform child welfare services on reserves is the remoteness quotient, leaders of northern First Nations say. The remoteness quotient is the factor by which child and family services funding is increased to account for […]

By Jon Thompson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Ricochet

The fly-in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation lost another home to fire over the weekend, as the Auditor General of Canada refuses to investigate allegations that the Canadian Human Rights Commission is “slow-walking” complaints over inequitable firefighting resources in northern Ontario First Nations. The March 28 duplex fire in the community […]

By Allan Bradbury
Staff Writer
abradbury@fortfrances.com

Last week, 12 members of Naicatchewenin (Northwest Bay) First Nation (NFN) took part in ice rescue training, which will enable them to help out community members who find themselves in trouble. Bob Morrison is the Community Emergency Management Coordinator, Deputy Fire Chief and First Response Team Coordinator for the First […]

By Matt Prokopchuk
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
NWOnewswatch.com

TORONTO — First Nations leaders in Ontario are celebrating a decision by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal over the future of child welfare. On Monday, the tribunal approved the Ontario Final Agreement — the nine-year, $8.5-billion deal that the Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation reached with the federal […]

By Robin McCormick
West End Correspondent

Eight youth ranging in ages 8-13 took part in the “You’re The Chef” program in La Vallee during March break. The program ran for three days, March 17, 18 and 19, and was made possible by the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU). The Municipality of LaVallee sponsored the Program. Leaders were […]

By Marissa Lentz-McGrath
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TimminsToday.com

TIMMINS – Ontario’s 2026 budget misses the mark for Northern Ontario, says Timiskaming-Cochrane MPP John Vanthof. Vanthof is disappointed the budget failed to acknowledge growing concerns from northern communities, including road safety and municipal infrastructure. “I would say, from a northern perspective, more of the same and missing the moment,” […]

By Matt Prokopchuk
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
NWOnewswatch.com

ATIKOKAN — A former elementary school property in Atikokan is up for sale. The Rainy River District School Board is looking to sell off two surplus pieces of land it owns in the town, with one of them being the former North Star Community School property on Hawthorne Road. The […]