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

Canada is launching an international effort to tackle the swell of ocean noise pollution harming marine life across the globe — sparking hope among conservation groups for quieter Canadian waters. At the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, delegates from Canada and Panama partnered this week to launch the high-ambition […]

By Ethan Braund
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Woolwich Observer

Smoke from wildfires leads to bad air quality and the resultant respiratory problems, but our eyes can feel the effects just as much, says a University of Waterloo professor. In the week of recent wildfires to the north and west that caused smoke to cover much of southwestern Ontario, Dr. […]

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

The climate-driven wildfires currently razing Canada’s northern forests and darkening skies across the continent may have an unexpected effect: according to a new study, the fires may reduce global warming and sea ice melt in the Arctic. The rising impact of blazes in Canada and Siberia’s boreal regions over the […]

By Clint Fleury,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

THUNDER BAY – The chair of the city’s beautification committee said they were blindsided by administration’s recommendation to axe advisory committees as part of its governance review. Stephen Margarit, clean, green and beautiful committee chair, said he was shocked to learn that the committee was one of several city staff recommendations to be […]

By Laura Balanko-Dickson
Staff writer
lbalankodickson@fortfrances.com

In recognition of their excellence, going above and beyond their expected duties and getting along well with the students and their families, Maury Nielson and Tom Duchnicki were both awarded the Bus Driver of the Year award for the Rainy River District School Board. This is the first year that […]

From the Eagle Lake Conservation Group
Press release

EAGLE LAKE, ON — In a bold move to protect one of North America’s premier musky fisheries, Eagle Lake resorts and conservation partners are urging anglers to voluntarily avoid using Forward Facing Sonar (FFS) when targeting muskies. New signage posted at public boat accesses and local fishing resorts highlights growing […]

From the Rainy River District Stewardship

The non-profit Rainy River District Stewardship (RRDS) has been quite active this spring with their Annual Tree Sale, educational field trips to plant seedlings and helping to open the Cranberry Peatland Interpretive Trail (CPIT). This year RRDS again distributed over 10,000 seedlings to the public May 15th and May 17th […]

By Sydney Romyn
United Beef Club Meeting Press Reporter

The United Beef Club held its first 4-H meeting on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Angela and Neil Haw’s house. The meeting started with the club members reciting the 4-H pledge, followed by elections and the meeting’s roll call. After that, we watched a short video on injections, then got […]

From the Emo Seniors' Centre
Press release

Emo, ON — Momentum is growing for the Emo Seniors’ Centre as it begins welcoming participants and rolling out early programming. The centre, which offers a welcoming space and a variety of programs for individuals aged 55 and older, is now open with activities already underway for local residents. Current […]

By Laura Balanko-Dickson
Staff writer
lbalankodickson@fortfrances.com

To comply with the province’s Anti-Racism Act, the Ministry of Education mandates the collection of a student census. The voluntary, confidential survey data is compiled every other year, and this year, Jennifer McMaster, Superintendent of Education for The Northwest Catholic District School Board, shared the most significant changes and some […]

By Laura Balanko-Dickson
Staff writer
lbalankodickson@fortfrances.com

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture announced a second year of funding for its cost-share program promoting the purchase of local goods at participating farmers’ markets across the province. With an emphasis on locally produced food, fuel, fibre and flowers, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture aims to increase the visibility of […]

From the Government of Ontario
Press release

TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing nearly $7 million to protect seniors and older adults by supporting over 330 community projects that help them to stay fit, active, healthy and socially connected. The Seniors Community Grant Program (SCGP) is designed to help seniors increase independence, reduce social isolation and […]