By Natasha Bulowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Canada’s National Observer

Wildfire season is here and if the last few years are any indication, Canadians will spend the summer sorting through a firestorm of disinformation. People searching for good information in times of crisis are up against a slew of broken systems. Social media algorithms promote misinformation and disinformation and bury […]

By Sonal Gupta
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Canada’s National Observer

As wildfires continue to burn across Manitoba, First Nations leaders say their communities remain “defenceless” due to a lack of proper firefighting equipment and resources.  The province is experiencing one of its most severe wildfire seasons in decades, with 25 active fires. There have been a total of 106 already […]

– Ken Kellar photo

Legion Ladies volunteer Andrea Avis, left, spoons up some delicious dinner for Fort Frances mill alumni members Anthony Kadikoff, front right, and Robert Shulz, at the Alumni’s 13th annual dinner held at the Fort Frances Legion on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Roughly 120 former mill employees gathered for a dinner […]

By David Briggs
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
BayToday.ca

This story was originally published on Monday, June 2, 2025. About 70 people gathered before MPP Vic Fedeli’s office on North Bay’s Main Street today to protest the province’s proposed Bill 5. Nipissing First Nation (NFN) organized the event. Bill 5, the Unleashing Our Economy Act, is designed to fast-track […]

From the Northwestern Health Unit
Press release

Due to active forest fires, communities in northwestern Ontario may experience smoke in the air and poor air quality. As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Forest fire smoke is made up of a mixture of gases and fine particles that can be harmful to your health. You may experience […]

From Riverside Health Care
Press release

Riverside Health Care in conjunction with the Northwestern Health Unit has declared the Gastrointestinal Outbreak affecting the Special Care Unit at Rainycrest Long Term Care Home over. Restrictions are no longer in effect for visitors and residents. Our detailed safety procedures and infection prevention control practices are in place, designed […]

By Mike Stimpson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Thunder Bay Source

SIOUX LOOKOUT – A recent pay raise for members of Provincial Parliament was unexpected, Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa said Friday. “That was a surprise, for sure,” Mamakwa told Newswatch. “I thought they would never do it. “Compensation for MPPs in Ontario has been frozen since 2009. MPP salaries have been […]

By Sandi Krasowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

The Home Depot in Thunder Bay has partnered with Shelter House to raise funds in support of at-risk and homeless youths and has started its annual Orange Door Campaign. From now until June 22, Home Depot customers can donate at the store’s checkout or online at OrangeDoorProject.ca in support of […]

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

From Temiskaming Shores to Hearst, real estate along Northern Ontario’s Highway 11 corridor is anything but ordinary. A quick glance at current listings reveals everything from colourful homes and lakeside businesses, to a vacant lot where the only trace of the former house is its standing chimney. In Fauquier-Strickland, a […]

By Mike Stimpson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Thunder Bay Source

TORONTO – Meaningless and unserious are words Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa uses to describe amendments the Ontario government proposes for its own Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act. The controversial bill, which would allow the province to designate “special economic zones” where provincial and municipal laws […]

By Abdul Matin Sarfraz
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Canada’s National Observer

The Ford government is rushing to pass legislation that would strip cities of one of their most effective tools to confront climate threats: green building standards. Experts say these standards, developed over years by municipalities, are designed to ensure new buildings are safer, cleaner, more resilient and more affordable to […]