By Shari Narine
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Windspeaker.com

Métis scholar Kristy McLeod is bracing for more hateful online comments when Decolonization and Me: Conversations about Healing a Nation and Ourselves hits the stores in mid-August. She wrote the book with Orange Shirt Day founder Phyllis Webstad. “I’ve made as many (of my social media accounts) private as I can so that […]

– Allan Bradbury photo

It was a night to remember as Taylor’s Story–A Live Experience brought hundreds out to the Fort Frances Canadian Bas Championship big Tent last night, July 16, 2025, for a massive show celebrating the pop music legend’s catalogue of hits. The fan funded, non-official tribute show was the next-best thing […]

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

The region is continuing to struggle with high levels of alcohol use and its impacts, according to the local health unit. Every year, the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU), which encompasses the Rainy River District and part of the Kenora District, covering approximately one-fifth of Ontario’s land, releases its annual report […]

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

Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacteria that can cause Pneumonia and other illnesses, seems to be on the rise in Northwestern Ontario, according to a release from the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU). According to a release from the NWHU, cases of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease are three times higher in the district when […]

By Allan Bradbury
Staff Writer
abradbury@fortfrances.com

The Emo Fair is just about a month away and this year marks a special milestone, with the theme of the event being based around their 125th anniversary. The Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society Fall Fair as it’s officially known, began back in 1900 and was down on Emo’s Front […]

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

A multimillion-dollar investment aimed at helping junior mining companies bring Ontario’s critical minerals to market was announced by the Ontario government on July 3, 2025. The Ford government’s announcement focuses on early exploration and development costs for license prospectors, hopefully boosting Ontario’s economy and building supply chains around new mining […]

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

As First Nations launch the first constitutional challenge against federal Bill C-5 and Ontario’s Bill 5 — sweeping laws to fast-track mines and major infrastructure — legal experts say the governments’ refusal to consult has left Indigenous communities with no other option and more court battles are likely ahead. “They didn’t engage […]

By Allan Bradbury
Staff Writer
abradbury@fortfrances.com

Fort Frances Swifties get ready, your time is now. Taylor’s Story–A Live Concert Experience will take place tonight at the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship tent. The show will be a tribute featuring a live band and a Taylor Swift impersonator. Embodying the pop legend whose Eras Tour swept the […]

–Allan Bradbury and Robin McCormick photos

Christmas in July was celebrated in Fort Frances last Thursday, July 10, 2025. The streets and Rainy Lake Square were filled with local businesses showing their products and many groups and organizations shared their services they provide. Many displays offered tokens and information promoting their businesses. The weather cooperated and […]