Springdale RCMP is investigating a suspicious fire that occurred on a residential property on Ocean Drive in Triton on March 18. At approximately 7:45 a.m. on Monday, police received the report. Upon police arrival, the house was fully engulfed in flames. The blaze was extinguished by firefighters.

The investigation is continuing.

Anyone having information about the fire or those responsible are asked to contact Springdale RCMP at 709-673-3864. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477.

The City of Corner Brook is considering the possibility of starting a community market and is seeking input from the public.

The City has launched a survey to collect feedback. The survey is open to everyone, from members of the general public to craftspeople, producers, artists and anyone else who could take advantage.

The survey, which should only take a few minutes to complete, is available at https://form.jotform.com/250496359861267.

Feedback will be accepted until March 30.

Mount Pearl has announced that nominations are now open for the 35th annual Focus on Youth Awards.

The awards are an opportunity to showcase young individuals who have demonstrated excellence in arts, sports, volunteerism, science, and more.

Nominations will be accepted until April 4. Awards will be presented at the Glacier Arena on May 14

Awards are presented in the categories of Youth of the Year, Youth in Service Award, Youth Volunteer of the Year, Youth Athlete of the Year, Youth Sports Team of the Year, Youth Group of the Year, Performing Arts Recognition – Group, Performing Arts Recognition – Individual, Youth Visual Arts Award, Youth STEM Award, and Youth Literary Arts Award.

Celebrate a senior in your life or community today by nominating them for a Seniors of Distinction Award.

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Seniors of Distinction Awards, which honours and celebrates the many contributions and achievements of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Whether it be enhancing their community, strengthening the local economy, or lending a helping hand to a neighbour or organization – seniors across the province enrich all aspects of Newfoundland and Labrador.

To be eligible, a senior must be:

• nominated by an individual or group
• 50 years of age or older
• a current or past resident of Newfoundland and Labrador

Nominations will be considered for individuals, for both voluntary and paid work, and posthumous awards may be given. Nominations from previous years can be reconsidered at the request of the nominator or nominee.

Please note, the deadline for submissions is Friday, May 9, 2025.

Nomination packages can be found here. Have a question on how to fill out a form or wondering what to include in your nomination? Please touch base by calling toll-free 1-888-494-2266.

Employees at Memorial University are calling on the provincial government to increase funding following news that MUN is facing a deficit of $8.9 million in their upcoming budget.

CUPE Local 1615 is calling for immediate action to protect the province’s only public university.   

A recent report from the Auditor General identified concerns in a 2014 audit in which recommendations were made to the Province to have a long term plan to address crumbling infrastructure.

CUPE says over ten years later, the same issues not only remain but are increasing in urgency.  

CUPE 1615 represents Administrative, Instructional, Technical, and Technical Support Staff at the St. John’s, Signal Hill, Grenfell, and Labrador campuses.

Police have charged four individuals- 50-year-old Trent Smith, 50-year-old Trevor Smith, 78-year-old Chesley Smith, each of Clarenville, and 54-year-old Shawn Avery of Hillview.

All four recently appeared in court to answer to several charges laid by the RCMP as part of a 2024 contraband tobacco investigation.

On March 2, 2024, Trent Smith was intercepted in a transport truck at the ferry terminal in North Sydney. He was found in possession of 760,000 contraband cigarettes, an estimated tax value of $250,000, approximately $30,000 cash and over 3,000 methamphetamine pills, all of which were destined for this province.

The next day, on March 3, police executed a search warrant at C&D Transport’s warehouse in Deep Bight and seized 1,518,000 contraband cigarettes with estimated tax value of over $493,000, a quantity of methamphetamine pills, cash, a 53-foot commercial trailer, and a 27-foot cargo trailer.

Following an examination of evidence obtained throughout this investigation, formal charges were laid by RCMP against Trent Smith, Trevor Smith, Chesley Smith and Shawn Avery, on Feb. 6, 2025.

Their next court date is scheduled to take place on April 24.

In February the national inflation rate increased 2.6 percent. That is up from a 1.9 percent increase back in January. The end of the GST break contributed notable upward pressure to prices for eligible products according to Statistics Canada.

Slower price growth for gasoline prices moderated the all-items in inflation acceleration.

Prices for food purchased from restaurants declined at a slower pace year over year in February compared with January. Restaurant food prices contributed the most to the acceleration in the all-items CPI in February.

The St. John’s International Airport is advising the public of a series of concerning break-ins on the public parking lots at the airport.

Authorities have been notified, and the airport has increased security presence and protocols. 

The public is asked to ensure vehicles are locked, valuables are removed, and keys are not left inside vehicles.