Here are some of the stories that made headlines in June 2025.
UPDATE: Evacuation Alert Issued for Badger Due to Forest Fire
(Grand Falls-Windsor Fire Chief/Facebook)
The town of Badger was preparing for the possibility of residents having to evacuate as a wildfire threatens the community.
After the blaze broke out emergency services informed town officials that they are now under an evacuation alert – meaning residents should be ready to go at a moment’s notice.
According to government, the fire was 380 hectares in size and is 4 km away from the town.
You can read the full story here.
Average Agency Nurse Costing Heath Authority More Than $400,000 a Year says Auditor General
Auditor General Denise Hanrahan (VOCM News)
The province’s Auditor General has “serious concerns” about the way agency nursing contracts are let and managed by the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Authority.
And Denise Hanrahan put an exclamation point on that today, noting the average agency nurse is costing the province more than $400,000 a year.
Hanrahan released the first phase of her audit into health contracts regarding agency nursing, covering the period from January 2022 up to March 2025.
You can read the full story here.
John Abbott Stepping Down as Result of Resolution Reached in Contested Election
Then-NDP Leader Alison Coffin enters the courtroom to find then-Chief Electoral Officer Bruce Chaulk already there in this May 10, 2021. (VOCM News)
A settlement has been reached that should put the 2021 pandemic election results to bed once and for all.
Cabinet minister John Abbott is stepping down from elected office.
The parties involved in a tight race in St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi reached a resolution announced today. The NDP challenged the result in court years ago, alleging voting errors.
Elections NL says Abbott is guilty of no wrongdoing and acknowledges that there were errors in the administration of some special ballots.
You can read the full story here.
Long-Awaited HMP Replacement Moves Forward with Site Preparation
The provincial government says an “early works agreement” has been signed for site preparation for the long-awaited replacement of HMP.
Parts of the existing Penitentiary date to the 1860s, and advocates and union leaders have been calling for its replacement for decades.
The province says it remains committed to replacing the facility, and a ground-breaking ceremony was held on East White Hills Road in the capital city’s east end.
Newfoundland Power Cuts Service to Stephenville Dymond Airport
(Submitted/Lenny Tiller)
It appears as though the airport in Stephenville is no longer operational.
Newfoundland Power shut off power to the facility, essentially closing the operation down.
The disconnection notice was issued a week prior.
You can read the full story here.
Former Wabana Mayor Dead at 67
Gary Gosine is shown in this 2021 file photo, along with former MP Jack Harris, during a Bell Island ferry protest on the steps of Confederation Building. (VOCM News)
The former long-time Mayor of Wabana has passed away.
Gary Gosine served as the Mayor of Wabana for over 35 years, stepping down from the position just last year.
Gosine consistently highlighted the successes of Bell Island, emphasizing the re-opening of the mine and envisioning the island as an attractive retirement community and tourist destination.
