CERN is developing the Future Circular Collider, a supercollider 1,000 times more sensitive to 'hidden particles' than current equipment, as part of the Search for Hidden Particles Project (SHiP). This project aims to study weaker particles in space and could redefine scientific understanding of the Universe's creation. The new collider will smash particles against a hard surface, a different technique from the current method of colliding particles against each other. Construction for SHiP's underground facilities begins in 2026, with experiments starting around 2032. The Future Circular Collider will be operational in the mid-2040s, reaching full potential by 2070.

Romania is utilizing artificial intelligence through a partnership with UiPath to aid farmers in accessing European grants and funding. The Rural Investing Finance Authority (AFIR) aims to simplify the submission process, reduce time and costs for farmers, and facilitate access to the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Since 2020, AFIR has been using software robots, which have saved 784 hours in document searches for government staff. Despite Romania's low rank in digital transformation, the country has a recovery and resilience plan that allocates €1.4 billion for digitalizing public administration, with AFIR leading the use of AI in managing EU funds.

CERN is set to begin construction of a new supercollider, the 'Future Circular Collider,' which will be 1000 times more sensitive to 'hidden' or 'ghost' particles than current equipment. The collider is part of CERN's SHiP (Search for Hidden Particles) project, which aims to study some of the most discreet particles in space. Richard Jacobsson, lead physicist at CERN, suggests this could be a significant breakthrough, potentially redefining our understanding of the Universe's creation. The new collider will place detectors further away and produce more collisions against a fixed backdrop to identify these elusive particles. Construction of SHiP's new underground facilities will begin in 2026, with experiments expected around 2032, and the Future Circular Collider becoming operational in the 2040s, reaching full potential by 2070.

The article discusses the historical injustice faced by the Blondin family, Indigenous people of the Northwest Territories, due to the discovery of oil on their land. In 1920, the Crown became interested in the land after oil was found near Norman Wells. The Blondins, who had used the land for generations, were displaced when Imperial Oil bought claims and began exploration. The family was driven out of their homes and never returned to their ancestral land. The article recounts the signing of Treaty 11, influenced by the Roman Catholic Church, which further empowered Imperial Oil. The Blondins' descendants now seek an apology from Imperial Oil and the Crown for the changes forced upon their lives. Imperial Oil's response to the issue is noted as being dismissive, with a reference to their website claiming a strong relationship with Indigenous peoples.

Wilfred Simon, a resident of Fort Resolution in the Northwest Territories, conducts daily counselling sessions from his van, helping locals combat their struggles with substance abuse. Simon, who has personal experience with drug addiction, discusses the impact of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) on his clients, noting that while it provided essential financial support during the pandemic, it also led to increased substance abuse for some. The article highlights the dual nature of CERB as both a lifeline for basic necessities and a catalyst for pre-existing social issues like bootlegging and unemployment. With the expiration of CERB, concerns remain about its long-term effects on small communities.

The Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation in Carmacks, Yukon, led by former chief Nicole Tom, organized a health and wellness week to address the substance use crisis that has claimed at least nine lives in Yukon since the year's start. The event, coordinated by Martin Morberg of the Na-Cho Nyak Dun First Nation, focused on local, Indigenous-led solutions, blending workshops with traditional activities. Lyndsay Amato, a Carcross First Nation member, emphasized the importance of sharing recovery stories. The initiative aims to model effective community-led responses to the crisis.

The Yukon's latest housing report, compiled by the Yukon Bureau of Statistics using 2021 census data, highlights affordability as a key issue, with one in six Yukoners spending over 30% of their income on housing. The average monthly housing cost in Yukon is $1,470, which is higher than the federal average. Homeownership has declined, and 2,135 units are in core housing need, which is the fourth-highest in Canada. Carcross has the highest proportion of homes with core housing needs, and the Carcross/Tagish First Nation is addressing these issues with federal funding through the Rapid Housing Initiative, though more funding is needed to make a significant impact.

The Yukon’s latest housing report, compiled by the Yukon Bureau of Statistics using 2021 census data, highlights affordability as a significant issue, with 15% of Yukoners spending more than 30% of their income on housing. The average monthly housing cost in Yukon is $1,470, which is $68 more than the federal average. Homeownership has declined by 2.7% since 2011, possibly due to rising costs pushing residents towards renting. Core housing need, defined as housing that is unaffordable, in need of major repair, or overcrowded, affects 13% of units in Yukon. Carcross has the highest proportion of homes with core housing needs at 45%. The Carcross/Tagish First Nation is addressing these issues with federal funding, including building new units through the Rapid Housing Initiative, but more funding is needed to significantly impact the community's housing challenges.

Yukon has established a new paramedic intervention unit to combat the opioid crisis, offering hope to the community, according to Jeff Bell of Yukon Emergency Medical Services. The unit will respond to non-emergency calls related to withdrawal or overdose, directing individuals to detox centers or the Whitehorse emergency shelter instead of hospital ERs. The unit will also educate the public on safe drug consumption practices. Yukon declared a state of emergency in January 2022 following numerous drug-related deaths. The new unit's staff will undergo 100 hours of training to meet specific client needs, including elder care and overdose response using Narcan nasal spray and spectrometers. Ryan Soucy, Deputy Chief of Clinical Operations, hopes the pilot project, set to last at least 18 months, will be extended indefinitely.

Yukon is considering the decriminalization of small quantities of hard drugs as a response to the opioid crisis, according to Health Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee. The government is contemplating various options to combat overdose deaths, including applying for an exemption to federal drug regulation laws, similar to British Columbia's recent move. The RCMP in Yukon already rarely charges for opioid-related substance possession. Health Canada has only received exemption requests from Vancouver, Toronto, and British Columbia. A mental well-being summit in September may lead to further consultations and a potential decision. Yukon's coroner, Heather Jones, supports the exemption, emphasizing the need for safe drug supplies. Blood Ties Four Directions, an advocacy group for addicts' well-being, backs the initiative but suggests increasing the exempted drug quantity from 2.5 grams to 4.5 grams, urging for more input from addicts and autonomous First Nations.

Yukon will establish a First Nations school board to give Indigenous residents greater control over education, following a referendum where seven out of eight areas voted in favor. The board, overseen by the Yukon First Nations Education Directorate, aims to introduce new programming initiatives and emphasize on-the-land education, Indigenous languages, and elder involvement in classrooms. The board will start running schools for the 2022/23 school year, with community committees deciding on school priorities. The board's trustees, who must be of Yukon Indigenous descent, will be elected later.

A survey by the Yukon Women's Coalition revealed that most women in Whitehorse, particularly Indigenous women, are unaware of how to report sexual or verbal harassment in taxis. The survey, which had over 170 respondents, highlighted that Indigenous women face a higher risk of violence and harassment in taxis compared to non-Indigenous women. Recommendations include raising public awareness of bylaw services' role in taxi industry enforcement, prioritizing Indigenous women's well-being in community safety strategies, and revising the Vehicle For Hire Bylaw to include taxi safety as a strategic priority and to ensure taxi companies have policies for handling accusations of sexual assault against employees.

The Lemphers family, including Florian, his wife Andrea, and their two dogs, were displaced from their Shallow Bay home in Yukon due to historic flooding in July. They were the only family given an evacuation order and spent over 21 weeks living in their neighbor's garage. With the help of volunteers, the Yukon government's state of emergency declaration, and Canada's military, they managed to return home just before Christmas. Extensive repairs were coordinated by Steven Guenette from Winmar property restoration, including dehumidifying and re-insulating the crawlspace. The Lemphers expressed their gratitude to everyone who assisted them during this challenging time.

Yukon's acting chief medical officer André Corriveau warns of a 'high risk' period for COVID-19 as cases decline but the healthcare system remains fragile. The state of emergency, including vaccination mandates and indoor masks, may extend beyond December 3. Pediatric Pfizer vaccines for children 5-11 start December 6. The government faces criticism for poor communication regarding the availability of non-mRNA vaccines like Johnson & Johnson. Yukon's chief coroner reports 21 opioid-related deaths this year, the highest per capita rate in Canada. A state of emergency for the opioid crisis is not declared, but a mental-health summit is planned for January.

In Watson Lake, Yukon, former mayors Justin Brown and Christopher Irvin are competing in the local election. Brown emphasizes the need for housing development and transparency, while Irvin, who became mayor during the pandemic, focuses on community strength and housing variety, including an assisted living facility for seniors. The election follows former mayor Cheryl O'Brien's resignation due to fraud and forgery charges.

A new alarm system has been installed at kilometre 1,456 on the Alaska Highway to monitor permafrost thaw and alert Yukon's Department of Highways and Public Works of potential road damage. Dr. Fabrice Calmels, research chair of geoscience at YukonU Research Centre, expressed concern over the rapid thawing of permafrost, which has brought the Takhini Slump, a collapsing area of ground, closer to the highway. The system, which measures various environmental factors, is one of the first in Canada and will be expanded to other areas. The research team is still working on solutions to slow the slump's movement.

Containment orders in Fort Good Hope and Colville Lake, N.W.T., will be lifted on September 4, following their imposition on August 15 due to initial COVID-19 cases. Dr. Kami Kandola, the territory's chief public health officer, believes the outbreak is controlled but urges vigilance. Fort Good Hope reports 23 active cases and 83 recoveries, while Colville Lake has 4 active cases and 75 recoveries. Norman Wells' containment order is extended to September 14 due to 26 active cases. Yellowknife, with 43 cases, will not see new restrictions, as it is a highly immunized community. The public health emergency in N.W.T. remains in effect, especially to protect children under 12 and the unvaccinated population.

Gabe Kochon, a 92-year-old unilingual Sahtu Dene and cherished elder from Fort Good Hope, became the first COVID-19 fatality in the Northwest Territories. He passed away alone in a hospital bed, contrary to his wish to die on the land surrounded by family. The territory is facing its largest COVID-19 outbreak, which began with a superspreader event at a hand games tournament. Kochon, who was not vaccinated due to spending much time on the land, was remembered for his energy, storytelling, and teaching traditional ways to the younger generation. His daughter Rose McNeely emphasized the importance of taking COVID-19 seriously. A closed casket funeral is planned in Yellowknife, where many of his children reside.

Nahanni National Park Reserve has introduced a new management plan, the first in ten years, focusing on Dene involvement in park stewardship and protection against climate change threats. The plan, developed with Parks Canada, Dehcho First Nations, and Nahanni Butte, aims to increase tourism, protect ecological integrity, and include more rights holders in management. It addresses the impact of resource development, such as the Prairie Creek mine, and proposes measures like a guardian program and monitoring workshops. The plan also seeks to share Dene stories and culture to enhance visitor appreciation.

Northwest Territories MLAs approved an additional $106 million for infrastructure projects, with significant allocations to the Departments of Infrastructure and Health and Social Services. Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek cited COVID-19 related difficulties in project execution. Debates arose over smaller budget items, such as a walk-in freezer for preserving evidence and a new patrol vehicle. Concerns were voiced about the territory's fiscal sustainability and the efficiency of fund allocation, with MLA Kevin O'Reilly voting against the budget due to its perceived unrealistic nature.

The government of the Northwest Territories, led by Premier Caroline Cochrane, has expressed readiness to support Indigenous leaders in locating unmarked grave sites at former residential schools. This follows the discovery of 215 Indigenous children's remains at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School by the Tk'emlups te Secwepmc First Nation. The N.W.T. government's stance aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations. Indigenous governments will not be alone in this endeavor, as Cochrane has committed to ensuring the federal government fulfills its obligations. The federal government previously allocated $33.8 million over three years for a national residential school student death register. Emotional statements and reflections on the residential school system's legacy were shared by members of the N.W.T. legislature.

A week after a devastating flood in Jean Marie River, N.W.T., the community of about 100 people remains largely evacuated. Elders Lucy and Isadore Simon, who had to leave their home and B&B, are temporarily at their cabin, preparing for guests. The flood, which occurred on May 7 due to spring breakup on the Mackenzie River, forced immediate evacuation as water levels rose rapidly. Chief Stanley Sanguez has been managing the crisis while dealing with his own losses. The community is holding daily meetings to plan recovery, and the N.W.T. government has begun assessing damage. Residents are considering relocating homes to higher ground to prevent future floods. Despite the destruction, the Simons and other community members remain resilient, with Lucy Simon affirming, 'We will rebuild.'

The Northwest Territories' housing deficit cost has nearly doubled to $500-600 million during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting approximately 3,000 households. The N.W.T. Housing Corporation attributes the increase to significant construction cost rises. Experts suggest that Indigenous governments should take more responsibility for housing, and innovative, community-based solutions are needed. The K'asho Got'ine Housing Society in Fort Good Hope is highlighted as a successful model. Consistent, flexible funding from Ottawa is deemed essential for progress. The territory has received federal funds for housing, but there is a need for more sustainable, long-term investment. The pandemic has shown that governments can be flexible and innovative in housing solutions, which should continue post-COVID.

The Canadian Housing and Renewal Association expressed disappointment over the lack of funding for a pan-northern housing strategy in the federal budget. The association's Indigenous housing caucus, which includes representatives from all three territories, highlighted the omission of off-reserve Indigenous peoples' needs in the 2017 National Housing Strategy. They proposed a $25 billion plan over ten years to address Indigenous housing needs, including a national housing centre and 73,000 new affordable units. The federal budget allocated $25 million for affordable housing in the N.W.T. and Nunavut but did not earmark funds specifically for northern projects. N.W.T. MP Michael McLeod and Northwest Territories Housing Corporation Minister Paulie Chinna emphasized the importance of a working group and partnership to improve the allocation of federal housing funds.

Indigenous leaders in the Northwest Territories, including Bill Enge of the North Slave Métis Alliance and Chief April Martel of the K'atl'odeeche First Nation, faced disappointment after their housing proposals were denied funding from the federal government's Rapid Housing Initiative. Despite a 'herculean' effort to meet the tight deadline, their projects aimed at addressing the housing crisis, characterized by overcrowding and damaged homes, were not selected due to significant demand. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) spokesperson Mikaela Harrison indicated that more community-led projects are expected, and the N.W.T. Housing Minister Paulie Chinna is lobbying for a second look at the projects. Martel urges other Indigenous nations to speak up and demand recognition of the territory's housing crisis.

Métis leaders in the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.) are calling for their inclusion in the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, a federal health-care insurance program for First Nations and Inuit people. The program currently excludes Métis, despite a 2016 Supreme Court of Canada ruling that the federal government has a constitutional obligation to provide equal access to services for Métis and non-status Indians. Métis leaders argue for equitable treatment and criticize the federal government's funding approach, which is channeled through the Métis National Council, an organization that the N.W.T. Métis groups do not belong to. The N.W.T. government has a Métis-specific health benefit, but it is difficult to access and funded by territorial tax dollars. Health Minister Julie Green and MLA Rylund Johnson have acknowledged the challenges and the need for a wider review of the NIHB program.