Following a case of bird flu in a Fort Smith raven, the NWT health authority outlines precautions for potential human exposure. While human infection is rare, the H5N1 strain poses a risk, especially through contact with infected animals. Symptoms resemble seasonal flu but can escalate quickly, necessitating early treatment. Residents are advised to avoid sick or dead birds and seek medical advice if symptoms appear. Pets should also be kept away from dead birds to prevent infection.

The Yellowknife Scouts' annual Christmas tree sale is delayed due to a labor dispute involving Canadian rail companies, which held up the shipment of 400 trees from Oxford, Ontario. The trees, transported by Precision North Recycling, are expected to arrive in Yellowknife by Tuesday, with sales commencing on Wednesday. The sale will take place at the Yellowknife Co-op parking lot, with specific hours for weekdays and weekends.

Multiple unions, including the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, held a rally in Yellowknife as the postal strike entered its third week. Union members expressed concerns about the impact on mail delivery, especially with the Christmas period approaching. Negotiations between Canada Post and the union have stalled, with both sides blaming each other. Canada Post has begun laying off workers temporarily, a move criticized by union members. The strike has affected northern communities reliant on postal services, and union members hope for a resolution soon.

Folk on the Rocks, a major music festival in Yellowknife, has started selling early bird and VIP tickets for its 2025 edition, with prices for youth, senior, and adult passes detailed. VIP tickets, known as Owl Passes, offer exclusive benefits. Early bird tickets are available until May 11, with regular prices applying thereafter. The festival, scheduled for July 18-20, has not yet confirmed its lineup. Cabin Radio will host and broadcast live music from the event.

A unique pendant featuring diamonds from the Diavik, Ekati, and Gahcho Kué mines in the Northwest Territories was sold for $17,500 at the NWT Max Awards in Yellowknife. The proceeds will benefit the Yellowknife Community Fundraising Club's Adopt-A-Family program. The auction's winning bid was made by Brian Cornick, CEO of Cando. The event also recognized various industry achievements, with awards given to individuals and organizations for contributions in economic leadership, environmental governance, and safety.

A raven in the Northwest Territories has tested positive for the H5N1 strain of bird flu, with a second case suspected in Fort Smith. The virus, highly infectious among birds, has been spreading across Canada. A teenager in British Columbia remains in critical condition after contracting the virus, though transmission to humans is rare. The NWT chief public health officer, Dr. Kami Kandola, advises caution but notes no outbreak signs and low risk to other birds. Residents are urged to avoid handling dead or strangely behaving wild birds, with safety guidelines available on the GNWT's website.

Derwin Clille, a power plant operator in Jean Marie River, received a 2024 Lifesaving Award from Electricity Canada for rescuing an Elder from a burning home. The fire, which started in the only doorway, required Clille to use a ladder to save the occupant. The NWT Power Corporation commended Clille's actions, while Naka Power, a partnership between Atco and Denendeh Investments Incorporated, received a Leadership in Community Partners Award at the same event, highlighting the strength and collaboration between the two entities.

A prankster has renamed the Northwestel Building in Yellowknife to 'Nakatomi Plaza' on Google Maps, referencing the iconic skyscraper from the movie Die Hard. This change, made under a pseudonym, is part of a series of humorous edits on Google Maps, including naming a lakeside area 'Willie Nelson’s Beach.' Google allows users to suggest map edits but warns against illegal or fraudulent data, which is considered spam.

RCMP in Inuvik are investigating a fire at a housing complex on Inuit Road as arson, following an earlier unsuccessful attempt. No injuries were reported from the fire, which occurred early Monday. The police are seeking security footage from residents in the area, particularly involving a blue hatchback SUV believed to be connected to the incident. The investigation is ongoing, with police confirming the fire was deliberately set.

Chief Supt Syd Lecky, the top RCMP officer in the Northwest Territories, is reportedly leaving to become the chief of police for the Timmins Police Service in Ontario, effective May 15. Lecky, who arrived in the NWT from Kamloops in fall 2022, has been recognized for his extensive experience and commitment to community policing. His departure has not been officially announced by the RCMP in the NWT, but has been reported by multiple news outlets in Ontario. The Timmins Police Services Board has expressed that Lecky's experience will greatly benefit their service and community. Meanwhile, NWT's MLAs have prioritized public safety, with Premier RJ Simpson emphasizing crime prevention and law enforcement as key issues.