Local
Smith Proposes $1,900 Health Care Fee for Temporary Residents Ahead of Alberta Referendum
Premier Danielle Smith proposes $1,900 annual fee for temporary residents accessing Alberta health care, sparking...
Michael Torres
Municipal Affairs ReporterMichael Torres covers municipal affairs, infrastructure, environment, and breaking news for WestNet News. Born and raised in Calgary, Michael has a deep understanding of the city's communities and the issues that matter most to residents. He holds a diploma in journalism, and has covered everything from severe weather events to city council debates. Michael is particularly passionate about stories at the intersection of urban development and community impact.
100 articles
Joined January 20, 2022 at 12:00 AM
Stories by Michael Torres
Local
Alberta Scientists Unlock Bizarre Brain-Control Parasite Mystery in Cypress Hills
Alberta researchers discover how a parasite hijacks ant brains to spread through wildlife in the Cypress Hills—a...
World
ICE Officer Denies Lying to FBI About Shooting Through Door in Minneapolis
ICE officer Christian Castro pleads not guilty to federal charges he lied to the FBI about shooting a Venezuelan man in...
Local
Calgary Oil Company MAGA Energy Forced to Shut Down After Years of Non-Compliance
Calgary oil company MAGA Energy ordered to permanently shut down after AER cites environmental hazards, unpaid fees,...
Local
Safeway Workers Across Alberta Vote Overwhelmingly to Authorize Strike
Over 87% of Calgary Safeway workers vote to authorize strike action if fair contract terms aren't reached. Union...
World
U.S. Election Could Reshape Canada's Tariff Battle, Democrats Warn
Democratic U.S. politicians say November midterms could shift power and curtail Trump's tariff authority over Canada,...
Local
Alberta Referendum Showdown: Delay Call Sparks Political Firestorm
Political battle erupts over Alberta referendum delay proposal as critics accuse proponents of prioritizing tactics...
Local
Calgary's Summer Spectacular: GlobalFest Drones Light Up Sky as City Celebrates Sports, Culture, and Community
Calgary's skies dazzle with drone light shows at GlobalFest while Stampeders, Cavalry FC, and summer attractions keep...
Local
Edmonton Family Mourns Loss of 16-Year-Old Shot Outside Condo Complex
A 16-year-old Edmonton girl shot dead outside a condo complex; family remembers her as a bright, caring teenager with...
Local
Calgary-Shaw Byelection Set for September 14 as UCP, NDP Battle for Southern Riding
Calgary-Shaw heads to the polls September 14 as UCP, NDP, and Progressive Tories battle for the southern Calgary seat...
USA
Severe Weather Batters U.S. Communities; Military Helicopter Tragedy Claims Two Lives
Severe flooding emergencies grip U.S. communities as heavy rains intensify. Military helicopter crash claims two lives...
Local
Are Pickup Trucks and Large SUVs Making Alberta Roads Deadlier? Road Safety Groups Demand Urgent Investigation
Alberta road safety groups demand investigation into whether pickup trucks and large SUVs disproportionately kill...