Inside the Village - A weekly podcast featuring newsmakers in Ontario

Send us a textA grieving family from Burlington, Ont. is trying to turn their immeasurable loss into a force for change.Finlay van der Werken was 16 years old when his mother, Hazel, rushed him to Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital on Feb. 7, 2024. The teen was in such severe pain on his right side that his mom left the car in front of the emergency department and took him straight in.What happened next was a “complete state of terror,” his mother said.While waiting more than eight agonizing hours to be treated at the hospital, Finlay suffered cardiac arrest and was eventually diagnosed with pneumonia, sepsis and hypoxia. Transferred to SickKids in Toronto, he was placed on life support.“It just didn't feel real,” Hazel said, during an interview with Village Media's Closer Look podcast. “It was a living nightmare, just the shock, the disbelief. I don't know that I can put it into words.”Finlay's family is now laser-focused on making sure others don't endure the same heartbreak.Along with demanding a coroner's inquest, they are calling on the Ford government to introduce legislation — “Finlay's Law” — that would establish maximum emergency room wait times for children.They have also launched a lawsuit against Halton Healthcare Services, which operates the Oakville hospital, alleging the facility had an “inadequate system” in place to ensure patients like Finlay were seen in an appropriate amount of time. (In a statement of defence, the hospital operator denies any wrongdoing and says staff provided “reasonable” care that night.)“We have the possibility to ensure that another family does not have to go through this,” Hazel told the podcast. “That will give us a little bit of a feeling of comfort — that we've done something, and that we used our voices for something good to come out of something that is so tragic.”Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show's dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textDoug Ford is making good on his promise to ban speed cameras, calling the devices nothing but a “cash grab” by Ontario municipalities.Premier Ford said when the house returns in October, his Progressive Conservatives will introduce legislation that prevents cities and towns from operating automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras.In their place, the government is promising to create a new fund for other traffic-calming measures such as speed bumps, roundabouts, raised crosswalks, curb extensions and signage. Ford's announcement flies in the face of advice provided by numerous expert organizations, including SickKids Hospital, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Ontario Traffic Council.Research shows that automated cameras are not only effective at reducing speeds, they are actually widely supported by the general public. Many municipalities also reject the argument that the cameras are a “cash grab,” saying the bulk of revenue gets reinvested in road safety measures.Joining us on tonight's Closer Look podcast is a panel of guests with plenty to say about Ford's speed camera plan: Pamela Fuselli, president and CEO of the injury prevention charity Parachute; Michael Stewart of the Canadian Automobile Association; and Jack Hauen, a reporter at Village Media's The Trillium.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show's dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textIt's known as "Hope's Cradle": a place for desperate mothers and caregivers to safely — and anonymously — drop off babies they cannot raise. The idea was triggered by the high-profile death of an Alberta newborn discovered in a dumpster on Christmas Eve 2017.Canada's first drop-off site, a temperature-controlled bassinet box, was installed at a fire station in Strathmore. The concept has since spread to Manitoba and Clarington, Ont., and this week, city councillors in Sault Ste. Marie contemplated whether to bring the idea to their community.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show's dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textIt's easy to feel like wild dogs have taken over the neighbourhood.Communities across the province are struggling to deal with problem coyotes that are venturing scarily close to people and pets.In Orillia last week, two cats were attacked in different neighbourhoods. One did not survive.On tonight's episode of Closer Look, we revisit a previous interview with Lesley Sampson, co-founder of the not-for-profit organization Coyote Watch Canada.She offers practical tips on how to stay safe if you spot a coyote, but also some important perspective on why the animals might be approaching us.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show's dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a text“Doctor” Trump is at it again.This week, the U.S. president warned pregnant women to limit their use of acetaminophen — the active ingredient in Tylenol — because of unsubstantiated links to autism. “Fight like hell not to take it,” was the president's message.Experts around the world were quick to counter Trump's medical advice, insisting there is no evidence linking autism in children to the use of Tylenol by pregnant women.Health Canada issued a public advisory reiterating that the over-the-counter drug has “been used safely by millions of Canadians for decades, including during pregnancy and while breastfeeding,” while the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) called the autism link “weak” and “consistently refuted by scientific and regulatory bodies.”“In an age of growing misinformation and disinformation, the SOGC strongly urges all Canadians to ensure decisions about their health care is guided by evidence-based science and clinical expertise,” the society said.Joining us on Closer Look tonight to discuss Trump's comments is Dr. Darine El-Chaâr, a maternal fetal medicine physician at The Ottawa Hospital and an associate professor at the University of Ottawa.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show's dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textCatch and release? Chris Scott now knows the process firsthand. The rookie MPP for Sault Ste. Marie was arrested Sunday night for alleged spousal abuse and released on bail the following day. He is charged with one count of assault and one count of assault with a weapon — the weapon being “a high chair,” according to court documents. (None of the allegations have been tested in court and Scott is presumed innocent until proven guilty).The 35-year-old was promptly booted from Doug Ford's PC caucus and is now an Independent MPP (at least for the time being). Although the NDP is demanding his resignation, Scott has yet to answer questions about the criminal case or his future as a politician.Should he step down? Can fellow MPPs force him to resign? And what do we know about Chris Scott, a one-time senior Ford staffer handpicked by the Premier to run in February's provincial election?Joining us on tonight's Closer Look are two Village Media journalists who covered the breaking story: Jessica Smith Cross, editor-in-chief at The Trillium, and Kenneth Armstrong, a reporter at SooToday.You can watch the full episode in the above YouTube video. Earlier this year, Scott sat down with SooToday for a one-on-one interview during the provincial election race.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show's dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textA big battle is brewing between the Ford government and some independent grocery store owners over who should be responsible for collecting people's empty booze bottles.By Jan. 1, 2026, all grocery stores licensed to sell beer and wine in Ontario must accept bottle returns as part of Premier Doug Ford's vision of speeding up the availability of alcohol.But a growing number of independent grocers are deciding to ditch booze sales altogether rather than deal with the mess and hassle of accepting people's empties. They say they don't have the space or resources to accept large amounts of empty bottles, and that the unsanitary containers don't belong anywhere near food items people buy.Joining us to talk about the issue on tonight's Closer Look podcast is Gary Sands, vice-president of government relations at the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers.Bottles aside, we also explore some other pressing topics, including U.S. tariffs, inter-provincial trade, and what you really need to know in order to “Buy Canadian.”Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show's dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textOntario Premier Doug Ford says he has faith that Prime Minister Mark Carney will back his dream of a massive tunnel underneath Highway 401.Carney recently revealed the first five projects in the national interest that will be fast-tracked, which is intended to strengthen the country's economy in the face of U.S. tariffs.Ford's highway tunnel was not on the initial list, but he told reporters this week he's confident the PM will eventually get on board."I just believe he will," Ford said. "Considering it's the busiest highway in North America, and 50 per cent of the GDP comes through Toronto, and [gridlock is] costing us $58 billion of lost productivity, I think it's pretty national."Village Media's new Closer Look podcast dug a little deeper into Ford's tunnel vision during a recent episode with guests Jessica Smith Cross, editor-in-chief of The Trillium, and Professor Matti Siemiatycki, director of the Infrastructure Institute at the University of Toronto.“I think we can start from the basic premise that this is likely build-able, that you likely could build a tunnel of this length in this location,” Siemiatycki told the podcast. “The question isn't just: ‘Can we build it?' The question is: ‘Should we? Does this actually solve the congestion problem? How much does it cost? And are there better alternatives that we could address this issue at a lower cost?”You can watch the full episode HERE.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show's dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textIt's been 10 days since Barrie mayor Alex Nuttall declared a state of emergency over homeless encampments in his city — and communities across the province are watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.“The mayors I'm hearing from are asking: ‘How's it going? How did you do it? What effect is it having?' Nuttall said today, during an appearance on our Closer Look podcast. “The response has been very supportive...I think you'll continue to see more and more municipalities take the same approach that we are."Along with declaring a state of emergency, Nuttall also sent open letters this week to Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney, requesting provincial and federal help to tackle the “real and urgent” crisis facing his city.On the podcast, Nuttall answered a wide range of questions about why the state of emergency was necessary, what it allows the city to do that it couldn't do before, and what his team is specifically doing to help vulnerable people being evicted as encampments are dismantled.“I've been very clear: if you want help and support in the city of Barrie, we want to provide it to you,” he said. “If you want to live in addictions and you want to live in encampments, we need you to find somewhere that accepts that, because we don't.”Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show's dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textIf you bought a loaf of bread sometime over the past 20 years — and really, who didn't? — you're entitled to some dough.Claim forms are now open for the $500-million class-action settlement over the alleged price-fixing of bread products in Canada. Any Canadian resident who purchased packaged bread for personal use between Jan. 1, 2001 and Dec. 31, 2021 — including buns, rolls, bagels, naan bread, English muffins, wraps, pita and tortilla — is eligible for compensation. No proof of purchase is required.Claims must be submitted before Dec. 12 at www.canadianbreadsettlement.ca.How did we reach this point? Which grocery giants participated in this elaborate conspiracy to inflate prices and gouge customers? And how much money will you actually receive if you sign up?Jay Strosberg has all those answers, and many more, on tonight's episode of Closer Look. A Windsor-based lawyer at the firm Strosberg Wingfield Sasso, he launched the class-action lawsuit that ultimately led to the half-billion-dollar settlement with Loblaw Companies Ltd. and George Weston.As Strosberg tells us, this is one of those shocking court cases worthy of a movie script.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show's dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textBy every measure, our population of senior citizens is about to get a whole lot bigger.According to Statistics Canada, the number of people aged 85 and older is expected to triple by 2073 — to as many as 4.3 million.Not surprisingly, experts say the spike in elderly Canadians will put increasing pressure on many aspects of society, including the labour market and healthcare systems.Joining us on Closer Look to break down all the data is Doug Norris, one of Canada's leading experts on demographics.Norris spent nearly 30 years with Statistics Canada — where he earned the nickname “Mr. Census” — and is now Senior Vice President and Chief Demographer at Environics Analytics.He describes the expected surge in Canada's senior population as “a bit of a sleeper issue that hasn't received the attention we're going to need to pay to it.”Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show's dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textPete Hoekstra, the United States Ambassador to Canada, joined our Closer Look podcast last week for a wide-ranging discussion about trade, Charlie Kirk, Donald Trump's musings about a 51st state, and a whole lot more. In case you missed it, the full interview is HERE.Hoekstra defended the Trump Administration's global tariff push, saying it's a necessary step after some “not-so-bright decisions” that have contributed to America's ever-growing deficit.“It would have been negligent on the part of American leadership to not address the problems that we faced,” Hoekstra said on the podcast. “We had a long-term issue in terms of ensuring prosperity for the American people, a long-term issue with security and safety. And if the Canadians want to be mad about us addressing the internal issues that we had, they can do that.”Despite the negative impact of Trump's new tariffs, Hoekstra was adamant that Canada still has the “best trade deal of any country in the world right now with the United States of America.”“Everybody wants to blame everything on the tariffs,” he said. “The effective tariff rate of Canadian goods going into the U.S. — again, as outlined by your government, not the U.S. claiming something — is around 5.5 per cent. That's not a huge number. We had to do the stuff on steel, aluminum, copper and some of these types of things because the President wants our country to be secure, and we need the capability to produce those kinds of products in the United States.”Hoekstra was asked about Canadian travellers who are choosing not to visit the U.S.“I sometimes have a little bit of a hard time understanding this,” he said. “You have the best trade relationship of anybody in the world — the best trade tariff rate of anybody in the world — and in the coming days we're going to see that the process is going to evolve to reviewing the USMCA. Banning American alcohol? Does that help? ‘You know, we're not going to America.' Does that help? Hey, those are decisions for Canadians on an individual basis to make. We're doing everything we can to strengthen this relationship, to grow this relationship.”The full interview is HERE.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show's dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram,

Send us a textPete Hoekstra is Donald Trump's U.S. Ambassador to Canada, which means he spends a lot of time answering questions about the pressing issue of the day on this side of the border: tariffs.The President's musings about Canada becoming the 51st state? He's had to answer for those comments, too — but Hoekstra insists that's all behind us.“I've told people I don't talk about it, so I'm not really going to talk about it with you either,” the Ambassador said during a wide-ranging interview on our Closer Look podcast. “I ask myself the question: ‘If we're talking about the 51st state, am I improving the prosperity of Americans or Canadians? Am I improving the safety or security of either one of our countries?' The answer is no.”That topic aside, Hoekstra was very candid about a lot of other issues — including the close bond between our two countries, his relationships with Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and why the Trump Administration is all-in on tariffs.“We had to do the stuff on steel, aluminum, copper and some of these types of things because the President wants our country to be secure, and we need the capability to produce those kinds of products in the United States,” Hoekstra said.“You continue to still have a better tariff deal than any of these countries in the world today,” he continued. “Is there uncertainty? Yes, but it would have been negligent on the part of American leadership to not address the problems that we faced. We had a long-term issue in terms of ensuring prosperity for the American people, a long-term issue with security and safety. And if the Canadians want to be mad about us addressing the internal issues that we had, they can do that.”Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show's dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textJudgment day looms for Bonnie Crombie.The Ontario Liberal leader faces a mandatory leadership review at the party's annual general meeting this weekend, and it's certainly not certain which way the vote will go.Although Crombie has admitted to being caught off guard by Doug Ford's snap election call — and faced criticism for making health care the centrepiece of her party's platform — the Liberals did win enough seats to regain official party status.We'll know by Sunday night if the party faithful still have faith.SEE: Should she stay or should she go? Liberals split on Bonnie Crombie ahead of voteJoining us on tonight's Closer Look podcast are two journalists from The Trillium who will be covering this weekend's Liberal get-together: Editor-in-Chief Jessica Smith Cross and reporter Steve Cornwell.In case you missed it, tonight's show also includes snippets from our recent interviews with both Crombie and Nate Erskine-Smith, a former leadership rival who has been very vocal about the need for a new voice at the top of the party.VIDEO: Nate Erskine-Smith tells us why Bonnie Crombie needs to goVIDEO: ‘I'm not going anywhere': Bonnie Crombie tells us why she should keep her jobHosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show's dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textHere's a sure bet: If you watch a sporting event tonight, you're going to see a gambling ad. They've become ubiquitous ever since the Ontario government legalized sports betting across the province in 2022.But doctors are sounding the alarm, warning parents that all those gambling commercials pose a major risk to children and teens.“Such advertising insidiously normalizes a harmful activity, and children are being exposed, to their detriment,” reads an editorial in the latest issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal. “Canadian jurisdictions should act to eliminate all commercials that promote sports betting during broadcasts where minors are likely to see them.”Joining us on tonight's episode of Closer Look is Dr. Shannon Charlebois, a family physician and editor who co-authored the editorial.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show's dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textBy every measure, violence is skyrocketing inside Ontario schools.According to a survey released earlier this year by the Ontario School Board Council of Unions (OSBCU), nearly 75 per cent of education workers experience violent or disruptive incidents in their work area, with more than a third facing these incidents daily. Among educational assistants and child and youth workers, the numbers are even more alarming: 95.8 per cent — nearly every single one — say they experience violence at work.Data recently released to Global News under freedom of information legislation was equally shocking: the level of violence reported by school boards to the Ministry of Education has risen by 77 per cent since Doug Ford's Progressive Conservatives took office, with more than 4,400 incidents reported in the 2023-24 year alone.This exclusive story from Sudbury.com, published just a few hours ago, is even more evidence of the crisis facing school boards across the province.On tonight's episode of Closer Look, we speak to two experts who understand the problem as well as anyone: Joe Tigani, the president OSBCU, and Darby Mallory, co-author of a University of Ottawa report titled ‘Running on Fumes: Violence, Austerity, and Institutional Neglect in Ontario Schools.'Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show's dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textForty years later, it remains one of Canada's most perplexing unsolved mysteries: What happened to Nicole Morin?On July 30, 1985, the eight-year-old girl left her penthouse apartment in west-end Toronto to meet a friend for a swim. She was never seen again — and not a single piece of physical evidence linked to her disappearance has ever been found.Earlier this summer, the Toronto Police Service marked the 40th anniversary of Nicole's case by announcing a $50,000 reward for new information that leads to her location.Police also released a new forensic age-progression sketch that shows what Morin could possibly look like today, at 48 years old. “This case is not closed,” Det.-Sgt. Steve Smith told reporters, standing outside Morin's former building on the day of the anniversary. “It has never been forgotten, and it only takes one piece of new information to make that difference.”On tonight's episode of Closer Look, we are joined by two people who continue to hold out hope that someone will come forward with the elusive clue that will crack the case: Melissa Elaschuk, a childhood friend of Nicole who went on to become a police officer, and Amanda Pick, CEO of the Missing Children Society of Canada.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show's dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textTonight on Village Media's 'Closer Look' podcast: One of the greatest curlers of all time stops by our house for a sweeping conversation about her legendary career and new autobiography.One of the greatest curlers of all time is in our house tonight.Jennifer Jones — six-time national champ, two-time world champ, Olympic gold medallist — is set to release an autobiography that promises to leave no stone unturned about her legendary career.The book is called Rock Star: My Life On and Off the Ice, and it hits store shelves Aug. 26.In advance of the book launch, Jones was kind enough to sweep aside some time in her busy schedule and chat with the hacks who host our Closer Look podcast.If you're a fan of Jennifer Jones, you'll definitely want to hit the button on this video.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.New episodes of Closer Look drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network, or wherever you find your favourite podcasts. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textTonight on our new 'Closer Look' podcast: After multiple legal challenges, years of complaints and thousands in fines, the Town of Pelham is still grappling with the stench from local cannabis facilities.In this case, residents can be forgiven for their blunt opinions.For years, people in the Town of Pelham have lamented the incessant stench of weed in the air — the result of two large cannabis production facilities.Despite hundreds of complaints, thousands of dollars in fines and multiple legal challenges, the stink lingers.With another court date looming next month, our Closer Look podcast welcomes David Cribbs, the Chief Administrative Officer in the Town of Pelham.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.New episodes of Closer Look drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network, or wherever you find your favourite podcasts. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textTonight on Village Media's 'Closer Look' podcast: Barrie Police have charged a man with murdering and dismembering two people following an investigation inside a controversial homeless encampment.The details are still trickling out, but what's known so far is disturbing: A Barrie man is accused of murdering and dismembering two people after a police investigation that centred around a longstanding homeless encampment.Barrie mayor Alex Nuttall called it a “completely heinous criminal event” and vowed to work toward having “zero encampments” in his city.“I haven't been comfortable with the way that encampments have been handled over the years and allowed to expand,” Nuttall said. “And then to have this completely heinous criminal event take place here — there's no actual words to describe how unbearable that must be for the folks who were living in this encampment, and certainly something that is shocking to the city.”Barrie Police are expected to release more information about the ongoing investigation at an Aug. 26 news conference.BarrieToday reporter Kevin Lamb has been following the developing story and joins us tonight on Closer Look.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.New episodes of Closer Look drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network, or wherever you find your favourite podcasts. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textTonight on Village Media's new daily podcast: Amid a summer heat wave, parents are calling on the province to create new regulations to deal with scorching temperatures in daycares and classrooms.As heat waves continue to grip the province, parents are speaking out about the "sweltering" conditions inside some child-care centres.The Trillium, Village Media's bureau at Queen's Park, reported this week that some kids are being left in diapers as a way to keep cool. While some facilities have window or portable air conditioning units, parents say the devices aren't enough to keep the rooms comfortable.As The Trillium reported, parents are calling on the province to set maximum allowable temperatures for child-care centres — a move supported by Opposition parties.Pressed about the issue at a news conference this week, Premier Doug Ford did not rule out implementing air conditioning standards in child-care settings."It's terrible that kids have to sit in the boiling hot heat. And I'm all for putting window air conditioning units in and helping them out ... any way they can," Ford said. "But this has been going on for decades and decades and decades, and we need to help the young kids any way we possibly can."Sneh Duggal, deputy editor of The Trillium, has been leading the coverage of this story and joins us tonight on Closer Look.Spoiler alert: Building a giant highway tunnel is probably not the solution to this particular problem.

Send us a textTonight on Village Media's new daily podcast: We dig a little deeper into Premier Ford's big idea to construct a massive, congestion-easing tunnel underneath Highway 401 in Toronto.For a story about boring, this one has proven to be anything but.Premier Doug Ford is determined as ever to dig a massive tunnel underneath Highway 401 in Toronto — telling reporters yesterday that he's spoken with "some tunnelling folks" and has hashed out a realistic plan to ease congestion.According to Ford's tunnel vision, the finished product will have three levels: one for eastbound traffic, one for westbound traffic, and another for public transit.The total cost? Nobody knows for sure. Is a highway tunnel a realistic construction project? How long would it actually take to build? Would it be safe?Or would the province be more wise to spend some of those billions on other options aimed at mitigating congestion?We tackle those questions, and many more, on tonight's episode of Village Media's new Closer Look podcast. Our guests are Jessica Smith Cross, editor-in-chief of The Trillium, and Professor Matti Siemiatycki, director of the Infrastructure Institute at the University of Toronto.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.New episodes of Closer Look drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network, or wherever you find your favourite podcasts. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textIt's not everyday that the OPP launches an investigation targeting an Ontario mayor. But that's exactly what happened this week in North Bay, where Mayor Peter Chirico has been dogged by a spending scandal that has triggered plenty of headlines.The controversy revolves around nearly $16,000 in questionable expenses charged to Chirico's city-issued corporate credit card, including dog food, cigarettes, a golf membership and season tickets to the OHL's North Bay Battalion. Chirico has previously said he's "done nothing wrong" and has "nothing to hide." Ultimately, it's now up to the OPP to decide.To be clear, Chirico has not been charged with any crime. At this point, the force will only confirm that it is investigating a complaint regarding the mayor.Our guest on tonight's Closer Look podcast is Chris Dawson of BayToday, one of our reporters covering the evolving story.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.New episodes of Closer Look drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network, or wherever you find your favourite podcasts. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textTonight on Village Media's new daily podcast: Ontario's Liberal leader concedes that 'mistakes were made' during the last election, but she has every intention of steering her party into the next campaign.Bonnie Crombie acknowledges that “mistakes were made” during the last provincial election, but the Liberal leader insists she is the best person to steer her party into the next campaign — whenever that happens to be.Crombie — who faces a mandatory leadership review at next month's annual general meeting of the Ontario Liberal Party — has faced some recent heat from fellow Liberals, including former leadership rival Nate Erskine-Smith.Although party rules demand that a leader receive support from more than 50 per cent of delegates in order to stay on the job, Erskine-Smith says Crombie should resign if she doesn't garner at least two-thirds. During an interview with Village Media's new Closer Look podcast, Crombie would not specify how much support is enough for her. But she insisted she is "not going anywhere.”“I'm here to say we have listened, we acknowledge mistakes were made, and we are prepared to rebuild and revitalize and move forward together,” she told the podcast. “We need to be united against our common opponent, not against each other.”You can watch Crombie's full interview in the video clip above.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.New episodes of Closer Look drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network, or wherever you find your favourite podcasts. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textTonight on 'Closer Look': One of Canada's most recognized and respected journalists talks to us about his beloved Red Sox, his new podcast, and why he's excited to once again team up with Village Media.Don't use the word retired to describe Steve Paikin. He's working as hard as ever.The longtime anchor of TVO's The Agenda, who recorded his final show last month after 19 seasons, has shifted his journalism to the independent kind.The Paikin Podcast dropped its debut episode two weeks ago — a sit-down interview with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith — and features a cast of regular panellists, including former MPs Tony Clement and Martha Hall Findlay and esteemed international relations expert Janice Stein.You can find every episode of The Paikin Podcast HERE, or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.And starting this weekend, you'll also be able to watch Paikin's latest episode right here on your local news site — every Saturday at 8 a.m. at the top of the homepage. Be sure to look for it.Paikin joins us on tonight's Closer Look to talk about his beloved Boston Red Sox, his new podcast, and why he's excited to be teaming up with Village Media once again.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.New episodes of Closer Look drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network, or wherever you find your favourite podcasts. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textTonight on Village Media's new daily podcast: What our Queen's Park team at The Trillium discovered about the chair of the PC Ontario Fund — and how Premier Ford reacted to the investigation."He could be the most powerful person in the province."That's the way one source described Tony Miele, the long-serving chair of the PC Ontario Fund — the fundraising arm of Premier Doug Ford's Progressive Conservative party. With Miele at the helm, the PCs have dominated other provincial parties in fundraising for more than a decade, bankrolling slick, expensive commercials and professional election campaigns.An investigation by The Trillium, Village Media's bureau at Queen's Park, uncovered a lot more about the PC party's chief fundraiser.Several well-placed sources who have worked at high levels of the Ford government and in the development industry told The Trillium that Miele not only raises party funds from developers, but personally makes money working with them, a claim substantiated by court documents.Miele has also had rare access to provincial cabinet ministers and their staff, who sometimes get in touch with him while planning political fundraisers, according to nine well-placed sources.Miele told The Trillium he has “dedicated over 30 years to advising on building and infrastructure across Canada.”“My role has always been that of a consultant and not a lobbyist,” he continued. “I'm proud of the work I've done and stand by the integrity and transparency of the services I've provided.”The article triggered plenty of reaction from Opposition politicians, with one Liberal MPP asking the province's integrity commissioner to consider The Trillium report as she determines whether or not her office will investigate issues around the Dresden landfill.Our guest on tonight's Closer Look podcast is Jessica Smith Cross, the Editor-in-Chief of The Trillium, who co-authored the Miele profile with reporter Charlie Pinkerton.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, 'Closer Look' is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.New episodes of ‘Closer Look' drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network, or wherever you find your favourite podcasts. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villag

Send us a textTonight on Village Media's new 'Closer Look' podcast: One month after masked men tried to steal a vehicle out of Doug Ford's driveway, a new report finds a major decline in reported auto thefts.Last year, when the provincial and federal governments announced millions of dollars in funding to crack down on car thieves, Ontario Premier Doug Ford had a stern warning for would-be criminals: “We're coming after you.”They actually came after him, it turned out. But in the end, the government crackdown appears to be working.A new report released this week found the number of vehicles reported stolen across Canada is way down during the first six months of 2025 — including in Ontario, where reported auto theft has dropped nearly 26 per cent.Équité Association, the industry group that released the report, credits much of the drop to collective efforts aimed at combating the crime from coast to coast.Our guest on tonight's Closer Look podcast is Bryan Gast, a former OPP officer who is now the national vice-president of investigative services at Équité Association.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.New episodes of Closer Look drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network, or wherever you find your favourite podcasts. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textRemember back in 2018, when the United States, Canada and Mexico celebrated their successful bid to co-host the 2026 World Cup?Now that the big event is less than a year away — and U.S. President Donald Trump has unleashed a tariff war on his country's closest trading partner — things have gotten a bit awkward.Offside, to borrow a soccer term.Political tensions, combined with Trump's immigration crackdown, are threatening to overshadow the largest-ever FIFA World Cup, with the three countries set to host a record 48 teams.Will some international fans get caught up in Trump's travel ban? And how does Canada play co-host to the world alongside a country that is openly threatening its very sovereignty? We tackle those questions, and many more, with our guest on tonight's Closer Look podcast: Tim Elcombe, a kinesiology professor at Wilfrid Laurier University who studies the connected world of sports, politics and international affairs.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.New episodes of Closer Look drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network, or wherever you find your favourite podcasts. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textDonald Trump's tariffs have triggered a lot of talk on this side of the border about building big — and the race is now on to kick-start major infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening Canada's autonomy and economy.How about a massive upgrade to Highways 11 and 17?That is the pitch being made by the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM), which this week called on the federal and provincial governments to invest in an innovative plan that it says would improve road safety and boost trade efficiency.If approved, the project would convert stretches of both highways into a 2+1 model — a three-lane highway with a centre passing lane that changes direction approximately every two to five kilometres. Common in parts of Europe, the 2+1 model is considered much more cost-efficient than twinning a highway.FONOM president Danny Whalen is our guest on tonight's episode of Closer Look. He explains why this project is long overdue, and why now is the perfect time to finally get it done.​Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.New episodes of Closer Look drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network, or wherever you find your favourite podcasts. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textBack in June, police in Barrie issued what has become an all-too-common warning: beware of fraudsters.But this particular story was especially shocking. A local senior had fallen victim to an elaborate scam that ended when he handed over $725,000 worth of gold bars to a stranger in his driveway.“The reality is, sadly, this gold will never be seen again and the dollar value it represents can never be recovered,” police said in a news release.If it feels like fraud cases are on the rise, you're right. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which collects data on scams and identity theft, says Canadians were scammed out of more than $647 million last year (and that's only the cases people actually reported).Jeff Horncastle, a spokesman for the centre, is our guest on tonight's ‘Closer Look' podcast. He fills us in on the latest tactics criminals are using to try to rip you off — and how fraudsters are using artificial intelligence to up their game.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, 'Closer Look' is a new daily podcast goes beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.New episodes of ‘Closer Look' drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network. You can find every episode HERE or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textBonnie Crombie is set to face a leadership review at the Ontario Liberal Party's annual general meeting in September — and one former rival has some well-publicized thoughts about what should happen.In a Substack post last week, Nate Erskine-Smith — a Toronto MP who finished second in the 2023 leadership race — said Crombie should resign if she doesn't receive at least two-thirds of support from Liberal delegates.“We need change,” Erskine-Smith wrote, adding “that renewal starts at the top.”Not surprisingly, his comments triggered some headlines (and some pushback from Ontario MPPs).A guest on tonight's ‘Closer Look' podcast, Erskine-Smith insisted he is speaking out for the good of the party, not himself. He was also adamant that he hasn't made a decision on whether he would run in another leadership race, should Crombie not survive the September review.“We saw at the federal level the importance of changing leaders in a particular moment,” he said. “And anyone looking at the last provincial campaign honestly would say we didn't do as well as we could or should have.”The Liberals did increase their seat count in the last election (14) and regained official status in the Legislature, but Crombie failed to win the riding of Mississauga East Cooksville.“We need a new leader who is going to energize people, motivate people, inspire people to get involved in our politics — to articulate a set of ideas and values that is going to inspire people to get involved in our politics — and to really prosecute a case for change,” Erskine-Smith said.Would he run again?“Maybe,” he replied. “Of course I have an interest. I hope there are others too.”Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, 'Closer Look' is a new daily podcast goes beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.New episodes of ‘Closer Look' drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network. You can find every episode HERE or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textAs trade negotiations drag on, U.S. President Donald Trump continues to insist that tariffs are justified because Canada isn't doing enough to stop fentanyl from “pouring” over the border into American communities.The data doesn't seem to back up the president's claim — and neither does the evidence seen by one of Ontario's top cops. During a recent episode of our ‘Closer Look' podcast, we asked OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique to weigh in on Trump's claim. He called it "misinformation.""There is very little evidence of that being a trend or pattern," Carrique said. "A minimal amount of fentanyl has been seized going from Canada to the U.S."You can watch the full interview HERE.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, this new daily podcast goes beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.New episodes of ‘Closer Look' drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network, or wherever you find your favourite podcasts. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textCanada's premiers are gathered in cottage country this week for a series of meetings that all revolve around the same man: U.S. President Donald Trump.Ontario Premier Doug Ford, chair of the Council of the Federation, is hosting his counterparts at the Deerhurst Resort in Muskoka — with tariffs and trade at the top of the agenda.Earlier today, the premiers met with First Nations leaders concerned about Bill 5, which gives the province the power to speed up the development of major infrastructure projects. Tomorrow morning, Prime Minister Mark Carney will arrive to brief premiers on the state of negotiations with Trump, who has imposed an Aug. 1 deadline to cut a new trade deal with Canada.Jack Hauen from our Queen's Park team at The Trillium is covering the premiers' meeting. He joins us tonight to break down all the details.​Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, 'Closer Look' is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.New episodes of ‘Closer Look' drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network, or wherever you find your favourite podcasts. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textPrime Minister Mark Carney announced new measures this week to help support Canada's struggling steel industry, which has been battered in recent months by Donald Trump's trade war.The changes include restricting and reducing the amount of foreign steel imports — especially from China, which is notorious for illegally flooding the Canadian market with cheap steel — and prioritizing made-in-Canada steel for major domestic projects.Although welcome news, the industry is still bracing for the next big announcement: whether President Trump will lower the current tariff on steel imported to the United States. As of today, it remains at 50 per cent.Michael Garcia is the CEO of Algoma Steel, Canada's only independent primary steel producer. He joins us on tonight's ‘Closer Look' podcast to talk about his reaction to the federal government's plan — and whether it's enough to keep the domestic steel industry afloat.New episodes of ‘Closer Look' drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network. You can find every episode HERE or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.Want to see more video features from Village Media? Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Send us a textFor Erin Sharpe, summer camp turned out to be a defining moment in her life. The weeks she spent as a teenager at YMCA's Camp Wanakita taught her real-life lessons about teamwork, resilience and independence that still resonate today."I learned a lot about myself that I didn't realize before, in terms of what I could do," she says. "And the bonding that came with the other people in the group, it definitely has stuck."Now a professor of recreation and leisure studies at Brock University, Sharpe is well aware that many Ontario parents simply can't afford to send their kids to camp. But she says there are supports available to help lower-income families give their children that once-in-a-lifetime experience.Sharpe is our guest on tonight's episode of 'Closer Look.'New episodes of ‘Closer Look' drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network. You can find every episode HERE or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.Want to see more video features from Village Media? Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Send us a textDarrell Fox was only 17 years old when he accompanied his older brother, Terry, on what would become the most famous run in Canadian history.Last week — 45 years after Terry Fox was forced to end his Marathon of Hope near Thunder Bay — Darrell Fox completed a monumental journey of his own.He and a group of fellow cyclists pedalled from coast to coast (a 32-day journey that spanned more than 7,000 km) and raised more than $1 million for cancer research along the way.Now back home in British Columbia, Darrell took some time to join our ‘Closer Look' podcast for an emotional conversation about hope, his iconic brother, and the immeasurable legacy he left behind.Every Canadian knows the story of Terry Fox. But no one had a closer view than his little brother.New episodes of ‘Closer Look' drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network. You can find every episode HERE or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.​Want to see more video features from Village Media? Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Send us a textIn cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen's Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.This new daily podcast from Village Media — ‘Closer Look' — is all about the stories we tell.Every weeknight, hosts Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith go beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.On tonight's episode: The death of remote work.With COVID-19 long behind us, a growing number of employers are demanding that their workers actually come to work.The financial sector is leading the charge, but those companies aren't alone.Are remote workers less productive? Or is the push for in-office work driven by something else?Joining us on the podcast to break down the pros and cons is Alex Gallacher, managing director of Engage HR.New episodes of ‘Closer Look' drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network. You can find every episode HERE or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.Want to see more video features from Village Media? Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Send us a textIf you're a hockey fan, you've no doubt seen this viral video by now: Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice rewarding his fourth-line forwards in the waning seconds of this year's Stanley Cup final.“I want you three f—ing guys out there for the last shift,” said Maurice, in a behind-the-scenes moment recorded on the bench. “You throw your sh— off when we win this.”Maurice was acknowledging the fact that his grinders — A.J. Greer, Tomas Nosek and Jonah Gadjovich — had played a pivotal role in the team's championship run, especially their impact against the Toronto Maple Leafs in round two of the playoffs.How many times has Gadjovich watched the clip?“Countless times for sure,” he smiled, during an appearance today on our ‘Closer Look' podcast. “I love that video. It's so cool. It brings back just such a special memory. I wasn't expecting that to happen, obviously.”Last season, Gadjovich was on Florida's postseason roster but never saw the ice. This year, he emerged as a critical piece of the title team, even playing Game 6 against the Edmonton Oilers with a broken foot.Now back home in Ontario for the summer, Gadjovich took some time to talk to us about everything — his injury, the post-victory parties, Brad Marchand, and how grateful he is for the love and support of his family.Oh, he also gave us the scoop about the fate of his epic playoff beard.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, this new daily podcast goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.New episodes of ‘Closer Look' drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network, or wherever you find your favourite podcasts. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textIn cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen's Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.This new daily podcast from Village Media — ‘Closer Look' — is all about the stories we tell.On tonight's episode: One-on-one with Ontario's top cop.Earlier this month, the Ontario Provincial Police announced the largest fentanyl seizure in the force's history: 38 kg, or more than 380,000 street doses of the lethal drug. The massive bust was the result of Project Golden, a multi-jurisdictional investigation that spanned 11 months and multiple communities.OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique is our guest on tonight's podcast, along with Andy Bradford, the Acting Detective Superintendent of the force's Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau.Along with details of the investigation, we ask the commissioner to address U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion that fentanyl is pouring over the border from Canada. (Spoiler alert: Carrique describes that claim as “misinformation.”)We also ask him to weigh in on the state of Canada's bail system for accused criminals — and Premier Doug Ford's belief that we need more “tough-on-crime” judges and justices of the peace.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, this new daily podcast goes beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.New episodes of ‘Closer Look' drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network, or wherever you find your favourite podcasts. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textBill Barilko is a familiar name to hockey fans — a talented Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman who famously scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal in 1951.But for most Canadians, Barilko is even more famous for his appearance in The Tragically Hip's hit song Fifty Mission Cap.Bill Barilko disappeared that summerHe was on a fishing tripThe last goal he ever scored, in overtimeWon the Leafs the cupThey didn't win another till 1962The year he was discoveredThis week, Barilko's name was back in the headlines after one of his old hockey sticks sold at auction for $60,000, more than ten times the initial appraisal. If nothing else, the hefty sale price shows just how much Barilko's name continues to resonate in this country — 74 years after he died.The stick was sold by Miller & Miller Auctions Ltd. in New Hamburg, Ont. Ben Pernfuss, the company's consignment director for sports cards and memorabilia, joins us on tonight's episode of 'Closer Look' to talk about where the stick came from, who bought it, and where it's going next.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, this new daily podcast from Village Media goes beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.New episodes of ‘Closer Look' drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network, or wherever you find to your favourite podcasts. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textNo, that's not a Zamboni on the shoreline. It's a BeBot — Canada's first remote-controlled beach cleaning robot.The unique device was unveiled this week by the not-for-profit group Pollution Probe, which plans to dispatch the contraption this summer to various beaches across Ontario.The vacuum-like robot — which covers 3,000 square meters per hour — targets food wrappers, bottles, cigarette butts and plastic fragments. Melissa De Young, the CEO of Pollution Probe, joins us on tonight's episode of ‘Closer Look' to explain how the robot works, why it's important — and what beach-goers say when they spot it.Hosted by Village Media's Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, this new daily podcast goes beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.New episodes of ‘Closer Look' drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network, or wherever you find to your favourite podcasts. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.

Send us a textIn cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen's Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.This new daily podcast from Village Media — ‘Closer Look' — is all about the stories we tell.Every weeknight, hosts Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith go beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.On tonight's debut episode: Charlie Angus' war.After serving more than two decades as an MP in Northern Ontario, New Democrat Charlie Angus chose not to run for re-election on April 28. But the 62-year-old is hardly retiring.Instead, Angus has emerged as one of the leading Canadian critics of U.S. President Donald Trump — so much so that he is leading a self-professed “Resistance Tour.” Angus joins us tonight from Cobalt, Ont. to talk about his new mission, what he hopes to accomplish — and what he would say to Trump if he had five minutes in the Oval Office.New episodes of ‘Closer Look' drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. across the Village Media network. You can find every episode HERE or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Have something to say? You can reach us at closerlook@villagemedia.ca.Want to see more video features from Village Media? Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Send us a textWelcome back to Inside the Village, a one-of-a-kind podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.On this week's episode: Free at last.A nightmare vacation for a Burlington, Ont. man has finally come to an end — 71 days after he was arrested in the Dominican Republic and wrongfully accused of drug trafficking.David Bennett was innocent all along, but even after local authorities withdrew the charges, he spent weeks waiting for permission to finally fly home.Bennett's wife, Jane Wilcox — who worked furiously behind the scenes to advocate for his release — joined our podcast back in March to talk about the case. She joins us again tonight — this time with her husband, who is safely back in Burlington but still struggling to process all that has happened.Bennett walks us through the details of his arrest, life inside a Dominican jail cell, and what advice he has for fellow Canadian travellers.WATCH: ‘It's a nightmare,' says wife of Ontario man facing drug charges in DominicanInside the Village — hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media — is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.Every episode can be found HERE. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.Have something to say? You can reach us at itv@villagemedia.ca.Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Reach out to us anytime: itv@villagemedia.caFollow: X, YouTube

Send us a textWelcome back to Inside the Village, a one-of-a-kind podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.On this week's episode: the urgent push to break down interprovincial trade barriers.Yes, you read that right: this week's show is a detailed discussion about interprovincial trade barriers.Why? Because a lot of people are trumpeting them as a key front in the battle against Donald Trump's punishing tariffs. WATCH: Mark Carney joins our podcast to talk Trump, tariffsSimply put, interprovincial trade barriers are things that make it difficult to move goods, services and labour across provincial lines. These barriers can include food production regulations, how truck drivers are licensed, and protectionist measures regarding alcohol sales.In recent weeks, multiple politicians have claimed that breaking down those trade barriers could add $200 billion to Canada's GDP. Ontario Premier Doug Ford threw out that figure this week when he announced a new agreement with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew.Prime Minister Mark Carney has also said that bulldozing interprovincial trade barriers could more than offset the damage done by Trump's tariffs.Is that true? Or just a nice soundbite? We ask Moshe Lander, an economics professor at Concordia University in Montreal.We ask him a lot of other questions, too. Inside the Village — hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media — is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.Every episode can be found HERE. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.Have something to say? You can reach us at itv@villagemedia.ca.Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Reach out to us anytime: itv@villagemedia.caFollow: X, YouTube

Send us a textThis week on our 'Inside the Village' podcast: Eradicated nearly three decades ago, measles cases are soaring — fuelled by COVID fatigue and misinformation that spreads faster than the virus itself.Welcome back to Inside the Village, a one-of-a-kind podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.On this week's episode: The spread of measles misinformation.Eradicated nearly 30 years ago, measles is back with a vengeance. The highly contagious virus is making a global resurgence, and Ontario is no exception.Since last October, the province has reported 1,440 cases of the disease, triggering questions about whether the Ford government is doing enough to keep residents informed — and promote vaccination.After 1998, Canada considered the disease eliminated because the vast majority of people received the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. But in recent years, Ontario has recorded a steep decline in vaccination rates among children under 7, with only 70 per cent immunized against measles in 2023-24.Why are so many parents refusing to have their children vaccinated against a potentially deadly virus? That is one of the many questions we asked Dr. Zahid Butt, an infectious diseases expert and professor in the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo.If you're looking for factual information about the ongoing outbreak, this interview is a must-watch.​Inside the Village — hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media — is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.Every episode can be found HERE. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.Have something to say? You can reach us at itv@villagemedia.ca.Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Reach out to us anytime: itv@villagemedia.caFollow: X, YouTube

Send us a textOn Monday, Canadians will cast their ballots in what many are calling the most important election in generations.If you believe the polls, this is a tight two-horse race between Mark Carney's Liberals and Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives.This morning, Carney visited Sault Ste. Marie for a campaign stop at Algoma Steel, the city's largest employer. After the press conference, the Liberal Leader sat down for a wide-ranging interview with Village Media's Inside the Village podcast.You can watch the full interview above, or listen to the audio version wherever you find your favourite podcasts.For the record, we reached out to Poilievre's team multiple times during the campaign to invite him on the show. No one responded.Hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media, Inside the Village is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.Every episode can be found HERE.Have something to say? You can reach us at itv@villagemedia.ca.Want to see more video features from Village Media? Please subscribe to our YouTube channel.Reach out to us anytime: itv@villagemedia.caFollow: X, YouTube

Send us a textThis week on our 'Inside the Village' podcast: The moderator for next week's English-language leaders' debate tells us how he gets ready, what can go wrong — and his strategy for keeping things fair.Welcome back to Inside the Village, a one-of-a-kind podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.On this week's episode: Prepping for the big showdown.Next week will be a crucial one in the ongoing federal election race, as party leaders take the stage for back-to-back debates on Wednesday and Thursday in Montreal.First up will be the French debate, moderated by Radio-Canada's Patrice Roy, at 8 p.m. on April 16. The English-language debate will air the following night at 7 p.m., moderated by TVOntario's Steve Paikin.How will the format work? What kind of preparation is going on behind the scenes? Paikin joins us on this week's podcast to answer those questions — and a lot more.Thursday's debate will be Paikin's ninth as moderator (four federal, five provincial). And yes, he still gets butterflies.Hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media, Inside the Village is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.Every episode can be found HERE. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.Have something to say? You can reach us at itv@villagemedia.ca.Want to see more video features from Village Media? Please subscribe to our YouTube channel.Reach out to us anytime: itv@villagemedia.caFollow: X, YouTube

Send us a textThis week on our 'Inside the Village' podcast: As Donald Trump hits us with tariffs and muses about Canada becoming the 51st state, shoppers on this side of the border are punching back.Welcome back to Inside the Village, a one-of-a-kind podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.On this week's episode: How to "Buy Canadian" — and why this boycott might actually stick.Although Donald Trump struck a much more respectful tone on Friday after a phone call with Prime Minister Mark Carney, the U.S. President has spent the past two months threatening Canada with tariffs and incessantly musing about how our country should become the 51st state.On this side of the border, many of us have vowed to fight back by shopping Canadian. Will it make difference? And how do patriotic shoppers ensure they're actually buying Canadian-made products?François Neville, an associate professor of strategic management at McMaster University's DeGroote School of Business, joins us on the podcast to answer those questions and a whole lot more.His best advice for shoppers? Be wary of "maplewashing." (Tune in and you'll understand.)Hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media, Inside the Village is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.Every episode can be found HERE. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.Have something to say? You can reach us at itv@villagemedia.ca.Want to see more video features from Village Media? Please subscribe to our YouTube channel.Reach out to us anytime: itv@villagemedia.caFollow: X, YouTube

Send us a textThis week on our 'Inside the Village' podcast: We speak to Jane Wilcox, who is fighting around the clock to clear her husband's name — and bring David Bennett home.Welcome back to Inside the Village, a one-of-a-kind podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.On this week's episode: A dream vacation spirals into a nightmare.Family and friends are rallying around a Burlington man who was arrested in the Dominican Republic earlier this month and accused of drug trafficking.David Bennett was on vacation in Punta Cana with his wife, Jane Wilcox, and two other friends when they were set to fly home on March 7. But instead of boarding the plane, Bennett was hauled into an interrogation room and accused of smuggling illegal substances into the country.Authorities claim a piece of yellow luggage tagged with the name "Davi Bennett" belonged to him — an allegation his family insists is "100 per cent incorrect."More than two weeks later, Bennett is still stuck in the Dominican awaiting his next court date.“It's a nightmare," said Wilcox, a guest on this week's podcast. "He is a physically strong guy, but mentally it has taken a toll on him and his family.”SEE: Burlington man stranded in Dominican Republic faces bogus drug charges, says familyWilcox is working around the clock to get her husband home, including hiring lawyers and pressing government officials — an effort that has already cost her family more than $30,000."He's really anxious to get home," she said. "He feels like every day he is there is just a wasted day of his life that has been taken away.” You can read more about the case HERE and HERE.Hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media, Inside the Village is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.Every episode can be found HERE. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.Have something to say? You can reach us at itv@villagemedia.ca.Want to see more video features from Village Media? Please subscribe to our Reach out to us anytime: itv@villagemedia.caFollow: X, YouTube

Send us a textThis week on our 'Inside the Village' podcast: A wide-ranging conversation with Algoma Steel CEO Michael Garcia, an American citizen who holds a unique vantage point on the brewing trade war.Welcome back to Inside the Village, a one-of-a-kind podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.On this week's episode: An in-depth conversation with the CEO of Sault Ste. Marie's largest employer.Michael Garcia is chief executive officer of Algoma Steel, a company that ships approximately half of its output south of the border. He also happens to be an American citizen who served in the U.S. army and earned his MBA from Harvard Business School.We invited Garcia on the podcast to talk in detail about how Donald Trump's threatened tariffs could wreak havoc on the Sault's biggest company, and why he thinks the U.S. president is so bent on protectionism.But our conversation covered a lot of other ground, too, including Algoma's shift to electric arc steelmaking and the company's legacy of pollution.Garcia also addressed the fact that as the company transitions to its electric arc furnaces over the next few years, the plant's workforce will drastically decrease — from approximately 2,700 today to roughly 1,700 by 2029.While a portion of those cuts will come through retirements, some job losses are inevitable."That's one of the most sobering parts of this transformation," Garcia said. "We've tried to be open with our employees from the very beginning, helping them understand what this means, what the journey looks like, and some idea of the timeframe that these moves will be made in.”He said his goal is to make sure the process unfolds "with openness, respect and caring for everybody involved.”"We're a family and everybody in Algoma Steel is a full, valuable member of the team right now and they'll continue to be that way until the day that they're not on the team," Garcia said. "And unfortunately, we're going to be a smaller team in the future. But we're going to be a sustainable company and we're going to be here for decades and decades.”It's a long interview — nearly 80 minutes — but the conversation provides a lot of insight into what is happening at Algoma Steel right now, and the major changes expected to occur over the next few years.Hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media, ​Inside the Village is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.Every episode can be found HERE. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.Have something to say? You can reach us at itv@villagemedia.ca.Reach out to us anytime: itv@villagemedia.caFollow: X, YouTube

Send us a textThis week on the podcast: As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, nearly half of all viewers in Ontario are expected to place a bet — a process that's never been easier, or more enticing.Welcome back to Inside the Village, a one-of-a-kind podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.On this week's episode: Betting on the Super Bowl (and everything else).In 2022, Ontario became the first province in Canada to regulate online gambling and single-sport betting, leading to what is now a multi-billion-dollar industry.But at what cost? For all the revenue the government pockets — and the endless ads encouraging us to place a wager — is enough being done to help people struggling with a gambling addiction?Melissa Toney-Williams, the associate director of prevention programs at the Responsible Gambling Council, is our guest on this week's podcast. She answers that question and a whole lot more.Spoiler alert: She isn't betting on Sunday's Super Bowl.Hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media, Inside the Village is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.Every episode can be found HERE. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.Have something to say? You can reach us at itv@villagemedia.ca.Reach out to us anytime: itv@villagemedia.caFollow: X, YouTube