Inside the Village - A weekly podcast featuring newsmakers in Ontario

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

Send us a textThis week on our 'Inside the Village' podcast: Ontario will be in election-campaign mode over the next four weeks — and your local news outlet will be covering every step of the race.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: Election season in Ontario!Like it or not, Doug Ford is sending us back to the voting booths a lot earlier than scheduled. Your local news site is ready to cover all the angles — along with The Trillium, Village Media's bureau at Queen's Park. On this instalment of the podcast, we lay out all our plans for covering the campaign. Spoiler alert: we're excited.​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 textHow bad is the country's doctor shortage? So bad that the medical misinformation business is flourishing online. Alarming new data released by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) shows that more than one-third of Canadians are getting health information from the Internet because they can't access a primary care provider. Forty-two percent have tried medical advice found online, while nearly one quarter — 23 per cent — have experienced a negative reaction after following that advice. Joining us to talk about the survey results is Dr. Joss Reimer, president of the CMA. Also the podcast this week: Get ready for an early provincial election! Premier Doug Ford is about to trigger a snap election.Reach out to us anytime: itv@villagemedia.caFollow: X, YouTube

Send us a textA new report has painstakingly tallied the number of Ontarians who experienced homelessness last year — and the figure is staggering: 81,515. If things stay the same, that number is expected to double over the next decade (and potentially reach 300,000 in an economic downturn). What can be done to turn things around? The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), which commissioned the report, says the fix will cost $13 billion in government funding: $11 billion over 10 years to boost the supply of affordable housing, improve transitional and supportive services, and enhance prevention programs; and $2 billion over eight years to eliminate encampments. Joining us to break down all the numbers is Lindsay Jones, director of policy and government relations at AMO. Also on the show: It's peak season for political junkies! Get your popcorn.Reach out to us anytime: itv@villagemedia.caFollow: X, YouTube

Send us a textFrisco and Scott are back for a fourth season of Inside the Village — and we kick things off with a blast from the past. Former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne is now a professor at the University of Toronto and has plenty of thoughts on the big political news of the week, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation and Donald Trump's looming trade war. Should Premier Doug Ford call an early election? She has a strong opinion on that, too. If you're a political junkie — or worried about the threat of tariffs after Trump is inaugurated — don't miss this episode.Reach out to us anytime: itv@villagemedia.caFollow: X, YouTube

Send us a textLaunched in 2022, this news podcast has covered a lot of ground. As we mark the end of 2024 — and the release of our 100th episode — we take a look back at some or our most indelible interviews, including Ted Nolan, Gurdeep Pandher, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and an 18-year-old lottery winner named Juliette Lamour. To everyone who has listened over the years, thank you. We look forward to putting together the next 100 shows. Happy New Year!Reach out to us anytime: itv@villagemedia.caFollow: X, YouTube

Send us a textDelivery date unknown. That's the news at the moment when it comes to when a deal will be reached in the ongoing Canada Post strike. Both sides remain far apart on the key issues that triggered this labour dispute, and no new mediation is scheduled. Joining Scott and Frisco on the podcast this week is Jim Gallant, a member of the bargaining unit with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers. We asked him a whole lot of questions — and he didn't mail in any of his answers. If you're looking to understand more about what postal workers are fighting for, this is the interview for you. Also on this week's podcast (which just so happens to be our 100th): the launch of yet another new feature from Village Media.Reach out to us anytime: itv@villagemedia.caFollow: X, YouTube

Send us a textIt's a tough time to be a small business owner in Canada. Surviving the pandemic was a massive hurdle in any community, town or city. Now, the stakes seem just as high with the impact of the two week old Canada Post strike, potential tariffs on goods to the US when Donald Trump becomes president, not to mention the upcoming ‘tax holiday' that many business owners say frankly just isn't worth the hassle. Dan Kelly, the president and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business joins Frisco and Scott to tell us what it all means and how small business owners are bracing for impact. Plus, we've solved your flyer problems and take a closer look at a new feature we're launching.Reach out to us anytime: itv@villagemedia.caFollow: X, YouTube

Send us a textA new report says girls are closing the gap with boys when it comes to playing organized sports in Canada. A full 63 per cent of girls are playing sports weekly, compared to 68 per cent of boys, the report found. Although the numbers are up, the study also found there is still “more work to do.” The remaining 37 per cent of girls — nearly four in 10 — are missing out on the benefits of organized sports, a number that rises to five out of 10 by age 16. Joining us on the podcast to break down the stats is Allison Sandmeyer-Graves, the CEO of Canadian Women & Sport. She explains what still needs to be done, and how the emergence of the WNBA and the Women's Professional Hockey League have played a role in boosting participation. Also on this week's episode: the official launch of SPACES (and another project now in the works).Reach out to us anytime: itv@villagemedia.caFollow: X, YouTube

Send us a textWhen all is said and done, Taylor Swift's Eras Tour will have grossed over $2.2 billion. Every community on her tour has cashed in the concerts — including Toronto, where Swift is about to open a six-night run at Rogers Centre starting Thursday. Estimates have the economic spinoff for the Big Smoke to be over $280 million, including over $150 million in direct spending. TorontoToday reporter Alex Flood will be at opening night and joins Frisco and Scott on this week's episode of Inside the Village. Also on the show: some behind the scenes moments from our chat with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. And yes, we have invited the other party leaders to be on our show.Reach out to us anytime: itv@villagemedia.caFollow: X, YouTube

Send us a textTalk about good timing. On the heels of a caucus revolt, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sat down with Frisco and Scott for a wide-ranging interview that was scheduled well in advance of all the political drama this week on Parliament Hill. Asked again if he has any intention of resigning, Trudeau was adamant he isn't going anywhere. “I am determined to lead this party into the next election because we need to put all our tools together and I am actually really excited about this fight,” he told the podcast. Apart from the big news of the week, Trudeau spent more than 30 minutes answering our questions about immigration levels, public transit, affordable housing, the U.S. presidential election — even Taylor Swift. We also dug into Trudeau's dismal polling numbers, and why he is still convinced he can turn things around and beat Pierre Poilievre in the next election (whenever that is). In one of the more candid moments of our conversation, the Prime Minister also talked about what it's like to see his name plastered on all those “F— Trudeau” flags and bumper stickers. Whichever party you support, you'll want to hear his answer.Reach out to us anytime: itv@villagemedia.caFollow: X, YouTube

Send us a textIs it time to give up the dream of homeownership? Amid skyrocketing prices, scarce supply and longer mortgage terms, the goal of owning a home is slipping away from many Canadians — especially young ones. Diana Mok, a professor at the University of Guelph, says it's time for society to reevaluate whether people need to buy houses at all. She suggests we need to stop putting homeowners on a pedestal and focus on creating cohesive communities, not wealth generators. It's an interesting perspective — one that Mok discusses on this week's episode of Inside the Village. Also on the podcast: Queen's Park Today and Parliament Today join the Village Media family.

Send us a textFighting cancer is hard enough. When the bills pile up, it's that much worse. Anyone who has been touched by cancer knows it turns your life upside down — forcing people to take time off work, pay travel bills and incur other out-of-pocket expenses. A team from Sudbury's Health Sciences North Research Institute (HSNRI) is trying to get a better understanding of just how costly cancer can be. This week on Inside the Village, Frisco and Scott are joined by Dr. Stacey Santi, one of the lead researchers, to talk about what prompted the study and what they hope to learn. Also on the podcast: the latest on TorontoToday!

Send us a textInternal government data shows that in January, nearly 2,000 patients per day were kept in ‘unconventional spaces' like hallways and break rooms in Ontario hospitals — the highest number ever recorded. Through a Freedom of Information Request, reporter Aidan Chamandy of The Trillium was able to piece together the current state of hallway health care across the province — a problem that Doug Ford promised to fix, if elected. Chamandy joins Frisco and Scott to break down the data and talk about the reaction to his scoop. Also on the podcast: We're getting closer and closer to our launches of SPACES and TorontoToday!

Send us a textAfter years of court battles, the federal and provincial governments recently reached a $10-billion settlement with beneficiaries of the Robinson Huron Treaty. Simply put, members of those 21 First Nations in northern Ontario did not see an increase to annual treaty payments for nearly 150 years, even as wealth generated in their territory from mining, forestry and fishing sectors continued to grow. Earlier this month, the settlement money finally started flowing to individual beneficiaries — in many cases, more than $100,000 per person. For Scott Flamand, the payouts represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — and he's been telling anyone who will listen to think hard about where to put all that newfound money. A member of Wikwemikong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island, Flamand is a management consultant who specializes in personal finance and on-reserve housing. He joins Scott and Frisco for a fascinating conversation — not just for treaty beneficiaries, but for anyone looking to improve their money management skills. Also on the podcast this week: The countdown continues until we officially launch TorontoToday!

Send us a Text Message.As expected, the Ford government has announced it is shutting down multiple supervised drug consumption sites across the province — and banning all new ones. For harm-reduction advocates, the decision flies in the face of years of scientific research that shows these sites lower the risk of accidental overdose, reduce the spread of infectious diseases, and provide a starting point for drug users looking for treatment and withdrawal services. Amber Fritz, the former manager of The Spot, Sudbury's now-shuttered supervised consumption site, joins Scott and Frisco to talk about what the announcement means for the many people in our communities struggling with addiction. Also on the show this week: corn hustlers!

Send us a Text Message.An alarming new study is out that shines a bright spotlight on the staffing crisis in Ontario hospitals. One of the study's co-authors is Dr. James Brophy, a researcher at the University of Windsor, who joins Frisco and Scott on this week's Inside the Village to talk about the findings. Burnout, fatigue, stress and anxiety are running rampant amongst healthcare workers. What's causing it and what's being done to turn things around? We also ask Brophy what he would say to Premier Doug Ford if he had five minutes of his time? Also on the podcast: the latest on SPACES — and a launch date for TorontoToday.

Send us a Text Message.This week on the show, somehow Frisco had some holidays approved so Scott and Derek have taken over the show. Given that it's the halfway point of the season, they decided to look back at some of the great guests that have appeared on ITV so far this year. From super-agers to teenagers and financial literacy to Ted Nolan and why kids aren't playing hockey as much - oh and some Gerry Dee thrown in just for good measure, it's all there. Check it out and thanks for watching every week.

Send us a Text Message.Do you know a super ager? Maybe you are one? To be honest, we hadn't even heard of the term until a few days ago — but we wanted to learn more, so we reached out to a person who knows a whole lot: Dr. Angela Roberts, a University of Western Ontario professor who is the Canadian research lead on an international study into super agers. It turns out a super ager is someone 80 or over who has the memory of someone 20 or 30 years younger. It also turns out that researchers have found quite a few of them, with the hopes of understanding more about what makes these people tick. What her team discovers could help us all live longer, more enjoyable lives. Spoiler alert: We asked Roberts to weigh in on Joe Biden's debate performance. Take a listen.

Send us a Text Message.This week on Inside the Village, Frisco and Scott talk dollars and cents — and more specifically, whether high school students in Ontario know enough about how money works. The Ford government recently announced that financial literacy would be a mandatory course in order to graduate. Why the change? Turns out it all began with a chance encounter at a furniture store between Premier Doug Ford and financial expert Saijal Patel. That initial meeting turned into more meetings, and eventually an announcement that many in the province welcomed. Patel — host of the podcast ‘Strictly Money' — joins us on the show to explain how it all came together, and why it's so important that teenagers learn the value of a buck. Also on the podcast this week: A huge honour for one of our journalists.

Send us a Text Message.Frisco and Scott are back for another week of Inside the Village — and in the thick of the Stanley Cup finals, it's only fitting that they talk some hockey. More specifically, why are fewer Canadian kids choosing to lace em up? Stats show participation in youth hockey has dropped by nearly a quarter over the past 15 years, with more and more families choosing other sports instead. Why the dip? Is it the cost? The time commitment? The game's lingering toxic culture? We ask Simon Darnell, a professor at the University of Toronto and an expert in sports culture and sociology. If you love hockey, you won't want to miss this conversation. Also on the show this week: How squatters dashed the dreams of a first-time homebuyer in Guelph.