CBC Newfoundland Morning

The body-positive social movement is all about accepting people of all body types, no matter their size, shape, skin tone or gender. In 2023, the Facebook group "Fat Babes of Newfoundland" was created to provide a safe space for gender-diverse people with marginalized body types to share experiences and develop friendships. In part three of our series, Skin Deep, the CBC's Hillary Johnson spoke with Sarah Murphy, the co-facilitator and co-creator of "Fat Babes of Newfoundland."

Sunday was the first day of competition for athletes competing in the Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games in Gander. Unfortunately, some people say they had a rocky start because of issues with sleeping arrangements at the athletes' village. Arch Pardy is a parent from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, whose son plays with Team Indigenous (interview is at the start of the podcast). Tara Pollett and Geoff Goldsworthy are co-chairs of the Gander host committee for the Games (interview starts at 4:17).

The Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games are in full swing in Gander this week, and hundreds of athletes from across the province are competing for a spot on the podium. But, during Saturday's opening ceremonies, it was all about celebrating together. The CBC's Cherie Wheeler was there for it.

The ski hill in Western Newfoundland was hit hard by flooding on the weekend. Heavy rain led to water pouring down over the hillside at Marble Mountain. Marble Mountain Richard Wells spoke this morning with Bernice Hillier (interview at start of podcast), and Steady Brook Mayor Bill Dawson spoke on Sunday with the CBC's William Ping (starts at 7:00 mark).

This past weekend marked two years since Russia launched a full-on invasion of Ukraine. Tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians and soldiers have died or been wounded in the attacks. The bombs have turned towns and cities to rubble, and have led many people to flee the country. Canadian retired General Rick Hillier of Campbellton is doing what he can to help the Ukrainian military. The former Chief of Defense Staff is also urging Canadian governments to do more to help re-settle the flood of refugees who have come here. Hillier is chair of the Strategic Advisory Council that provides support and advice to the Ukrainian World Congress.

The sport of curling is in the spotlight right now as the Scotties Tournament of Hearts continues in Calgary. According to the internet, today also happens to be "Curling Is Cool Day." CBC’s Amy Feehan hit the streets of Corner Brook to ask people the burning question: Is curling really cool?

On Thursday, two fourth-year nursing students at the Centre for Nursing Studies - Chloe George and Hayley Cheeseman - said they were surprised and frustrated at receiving only temporary job offers, rather than permanent positions. It turns out that only 23 of their graduating class of 103 had landed permanent jobs in this province. Nurses are interviewed and they provide their top three preferences for job location and department.

We spoke with Debbie Molloy, vice-president of human resources with NL Health Services (interview starts.at beginning of podcast), then with Barry Petten, the Progressive Conservative Shadow Minister of Health (interview starts at 7:57).

A young musician from Pasadena is doing his first solo show this weekend. If you love folk music, and Stan Rogers in particular, you will want to be there.17-year-old Jay Adey-Rideout has been performing with his dad for many years, but his current obsession with the music of Stan Rogers led him to decide that his first solo show would be a Stan Rogers tribute. It's happening Saturday night at the Rotary Arts Centre in Corner Brook.

An Artist in Residence program in rural Newfoundland is once again offering up space to create. Union House Arts in Port Union has been a home to many artists over the years, and it's already looking for artists to visit in 2025. Bethany Mackenzie is programming director of Union House Arts.

Hundreds of young athletes are making their way to Gander today for the Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games. That brings back a lot of memories for Blair Sparkes. He's an ambassador for boys' basketball this Games, but back in 1982, he was competing in the Games himself. 16-year-old Grace Whalen is an ambassador for girls' hockey, in which she'll also compete with the host team.