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In this new feature, Village Media journalists break down an important story making headlines around the province. On tonight's episode: Why the much-hyped Ring of Fire project is still years away.

Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore a compelling story they are covering.

These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: Why Doug Ford is on fire to get moving on the Ring of Fire.

Fresh off last week’s provincial election win, Premier Ford said today he's ready to pick a fight with the feds in order to expedite critical minerals production in the face of a looming trade war with the U.S.

Saying Ontario is in a pandemic-like “survival mode,” Ford said it's time to "do more and act faster” in order to use the Ring of Fire as leverage against the Trump administration’s tariffs on Canadian goods.

SEE: Ford sends message to Ottawa on Ring of Fire: Get out of our way

But actually building the roads necessary to reach the massive mineral deposit is still years away — maybe as late as 2040.

SEE: Ring of Fire access roads may not be complete until 2040

Alan S. Hale, a Queen's Park reporter at The Trillium, joins us to talk about today's developments. You can read his latest article HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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