It's the Friday Round Table!

Craig was joined in the studio by former Thames Centre Deputy Mayor Kelly Elliott and former Youth Opportunities Unlimited CEO Steve Cordes to break down the week's top stories.

They begin with news that House of Hope is going to stick around on Dundas until March of 2027.

Good news for the people who live there, but... what happens next? What should the funding model of a place like House of Hope?

Then, CTV has reported that a $2-million dollar plan to hire special constables to help fill enforcement gaps in London will be discussed at a city committee meeting next week.

But, weren't we told a huge investment in London Police earlier in this council term would solve these problems? And a $2-million bill to hire 11 people seems excessive.

Then, they look at a controversial development on Wellington near Grand - two huge buildings, few amenities and only 21 parking spots. What should council do with this proposal?

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The City of London got a nice gift from the provincial government - an $11.2-million cheque for hitting housing start targets.

The money will be used on a list of 'housing enabling infrastructure projects' set to come to council later this summer. 

This is all good news, but what can we do to encourage more affordable units? When can we say London and Ontario are out of the current crisis?

Craig spoke with Mayor Josh Morgan and Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack to get their thoughts.

Also, Craig provides an update on the House of Hope closure.

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On a hot Friday in downtown London, Craig welcomed political insider Matthew Newton-Reid and former city councillor Cheryl Miller to the Covent Garden Market studio.

They look at sinking London Transit ridership numbers - can the entire decline be blamed on fewer international students at Western and Fanshawe? How could we get more people on the bus?

Then, a look at London's unemployment rate, which is sitting at 8.7%, and according to a CBC piece, the city has one of the worst youth unemployment rates in the country.

How can this get turned around? Will it become an election issue this fall?

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by London Hydro with support from Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.

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It's the offseason in the NHL, but that hasn't stopped league decision makers from giving out second, third, or fourth chances.

The Edmonton Oilers have made Mike Babcock their head coach - despite a past checkered with bullying and mental abuse of his players.

Their roles in the Blackhawks sexual abuse scandal haven't prevented Oilers GM Stan Bowman and Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville from getting new jobs and Carter Hart - who a year ago was on trial at the London court house for sexual assault - just played in the Stanley Cup Final.

Why is hockey culture so forgiving of poor behaviour? What needs to change?

Advocate Kristin Raworth joined Craig on the podcast to discuss.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by London Hydro - with support from Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.

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Have you been caught up in major traffic backups this month? You aren't alone.

Commissioners at Wellington has huge delays.

Highbury is down to one lane each way for a large stretch.

There's been major construction delays at Springbank and Wonderland.

Plus lots of roadwork is happening downtown.

So why is all of this happening at once? And when can we expect some relief?

Jennie Dann is the director, Construction and Infrastructure Services at City of London, and joins Craig on the podcast to provide some answers.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by London Hydro - with support from Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.

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London city councillors have a new downtown plan!

It isn't the first time we've made a plan - but can this one work? Will it even be implemented?

Craig was joined in the studio by London Property Management Association Executive Director Nathan Caranci and former Green Party candidate Dr. Carol Dyck to break down the plan and how the state of the core has a huge impact on other city issues.

Then, they look at the future at London Health Sciences Centre now that the organization is recruiting a new board.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by London Hydro – with support from Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.

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It's been a difficult half decade for London Health Sciences Centre.

Travel scandals, lawsuits, police investigations and more. But, the organization is ready to turn the page.

They're starting recruitment for a new board after the previous one was removed by the Ministry of Health, and they've released a new public report looking into the events that led to the hospital going under supervision.

LHSC supervisor David Musyj joined Craig on the podcast to discuss that report, update the legal proceedings involving the hospital, and look ahead to what's next for LHSC.

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by London Hydro - with support from Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.

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There's some new rules surrounding the controversial safe supply program - but will those changes actually make a difference in London?

Craig was joined by political insider Ryan Gauss and organizational consultant Mojdeh Azad on the Friday Round Table to discuss.

Can the changes prevent diversion? Do we need to wind the program down entirely? 

Then, some new polling shows Doug Ford's approval rating is sitting at 21%. Trouble ahead for the Progressive Conservatives? 

Craig and the panel break it down on a brand new episode powered by London Hydro along with Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.

This week in Ottawa, Safe Social Media Act (also known at Bill C-34) was introduced.

The government says their goal is to create "a safer online space for all Canadians, especially children". Will they accomplish their goal? What about privacy concerns? And why is unfettered access to social media causing so many problems for kids?

Dr. Emma Duerden, an associate professor of education at Western University and a Canada Research Chair in Neuroscience and Learning Disorders, joined Craig on the podcast for her thoughts. 

The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by London Hydro – with support from Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.

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