The St. John's Morning Show

Our Holiday campaign "Make The Season Kind" raises money for local food banks in the province. Tina Bishop is the executive director of the Community Food Sharing Association, which is the central distribution centre for more than 60 food banks in Newfoundland and Labrador. She joined us live at Bannerman Brewing this morning.

Kindness rocks, and one 8 year old girl has discovered the perfect way to showcase that. Gigi Kenny creates special, painted rocks that help spread kindness and calmness. Her and her mom Samantha Phelan told us all about this endeavor at Bannerman Brewing today.

The Saint Vincent De Paul Food Bank in Carbonear is holding its annual food drive this Friday, which helps keep the shelves stocked for the holiday season. Kaitlin Clarke is the food bank's communications and outreach coordinator, and joined us over the line this morning.

In recognition of National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, the YWCA is talking about gender-based violence. The YWCA is asking for donations to their NESS Fund -- that's the National Emergency Survivor Support Fund. Maria Gentle is the Executive Director of the YWCA, and she joined us in studio today to discuss the initiative.

For some students at Memorial University, spending the holidays with family isn't possible, but the university's Internationalization Office is looking to help. Their Holiday Hosting Program is looking to match up locals with international students this holiday season. Chris Hibbs is the interim manager of MUN's Internationalization Office, and joined us in studio this morning to discuss.

Soon, your employer might not require a sick note from the doctor if you're sick for more than three consecutive days. That's what was proposed on Monday by the province. It’s so doctors have more time treating patients, rather than signing papers. Businesses, however, can still choose to disregard the chance. The president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour, Jessica McCormick, said the change is a good first step. She joined us over the line today.

As this province prepares for a possible smartphone ban in classrooms, how have these sorts of regulations worked elsewhere in Canada? We spoke with Luc Rinaldi, a journalist who's dug into the subject.

We spoke with Evan Murray, general manager at Murray's Garden Centre, about their busy Christmas season and the upcoming GST holiday.

Mount Pearl has had three violent attacks in a few weeks, with seven teens being charged. Last night, the council held a town hall meeting to address it and share resident concerns. The Morning Show's Sarah Antle attended that meeting.

The provincial government has introduced changes, predominately related to housing, to the Urban and Rural Planning Act, 2000 and City of St. John’s Municipal Taxation Act. St. John's city council planning lead Maggie Burton gave us her thoughts.