The St. John's Morning Show

After months of restructuring, the national news media company Postmedia, owned by a private equity firm based in the US, announced it's taking over the Telegram brand. It also said it's taking over editorial staff, but not the printing press. Some say that may be the end of print journalism in this province. Margot Susca is an Assistant Professor of Journalism at American University in Washington, D.C., and she joined us over the line from Washington.

This morning we were joined by an early childhood educator, who is part of a group of other ECEs who believe that the compensation for the role is inadequate. The Newfoundland Chapter of Child Care Now launched a petition recently to demand change and plans to present it to the provincial government. They feel the industry is not attractive to new workers, due to the lack of a pension plan and other benefits. Patrice Gordon is a board member, and joined us in the studio this morning.

Over 10-thousand athletes competed in the 2024 Olympic Games, which wrapped up on Sunday in Paris. But for every athlete that makes it to the big stage, there are many who fall short. And many more who never had a chance to begin with, because they can't afford to play sports. Those are the kids James Cadigan is trying to help through the Ron Cadigan Foundation, named after his late father. He joined us in the studio on Friday to talk about it.

The Arkells were performing live on stage last month in Quebec City, and it's a scene that is going to be repeated in St. John's tonight. Arkells open for Nickelback at the Churchill Park Music Festival this evening, but it's far from their first foray onto the island. The Morning Show's Jen White reached Arkells frontman Max Kerman on the phone in Toronto late last week to talk about the gig. She spoke with him ahead of their trip to Paris, to play at the Olympics. 

This Foodie Friday, we're embracing the carnivore life. More local butchers have opened over the past few years, and two years ago, Newlander Meat Shop opened in Conception Bay South. It's already gained a loyal following. We spoke with the owner Steve Canning as he was getting ready to open for the day.

Lately, some swimmers have complained of an unpleasant smell wafting from the surface of George's Pond. A couple weeks ago, we asked ecologist and Memorial University professor Kathryn Hargan to test the water. We found out the smell likely isn't caused by algae, but could be caused by decomposition. This morning, she joined us in studio to share some more findings.

Designer Lesley Hampton has been named Vogue’s top Canadian designer to watch, has appeared on Forbes' 30 under 30 for Toronto, was a guest judge on Canada’s Drag Race, and has had her work featured in Vogue and Forbes. She's also the headlining designer at St. John’s Fashion Week. This morning, she joined us in studio to talk about her work, and how she got to where she is today.

Leslie Woodford from Torbay recently got back from Japan, and it was a trip that marked a big step in a friendship that started thirty years ago. Leslie and her Japanese friend began as penpals, and stayed in touch more recently through instant messages and email. Finally, last week, came the face-to-face meeting. Leslie Woodford is home now, and she joined us today in our St. John's studio.

In exactly one year from today the Canada Games will be kicking off, and a lot of planning has already been underway. However, there is still a lot more to do --- and some facilities are still under construction, like the new $40 million track and field centre. Our Morning show reporter Darrell Roberts went to check out the construction site this morning.

The first annual St. John’s Fashion Week kicks off today, and runs until Sunday, showcasing local and Canada-wide talent. Designers Charlotte Reid and Debbie Ingram are based in St. John's, and they're bringing their work to the runway this week. They joined us in the studio this morning to talk about their craft.