The London Free Press Podcast: Recent Episodes
The London Free Press Newsroom
London Free Press reporters talk with host Lynzee Barnett about their stories and important issues impacting London, the region and the world.
Ep. 236: Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP sportswriter Ryan Pyette about the championship hopes of the London Majors, who sit in first place as they near the halfway point of the Canadian Baseball League season.
Ep. 235: Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jack Moulton about city hall's newly released plan to fix what ails downtown London over the next decade.
Ep. 234: Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jonathan Juha, who's examining a large year-over year jump in the number of Londoners filing for insolvency, and the macro-economic factors creating local financial worries.
Ep. 233: Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP city hall reporter Jack Moulton, who is closely watching the just-started races for London mayor and city council leading up to the Oct. 26 election.
Ep. 232: Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP sports reporter Ryan Pyette about his feature on the milestone celebration for the CCH Crusaders football program in London.
Ep. 231: Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Brian Williams about his story on changes that will see roughly 290 nurses leave their positions at London Health Sciences Centre over the next three-plus years.
Ep. 230: Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jonathan Juha about the warning from Glen Pearson and Jane Roy of the London Food Bank that governments are retreating — and the burden to help even more may fall on the community.
Ep. 229: Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Norman De Bono, who is covering a $300-million federal government deal with an Ingersoll firm that will make artillery shells — and create at least 300 jobs.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jonathan Juha about his story detailing a precipitous drop in London home sales and what it suggests may be ahead for buyers and sellers.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP sportswriter Ryan Pyette about the fact London has 1% of Canada's population and has produced or developed more than 10% of Canada's Olympic hockey players at the Milan Games.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP city hall reporter Jack Moulton, who offers his analysis of the 2026 State of the City address delivered by Mayor Josh Morgan — the final one of his four-year term.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP sportswriter Ryan Pyette about what lies ahead for the London Knights after they dealt away captain Sam O'Reilly and other key players at the OHL trade deadline.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP digital editor Patrick Maloney about the 50 best-read stories produced by the newsroom in 2025.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jonathan Juha about the big recent shifts in London's housing market that have affected renters, homeowners, would-be buyers and property owners.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP city hall reporter Jack Moulton, who broke down the details of London's 2026 municipal budget as city council puts the final touches on an expected 3.4% property tax increase.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with reporter Ryan Goodison about how the growing use of AI is expanding into classrooms — creating challenges and opportunities for teachers and students.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jonathan Juha about the General Motors decision to stop making the BrightDrop electric van, the clouded future of their Cami plant in Ingersoll and the broader concerns for the local auto sector.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP city hall reporter Jack Moulton as officials consider building so-called micro-shelters in a spot that's far from typical.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP sportswriter Ryan Pyette about the 2025-26 London Knights and what kind of season fans should expect from the defending Memorial Cup champions.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Norman De Bono about his story on the Doubletree by Hilton hotel in downtown London, which has converted a large chunk of its hotel rooms into apartments.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Norman De Bono, who has extensively covered Southwestern Ontario's auto sector amid the economic threat from U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs — and the effect they have and haven't had.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jonathan Juha about his story on the significant slowdown in home construction starts in the London area so far this year.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP city hall reporter Jack Moulton about the budget pressure facing London city council — and the service cuts that may loom for the community as a result.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP digital editor Patrick Maloney about the May 23 crash near London that killed a high school teacher and four student-athletes following a nearby softball tournament.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP sportswriter Ryan Pyette, who is in Rimouski, Quebec for the 2025 Memorial Cup, where the London Knights are considered the favourite to win Canada's national junior hockey crown.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Brian Williams, who has reported on the high-profile case of a $5-million lottery ticket that was set to expire -- until the Southwestern Ontario winner realized she had it tucked away.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP city hall reporter Jack Moulton about a series of recent decisions made by London city council, and a debate over what exactly they do and how much they should be paid.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP digital editor Patrick Maloney to analyze the results of this week's federal election in the 10-riding London region — and beyond to other shifting parts of Southwestern Ontario
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP sportswriter Ryan Pyette as the London Knights and Kitchener Rangers get set to clash in the third round of the OHL playoffs — the fourth straight year the two teams have met in the postseason.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Norman De Bono about U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada-made automobiles and the threat facing the sector, which serves as a backbone to the London region's economy.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with reporter Brian Williams, who reported that departing Conservative MP Karen Vecchio won't endorse Andrew Lawton, the party's candidate running to replace her in Elgin-St. Thomas-London South.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP city hall reporter Jack Moulton about the abrupt takeover of London Transit by city council, and what the future may hold for the bus service.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP sportswriter Ryan Pyette about the London Knights celebrating the 2005 team that won the Memorial Cup on home ice 20 years ago — and whether this year's squad might win the national championship, too.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jennifer Bieman about the London medical office whose call for new patients resulted in more than 100 Londoners lining up in the biting cold in hopes they could finally have a family doctor.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP digital editor Patrick Maloney about the coverage by our journalists across the London region on election night, and what to make about the local results.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jonathan Juha about the home stretch of the Ontario election campaign, and the state of the races in the 10-riding London region.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Norman De Bono about the Ontario election campaign so far, including the high polling numbers for Doug Ford and the looming economic threat of Donald Trump's tariffs.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP city hall reporter Jack Moulton about his takeaways from Mayor Josh Morgan's State of the City address, the third of his term.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP sportswriter Ryan Pyette about the No. 1-ranked London Knights after the Ontario Hockey League trade deadline and where they rank in the franchise's sterling history.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jonathan Juha, who reported that the number of Londoners falling behind on their mortgage payments is growing.
A knock at the door. A police search. A rose gold iPhone. Child pornography allegations. Shocking as the charges were against his son, a Woodstock father says the family ordeal that followed shattered his faith in the justice system. Host Rachel Gilbert speaks with reporter Brian Williams about his 7,000-word investigative piece.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP city hall reporter Jack Moulton about city hall's newly published transportation master plan, which lays out a plan for walking, cycling, driving and taking the bus in London over the next quarter-century
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP justice reporter Jane Sims, now seven weeks into covering the second-degree murder trial of Carlos Guerra Guerra — charged in the 2021 slaying of 18-year-old Josue Silva at a London bush party.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP business reporter Norman De Bono, who is examining U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's threat to slap a 25% tariff on imports from Canada — and the toll it could have on Southwestern Ontario's economy.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP city hall reporter Jack Moulton about Mayor Josh Morgan and city council getting ready to put the finishing touches on London's $1.4-billion municipal budget for 2025.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jennifer Bieman about the police probe that has been launched at London Health Sciences Centre, which sources say includes "multiple individuals."
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP city hall reporter Jack Moulton about politicians voting to maintain a 100-metre buffer between homeless encampments and homes across London, far bigger than the space city staff had wanted.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Norman De Bono about London-raised Hollywood actor Victor Garber, who's set to be honoured at the Forest City Film Festival.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with reporter Jennifer Bieman about the suspected fatal overdose of a person at London's supervised drug-use site on York Street near downtown.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with Free Press reporter Jonathan Juha about the 8,400-home proposal city politicians are applauding for the old London Psychiatric Hospital lands along Highbury Avenue in east London.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP sportswriter Ryan Pyette on the eve of the 2024-25 Ontario Hockey League season about what fans can expect from teams across the OHL, and especially from the London Knights.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP digital editor Patrick Maloney about the ongoing reporting, led by Heather Rivers, on the Thames Valley District school board's $39,000 retreat scandal and the looming Queen's Park "operational audit"
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP city hall reporter Jack Moulton about a developer bringing the spotlight back on London's infamous Towers of Spite nearly two decades later, and city politicians' plans for higher apartment towers and stacked townhouses across the city.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP justice reporter Jane Sims about the latest legal drama around Jesse Bleck and a health update on Tristan Roby, the then-teenage cyclist left with a catastrophic brain injury after being struck by Bleck's car.
Fresh off covering the Summer Olympics in Paris, Free Press sports reporter Ryan Pyette spoke with host Rachel Gilbert about the Games and then about the season ahead for the powerhouse Western Mustangs football team.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with reporter Jonathan Juha about his story on Statistics Canada figures relating to the effects of inflation on people, with a focus on homeowners, and the perspective of one local social-service agency.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jonathan Juha about the London builder who has embraced a unique home design they feel may help ease the local housing affordability crisis.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with reporter Norman De Bono about the tragic death of 14-year-old Omer Buz, who drowned at Port Stanley during a visit to the beach with his family – just the latest tragedy they've endured.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with reporter Jonathan Juha, who wrote about a new analysis suggesting expensive housing is hurting London as a destination for immigrants and people from other parts of Ontario.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP's Noah Brennan and Patrick Maloney about Brennan's story on a London youth baseball league forced to erect banners on the fencing behind home plate to curb parental abuse of umpires – some of whom are kids themselves.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Brian Williams, who wrote about NHL star Ryan O'Reilly and the Lake Huron mega-mansion he's selling for $7.9 million.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP court reporter Jane Sims, who covered the sentencing of Londoner Jesse Bleck -- five years after he struck teenage cyclist Tristan Roby, who suffered catastrophic injuries, in a hit-and-run crash.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jonathan Juha, who has written about city hall's proposed plan to curb "renovictions" – which occur when landlords push out renters to allow for lengthy renovations, knowing they won't return and a new tenant can then be charged higher rent.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jonathan Juha, who reported on figures that show a growing trend in the red-hot local real estate market: Many first-time homebuyers are actually only able to buy because their parents are on the mortgage, too.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP sportswriter Ryan Pyette to get a preview of the 2024 Memorial Cup, which will be contested by the London Knights, Moose Jaw Warriors, Saginaw Spirit and Drummondville Voltigeurs.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Randy Richmond about the just-announced coroner's inquest that will examine the deaths of eight men at London's provincial jail, the Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre, between 2017 and 2021.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP city hall reporter Jack Moulton about the open letter from local social agencies that called for an end to Coun. Susan Stevenson's public criticisms
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jennifer Bieman, who has examined the questions that remain after a flaming train spectacularly rolled through London
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Norman De Bono, who first broke the story of Volkswagen's electric-vehicle battery plant coming to St. Thomas and continues to examine the EV market, including cooling interest from vehicle buyers.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP city hall reporter Jack Moulton about a highrise planned near northwest London's Oakridge neighbourhood and the potential for ever-growing congestion in a community already facing traffic headaches.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP sportswriter Ryan Pyette on the eve of the Ontario Hockey League playoffs and examined a key question: Are the London Knights good enough to win the Memorial Cup this spring?
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Randy Richmond about his years-long investigation into Londoner Darko Jovanovich, described by one judge as "a con man extraordinaire."
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Norman De Bono about his stories examining construction of houses and apartment highrises, and how it's not nearly enough to match London's population growth.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP sportswriter Ryan Pyette about a season of change for the London Lightning, who've had an up-and-down year so far in their new loop, the Basketball Super League
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP city hall reporter Jack Moulton about the 28% year-over-year increase proposed for the 2024 London police budget and the pushback from some taxpayers.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Brian Williams, who has spent months covering the aftermath of a March 2022 apartment fire - which has displaced an estimated 70 residents for two years and counting.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP city hall reporter Jack Moulton as city council puts the finishing touches on a municipal budget that will hit London property owners with a relatively huge 8.7% tax hike this year.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP court reporter Jane Sims about what lies ahead legally for the five members of Canada's 2018 gold-winning world junior hockey team who are criminally charged in connection with an alleged sexual assault in London.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Norman De Bono, who detailed growing concerns at London's Children's Aid Society over a lack of foster parents -- meaning many local youngsters are being sent far away.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with reporter Jennifer Bieman, who broke the story that children and their families have filed new lawsuits in the 2021 London crash that killed an eight-year-old Girl Guide and hurt several troupe members
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP hockey writer Ryan Pyett about the Ontario Hockey League landscape after Wednesday's trade deadline, including what the London Knights did (and didn't do).
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jack Moulton about the 9-6 vote by city council to formally reprimand Ward 4 Coun. Susan Stevenson over social-media posts relating to homelessness.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jack Moulton about city council's just-started budget season, which opened with a proposed 5.4% property tax hike next year that could get much higher.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jennifer Bieman, who wrote about the record-setting demand at the London Food Bank and how it's reflected at agencies across Ontario.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP health reporter Jennifer Bieman about her recent stories uncovering details of the $470,000 approved for London Health Sciences Centre hospital executives to travel to overseas conferences.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jane Sims, who reflected on her two-month coverage of the Nathaniel Veltman trial and on the legacy of his victims, the Afzaal family.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with sportswriter Ryan Pyette about how the Western Mustangs overcame injuries to win their third straight Ontario university football title, and their hopes to play for a national championship.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP police reporter Dale Carruthers about a just-proposed London police budget that would require a whopping 11% jump in 2024 and another 16% spread over the following three years.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jennifer Bieman, who has written extensively about the financial and volunteer woes pushing London's Home County Music & Art Festival to the brink as its 50th anniversary nears.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Brian Williams about a local beach community's crackdown on short-term rentals like Airbnbs, part of a pattern across Ontario and the country.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Randy Richmond about what's next now that city council has approved the rollout of the first 'hubs' that are part of London's new plan to aid the homeless.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jack Moulton, who has been covering the political debate over a proposed $33-million overhaul of Budweiser Gardens, most of which would be covered by city taxpayers.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP sportswriter Ryan Pyette about what to expect as the puck drops on what could be a powerhouse season for the London Knights.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP justice reporter Jane Sims about the Nathaniel Veltman murder trial so far. The 22-year-old is on trial for the killings of the Afzaals, a London Muslim family.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Norman De Bono, who broke the story that WSIB's 500-job headquarters, leaving Toronto for London, will touch down on the city's eastern edge -- not downtown, which is wrestling with high office vacancy rates
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP justice reporter Jane Sims, who is set to spend much of the next three months covering the trial of Nathaniel Veltman, the Londoner charged with killing four members of the Afzaal family and injuring one more in an alleged hate-motivated hit-and-run.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP health reporter Jennifer Bieman about the push by public-health officials to have people in and around London get a COVID booster shot before the fall.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP sportswriter Ryan Pyette about the London Knights, who’ve added Finnish goal scorer Kasper Halttunen and may be an early favourite to win the 2024 Memorial Cup.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP crime reporter Dale Carruthers, who has pieced together details of a gunman’s stunning July 21 rampage through a suburban London neighbourhood, which ended with a fatal police shooting.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Randy Richmond about his remarkable feature, The Boy With Two Names, on the life and jailhouse death of Clayton Bissonnette. They’re joined by his sister, Adrienne Clarke, who offered her powerful perspective on the Sixties Scoop, its toll on her family and the truth about Canada and reconciliation.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP business reporter Norman De Bono, who broke the story that the massive Amazon plant built south of London still has no date to start hiring and operating. They discuss what’s caused the delay and what’s next.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP sportswriter Ryan Pyette about the rough-so-far season for the London Majors, who’ve won two straight Intercounty Baseball League titles but are struggling at the midway point this summer.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jennifer Bieman about how city hall’s response to London’s homelessness crisis has been received by downtown businesses and about the vote by city council to fund a plan to service four encampments.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP justice reporter Jane Sims about the latest convictions for David Norton, the disgraced former Anglican priest already in prison for sexually abusing young boys.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jennifer Bieman about the story she broke on the split that looms between London’s two hospitals, London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care, and what it might mean for patients and the community.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP’s Randy Richmond about his interview with the Londoner, speaking on condition of continued anonymity, who gave $25 million to kick-start a new system to help the city’s homeless.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP’s Jane Sims about the story she broke on the arrest after a three-year manhunt of Ali Fageer. He will soon be sentenced for the 2015 shooting death of Mark McCullagh, who was killed while taking out the trash at his Old East Village home.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with London Free Press reporter Randy Richmond, who has interviewed local doctors on both sides of the growing debate over the safer drug supply offered to about 300 Londoners – those who believe it’s life-saving, and those who believe it leads to more harm.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Calvi Leon about the unique circumstances surrounding the upcoming federal byelection in Oxford, where the former longtime Conservative MP is endorsing a Liberal candidate.
Host Rachel Gilbert and LFP sportswriter Ryan Pyette preview the Ontario Hockey League championship final between the London Knights and Peterborough Petes, two of the league’s flagship franchises.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Dale Carruthers about the hiring of London’s new police chief, Thai Truong, his professional and personal background and his stated priorities as he takes the helm.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Dale Carruthers about his investigation into an alleged drug lab London police raided in a high-end home, and the unusual link between the two men charged.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP justice reporter Jane Sims about the conviction and sentencing of impaired driver Kelly Jacobs in a collision that killed her own friend, Beulah Peters, and the reality of covering criminal courts.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP crime reporter Dale Carruthers about a crossroads facing policing, and how police chiefs nationwide are urging reforms after the line-of-duty deaths of nine officers in the past six months in Canada.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP's Randy Richmond about The Boy With Two Names, a special project two years in the making. It examines the Sixties Scoop that tore Indigenous children from their homes, how it fractured a family and led one son onto a deadly path toward London's troubled provincial jail.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jonathan Juha about city hall staff’s call to close down London’s 1927-built Thames Park Pool and the public pressure on city council to find a way to keep it open.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP sportswriter Ryan Pyette about the 2023 Tim Hortons Brier, on at London’s Budweiser Gardens until March 12, and whether Brad Gushue’s Team Canada rink will win it again.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Norman De Bono about his investigation into the mega-land parcel cobbled together by St. Thomas officials, which may be just right for a potential electric-vehicle battery plant.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Randy Richmond about his ongoing coverage of the massive new system proposed to aid Londoners experiencing homelessness.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jonathan Juha about a project launched by two academics who want to study the lives of freed Black slaves who came to London to start again – not just their arrival, but what life was actually like here.
Host Rachel Gilbert speaks with LFP reporter Norman De Bono about the purchase by Telus of Start.ca, a made-in-London internet service provider and what it means for customers amid big changes in Canada’s telecommunications landscape.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jonathan Juha about his story on a new analysis that underscores just how difficult it’s become for many young adults in London to achieve home ownership.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Randy Richmond about the $25-million gift from an anonymous family to help the city’s homeless population and how exactly it may work.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jennifer Bieman about a surprising reality with local COVID-19 statistics and the COVID, cold and flu clinic that’s now seeing children.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Norman De Bono about the twin realities of downtown London – the social issues are clear, but so, too, is the demand from people who want to live there, and that’s driving development.
Host Rachel Gilbert talks to LFP hockey reporter Ryan Pyette about his memories of London Knights player Abakar Kazbekov and his ongoing coverage of the 18-year-old's death.
Host Rachel Gilbert and LFP crime reporter Dale Carruthers discuss his recent story about the London police board chair acknowledging the effect of London's social issues on the city's police officers.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Jonathan Juha about his recent story crunching the latest London-area real estate numbers, which point to a major post-pandemic market correction.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Norman De Bono about the long-term $3-billion overhaul planned for London Health Sciences Centre, and what the provincial plan may cost local taxpayers.
Host Rachel Gilbert speaks with LFP sportswriter Ryan Pyette ahead of the first-ever Vanier Cup held in London, which will pit Saskatchewan against Laval after the Western Mustangs were eliminated in the semifinal.
Host Rachel Gilbert speaks with LFP reporter Megan Stacey about her story examining just-released data that underscores the challenges facing those working on the front lines of London’s homeless crisis.
Host Rachel Gilbert and LFP health care reporter Jennifer Bieman discuss the deepening wait-time troubles at London Health Sciences Centre, whose officials are urging people to consider not going to the ER unless absolutely necessary.
Host Rachel Gilbert speaks with LFP city hall reporter Megan Stacey about the city’s mayoral race and the 14 ward races as London nears the Oct. 24 civic election.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Calvi Leon on her research into the uptick in heads of council, mayors and reeves, who will face no opponent in the Oct. 24 municipal elections in communities here and across Ontario.
Host Rachel Gilbert talks with LFP sportswriter Ryan Pyette about the season ahead for the London Knights and all the teams in the Ontario Hockey League.
Host Rachel Gilbert speaks with LFP reporter Jonathan Juha, whose reflects on his coverage of Statistics Canada jobless figures and the effort of local employers to snag hard-to-find workers.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP reporter Dale Carruthers about the harassment campaign against London transgender activist Clara Sorrenti, and how it has resulted in a new policy for city police when dealing with trans people during investigations.
Host Rachel Gilbert speaks with LFP city hall reporter Megan Stacey, who surveys the lay of the land as voters start tuning in and races start heating up ahead of the Oct. 24 municipal election.
Host Rachel Gilbert spoke with LFP health reporter Jennifer Bieman about the backlash Western University is facing over its policy requiring masking in some on-campus settings and COVID vaccine booster doses for students.
Host Rachel Gilbert and LFP sportswriter Ryan Pyette preview the playoff push that's ahead for the London Majors, who will look to win a second straight Intercounty Baseball League championship.
A new report shows London will need close to 40,000 new homes built by 2031 to address the housing crunch. Across Ontario, that number is 1.5 million. London Free Press reporter Jonathan Juha joines new podcast host, Rachel Gilbert, to talk about whether building that many homes is doable and if it's even enough to ease the strain on those who are, or will be, looking for new homes.
Health officials have announced that Ontario residents can get their 4th booster shots in the fight against Covid-19. London Free Press Health Reporter Jennifer Bieman joins the show to talk about Covid's 7th wave and what we could expect come the fall.
With events returning to downtown London, the city has launched an ambassador program to help revitalize the core. The program has been at the centre of a lot of debate at City Hall though. London Free Press City Hall Reporter Megan Stacey joins the show to talk about the program, and other things happening to help downtown.
The SIU has released the results from their investigation from a fatal London police shooting in October 2021. London Free Press Crime Reporter Dale Carruthers joins the show to discuss what the investigation revealed, and the next steps in the case.
The 20th annual London Music Week is in full swing! London Free Press Reporter Joe Belanger joins the show to talk about some big names joining some events, and all the artists being celebrated.
It's been one week since an assault victim went public with her story on a troubling incident with a London War Hero. London Free Press Reporter Randy Richmond joins the show to talk about why the story is coming out now, how city council has reacted and where we go from here.
Thinking of taking a flight to Toronto from London, or out of Toronto? Travelers beware. London Free Press Reporter Norman De Bono joins the show to discuss some problems Air Canada & West Jet have been facing, and what it means for you if you're trying to catch one of these flights.
London's downtown core is seeing some new businesses. London Free Press Reporter Normam De Bono joins the show to talk about post pandemic life in the core.
With the Provincial election one week away, it's the final push for all of the candidates. London Free Press Reporter Jennifer Bieman joins the show to talk about our 10-riding region and if we might see any big upsets.
City officials remain tight lipped after a fire ripped through a rental house on Hillcrest Ave. London Free Press City Hall Reporter Megan Stacey joins the show to discuss her exclusive after the Free Press obtained documents from their freedom-of-information request.
London City Council made a controversial decision surround a land swap this week. London Free Press City Hall Reporter Megan Stacey joins the show to talk about the unprecedented decision.
Amazon will be looking to fill 2,000 jobs by the end of the year when their new sorting facility opens in Southwold. London Free Press Reporter Norman De Bono joins the show to discuss some issues Amazon and future staff are already facing.
OHL playoffs are about to kick off - so how will the London Knights do? London Free Press Sports Reporter Ryan Pyette joins the show to talk about the Knights/Rangers match up, and who he thinks will win it all.
With the 6th wave surging on, there have been some demands for the re-implementation of the mask mandate - but will it happen?. London Free Press Health Reporter Jennifer Bieman joins the show to talk about staff shortages, current cases and mask mandates.
The Government has given GM $500M in funding that go towards their Oshawa plant, and will see the Cami plant produce only electric vehicles. London Free Press Reporter Norman De Bono joins the show to talk about the economic boost.
30 year old Lynda Marques was gunned down in her driveway in September of 2021. No arrests have been made in the case. London Free Press Crime Reporter Dale Carruthers joins the show to talk about new details released this week by police:.
Masks mandates no more. The province has announced that as of March 21st there will no longer be a mask mandate in use for most services in the Province. London Free Press Reporter and Columnist Jane Sims joins the show to discuss what we may encounter.
The London Knights have been in a very rare rough patch - so where do they go from here? London Free Press Sports Reporter Ryan Pyette joins the show to talk about goaltender Brett Brochu and a possible return to play as well as other struggles the team is facing.
When it comes to affordable housing - who's responsible for making it happen? London Free Press City Hall Reporter Megan Stacey joins the show to discuss a homeless shelter's challenge of city council's approval of a 24-storey Old East Village apartment tower to a provincial tribunal.
Ontario's top Doctor Kieran Moore announced on Wednesday that as of March 21st the mask mandates would be dropped in most indoor settings in Ontario. London Free Press Reporter and Columnist Jane Sims joins the show to discuss what this means for Londoners and businesses.
A judge heard closing arguments in a Human Rights lawsuit involving migrant workers earlier this week. London Free Press Reporter Jonathan Juha joins the show to discuss the lawsuit, and why this case is so fascinating.
In a new study, many Londoners are saying they feel more productive working from home...but their bosses don't agree. London Free Press Reporter Jonathan Juha joins the show to talk about the study, as well as why finding good employees has become a challenge for many employers.
It's been an interesting week as protests continued along the 402, in Windsor and in Ottawa. London Free Press Digital Editor Pat Maloney joins the show to talk about the protests and the Federal Emergency Act.
With tensions rising around the Freedom Convoy and some provinces lifting mandates and restrictions, London Free Press Reporter Jane Sims joins the show to talk about what the future may hold for Ontario.
Winter poses new and different challenges for the homeless population in the City. London Free Press City Hall Reporter Megan Stacey joins the show to talk about funding, and councils challenge to find more money to cover rising costs.
The Province will start their reopening plan once again, on January 31...but will this finally be the end? London Free Press Health Reporter Jennifer Bieman joins the show to talk latest numbers, Omicrons spike and what the future may hold.
The numbers are in...and once affordable London is seeing house and rental prices skyrocket. London Free Press Reporter Jonathan Juha joins the show to talk numbers and supply vs. demand.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to surge, the OHL is trying to make sure they can ride out the season. London Free Press Sports Reporter Ryan Pyette joins the show to talk about the struggles OHL teams are facing.
With hospitals busy dealing with the Omicron variant, the province has re-entered a step two shutdown. But how long will it really last? London Free Press Health Reporter Jennifer Bieman joins the show to discuss.
City Council has finalized their plan for the 2022 budget. London Free Press Reporter Megan Stacey joins the show to talk about the tax increase and other upcoming changes that were approved.
Premier Doug Ford made an announcement Wednesday afternoon opening up booster shots to adults 18+. London Free Press Reporter and columnist Jane Sims joins the show to talk about new restrictions, RATs and booster shots.
The man accused after a parking lot argument at the South London Costco has shared his side of the story. London Free Press Crime Reporter Dale Carruthers joins the show to talk about his interview with accused, and what happens next in the case.
The Western Mustangs are off to their 15th Vanier Cup. London Free Press Sports Reporter Ryan Pyette joins the show to talk about the game and the future of University football.
Parents of kids aged 5-11 have begun booking vaccine appointments. London Free Press Reporter Jane Sims joins the show to talk about doses and a huge milestone in Middlesex-London for vaccines.
A city of London worker has been charged after a fire at a nearby Indigenous shelter, and with winter right around the corner, the big question is where will a new shelter go? London Free Press City Hall Reporter Megan Stacey joins the show to talk options and how the city is handling the situation.
Is the pandemic basically over? London Free Press Reporter and Columnist Jane Sims joins the show to talk about latest covid numbers and ease of restrictions.
From two vacant council seats to one. London Free Press City Hall Reporter Megan Stacey joins the show to talk about inconsistencies when filing seats.
London Mayor Ed Holder has filed a complaint against Ward 1 Councillor Michael Van Holst after he spoke at an anti-vaccine rally over the weekend. London Free Press Reporter Megan Stacey joins the show to talk about what consequences Van Holst could be facing.
In a shocking committee meeting, Councilor Phil Squire has announced he's resigning from his Ward 6 post. London Free Press City Hall Reporter Megan Stacey joins the show to talk about what options the city has to fill 2 vacant council seats.
The OHL season is about to start, but what can we expect from the London Knights? London Free Press Reporter Ryan Pyette joins the show to talk about the upcoming season.
The London Majors are looking to snap a 46 year drought. London Free Press sports reporter Ryan Pyette joins the show to talk about the team, their season and what got them to the finals.
The biggest party weekend of the year for Western Students is upon us...but officials are warning they'll be cracking down on big parties and individuals not following proper Covid protocol. London Free Press Reporter Jane Sims joins the show to talk about what we can expect from the weekend.
The start of the school year has been grim for students at Western University. London Free Press Reporter Calvi Leon joins the show to talk about rowdy parties, the death of a student and a student walk out.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced vaccine passports. London Free Press Health Reporter Jennifer Bieman joins the show to talk about what it means, and what some private organizations are making vaccines mandatory.
Covid numbers are on the rise again, but do the vaccinated need to be worried? London Free Press Reporter Jennifer Bieman joins the show to talk about what it all means.
Another death of an inmate at the Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre has the family speaking out. London Free Press Crime Reporter Dale Carruthers joins the show to talk about what happens now that the SIU has cleared police of any wrongdoings.
The fourth wave of the pandemic is upon us. London Free Press Reporter Jennifer Bieman joins the show to talk about slowing vaccination rates in London-Middlesex.
As life starts to return to normal, some business are making vaccines mandatory for their staff and calling them back to the office...but is this allowed? London Free Press Reporter Norman De Bono joins the show to talk about what some local law firms are doing.
As life starts to return back to normal, the Middlesex-London Health unit has declared a fourth wave of the pandemic. This time it's only affecting a certain group of people though. London Free Press Reporter Jennifer Bieman joins the show to talk about life for people who are fully vaccinated vs. those who aren't.
Over half a million Covid vaccines have been administered in London-Middlesex to date. London Free Press Health Reporter Jennifer Bieman joins the show to talk about shots in arms, and other encouraging numbers.
We heard some promising news this week about the OHL's return to play plan. London Free Press Reporter Ryan Pyette joins the show to talk about what the season will look like for players and fans.
The housing market in London and surrounding area has been spiking for months. But now we're seeing rental prices start to boom as well. London Free Press Reporter Jonathan Juha joins the show to talk about the struggles some renters are facing.
As London continues to heal from the attack on a Muslim family, many are wondering 'what now?' for the accused. London Free Press Court Reporter Jane Sims joins the show to talk about the justice system and what's next for Nathaniel Veltman.
As Londoners continue to mourn the horrific attack on a Muslim family, we're learning more about how deeply rooted into the community that family was. London Free Press Reporter joins the show to talk the people who looked after others both physically and spiritually.
With the Province announcing a sped up second shot of the Covid-19 vaccine, London-Middlesex is still short on doses. London Free Press Reporter Jennifer Bieman joins the show to give us the latest.
The OHL Season may have been cancelled, but that hasn't stopped some players from getting together to launch their own tournament to showcase their skills to NHL scouts. London Free Press Reporter Ryan Pyette joins the show to talk about the tournament happening in Erie, PA.
Two young men, who lived, and died, on London's streets are being remembered by their mother's and members of the community. City politicians are also speaking out about their deaths and the drug crisis happening in the city. London Free Press Reporter Megan Stacey joins the show to talk about the impact these young men had and how their deaths may spark some change.
Ontario will no longer be administering the Astrazeneca vaccine, but what does that mean for the 27,000 people in Middlesex-London who already had their first dose? London Free Press Reporter Jane Sims joins the show to talk about her worries about the next step.
With the real estate market prices still going sky-high, will we see it come down? London Free Press Reporter Jonathan Juha joins the show to talk about another record breaking month.
We're 2.5 weeks into the provincial lock down and frustration is hitting an all time high for some. London Free Press Report Max Martin joins the show to talk about a golf course that opened over the weekend, anti-lockdown protests, and how officials are handling the rule breakers.
With the region losing 25% of our vaccine supply to hot spots, how is the MLHU reacting? Health Reporter Jennifer Bieman joins the show to talk about what we can expect from the ongoing third wave of the pandemic.
London Free Press Reporter Ryan Pyette has been following the could-be OHL season very closely, but with the provincial lock down, just how likely will a condensed season be?
As cases of the Covid-19 virus continue to spike, Middlesex-London has made the transition from orange to red...but the question is, how long until we go full lock down? London Free Press Reporter Randy Richmond joins the show to talk about the outbreaks Western University is facing.
With the vaccine rollout in full swing, some people aren't willing to wait for their shots. London Free Press Reporter Jane Sims joins the show to talk about why some Londoners are taking a road trip.
With a pretty big announcement from the Province, we may be one step closer to puck drop for the OHL. London Free Press Sports Reporter Ryan Payette joins the show to talk about what this new information means, and if London could possibly be a hub city.
Can green and orange mix? London bar and restaurant owners holding their breath ahead of St. Patrick's day celebrations. London Free Press Reporter Jennifer Bieman joins the show to talk about the potential green festivities.
With a vaccine rollout plan, there's more hope than ever that we may get back to normal. London Free Press Reporter Jennifer Bieman talks about the Middlesex London Health Unit's plan to get shots in arms.
Saying goodbye to River Road Golf Course, but what's going to happen to it now? London Free Press reporter Megan Stacey joins the show to talk about the City's decision to sell the course.
Why does the word "sidewalk" cause so much consternation at London City Hall? London Free Press reporter Megan Stacey joins the show to explain.
London Free Press reporter Jonathan Juha explains two stories he's written about London's rental market during the COVID-19 pandemic - including a story about Western students deciding whether to move to the city.
More than a year after impaired driver Daniela Leis crashed into a home in Old East Village causing a massive explosion - she is set to be sentenced. London Free Press reporter Dale Carruthers joins us to explain the latest.
London Free Press reporter Megan Stacey discusses her story about a winter homelessness shelter in London, and how it has impacted the community.
Award winning London Free Press reporter Randy Richmond discusses the latest on controversial Aylmer church leader Henry Hildebrandt, as he challenges Ontario public health regulations.
London Free Press reporter Jennifer Bieman discusses Paul Woods being losing his job at the LHSC after admitting he traveled to the US five times during the pandemic.
London Free Press reporter Jonathan Juha joins the podcast to examine the local real estate market and the impact of COVID-19.
London Free Press reporter Dale Carruthers joins the podcast to analyze the latest surrounding the Church of God in Aylmer, and the pro and anti-mask protests that have arisen from their services.
London Free Press reporter Jonathan Juha joins the podcast to discuss Ontario's new lockdown rules and how they'll impact London business owners and people in the community.
London Free Press health reporter Jennifer Bieman joins the podcast to talk about rising COVID case counts in London and what health officials are asking us to do over the Christmas break.
London Free Press reporter Jonathan Juha joins the podcast for an update on the tragic London building collapse that killed two people.
London Free Press columnist Jane Sims joins the podcast to talk with Craig Needles to talk about whether Christmas break might be longer as local schools adjust to COVID-19 case counts rising.
London Free Press reporter Norman De Bono and host Craig Needles discuss the impact of COVID-19 on various businesses - and what may be coming next.
London Free Press Health reporter Jennifer Bieman joins the show to discuss the COVID-19 outbreak at University Hospital and the pandemic in London.
Michener Award winning reporter Randy Richmond of the London Free Press joins host Craig Needles to discuss whether police officers should be investigated by their own department of they're charged with a crime - and how one case may signal that coming to an end.
After a controversial tweet and a walk-back a few hours later, Free Press City Hall reporter Megan Stacey joins host Craig Needles to discuss the divide on London City Council and what may happen next.
London Free Press health reporter Jennifer Bieman joins the podcast to talk about the Ontario government approving a permanent supervised consumption site at 446 York Street.
London Free Press health reporter Jennifer Bieman joins host Craig Needles to discuss concerns that November's COVID-19 numbers will surpass April's as the worst of the pandemic. Then, a discussion about Jennifer's story on an internal LHSC letter, which takes hospital staff to task for lack of adherence to pandemic protocols.
Citizen complaints about graphic anti-abortion pamphlets prompted an interesting debate at London City Hall.
LFP City Hall reporter Megan Stacey joins the podcast to share her thoughts on the discussion and the options politicians might have.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke to London heath care workers about the pandemic - and then spoke to Jane Sims of the London Free Press about it.
Jane joins host Craig Needles to talk about her interview and the government response to COVID-19.
London Free Press reporters Dale Carruthers and Max Martin join host Craig Needles to discuss their coverage of an anti-lockdown protests in Aylmer - which was attended by more than 2,000 people.
London Free Press crime reporter Dale Carruthers joins host Craig Needles to discuss LFP reporting on alleged London biker Rob Barletta.
London Free Press hockey writer Ryan Pyette speaks with host Craig Needles about what the future holds for the Ontario Hockey League amid COVID-19 this winter.
LFP journalist Max Martin speaks with host Craig Needles about the recent anti-lockdown in COVID-clobbered Aylmer. Among the topics discussed: How should the media handle coverage of events like this?
Host Craig Needles speaks with Megan Stacey about a controversial question uncovered by her reporting: Are city officials pushing London's homeless from downtown to a riverbank encampment?
Canada's journalist of the year, Randy Richmond, discusses with host Craig Needles About a Girl, an in-depth feature about a teenager in crisis and a system seemingly unable to help her.
LFP columnist Jane Sims talks with host Craig Needles about the biggest COVID-19 issue facing our community this fall: how to keep kids safe at school.
Welcome to the London Free Press Podcast - where you'll hear reporters from #ldnont's biggest and best newsroom analyze the most important stories in the community.