London could be a music city after all!

New safe supply rules may not go far enough

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.

Will Carney government's online harms bill actually work?

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. Follow Craig on Twitter/X [https://x.com/NeedlesOnNews], Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/craigneedles.bsky.social] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/craigneedlespodcast].

Three levels of government failure on homelessness

In the wake of the announced House of Hope closure, fingers are being pointed. Should we blame the provincial government? London city council? Everyone? Craig was joined at the Covent Garden Market studio by former city councillor Cheryl Miller and advocate Dr. Jeff Preston to look at those questions. Then, a conversation about Canadian downtowns - including London's. Big City Mayors are asking for big investments from the federal government, aimed at improving cores all over the country. Will Mark Carny actually cut the cheque? What should the money be spent on? Plus - a new report blames London's rat problem on... Londoners. Is a $400 fine for not having a clean property enough to solve the rat issue? The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by London Hydro – with support from Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market. Follow Craig on Twitter/X [https://x.com/NeedlesOnNews], Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/craigneedles.bsky.social] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/craigneedlespodcast].

London could be a music city after all!

London has often been criticized by commentators (Craig included) for being anti-fun. But is the city shedding that label? The Forest City London Music Awards [https://fclma.ca/] are coming up - which means a city wide celebration that runs for more than a week! John Pacheco and Howie Kittleson - the co-producers of the June 14th awards show - joined Craig in the studio to talk about London's music traditions and more. The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by London Hydro – with support from Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market. Follow Craig on Twitter/X [https://x.com/NeedlesOnNews], Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/craigneedles.bsky.social] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/craigneedlespodcast].

New TVDSB boss wants to win back trust

It's been a messy few years at the Thames Valley District School Board. Scandal. Baseball trips. Criminal charges for an executive. Firings. A board of trustees sidelined. Now, the organization has what they hope is a new long term leader. Kevin Auckland, the board's incoming CEO, joined Craig on the podcast to explain how he plans to win back the trust of TVDSB parents, staff and students - while navigating difficult financial waters. The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by London Hydro – with support from Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market. Follow Craig on Twitter/X [https://x.com/NeedlesOnNews], Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/craigneedles.bsky.social] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/craigneedlespodcast].