Hamilton Today with Scott Thompson

Can You Smell The Ribs!?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: The Importance of radio news has been highlighted by the wildfires during the Meta news block. It’s the time of year for the Burlington Ribfest!! That is to say, Canada’s Largest Ribfest begins today! Canadian Conservative Member of Parliament Michael Chong, who was earlier in the year a subject of China’s pressure campaigns, will speak to the United States’ Congressional-Executive Commission on China. The New StatCan report say that Canada’s ec...

Yes, Housing... But Who Remembers MuchMusic?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: In 1984, Canada's music video television service, "MuchMusic," went on the air at 6 p.m. ET with a launch party broadcast live from studios in Toronto. The federal Liberals are seeing a dive in popularity among younger voters, once the core of their base, falling 23 points behind the Conservatives by the end of August, according to new polling from Nanos Research. Ontario drivers whose vehicles are popular with thieves are now getting hit with a...

This Green Belt Fiasco Just Keeps Getting Worse!

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Would you pay extra money to be guaranteed a seat away from children on a long flight? The Kremlin acknowledges the Wagner Chief’s crash might have been deliberate. What does this sort of message mean during an investigation in Russia? Ontario’s integrity commissioner has found that Housing Minister Steve Clark broke ethics rules for his role in the Ford government’s Greenbelt land swap. Universities pulling course information from their public ...

Did You Hear There’s a Housing Crisis?? Our PM Just Did!

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: When Jen Schuringa starts pedaling her recumbent bike along the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain this September, her route will become part of a 10-year journey of perseverance since suffering a traumatic brain injury in 2013 when her car lost control and she hit a tree head on. Athletes, as well as some celebrities, will no longer be allowed to appear in commercials promoting online gambling in Ontario. We get the latest developments on the...

R.I.P. Bob Barker, Beloved Host of The Price Is Right.

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: As we head into the fall and get ready for the return of school and – let’s be honest – colder weather, there is talk of potential COVID-19 increases in North America. What are we seeing take shape? Over the weekend we learned that Bob Barker died at the age of 99. Trump’s election interference trial set for March 4, 2024. What should we expect in the meantime, and what will the repercussions of this date be? Workers at a trio of major automaker...

Let’s Talk About THE Mugshot.

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: The Burlington Public Library (BPL) officially launched the Burlington Digital Archive on Aug. 23. There is a lot happening this weekend, as Summer winds down… This Sunday, August 27, will see the return of Hamilton’s own Pride festival. This is the first Pride festival to be held outside, in a park, since 2019. Starting today, the Northern Heat Ribfest is taking place in Gage Park! The newest TikTok trend is… cracking eggs over kids’ heads and ...

Neighbourhood meeting to talk about tiny shelters pilot set for Hamilton’s north

What's the big deal with the Moon's south pole?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Beekeeping on the roof of CF Limeridge Mall? It’s more likely than you think! Governor General Mary Simon’s travel cost taxpayers more than $2.7 million last year. The latest group to express concern over the tiny shelters planned for Hamilton’s North End as part of the city’s Encampment response is LiUNA: what are their concerns? India has become the fourth country to reach the moon, and the first to land a probe on the southern pole of Earth’s...

What can cause affordable housing to be anything but 'affordable'?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: The troubles with other city’s LRT systems are lessons for Hamilton, so what sort of lessons have we been presented with, and what can we learn? The next space race has already begun, what will it look like and what sort of international and legal turmoil may come of it? Ryan Amato, chief of staff to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, has resigned after being in the spotlight as part of the investigation into the Ford government’s Gr...

It’s A Bird! It’s A Plane! It’s An Ontario Mayor!

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: The feds are pushing for Meta to drop its news block so that wildfire information can spread. Students starting University will encounter the thrill of being on their own with more responsibility, but with adulthood comes the too-familiar experience of being targeted even more so by scams, over the phone and online: what do they need to be ready for? Can you really rely on coffee and naps to make up for a poor night’s sleep? Doug Ford is bestowi...

Russia thinks F-16 Fighter Jets to Ukraine from Denmark and The Netherlands would Escalate Conflict

Russia said on Monday a decision by Denmark and the Netherlands to donate the first F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine would only escalate the conflict, while Ukraine said the jets would help end Moscow’s invasion. Denmark and the Netherlands on Sunday announced they would supply F-16s to Ukraine, with the initial six due to be delivered around New Year. Washington approved the delivery of the U.S.-made jets last week. GUEST: Aurel Braun, Professor of International Relations and a Senior Member of ...

Fed Gov: “Meta! Unblock The Thing We Wanted You To Pay For!”

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: The Canadian government on Friday demanded that Meta lift a "reckless" ban on domestic news from its platforms to allow people to share information about wildfires in the west of the country. Russia said on Monday a decision by Denmark and the Netherlands to donate the first F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine would only escalate the conflict, while Ukraine said the jets would help end Moscow’s invasion. With wildfires burning across North America, and...

“Infinity Mortgages”, the Mortgage That Doesn’t End.

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: How "infinity mortgages" really impact homebuyers, mortgage default rates and the economy is not so very clear, according to experts. What to expect at The CNE this year. What should Hamiltonians be prepared for if there is a service interruption due to striking city workers next week, and how can they prepare? The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) said in a recent report that high construction costs and rising interest rates are hurtin...

Mayor Andrea Horwath on Addressing Encampments

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: The Green Machine food truck is entering a new era: we first spoke with entrepreneur Mike during the era of lockdowns, now a brick-and-mortar location is in the future for the Green Machine. Trump trials are on the way and that likely means turbulence for everyone involved. The City of Hamilton’s protocol for addressing encampments and our unhoused citizens will move on to a ratification vote at city council on Friday. Is Pierre Poilievre trying...

Swifties Beware! Don’t get Swindled!

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: A local Martial Arts Studio is now facing pressure from CERB debt, after just bouncing back from the strains of lockdowns. Franco Terrazzano of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation took to Twitter (sorry, I meant X) yesterday to post insights on the Federal Carbon Tax. We wanted to give him a bit more room to express himself than the character limit allows online. Don’t get swindled while searching for concert tickets! It’s harder to pick out the s...

Hamilton councillors give early support for revised encampment protocol

School’s Back Soon, Here’s A Strike!

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: A 4th criminal case for Donald Trump. Trudeau and his Liberals must ‘go big or go home’ on housing, according to a new piece in the Globe and Mail penned by Campbell Clark. Strachan Street has been selected as the location for the Tiny Homes that the Hamilton Alliance for Tiny Shelters have been pitching, but that is not a location they pitched and it caught them as well as North End residents off guard. The union representing elementary school ...

Over 65 and dismissed? What about severance?

What happens if you are over 65 and dismissed: what happens with severance? GUEST: Howard Levitt, senior partner of Levitt Sheikh, employment and labour lawyers with offices in Toronto and Hamilton; He practices employment law in eight provinces, and is the author of six books. 

Green Belt’s On The Mind

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: A St. Thomas resident fell for an employment scam and is out $200,000: we find out a bit more, so that you know what to be wary of. Both China and Russia are having a hard economic time – welcome to the club, guys! Some economic forecasters are expecting a rise in the inflation rate again, and are pointing toward the prices of gasoline as a major factor. Developers approaching cities like Vaughan and Pickering to develop, while AG report Green B...

To Infinity and Beyond, Нет?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Radley: Documents obtained by The Canadian Press through access-to-information law show government officials in the Privy Council Office discussed a Conservative private member's bill launched in response to convicted killer Paul Bernardo's transfer to a medium-security prison, noting it would likely never hit Parliament. Today, Russia launched its first moon-landing spacecraft in 47 years, in a bid to be the first nation to make a soft landing on the lun...

Has a wrench been thrown into plans to develop the Greenbelt?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Radley: Less than half of Canadians believe retail stores are implementing the right amount of security measures to prevent shoplifting but the majority say they would feel safe working in one, a new Leger poll found. Robbie Robertson of The Band has died, as you heard on during yesterday’s show. While we look back on his career, we also ask… who is the greatest living Canadian musician? An Ontario woman is facing criminal charges after submitting a claim...

The Greenbelt Report, and What It Means For The Ford Government

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Radley: Hamilton is one of the central cities being affected by the ongoing writers and actors strikes in the U.S. MP Karina Gould, the new House Leader for the Federal Liberals, wants question period to be something Canadians will be proud to see. Global Affairs Canada (GAC) says it has detected an “information operation” targeting Conservative MP Michael Chong and it is “highly probable” — but not conclusive — that came from China. Developers in Ontario...

Do You Know If Your Car Was Recalled?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Radley: A staggering number of vehicles are out on the road in Canada when they really ought not to be: we’re talking about the 6.6 million recalled vehicles and what they mean for our safety. After this weekend’s game, many were asking “is it time for some changes with the Ticats?” Ottawa LRT Trouble. Bad behaviour at Barbie, Oppenheimer and the movies in general. Despite what Trudeau may say, housing is a federal issue, or so argues our guest, in a piec...

Festival of Friends starts today!

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Radley: How have things changed for contractors since the big renovation boom that came out of the lockdowns? Tomorrow the Hamilton Tiger-Cats will be playing the Montreal Alouettes in what some might call a 'must win' game but is that really the case? The Festival of Friends is back for 2023, starting today! What can we expect this year? According to a new poll from Ipsos, 56% of Canadians consider Canada’s Armed Forces to be “old and antiquated.” The Gr...

Second U.S. Civil War. Great Blockbuster… Possible Reality?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Radley: In a recent piece by that ran in The Conversation, Michael Von Massow writes that something must be done to control the price of groceries, because the rate hikes from the Bank of Canada are not having an effect. It may have been considered a fantastical idea that could serve as a good backdrop for a blockbuster action film – but, at this point in history, the U.S. may be on the brink of an actual second second civil war… according to one of our g...

Ontario man accused of stealing bleachers from little league baseball park

Surprising marital news from the Prime Minister's Office

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Radley: Electric Vehicles: are they selling like hotcakes or getting the cold shoulder, and are their fortunes about to change? It may depend on whether you are a Canadian or an American. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on Ontario Premier Doug Ford to introduce balanced budget legislation, as today’s Financial Accountability Office report shows Ontario’s budget recorded a surprise surplus last year. In late June, Chris Davies, director of spe...

Remember SARSfest?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Radley: Remembering SARSfest 20 years later, following a global pandemic. Canada has worked for several years to quietly stabilize the African Nation of Niger, but now there is hesitation about our connections to it, following the recent coup. Move to Guelph if you’re looking for the best qualify of life around these parts. Waterloo is your next best bet. Hamilton not so much. That’s a conclusion you might draw from a new online tool called the Municipal ...

Feds drop large portion of $64 million earmarked for affordable housing in Hamilton

Get Your Liberal Branded Merch!?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Radley: An investigative journalist working with the Canadian Taxpayers Federation has discovered that the feds spent big bucks on branded merchandise. Paul “Pee-wee Herman” Reubens has died. Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced 214 new homes in Hamilton. The Federal Conservative Party of Canada – and others – are questioning the plan and if it addresses issues adequately. Ontario's cannabis distributor is decreasing markups on its product, to m...

R.I.P. Randy Meisner, founding member of the Eagles.

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Randy Meisner, founding member of the Eagles, has died. Trump Troubles, the McConnell Freeze, and the world of the U.S. How important is an inquiry into the handling of the COIVD-19 pandemic, what benefits can be reaped and what are our ethical obligations? The global supply of semiconductor chips has become an integral part of our lives, whether we recognize it or not. The Mayor of Hamilton, Andrea Horwath, held a working meeting on housing and...

Concerns About Auto-Theft In Canada?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: A new poll by CAA delved into Canadians’ auto theft concerns. Is CSIS too restricted to properly brief provincial and municipal levels of government, and is it time to change in the face of foreign interference as well as other security dangers? A panel of experts made further calls for an independent inquiry into Canada’s COVID-19 response on Tuesday, stressing that the country’s pandemic response must be reviewed before it’s tested once again....

How The Cabinet Shuffle Could Affect International Relations

The shuffle affected more than just Trudeau’s cabinet and our country: it means something to international relations and particularly NATO. Guest: Aurel Braun, Professor of International Relations and a Senior Member of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto. 

Let’s Do the Cabinet Shuffle!

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Today the Federal Liberals shuffled their cabinet… some familiar faces changed places, others stepped away while newbies filled up the spaces… but all around, loyal opposition says that it is still the same party and the same problems. Scott does the Cabinet Shuffle as we dive deep into this topic. Plus, sad news as Sinead O’Connor, (in)famous Irish singer and political activist, has died at the age of 56. And some are concerned about the plans ...

The Cabinet Shuffle is imminent!

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: You usually hear Adam Oldfield appear CHML to talk about the latest tech issues… but today he joins us as a fellow Hamiltonian with deep concerns about the safety of the city’s citizens – housed and unhoused – and the state of the situation downtown. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation dished out almost $27 million in bonuses in 2022 and the average compensation paid to its executives rose to $697,667. The Cabinet Shuffle is imminent, an...

No more bird, no more tweets, just more exes for Elon!

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: What attracts people to the RV Life, how do they learn the ins and outs, and do they need to get their own RV? Ice cream, widely regarded as a beloved treat for the masses, is experiencing a steady decline in demand within the Canadian market. Yesterday marked 40 years since an extraordinary day for the people of Gimli, Manitoba. Elon Musk & Co. are rebranding Twitter… to “X.” Stories are rolling in of Habitat for Humanity has been helping highe...

It’s the Weekend of BARBENHEIMER!!

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Oh boy is it a pop culture day! From Jason Aldean’s drama over his music video, to Barbenheimer to the passing of Tony Bennett. Plus, the Ontario Hospital Association and the Ontario Nurses’ Association have reached a deal through arbitration in regards to raises. Nurses will see a raise of 11% over 2 years. But isn’t this what the Bank of Canada was worried about when it comes to tackling inflation? What has reaction been like to yesterday’s Be...

Controversial Decision To Move Paul Bernardo Found To Be “Sound”

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: The report into Paul Bernardo’s prison transfer was released this afternoon and the review committee found the decisions to reclassify Bernardo were ‘sound’. Nearly 60% of parents in Canada are fearful for the financial future of their children. Doug Ford and Olivia Chow yesterday announced that they’re teaming up to demand for more help from the Trudeau government for refugees. Yet before she was elected, Ford said that Chow would be an unmitig...

Where should we develop instead of the Greenbelt?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: The former US president says that he is a target in the federal January 6th investigation. With so many on council opposing development on the Greenbelt, Scott has a few questions – Is there land that we could develop on instead? Why shouldn’t we proceed with Greenbelt development? Some councillors say they’ll stand before bulldozers to protect the greenbelt – will our guest? What is the solution here? Toronto has seen an influx of asylum seeker...

Hamilton-area home sales up 19% from last year with average prices down: RAHB

Jagmeet Singh visits Hamilton to lay out NDP plan for bringing rent prices under control

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Canada's inflation rate has fallen back to the country's target range for the first time in more than two years, but economists say the fight against high inflation is far from over. Nike’s decision to permanently end its sponsorship with Hockey Canada’s men’s program in the wake of several sexual assault scandals within the organization is a necessary part of the rebuilding process, says a Brock University expert. Burlington is preparing for it...

R.I.P. CHCH TV’s Bill Lawrence

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: The original host of CHCH TV’s Tiny Talent Time, Bill Lawrence, passed away from a heart attack at the age of 91 while in the hospital on Friday night. From basketball and video game tournaments to employment workshops and paint nights, Hamilton is hosting its biggest Youth Rec Week yet, kicking off today! Nike has permanently ended its sponsorship of Hockey Canada, finalizing an earlier pause of its marketing support and dealing a financial blo...

Liberal Party of Canada = Walking Contradiction.

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Leaders of a Hollywood's actors union voted Thursday to join screenwriters in the first joint strike in more than six decades, shutting down production across the entertainment industry after talks for a new contract with the studios and streaming services broke down. Our friend Professor Steve Joordens has been on an adventure this summer: he and his wife are undertaking a Canadian Motorcycle Odyssey. They are at the halfway point, back in Toro...

Wagner “simply” does not exist as a “legal entity” in Russia. according to Putin

There continues to be developments around Wagner Group in Russia, even with the surprisingly more diplomatic approach that Putin has taken with them. Now, the Russian leader had announced that Wagner “simply” does not exist as a “legal entity” in Russia. GUEST: Aurel Braun, Professor of International Relations and a Senior Member of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto. 

Need A Ride? Burlington’s Got You Covered!

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: According to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, documents they obtained show that The Bank of Canada handed out $20 million in bonuses last year as inflation reached a 40-year high. A tentative deal has been struck, potentially bringing an end to the B.C. Port Strike. Public transit in Burlington, Ontario, will be free for seniors all the time and free for young people on evenings and weekends starting in August. On Tuesday, City staff outlined ...

Burlington Public Transit will be Free for Seniors!

Public transit in Burlington, Ontario, will be free for seniors all the time and free for young people on evenings and weekends starting in August. GUEST: Catherine Baldelli, Director of Transit with the City of Burlington. 

On This Day in London, Ontario; Now Memorialized at Budweiser Gardens

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: A legendary moment in music history, as well as the history of the city of London, Ontario, is being memorialized with a brand-new mural on the north wall of Budweiser Gardens. The founder of Giant Tiger, Gordon Reid, has died at the age of 89. The store may be popular and ever-present now but that was not always the case. If you have been delaying on your plans to get to the gym and pump iron, because you wanted to make heads and tails of the d...

Leader of the Wagner Group pledges loyalty to the Russian government

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Pickleball is a sport that has picked up steam in recent years, with people of all ages getting involved. What is the appeal, what is the Pickleball scene like in Hamilton, and what are the risks? Housing in Hamilton is an ongoing concern. A recent report from the Smart Prosperity Institute shows that we are losing skilled homebuilders in our region. As the weeks drag on since Paul Bernardo’s transfer to medium security prison, more information ...

Aurel Braun on Hamilton Today 2023-07-11

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday blasted as "absurd" the absence of a timetable for his country's membership in NATO, injecting harsh criticism into a gathering of the alliance's leaders that was intended to showcase solidarity in the face of Russian aggression. GUEST: Aurel Braun, Professor of International Relations and a Senior Member of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto. 

Saturday Night’s Alright for Retirin’!

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: We get a preview of what to expect coming out of Toronto Indycar. Shoplifting at self-checkouts are leading to some grocery stores checking your receipts as you leave. Elton John performed what he says was the last show on the final tour of his career, last Saturday night, in Stockholm, Sweden. The Premiers are meeting in Winnipeg, and while Officials from several provinces say affordability is their top priority, healthcare is also on the docke...