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 In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those dedicated reporters and editors. 

Every night, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: Mapping out Ontario's doctor shortage.

Eliot Frymire is part of a research group that investigates and analyzes primary care in Ontario. Using OHIP billing information, the researchers painstakingly drill down into postal code-based data to find out how many people have a regular source of primary care, what type of care they're getting, and where they're getting it.

His takeaway: "We have a crisis everywhere."

Using that data, The Trillium team at Queen's Park created a map that reveals just how widespread the problem has become.

SEE: Here's where the primary care crisis is hitting Ontario hardest

Some examples? In 2022, the year of the most recent data available on a geographic basis, nearly half of all residents in Sioux Lookout weren't getting regular primary care. Near both Toronto's and Ottawa's city halls, it's about one in three. The same goes for Petawawa in eastern Ontario and a portion of Mississauga near the Pearson International Airport. 

Reporter Jack Hauen of The Trillium joins us to break down the data. You can read his previous coverage HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those dedicated reporters and editors. 

Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: A police shooting that could have been prevented.
More than three years after Mathias Bunyan was shot and killed inside his Fergus, Ont. apartment, a coroner's inquest has completed its review of the fatal encounter, which was captured on video by body cameras worn by OPP officers at the scene.

One of the jury's key recommendations is that the body-cam footage — which shows Bunyan being pepper-sprayed, tasered and eventually shot multiple times in the chest — be used to help inform how future police officers are trained on conflict prevention and de-escalation when dealing with a person in a mental health crisis.

Keegan Kozolanka, a reporter at EloraFergusToday, has been covering this story since the shooting occurred. He joins us tonight.

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On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: an iconic Ontario store — famous for its familiar radio ads — is closing down.
Originally established in the 1800s as a warehouse for leather goods, The (Olde) Hide House opened to the public in 1980, selling jackets, purses, furniture and other high-quality goods.
The store's radio ads, featured far and wide, became famous: "It's worth the drive to Acton."
Customers will need to make one last drive if they plan to shop at the store again. The Hide House announced it is closing the doors for good, as soon as all remaining stock is liquidated.
HaltonHillsToday reporter Herb Garbutt joins us on the show to talk about the end of an era.

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In this new nightly feature, Village Media journalists break down the details of an important story making headlines around the province

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those dedicated reporters and editors. 

Every night, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: the fight to keep a schoolgirl killer locked in prison.

More than 37 years ago, a Grade 9 student named Patrizia Mastroianni was sexually assaulted and stabbed to death inside a high school bathroom in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. Decades later, her murder remains one of the city’s most notorious crimes.

Sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years, Russell Colwell has recently ramped up his efforts to see the outside world — forcing his victim’s family to fight to keep him behind bars. 

Village Media’s Michael Friscolanti joins us to explain the latest developments on the case. You can read his previous coverage HERE and HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those dedicated reporters and editors. 

Every night, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: the grocery store you can't actually shop at.

SEE: The DoorDash grocery store where the public isn’t allowed inside

Although it looks like a typical grocery store, this particular outlet in downtown Toronto is anything but. It is not open to the public. It's exclusively for DoorDash customers who use the company's food delivery app.

TorontoToday reporter Kathryn Mannie joins us on the show to explain what residents think about the local grocery store they can't actually enter. You can read her full story HERE. 

Have you had a chance to check out TorontoToday, now serving the downtown neighbourhoods of Canada's largest city? The local news site features two free e-mail newsletters delivered straight to your inbox every day: The Stir (7 a.m.) and The Tone (3 p.m.). You can sign up for both newsletters HERE and HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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In this new nightly feature, Village Media journalists break down the details of an important story making headlines around the province

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those dedicated reporters and editors. 

Every night, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: a hit-and-run mystery in Northern Ontario.

On Nov. 7, 2023, a 21-year-old woman named Loni Chum was found dead on a street in Moose Factory, a remote island community 320 km northeast of Timmins. More than a year later, her tragic death remains unsolved.

“Loni’s killer is still walking among us in this small community,” her father, Robert Chum, said in a recent interview with TimminsToday. “It's like a story in a movie that hasn't ended yet.”

Police believe Loni was struck by a pickup truck and left for dead, but no suspects have been identified. The reward for any information leading her killer’s arrest now stands at $100,000.

TimminsToday reporter Marissa Lentz-McGrath brings us up to date on the latest developments in the investigation. You can read her previous coverage HERE and HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. 

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Every day, our local journalists tackle the stories that matter most: the ones that impact your day-to-day life.

In communities across the province — as well at Queen’s Park and on Parliament Hill — our on-the-ground reporters and editors chase down the answers you need to know. 

In this new nightly segment — ‘Closer Look’ — Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering.
These interviews are designed to help you better understand how our reporters gather the information that lands in your local news feed.

On tonight’s episode: the most prolific “renovictor” in Ontario. 

It’s happening more and more across the province: landlords evicting longtime tenants in order to renovate the property, then rent it to someone else at a much higher price. A tenant advocacy group recently named Michael Klein, a Toronto real estate investor, as Ontario’s “top” renovictor.

Two of our reporters — Taylor Pace of GuelphToday and Joe McGinty of CambridgeToday — dug even deeper into Klein’s business dealings for this investigative feature: ‘How is this legal?’ Meet the king of Ontario renovictions

You can read their full story HERE.

Look for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. 

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In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those dedicated reporters and editors. 

Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: Pedalling toward a day in court.
Last month, the Ford government passed legislation that allows the province to block municipalities from creating new bike lanes that would overtake a vehicle lane. Bill 212 also gives Queen's Park the power to rip out existing bike lanes — including three in Toronto.

The Conservative government is adamant that bike lanes increase traffic congestion, but a draft of a briefing document prepared for Ontario cabinet ministers — and obtained by The Trillium — warns that the opposite is true.
Work to remove the Toronto bike lanes will not begin until at least March. In the meantime, the charity Toronto Cycle has filed a Charter challenge of the new law, arguing it violates cyclists' right to life, liberty and security of the person.
If the lanes are removed, they argue, “many thousands of Toronto cyclists will be forced to cycle in lanes shared with motor vehicle traffic” resulting in “heightened risk of injury and death."

TorontoToday reporter Aidan Chamandy and Jack Hauen of The Trillium have been leading our coverage of the ongoing story. Chamandy joins us tonight to bring you up to speed on the latest details.

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In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those dedicated reporters and editors. 

Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: A walk in the park.In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those dedicated reporters and editors. 

Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: A walk in the park.

In 2020, the B.C. Parks Foundation launched PaRx, a program that helps connect Canadians with the many health benefits of Mother Nature. Simply put, PaRx equips physicians with a unique tool: nature prescriptions. (The organization also partners with agencies like Parks Canada to provide free access for patients.)

SEE: Halton doctors can now prescribe free conservation park visits for mental health

Studies have repeatedly confirmed that time spent in nature can have positive impacts on a person's physical and mental health. Research also shows that patients with a prescription are more likely to get outside than patients who are simply advised to do so.

Halton Healthcare, which operates hospitals in Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills, just became the first hospital network in Canada to partner with PaRx. Prescribed patients can now access Conservation Halton Parks for ten free visits, which includes scenic trail hikes, wildlife spottin

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In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those dedicated reporters and editors. 

Every night, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: Her name was Tammy.
Two decades ago, a woman's body was discovered near a highway rest stop between Guelph and Halton Hills. Although her identity remained a mystery for nearly 20 years, the woman's story never faded away, thanks to a roadside memorial installed in 2008.
Earlier this year, GuelphToday reporter Isabel Buckmaster wrote a feature story about Keith Porty, who has spent the past few years meticulously repairing and maintaining the Jane Doe memorial. He also created a sign that he posted on a nearby bench. It encourages visitors to learn more about the case in the hopes someone might have information that could finally solve the mystery.
Six months after that article was published, the OPP announced a major break in the cold case: using a technique known as investigative genetic genealogy (IGG), police confirmed the deceased woman was Tammy Eileen Penner, 41, of Chilliwack, B.C. The OPP believes Penner was the victim of foul play, and have renewed their plea for people to come forward with any information.
Buckmaster joins us tonight to talk about the lingering mystery.

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In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those dedicated reporters and editors. 

Every night, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: A very special roadside delivery.

A family in Northern Ontario is singing the praises of two quick-thinking paramedics and a nurse who helped deliver a baby boy last weekend — on the side of a highway, in the middle of a snowstorm. 

The mother-to-be was being transported to a New Liskeard hospital when the two medics, Brandi Ouelette and Natasha Albert, realized they wouldn't get there in time. So they pulled over on the side of Highway 11, kept their lights blinking, and helped bring the new baby into the world.

SEE: Paramedics deliver baby on Highway 11 during snowstorm

“As paramedics, we are trained to handle emergencies and prepare for everything that could go wrong," the medics said in a joint statement to TimminsToday. "Often, we’re faced with severe injuries, illnesses, and loss. But this past weekend, everything went right."

TimminsToday reporter Marissa Lentz-McGrath joins us with the full story. You can read her coverage HERE. 

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

Want to see more Village Media video features? Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Send us a text

In this new nightly feature, Village Media journalists break down the details of an important story making headlines around the province

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those dedicated reporters and editors. 

Every night, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: The case of the missing harpoons (and a whole lot more).

According to records released under access-to-information laws, the Royal Ontario Museum can't find more than 2,200 items from its collection — including 136 oracle bones, 30 coins, 10 harpoons and one nativity scene.

SEE: ROM can't account for 2,234 items in its collection, including 10 missing harpoons

The missing items are enough to stock a respectable museum on their own. 

The ROM's chief of collections care says the quantity of missing items stems from the inventory practices that the museum used in the past, informal by modern standards. 

TorontoToday reporter Patrick Cain, who broke the news earlier this month, joins us to talk about his treasure of an article. You can read the full story HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. You can find all our previous segments HERE.

Send us a text

In this new nightly feature, Village Media journalists break down the details of an important story making headlines around the province

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those dedicated reporters and editors. 

Every night, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: an inspiring work of art.
The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) recently dropped the puck on its second season. To mark the occasion, artist Briony Douglas collected 127 game-used sticks from all six inaugural teams — Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Boston, New York and Minnesota — and built a huge goalie mask that stands four feet tall and six feet wide.
“It has been a long road for women in sports, and I know the PWHL has done so much to get where they are today,” Douglas said. “My hope is people will see this art and it will spark a conversation to discuss and empower the Professional Women’s Hockey League.”
BurlingtonToday reporter Chris Arnold joins us to talk more about this unique creation.

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In this new nightly feature, Village Media journalists break down the details of an important story making headlines around the province

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those dedicated reporters and editors. 

Every night, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore an important story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: Doug Ford has a plan to dismantle homeless encampments.

Last year, an Ontario judge issued a precedent setting-ruling, concluding that the Region of Waterloo cannot evict people from homeless encampments unless alternative housing exists. Doing so, the judge ruled, would deprive homeless residents of their Charter rights to life, liberty and security of the person.
Since then, some Ontario mayors have called on the province to use the notwithstanding clause to override the Charter and evict encampment dwellers.
After weeks of floating — and defending — the possible use of the notwithstanding clause, the Ford government is now saying it may not be necessary. Instead, the government has announced it is bringing forward legislation to crack down on encampments by giving municipalities new powers and funding to allow cities to disband them.  
Alan S. Hale, a reporter for The Trillium at Queen's Park, brings us up to speed on the latest developments.

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On tonight’s episode of ‘Closer Look’: What happened to Nuseiba Hasan?
In November 2006, the young woman was driven from a Hamilton apartment to her family’s farm in Flamborough — then vanished.
Police didn’t even know Hasan was missing until nine years later, when a family member let it slip that she may have been killed.
Nearly two decades after she disappeared, Hamilton Police are still actively investigating the case as a homicide — and they suspect that someone in her family knows exactly what happened.
In a two-part series marking the anniversary of Hasan’s disappearance, FlamboroughToday reporter Cara Nickerson takes an in-depth look at a compelling unsolved mystery. She is our guest on tonight’s ‘Closer Look.’

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In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: Why the provincial budget was sweet news for Ontario's craft cider producers.

For years, craft cider makers have been lobbying the province, arguing that they don't get the same tax treatment as craft breweries.

But that all changed last week, when the Ford government's latest budget included some big news for the industry. 

Starting on August 1, the government will harmonize the taxes levied on craft cider with those levied on craft beer, which means the markup on cider at the LCBO will be reduced from 60.6 per cent to 32 per cent.

SEE: Provincial budget delivers tax fairness for Ontario cider makers

CollingwoodToday reporter Chris Fell joins us tonight with all the details. You can read his latest coverage HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Send us a text

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: A not-so-flattering story about Sunshine Girls.

First unveiled in 1971, Sunshine Girls have been a regular feature in the pages of the The Toronto Sun ever since. But when COVID-19 hit, the newspaper stopped photographing new subjects — choosing instead to re-run some of the same shots over and over again, both in print and online.

As TorontoToday reporter Alex Flood discovered, some women who posed years ago are not happy that their photos and outdated write-ups are being recycled. “It’s distasteful,” said one former Sunshine Girl.

SEE: Photos of Toronto Sun 'Sunshine Girls' are being rerun again and again — critics call it the 'death rattle' for tabloid news

Flood joins us tonight from downtown Toronto to talk about how his story came together, and what the reaction has been. You can read his article HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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After weeks of polls, promises and political posturing, we can finally see the finish line.

At 10 p.m. EDT, when voting closes on the west coast, federal election results will start pouring in across the country.

By the end of the night, one party will come out on top: Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives or Mark Carney’s Liberals.

Village Media’s political reporters are in Ottawa tonight to cover both camps as the results are revealed.

Palak Mangat of Parliament Today and Jessica Smith Cross of The Trillium will be on scene with Carney’s supporters, while Parliament Today editor Katherine DeClerq brings us the latest from the Poilievre camp.

On tonight’s ‘Closer Look,’ Village Media's Scott Sexsmith talks to all three about what to expect in the coming hours.

Be sure to stay glued to the election page on this news site for up-to-the-minute results — both national and local — starting at 10 p.m.

Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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Ransomware attacks are big business, but rarely does the public get an inside glimpse of just how costly they can be. One of our reporters peels back the curtain — with the help of FOI legislation.

​In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: The true cost of a cyberattack.

Hackers are as busy as ever these days, breaching the computer systems of vulnerable companies and other institutions in pursuit of ransoms. 

Cyberattacks are big business — but rarely does the public get an inside glimpse of just how costly they can be.

Village Media's Sudbury.com used freedom-of-information legislation to uncover more details about a 2024 cyber incident that crippled IT services at Laurentian University. It turns out the attack cost the university more than $800,000 in consulting fees, overtime and other expenses (insurance claim pending).

SEE: FOI reveals 2024 cyber incident at Laurentian cost university almost $818K

Sudbury.com reporter Heidi Ulrichsen broke the story and joins us tonight with all the details. You can read her latest coverage HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': How a TorontoToday article about an iconic Australian food item triggered an international incident — and plenty more headlines.

​In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: How our local journalism triggered an international incident.

Earlier this month, Village Media's TorontoToday published a story about a café chain that was ordered to destroy thousands of dollars worth of Vegemite, a yeast-based spread that is to Australians what maple syrup is to Canadians.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said the café's Vegemite was “found to have added vitamins,” which goes against national food regulations.

Our story ended up sparking massive media attention in Toronto and Australia, prompting “discussions” between Australian and Canadian government officials, according to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

In the end, common sense prevailed.

SEE: Vegemite returns to Toronto cafe's shelves after food agency backs down on non-compliance order

TorontoToday reporter Kathryn Mannie covered the unfolding saga and joins us tonight with all the details. You can read her latest coverage HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': Bob and Doug McKenzie would be proud of a newly opened restaurant in Toronto, where every last detail pays homage to the true north strong and free.

​In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: Something a bit lighter (and not just the beer).

At a time when our very sovereignty is under threat, a new bar and restaurant in Toronto is helping to remind customers why Canada is worth defending. 

The Grizzly Bar is the kind of place that would make Bob and Doug McKenzie proud, complete with nostalgic Canadian photographs, posters and other memorabilia.

“There’s so much negativity out there and it’s easy to doom scroll," said co-owner Jessica Langer. "But we wanted this to be a place where you could go and be happy to be Canadian.”

SEE: About Canucking time: Toronto’s new all-Canadian bar is ready to party

TorontoToday reporter Alex Flood, who joins us tonight, was given an advance look at the new space. You can read his story HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': CollingwoodToday reporter Jessica Owen is being recognized for her powerful story about an Ontario woman who struggled to access basic supports after a brutal sexual assault.

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: Local reporting that makes an impact.

CollingwoodToday reporter Jessica Owen has been named a finalist for a Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) award for human rights reporting.

Owen is being recognized for her powerful reporting about a woman who was sexually assaulted and then struggled to find basic supports, including having to drive more than an hour to the only hospital in Simcoe County that offers a rape kit. 

Her work is nominated alongside journalists from APTN, The Toronto Star Investigative Journalism Bureau, Noovo Info and La Presse. 

"Jessica's story was an eye-opening account of what some victims of sexual assault go through, not only during the assault, but afterwards if and when they ask for help," said Erika Engel, the editor of CollingwoodToday. "It absolutely is an important human rights story and it's an important local story." 

SEE: Lack of support leaves victim of violent rape more 'angry, horrified'

Owen joins us tonight to talk about her nomination, and the challenges she faced in bringing such an important story to light. You can read her award-nominated coverage HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': In Ontario, pet cremation is a common occurrence — but what happened to this Burlington cat lover is anything but normal.

Like thousands of pet owners in Ontario, Valerie Stevenson chose to cremate her beloved cat "Jewels" when she died 20 years ago. The Burlington woman kept the cat's ashes in a special urn on a dresser.

But recently, when another one of her cats knocked over the container, Stevenson made a shocking discovery: the ashes actually belonged to a dog, not her cat.

Amid the mess, she found a bone-shaped tag with the name "Sparky" — and a follow-up conversation with the company that performed the cremation confirmed the truth. 

Unfortunately, the company does not have records dating back two decades ago. So Stevenson is now on a mission to try to find Sparky's owner — and potentially reunite with Jewels' ashes.

SEE: Burlington resident looking for Sparky’s owners after cremation mix-up two decades ago

On tonight's episode of Village Media's 'Closer Look,' Scott Sexsmith speaks to BurlingtonToday reporter Calum O'Malley about Stevenson's ongoing search. You can read his latest coverage HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': As global travellers steer clear of the United States — and more Ontarians plan to vacation close to home — this could be a super summer for our province's tourism sector.

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: A Trump-inspired tourism boom?

A report from Time magazine projects that foreign visitors to the U.S. will spend $9 billion less this year than in 2024, while Bloomberg reports that European tourists are now avoiding the United States altogether. 

Could this be a golden opportunity for Ontario's tourism sector? It just might.

Some communities are already working hard to market themselves as friendly, must-visit destinations for foreign travellers who might otherwise vacation in the U.S. The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) also projects that more Ontarians will be vacationing closer to home this summer, which the group's president calls "very positive news."

SEE: Ontario tourism using ‘arms open’ approach to attract Americans amid political tension

TorontoToday reporter Alex Flood has been examining the travel trends and joins us tonight with all the details. You can read his latest coverage HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': Newmarket has joined the likes of Barrie and Mississauga in removing all Stars and Stripes from municipal arenas — a strong but symbolic gesture in the face of Trump's tariffs.

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: Flag flap.

The Town of Newmarket became the latest Ontario community to remove U.S. flags from municipal arenas — a form of protest against President Donald Trump's punishing trade war. Cities like Barrie and Mississauga have already taken down the Stars and Stripes.

Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said the move is ultimately a "symbolic action" and that people are welcome to have differing opinions.

“It feels awkward to even broach the topic,” he said. “But also on the other side of the coin, there’s already a lot of people suffering."

SEE: Newmarket to take 'symbolic action' of removing U.S. flags at arenas

Should other Ontario communities follow suit? Will removing U.S. flags make even the slightest bit of difference?

NewmarketToday reporter Joseph Quigley joins us tonight with his thoughts. You can read his latest coverage HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': Family and friends delivered emotional victim impact statements at the sentencing hearing for a 26-year-old Ontario man whose drinking and driving caused a deadly crash.

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: 'A time bomb waiting to explode.'

In Guelph, a drunk driver has been sentenced to six years in prison — and slapped with a 10-year licence ban — after killing a 31-year-old man who "had so much more life to experience.”

Nicholas McGrath, 26, pleaded guilty in connection with a fatal 2023 crash near Hillsburgh, which claimed the life of David Thomas.

SEE: Drunk driver in fatal Hillsburgh crash was 'a time bomb waiting to explode'

“David’s death has completely shattered my life, and left a hole in my heart,” said Karen Thomas, David's mother, during a packed court hearing last week. “This senseless and preventable loss has devastated our family, and inflicted a pain no words can capture.”

GuelphToday reporter Mark Pare was in the courtroom for the sentencing and joins us tonight with all the details. You can read his latest article HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is jeopardizing longstanding efforts between Canada and the United States to fight invasive sea lampreys.

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: Elon Musk and the blood-sucking "vampire fish."

For years, Canada and the United States have worked together to fight against a common enemy: sea lampreys in the Great Lakes. An invasive species, the eel-like creatures attach onto other fish, such as lake trout, whitefish and salmon, to suck their blood, feed on their flesh and ultimately kill them. 

But our cross-border eradication efforts are now in jeopardy after cuts by the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), helmed by Canadian-American billionaire Elon Musk.

SEE: Great Lakes ‘vampire’ fish eradication efforts delayed by DOGE cuts

TorontoToday reporter Gabe Oatley has been covering the story and joins us tonight with all the details. You can read his latest article HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: Stolen memories.

As a goalie on Canada's national sledge hockey team, Paul Rosen enjoyed plenty of success — including a Paralympic gold medal in 2006 and a world championship two years later.

But Rosen has also been open about his battle with mental health and addiction, hoping his story — laid bare in his recently released book, Never Give Up — helps others who might be struggling.

This month, the former goalie received some devastating news: someone broke into his Newmarket storage locker and stole $30,000 worth of sports memorabilia — including hockey jerseys signed by stars Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby, as well as the prized glove he wore when playing for Team Canada at the Paralympic Winter Games in Turin, Italy.

SEE: Local Paralympian hopes for return of stolen memorabilia, equipment

In typical fashion, Rosen is trying not to focus on the negative.

“As much as this is not the greatest thing in the world, it still is property," he said. "It still is items. It’s not life, and I’m just moving on right now." 

NewmarketToday reporter Joseph Quigley covered the story and joins us tonight with all the details. You can read his latest coverage HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': Tiny Township in Simcoe County has won a court battle over vacation rental regulations that could have major implications on municipalities across the province.

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: A court battle over short-term rentals.

In municipalities across Ontario, Airbnbs and other short-term vacation properties have triggered plenty of complaints from neighbours. In response, communities like Tiny Township have enacted bylaws that require short-term rentals (STRs) to be licensed.

In Tiny's case, a group of owners challenged the regulations in court, arguing they essentially ban cottage rentals. A judge disagreed, issuing a ruling that could set a precedent for other cities and towns around the province.

SEE: Tiny mayor 'grateful' after Ontario court upholds STR bylaw

MidlandToday editor Andrew Philips has been covering the story and joins us tonight with all the details. You can read his latest article HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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In this new feature, Village Media journalists break down an important story making headlines around the province. On tonight's episode: How our local reporters chronicled the aftermath of a nasty storm.

Three days after a wicked ice storm rocked parts of central Ontario, tens of thousands of homes and businesses remain without power.

In Simcoe County, which bore the brunt of the epic storm, residents are still coming to terms with the damage left behind.

SEE: Couple staying strong amid ice-storm havoc

In Orillia, where most residents lost power when the storm struck on Saturday night, OrilliaMatters editor Dave Dawson wrote about how the city's "landscape has been scarred forever."

As hydro crews work around the clock to turn the lights back on, our local journalists in the region have been capturing powerful images of the storm's aftermath.

GALLERY: 50 photos show devastation of central Ontario ice storm as cleanup efforts begin

BarrieToday reporter Kevin Lamb, who is among the journalists covering the ongoing story, joins us tonight with all the details. You can read his latest article HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': One day after announcing himself as a candidate in the riding of Sudbury East—Manitoulin—Nickel Belt, Nicholas Bonderoff was escorted out the door of his job.

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: Fired for being a PPC candidate?

Earlier this month, Nicholas Bonderoff declared himself as the People's Party of Canada candidate in the newly formed riding of Sudbury East—Manitoulin—Nickel Belt. The next day, he was terminated from his job as a manager at the engineering firm BESTECH.

“They’re a great company, but I believe that they were concerned from strictly a business perspective that having me associated with the PPC and working for the company could impact them negatively,” Bonderoff said.

SEE: People’s Party candidate believes political views led to his firing

Bonderoff is promising to launch a legal challenge. In the meantime, his firing has drawn a lot of attention his campaign — including from PPC leader Maxime Bernier, who jumped to his candidate's defence.

“We are living, supposedly, in a democratic country where you have a Charter of Rights and the freedom of thought, freedom of opinion is important,” Bernier told Sudbury.com, adding that Bonderoff should not have been fired for his political beliefs.

“You’re doing that in a communist country, not a democratic country," he said. "Shame on them."

SEE: ‘Shame on them,’ PPC leader says after Sudbury candidate fired

Sudbury.com reporter Tyler Clarke has been covering the story and joins us tonight with all the details. You can read his latest article HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': We revisit our latest podcast episode featuring Jane Wilcox, who is working around the clock to free her husband after he was accused of drug smuggling in Punta Cana.

The waiting continues for David Bennett, a Burlington, Ont. man arrested in the Dominican Republic for suspected drug trafficking — an allegation he and his family insist is a lie.

Bennett was supposed to board a flight home from his Punta Cana vacation on March 7. Three weeks later, he remains in limbo.

“We’re taking every angle to get David home," his wife, Jane Wilcox, told our Inside the Village podcast. "We’re leaving no stone unturned.”

SEE: Burlington man stranded in Dominican Republic faces bogus drug charges, says family

“It’s a nightmare," Wilcox continued. "He is a physically strong guy, but mentally it’s taken a toll on him and our family.”

You can watch the full podcast episode HERE.

Hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media, Inside the Village is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.

Every episode can be found HERE. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.

Have something to say? You can reach us at itv@villagemedia.ca.

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': A Collingwood fraudster whose ticket scams earned him a memorable nickname will have a lot of time to think about his crimes — in a prison cell.

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: Ticket to prison.

A notorious fraudster has been sentenced to 15 months in custody for an elaborate scam involving tens of thousands of dollars worth of non-existent hockey and concert tickets — including tickets to the 2024 NHL All-Star Game in Toronto.

The judge in the case had particularly harsh words for Todd "The Fraud" Guthrie. 

"This is exploitation of Canadian culture," said Ontario Court Justice Angela McLeod. "You weren’t defrauding people of a basket of apples."

SEE: Judge punches 15-month ticket to jail for Collingwood fraudster

BarrieToday court reporter Peter Robinson has been covering the story and joins us tonight with all the details. You can read his latest article HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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In this new feature, Village Media journalists break down an important story making headlines around the province. On tonight's episode: The 'Buy Canadian' movement inflicts some collateral damage.

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: Pity the owner of your local duty free shop.

As U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies his tariff war against Canada, one sector in particular is bracing for impact: duty free stores.

Sales have plummeted at outlets on this side of the border as more and more Canadians are choosing not to travel into the United States — and consequently, not purchase any goods on the way over.

The situation is so dire that the newly formed Border Mayors Alliance is calling on the federal government to financially support duty free store owners.

SEE: Duty free shops in 'a tough spot' amid ongoing trade war

SooToday reporter Greg McGrath-Goudie has been covering the story and joins us tonight with all the details. You can read his latest article HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': Brad Dunsmoor of Innisfil, Ont., moved to the east coast to live out his dream retirement. Two months ago, his remains were discovered down a dirt road near Halifax.

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: What happened to Brad Dunsmoor?

A longtime baseball and soccer coach who volunteered his time in both Toronto and Innisfil, Dunsmoor moved east to Nova Scotia two years ago after retiring as a drywaller.

But in January, his family received a devastating piece of news: Dunsmoor's remains were discovered inside a burnt-out truck near Halifax. He was 63.

Two months later, his grieving family is still waiting for answers from the RCMP, who continue to investigate.

"Still nothing,” said his son, Bennie Dunsmoor. “It’s a snail’s pace with those guys. It's ridiculous."

SEE: 'Still nothing': Police probing Nova Scotia death of Innisfil's Brad Dunsmoor

InnisfilToday editor Chris Simon has been covering the story and joins us tonight with all the details. You can read his latest article HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': Six months after Juanita Migwans disappeared from M'Chigeeng First Nation, her loved ones are hoping a series of new billboards will help crack the case.

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: Where is Juanita Migwans?

It's been almost six months since anyone has seen the 31-year-old from M'Chigeeng First Nation, on Manitoulin Island. Migwans did not have her bank card or cell phone when she vanished, and her loved ones fear the worst.

"Juanita would not have taken off on her own," her aunt said. "She is a daughter, a mother and a close friend to many."

In the latest development, supporters have set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for billboard rentals that feature Migwans' photo and case information.

SEE: Crowdfunding effort underway to rent billboards in hopes of finding missing woman

SooToday reporter Kenneth Armstrong has been covering the story and joins us tonight with all the details. You can read his latest article HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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In this new feature, Village Media journalists break down an important story making headlines around the province. On tonight's episode: Paying tribute to a 15-year-old who 'cared about everybody'.

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local

Nolan Ion, 15, was a member of the Upper York Admirals U16 AA team. He was a talented player but also a great teammate who "just cared about everybody."

Tragically, Nolan suffered cardiac arrest while in gym class and later died in hospital. His family and coach are now sharing his story, hoping to prevent the same thing from happening to other young athletes.

SEE: Family loses faith in Southlake after tragic passing of 15-year-old hockey player

Joseph Quigley, a reporter at NewmarketToday, joins us tonight with all the details. You can read his coverage HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': All signs point to an imminent federal election. 

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: Get ready to cast your ballot (again).

Although it's not official yet, reports say Prime Minister Mark Carney will dissolve Parliament on Sunday and call a snap federal election. 

Carney was asked to confirm the speculation at a housing announcement in Edmonton today, right after he had the chance to skate at practice with the Edmonton Oilers.

He deked around the question, replying that Gov. Gen. Mary Simon will be the first to know — and that "in this time of crisis" the government needs "a strong and clear mandate” to lead the country.

Translation: Let the campaign begin.

ParliamentToday reporter Palak Mangat joins us tonight with the latest details. You can read all our federal politics coverage HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: When a dog attacks.

A Guelph mom is looking for some accountability after a neighbour's dog lunged at her nine-year-old daughter and bit her in the face.

The little girl needed four stitches in her left cheek.

Brianne Perna said she contacted the Guelph Humane Society, bylaw, public health, the legal clinic and the Landlord and Tenant Board, but has received few answers about what should happen to the dog and its owner.

“Nobody seems to care, and this dog is going to kill someone, and I'm just trying to stop that from happening,” she said.

SEE: Calls for accountability after dog bites nine-year-old in the face

GuelphToday reporter Santana Bellantoni covered the story and joins us tonight with all the details. You can read her latest coverage HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': Two landlords share the horror stories of what they discovered when they finally managed to evict their problem tenants.

These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: A landlord's worst nightmare.

For more than two years, Bradford’s Michelle Taddeo and her partner Tony Natale tried to evict a problem tenant from their basement apartment. When they finally did, they were shocked to find the damage left behind.

"He broke everything," Taddeo said. 

SEE: 'It hurts': Bradford landlord on the hook for $36K in repairs, unpaid rent

In nearby Ramara, Ont., a fellow landlord found a similar mess after winning a 13-month legal battle to evict a nightmare tenant.

“They burned out the well pump, overloaded the septic, and destroyed everything,” said one of the owners. “We’re over $35,000 in the hole just from lost rent, and now we’re looking at another $15,000 in repairs.”

VIDEO: Ramara landlord evicts tenants who 'trashed' home in costly, 13-month legal battle

BradfordToday reporter Michael Owen joins us tonight with all the details. You can read his article HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': In a dramatic raid captured on video, heavily armed police in Barrie executed a search warrant at the wrong house. Should the cops pay for the damage left behind?

These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: When cops raid the wrong house, who pays for damages?

Last month, Barrie Police busted through Matthew Patton's front door, armed with a search warrant. Within seconds, he was on the floor in handcuffs.

The problem? The cops banged down the wrong door. The suspect they were looking for actually lived in the basement apartment.

"They should be held to a higher standard before kicking in random doors — make sure they know where they’re going," Patton said. "That shouldn’t even be a question."

SEE: 'Wrong house, man!': Police raid leaves Barrie man with $11K repair bill (VIDEO)

BarrieToday reporter Kevin Lamb joins us tonight with the details. You can read his article HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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In this new feature, Village Media journalists break down an important story making headlines around the province. On tonight's episode: When will Mark Carney send us to the polls?

These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: Meet your next prime minister.

Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney won the Liberal leadership in a landslide victory last night, capturing victory on the first ballot with a whopping 86 per cent of votes.

SEE: Mark Carney wins race to replace Justin Trudeau

In his victory speech, Carney thanked the other candidates and spoke about the importance of unity, particularly in light of the tariff threats coming from the United States.

“America is not Canada," he said. "And Canada never, ever, will be part of America in any way, shape or form. We didn’t ask for this fight, but Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves. So Americans should make no mistake, in trade as in hockey, Canada will win.”

Village Media's Katherine DeClerq, the editor of ParliamentToday, joins us tonight to talk about Carney's big win — and when Canadians can expect an election call. You can read her coverage HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': After a dream vacation spiralled into a nightmare, a Northern Ontario woman is warning fellow travellers to be vigilant if they're heading to Mexico for March Break.

On tonight's episode: A not-so-dream vacation.

A Northern Ontario woman is warning fellow travellers to be vigilant after she was caught in the crossfire of a cartel shooting while on vacation in Mexico.

Lisa Sambell and her boyfriend were at a bar in Playa del Carmen on Jan. 26 when two men opened fire on the establishment, striking her in the arm.

“I just remember bleeding everywhere and yelling: ‘I’ve been shot!’” she says.

SEE: Moonbeam woman gets caught in the crossfire of Mexican cartel violence

Sambell's warning to other travellers heading to Mexico?

"Be vigilant," she says. "Know that cartel activity is real. Avoid risky situations, stick to well-lit areas, and get travel insurance."

Marissa Lentz-McGrath, a reporter at TimminsToday, joins us tonight with all the details. You can read her coverage HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': Maybe it's a good thing the Ford government introduced mandatory financial literacy classes for Ontario high school students.

Here's another reason to worry about a lengthy trade war with the United States.

According to figures released last week, consumer debt in Canada hit a record $2.56 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2024 — and Ontario residents are struggling more than anyone else to make their payments.

Equifax Canada’s fourth quarter Consumer Credit Trends Report found that 11,000 Ontarians missed a mortgage payment in the fourth quarter, which is three times more than in 2022.

The average non-mortgage debt per Canadian consumer? $21,931, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

If Donald Trump's on-again, off-again tariff threats become a reality, those numbers will almost certainly get worse.

On a recent episode of our Inside the Village podcast, financial expert Saijal Patel joined us to talk about why it's more important than ever to be teaching the next generation how to manage their money.

You can watch the full episode HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': A one-on-one conversation with Liberal leadership candidate Karina Gould.

On Sunday, the Liberal Party of Canada will choose Justin Trudeau's successor.

Four candidates are vying for the Liberal leadership: former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland, former cabinet minister Karina Gould, and former MP Frank Baylis.

Tonight on "Closer Look": An in-depth conversation with one of the candidates.

From her home in Burlington, Karina Gould sat down today with the hosts of our Inside the Village podcast. The aspiring prime minister covered a lot of ground in the conversation, including tariffs, Donald Trump, the carbon tax, and why she  believes— despite the polls — that she is the best person for the job.

If you don't know a lot about Karina Gould, you will after watching this interview.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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With thousands of Canadians travellers set to take off next week, the hosts of our Inside the Village podcast get some helpful advice from a leading expert on air passenger rights.

Donald Trump's promised tariffs officially took effect at 12:01 this morning, sending stock markets into disarray and triggering retaliatory countermeasures from our federal and provincial governments. 

Even before then, plenty of boycott-minded Canadians had already pledged to shop local, steering clear of American brands as much as possible.

But what about travel? With March Break right around the corner, thousands of Canadians have already booked vacations south of the border.

Is it too late to cancel your flight? Is "trade war" reason enough for a full refund?

"I am afraid not," says Gábor Lukács, president of the advocacy group Air Passenger Rights, who was a guest today on our Inside the Village podcast. 

"There is no provision in the airlines' terms and conditions that would allow you to unilaterally cancel your travel just because a trade war has started," Lukács says. "If the airline cancels your flight and wants to book you to a later time, if they delay your flight by more than three hours, those types of situations could give you a basis for cancelling. But just because you no longer want to go there, that is unfortunately not a basis for cancelling."

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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In this new feature, Village Media journalists break down an important story making headlines around the province. On tonight's episode: Why the much-hyped Ring of Fire project is still years away.

Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore a compelling story they are covering.

These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: Why Doug Ford is on fire to get moving on the Ring of Fire.

Fresh off last week’s provincial election win, Premier Ford said today he's ready to pick a fight with the feds in order to expedite critical minerals production in the face of a looming trade war with the U.S.

Saying Ontario is in a pandemic-like “survival mode,” Ford said it's time to "do more and act faster” in order to use the Ring of Fire as leverage against the Trump administration’s tariffs on Canadian goods.

SEE: Ford sends message to Ottawa on Ring of Fire: Get out of our way

But actually building the roads necessary to reach the massive mineral deposit is still years away — maybe as late as 2040.

SEE: Ring of Fire access roads may not be complete until 2040

Alan S. Hale, a Queen's Park reporter at The Trillium, joins us to talk about today's developments. You can read his latest article HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': Overtime winner, fast food dinner. The local McDonald's in Connor McDavid's hometown of Newmarket is celebrating his huge game-winning goal with a temporary name change.

Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore a compelling story they are covering.

These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: Overtime winner, fast food dinner.

On paper, it was an exhibition game that meant absolutely nothing. But for millions of Canadians, the final of the 4 Nations Face-Off against the Team USA was a proxy for the brewing tensions between both countries.

When superstar Connor McDavid scored the OT winner, the entire nation exhaled. (The only thing better would have been if McDavid pocketed the goal in the 51st minute of overtime.)

In his hometown of Newmarket, the celebration was extra sweet. Even the local McDonald's has temporarily changed its name to "McDavid's" in honour of his on-ice heroics. (A McDonald's in Edmonton, home to McDavid's Oilers, has done the same).

SEE: 'Hometown pride': Newmarket McDonald's renamed McDavid's to celebrate NHL star

NewmarketToday reporter Joseph Quigley joins us tonight with all the tasty details. You can read his article HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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In this new feature, Village Media journalists break down an interesting story making headlines around the province. On tonight's episode: Beware of those giant dangling icicles.

Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore a compelling story they are covering.

These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: Beware of falling icicles.

SEE: Those big, dangling icicles on the roof are a danger and you could be liable

Slips and falls are part and parcel of Canadian winters — but they're not the only seasonal hazard property owners could be liable for.

Falling icicles could lead to lawsuits, too, so owners and tenants should be careful to take the proper precautions.

Just don't use a blowtorch to melt them away. Bad idea.

SEE: Apartment fire allegedly caused by blow-torching icicles: tenants

GuelphToday reporter Santana Bellantoni joins us tonight to explain what she's learned. You can read her latest article HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Send us a text

Tonight on 'Closer Look': One of the greatest female baseball players of all time made history on Sunday at Christie Pits in Toronto, pitching two scoreless innings on a team full of men.

In cities and towns across Ontario — and at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill — our journalists work for you. Their mission is to dig for answers and tell you what they find.

This new feature — ‘Closer Look’ — is a chance to hear directly from those reporters and editors. These conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight's episode: Breaking the glass ceiling — with a fastball.

Ayami Sato is widely considered one of the best female baseball players of all time. The 35-year-old superstar pitcher previously led her home country of Japan to six World Cup championships before coming overseas for a new challenge.

On Sunday, Sato accomplished another milestone: becoming the first woman to ever play for a professional men’s baseball team in Canada.

She tossed two scoreless innings for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the Intercounty Baseball League, leaving the mound to a huge ovation from the crowd at Christie Pits.

SEE: Glass ceiling smashed: Toronto pitcher makes baseball history in Christie Pits

TorontoToday reporter Alex Flood covered the historic game and joins us tonight with all the details. You can read his latest coverage HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

Want to see more video features from Village Media? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.