Closer Look

For a generation of Canadians, Rick Campanelli has been one of the most recognizable faces on television — the energetic, always-grinning “Rick the Temp” who turned a MuchMusic contest into a remarkable career in broadcasting. But behind that smile was a struggle few people knew about. In his new memoir, Tempted , Campanelli opens up about his rise to fame, his years-long battle with gambling addi...

Matthew Schaefer was the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL draft — and he definitely lived up to the hype. In his first season, the talented defenceman put up Bobby Orr-esque numbers, tallying 23 goals and 36 assists on his way to being crowned the league’s rookie of the year. Off the ice, Schaefer has shown resilience and maturity way beyond his years. When he was only 16, he lost his mother, Je...

Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed this week that he has studied the possibility of U.S.-led military action in Canada. In a lengthy New York Times interview published Wednesday, Carney said it would be irresponsible not to prepare for what he called an “extreme tail risk.” “That’s just risk management,” he said. “That’s not a base case, but it would be irresponsible not to [prepare].” How realis...

In November, the Ontario Liberals will elect a new leader — the party’s third in six years. Five candidates are on the ballot to replace Bonnie Crombie: Navdeep Bains, Stephanie Bowman , Lee Fairclough , Eric Lombardi and Dylan Marando . At this point, Bains is widely considered the frontrunner. The former federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development is a recognized name in and...

At last count, nearly 200,000 people have signed an online petition demanding the expulsion of Donald Trump's ambassador to Canada. The petition — which will be presented in the House of Commons this fall — calls on the federal government to declare Pete Hoekstra persona non grata and remove him from Canada. The petition accuses the ambassador of making statements that undermine the Canada-U....

For countless Canadians, Lloyd Robertson was more than a trusted voice. He was a fixture of their nightly routine. The chief anchor of CTV News for nearly three decades, Robertson helped people across the country understand the moments that shaped our nation and our world. "That's the kind of day it was," he said at the end of every newscast. Robertson died this week at the age of 9...

Researchers have identified a new blood test that could reveal signs of Alzheimer’s disease decades earlier than ever before. The potential breakthrough is just the latest piece of positive news when it comes to identifying and treating dementia patients — including the recent approval of a long-awaited drug that slows the progression of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. On a recent episode of Vill...

When you’re at the beach this summer, you might notice something pretty cool: a Zamboni-like robot that meticulously cleans the sand. It’s called a BeBot, and it was unveiled for the first time in Canada last year by the not-for-profit group Pollution Probe. The vacuum-like device — which can cover 3,000 square meters per hour — sifts through sand in search of small pieces of waste. Last summer, w...

Released nearly four decades years ago, The Wealthy Barber helped countless Canadians understand money management and sound investing strategies.  Last year, author David Chilton released a fresh rewrite of his iconic book for a new generation — and also stopped by our Closer Look podcast for a chat. Amid news that Chilton is retiring at the end of 2026, we decided to revisit some of the sound adv...

If recent headlines are any indication, gift card scams have become a lucrative enterprise for organized criminals. On this week’s episode of Village Media's Closer Look podcast, we revisit an eye-opening conversation we had with Ritesh Kotak , a lawyer and cybercrime expert. He explains how these scammers operate, why gift card fraud is on the rise — and how you can protect yourself as a con...

If you're a sports fan, you've no doubt heard of the acronym CTE. It has made plenty of headlines in recent years. CTE — chronic traumatic encephalopathy — is a devastating, degenerative brain disease triggered by repetitive head injuries. It often impacts athletes, but also soldiers and victims of intimate partner violence. At the moment, the condition can only be diagnosed after death....

This week, Toronto police displayed the fruits of a massive seizure of counterfeit soccer merchandise worth millions of dollars. The haul included 16,000 fake name-brand jerseys and flags — including FIFA, Nike, Adidas and Puma — and even two counterfeit FIFA World Cup trophies. At first glance, it’s easy to downplay such a bust as a “victimless crime.” But don’t tell that to Toronto lawyer David...

Here's a piece of advice: Take a good look at your auto insurance policy. Starting July 1, Ontario is introducing some significant reforms to auto insurance rules. Simply put, some coverage that is now mandatory will soon become optional — including certain accident benefits like income replacement and death and funeral costs. Those in favour of the new system say it gives drivers more choice...

Last month, Mark Carney’s Liberal government announced a $6-billion plan to help recruit, train and hire up to 100,000 new skilled tradespeople over the next five years. The plan acknowledges a longstanding concern: that Canada has an urgent need for more carpenters, plumbers, millwrights and heavy equipment operators. Among the new initiatives is a $5,000 bonus when a worker completes their Red S...

In communities across Ontario, nominations are now open for October’s municipal elections. It is local democracy in action: candidates put their names in the hat, lay out their promises — and you vote. But is that enough? Does democracy demand more of us? On this week’s episode of Village Media's Closer Look podcast, we revisit a very timely interview with an author who has some urgent things...

Even at 92 years old, Don Cherry is never far from the headlines. Back in February, the longtime co-host of “Coach’s Corner” was appointed to the Order of Ontario . A month later, a Conservative MP started a push to honour Cherry with the Order of Canada — a movement that continues to gain steam . And now there’s a new book out, authored by Cherry’s late daughter, Cindy, who passed away unexpected...

Back in December, Australia became the first country in the world to ban social media for kids under 16. Simply put, popular platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat were ordered to block all Australian children from their sites or face hefty fines. Should Canada follow suit? The momentum is growing. Last month, Culture Minister Marc Miller said the Carney Liberals are “very seriously” consid...

The Ford government says it wants to limit the foreign ownership of prime Ontario farmland, all part of proposed legislation aimed at boosting food sovereignty across the province. But some experts say the government’s focus on foreign ownership is missing the real crisis: Ontario’s rapidly vanishing farmland. Over the past 35 years, Ontario has lost 2.8 million acres — or 18 per cent — of farmlan...

Mary Walsh is so much more than one iconic character, but for countless Canadians she will always be Marg Delahunty, Princess Warrior. Her sword-wielding alter ego — who ambushed politicians, cornered them with uncomfortable questions, and even kissed one would-be prime minister on the lips — was a favourite on This Hour Has 22 Minutes , the long-running sketch show she created. But Marg is only o...

Every day, our Closer Look podcast chases the same mission: to learn something new. Whether we're dissecting a pressing issue, or speaking to a prominent guest, we try to leave the conversation knowing a bit more than before. We hope you've learned some things, too. Starting next week, we're shaking it up a bit. Closer Look is moving from a nightly podcast to a weekly show, with new...

Canada’s Wonderland rode a roller coaster of headlines this week when it announced a new chaperone policy for kids. After 4 p.m., all children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult in order to stay at the iconic park. Any guests 15 or younger found inside Wonderland without a chaperone during those hours will be “immediately subject to removal.” Canada’s Wonderland insists the new po...

In Ontario, the number of people over the age of 80 is set to soar — and advocates say we're not doing enough to prepare for the demographic shift. We are definitely not alone. Countries around the world are grappling to prepare for the inevitable rise in elderly populations.  Could AI dolls help combat loneliness among seniors? Are robots the answer , a hi-tech way to help elderly people per...

For 44 years, Joe Bowen’s signature voice has been the soundtrack of Leafs Nation. But this season will be his last behind the mic — and with the Toronto Maple Leafs officially out of playoff contention, Bowen’s legendary career is down to its final few periods. His last game on the airwaves will be April 15. On tonight’s episode of Village Media’s Closer Look podcast, we revisit our recent interv...

Our guest on tonight’s Closer Look is Ian Howcroft of Skills Ontario , an organization that empowers youth to explore careers in skilled trades and technologies. Reach out to Frisco and Scott

Ontario's minimum wage is set for another bump later this year, rising 35 cents to $17.95 an hour. But is that a living wage? Not even close . On tonight’s episode of Village Media’s Closer Look podcast, we dig deeper into the numbers with Craig Pickthorne of the Ontario Living Wage Network . Reach out to Frisco and Scott