The Big Story

We are revisiting this episode of The Big Story from March, as we learned this week, an infant died this week in Southwestern Ontario, who was born premature and infected with measles. In a statement, Dr. Kieran Moore said the infant contracted the virus before birth from their mother, who had not received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.However it's important added that while measles may have been a contributing factor in both the premature birth and death, the infant also faced “other serious medical complications unrelated to the virus.”Officials are still calling it a "preventable crisis". The highly contagious viral infection was considered eliminated in 1998 in Canada and in 2000 in the U.S., but a number of factors have contributed to its recent resurgence.Host Melanie Ng speaks with Sabina Vohra-Miller, @unambiguousscience, a Doctor of Public Health candidate and expert in clinical pharmacology and toxicology, about this issue. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Interest rates weren't cut this week. Why? Well, it's complicated. The Bank of Canada didn't give borrowers a break when it set policy on Wednesday, as Tiff Macklem cited the need to wait for more data points. The word "uncertainty" is being thrown around, although ironically, the economy was actually stronger in the first quarter than forecast. Host Mike Eppel speaks to experts about the lack of a cut and what that means for the market, home buyers and home owners. Guests: Claire Fan, Senior Economist, Royal Bank of Canada Phil Soper, President Royal LePage We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

It's a mystery in Nova Scotia that's gained attention across the country. This week marked one month since the disappearance of 6 year old Lilly Sullivan and her 4 year other brother Jack.The kids were reported missing by their stepdad and mother on the morning of May 2nd. RCMP in Nova Scotia immediately launched a missing persons' investigation and in the days that followed, numerous searches of the area were carried out, but the children still haven't been found.The case is being watched by people across the country as there are more questions than answers.Where are the Sullivan kids? Host Dan Ahlstrand speaks with citynews.ca writer Natasha O'Neill, who's been following the case.You can find continued coverage of the story at: https://halifax.citynews.ca/. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Prime Minister Mark Carney held his first meeting with Premiers since the election and by most accounts it was a big success, with Ontario’s Doug Ford claiming it was the best in 10 years.The 14 leaders discussed the federal plan to fast track nation building projects and despite some rhetoric in advance of the gathering, even Alberta was encouraged about the path ahead. But will a new pipeline become a reality, can premiers expect federal funds to match their projects, was it a mistake to not have Indigenous leaders at the table, and what may be the challenges ahead? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney tries to get answers and insight from former Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Ukraine has shocked the world by carrying out a daring attack on Russian bomber planes thousands of kilometres inside enemy territory.It’s a feat that would have been unimaginable before the war. Now, Ukraine has shown it has the capabilities to take its fight directly to its much more powerful foe.What will Vladimir Putin do now? And what does it mean for hopes of peace negotiations?Host David Smith speaks with security expert Marcus Kolga about the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

We’ve all seen it: the coach constantly yelling at their team, the parent trying to coach on the sidelines…and the kid in the middle of it all. Youth sports can bring out the best in people, but it can also be a breeding ground for toxic behaviour. Host Melanie Ng speaks with Playball Ambassador with the MLB and author of Coach Ballgame, James Lowe, about how focusing on the RIGHT approach to sports can make a world of difference.You can learn more about James' work on his Instagram: @coachballgame. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

A whirlwind trip for King Charles, in his first visit to Canada as a sitting monarch, is being viewed by some as a success.It was a show of support amid annexation talk by the U.S. president but it also served as a benefit to the King.Host Kris McCusker speaks to Carolyn Harris - Historian, Author and Royal Commentator - about how it compares with other royal visits - and why the timing is so relevant. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Neha Ruch, the Founder and CEO of Mother Untitled and author of "The Power Pause," dives into the evolving definitions of success within motherhood. She challenges the hustle culture by emphasizing the power of taking intentional career breaks for personal growth and family priorities. The conversation sheds light on societal pressures faced by mothers, advocating for a narrative that values emotional well-being and genuine connections. Neha also shares her transformative journey and the deep connections she has formed while supporting mothers navigating similar paths.

Lori Williams, a political scientist at Mount Royal University in Calgary, discusses the historic throne speech delivered by King Charles, emphasizing its themes of Canadian independence and cooperation. She unpacks the Carney government's ambitious plans amidst potential roadblocks. The conversation delves into the implications of the speech for Canada's identity and the evolving relationship with the U.S. Williams also highlights the challenges the government faces in balancing high expectations with practical implementation.

Guest Amanda Ruggeri, a BBC Science and Features journalist, dives into the alarming rise of seasonal allergies, particularly in spring, linking it to climate change and urban planning. She sheds light on how allergy sufferers can better manage their symptoms and emphasizes the critical need for improved pollen forecasting systems. Ruggeri also debunks common myths around allergy treatments, encouraging personalized healthcare advice. The discussion highlights the urgent need for research and environmental initiatives to combat the growing allergy crisis.