Hosts Ralph Jean-Jacques and Kim Moriarity, unmasked and in the fresh fall air after the show.
Hosts Ralph Jean-Jacques and Kim Moriarity took us through quite a range this week — from worms in composters to saving the world from climate change (though it turns out, those two are closer than you might think!).
Reporter Meagan Gillmore opened with a look at how Ontario’s plan to raise the minimum wage has those struggling on social assistance hoping they too won’t be forgotten. Meagan also reported on how the lives of those with cystic fibrosis may change now that the province will cover an effective but costly drug for their condition.
Ariel Harker took us to a rally by a local group advocating for more — and more secure — affordable housing, and Jen Osborne reported how activists trying to save old-growth forests fear promises to slow deforestation at the COP-26 climate change conference are just the same old same old.
Supporters of ACORN protest for fairer housing protection at Ottawa City Hall.
Jen followed that with a look at why Canada keeps getting the cold shoulder for a turn on the UN Security Council.
On to matters of more weight: Rebecca dePencier found out how we can dispose of those beautiful, huge pumpkins that have done their Halloween duty, and Midweek’s Jen Siushansian kept up the compost theme with a look at a local group promoting “worm studios” — technically known as vermicomposters — that turn food waste into rich soil instead of methane-producing land fill.
“Worm Studios” — clean, ordourless and only slightly wriggly.
Speaking of The Cycle of Life, host Kim M. introduced us to a professor at Nipissing University who’s teaching a positive understanding of death at a time when fear of it has roiled around the world amid the pandemic.
Coincidentally, her co-host Ralph covered a lively Day of the Dead festival hosted by Ottawa’s Mexican community.
Sarah O’Leary, meanwhile, went to the Carlingwood shopping centre to see how tiny trick-or-treaters reacted to seeing what seemed to be some of their favourite movie and TV characters in the flesh (and makeup and costumes).
Hosts Ralph and Kim in action.
Reporter Zoya Davis looked into online internship experiences, Maia Smith reported on ways to mark Movember, and Camille Vinet took us to a benefit concert in Halifax to raise money to help at-risk women with support and stable housing. Then Erin Wai found out from Ottawa singer-songwriter Robin Kenny all she went through to feel just right about her first-ever released song, Nothing Ever Feels Right.
And we wrapped up with worthy ways to spend your time: Maia returned with the story about a crochet club at the University of Ottawa and how the pastime matters more than you might think; Jodi Gillam looked at how a female gamer is asserting herself online, welcome or not; and Ralph returned to introduce us to a pro frisbeeist…or whatever someone who plays the sport “ultimate” at a high level is called.
From worms in the earth to soaring discs: quite a Midweek!