580 CFRA Top Sound Bites

The best of Newstalk 580 CFRA for Monday, May 25th, 2026.

Vassy Kapelos speaks with Thomas Juneau, Professor of Public and International Affairs  at the University of Ottawa, to get some analysis on a weekend of back-and-forth between Washington and Tehran. Listen to The Vassy Kapelos podcast on the iHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Follow us on Twitter at @VassKapelosShow and on Instagram at @VassyKapelosShow.

Vassy Kapelos hosts ‘The Daily Debrief’ political panel discussion with Zain Velji, a political campaign strategist and partner at Northweather, Garry Keller, Vice President at Strategy Corp, and Tom Mulcair, CTV political analyst and former NDP leader. Listen to The Vassy Kapelos podcast on the iHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Follow us on Twitter at @VassKapelosShow and on Instagram at @VassyKapelosShow.

Vassy Kapelos is joined by tech analyst and journalist Carmi Levy for a look at some of the top tech stories of the week. Listen to The Vassy Kapelos podcast on the iHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Follow us on Twitter at @VassKapelosShow and on Instagram at @VassyKapelosShow.

Patricia Boal speaks with Sarah McCaffery, Founder and Tournament Director of the Sandstorm Tournament, with all the details on this year's event.

Dan Riskin, CTV’s Science and Technology Specialist, rounds up the most interesting, strange, and fascinating headlines from the science and tech worlds and teaches you a little something Mondays on Ottawa at Work with Patricia Boal. Here's what we're covering this week: The Reason for Right-handedness? Our Legs Fetal Memories Shape Food Preferences At Age 3 Ice Makes Injuries Hurt Twice As Long Tune in every Monday at 10:45am to Ottawa at Work with Patricia Boal for the latest Science with Dan Riskin!

CHEO Director of Critical Care and Surgical Services Adam Lamoureux speaks with Patricia Boal of CFRA's Ottawa at Work about a new effort to improve surgical access by working with Queensway Carleton Hospital surgeons in tandem with CHEO's surgeons.

Ottawa City Councilor Laine Johnson speaks with Patricia Boal on CFRA's Ottawa at Work about the frustrations commuters are facing on the 417 due to the recent lane closures, and how the city is attempting to alleviate it by opening up a bus-only ramp to commuter traffic.

Patricia Boal starts the show talking about the top 3 stories of the day.

Bill is joined by Sun Media Columnist Brian Lilley to discuss Caroline Mulroney stepping down and where her career might go now.

Bill is joined by CTV News US Political Analyst and former Congressional Staffer, Eric Ham, to discuss the relationship between Canada and the U.S. and what is causing the relationship to deteriorate so quickly.

Bill is joined by his producer Steve Bunda to talk about the trending topic of the day!

Every day at 7, tune into The Morning Rush to hear Bill Sound Off on a top story of the day.

Bill is joined by Dr. Barry Dworkin for his daily Medical Myth Busting segment.

Bill Carroll and producer Steve Bunda give their best shows to watch this week.

CFRA's Andrew Pinsent digs deeper into the backstories of popular Canadian historical events, landmarks, and figures. Chiming in with his expert analysis every single Sunday is Craig Baird of Canadian History EHX. This week, we turn back the clock to 1961 when U.S. President John F. Kennedy paid a visit to Canada's Capital. And by the time JFK had left for Washington, any looming tensions between the two sides had turned into a scalding-hot tea kettle.

Last week, Russian forces unloaded one of the largest aerial bombardments of Ukrainian civilian population centres since the February full-scale invasion that triggered 4 years of bloodshed. On May 19th, the United Nations Security Council convened to address the rising civilian casualties in Ukraine. Days later, Ukraine struck back against Putin's army. Geoffrey Johnston, an International Affairs columnist with the Kingston Whig-Standard, joins Andrew Pinsent on CFRA Weekends.

Later this Fall, Albertans will have a referendum on whether to hold a provincewide referendum. At least, that appears to be the gameplan from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who addressed her constituents on Thursday night. When asked about whether she would stick with Canada or split away from it, Smith has made it clear that she would vote to stay, referencing a string of positive discussions with Prime Minister Carney. Andrew Pinsent analyzes the bigger picture with Jen Gerson, a political commentator and co-founder of ‘The Line’.

After nearly 3 decades of agony and a go-for-it playoff run in 2020 that never happened, Chicoutimi is hoping to hoist junior hockey's biggest prize for the first time ever. Sagueneens goaltender and Ottawa Senators prospect Lucas Beckman, acquired mid-season from Baie-Comeau, is catching fire at the perfect time for this resilient squad. This year's Memorial Cup hosts are the WHL's Kelowna Rockets, who improved by 20 wins to make the playoffs. That brings us to the Everett Silvertips, who have claimed their first-ever WHL championship and their first Memorial Cup berth. They are spearheaded by defenseman Landon DuPont, an Exceptional Status talent who is likely to go 1st overall at next year's NHL Draft. And finally, you have the kings of the OHL, as the storied Kitchener Rangers try to win their first Memorial Cup in 23 years. Technical producer Stephen Ellsworth joins Andrew Pinsent on CFRA Weekends.

Special Education programs in Ontario schools have not ‘consistently fulfilled the requirements of students’, according to the province’s Auditor General. In her special report, Shelley Spence raised concerns about staff absences and undocumented exclusions, finding that the growth of children with special needs is outpacing enrolment. It paints a picture of a poorly organized system that is constantly struggling to keep pace. Over the past decade, overall student enrolment has grown by 4 percent, whereas the number of students with additional educational needs has increased by 7 percent. Kate Dudley-Logue is the Vice-President of Community Outreach for the Ontario Autism Coalition, and she is also a mother of two children. She joins Andrew Pinsent on CFRA Weekends.

While no official decision has been made on the high-speed rail system, and where each stop will be located, there’s a growing sense of trepidation in the neighbourhood next to Tremblay Station. This comes after Alto officials dumped a bucket of cold water on the idea of a Downtown stop. Alta Vista councillor Marty Carr joins Andrew Pinsent on CFRA Weekends.

From 1985 to 1991, The Raccoons turned into one of Canada’s finest animated TV series. It also aired on Disney Channel in several U.S. markets during the height of its popularity. And now, 37 years later, the creator of this Canadian staple is bringing back the good times in musical form. Ottawa-born Kevin Gillis joins Andrew Pinsent on CFRA Weekends.

As Canada’s Capital gears up for Ottawa Race Weekend, some journeys are so much bigger than setting a personal-best or recording a record-setting time. In the case of Jessica Halsall, she is running to support CHEO after they cared for her newborn son in the NICU last February. She joins Andrew Pinsent on CFRA Weekends.

2026 feels like a case of deja vu for the Ottawa Charge. Sneaking into the playoffs and reaching the Finals, they fought with pride and sadly came up 2 wins shy of their first title. And now, with a wave of PWHL Expansion upon us, questions remain as to who will be back for next year's journey. How soon could Ottawa make it back to the league's biggest showcase? Technical producer Stephen Ellsworth joins Andrew Pinsent on CFRA Weekends.

OC Transpo users have renewed concerns about whether Ottawa’s LRT system has enough staff to keep trains running reliably. During the Victoria Day Weekend, O-Train service on Lines 1 and 4 was shut down for several hours, with management citing a staffing shortage of controllers as the primary reason for the shutdown. Riders, as a result, had to take replacement buses. In the days that followed, the union representing transit workers says Lines 1 and 4 are ‘consistently understaffed’, fearing that the problem could only get worse if nothing is done. In today’s edition of CFRA Weekends, Andrew Pinsent checks in with Rikki MacMullin, a member of Better Transit Ottawa.

The best of Newstalk 580 CFRA for Friday, May 22nd, 2026.

We start tonight's newscast on a grim note, as a 36-year-old man is dead following a collision in Chelsea. Police say the cyclist was struck by a school bus. Shifting gears to Canada's Capital, where organizers are pounding the pavement on the eve of Ottawa Race Weekend. We meet some of this year's participants. Plus, it's the ultimate day for bargain hunting, as the Great Glebe Garage Sale kicks off tomorrow. However, some traffic inconveniences could pose a challenge. Patricia Boal recaps the day in news, looks ahead to a busy weekend, and brings you the latest weather forecast.

This week on the CTV Your Morning Ottawa Podcast – Rosey, Melissa, and Will are serving up an episode that's good for your mind, body, and soul! We’re talking crucial road safety tips from the pros, discovering eye-popping foods that boost your vision, and an incredibly moving conversation with a woman bravely sharing her journey with ovarian cancer. Plus, a top audiologist reveals the surprising link between hearing and a healthy brain.

Guest host Chris Holski speaks with May Lu, Ottawa Retail Operations and Special Projects, BlackToe Running, with tips and advice on how to get started running and what to bear in mind if you're interested in the hobby.

Guest host Chris Holski speaks with Run Ottawa executive director Mike Vieria with all the details on this year's Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend.

Keith Whittier, movie reviewer for Ottawa Life Magazine, is back to run through some of the big movies hitting theatres and streaming guest host Chris Holski. Here’s what Keith is reviewing this week: Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu Passenger Is God Is Tune in every Friday at 10:45am to Ottawa at Work with Patricia Boal for the latest Movie Reviews with Keith Whittier!

Chris Holski fills in for Patricia Boal and tackles today's Top 3 stories.

Bill is joined by Rideau-Vanier ward councillor Stephanie Plante to talk about the new recreation center coming to Vanier and when we can expect it to be ready.

Bill Carroll is joined by Sun Media Columnist, Brian Lilley, for his weekly hit.

Bill is joined by his producer Steve Bunda to talk about the trending topic of the day!

Bill is joined by Investigative Correspondent for CTV’s W5, Avery Haines, to discuss how the smuggling happens, who is perpetrating the crime inside the airport, and what is being done about the crimes. 

Every day at 7, tune into The Morning Rush to hear Bill Sound Off on a top story of the day.

Bill is joined by Dr. Barry Dworkin for his daily Medical Myth Busting segment.

Bill talks to Movie Critic Richard Crouse highlighting: The Mandalorian and Grogu, I Love Boosters, and Passenger.

The best of Newstalk 580 CFRA for Thursday, May 21st, 2026.

The latest obstacle to an expanding return-to-work mandate: Asbestos. DND employees are holding their breath, as many are concerned that potential exposure could worsen with future remodeling. Meantime, it's getting tougher for Canada's small businesses to hire and train inexperienced youth, especially if they can't afford it. We examine how these vacancies impact everything else. Plus, we raise a glass to a local tech company, as the Ford government gives them a big boost. CTV's Patricia Boal wraps up the day in news.

CTV science and technology specialist Dan Riskin joins Vassy Kapelos for the weekly segment Talk Science to Me. Listen to The Vassy Kapelos podcast on the iHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Follow us on Twitter at @VassKapelosShow and on Instagram at @VassyKapelosShow.

LHSC announced Wednesday the largest ever Canadian clinical trial that will test ‘poop pills’ to improve immunotherapy for lung cancer. Vassy Kapelos speaks with one of the researchers behind the trial,Dr. Saman Maleki. Listen to The Vassy Kapelos podcast on the iHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Follow us on Twitter at @VassKapelosShow and on Instagram at @VassyKapelosShow.

A patient in Ontario is being tested for Ebola after returning from East Africa, while an Air France flight to the U.S. was forced to land in Montreal after American officials refused entry to a man who had recently traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Vassy Kapelos speaks with infectious disease specialist Dr. Gerald Evans. Listen to The Vassy Kapelos podcast on the iHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Follow us on Twitter at @VassKapelosShow and on Instagram at @VassyKapelosShow.

Vassy Kapelos hosts ‘The Daily Debrief’ political panel discussion with Marieke Walsh, Senior Political Reporter with The Globe and Mail, Laura Stone, Queen’s Park reporter with The Globe and Mail, Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star, and Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News. Today's focus: Alberta separatism coming to a head Carney warns Eby about delaying a new pipeline project Listen to The Vassy Kapelos podcast on the iHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Follow us on Twitter at @VassKapelosShow and on Instagram at @VassyKapelosShow.

Patricia Boal speaks with football prospect Sidney Rouleau about his recent decision to commit to the University of Michigan as coaching staff visit Ottawa following his decision and looking ahead to starting in college football.

Patricia Boal speaks with Holly Taylor, Founding Member and Walk Coordinator, Apraxia Ottawa, about her family's experience with apraxia and the upcoming Walk for Talk event in support of their new charity.

Michaela Schreiter, co-host of She's Got Game on TSN 1200, unpacks the Montreal Victoire's dominant 4-0 victory over the Ottawa Charge to secure Montreal's -- and Canada's -- first Walter Cup title.

Patricia Boal starts the show talking about the top 3 stories of the day.

Bill is joined by president and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Dan Kelly, to discuss the lack of younger workers and the reasons as to why they aren't being hired.