Greg Smith
Verified- Program Director, VOCM-AM (St. John's , CA)
- Radio Host, VOCM-AM (St. John's , CA)
Canada, Labrador, Newfoundland
Dad to Levi | Program Director @VOCMNews | Host @590VOCM, @newcountrynl, @biglandFM | MusicNL, ECMA, AJA & RTDNA Award Winner | Community-Driven | (he/him)
Articles by Greg Smith
FAA Issues Nationwide Ground Stop Across U.S.
FAA Issues Nationwide Ground Stop Across U.S. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States has issued a nationwide ground stop for all flights Friday, citing extraordinary circumstances and safety concerns. The order directs all departing aircraft to remain on the ground until further notice. Inbound international flights will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The FAA has not provided further details on the circumstances behind the order.
Thursday On The Air | The Day
Baseball 7 p.m., MLB Network — MLB: Most Valuable Player Awards Show. Basketball 6 p.m., ESPNU — NCAA women: Oklahoma State at Tulsa. 6:30 p.m., FS1 — NCAA women: UConn at Ohio State. 7 p.m., ESPN2 — NCAA women: South Carolina at Clemson. 7 p.m., YES — NCAA women: Manhattan at Fairleigh Dickinson. 7 p.m., SNY — NCAA women: Michigan at Columbia. 8 p.m., CBSSN — NCAA women: Louisville at Ball State. 8 p.m., NBA TV — NBA: Dallas Mavericks at Minnesota Timberwolves.
Several Brands of Beer Recalled Over Possible Metal Contamination
Several brands of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer are being recalled across Canada over concerns they may contain pieces of metal. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the recall affects products including Black Horse, Blue Moon, Coors Light, Molson Canadian and others. Consumers are being advised not to drink the affected products and to check the recall notice for specific product sizes, UPCs and codes. The full list is available through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Churchill Park Says “I Will Wait” No More: Mumford & Sons Announced
One of the biggest names in British folk-rock is heading to St. John’s next summer. Mumford & Sons will headline the Churchill Park Music Festival on Saturday, July 17. The multi-award-winning band formed in London in 2008 and has gone on to become one of the defining acts of its generation, earning Grammy and BRIT Awards and topping album charts around the world.
UPDATE: Two Missing Boaters Located Safe in Labrador
Two overdue boaters reported missing off the north coast of Labrador have been located and confirmed safe. RCMP confirm the 61-year-old and 51-year-old men were found following an extensive search involving ground, air and water resources. The men were reported missing to Nain RCMP on Friday, November 6, after their 18-foot white and blue fibreglass boat left Nain for Natuashish. Both men are being airlifted to Nain for a full medical assessment.
Friday On The Air | The Day
Australian Rules Football 11 p.m., FS2 — AFL women's playoffs: Carlton Blues at North Melbourne Kangaroos. Auto Racing 2:30 p.m., FS12— NASCAR Truck Championship Race qualifying from Homestead, Fla. 3:30 p.m., Apple TV — Formula One Grand Prix of Sao Paulo practice from Brazil. 5:30 p.m., truTV — NASCAR Cup Championship Race practice from Homestead, Fla. 7:30 p.m., FS1 — NASCAR Truck Championship Race from Homestead, Fla. Basketball 7 p.m., NBCSB — NBA: Boston Celtics at Charlotte Hornets.
Thursday On The Air | The Day
Basketball 6 p.m., ESPN2 — NCAA men: Wake Forest at Vanderbilt. 6 p.m., NBCSN, Peacock — NCAA men: Bellarmine at Indiana. 6:30 p.m., FS1 — NCAA women: UConn at Michigan. 6:30 p.m., truTV — NCAA men: Long Island at Seton Hall. 7 p.m., NESN Plus — NCAA men: Bryant at Quinnipiac. 7 p.m., SNY — NCAA men: Binghamton at St. Peter's. 8 p.m., NBCSN, Peacock — NCAA men: Toledo at Michigan State. 8:30 p.m., FS1 — NCAA men: Penn at Illinois. 8:30 p.m., truTV — NCAA men: South Florida at DePaul.
Mandatory Masking Returning to NL Health-Care Facilities
Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services is bringing back mandatory masking in clinical areas at hospitals and health-care facilities across the province. The requirement takes effect Wednesday, November 4th, at 8 a.m., and includes long-term care facilities. The move comes as facilities are reporting increases in respiratory illnesses. The requirements will apply to visitors, support persons, patients, outpatient clinic and emergency department clients, as well as health-care workers..
First Adams-Era Corruption Trial Begins — Without a Jury
Back in the good old days of “honest graft,” William “Boss” Tweed didn’t mess around when it came to enriching himself at the expense of New York City taxpayers. Take the Tweed Courthouse, the opulent Italianate marble edifice next to City Hall that now houses the Department of Education headquarters. Originally budgeted at $250,000, it wound up costing the city $3.2 million in 1869 — nearly $80 million in today’s dollars.
Friday On The Air | The Day
Australian Rules Football 3:30 a.m., FS2 — AFL women: North Melbourne Kangaroos at Hawthorn Hawks. 5:30 a.m., FS2 — AFL playoffs: Fremantle Dockers at Sydney Swans. 10:30 p.m., FS2 — AFL women: Geelong Cats at Collingwood Magpies. 3:30 a.m. (Saturday), FS1 — AFL playoffs: Brisbane Lions at Hawthorn Hawks. Auto Racing 4:30 p.m., truTV — NASCAR Cup Bass Pro Shops Night Race practice from Bristol, Tenn. 5:40 p.m., truTV — NASCAR Cup Bass Pro Shops Night Race qualifying from Bristol, Tenn.
Churchill Falls Deal Passes Vote in House of Assembly
The Churchill Falls deal has passed the vote in the House of Assembly – but only by a slim margin. The vote came down just after 7 p.m. The entire PC caucus and Eddie Joyce voted in favour, while the Liberals, NDP and Keith Russell voted against. The final vote was 21-18. The decision comes at the end of a four-day special debate on the multi-billion dollar hydro-electric deal, during which several experts were brought to the floor of the legislature for elected officials to question. More to come.
Thursday On The Air | The Day
Baseball 1 p.m., MLB Network — MLB: Colorado Rockies at Washington Nationals. 3 p.m., ESPN — LLWS: International Bracket from Williamsport, Pa. 6 p.m., NESN — IL: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders at Worcester Red Sox. 6:30 p.m., NESN Plus — SL: Rome Braves at Greenville Drive. 7 p.m., YES, WFAN (660-AM) — MLB: Houston Astros at New York Yankees. 7 p.m., SNY, WHSQ (880-AM) — MLB: Milwaukee Brewers at New York Mets.
EXCLUSIVE: Premier to Introduce 15 Per Cent Churchill River Electricity Rebate
The details of a deal reached on a new Upper Churchill agreement are coming tomorrow, but VOCM News has learned that part of tomorrow’s announcement will include a break for electricity users. Government sources close to the negotiations have confirmed for VOCM News that the premier is set to announce a 15 per cert Churchill River Electricity Rebate for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. That rebate could save users hundreds of dollars a year.
Peacekeepers Way Reopens Following Three-Vehicle Collision
Peacekeepers Way Reopens Following Three-Vehicle Collision (submitted photo) Peacekeepers Way has reopened to traffic following a three-vehicle collision in Conception Bay South. The roadway had been closed in both directions between Manuals Access Road and Minerals Road while the RNC responded to the crash.
Tuesday On The Air | The Day
Baseball 7 p.m., SNY, WHSQ (880-AM) — MLB: Atlanta Braves at New York Mets. 7 p.m., NESN Plus — EL: New Hampshire Fisher Cats at Hartford Yard Goats. 7:30 p.m., YES, WFAN (660-AM) — MLB: New York Yankees at Chicago White Sox. 7:30 p.m., TBS, truTV — MLB: Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals. 9:30 p.m., NESN — MLB: Boston Red Sox at Athletics. 9:45 p.m., MLB Network — MLB: Milwaukee Brewers at San Francisco Giants. Basketball 7 p.m., FS1 — The Basketball Tournament semifinals form Las Vegas.
Thursday On The Air | The Day
Baseball Noon, NESN — IL: Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimps at Worcester Red Sox. 12:15 p.m., MLB Network — MLB: San Diego Padres at Atlanta Braves. 6:30 p.m., NESN Plus — SAL: Hub City Spartanburgers at Greenville Drive. 6:40 p.m., MLB Network — MLB: Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers. 7 p.m., NESN — FCBL: Vermont Lake Monsters at Lowell Spinners. 7 p.m., YES — IL: Syracuse Mets at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Basketball 7 p.m., FS1 — The Basketball Tournament. Cycling 6 a.m., NBCSN — Tour de France.
Saturday On The Air | The Day
Australian Rules Football 6 a.m., FS2 — AFL: Brisbane Lions at Gold Coast Suns. 11 p.m., FS2 — AFL: Hawthorn Hawks at Richmond Tigers. 2:30 a.m. (Sunday), FS2 — AFL: Greater Western Sydney Giants at Essendon Bombers. Auto Racing 6 a.m., Apple TV — Formula One Belgian Grand Prix practice from Stavelot, Belgium. 10 a.m., Apple TV — Formula One Belgian Grand Prix qualifying from Stavelot, Belgium. 10 a.m., FS1 — IndyCar Music City Grand Prix practice from Lebanon, Tenn.
Friday On The Air | The Day
Australian Rules Football 5:25 a.m., FS2 — AFL: Adelaide Crows at Sydney Swans. 11 p.m., FS2 — AFL: Fremantle Dockers at Port Adelaide Power. 2 a.m. (Saturday), FS2 — AFL: Melbourne Demons at North Melbourne Kangaroos. Auto Racing 7:30 a.m., Apple TV — Formula One Belgian Grand Prix practice from Stavelot, Belgium.
UPDATE: Missing Outer Cove Man Located Safe
An elderly man reported missing from Outer Cove earlier today has been found safe. Rovers Ground Search and Rescue says the man was located “alive and well” shortly after 6:00 p.m. In a social media update, the organization thanked all responding agencies and the many community members who assisted throughout the day.
RNC Looking for Missing St. John’s Woman
RNC Looking for Missing St. John’s Woman The RNC need help in locating a missing person in the metro region. Maxine Chipman, who’s 70, was last seen in the area of Wigmore Court in St. John’s on Thursday. She was wearing a white hoodie and pajama pants at the time. Chipman, who has mobility issues, has short white hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information is asked to contact the authorities.
Man Charged Following Series of Exposure Complaints in Mount Pearl
A man who has been charged in relation to several incidents of deviant sexual behavior in Mount Pearl in full public view will be in court Saturday. RNC have charged the 45-year-old with exposing himself in front of the same female on the same walking trail in May and again on June 10. The Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit was called in to investigate, but was unable to locate him. On Friday, police took two more complaints.
NL Folk Festival Gets Government Funding Boost
It’s music to the ears of the organizers of the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival – a $45,000 contribution from the provincial government to help stage this year’s event. The minister responsible, Andrea Barbour, made the announcement yesterday. She says such events make our province unique. Jean Hewson, the interim chair of the festival, says the grant makes it official – there will be a folk festival in Bannerman Park on Saturday, August 8.
NDP Calls for Better Wildfire Communication
The NDP is calling on the provincial government to get its act together when it comes to communications on the Forest Fire index and getting information out there so that people know what they can and cannot do. But the minister says that information is on the government page. Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi MHA Sheilagh O’Leary raised the alarm after the Canada Day fireworks in St. John’s was postponed as the index shot up to high.
St. John’s SPCA Moving to New Home
Officials at the St. John’s SPCA are excited for the expanded capacity that will come with their new facility on East White Hills Road. Between now and Wednesday, the SPCA will be packing up and moving to their new location. Noting that the project has been ongoing since 2019, the manager of fund development, Natashia Reddigan, says the new space has been a long time coming, She says when they look at all of their needs in their old building, all of them will be rectified with the new space.
Fire Reported in Area of Cochrane Pond
Fire Reported in Area of Cochrane Pond There is a fire burning on the edge of St. John’s. It’s in the Cochrane Pond area, and is believed to be a trailer and a shed. People who were driving nearby say they saw flames and smoke. St. John’s Regional and provincial firefighters are on the scene.
RCMP Searching for Missing Man
RCMP Searching for Missing Man Clarenville RCMP are seeking the public’s help locating a missing man. Thirty-nine-year-old Jonathan Hillier was last seen driving a blue Hyundai Elantra near the community of Port Blandford, and police believe he may be in the Clarenville area. He is described as being Caucasian, is bald as wears glasses.
RCMP Search for Truck Linked to Ongoing Investigation
RCMP are looking for help in identifying a driver and a passenger of a pickup truck, as well as information on the location of the truck. A section of Harvey Street in Harbour Grace is closed as RCMP conduct an ongoing police investigation. The closure is in effect between Kingswell Lane and Kerry Lane. Police are sharing the attached photo of a four-door extended cab pickup truck, grey and blue in colour with a sunroof.
Mundy Pond Regatta Set For This Weekend
One of the “other” regattas in the metro region is all set to begin tomorrow. The Mundy Pond Regatta, which had been dormant for decades, was revived a few years ago. The races begin around 11:00 and things wind up later in the afternoon. Portugal Cove-St. Philips had its regatta a couple of days ago and the granddaddy of them all, St. John’s, goes the first Wednesday in August, weather permitting. Ward III Councillor Greg Noseworthy is one who will be on the pond tomorrow.
Davis Back at Council Table After Suspension
A councilor who was temporarily deposed is back in his chair at City Hall today. Tom Davis, who represents ward 4, was suspended for a month by council for violating the Code of Conduct. Councillor Davis immediately ruffled more feathers by speaking publicly about the situation in contravention of the advice given to the rest of council.
26 Wildfires Still Burning Across Labrador
There are still 26 fires burning in Labrador with one area in the Labrador City pocket still on an evacuation order. People in three other zones nearby which had been evacuated were allowed back in yesterday, but with the proviso that they be ready to go again should the call be made. Forestry Minister Pleaman Forsey says they are monitoring all the fires in Labrador, especially in the western part.
RNC Searching for Missing West Coast Man
RNC Searching for Missing West Coast Man (RNC Photo) The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is seeking the public’s helping locating a missing man from Corner Brook. Forty-five-year-old Jason Benoit is 6’ tall, weighs 275 pounds, and has grey hair and blue eyes. He was last seen on Mount Bernard Avenue yesterday afternoon wearing a black hoodie and black pants. Anyone with information is asked to contact the RNC (at 709-637-4100).
Province Says Free Hospital Parking Still Under Review
The provincial government says it is looking at ways to provide parking at healthcare facilities “that does not create barriers for patients and visitors.” One of the commitments in the PC Bluebook last year was to provide free parking at healthcare facilities throughout the province. In a statement to VOCM News, the department of health says they are looking at the situation, but no detail is given as to how or when a new system could be put in place.
Immediate Fire Ban Issued for Labrador
A fire ban is now in effect across Labrador. The provincial government has declared the ban immediately under the Forestry Act because of extensive wildfire activity and elevated fire risk. It will remain in place until July 13. All burn permits have been cancelled, and fireworks and sky lanterns are prohibited. Wood fires are also banned on forest land, within 300 metres of forest land, or anywhere with flammable vegetation.
Late Magic: Canada Edges South Africa to Advance at World Cup
Canada scored late against South Africa with the only goal of the game to move on from the round of 32 to the round of 16. Canada will now play the winner of the Netherlands and Morocco. Stephen Eustaquio scored the only goal of the match with a right-foot kick well out of the outstretched right hand of the goalkeeper. Eustaquio broke down in the post interview as he spoke about losing both of his parents. Canada plays its next game on Saturday.
St. John’s Councillor Alleges Davis Ignored Confidentiality Order
A city councillor in St. John’s is accusing a colleague who has been disciplined for violating the Code of Conduct of continuing to break the rules during his suspension. Tom Davis, who represents Ward 4, was suspended with pay for one month after an investigation found comments he made created a “poisoned” work environment.
Aquaforte Calls for Action Following Fatal Moose Crash
The Town of Aquaforte on the Southern Shore is speaking out about what it sees as a lack of action on the part of government regarding brush cutting following that a highway crash that killed a man and his daughter. Stacey-Lynn Kenny, who was 19, and her father, Corey, were on a motorcycle in Aquaforte around 8:30 Monday night when it struck a moose. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Free Health Check-ins Offered Today Throughout Province
The YMCA of Newfoundland and Labrador is inviting adults across the province to take part in a free Health Assessment Day today from 4 to 8 p.m. The drop-in event is open to those 18 and older at participating YMCA locations including St. John’s, Placentia, Marystown, Bonavista and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. People can complete a free diabetes risk assessment, get health and wellness information, and learn more about their risk for Type 2 Diabetes.
Westbound Lanes of TCH Re-Open Near Butterpot
Westbound Lanes of TCH Re-Open Near Butterpot Both westbound lanes of the Trans-Canada Highway near Butterpot Park have re-opened following a motor vehicle collision. The RCMP asked drivers to use caution in the area and suggested significant delays were anticipated.
Smoke from Robin Hood Bay Landfill Covers East End
Residents across the east end of St. John’s noticed a significant amount of smoke rising from the area of the Robin Hood Bay Waste Management Facility shortly after noon on Sunday. The smoke was visible from several parts of the city, with some neighbouring communities also reporting reduced visibility and smoky conditions through the afternoon. Reports online indicate a fire, but few details have been released about the situation, and it is not yet known what may have been the cause.
RNC Issues Shelter-in-Place Order for Area of Mount Pearl
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has issued a shelter-in-place order for a section of Mount Pearl. Residents on Suave Street, from Michener Avenue to Dollard Place, as well as Rideau Place and Sampson Street, are being directed to remain inside their homes until further notice. Police are also asking the public to stay away from the area while officers respond to an ongoing incident. The RNC says updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Deed Theft Indictment Targets City Council Member’s Family
An organized ring of lawyers, real estate brokers and members of Councilmember Darlene Mealy’s family crafted an elaborate deed theft scheme, posing as heirs of the deceased owner of a Harlem brownstone to obtain more than $1.6 million in fraudulent bank loans, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg alleged Thursday. Bragg announced charges against 18 people and three shell companies.
Australia’s Fuel Security Challenge Is Creating a New Era for Agile Energy Operators
ⓘ This article is third-party content and does not represent the views of this site. We make no guarantees regarding its accuracy or completeness. By Greg Smith, Head of Strategy, OLYX Oil Australia’s fuel-security debate has moved beyond theory and into practical reality. For years, fuel supply was largely treated as a background function of the global economy.
Federal Government Targets Skilled Trades, Cost of Living in Financial Update
The federal government gave the nation a financial update Tuesday evening with the focus being on affordability, training for the workforce of tomorrow, and the deficit. The deficit is projected to be down to $66.9-B from $78-B, and down to $56-B in a few years. An improved economic performance gave Ottawa about an extra $60-B, most of which is going to new spending including a $400 weekly wage top-up for apprentices in the skilled trades, and a $5,000 bonus upon completion of the program.
Tuesday On The Air | The Day
Baseball 7 p.m., NESN Plus, WEEI (103.7-FM) — MLB: Boston Red Sox at Toronto Blue Jays. 7 p.m., SNY, WHSQ (880-AM) — MLB: Washington Nationals at New York Mets. 7 p.m., TBS — MLB: Detroit Tigers at Atlanta Braves. 8 p.m., Prime Video, WFAN (660-AM) — MLB: New York Yankees at Texas Rangers. 9:30 p.m., MLB Network — MLB: Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres. Basketball 2 p.m., NBA TV — Africa League: JCA Kings vs. Club Africain from Rabat, Morocco.
Fire Closes The Ramp in Stephenville
Fire Closes The Ramp in Stephenville The Ramp in Stephenville is closed to traffic as emergency crews respond to a fire in the area. Bay St. George RCMP is advising motorists to avoid the area and use alternate routes until further notice. Police say an update will be provided once the road reopens.
Thursday On The Air | The Day
Australian Rules Football 5:30 a.m., FS2 — AFL: Collingwood Magpies at Carlton Blues. Baseball 1:30 p.m., YES, WFAN (660-AM) — MLB: Los Angeles Angels at New York Yankees. 1:40 p.m., MLB Network — MLB: Toronto Blue Jays at Milwaukee Brewers. 6:30 p.m., YES — EL: Reading Fightin Phils at Somerset Patriots. 6:30 p.m., NESN Plus — SL: Bowling Green Hot Rods at Greenville Drive. 7 p.m., NESN — EL: Richmond Flying Squirrels at Hartford Yard Goats. 8 p.m., ESPNU — NCAA: Georgia at Arkansas.
NYCHA Offers New Carrot to 24 Seniors Blocking $1.2 Billion Manhattan Project
This story was originally published by THE CITY. Sign up to get the latest New York City news delivered to you each morning. The city housing authority offered a new concession to 24 elderly tenants who are holding up a contentious $1.2 billion plan to raze and rebuild several dilapidated Manhattan public housing developments, giving the holdouts the option of transferring to senior housing similar to their current home.
Gander to Mark 25th Anniversary of 9/11 With Commemorative Events
This coming September will mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City and the town of Gander says they will be holding special events to commemorate it. On September 11, 2001, as the world seemed to stand still in were diverted there shock and horror, the town and its residents had to move quickly as 38 planes with nearly 7,000 passengers on board were diverted there.
Funding Details Expected for 5 Wing Goose Bay from $35B Arctic Plan
More details are expected today on how 5 Wing Goose Bay stands to benefit from billions of dollars set aside for arctic defense. Federal MPs Joanne Thompson and Philip Earle will be at the base today for an announcement regarding Energy Performance Contracts underway at the base and other bases and wings across the nation. Last month, Ottawa announced $35-billion for arctic infrastructure, but details have not been revealed as to the share 5 Wing Goose Bay will be getting.
NL Health Lifts Mandatory Masking Rules in Clinical Areas
NL Health Lifts Mandatory Masking Rules in Clinical Areas NL Health Services has lifted its mandatory masking requirements. As of today, it is no longer mandatory for people to wear a mask in clinical areas of health care facilities. However, people who are symptomatic – such as exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 – or who have a rash, will still be required to mask up upon entry. Additional masking protocols may be implemented by the health authority if an outbreak occurs.
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