August 31st, 2026
Good morning, London. I’m Matt Brown and this is Buckle Up. It’s your weekly update about all things London brought to you by London Ontario Online News, that’s The Loon for short.
Listen to this week’s Episode:
If you’ve listened before, you know that every Monday morning I host this program with a member from our team, or a special guest, to give you the information you need to prepare for the week ahead.
With me today is one of the five London Ontario Online News co-owners, and regular Loon contributor, Cedric Richards.
On this podcast episode, Cedric and and I discuss:
Kirsten Krose, one of three candidates considered by many to be the front runners in the mayoral race, launched her platform garnering significant media attention.
Kirsten joined Craig Needles on his podcast for a lengthly conversation about her vision for London. Craig asks about where she think London can improve? How would city hall be different if she were mayor? What can we do about homelessness? What about traffic concerns? He also asks her about what challenges she is facing as she runs against an incumbent mayor and another candidate who is currently on council, serving as ward 4 city councillor for the past four years here.
Note: there are currently 12 Candidates running for mayor. You can find information about all of them, as well as all of the council candidates, incumbents and challengers alike, by visiting London.ca
The platform launch was also covered by:
Jack Moulton, London Free Press here.
Daryl Newcombe, CTV News here.
Exciting announcement: London Ontario Online News has been asked to participate in Rogers Television’s Mayoral Debate. It’s going to be moderated by Christine Taleski and LOON members Mike Donachie, Steve Cordes and I will be preparing and asking the questions - so stay tuned for that.
London Transit is asking for an additional $2.1 million in the city’s 2027 budget to cover rising diesel costs and maintain recent service improvements.
Koylan Azofeifa Rueda, CTV News, covered this and you can catch it here.
Porter Airlines is launching its first-ever service out of London International Airport (YXU) starting this November, bringing four non-stop seasonal sun routes and a planned domestic expansion for 2027.
Cedric and I also talked about new construction projects, what’s happening in London over the week ahead, and more.
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Sponsor Highlight: Hamilton Road BIA
Thanks, as always, to show sponsor Hamilton Road BIA. The Hamilton Road Business Improvement Area (BIA) develops, advocates, promotes and invests in the unique community in; Economic Development, Beautification and Marketing and Promotion while simultaneously honouring the rich history and diversity of the Hamilton Road area.
Buckle Up is sponsored by Hamilton Road BIA
www.hamroad.com
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The Loon (London Ontario Online News) lineup
New content every day:
We’ve teamed up to send you a new feature every weekday:
Monday - Buckle Up - podcast with Matt Brown - SPONSORED BY HAMILTON ROAD BIA
Tuesday - Ward Tours with Cedric Richards - SPONSORED BY LONDON BICYCLE CAFÉ
Wednesday - City Hall Notes by Mike Donachie - SPONSORED BY SPERO LAW
Thursday - the Forest City Arts and Culture Roundup by Diana Tamblyn - SPONSORED BY DOWNTOWN LONDON
Friday - Reflecting, with Steve Cordes - SPONSORED BY OLD EAST VILLAGE BIA
And, announcing some new programming - New episodes of The Matt Brown Podcast will drop, at a minimum of, every other Saturday SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE.
And free on Fridays: the ROUNDUP, briefing you on the stories you need to know, gathered in one place. Regular analysis of the issues affecting London and the region.
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Another good LOON podcast and it was great to hear Cedric gives his POV.
Substack is a horrible podcast platform. If you are going to continue this medium after the election, please look at using a better host. Thanks