August 3rd, 2026
Good morning, London. I’m Matt Brown and this is Buckle Up. 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 cohost 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 for this episode is a special guest co-host, Lisa Brandt. Lisa is the former morning show co-host over at 1290AM, Co-host of a great podcast called “Gracefully and Frankly” and so much more.
On this podcast episode, Lisa Brandt and I discuss:
Ark Aid’s need for funding. On March 31st, 2026 a federal government funding program came to an end. The very next day, on April 1st, they announced a new funding program. To date, there has been no word of when those funds will flow. London City Council agreed to provide 3 months of bridge funding and that ran out this past Friday.
A House Exploded at 131 Baseline Road West and it received all kinds of coverage.
Daryl Newcombe has been following the story closely for CTV London. You can catch his latest here.
CBC Radio’s Jack Sutton covered the story as well. You can read his article here.
Dale Carruthers wrote a story for the London Free Press that included an update from the deputy fire chief. You can read that one here.
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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
Supporting independent local journalism in our community
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 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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