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The House of Assembly closed for a mid-session break this week. But September's debate on the Churchill Falls deal is still at the top of the agenda for many MHAs. Our media panel of reporters is back to talk about the latest in N.L. politics, with special guest David Cochrane, host of CBC’s Power & Politics, to add the view from Ottawa.

In Newfoundland and Labrador — and across the country — public drug use appears to be increasing. But if drug possession is illegal, why are arrests dropping? On this episode, CBC investigative reporter Ariana Kelland shares insights from residents and police on why fewer people are being charged. Read more: Drug possession is illegal. Why can people use openly in public? https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/nl-open-drug-use-needles-9.7405420

Our panel discusses how Environment Minister Andrea Barbour faced reporters after accusing the media of twisting the truth. We break down the details of that story, the reporting that sparked it and Barbour’s response. Plus we serve up other stories from N.L.’s legislature this week. Read more: Breaking the silence: minister answers questions from reporters at legislature https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/breaking-the-silence-minister-answers-questions-from-reporters-at-legislature-9.7411207

Losing cell connectivity while driving through rural Newfoundland and Labrador is a common and frustrating reality. Aside from a stuck playlist, losing cell services can be dangerous when you are caught in an emergency. For years, various governments have promised funding to close connectivity gaps, but without much progress. In this episode, we break down the promises versus the facts, why connecting the province is so complex, and the emerging technology that might finally be the solution.

The House of Assembly is back for its fall sitting and we have a special podcast extra for you we are calling On the House – a media panel of reporters breaking down the issues for you. From debate over Bern Coffey’s exit from Churchill Falls advising, to John Hogan finding his footing as Opposition leader, Premier Tony Wakeham axing the gas tax, and more. Read more: Churchill River power contracts will be settled before they're seen by House of Assembly https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/churchill-river-power-contracts-will-be-settled-before-they-re-seen-by-house-of-assembly-9.7400204 N.L. taps new lead negotiator for Churchill River power deal following resignation https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/n-l-taps-new-lead-negotiator-for-churchill-river-power-deal-following-resignation-9.7399679 Sheilagh O'Leary back in House of Assembly following Wednesday ejection https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/oleary-ejected-house-9.7400450 Gas will be 8 cents a litre cheaper as N.L. government axes gas tax for 4 months https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/province-cuts-gas-tax-9.7396099

What were the experiences and outcomes of Innu families in the child protection system? Since a public inquiry was launched four years ago into the deaths of six youths from Natuashish, it has been highlighting systemic failures. As the deadline for the final report arrives this week, we give you the full context: what triggered the investigation, what was uncovered, and the stories of two young people leading up to their final days. Read more: Broken dreams, failed systems: Innu child protection inquiry hears details of death investigations https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/innu-child-protection-inquiry-death-investigations-9.7172178 Innu inquiry formal hearings draw to a close as parties give final submissions https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/innu-inquiry-final-hearing-9.7273072

The House of Assembly is set to reopen for its fall session next week and Premier Tony Wakeham says his government's priorities are tackling health care, the cost of living and safer communities. In this pod extra, our media panel breaks down the details, what the opposition leaders have to say and the big stories to keep an eye on going into the session.

Long before the first snowfall, residents were out voicing their concerns at St. John’s City Hall. As council weighs the budget toll of snow clearing, residents highlight a different cost: the physical and mental toll, especially on those trapped in their homes by unplowed and inaccessible sidewalks. Read more: More sidewalk snow clearing this winter? Unlikely, says St. John's mayor https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/breen-sidewalk-snow-clearing-9.7372481

Labrador is home to massive hydroelectricity plants, with more in the works. So why are some remote communities in Labrador still depending on diesel generators to power their homes? Today on the podcast, the CBC’s Andrea McGuire breaks down the frustrations from communities in the Big Land, what N.L. Hydro has to say about it, and why it might be easier to send electricity to a city outside the province than a remote community in it. Read more: Will Churchill Falls benefit diesel-dependent communities in Labrador? Expert says it's 'very unlikely' https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/churchill-falls-diesel-labrador-9.7342529

Affordable childcare has been in the spotlight in recent weeks as some parents feared the loss of $10-a-day care. The province has asked how it can increase fertility rates, but on this episode we dive into issues over spaces and demand, staff work and compensation, funding and red tape – with people on the front lines of childcare. Read more: N.L. education minister confident $10-a-day child care is here to stay https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/child-care-meeting-9.7355544

Innu Nation Grand Chief Jodie Ashini discusses the Innu Nation's relationship with the Newfoundland and Labrador government and the deep hurt in the community caused by a dispute over history, and what path can amend that relationship. This episode (recorded earlier this month before the vote on the Churchill River energy deal) is being released on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which coincides with the opening of the previously cancelled Innu Pakassiun exhibit at the Labrador Interpretation Centre in North West River.

The new Churchill Falls deal has stirred up a lot of opinions and criticism. While negotiators say the new energy agreement is a safe bet, some fear taking the gamble. In this edition of the podcast, we dig into the root of trust issues in the province, going back to energy development history on the Churchill River and political rhetoric over the years. CBC Journalist Ashley Fitzpatrick and former PUB chair and energy critic David Vardy join host Adam Walsh for the discussion. Read more: Catching up on Churchill Falls? Here's 6 questions about the deal, answered https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/catching-up-on-churchill-falls-here-s-6-questions-about-the-deal-answered-9.7349344

Newfoundland and Labrador’s House of Assembly had four long days of debate over the Churchill River power deal with Quebec - ending with a slim vote in favour of moving forward. On this episode, three CBC journalists have been following the debate and breakdown the details, the clashes, and what comes next for the province.

A court case that gripped this province and captured the country’s attention has been brought to a close. Dean Penney is now serving life in prison for the first-degree murder of his estranged wife Jennifer Hillier-Penney. This week on the podcast, we review the events that led to his arrest and bring you details from a packed Supreme Court room in Corner Brook for Penney’s sentencing. You will hear about the victim impact statements, how Hillier-Penney’s murder impacted her community and what Dean Penney had to say about his sentence.

Jaime Fillier, a single mom with two young boys, does a lot of planning and budgeting. She has to if she wants to keep up with inflation. It gets especially hard during the back-to-school season when school supply lists are long and costly – some even asking for brand names. This week on the pod, we speak with Fillier and the Single Parent Association of N.L. about how the financial demands of getting a child ready for school is one example in the big picture of the struggle to keep up with the cost of living. We also look at what could help lessen the burden.