Show Segments Monday, January 17, 2022

8:30 – Our favourite microbiologist, Dr. Joseph Blondeau, joins Gormley to discuss the latest research into the Omicron variant of COVID-19, and what that tells us about our fight against the virus. We’ll discuss health outcomes for vaccinated vs unvaccinated patients, whether Omicron is more likely to affect fully-vaccinated people than previous strains, and if we can expect our hospitalizations and ICU numbers to rise in coming days and weeks as infection numbers skyrocket.
LIVE: Dr. Joseph Blondeau, microbiologist and head of clinical microbiology at RUH and the U of S

9:00 – The Hour of the Big Stories… Open Session

10:00 – Regina Police Chief Evan Bray joins Gormley for our monthly discussion on crime and policing in the Queen City. Do you have a question for the chief? Call or text 1-877-332-8255.
LIVE: Evan Bray, Regina Police Chief.

10:30 – On Friday, CBS news raised eyebrows by referring to an incoming winter storm as a “Saskatchewan Screamer.” U of R instructor Mark Coté wrote a letter to the show, saying it’s just another “nonsense term” like polar vortex or atmospheric river that reporters use to make their weather coverage seem more exciting. Coté says as an atmospheric scientist he’s been banned from watching weather coverage on TV at home because he can’t stop ranting about their terminology. Coté joins John to tell us about these “nonsense terms” and why they’re so frustrating to actual scientists like him.
LIVE: Mark Coté, Instructor in Geography and Environmental Studies, U of R.

11:00 – The Saskatchewan Safety Council is hosting a number of training sessions aiming to help make Saskatchewan residents better drivers during the winter months. Lee Carlson is the head instructor with SSC, and helped design the “Skid Smart Collision Avoidance” program currently being offered. Carlson joins John to tell us about the courses, and some of the tips he’s sharing to help make drivers more confident on icy roads. Do you have a great tip for winter driving? Call 1-877-332-8255 and let us know!
LIVE: Lee Carlson, head instructor with the Saskatchewan Safety Council.

12:00 – There are more than 4,000 charities and non-profits active around Saskatchewan, and we’re featuring some of the great people doing great work in this province during our new segment called “The Best of Saskatchewan.” In this week’s feature, we’ll catch up with Colleen Morrice, manager with the Weyburn Humane Society. Their building was damaged by flooding this month, and they’re hoping the community can help them during the restoration. Morrice will also discuss the “Betty White Challenge,” which has led to a big boost in donations to animal-related charities.
LIVE: Colleen Morrice, manager with the Weyburn Humane Society.