Here and Now
with Laura Di Battista

It's been a tumultuous week for Mayor Rob Ford. He lost ANOTHER vote at City Hall - this time, on his dream of a subway network for the city, rather than light rail. Then, Queens Park refused to intervene - even though he seemed confident it would. To make matters even MORE uncertain for the mayor, his newest political rival - TTC Chair Karen Stintz - appears to have more influence on council than the mayor does. Joining Laura Di Battista to talk about what all this means - for Ford, for councillors, and for voters - were our two City Hall watchers. Sue-Ann Levy is the City Hall columnist for the Toronto Sun...and Christopher covers urban affairs for the Toronto Star. Listen (runs 8:22)

You've heard the stories...A professional from another country, moves to Canada only to discover they can't get the same type of job here. What are their options? Listen (runs 5:30)

According to Toronto Deputy Chief of Police Michael Frederico, officers should carry tasers in the event they need to subdue people who are in severe emotional distress. But is this an appropriate method to use? Laura heard from psychiatric survivor and co-chair of the Mental Health Sub-committee for the Toronto Police Services Board, Pat Capponi. Listen (runs 7:15)

According to a report in a local newspaper, full day kindergarten could be on the chopping block to help the province deal with its deficit. Laura spoke with Charles Pascal, the man behind the creation of all-day kindergarten find out why he thinks it's worth saving. Listen (runs 6:49)

According to new findings just published in the latest issue of the British Medical Journal, the chances of getting into a car accident doubles, just hours after smoking pot. The lead researcher on the study is professor Mark Asbridge at Dalhousie University. He talked to Laura about the dangers of toking and driving. Listen (runs 6:17)

Queen Elizabeth is one of the most famous women on the planet. But little is known about the personal life of woman who wears the crown. Now, a new book is shedding light on just who The Queen is... right down to the contents of handbag. Laura spoke to author and biographer Sally Bedell Smith about her book, "Elizabeth: The Queen, Life of a Modern Monarch". Listen (runs 6:19)

After a raucous and at times controversial debate, the winner of Canada Reads has been revealed. Laura spoke with the defender of the winning title. Listen (runs 7:05)

Beer drinkers rejoice! A new study suggests that the sudsy stuff may have led to the rise of modern civilization. Laura heard all the intoxicating details from Brian Hayden is a professor of archaeology at Simon Fraser University. Listen (runs 6:43)

The Sutton Place Hotel was once the home away from home for celebrities. Now it's set to become a home for condo dwellers. Laura heard from the hotel's former president, Hans Gehrhardt about The Sutton Place's storied history. Listen (runs 7:40)