The Big Story

In early April, the luxury cruise liner MV Hondius set sail from Argentina across the Atlantic ocean, but things did not go as planned. Since then, three people have died and three others had to be evacuated for emergency medical treatment-- including the ship's doctor-- as they deal with an outbreak of Hantavirus. Now, passengers are still quarantined on the ship, as the World Health Organization tries to contain the disease. In this episode of the Big Story Podcast, host Caryn Ceolin speaks with Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases expert out of the Toronto General Hospital, about hantavirus: what we know, what we don't know, and if this could be the start of the next pandemic. Then, Caryn speaks with Dr. Muhammad Morshed from the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control about what might've happened on the ship that started the outbreak, and what we know about the world's first documented outbreak of this unnerving disease on a cruise ship.

Plus: Trump is threatening to bomb Iran if the country doesn't reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a big win for Canada's aviation industry, Ontario will lower the early screening age for colorectal cancer, one researcher says the study of a massive tsunami in Alaska is a warning that we need better monitoring, and can Canada unclog it's housing market?

A lot of the housing conversation goes towards first-time home buyers...but what about second-time? Or those looking to downsize? A clogged-up housing market is a problem that affects Canadians in all life stages. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Dr. Mike Moffat, Founding Director of the Missing Middle Initiative at the University of Ottawa. They discuss how what's impacting Canadians from moving through the housing market, how government initiatives can help residents find a place to meet their needs, and whether the market will recover soon.

Plus: Hantavirus "cluster" on cruise ship, Iran war update, gunfire near the Washington Monument, the 2026 Census begins, and it's time for Canada's architecture to better reflect our values.

Canada is known for its vibrant culture and diversity, but you wouldn't know that from our architecture. It's no surprise that the bottom line plays a role into materials and design decisions of commercial, residential and cultural buildings, but is there a way Canada can balance creativity, budget and authenticity to have the best looking country? Host Maria Kestane speaks to Alex Josephson, founder of Toronto-based architecture firm, Partisans, to dig into the investment Canada needs to make into its up-and-coming creatives, and just how important building aesthetics are to our country's ethos.

Plus: Carney visits Armenia, suspected Hantavirus outbreak, tariff relief announcement, Habs win, and who pays the price for privatization?

Mark Carney's government has floated the idea of privatizing Canadian airports, suggesting it will make them better. But with Canadians already fed up with air travel, as costs seem to go up while service goes down-- would that really be the result? And what would the move mean for airport workers across the country? Host Caryn Ceolin speaks with Siobhán Vipond, Vice President at the Canadian Labour Congress, to discuss the case for leaving airports as they are, the hidden costs of privatization, and the case for public ownership as it pertains to national sovereignty.

Plus: The Bank of Canada governor says he's encouraged by the federal government's efforts to insulate the economy against future shocks, a new poll shows most Canadians are not comfortable with the direction of the national economy, Alberta marks a somber anniversary, Habs fans are preparing for Game 6, and one year later and two Nova Scotian kids are still missing.

Almost exactly a year ago, six-year-old Lilly Sullivan and her four-year-old brother, Jack allegedly wandered into the woods near their family's home north of Halifax and never returned, leaving few clues as to what happened to them. The RCMP has since kept the details of the investigation tight-lipped, leaving the community, media and the country at large with more questions as time goes on. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks with Natasha O'Neill, web editor for CityNews Halifax, about what we know-- and don't know-- to this day.

Plus: The families of the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting victims are set to seek nearly 1-billion dollars in lawsuits against Open A-I, the Canadian economy sees growth in the first quarter, Canada will host a new NATO bank, the Prime Minister has named the new E-U ambassador, and how the boom in romance novels can help other media meet consumer needs.