Updated:
2026/06/18 03:00 PM

Paradise Man Facing Sex-Related Charges Against Minors


A 33-year-old Paradise man is facing a long list of sex related charges against two teenage girls.

The RNC’s Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit was contacted after police received a complaint on June 2.

The accused is facing two counts each of sexual assault and sexual interference. Two counts of obtaining sexual services from a person under 18, and two counts of invitation of sexual touching, in addition to numerous other sex-related charges.

The accused is scheduled to appear in court today.

The full list of charges:

Town to Meet with Marystown Fire Department and Burin Peninsula Ground Search and Rescue Following Dust-up on Shared Space in Fire Hall


The mayor of Marystown says a meeting is planned this coming Tuesday to find a suitable solution to space problems at the Marystown Fire Hall.

The Burin Peninsula Ground Search and Rescue took to Facebook this week to express its “profound concern” following comments suggesting that they might have to vacate their current space in the fire hall.

Mayor Gerry Brenton admits that space is a concern as the fire department expands to address wildfire needs, but he emphasizes, no one will be asked to leave until a solution is found that meets the needs of all involved.

“I’ll be very, very clear,” says Brenton, “the Ground Search and Rescue Team will not be asked to relocate…until the council, the fire department, and the ground search and rescue can sit down, have some meetings, (and) find some suitable locations.”

He says the final objective will be to ensure that everyone is happy with the situation.

That meeting is scheduled for this coming Tuesday.

Black Bear Feasting on Chickens in Eastport


A trap has been set up in the Eastport area to capture a marauding black bear that has been feeding on domestic chickens.

A caller to VOCM Open Line with Brian Callahan says despite the trap, the bear continues to visit the area.

She says she and her neighbours have already lost dozens of chickens.

She says she alone has lost at least 17 chickens.

The town has issued an advisory to residents to keep an eye out and to report any sightings to the local forestry office.

NL Hydro Applies for Rate Increases Starting in 2027


The PUB has received a General Rate Application from NL Hydro for a full review of its 2027 costs, including the purchase costs associated with Muskrat Falls.

The utility is seeking rate increases starting next year.

Hydro is proposing a 2.25 per cent increase effective July 1 of 2027 for island customers.

The rate increase required for customers on the Labrador system is proposed to be phased-in over a number of years beginning with a 2.25 per cent increase also effective next July.

The specific impact on customer rates will vary depending on consumption and rate classification.

Hydro is seeking approval of certain rate design changes, the implementation of the cost of service reflecting Muskrat Falls project costs, and regulatory accounting proposals to address “outstanding matters” from previous PUB orders.

A pre-hearing conference will be held on July 9th in the Board’s hearing room, to identify intervenors, set a schedule and address other matters.

Those interested in participating as an intervenor must file a request with the PUB by 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 29th.

How to contact the board;

Office: Suite E210, Prince Charles Building, 120 Torbay Road, St. John’s

Mail: P.O. Box 21040, St. John’s, NL, A1A 5B2

Telephone: 709-726-1158 or 1-866-782-0006 (toll free)

E-mail: board@pub.nl.ca

Family of the Late Mark Hiscock Seeking Answers After Untimely Death


The family of the late Mark Hiscock of Shannyganock fame is seeking answers in connection with his untimely death in May of last year.

Hiscock’s wife, Kelly Traverse-Hiscock told VOCM Open Line with Brian Callahan that her husband mis-stepped while boarding his boat, and fell.

She says he got up, and still feeling pain several days later, went to the hospital where he underwent a chest x-ray and was prescribed anti-inflammatories.

She says his condition steadily worsened, and he went back to the ER.

“He was feeling more pain, it was in further parts of his body, he was having difficulty taking a breath, and Mark’s voice was slurred. You could even tell in his voice was off, and he was in and out that night within ten minutes, so no further testing was done, he was just given another medication and sent on his way. ”

“The next day mark collapsed in our house and he was taken by ambulance and unfortunately, Mark didn’t make it, he passed away that day.”

Traverse-Hiscock says they couldn’t understand what happened, only to learn that he had fractures in his back and neck that should have been caught.

“In our opinion, if more testing and proper testing had have been done on that second visit…to get him the required care, maybe he’d still be with us.”

She says the break led to septicemia, and the infection spread through his body.

The family requested a quality review which led to even more questions. She says they want answers and accountability not just for her family, but for the entire health care system.

Major Backlogs on TCH Eastbound at Foxtrap Access


Work on the Foxtrap overpass has stalled traffic heading into the capital city region.

Some callers to VOCM News say the backlog stretches back as far as 4-5 kilometres.

Drivers are being advised to take an alternate route if heading in to the St. John’s area.

Exhibit for National Indigenous Peoples Day Cancelled Due to ‘Inconsistencies’ with Innu History


The Innu Nation says it has made the “difficult decision” to cancel an exhibit scheduled to open this coming weekend to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day.

In a release issued yesterday, the Innu Nation says the decision follows the direction conveyed by The Rooms that the provincial government “requires the exhibit to present a version of Innu history that is inconsistent” with the archaeological consensus and the Innu Nation’s own understanding of its history.

The Innu Nation says “Innu Tools for Survival” was developed through collaboration with the Innu Nation, the Canadian Museum of History and The Rooms, and was intended to “celebrate the continuity of Innu culture over thousands of years” by showcasing the “ingenuity, resilience and survival of the Innu people.”

However this week they were informed that they would not be allowed to present what they say is the accepted academic consensus of the Innu timeline in Labrador, and would be “required to support the province’s own controversial theory of Innu history.”

Innu Nation Grand Chief Simon Pokue says that position “amounts to the erasure of Innu history.” The Innu Nation says it is not aware of “any working archaeologists outside the provincial government” that support what it calls the “fringe theory” being put forward by the province.

VOCM News has reached out to the provincial government for response.

UPDATE: Shelter-in-Place Lifted for Hatcher Street Area


A shelter-in-place advisory issued by the RNC in the Hatcher Street area of St. John’s earlier today has been lifted.

Police say residents can resume their regular activities.

Officers will remain in the area throughout the day and a warrant is been executed in connection with an investigation being carried out by the Weapons and Drug Enforcement Unit.

Earlier story

The RNC has issued a shelter-in-place order for all residents of Hatcher Street and a portion of University Avenue between Hatcher and Paton Street in St. John’s.

Residents are asked to remain indoors, with windows and doors closed and locked.

There is an increased police presence in the area.

RNC are asking the public not to share any information, video or photos of police tactical operations in the area in the interest of public and police safety.

Updates will be provided as they become available.

Two Boaters Rescued Near Hopedale


Two people were rescued after running into trouble near Hopedale.

RCMP say an SOS was received via satellite GPS around 4:30 Tuesday afternoon, indicating that two boaters were in distress.

Hopedale Ground Search and Rescue and other volunteers found the pair, who had managed to get to shore.

They were both reported to be in good health and were taken back to the community with their vessel.

RCMP say the incident is a reminder of the importance of a reliable communication device like a satellite GPS or SPOT unit for those travelling in remote, rural areas or in the backcountry.

Unions Want Accountability After Phishing Test by NLHS


NL Health Services has offered an apology and has launched an investigation, but health care unions say that doesn’t go far enough in addressing a recent tone-deaf cybersecurity test.

The phishing exercise baited health care workers, many of whom feel exhausted and overworked, with the promise of a paid day off in appreciation for their hard work.

Interim CEO Ron Johnson yesterday acknowledged that the phishing exercise was “not appropriate” saying that the email “missed the mark.”

That’s not sitting well with health care unions.

NAPE President Jerry Earle (VOCM News)

NAPE President Jerry Earle says health care workers are insulted and he was surprised that management was not aware until it was brought to their attention.

“Yesterday, I had to reach out to Mr. Johnson and explain to him what was happening in NLHS. That speaks volumes.” He says health care workers are stressed, overworked, and cannot get a day off. “As one young woman said to me yesterday, ‘it looked like my employer was finally recognizing me for what I have done.'”

RNU President Yvette Coffey (VOCM News)

Registered Nurses Union President Yvette Coffey wants the health authority to take the matter further.

“We need accountability,” says Coffey, “how could this happen?” She says NLHS needs to honour what was in the email. “What we’re asking for and demanding, is that they actually put time in people’s banks so that they can use it. Like, honour this. Then your apology will mean something.”

‘Major Pressure Points’ Around Pitts Memorial, TCH Need to Be Addressed: Transportation Minister


The transportation minister says there are a number of issues that lead government to undertake a traffic study looking at the highway network in the metro region.

Earlier this week, government announced a two-phase study that will look at how traffic flows on Pitts Memorial and the TCH.

Barry Petten, who commutes to Confederation Building every day from CBS, says he witnesses the traffic congestion and backlogs regularly.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Barry Petten (VOCM News)

Petten describes the on and off ramps in Paradise, and the Cloverleaf as some of the major “pressure points” that need to be addressed.

He also mentions concerns he has heard about the number of lanes on Peacekeepers Way.

He believes government has “no choice but to make some major upgrades” over the next several years. What exactly that will look like, he says, will be driven by the study.

RCMP Warning of Risks Associated with Online Buy and Sell Platforms


RCMP are warning residents about the risks involved in buying and selling items online after receiving reports of a recent scam involving the sale of a recreational vehicle.

Police in Grand Falls-Windsor were contacted by someone who was attempting to sell the vehicle online through a popular website.

Someone, who was posing as a potential buyer, requested that the seller fill out a vehicle report and provided a link to do so.

When the seller received the report link, they soon realized it was a fake website, but not before providing their credit card information.

They notified police and their bank and were able to have the card cancelled before any money was taken.

RCMP say the incident serves as a reminder about online transactions with people or groups you do not know. They remind people to do their research and verify information and to beware of any requests to cover fees or pay money up front.

Gander International Airport Lounge to Receive Heritage Plaque


Gander’s iconic International Lounge, viewed by many as a showcase of mid-century modern design, will receive its Registered Heritage Plaque in a ceremony tomorrow.

A hub of international travel during the jet age, a time when trans-Atlantic flight required fuel stops at Gander and Shannon, Ireland, the watering hole was officially opened in 1959 by Queen Elizabeth II.

(VOCM News)

The lounge, which saw countless celebrities and international political figures pass through, became a place for residents to star gaze and catch sight of some of the biggest names of the 1960s.

By the 1980s, it was closed to public access to allow passengers from airlines like Aeroflot and Cubana to disembark. Many famously defected, seeking political asylum at Gander.

A ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 11:00 in the International Lounge.

Man Charged After Incident Outside RNC Headquarters


RNC didn’t have to go too far to respond to an incident where a driver was threatened by the man sitting in his passenger’s seat.

A call came in from the parking lot at RNC HQ around 2:00 yesterday afternoon. A man reported that his passenger had threatened him and caused damage to his car before taking off on foot.

Officers out on patrol over the supper hour spotted the man in question on Freshwater Road.

The 30-year-old was arrested and charged with uttering threats and damage to property.

TSB’s Report on Titan Implosion Comes on Third Anniversary of Disaster


Today marks the third anniversary of the loss of the Titan, a private submersible that imploded while on its descent to the wreck of the Titanic with five people on board.

The TSB released its report on the disaster yesterday, outlining a complete lack of oversight in relation to the expedition.

Regional Senior Investigator with the TSB, and lead investigator on the report, Jason Melvin says initial concerns about OceanGate’s submersible were raised as early as 2021.

(A photo of the Titan’s tail cone on the ocean floor after the sub imploded in June, 2023.)

He cites a “lack of communication, and the lack of knowledge by Transport Canada, even though there was other government departments that had knowledge that the vessel was diving in Canadian waters. There was even a DFO employee who raised some concerns back in 2021 as to the design and construction of the submersible and not being actually designed to any standard. It was brough to his management, but it wasn’t elevated any further.”

Larry Daley who operates a Titanic exhibit in the capital city and who has provided logistics for numerous Titanic expeditions lost his friend, respected French navigator Paul-Henri Nargeolet in the disaster.

Larry Daley (VOCM News file photo)

He’s not surprised by the TSB’s findings, despite the fact that many different agencies were aware of OceanGate’s plans.

He says Stockton Rush of OceanGate, who also perished in the implosion, appeared to have eschewed the usual regulatory channels.

“We’ve had numerous operations out of St. John’s Harbour for years with submersibles, all very safe and successful with equipment that was proven, tested and certified. In this case, nothing was certified, he (Rush) avoided people that were questioning his platform, his safety, and his design. So I’m not surprised that the agencies all didn’t come together because they were probably never given proper information, or full information, so, why would they all overlap?”

17-Year-Old Charged With Impaired Driving


A 17-year-old boy has been charged with impaired driving after a traffic stop early this morning.

Police got a tip about a possible drunk driver around 1:50 a.m. and located the vehicle on Frecker Drive.

The teenager was arrested for suspected impaired driving and was taken to RNC Headquarters where he failed a breath test.

He was released from police custody to his parents and will appear in court at a later date.

Police Use Forced Entry After Wanted Man Locks Himself Inside Closet


A man on the RNC’s wanted list went from being locked in to locked up.

Officers spotted the wanted man on Empire Avenue around 8:15 last evening. Once he saw the police, he bolted into a nearby residence and locked the door behind him.

Police had no other choice but to use forced entry and found the 47-year-old hiding in the closet.

He was arrested and taken to the lockup.

Small Blames Pandemic for Demise of Smitty’s Restaurants


The MP for Central Newfoundland, who is also a metro-area business owner, is pointing the finger at the pandemic and public health measures for the decline in his business that eventually led to the closure of his two Smitty’s Restaurant locations this week.

Clifford Small reportedly owes more than $350,000 in unpaid rent and back taxes.

The restaurants’ 35 employees were laid off this week.

Small expressed his regret for the impact on his workers on the Tim Powers Show on VOCM.

Smitty’s in Mount Pearl (VOCM)

He says they paid the employees with the “very last nickel in the company” and $20,000 worth of perishables which were offered to the workers on shift that day. The rest of the food was donated to a local outreach organization.

Small says the business just never fully recovered from the pandemic.

He blames the struggles he, and other Canadian businesses have faced on the way in which the pandemic was handled, pointing to the United States which “bounced out of the pandemic so much faster than we did, and it shows in their economy.”

The City of Mount Pearl has filed a lawsuit in court claiming back taxes owed on the Smitty’s property on Gibson Drive.

Irate Man Arrested at Health Sciences Centre


The Constabulary had to be called in to assist with an irate man at the Health Sciences early this morning.

Officers arrived at the hospital just before 3:00 after getting calls about an unwelcome person.

The 29-year-old man, who was livid once police arrived, would not cooperate.

Officers eventually gained control of him and arrested him on charges of resisting arrest, breach of release order and breach of probation.

Man Arrested for Throwing Wooden Sign at RNC Vehicle


A man has been charged after throwing a wooden stanchion parking sign at an RNC cruiser going down Water Street last night.

An officer patrolling the downtown had to slam on the brakes to avoid impact.

The 41-year-old was arrested and charged with property damage and breach of release order.

Latest Fuel Prices for Thursday, June 18, 2026


There’s been a steady decline in prices at the pumps over the last few days.

Gas drops another 5.2 cents – putting the price around 1.77 a litre in the metro region.

Diesel is down 4 cents on the island and 3.6 cents in Labrador West.

Furnace and stove oil is down by a little over 3 cents per litre.

St. John’s Native Luke Adam Retires From Hockey


St. John’s native Luke Adam is hanging up his skates after 20 years of professional hockey.

He made the announcement via X yesterday.

A former St. John’s Celtic, Adam was drafted to the St. John’s Fog Devils, launching his Major Junior career with more than 235 games in the QMJHL.

Adam played 90 NHL games – with the Buffalo Sabres and the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The 35-year-old also played several years in Europe, and served as the first captain of the Tahoe Knight Monsters of the ECHL.

His father, Russ Adam, was an integral player with the St. John’s Capitals of the Newfoundland Senior Hockey League in the mid-80s.

Placentia RCMP Arrest Wanted Man David Doyle


RCMP in Placentia have arrested David Doyle wanted on a number of serious charges.

An arrest warrant for Doyle was issued earlier this week.

The 48-year-old is charged with uttering threats and distributing disturbing intimate images without consent.

One Hospitalized After Gander Bay Road Collision


One person was taken to hospital following a two vehicle collision on the Gander Bay Road near Jonathan’s Pond yesterday morning.

The incident occurred around 10:30 and an assessment of the two drivers at the scene resulted in one person being taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

The cause of the collision is under investigation.

UPDATE: NL Health Services Apologizes for Phishing Exercise That Baited Health Care Workers


NL Health Services is apologizing to staff for a recent cybersecurity awareness exercise that has drawn the ire of workers throughout the health care system.

The phishing simulation was disguised as an email of appreciation to staff for their hard work and patience during the turbulent and hectic period in which the CorCare system was being implemented.

It offered employees a paid day off for their service by clicking a link.

The health authority says it recognizes that the way in which the phishing exercise was presented was “not appropriate” and interim CEO Ron Johnson is offering his sincere apology to employees, physicians and union representatives.

Johnson says the email “really missed the mark” and that the proper checks and balances were not in place prior to it being sent out. If they had been, Johnson says it would never have gone out.

NLHS works with a third party company, Ernst and Young, on its cybersecurity campaigns, and he says an internal investigation is underway to determine how the message was crafted and sent out.

Johnson acknowledges the frustration being felt by workers who received the email.

“I understand why they’re mad, I do. I can understand why they’re frustrated…and on behalf of the organization I apologize for that. And we’ll prevent this from happening again.”

RNC Renew Appeal for Information on Man Missing Since Late January


The RNC is renewing its public appeal for information following the disappearance of a man from the St. John’s area.

RNC say 52-year-old Jason Muise was reported missing on February 18th, but was last seen on January 31st.

Muise was active in the local arts community and was an avid hiker and camper.

He was known to frequent Pippy Park and may have travelled to central Newfoundland.

He is 5 feet, 5 inches tall, and 180 pounds with grey hair.

RNC and the Rovers Ground Search and Rescue were in the area of Pippy Park yesterday, but it’s not clear if their presence there was related to the missing persons’ case.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jason Muise is asked to contact the RNC at 709-729-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Downtown Pedestrian Mall Opens Next Week


The annual pedestrian mall in downtown St. John’s opens for the season next week.

The annual event, which first started back in 2020, sees a section of Water Street shut down and turned into a pedestrian-only zone with various events and other initiatives popping up over the summer.

This year, the city says it is changing the location of accessible washrooms based on public feedback.

The washrooms will now be located near McBride’s Hill.

The pedestrian mall will open next Thursday and will run until September 7th.

Extreme Weather Drives Up Homeowner’s Insurance Rates


Homeowners’ insurance rates have risen significantly across the country, including here at home.

According to Statistics Canada, from 2020 to 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador had the lowest increase across the country with a change of 19.9 per cent compared to 38 per cent on average.

The agency blames extreme weather events for the increase in insurance rates, saying home and mortgage insurance have outpaced all items in the Consumer Price Index.

They cite Hurricane Fiona as a factor in the rise in insurance rates, a storm that cost insurance companies some $800-million.

Meanwhile, auto premiums are some 23 per cent higher than what they were in 2019.

Bills at the auto mechanic have also spiked by some 22 per cent since 2019.

Ottenheimer Steadfast on Federal Bail Reform Partnership


The provincial minister of justice says she is “steadfast” in her commitment to bail reform in partnership with the federal government.

The minister was responding to the federal government’s new Bail and Sentencing Reform Act which is now law.

Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser indicated that incarceration is in the provincial government’s domain when responding to questions about already overcrowded prisons.

Helen Conway Ottenheimer says she is confident that the new bill will create more effective means to address repeat offenders, and help to better protect victims, and ensure public safety.

Another Landfill Fire Blamed on Lithium-Ion Batteries


It appears as though a battery may be responsible for yet another fire at a waste disposal facility in the province.

The Eastern Regional Service Board says its Clarenville Transfer Station is closed while first responders battle a blaze at the facility.

It’s suspected that the latest fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery that was improperly thrown out in household trash.

Details on when the facility will be reopened have not yet been determined.

Two similar fires recently occurred at the Robin Hood Bay landfill in St. John’s.