Here are some of the stories that made headlines in May 2025.
John Hogan Takes Helm of NL Liberals as Furey Steps Down
John Hogan announcing his bid for the Liberal leadership in March, 2025. (VOCM News)
John Hogan has been named the new leader of the NL Liberal Party, replacing Premier Andrew Furey.
Hogan was chose to be Furey’s successor during the Liberal Leadership Convention.
Furey told the province in February that he was stepping down to spend more time with his family and his medical practice.
Hogan was sworn in a short time later.
You can read the full story here.
Crews Battling a Number of Forest Fires Across NL
Photo via Facebook
Crews across the province fought a number of forest fires in early may.
Dry conditions to start out the week have made the forest vulnerable to fires and have created a busy afternoon for firefighters.
Smoke could be seen from the Trans-Canada Highway near Foxtrap and Butter Pot Park, with a fire burning in Holyrood.
Two waterbombers were patrolling the scene in C.B.N. for a separate fire.
Multiple roads were closed, with a evening update from the RCMP reminding motorists that Route 70 from Adams Cove to Western Bay is closed due to the fire.
You can read the full story here.
From Red to Blue: Conservatives Win Terra Nova-The Peninsulas Following Judicial Recount
Terra Nova – The Peninsulas candidates Anthony Germain (Liberal) and Jonathan Rowe (Conservative) (Liberal Party of Canada/Conservative Party of Canada)
The riding of Terra Nova-The Peninsulas has flipped to Tory blue as the result of a judicial recount.
The margin between Conservative Jonathan Rowe and Liberal Anthony Germain was razor-thin, automatically triggering a judicial recount.
Germain’s 12 vote lead was whittled down during the process, flipping the result to provide Rowe with a 12-vote margin of victory instead.
Butlerville’s Jacob Lewis Wins Canada’s Got Talent Finale
Suzanne Rogers with Howie Mandel, Shania Twain, Katherine Ryan, Kardinal Offishall, Lindsay Ell, and Jacob Lewis (Winner, Canada’s Got Talent) at OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls (Rogers Sports & Media/George Pimentel)
Butlerville’s Jacob Lewis is the winner of season 4 of Canada’s Got Talent.
Lewis takes home the grand prize of $1 million, courtesy of Rogers, after being crowned the winner during last night’s season finale.
After two golden buzzer-worthy performances earlier in the competition, his rendition of Tina Turner’s ‘The Best’ earned him praise from judges, audience members, and fans at home who voted for Lewis in the finale.
Mark Hiscock, Cherished NL Accordionist and Shanneyganock Co-Founder, Passes Away
Photo via Shanneyganock on Facebook
Newfoundland and Labrador’s music community is mourning the sudden passing of Mark Hiscock, co-founder of the iconic band Shanneyganock.
Known for his mastery of the button accordion, Hiscock was a driving force in preserving and sharing traditional Newfoundland music, captivating audiences across the province and beyond.
His musical journey began early, performing in pubs and community halls throughout his youth. A chance double-booking at Erin’s Pub in the mid-1990s sparked a collaboration between Hiscock and Chris Andrews, leading to the formation of Shanneyganock.
