Happy Friday to all who celebrate! For the weekenders, we hope you get a chance to do some of the things you enjoy this weekend.
In this week’s random collection of stories we didn’t get to, we see a story about a Canadian anchor who said she was let go when her hair started to turn gray. We also see that an Albany anchor is letting fans know she’s OK after an on-air absence.
CTV anchor Lisa LaFlamme was ousted as one of the nation’s top news anchors amid charges of ageism and sexism. The New York Times said LaFlamme was a household name in Canada for decades and was unceremoniously dismissed last summer by CTV, the country’s largest private television network, after what her employer described as a “business decision” to take the program “in a different direction.” Click here to read about it.
The WLOS sports department is welcoming a new member to the team — Marvin Parker Jr. as the new weekend sports anchor and reporter. Click here to read about it.
Philadelphia anchors Janelle Burrell and Jim Donovan made good on their bet with KCTV in Kansas City after the Super Bowl by wearing Chiefs’ jerseys on a trip up the iconic Rocky stairs. Click here to watch.
KTLA reporter Karen Wynter says she’s joining the weekend newscast as an anchor. See her Tweet here.
Albany anchor Anne McCloy is telling fans she’s OK after being absent from CBS station WRGB. Click here to see her tweet.
Here’s a press release from Kansas City Station KCWE:
Kansas City’s Own® KCWE, Hearst Television’s CW Network affiliate in Kansas City, is announcing a new community effort to reduce food insecurity for thousands of people in need throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area. Called “Hunger Free KC,” the station is partnering with four local non-profit organizations, each with a different mission and method to support people struggling with hunger.
“Food insecurity affects families across Missouri and Kansas,” said KMBC KCWE President and General Manager Justin Antoniotti. “Knowing the need is great, and then seeing the work done every day by these organizations, we knew we had to help. Every family should have access to healthy and nutritious food. With help, these organizations can continue their great work and even expand services.”
Harvesters Community Food Network, Kanbe’s Markets, Kansas City Community Gardens, and Thelma’s Kitchen are the partner organizations. “Our effort will include raising awareness about food insecurity, showcasing the inspiring work by organizations feeding families, and highlighting opportunities to volunteer and donate. We will be a part of finding a solution to end hunger in the Kansas City area,” Antoniotti said.
Harvesters Community Food Network mobilizes the power of the community to create equitable access to nutritious food and address the root causes and impact of hunger. They support more than 760 non- profit partner agencies, supplying food and household-related products. “Harvesters is thrilled to partner with KCWE and three other hunger-relief organizations on the Hunger Free KC Initiative, said Stephen Davis, Harvesters President, and CEO. “Our vision is a healthy, thriving community where no one is hungry. This initiative will help raise awareness about the 1 in 10 neighbors in our community who face insecurity and how the community can be part of the solution.”
Kanbe’s Markets works to eliminate food insecurity by empowering individuals and providing them with healthy choices. They fulfill their goal by placing small produce coolers in KC neighborhood convenience stores, close to residents with limited transportation access. “Kanbe’s Markets is thrilled to be included in KCWE’s Hunger Free KC Initiative,” said Ali Curbow, Kanbe’s Markets Marketing Manager. “We believe access to fresh and nutritious food is crucial for our communities to thrive. Together with KCWE, we hope to raise awareness around the lack of access to healthy foods and take steps towards an equitable and effective food system in Kansas City.”
Kansas City Community Gardens empowers low-income households, schools, and community groups to grow their own fruits and vegetables. “We believe that everyone – regardless of their income or the neighborhood where they live – should be able to enjoy healthy foods,” said Ben Sharda, KCCG Executive Director. “Gardens and orchards offer a practical and affordable means of increasing healthy food access in neighborhoods where grocery stores are scarce, and budgets are tight. We are delighted to partner with KCWE on the Hunger Free KC campaign, raising awareness of the need for more equitable food access for people across our city, and bringing gardens to even more of our neighbors this year!”
Thelma’s Kitchen offers high-quality, affordable, nourishing meals to people east and west of Troost Avenue in Kansas City. Recipients can donate what they can or volunteer at Thelma’s Kitchen in exchange for a meal. Additionally, individuals and businesses can donate meals as well. “As a social venture café of Reconciliation Services, Thelma’s Kitchen goes beyond just serving great food,” said Jodi Mathews, Reconciliation Service Marketing and Development Director. “We address the trauma of food insecurity and inspire neighbors to pay forward lunch for those who are hungry and help them access other vital resources. We are grateful to stand with KCWE and our community partners to work towards a Hunger Free KC.”