🍜 Don’t miso out

Good Morning Saint John, We’ve all seen a Karen go wild in Walmart at one time or another, but none of them were pushing an alligator in a shopping cart. Apparently, there’s a limit to emotional support animals…especially when it comes with leathery skin and razor-sharp teeth. 🛒

Here’s what we’re biting into today:

• If a train’s coming…move, get out the way 🚂

• Ramen around Uptown 🍥 

• From our readers’ calendars to yours 📍

Happy Tuesday!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🚆 Trains always win this game

It’s Rail Safety Week, and the City wants to remind us of something we probably know but sometimes forget: train tracks aren’t a great place to stop. Trains can’t swerve or slam on the brakes, and if your car is in the way, the ending isn’t going to be pretty. Around Saint John, a few crossings even have double tracks, so you’ll want to make sure you’re clear of both before the light changes. Consider this your cue to keep it moving…because in this matchup, the train always wins.

🤝 Building a welcoming Saint John 

The Saint John Region is growing, and a new long-term plan, Pathways to Belonging, aims to make sure newcomers not only arrive but stay. Running through 2030, the strategy is all about helping people put down roots and feel at home.

For everyday life, that means more families in schools, more workers filling gaps in healthcare, construction and trades, and more customers supporting local shops and restaurants. 

The plan focuses on welcoming newcomers, connecting them with jobs that match their skills, and building a community where everyone belongs. You can learn more about the strategy and see how it will shape the region by checking out the full plan online.

🤖 Fake faces want your cash

If you haven’t seen something like this already, you probably will soon: slick-looking videos of politicians or celebrities promising you can make $2,000 a day with a “genius” AI trading app. Only problem? They’re not real…they’re deepfake scams, and people are losing money. The Competition Bureau and KV Police say to watch for sketchy giveaways like weird lip movements, clunky phrasing, or websites that look almost real but not quite. Bottom line: if a famous face tells you to send money for guaranteed riches, it’s not them talking…it’s a scam.

🛳 2,100 visitors in town today

Today, the Royal Caribbean ship Brilliance of the Seas arrives in Saint John with up to 2,100 passengers. That’s 2,100 chances to remind everyone that in Saint John, we don’t kiss cods... we just fry ‘em up and eat ‘em.

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LOCAL BUSINESS

🍜 Ramen fans, your wait is over

If you caught our Foodie Friday preview a few weeks ago, you know Umami Kid has been quietly slurping its way into Uptown Saint John. After a couple of soft-opening days for friends and family, the doors are officially open to the public…but seats are limited, so reservations are a must.

Eunice, who you might know from The Bubbly Cup, is bringing her love of ramen and years of experience managing Japanese restaurants in the Philippines to Umami Kid. “I know my taste — I love that creamy broth. Ever since moving here I was looking for ramen places that offered it, and I couldn’t find it,” she says. To get it just right, the broths at Umami Kid are simmered 8–12 hours for that perfect, rich creaminess.

The space is a playful nod to anime, with manga characters on the walls, cherry blossoms overhead, and modern Japanese-inspired lighting. Every detail, from the décor to the bowls, is designed to make an impression. Soft opening hours are
12–7pm at 26 Germain Street. Book your spot and get out for some Ramen!

COUNCIL MEETING

🏛 Quispamsis Council Meeting | September 16

• Remuneration bylaw — Council will discuss updates to remuneration, reviewing how members are compensated.

• Political activity policy — Expect a debate on rules around political activity for council and staff, aimed at clarifying responsibilities and conduct.

• Agreements and contracts — Items are on the closed session agenda for review before returning to open council.

• Council reports — Information updates from the September 2 meeting will be tabled.

See the full agenda. 

The meeting begins at 6pm at Quispamsis Town Hall. Residents can attend in person or watch via livestream.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Today’s events come straight from our readers. If you’ve got an event coming up, be sure to send it our way!

Moon Glow 2025 | September 26
Corvette fans, start your engines! Moon Glow 2025 is back to light up the night at Coast Tire. Join fellow enthusiasts for a night of cars, BBQ by donation supporting Romero House, prize draws including a $1,500 tire gift certificate, and a silent auction. It’s free to check out and registration is $25 per vehicle, and early birds have a chance to win a free hotel night or gas gift cards. Saturday brings a Poker Run at 10am for those ready to hit the road.

UCOF Fall Fashion Festival | September 27
Celebrate culture, creativity, and style at Saint John’s UCOF Fall Fashion Festival, themed Falling Into Identity – Layers of Us. The Saint John event is scheduled for September 27 at Kent Theatre. Enjoy vibrant runway shows, youth performances, music, and art that explore heritage, migration, and personal stories through fashion. Cheer on your favourite designers at the Viewer’s Choice Awards, connect with local artists, and support initiatives empowering immigrant and BIPOC communities. A colourful, inspiring night for fashion fans of all ages.

Beat the Heat – Public Engagement | September 26 & October 7
Summers in Saint John are heating up, and the city wants your input! Share where you feel the hottest spots in your daily life, from bus stops to playgrounds, and help guide climate adaptation efforts. Join an in-person session with Drumming for Connection at Harbourfront Extension on September 26, 2-4pm (rain location: Theatre, 1 Market Square), or a virtual session via Zoom on October 7, 7-8:30pm. Refreshments provided.

A Serenade for Strings | September 28
Symphonette by the Sea – sur mer teams up with the Senior String Orchestra of ASD-South for an evening of Mozart, Respighi, and Wirén at Saint John High School. Conductors Hok Kwan and Ali Leonard lead this celebration of local talent across generations. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for 16 and under, and free for kids under 12.

British Invasion | October 4
Get ready for a night of Brit-pop magic at Yip Cidery! Caboose will take you on a journey through the best of British music across the decades, followed by Sequin Stars performing a special tribute to Oasis, covering all their hits straight from the band’s “Live 25” tour. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are $35 with limited availability, so grab yours online or at the door!

Howl-O-Ween Hysteria | October 23-26
Get ready for four nights of thrills and chills at Market Square with BGC Greater Saint John’s Howl-O-Ween Hysteria! Younger goblins (11 & under) can enjoy the sensory-friendly Castaway Chaos Trail, while teens and adults can tackle the full-on Trail of Terror. Both trails are accessibility-friendly, and you can grab a Scare-Shots photo to capture your fright. Tickets are $20 ($30 with photos), available in advance only. Dare to face the darkness and support a great cause!

Got an Event to Share?

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📸 Mike Powell | 📍 View from Millidgeville Ferry

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SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

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🎸 LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

TUESDAY
Fusion East Taproom | Karaoke with Michelle Stewart | 7pm
Wasted Day Brewing | Open Mic with Ryan Gautreau | 7pm

WEDNESDAY
Wasted Day Brewing | Jazz Weekly Unwind | 7pm

THURSDAY
O’Leary’s | Sarahtonein (Front Stage) | 9pm

Submit your live music listings here

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who likes snappy local info each morning 🐊.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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