🚔 The chief is calling it quits

Good morning, Saint John! In a world where everybody wants to be known for something, one Idaho man just set a Guinness World Record by putting on 32 T-shirts in one minute. His name? David Rush…with a name like that, the man never had a chance at a normal life.

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🚨 Bruce says he’s done

Saint John Police Chief Robert Bruce says he’ll retire next summer, ending a five-year run that was anything but routine.

Bruce announced Monday he’ll step down when his contract ends in July 2026, saying he’s proud of efforts to modernize the force and push through major change since arriving in 2021.

His tenure, though, came with no shortage of turbulence. Over the past year especially, the chief’s been at the centre of public battles involving the police union, workplace misconduct complaints, governance reviews, court documents, and enough phrases like “toxic workplace” and “systematic resistance to change” to keep local reporters fully employed.

Bruce has denied wrongdoing throughout, arguing many of the complaints were tied to resistance from within the organization during a period of reform and labour negotiations.

🌳 Passport to Parks is back

Passport to Parks is back this summer, which means free family events, games, activities, and a very strong chance your kids come home absolutely filthy.

The city’s summer park series returns with four stops across Saint John, starting June 7 at Rockwood Park. That one also includes the annual Fishing Derby in the morning, so you could just leave your phone and spend the entire day outside, enjoying our city’s best. 

Other Passport to Parks events are planned for Dominion Park in July, the Glenn Carpenter Centre in August, and Little River Reservoir to close things out later that month.

🌍 Two weeks left for newcomer survey

Newcomers have about two weeks left to weigh in on life in Saint John through a local immigration survey looking at everything from housing and work to community support and settling in.

The survey, run by the Saint John Local Immigration Partnership, is open until June 7 and is aimed at immigrants, refugees, international students, and temporary foreign workers living in the region.

It takes about 20 minutes to complete and is available online, by phone, or on paper in multiple languages. Participants can also enter to win one of five $50 Walmart gift cards.

The results will help shape future newcomer programs and services locally.
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🎭 Theatre Talk Tuesday

Disney The Little Mermaid Jr. | May 24 & 31
Alison Dawn Voice & Music brings the underwater Disney classic to local stages with performances at Harrison Trimble High School Theatre and Samuel de Champlain School Theatre. Expect young performers, familiar songs, colourful costumes, and at least one kid absolutely stealing the show. Performances begin at 4pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for youth under 12.

Ballet Kelowna taqəš and Other Works | May 27
Imperial Theatre hosts a contemporary ballet program featuring Indigenous storytelling, modern choreography, and one very energetic interpretation of Carnival of the Animals. The evening includes works from Cameron Fraser-Monroe, Alysa Pires, and Guillaume Côté, blending traditional influences with contemporary dance. Showtime is 7:30pm.

Cinderella: The Panto! | June 12-13
Glass slippers, giant laughs, and a whole lot of local talent are headed to Harbour View High School next month with InterAction’s production of Cinderella: The Panto. The original production puts a high-energy spin on the classic fairy tale with slapstick comedy, musical numbers, and more than 100 student performers sharing the stage. Evening shows start at 7pm with doors opening at 6:30pm. Expect boos for the villains, cheers for the heroes, and at least one parent filming absolutely everything.

Coming soon…

Taking on Water | June 4-5
Saint John Theatre Company is bringing an acclaimed piece of Canadian theatre to the BMO Studio Theatre next month with Taking on Water, a haunting blend of storytelling, music, and movement inspired by life along Newfoundland and Labrador’s changing coastline. Created by award-winning theatre-maker Robert Chafe, the production mixes magic realism with real stories gathered from coastal residents facing storms, erosion, and disappearing communities. Performances begin at 7:30pm both nights.

The Playboy of the Western World | June 9
The Saint John Theatre Company continues its National Theatre Live series June 9 with a big-screen presentation of The Playboy of the Western World, starring Nicola Coughlan of Bridgerton fame alongside Siobhán McSweeney from Derry Girls. The darkly funny Irish classic follows a small village thrown into chaos after a young man arrives claiming he killed his father and somehow becomes the local celebrity because of it. Showtime is 7:30pm at the BMO Studio Theatre.

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📸 Debbie Doyle | 📍 Irving Nature Park

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🌅 5:35am | 🌇 8:47pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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-Geoff Walsh - Publisher