Wednesday, November 12, 2025
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Jewish Faculty Network panelists discuss the harms of weaponizing antisemitism to mean anti-Israel amidst the ongoing genocide in Palestine 

Over 80 students and faculty members attended the Brock University event, “Antisemitism: Law, Justice, and Decolonization in a Time of Genocide,” on Oct. 30.

Mapping MAMM #5: How a collaborative research project reconciles the relationship between creativity and critical discourse 

This is the final leg of Mapping MAMM, the series that delves into the Mapping Ann-Marie MacDonald Research Project and its most interesting topics.

Carney vs. Ford: A divided Canadian response to Trump’s trade offensives 

Canada’s response to the latest rupture in its trade relationship with the United States has emphasized the sharp divide between federal and provincial leadership. The fracture emerged after the Province of Ontario aired a U.S. market advertisement featuring Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs — an ad that prompted U.S. President Donald J. Trump to abruptly halt trade talks and impose new tariff threats.

Canada pivots from U.S. dependence as IMF warns of global economic slowdown 

On Oct. 14, the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s World Economic Outlook (WEO) reported that global growth is stabilising, with inflation easing but remaining uneven while risking a downward economic spiral. The WEO emphasizes the need for credible monetary policy, fiscal consolidation and structural reforms to sustain resilience and restore confidence in the global economy. 

Parents gather in protest against speed camera ban 

On the morning of Oct. 20, parents gathered at schools across the province to protest the Ford government’s plans to terminate the speed safety camera program. This day of action centred on the important role speed cameras play for families and young children across Ontario. 

Brock Young Liberals Club aims to drive student engagement in politics  

The Brock Young Liberals Club aims to build community while increasing student participation in all levels of politics.

Exploring the best St. Catharines dining has to offer  

Searching for good places to eat in Niagara can be difficult, especially if you don’t know where to look. Too often, we take the path of least resistance and end up at a chain restaurant located conveniently close to Brock. Tempted by a happy hour special or the comfort of a familiar menu, you might leave feeling underwhelmed and overcharged.

Canadian government in talks with China as rumours over EVs swirl 

Prime Minister Mark Carney has identified a “turning point in Canada-China relations” following a brief meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting falls on the heels of media reports from minor agencies that the federal government is preparing to drop the 100 per cent Chinese electric vehicle (EV) tariff after failed U.S. trade negotiations. 

Forever Canadian petition: Albertans speak out against separatism 

The “Forever Canadian” citizen-initiative petition is moving through Alberta’s direct-democracy process after receiving approval from Elections Alberta earlier this year. The initiative asks Albertans if they agree that the province should remain part of Canada, marking one of the most high-profile petitions launched under the province’s citizen-initiative legislation. 

Federal budget threatens early election  

The Liberal Party of Canada, which is currently under Prime Minister Mark Carney’s leadership, lacks the number of votes needed to pass its current budget, threatening to send voters to the ballot box early as the new budget’s spending departs from that of previous governments.

Doug Ford to end evergreen leases, effectively ending rent control 

New legislation in the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act by Doug Ford’s Ontario government contains provisions to end evergreen leases through security of tenure. Critics warn that this act will put many renters on the street as the province aims to “protect tenants while supporting landlords.”

Join Dr. Tarek Loubani to learn about Palestinian healthcare amidst a genocide and the impact of statehood at “Medicine on the Frontlines” talk  

On the evening of Nov. 5, Dr. Loubani will visit St. Catharines’ First Ontario Performing Arts Centre to discuss his experience working as a healthcare professional in Gaza and the impact of global support on Palestinian sovereignty.

Pentagon pledge and the price of free press 

In October, the United States Department of Defense (DoD) — recently renamed via presidential directive as the Department of War (DoW) — under Secretary Pete Hegseth, introduced a sweeping set of new press-access rules which have been widely characterised as a “pledge” that credentialed journalists covering the Pentagon must sign. The policy requires reporters to affirm that they will not solicit or publish information that has not been authorised for release, even if unclassified, and threatens revocation of press credentials for non-compliance. 

Five ways to celebrate Halloween week in Niagara 

As autumn deepens and pumpkins dot the countryside, the Niagara Region offers a strong mix of chills and thrills for the last week of October. Whether you’re looking for an all-out scare or a cozy, family-friendly outing, the region has plenty of ways to celebrate the week of Halloween.

HEQCO report reveals that Ontario students face barriers when accessing campus health services 

Every major Ontario university now operates counselling and health programs. Brock University provides same-day “Open Door” sessions and a 24-hour crisis line. McMaster University offers single-session counselling by phone. Western University runs an urgent-care clinic that extends hours to 7 p.m. on some weekdays. Queen’s University lists 24-hour crisis resources through its “Get Help Now” system. 

The New York gossip queen that vanished   

Where has Wendy Williams been, and will she ever return to her throne as the gossip queen of New York City? 

Conflicting weather reports for this upcoming winter  

Climate change doesn’t mean that there will be no more snowfall; rather, it leads to more unpredictable weather in general. As the air begins to cool, experts have started logging their annual predictions for winter weather on the eastern continent, and there’s no clear consensus between meteorologists and weather gurus on social media.  

Ontario spends $75 million on Reagan ads that target Americans  

The Government of Ontario has announced that they intend to continue their anti-tariff advertising campaign across the border with $75 million in fresh funding for ads targeting Americans.

Where does rapture content come from? 

As our political climate remains in a troubling state, whisperings that the “end times” are near can be convincing — leading theories to spread rapidly in online spaces. 

Mapping MAMM #4: What the f*** is Canadian Literature anyway? 

Mapping MAMM is an ongoing series which gets into the research questions surrounding the Mapping Ann-Marie MacDonald Research Project. My previous articles have introduced the project as well as examined its cross-disciplinarity and ethics of care. In this fourth installment, I’ll get into the “fraught construct” that is CanLit. 

Late Night comedy in the face of censorship  

Jimmy Kimmel is a late-night comedy staple. Having been on the air since 2003, the comedian is perhaps best known for his viral videos, including “Mean Tweets” — where celebrities read hateful posts on X and his long running YouTube series “I Told My Kids I Ate All Their Halloween Candy.” Kimmel has always been a relatively tame figure in late night media. Though not as politically neutral as Jimmy Fallon, he is certainly not as outspoken as fellow late-night hosts Seth Meyers, Stephen Colbert, John Stewart or John Oliver. 

USA: Not fascist, just anti-anti-fascism 

The United States is not a fascist state. Elections still occur, courts still sometimes check executive power and journalists and comedians still speak out against the government. Within the remains of a democratic framework, on Sept. 22, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order designating “Antifa” — a composition of autonomous groups affiliated with political movements against fascism and other far-right extremist ideologies — as a domestic terrorist organization. Despite the lack of legal framework for this designation, the executive order purports that dissent against the Trump administration is a threat to national security rather than a legitimate democratic right

The war within: Pete Hegseth and the weaponization of U.S. military identity 

When Pete Hegseth — formally the U.S. Secretary of Defense, but ceremonially the Secretary of War — took the stage at Marine Corps Base Quantico on Sept. 30, his first words carried the weight of an era. “Welcome to the War Department,” he said to a packed auditorium of generals, admirals and senior officers. “The era of the Department of Defense is over.”

Five activities to add to your fall bucket list 

If you’re looking for something fun to add to your bucket list this fall, this list of autumn activities is perfect for you. 

Brock’s Wellness Fair spotlights countless student services and opportunities  

The 2025 Brock Wellness Fair gave students the chance to explore a wide range of services, supports and community spaces available both on and off campus. From volunteer initiatives and interfaith opportunities to a variety of mental health supports and athletics, the fair displayed a growing list of opportunities for students to take care of themselves, connect with others and make Brock feel like home. 

10 years after TRC’s Calls to Action and Canada’s promises of reconciliation are still pending 

Ten years have passed since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) released their landmark Final Report in June 2015. The Commission, established under the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, spent seven years gathering testimony from over 6,000 Survivors to document the devastating legacy of residential schools. This led them to issuing 94 Calls to Action — a roadmap for governments, institutions and Canadians to repair harm and build a more just future. These Calls were never meant as symbolic gestures; they were concrete, actionable steps. A decade later, one question remains: has Canada lived up to them?

Buyback or backfire? Ottawa’s gun compensation program faces mounting pushback  

In late September, Ottawa announced an official gun buyback pilot program in Nova Scotia — the first step toward removing more than 2,500 models of legally purchased, now-prohibited firearms from licensed Canadian gun owners.

Communities react as white supremacists march across GTA and Niagara 

Throughout September, white supremacist groups have become vocal, staging marches to little media attention — but strong public backlash — in both the GTA and Niagara Region.

Doug Ford floating speed cameras bans, suggests funding other measures 

The provincial Newsroom has floated Premier Doug Ford’s intention to introduce legislation to prevent cities and municipalities from operating automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras beginning in October amidst commuting and economic concerns.  

Canada amongst handful of nations to recognize Palestinian sovereignty  

On Sept. 21, in coordination with the British, Portuguese and Australian governments, the Canadian government formally recognized the State of Palestine internationally, joining a total of 150 out of 193 nations to do so. This official recognition comes in contrast to the current U.S. policy which has called Palestinian recognition performative.  

New Go train station opens in Hamilton, VIA rail drama  

Several new developments in rail transportation have occurred in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas. These developments involve efforts from GO Transit and VIA Rail to increase connectivity and convenience for rail users amidst efforts to combat traffic and increase convenience in the province.

“The true writer is the one who writes”: Brock’s Creative Writers’ Club welcomes all writers  

Ethan Huffman, president of the Brock University Creative Writers’ Club, invites writers of all types of media to join the close-knit club to share, enjoy and publish Brock’s creativity.  

Following rejected proposals, Alberta Teacher’s Association goes on strike 

Alberta stands on the threshold of one of its most consequential education battles in decades. 

Tilly Norwood: Start of a new cinematic era or revolt? 

The film industry is no stranger to occasional upheavals from the arrival of talkies to the more recent streaming wars. The development of the world’s first fully A.I.-generated actress, Tilly Norwood, has shaken up Hollywood unlike anything prior. Unveiled this week at the Zurich Film Festival by British media company, Particle6 and its A.I. arm Xicoia, Norwood has ignited a storm of fascination, fear and fury. Marketed as a digital performer “born from code,” Norwood has been introduced with a comedy sketch, a strong Instagram presence where she cosplays as a “broke uni girl” and promotional clips that simulate everything from tearful interviews to red-carpet glamour. Within days, she’s become the face of a larger battle over the future of art, labour and authenticity. 

Mapping MAMM #3: A research community rejecting neoliberal academics to build feminist ethics of care 

Welcome to the third chapter of Mapping MAMM, an ongoing series diving behind the scenes of the Mapping Ann-Marie MacDonald Research Project. This week, I’ll get into how MAMM creates a pedagogically interesting and ethical work environment. For more information, you can read my first and second articles on the project. 

Canada’s 2025 wildfire season: A national emergency 

The summer of 2025 has gone down as the second-worst wildfire season in Canadian history, surpassed only by the blazes of 2023. 

Brock’s Food4U program aims to help students with food insecurity 

The Campus Collaborative for Student Food Security aims to help students facing food insecurity with a variety of initiatives open to all students throughout the year.  

Build Canada Homes: Will Canadian graduates ever become homeowners? 

The federal government’s launch of Build Canada Homes (BCH) in September placed housing policy at the centre of national debate. For students and young workers facing rising rent, stagnant wages and burdensome debt, the program has been described as a long-awaited intervention. Yet questions remain surrounding whether BCH represents meaningful structural change or if it is only a symbolic initiative.

iOS 26: Liquid Glass and beyond 

Apple’s latest operating system is now available and promises a completely new user interface, revolutionizing how you interact with your iPhone. 

Lego club goes to Bricks in the Six  

Brock University’s LEGO Club is gearing up for their second year at Bricks in the Six, Canada’s largest LEGO convention occurring on Saturday, Nov. 15. For just $40 — which covers transportation and the entry fee — any Brock student with a love for LEGO can participate. The convention is located at the Hilton in Meadowvale, Mississauga.  

Behind the scenes of your textbooks: How digital access works in Canadian universities 

By this point in the academic term, most students will have reviewed their course syllabi and either purchased, rented or pirated physical or digital copies of their textbooks. In doing so, they reprise their roles as the final actors in a larger system of publisher licenses, library limitations and institutional programs that dictate what materials will — or will not — be accessed and taught. 

The Brock pisser: is it going to happen again and again? 

The university “pisser” meme has arrived at Brock University. 

Mapping MAMM #2: A Humanities project spanning across literature, technology and geography 

This is leg two of Mapping MAMM, a series exploring various research questions around the Mapping Ann-Marie MacDonald Research Project. In this chapter, I’ll analyze the cross-disciplinarity of the project. You can read the first, introductory installment of the series here. 

Gun violence debates resurface online following the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk 

If you are a young adult with access to social media, it’s safe to assume that you have seen at least one debate featuring the conservative influencer, Charlie Kirk.  

A guide to Niagara’s 74th Grape and Wine Festival 

Niagara is well known for its flourishing wine industry. As Canada’s largest wine growing region, Niagara produces 30 per cent of Ontario's wine, amounting to 6.5 million litres in 2024. The escarpment’s wine makers take pride in their ability to craft remarkable vintages year after year.  

Ontario’s cities combat homelessness, real solutions remain out of reach 

On Sept. 9, Mayor Alex Nuttall of Barrie, Ontario declared a state of emergency in response to the increased risk that homeless encampments have posed to both Barrie residents and members living within the encampments.  

Hungry customers, no suppliers: Canada’s youth face the bleakest job market in over a decade 

In August, Statistics Canada reported that Canada’s youth unemployment rate reached 14.5 per cent, the highest it has been in over a decade, excluding the pandemic years. In comparison, the national unemployment rate stood at 7.1 per cent. 

Degrees of dependence: the cost of capping international students   

The federal government’s decision to reduce the number of international students accepted into Canadian universities has upended 2025 budgets across the nation. Institutions are reporting hiring freezes, cancelled courses and ominous deficits.  

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