The Decibel

Canadian teens discuss how platforms like Roblox, Discord and short-form video shape friendships, identity and online communities. They talk about cyberbullying, misinformation and mental-health concerns tied to platform design. The group debates proposed age-based bans and suggests fixes like better reporting and moderation instead of simple prohibitions.

James Griffiths, Asia correspondent for The Globe and Mail reporting on geopolitics and energy in Hong Kong. He explores Asia’s heavy reliance on Gulf oil and migrant labor. He examines why China’s ties to Iran have not translated into influence. He discusses economic shocks, risks to manufacturing and remittance-dependent countries.

Bill Curry, deputy Ottawa bureau chief at The Globe and Mail, breaks down the federal plan to find $60 billion in savings. He walks through expected job cuts, which departments and programs may be hit, and how buyouts and reporting practices shape the rollout. He also highlights specific impacts on institutions like Library and Archives and on public transit funding.

Kate Helmore, Globe and Mail reporter on agriculture and food manufacturing, and Susan Krashinsky Robertson, Globe retailing reporter expert on grocers and shelf strategy, discuss Canadian origin labels, the 98% rule and gray zones in labeling. They talk about the surge in origin complaints, how retailers handle shelf space and promotion, and the debate over fines versus encouraging Canadian products.

David Ebner, The Globe and Mail justice reporter who covers courts and constitutional issues, walks through Quebec’s use of the notwithstanding clause. He explains its origins, why provinces revived it recently, and why this Supreme Court hearing could reset how Section 33 is applied. Short, clear takes on political motives, legal limits and the potential ripple effects across Canadian rights and federalism.

Joshua Kane, Globe reporter on arts and culture, unpacks how generative AI is reshaping music. He explains how AI recombines scraped tracks, why fake bands and flooding of streaming services happen, and the legal and financial tug-of-war between labels and AI firms. He also explores whether listeners can spot nonhuman music and how artists are responding.

Jeffrey Jones, a Globe and Mail energy reporter with decades covering oil markets, breaks down why fighting near the Strait of Hormuz has spiked global prices. He walks through shipping disruptions, how global markets push Canadian pump costs, logistics limiting Alberta oil flows, and what policymakers might do to ease consumer pain.

Jeff Gray, Queen's Park reporter for The Globe and Mail who covers Ontario politics. He walks through how freedom of information has uncovered past controversies. He outlines proposed changes to exempt the premier and ministers from FOI. He discusses the government’s privacy rationale and critics’ concerns about reduced transparency.

Oliver Moore, Globe and Mail editorial board member and former urban affairs reporter, explains why cities keep choosing light rail. He contrasts LRTs with subways and BRT, unpacks cost and planning trade-offs, and explores execution problems like P3 contracts and delays. He also points to international successes and offers fixes for building better transit in the future.

Shannon Proudfoot, Globe and Mail feature writer covering federal politics, analyzes Mark Carney’s first year as prime minister. She explores his technocratic, crisis-manager persona and how he cultivated an apolitical image. Short scenes cover his arrival, campaign moments, clashes with political rivals, moments when his mask slips, and whether his style can hold up against long-term political pressures.