The Big Story

Joyce Arthur, longtime abortion rights activist and founder of the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada, and Frederique Chabot, Director of Health Promotion at Action Canada, discuss Canadian abortion policy, decriminalization versus legislation, and access barriers. They cover inequities for rural, low-income, Indigenous and trans communities, cross-border effects from U.S. restrictions, and progress like mifepristone and telemedicine.

Carolyn Egan, longtime Toronto organizer and abortion-rights activist, recalls grassroots networks and direct actions before the Morgentaler ruling. She discusses cross-border travel for care, setting up clinics with Morgentaler, mass mobilizations, and the legal fight that led to decriminalization. The conversation also touches on post-ruling backlash and ongoing access gaps.

A news roundup covering Mark Carney’s Tokyo trip focused on trade, security and critical minerals partnerships. Canada and the U.S. resume CUSMA talks with tariffs on the table. The U.S. escalates strikes on Iran and allies coordinate evacuations. Political shakeups in U.S. security leadership and the aftermath of a major retailer’s creditor protection are also discussed.

David Prerau, author and daylight saving time researcher, shares the origin story of DST and why it stuck. He debunks common myths, reviews energy and safety studies, and recounts past year‑round time trials that backfired. The conversation also covers cross‑jurisdictional headaches and what policymakers should weigh before making permanent changes.

Coverage of Canada weighing potential involvement as the Iran conflict widens. Roundup of regional strikes, drones and missiles reshaping diplomacy. Updates on Canada’s evacuation efforts and rising gas prices after shipping disruptions. Discussion of portable classrooms for trauma-affected students and renewed conspiracy chatter tied to leaked files. Pop culture note on a celebrity DUI arrest.

Travis View, a researcher of QAnon and online extremist movements, breaks down how the massive, redacted Epstein files are fueling conspiracy subcultures. He explores how gaps and formatting errors invite wild theories. He traces connections to Pizzagate and QAnon, explains how misinformation spreads, and offers ways to read these documents more critically.

Coverage of international tensions as the US signals increased action against Iran and an Iranian warship is sunk. Discussion of a leader's overseas trip to Europe and calls for middle-power cooperation. Reports on a push for an inquest into a shooting and the potential deportation of the Humboldt Broncos driver. Examination of debate over immigration and Alberta's identity politics.

Stephen Carter, veteran Alberta campaign manager and president of Decide Campaigns, offers political strategy insight. He breaks down why immigration and separation questions are being tied together. He explains the referendum timing and compares risks to Brexit and Quebec. He also explores how political messaging fuels anti-immigrant sentiment and the potential economic fallout.

Coverage of escalating Iran–Israel–US strikes and the regional ripple effects, including threats to shipping and embassy security. Debate in Washington over limits on presidential strike authority. Discussion of whether military pressure could topple Iran’s leadership. Reports on Mark Carney’s international trade visits and a deadly bus crash in the Dominican Republic. A posthumous acting award win is also noted.

Nader Hashemi, Georgetown professor of Middle East politics, and Thomas Juneau, University of Ottawa international affairs professor, discuss Iran after Khamenei’s death. They explore Canada’s backing of U.S. strikes, how Iranian institutions might respond, the limits of external calls for uprising, and the geopolitical risks of military action. Short, sharp takes on regime resilience and international fallout.