Janice Dickson, an international affairs reporter for The Globe and Mail, shares insights from her frontline reporting in Israel and the West Bank. She details the shaky ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, highlighting significant prisoner exchanges. The emotional landscape is stark, with jubilations mingling with grief as families navigate the duality of hope and despair. Dickson also discusses the political implications of the ceasefire and the poignant atmosphere surrounding Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, a tribute to those still held captive.

Richard Kerbaj, a journalist and author of "The Secret History of the Five Eyes," dives into the dynamics of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. He discusses Canada’s crucial role, the historical intricacies of the network, and intelligence failures, including a notable cover-up involving ISIS. With rising threats from China, he examines how a potential Trump presidency might challenge the coalition's unity and effectiveness, emphasizing the necessity of trust and collaboration among member nations.

In this installment, Susan Krashinsky Robertson, a retailing reporter from the Globe, dives into the alarming rise of organized retail theft in Canada. She discusses the shift from petty theft to violent crime and the serious toll it's taking on businesses. With police and retailers struggling to keep up, Susan highlights the complexities of public sentiment towards theft, especially in light of economic challenges. From online marketplaces fueling this issue to the risks facing retail workers, it's a thought-provoking exploration of a pressing social concern.

In this discussion, Salman Farooqui, a journalist for the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business specializing in natural disaster economics, unpacks the devastating impact of the L.A. wildfires, which could lead to skyrocketing insurance rates across Canada. He highlights the staggering financial implications, estimating losses could reach $275 billion. Farooqui also delves into how Canada’s insurance industry is adapting to these trends and discusses essential strategies homeowners can adopt to mitigate risks and potentially save on insurance costs.

Stefanie Marotta, banking reporter for The Globe and Mail, delves into TD Bank's recent guilty plea for conspiracy to commit money laundering and its hefty $3 billion fine. She discusses the shockwaves from the scandal, including the early exit of TD's CEO and an overhaul of leadership. Marotta reveals how this scandal may affect customers directly and raises concerns about regulatory differences between Canada and the U.S. The discussion also highlights potential long-term repercussions for the entire Canadian banking industry.

Stephanie Levitz, a Senior reporter for The Globe and Mail, offers keen insights into the unfolding Liberal leadership race. She highlights the serious contenders like Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney, and the unique challenges they face as the party grapples with declining popularity. Levitz discusses the balancing act of finding a leader capable of rebuilding the party while also confronting strong opponents like Pierre Poilievre. The conversation also touches on generational shifts and the implications for the upcoming federal election.

Jeff Gray, a political reporter for the Globe and Mail and House League hockey coach, discusses Canada's strategic response to the looming Trump presidency. He highlights the leadership vacuum after Trudeau's planned resignation and how provincial premiers are stepping up. Gray explains the unity challenges faced amidst conflicting interests and explores recent political maneuvers, including symbolic gestures like a baseball cap opposing U.S. tariffs. The conversation delves into the economic risks for Canada, especially regarding potential job losses in the auto sector.

Thomas Juneau, a Professor of public and international affairs at the University of Ottawa, dives into the complexities of the recent ceasefire in Gaza. He discusses the immediate emotions surrounding the announcement and the shifting sentiments in Israel. Juneau highlights the uphill battle ahead, focusing on hostage exchanges and the precarious trust between conflicting parties. He also examines the broader geopolitical implications, including the potential normalization of relations between Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S., underscoring the delicate fabric of peace negotiations.

Megan Garcia, a grieving mother, shares her tragic story about her 14-year-old son Sewell, who took his life after developing a harmful dependency on a chatbot from Character.AI. She details her lawsuit against the company, highlighting the lack of safeguards in place. Joining her is lawyer Meetali Jain, who discusses the legal complexities of AI technologies and the urgent need for accountability in protecting children. They explore the emotional manipulation of chatbots and advocate for stronger regulations to safeguard mental health in the digital age.

Rob Carrick, a personal finance columnist for The Globe and Mail, shares his insights on navigating the uncertain waters of 2025's economy. He discusses the potential effects of U.S. tariffs on Canada, impacting everything from employment to housing. Carrick emphasizes the importance of building savings and investing wisely amidst market volatility. He also dives into the job market dynamics, suggesting practical strategies for budgeting and preparing for significant life changes as mortgage rates and rental markets undergo shifts.