The Decibel

Measles cases have been popping up all over the world, including in Canada. This highly contagious virus can be devastating – and even deadly – to people who haven’t been vaccinated against it.The Globe and Mail’s health columnist André Picard explains why we’re seeing this sudden rise and what can be done about it.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

Newly released documents reveal fired scientists shared information with China, posing a threat to Canada's economic security. The podcast explores the controversy, foreign interference, and government's delayed disclosure. It delves into the scientists' connections, challenges in investigating foreign interference, and the health minister's actions to address the situation.

Exploring Canada's new limited Pharmacare bill that provides coverage for two drug categories. Cost analysis suggests an annual cost of 30 to 40 billion but could be reduced to 13 or 14 billion. Discussion on the potential for a universal system in the future and the challenges in implementing a national Pharmacare program.

There are increasing shortages in the skilled trades in Canada, and provinces and territories are desperate to get people to fill them – so, they’re turning to young people. There are programs across the country to get high school students engaged in the trades, but Ontario has proposed the most radical solution yet – allowing students to leave high school early.Today, The Globe’s education reporter Caroline Alphonso explains how provinces are trying to encourage young people into the trades, and why we might need to rethink the approach to what happens after high school.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

Exploring why discount airlines struggle in Canada, focusing on Lynx Air's recent shutdown. The challenges faced by discount carriers, including competition with major airlines, debts, and customer repercussions. Analyzing the disparities in airport fees and lack of investment opportunities for low-cost carriers. Discussing the impact of Lynx's closure on the Canadian airline industry and the future of discount airlines like Flair.

Exclusive deals between insurance companies and pharmacies spark controversy as patients, pharmacists, and ministers question transparency and consumer choice. The impact of preferred pharmacy networks (PPNs) on patient treatment approval is debated. The podcast explores the backlash against PPNs, the complexity of exclusive insurance deals, and the challenges posed by rising drug costs in private health insurance.

For the first time ever, a spacecraft built by a private company has landed on the moon. The robotic lander, named Odysseus, touched down in the south polar region on Thursday. But not before a nerve-wracking communications blackout and an off-kilter landing that have scientists racing against time.What is Odysseus’ purpose? What could this mean for future space projects like NASA’s Artemis missions in 2026? Ivan Semeniuk, The Globe’s science reporter, joins the show to explain the historic feat.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

Since the murder of a Muslim family by a self-described white nationalist in London, Ont. in 2021, debate has raged over whether this crime was an act of terrorism under Canadian law. Last week’s Ontario Superior Court ruling has settled the matter: Nathaniel Veltman’s targeted attacks on the Afzaal family is a ‘textbook’ example of terrorism.Globe reporter Colin Freeze has been covering the case and joins The Decibel to explain the precedent-setting decision, why defining terrorism matters in Canada, and what this means in protecting the victims of terrorist crimes.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

Two years ago, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Now, with Russia on the front foot, many towns that have been safe for months are being thrust back onto the frontlines, like Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine.Today, The Globe’s senior international correspondent Mark MacKinnon, who’s in Kharkiv, tells us about the frontlines of the war two years on, how the soldiers are doing, and what it means for Ukraine’s army that Western support is slowing down.If you’d like to learn more, The Globe is doing a live Q&A with Mark on Saturday, February 24 at 10 a.m. ET, here.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

The latest poll numbers are looking grim for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberals. According to an Abacus poll in February, the Trudeau-led Liberals are polling at 24 per cent and the PM himself is deeply unpopular among voters of all ages. More than a year out from the next election, is the incumbent government already doomed?John Ibbitson, The Globe’s Writer-At-Large, explains the factors that have led to the Liberals’ steep decline and whether this is simply the end of a political cycle – as a new one could soon begin.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com