The Decibel

Menaka Raman-Wilms, Rachel Levy-McLaughlin, and Marcus Gee explore the impact of climate change on bird migration at Point Pelee National Park. They witness the challenges faced by birds due to shifting conditions and declining populations. The episode highlights the significance of diverse habitats and conservation efforts to revive endangered bird species.

Robyn Doolittle, The Globe's corporate law reporter, discusses the crisis at a law school following a pro-Palestinian letter. The fallout includes lost funding and job opportunities, sparking division and controversy within the school. Students and faculty navigate political tensions, while the school faces backlash and scrutiny from the legal community.

Senior international correspondent, Mark MacKinnon, discusses the critical role elite Ukrainian soldiers played in defending Kharkiv, the toll of fighting on them, and how they cope with their experiences. The episode explores the soldiers' emotional struggles, their risky missions, and the disappointment of Western military expectations.

Journalist Mark MacKinnon shares gripping accounts of the elite Ukrainian soldiers behind major battles like Kyiv and Mariupol. They discuss daring rescues in Afghanistan, building trust with soldiers using code names, defending critical airports during the invasion, and the valor and sacrifices of soldiers like Markus and Azar.

Former health reporter Carly Weeks discusses the importance of midwives in Canada's healthcare system, their role in childbirth, challenges they face with recognition and pay equity, and innovative programs to integrate midwives into the healthcare system to address staff shortages and improve access to care.

Exploring Canada's transition to green energy, the crucial role of hydroelectric power, challenges in maintaining hydro dams, advantages of hydroelectricity, costs of upkeep, comparison with nuclear facilities, and the political implications of energy supply decisions.

Canadian parliamentarians are accused of collaborating with foreign agents for personal benefits, sparking concerns about foreign interference in Canada. The report suggests parliamentarians may have interacted with foreign diplomats, accepted benefits, and influenced colleagues for foreign interests. The government's response to the report and the introduction of Bill C-70 to combat foreign interference are discussed in detail.

Canada’s cultural institutions are coming up against serious economic challenges. Theatre companies say they’re facing a crisis as they struggle to recover from pandemic closures. The Montreal-based ‘Just For Laughs’, one of the world’s biggest comedy festivals, has canceled their 2024 festival and filed for creditor protection. In May, Hot Docs, an international documentary festival, announced they would temporarily close their theatre due to financial constraints.Globe business reporter Josh O’Kane has reported on a number of arts organizations cancelling shows, closing their doors, and announcing they’re on the brink of collapse. He joins the show to break down what factors lead up to this moment and what hope the arts industry can look towards.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Journalist Mark Rendell discusses the Bank of Canada's interest rate cut, its impact on individuals and the economy, and potential future rate cuts. Realtors hope for a housing market boost. Insights into the art and science of rate cuts and the central bank's future moves.

Last week, former U.S. president Donald Trump was found guilty on 34 felony counts. In speeches and interviews following the decision, he used religiously-charged language and called on supporters to get revenge at the polls. This isn’t the first time Trump has utilized evangelical references, but his 2024 election campaign is increasingly relying on apocalyptic rhetoric.U.S. political analyst and author Jared Yates Sexton is on the show to explain the wide appeal of the religious right’s messaging, the intersection of evangelicalism and the Make America Great Again Movement and how a loss of faith in democratic institutions underlies the appeal of religious narratives.Questions? Comments? Ideas? E-mail us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.