Spoke

One inmate shares what life is like inside prison

An inmate at the Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener talks about being incarcerated. “Prison truly is survival of the fittest,” she says.

Elegy for a fair-trade retailer

Ten Thousand Villages Canada is closing its corporate stores, a major loss for fair-trade craftsworkers and shoppers.

OPINION: Liberal conversion therapy bill an affront to both religion and secularism

The Trudeau government’s conversion therapy bill attacks not only religion, but real families.

Is enough being done about injuries in hockey?

Hockey officials have cracked down on body checks, specifically those that drive other players into the boards. However, are they doing enough?

When poetry is slammed: Cancel culture through the eyes of a slam poet

The rise of “cancel culture” has gone from targeting celebrities such as Kanye West, Scarlett Johansson,and Kevin Hart to targeting everyone and anyone.

Economic downturn from COVID-19 to hit new graduates especially hard

According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, 48 per cent of small businesses are partially open due to the coronavirus, 31 per cent have fully announced their closure, and 20 per cent are completely open.

Helping the homeless continues to be a priority

Trying to end homelessness is much more than just trying to provide enough shelter beds.

Weeding out issues in the medical marijuana industry

Neighbours of medicinal marijuana grow-ops are demanding that the government do more to regulate the industry. They are furious that their once tranquil neighbourhood now has more crime and they have to deal with strong odours and potential health effects.

Basketball is Canada’s new favourite sport

Youth in Canada are being inspired by the 22 Canadians now playing on NBA teams – the most ever. And, of course, the Toronto Raptors winning the championship doesn’t hurt either.

The influence of rap music in society

This in-depth look at the world of rap includes the good, the bad and the ugly.

Understanding youth suicide; causes, prevention and advice

Crisis Services Canada says an average of 11 Canadians die every day by suicide. Read about one Waterloo resident’s battle with the dark side, and about programs and services that can help.

Local Iranian Bahá’í expats recount spite of theocratic regime

Iran has long hounded the Bahá’í religious community. Recently, it’s removed their access to national ID cards.

AUDIO: A peek inside what it’s like to be a front line health worker during COVID-19

Charlene Arnold, a Registered Practical Nurse at the London Health Sciences Centre, spoke about being a front line worker, the mental impacts of COVID-19 and staying safe.

Let’s talk milk: Human health, environmental impacts and plant-based alternatives

More people are becoming interested in plant-based milks and raising questions about the dairy industry resulting in an overload of milky information. Here’s a breakdown of what you should know about the Canadian dairy industry.