Who’s on (and who’s allowed to be on) Clubhouse?
A new voice chat-based social media app called Clubhouse has become the talk of tech town. Clubhouse offers something different in the social media space in that it’s focused on audio. Data shows downloads just crossed 10 million in the Apple app store. The majority of those were just in the month of February alone. For an app that was little more than a blip on the radar until recently, it has also caused a fair share of controversy. On February 8, China blocked access to the app across the country, adding it to a list of thousands of websites and apps the ruling party doesn’t want the people to see or use. The Star’s Vancouver-based reporter Joanna Chiu joins “This Matters” host Saba Eitizaz to talk about the good, the bad and the ugly of Clubhouse.
February 24, 2021
jiACJv3DfcQ
What it's like at a long term care home on vaccination day
February 24, 2021
IeC1uZG0ms0
O’Toole pushes the Conservatives to the political middle. Can it work?
The Conservative Party of Canada is in a rebuilding phase as leader Erin O’Toole says there is “no place for the far right” in the party and has signalled a shift to the middle of the political spectrum. Susan Delacourt, national columnist for the Toronto Star, joins “This Matters” host Adrian Cheung to talk about the current state of the Tories, the idea of centrism in 2021 and what the long game strategy is for Canada’s official opposition party.
If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters
February 23, 2021
gZQeHICsBko
Boko Haram survivors, Mellissa Fung and the complexity of shared trauma
Five years ago, Canadian journalist Mellissa Fung was abducted while on assignment in Afghanistan. She survived 28 days of torture and captivity inside a hole in the ground. In her new documentary “Captive,” she makes the rare and difficult move to use the lens of her trauma to revisit the story of the Nigerian school girls who were kidnapped and brutalized by Boko Haram militants. Fung speaks to “This Matters” host Saba Eitizaz about the survivors, their struggle to move on and the strange complexity of shared trauma.
If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters.
February 22, 2021
Np3K3SE04-c
Kevin Donovan discusses the Sherman family’s succession battle
The battle over the multibillion dollar estate of Barry and Honey Sherman is something worthy of Shakespeare or HBO’s “Succession.” From business to charitable pursuits, the children of the Shermans are in a bitter dispute over how to manage their fortune. Kevin Donovan, chief investigative reporter at The Star, has been investigating this case since the December 2017 double homicide and wrote the book “The Billionaire Murders.” He joins “This Matters” to detail what happened to the Sherman family and fortune, and gives an update on the investigation.
If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters.
February 22, 2021
JuFZ5VebowA
How communities are fighting MZOs (Ministerial Zoning Orders)
The Province of Ontario is facing several battles over zoning after use of a tool called MZOs — Ministerial Zoning Orders — was found to expedite the planning process for new development. Some communities are fighting back against the controversial practice. Noor Javed, a Toronto Star reporter, has been following a story in Stratford, Ont. where the community successfully lobbied against the development of a controversial glass factory that benefited from MZOs and in doing so, may have set the standard on how to combat them.
If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters.
February 18, 2021
NVMioSquUVg
TSO Violin Clare Semes and Principal Double Bass Jeffrey Beecher perform Chopin's Nocturne
Making music as a family continues to be the greatest pandemic silver lining for Clare Semes (Violin) and Jeffrey Beecher (Principal Double Bass). Days at home together provide opportunities to discover and re-imagine repertoire for their two instruments, with all rehearsals carefully supervised by their puppy, Theo.
For their Musical Moment, Clare and Jeff are delighted to share the Nocturne in E-flat Major by Frédéric Chopin, a work beloved for its tenderness, beauty, and romance.
February 17, 2021
OOz3nEm4SGQ
Double masks, vaccines and variants: your COVID cheat sheet
As lockdown orders have eased, many elements are still at play in the fight against COVID-19. Dr. Colin Furness, epidemiologist at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, joins “This Matters” host Adrian Cheung to sort through the science of face masks, the vaccination program, debates around reopening and a possible third wave down the road.
If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters
February 17, 2021
dc1Jw5ip1co
Flight risk: Canada’s new travel rules, explained
Are your travel plans up in the air? Do you want to make a run for the border? Canadians have been warned about non-essential travel, but for those who still cross borders the federal government has enacted tougher measures and now requires COVID testing and quarantining when entering Canada. Those who try to dodge the rules will face possible fines. Will it help curb case numbers? Critics say there are still loopholes to travel through. Jacques Gallant, a federal politics reporter, has been following the travel file. He joins us to discuss the government’s latest moves.
If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters.
February 16, 2021
xBw3wKDDUKM
The noisy episode: It’s a little bit louder now
Millions of Canadians say their lives are noisier than they were before the pandemic. Today, Brian Bradley, digital producer for the Star, tells us about the impact of the symphony of noise in downtown Toronto, especially for those whose professional livelihoods depend on peace and quiet, like musicians and performers. Later on, Vancouver-based reporter Joanna Chiu helps cut through the noise and talks about what kind of sounds are driving us batty and how they can affect our health.
If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters.
February 12, 2021
3Oi3d-uxgM4
The need for cultural inclusivity in long-term care
Advocates and families are calling for more cultural inclusivity for Canada’s aging immigrant population living in long-term care, where there is more people of colour than ever before. Toronto Star reporter Olivia Bowden talks to “This Matters” host Saba Eitizaz about what we mean by cultural inclusivity and why we need it in long-term care.
If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters.
February 11, 2021
PD_po-j_Tj4
What counts as a workplace outbreak, anyway?
Toronto Public Health (TPH) defines a workplace outbreak as “two or more people who test positive for COVID-19 within 14 days that are connected to the workplace setting.” Rosa Saba, business reporter for the Toronto Star, joins “This Matters” host Adrian Cheung to sort through the details of workplace outbreaks, and what public health and businesses are doing to report outbreaks to the public when and where they happen.
February 10, 2021
P0_ILY_if3c
Filter turns lawyer into cat during Zoom hearing
The Star is offering free digital access on select COVID-19 stories. Misinformation is plentiful and dangerous and coronavirus news and knowledge evolves. Star reporters are working to bring you clarity, context and responsible facts. To help you get the information you need, articles that provide a public service will live outside our paywall.
Access our round-the-clock coverage free here: https://www.thestar.com/news/world/coronavirus.html
February 10, 2021
v0hkZ43v8IE
Why you miss (and need) casual friendships
The pandemic has shrunk people’s lives. We’ve been limited to seeing the people in our homes, some family and maybe close friends. What happens when lose contact with acquaintances and serendipitous interactions in the world? The loss of this engagement and relationships can have a detrimental effect on our lives. Amanda Mull, staff writer for “The Atlantic,” wrote an article about this and joins “This Matters” to discuss.
If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters.
February 09, 2021
BHj8-Rs1yNA
Canada deported thousands during pandemic. Is it safe?
A Reuters report looking at the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) has revealed that Canada has been deporting thousands of people since November last year, and lawyers say these deportations are ramping up even as COVID-19 rages, putting people needlessly at risk.
The government says the deportations were necessary and done safely.
Maureen Silcoff, president of the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers talks to “This Matters” host Saba Eitizaz about how mass deportations during a devastating pandemic could potentially become a serious health and humanitarian concern.
If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters.
February 08, 2021
Wm9RlpyXmD8
Two people dead, including one shot by York Region police
Const. Laura Nicolle told reporters that police responded to reports of a stabbing just before 2:30 p.m. on February 6, 2021.
February 06, 2021
bF4un4l5Quk
Inside Russia’s protests, and Navalny vs. Putin
It’s a story fit for a Hollywood script: anti-corruption crusader survives an assassination attempt, taking on an iron-fist government, inspiring thousands to take to the streets in protest. But this is Russia’s reality and one of the biggest political stories in the world. Alexei Navalny, opposition leader and political enemy of Russian president Vladimir Putin, has been sentenced to prison after returning to Russia, following a widely-reported poisoning. Isabelle Khurshudyan, Moscow-based correspondent for the Washington Post, talks to “This Matters” host Adrian Cheung about the mass protests in Russia, Navalny’s fight with Putin, and whether this amounts to a real threat against the Kremlin for the first time in decades.
If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters
February 05, 2021
rA_LLLxEZvA
Lesson plan: Why Ontario is reopening schools
With the Ontario government announcing its plan for all schools across the province to reopen, parents responded with a mixture of joy and uncertainty. The majority agrees kids should go back to the classroom, but concerns about safeguards remain as new more contagious variants of COVID-19 spread through the community. Kris Rushowy is a reporter for the Star’s Queen’s Park Bureau who has followed the school element of the pandemic. She shares what to expect and what we still don’t know about the “lesson” plan.
If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters.
February 04, 2021
jSDP8t8ZN8c
TSO bassonist Fraser Jackson plays Mendelssohn's “Song Without Words” with wife Monique de Margerie
Felix Mendelssohn wrote his exquisite “Song Without Words” for cello and piano around 1845, but it was only published for the first time after his death in 1847. SInce then, it has become a favourite in the chamber music repertoire.
Fraser Jackson, who plays both contrabassoon and bassoon for the TSO, chose to honour Mendelssohn’s 212th birthday (Feb. 3) by playing it on bassoon, with his wife Monique de Margerie on piano.
During the summer months, Fraser and Monique spent many afternoons giving impromptu ‘porch concerts’ from the front steps of their home in Parkdale to the delight of their friends and neighbours. Today’s Musical Moment is a virtual extension of one of those concerts that Fraser and Monique hope to resume once the weather and gathering restrictions allow.
February 03, 2021
H5LL13vtvE8
Google’s fight with Australia and what it means to Canada
As governments look for new ways to regulate big technology companies and social media networks, Google and Australia are locked in a dispute that has other nations and industries watching closely. Australia is working on a plan to have online companies compensate publishers whose content they link to. Google says they are in an untenable position and warned the plan may cause them to pull their search engine from the country. Toronto Star reporter Kieran Leavitt has been covering this story and joins “This Matters” to explain what is happening and how it could affect plans in Canada.
If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters.
February 03, 2021
eclj_lUP-Wo