A lot of us have been completely consumed by the news around COVID-19 and panic-scrolling through social media all day and night. At the same time, a lot of us have also been trying to read more books because of all the free time we have in isolation, and because reading is just good for you. So today, Vox’s book critic Constance Grady is back on the show to give book recommendations for whatever mental state you might find yourself in. Welcome to our quarantine book club. 

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Quarantine book club

A daily Global News podcast released every afternoon just in time for your commute home. The world moves way too fast and it’s easy to fall behind the news cycle. Host Tamara Khandaker takes you beyond the headlines to reveal the full story, explore new angles, ask tough questions, and talk directly to the people most affected by the big stories.

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In recent months, public experts are in agreement that wearing a mask in public is one of the only ways we can help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the absence of a treatment or a vaccine. Still, there are tons of people who refuse to wear one, saying it’s uncomfortable or a violation of their constitutional rights. Today, we’re talking to a behavioural psychologist about why we should all be wearing masks right now, and how we can convince those who won’t to change their minds.

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How to deal with anti-maskers

The Twitter accounts of some of the world’s most powerful people were hacked on Wednesday in a brazen attack. Hackers took over accounts belonging to Elon Musk, Barack Obama, Bill Gates, and many others, to promote a bitcoin scam. How did this happen and what should we make of it? We’ve got Motherboard’s senior editor Jordan Pearson to help us make sense of it all.

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Hackers came for Elon Musk and other high-profile Twitter users

The Canadian government has been spending huge amounts on financial assistance programs for people and businesses affected by the pandemic. A major one has been the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), which is $500 a week to help those who have lost their jobs or work hours. The program has been praised for its effectiveness, and it’s also reignited the debate around universal basic income (UBI). Today, we’re joined by Sheila Block, senior economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, to talk about whether we could see UBI in our future.





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First CERB... then universal basic income?

This week, Ontario is moving into Stage 3 of reopening, which means that more places like indoor bars and gyms are opening. Even though Ontario has been flattening the curve to some extent, a lot of people are concerned that we’re moving too fast and that there could be a surge in cases. Today, we’re joined by the Globe and Mail’s health reporter Carly Weeks to talk about what Stage 3 means, why there’s a plan for reopening bars but not for schools, and whether we’re ready.

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Ontario is entering Stage 3, but is that a good idea?

Justin Trudeau is facing his third investigation by Canada’s ethics watchdog after outcry over a $900 million federal contract awarded to WE Charity. The controversy over the now-cancelled WE Charity government contract ramped up this week after it was revealed that Trudeau’s family members were paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to speak at WE Charity events. Today, we’re joined by Global News’ chief political correspondent David Akin to break down the debacle and what it says about Trudeau and the Liberals. 





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Quarantine book club

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