If you’re drinking your iced coffee through a straw while reading this on your phone, you need to stop … stop using a straw that is. Today in The Conversation Canada, Riley Schnurr and Tony Robert Walker of Dalhousie University look at the sudden push by corporations to be environmentally friendly by banning plastic straws. Is it really worth the effort? Our experts say it is, for many reasons.

Doug Ford has made several decisive moves since becoming Ontario’s premier. For those who oppose Ford’s agenda, what can be done given that his Progressive Conservative government has a majority? Brian Budd of the University of Guelph says there are lessons to be learned by others around the world who have taken on populist politicians.

Here’s a strange thought: video gamers could someday compete in the Olympics. Believe it or not, it’s something being discussed seriously. Olympian Nicole Forrester of Ryerson University points out why that’s a very bad idea.

Does morality come from religion? Jim Davies of Carleton University has written a fascinating article about how research shows there’s little difference in the morals of religious believers and atheists.

And finally…the horrific shooting in Toronto on Sunday night has shocked both the city and people across the country – especially coming just a few months after the van attack that killed 10 people. After the van attack, Margaret McKinnon of McMaster University wrote about how people impacted by events like this can suffer PTSD and she’s updated that article today to include the fallout from the shooting.

Regards,