Nominations for LUSU's 2026 General Election are open until this Friday, February 20th. Students who self-nominate can run for a variety of Executive Team positions, or for a seat on LUSU's Board of Directors. How does this election actually affect you as a student? Why should you care to get involved? If you do choose to run, how do you effectively represent yourself to voters? I spoke with a LUSU representative to answer these, and several other pressing questions about the election. 

It may feel far off right now, but before you know it, you're likely to be begging mother nature to turn the heat down. 2026 is predicted to be the hottest year since rigorous recording of annual temperatures started in 1850. What does that really mean in terms of what we can expect to deal with across the country (apart from a lot of sweating)?

Sara investigates the latest in cosmetic alterations.

Last week, instead of going down a rabbit hole, we are going to dig ourselves into the groundhog burrow. Who are these groundhogs? What do they say about this spring's arrival? Why do we care? More importantly, why should we care? From Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil all the way to Nova Scotia's Lucy the Lobster, let's peel back how groundhogs (and groundhog-adjacents) came to be such iconic portents of spring. 

America is taking a couple of pages out of the authoritarian playbook, and it seems like the US youth are all for it. Come and learn about how easily you might be falling for national propaganda. 

Last Tuesday, a 3.7 magnitude earthquake struck just 23 kilometers away from Orillia. As unusual as this was, it's not the only strange climatic event the region has seen in recent years. Despite its unassuming geography, southern Ontario has fallen victim - not only to earthquakes - but also, several other types of extreme events. Most notably, we have been subject to tornadoes, and, as many will remember all too well - ice storms. What drives this unusual behaviour from the climate? 

From memes to Trump’s latest photoshoot, your morning glass of milk has been hijacked as a symbol for white supremacy, and the reason is much weirder than you think. 

When the opinions of your leader become the facts of your nation, is it still democracy? Or have we entered the era of American fascism? Find out in this article by staff writer Faisal Al-Saati. 

Thunder Bay writer Sara Stoppel investigates our neighbor to the south, and what’s going on with ICE.

For years, United States President Donald Trump has expressed interest in expanding United States territory to include a variety of resource-rich, international lands. In the last few weeks, he's made several extreme political moves to make this a reality. Just how far will he go to win this unsettling, real-world game of Catan?

Lakehead Orillia is currently equipped with two laboratories, one used primarily for chemistry, and the other, biology. From the outside, these labs may seem underwhelming compared to those of larger university campuses. Yet, under closer inspection, the passion of Lakehead Orillia's students and instructors, as well as the versatility of the equipment, becomes clear. Let's take a closer look at the unique research being conducted here in our backyard, and how our tools enable us to explore significant questions of today's world. 

Lakehead is expanding further into Simcoe County with its new STEM Hub, but this development doesn’t come without foundational challenges and the question of feasibility for students. Read all about Lakehead's new development and the potential issues with it here. 

As winter approaches, many familiar avian faces disappear. Seeking refuge in the warmth, southward migrations that began in early autumn are now coming to an end. However, for some of the world's northernmost birds, Ontario is south. Staff Writer Eriel explores the exceptional ornithology of some arctic birds that overwinter in our backyard.

In Ontario and beyond, the arts are facing attacks from corporations and broader institutions, forcing students into roles of unquestioning production. In this opinion piece by staff writer Faisal Al-Saati, learn about how the arts are suffering, and why that’s a bad thing.

Quebec is trying to declare itself a “Free National State” without a single vote. So, why is no one talking about it? Read more about Quebec’s recent moves here. 

Does the return of cowboy boots indicate people are yearning for a simpler time, or

are they perhaps a reflection of the extreme right-wing political landscape? Staff Writer Sara Stoppel does a deep dive into the political landscape and its effects on fashion.

For the hundredth time Trump is caught in the middle of a scandal. How scummy could you be if the most prolific child sex trafficker is surprised by “just how dirty Donald is.” 

Earlier this week, a joint statement released by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced their plan to expedite development of the Port of Churchill Plus, an improved version of the current Port that would allow for improved global trade opportunities. Read all about the updates here.

Lakehead Orillia is playing chess, but it’s got a different plan to win. In this article, Orillia Staff Writer Faisal answers whether Lakehead is a “super lobbyist”

Lakehead University’s Orillia Campus is on the brink of a transformative expansion, with a $15 million investment from the County of Simcoe, a student Union Pledge of $400K, and a proposed dedicated student building, setting the stage for a stronger local economy, more programs, and a regional education hub.