The City of Peterborough’s 2025 Draft Budget proposesd a cut to city contribution towards the Art Gallery of Peterborough. Debby Keating, the President of the AGP’s Board, details the impacts of these funding cuts.

Community contributor James Cullingham comes to bear on Canadians despairing the re-election of one Donald J. Trump, arguing that the popular response is revelatory of one of our worst tendencies as a nation.

Guest contributor Steve French bowls over coverage of a new cornerstone which was unveiled by Trent University administrators on November 15th.

Arthur's AGM is just around the corner and we want YOU to be there! Grab your friends, lovers, loved ones, and nemeses and drag them all down to Sadleir House for 5:00 PM on Wednesday, November 20th, for a rolicking night of policy and vegetarian catering. See you there!

I want more men to be made aware of the velocity of privilege they hold in our society. I want them to feel a sliver of what it feels like to constantly be hyper-aware of your surroundings, and then put on their feminist cardigan and see if it’s all really so aesthetic now. 

David King explores his thoughts on medical transition and his persistent anxieties around his impending double mastectomy.

David King's anti-advice antics return with the year's first Dear David. This month our quizzical columnist responds to an anxious inquirer looking for advice on ethical bush trimming.

Arthur journalist and literary fanatic, Ciara Richardson, reviews The Best Canadian Poetry 2025.

A November 12th Special Meeting of Peterborough City Council saw 37 delegates registered to speak to councilors. Chief among their concerns were a series of items including arts and social services funding identified in Appendix B of the Draft Budget Report which could be subject to cuts in council's bid for a 5% tax rate.

The 2024 Fall By-Election saga comes to an end as Electoral results are ratified and further details about this year's cheating scandal are revealed.

A look at the career of influential sports photographer, Walter Iooss Jr., through his work with Sports Illustrated and collaborations with Michael Jordan.

Students and alumini attend the annual Fall Shakespeare Pub Night for an evening of performances, comedy, and community.

Despite Council's August directive to plan a budget at a 5% tax rate, the Draft Budget presented by Richard Freymond at Monday night's meeting sported a 7.8% tax rate inflated by unexpected operating costs and increased Police budget asks.

Ian Vansegbrook returns to his exhaustive coverage of Trent's Varsity Volleyball team's first games of the year, and interviews with the coaches and players.

Silent Hill 2, one of the most popular horror games of all time, has just had a high-budget remake released. Ciara Richardson takes this as an opportunity to talk about the game's enduring popularity, and the renewed interest in horror games from an earlier era.

It's time to talk about the most overlooked students at Trent : those suffering from demonic possession. Louanne Morin explores the day-to-day intricacies of being a Business student and the vessel of the Cursed One.

Trent University's Alternative Arts Collective is a young organization working with local artists. Learn what they've got planned for this year, and how they've grown since their inception.

After multiple TCSA Elections candidates' platforms flagged for the use of Generative AI, Journalist Louanne Morin is compelled to ask: what guidelines determine the fair and transparent use of Generative AI in the university setting, and how does Trent plan to employ this emerging technology?

This Halloween, settle down for a campfire story about the most bone-chilling topic of all: the state of Peterborough studen housing

Humorist Stephen Leacock would find no shortage of fodder in the City of Peterborough's devotion to Pickleball, writes community member James Cullingham.

Peterborough Police Chief, Stu Betts, reported to council during a General Committee Meeting that the Community F.I.R.S.T. Response Team actually does respond to 100% of the calls made. How come people aren't seeing officers arrive at the scene? Well, maybe they just aren't looking hard enough.

Whose death gets to be important in the scales of culture?

Arthur revels in the history of it all at the Peterborough Theatre Guild's production of Mary's Wedding.

The October 20th TCSA Board of Directors meeting unveils the reason behind the latest TCSA Election's cancellation: a cheating attempt by the ex-interim TCSA President, Riya Jaykar.

David King's anti-advice antics return with the year's first Dear David. This month our quizzical columnist responds to an anxious inquirer seeking help with a spiritual sickness—and pursues an entrepeurnerial new venture.

Eating chicken and learning it's okay to be a bitch, sometimes.

Personally, after watching Todd Phillips' much-anticipated Joker sequal, all I could ask myself was the simple question: Why? Why is this movie so hated?

As the year before, the Trent Central Student Association's Semi-Annual General Meeting struggled to reach quorum on October 17th

Doctors are warning that medieval diseases are on the rise as Canadians scramble to address food insecurity, and resort to unconventional dietary changes to mitigate budgetary restraints.

From Star Trek’s Data and Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands to Marvel’s Vision, science fiction on the big screen has a history of using the struggles of robotic characters as an analogue for autism, often through a Pinocchio-esque desire to be “more human”. In this article, Arthur journalist Liam Andrews discusses such depictions of Andy the Android in Alien: Romulus

Arthur journalist, Ian Vansegbrook, decides to throw his hat into the movie reviewing ring to dissect the modern cult classic horror comedy: Vicious Fun.

Kiki sits down with Douglas Sanderson, co-author of The Valley of the Birdtail and this year’s keynote speaker for the Craddock Lecture series, asking “What does it mean to right historical wrongs?”

Willow Latella questions her own biases about Good Art™ while considering how to nurture a literary environment that speaks for everyone.

In a new daring piece of journalism, Louanne Morin tackles what truly sets her apart from her fellow Trent students.

Head of the Trent correspondent and professional masochist Evan Robins brings you the REAL journalism you've been desperately craving: listening to what drunk people had to say this weekend.

In the third installment of his series on Neurodivergent Professors, Ian speaks with Trent instructor Emily Bruusgaard about her experiences not in academia, but in life.

In the midst of an overdose crisis, Premier Doug Ford has decided to force the closure of 10 of Ontario's safe use centres, leaving hundreds in even greater danger of overdosing.

Calvin Bakelaar, the man behind the musical alias VANCAMP, speaks to Allen Barnier about his musical background, accolades, and his band's debut album, Diner Coffee

Evan Robins plays the hits in another bid to score an award nomination for writing a piece of autofellatio about Head of the Trent weekend.

Arthur caught up with local author and acclaimed sportswriter Andrew Forbes at the launch event for his latest speculative fiction novel, and second release of this year, The Diapause.

The TCSA return to business at their first fall board meeting of the academic year, and the executive seem keen to make money moves. Chief among them is the creation of a new $20,000 parking pass—a sum almost double the amount they chose to allot to food security at the very same meeting.

Since their Instagram soft-launch in early July, Peterborough "slut punks" My Fair Lady have consistently posted glitzy, attention-grabbing, and provocative graphics depicting their various members in fishnets, glam makeup, and high heels. Now, Evan Robins sits down with the band's architect, Liam Parker, to talk about the group's conception and the relevance of punk to Peterborough's queer community.

Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH) board member, Marion Burton, spoke out in an interview with Arthur following the results of the August 26th General Committee meeting where councillors voted down PATH’S temporary zoning application that would allow them to build 24 sleeping cabins at 385 Lansdowne Street East for up to three years. 

Arthur's Co-Editors-in-Chief give you the guided tour of Trent's eccentricities and all the ins (and outs) of this wonderful rag.

After an unjustifiably long absence, the film column beloved by chasers and lesbians the world over returns to talk about the woke horror movies of the summer!

Want to get arrested for indecent exposure but don't know where to do the deed? Arthur's got you covered! Our 100% scientific Astrology column will tell YOU conclusively which campus hookup spot most resonates with you based on your zodiac sign. It's like phrenology for cis women!

Trent University's favourite #satire game is #back.

Are English Literature seminars the most horrid place on Earth? As an English major herself, Abbigale is inclined to think so.

I’ve been seeking out the perfect Internet since I could remember. The primordial ooze from whence I came is an era of burgeoning online fandom. From 2009 to 2016, I used a grand total of three websites: DeviantArt (DA), an American art community platform; Tumblr, a blogging platform for Anglophiles, and Twitter, which needs no introduction. At this time, I was a young, weird kid with exactly two friends. Once I was introduced to a roleplaying forum by another weird kids on my bus route, I was off to the races. 

September is recognized internationally as PCOS awareness month. From my story, it should be easy to understand the significance of adequate representation regarding any social/medical/political issues. Without the hormonal health anecdotes from a reality television star, I wouldn’t have felt the confidence at 16, 17, or 18 years-old to advocate so strongly for myself in front of numerous physicians who attempted to convince me that I was too young or naive to understand my health and what I was experiencing. 

Around the time of her viral Tiny Desk performance in March of 2024, lesbian pop singer Chappell Roan absolutely took off in popularity. Sadly, however, it looks like Chappell Roan summer is coming to an end, giving way to a new semester of schoolwork and readings. But if you’re looking to expand your media consumption for more vibes like those from The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, look no further: I’ve compiled a list of five books to go with five hit songs from the album to help get you started, spanning the range of genres from Horror to Canlit!

If you spend a lot of time on social media, particularly in the spaces interested in media consumption, you have probably come across someone reposting a screenshot of someone’s terrible take on the latest book, movie or TV show with the caption “media literacy is dead.” As someone who spends too much time thinking about and analyzing media, I find this difficult to believe, so let us analyze this claim. 

Ian Vansegbrook accompanies Trent University instructor and disability activist, Derek Newman-Stille, on a tour of the Symons campus to assess the campus' accessibility.

During the August 12th City Council meeting, Councillor and co-chair of Housing and Homelessness Keith Riel proposed a deferral of several pre-committed projects to allocate money for affordable housing in the upcoming budget which caused a divide among council.

Councillors returned from a month-long break on the evening of August 6th to convene for General Committee. On the agenda was the 2025 Draft Budget Impact Survey—a guideline brought forward by staff detailing different estimates of the upcoming budget impacts. This survey comes after the June 11th and 27th meetings, where staff presented budget information from each department, which council voted to revisit in August.

Evan and Abbigale go back to the 90s for an appropriately summery splat-fest in Gretchen Felker-Martin's gory gesamtkunstwerk, Cuckoo. We might be hyping it up a bit much, which raises the question: will it go over better than the last one?

This is why we can’t have nice games.

On the 29th day of July, 2024, God said “Let them play pickleball.”

I can fully admit that my most libshit tendency is that I kind of like the Olympics, actually. 

On Thursday, July 25th, the Kitchener-based Canadian folk band I, the Mountain took to the stage at the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre for one of the six musical events part of Catherine Parr Traill College’s Music on the Hill series this summer. Arthur co-editor, Abbigale Kernya had the opportunity to speak to the band before their performance to discuss their musical origin, upcoming releases, and their nostalgic connection to Peterborough.

Greetings, devoted Arthurian! As every summer, Arthur is fast approaching the publication of Issue 0, and only YOU can heed the call to provide a diversity of articles such that it's not just whatever screed the editors write. If you are interested in submitting a piece of writing, read on to see why and what to submit, and by when.

On Wednesday, July 17th, CUPE Ontario kicked off a series of Province-wide days of action for the "Support Our Care" petition, which aims to combat the Progressive Conservative government's increases privatization of Ontario's healthcare. Co-Editor Evan Robins spoke to members of the Healthcare Workers Co-ordinating Committee about the campaign and the current state of healthcare in the province.

On the evening of July 10th, Trent University English literature professor, Aaron Kreuter, presented the Peterborough launch of his newly-released short story collection, Rubble Children.

As if priority registration wasn't bad enough, am I right?

The Arthur editors get literate as they convene to talk about Ocean Vuong's novel, and our (late) June Book Club pick, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous. Abbigale is on the record saying this is her favourite novel of all time, but what of the other two? Will they love it? Hate it? Base their whole personality off it? Join us if you'd like to find out!

The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce has offered what they are calling a “win-win-win” proposal to build the 16 pickleball courts currently set to be built at Bonnerworth Park on the former Baskin-Robbins property on Aylmer and Simcoe Streets. 

Trent University's Board of Governors convened on June 27th to congratulate themselves on another year of enrolment increases, revenue surpluses, capital projects which are definitely soon to break ground soon.

Fleming College’s June 26th Board of Governors meeting saw three deputations advocate for the reversal of the 29 suspended programs announced in April of this year. The delegates, who are all graduates of recently suspended programs, spoke about the impact the program suspensions will have on the community, and called for more transparency around this decision. 

The decision to bring economic development in-house passed during the June 24th meeting of Peterborough City Council by a vote of 8-3 as Council as Councillors expressed concerns about lack of land and Staff's implementation plan.

Peterborough City Council voted for a final time to call on the federal and provincial governments to increase their support for college boards to prevent cuts to programs on offer. The motion comes as Fleming College’s board has voted to cut 29 programs across its two campuses.

Citizens gathered for another rally in protest of the Bonnerworth Redevelopment project before a Peterborough City Council meeting on June 24th. 

The boy is back.

On June 21st, Peterborough City Councillor Alex Bierk published a joint statement, drafted alongside fellow Councillors Joy Lachica and Keith Riel to his personal social media platforms concerning the contentious redevelopment of Bonnerworth Park.

Arthur co-editor Evan Robins curates an all-inclusive trip of Toronto Pride for the discerning Arthurian, and if you're not yet sold she has a stacked itinerary with which to convince you.

A presentation by Efficiency Engineering Inc. to Peterborough City Council on June 17th outlined expected costs should the City decide to embark on retrofitting nine buildings to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50-80 percent over the next 20 years.

Council granted preliminary approval of in-house economic development division and endorsed a call on the provincial and federal governments to consider economic impact of Fleming College program cuts.

Co-editor Abbigale Kernya sits down with Peterborough poet and founder of the Show and Tell Poetry Series, Justin Million, to talk about the future of the series following the June 2nd announcement that the Series' poetry showcase will end in July after nine years of operation, in tandem with his experience working as an artist in the city.

Trent University Faculty Association (TUFA), the union representing full-time faculty and librarians at Trent University, passed a motion on June 12th which calls for a permanent ceasefire and condemns scholasticide in Gaza and other Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Another difficult budget is on the horizon for the City of Peterborough, as City Staff informed Councillors during an all day meeting on Tuesday June 11th.

After listening to Leo Groarke compare himself to Wayne Gretzky at her convocation ceremony, Arthur co-editor, Evan Robins, sits down to reflect on the beloved President's legacy of housing shortfalls and imaginary innovation parks.

A notice of motion brought forward by Mayor Jeff Leal which would see City staff be directed to initiate an amendment to the City’s Official Plan which would allow for the development of a seven-storey apartment building by Parkview Homes on the corner of Cunningham and Armour Road in Peterborough was ratified during a meeting of Council on June 10th.

Concerned residents gathered on the steps of City Hall and the crowd sprawled across the sidewalk and George Street into Confederation Square Monday evening as Council met.

Arthur's resident film fanatic, Evan Robins, speaks to Take Cover Books' Sean and Andrew Fitzpatrick about the store's new (and FREE!) Film Club, and their aspirations to make the space more than just a bookstore.

On June 5th, some graduating students at Trent University crossed the convocation stage wearing keffiyehs and holding banners to raise awareness of the ongoing genocide and scholasticide in the Palestinian Gaza Strip.

The former Chair of the Arenas, Parks, and Recreation Citizens Advisory Committee (APRAC), Lynn Self, resigned from the committee earlier this year due to concerns over the process of the Bonnerworth Park redevelopment plan. 

Plans for another rally outside of City Hall on June 10th in advance of that evening’s City Council meeting are underway, according to a press release from the Coalition for Bonnerworth Park.

On Wednesday, June 5th, Trent University announced that Provost and Vice-President Academic, Dr. Michael Khan, had been reappointed to the position for a second five-year term.

Accessibility, health care, and ease of access to services were top of mind during June 3rd General Committee.

Following the discovery of Sylvia Plath and Mona Awad that forever changed her life, Arthur co-editor Abbigale Kernya opens up in a vulnerable journey detailing her affinity for weird women in literature and why, against her better judgement, she has decided to re-read the best-selling fantasy series "A Court of Thorns and Roses."

Every summer implies the frigidity of its ending—just make sure to quote me on that in your Instagram captions.

Convocation season is upon us and many students set to graduate across Canada will be doing so as encampments and protests persist on their campuses.

As encampments at universities calling for divestment from Israel continue across Canada, labour unions lend their support.

On the evening of May 24th, Justin Million from Bird, Buried Press presented three authors from Beautiful Outlaw Publishing House at a Show and Tell Poetry Series hosted at Take Cover Books. With regrets from author Phil Hall, authors Chris Turnbull, Mark Goldstein, and Jaclyn Piudik read from their new books—all published through Beautiful Outlaw—in an evening that saw the small room in Take Cover come together in laughter and community. 

As students around the world continue to mobilize and demand accountability from post-secondary institutions, institutional responses vary widely. Some universities have reached agreements with organizers and agreed to demands for disclosure and divestment, while others seek legal actions to dismantle encampments. 

S4P Trent writes to Trent University administration to urge them to address Director of its Student Wellness Centre, Stewart Engelberg's decision to film student protesters at a May 15th sit-in and leave anti-Palestinian comments under S4P Trent posts.

May 23rd marked the opening night for the long-awaited Electric City Players’ (ECP) adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Hosted at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in Downtown Peterborough. Co-directed by Trent Professor Andrew Loeb and local theatre legend Jacqueline Barrow, the show is set in a post-climate meltdown Scotland where the ravaged lands set the perfect scene for great kings, fallen foes, and the ultimate betrayal.

Multiple sources have indicated to Arthur that a man filming protesters on the morning of a May 15th sit-in for Palestine was, in fact, a high-ranking Trent University employee. Director of Trent's Student Wellness Centre, Stewart Engelberg, also left inflammatory comments under the posts of a pro-Palestine campus group.

Pickleball wasn’t on the agenda for the May 21st meeting of Peterborough City Council, but that didn’t mean Councillors wouldn’t have to face questions from residents who remain concerned about the Bonnerworth redevelopment project.

On May 21, nearly a month after Fleming College President Maureen Adamson announced the suspension of 29 programs—16 of which operates out of the Frost Campus in Lindsay—the City of Kawartha Lakes passed a resolution urging Provincial and Federal Governments' support in an effort to bring attention to the college program suspensions.

A rally held at Bonnerworth Park at the corner of Monaghan and McDonnel organized by retired Priest Father Leo Coughlin attracted a group of over 200 people on Saturday afternoon (May 18th).The rally was meant to “Save Bonnerworth Park” from impending $4.4 million redevelopment, which will include the addition of 16 pickleball courts and up to 80 parking spots, which was officially approved by Peterborough City Council on April 8th. 

The Progressive Conservative MPP has repeatedly made inflammatory statements about Israel's siege of Gaza, going so far as to compare the events of October 7th to those of the Holocaust.

As Trent students, faculty, and community members gathered for a rally on May 15th as part of an all-day sit in in support of Palestinian liberation, questions remain about Trent's response.

At 8:00 AM on the morning of May 15th, Trent University students, faculty, and community members congregated on the West bank of Trent’s Peterborough campus at the corner of Nassau Mills Rd. And Water St. for a sit-in protest in support of the people of Palestine

The Bonnerworth Park redevelopment was once again on the agenda at Peterborough City Council due to a motion brought forward by Town Ward Councillor Joy Lachica which asked once more for Council to be given final approval for the new park which includes a renovated skate park, a pump bike track, and—perhaps most infamously—16 pickleball courts. 

Dr. Wenzel completed her PhD in anthropology at Carleton University in 2023 where her research took an economic anthropological approach to Indigenous women’s textiles and art in the sub-Arctic region, specifically in the Mackenzie Valley in the Northwest Territories, and their relationship to the Canadian tourism industry.

Peterborough has a rich and booming population of bookstores, all of which bring something unique and different to this city. None, however, specialize in sex—until now. As a self-proclaimed “smutty bookstore” with nearly a thousand followers online, the Creampie Cafe specializes in sexy, erotic, literature. Though there is no brick and mortar store just yet, the Creampie Cafe have already cemented themselves in Peterborough’s book market with their unique and fast growing online presence. 

During the May 10th Trent Board of Governors meeting, President Leo Groarke addressed ongoing pro-Palestinian campus protests across Canada and the United States.

Council will debate two Notices of Motion on May 13th with one re-opening the contentious Bonnerworth redevelopment project in the interests of greater transparency and Council oversight.

Co-editor Evan Robins sits down with Tracy and Mark of Peterborough's own Cross Dog to talk music, activism, and living one's beliefs as the band prepares to release their third LP, All Hard Feelings

On May 7th, students from Fleming College’s Frost Campus in Lindsay presented a deputation at the City of Kawartha Lakes Committee Meeting of the Whole to urge council to “look for a resolution to keep these important programs at the college’s Lindsay-based Frost Campus, and for the public to put pressure on the college for a reversal of their decision.”

Gustav Klimt is one of the most widely recognized artists of the art nouveau and Vienna Secession movements and is most well-known for his painting The Kiss. During his life, however, Klimt would face criticism for his choice of subject matter, specifically aspects of female sexuality.

Journalist Abbigail Lewis-Maher covers Canadian Drag Queen, Kyne Santos, on their book tour at Take Cover Books on April 8th to talk about the story behind recently released book "Math in Drag".

Staff journalist Ian Vansegbrook presents an introspective look at sex shops, and their role both as facets of sexuality and identity, but also as vendors of sex toys.

The grassroots movement Support Our Science is celebrating a win following the announcement of increased funding for graduate and post-doctoral scholarships from the Federal government in Budget 2024. While this is a positive step forward some say that more work needs to be done to support every student at Canadian institutions.

The AGM comes at a time of conflict between Sadleir House and OPIRG Peterborough, which brought forward conversations around a need to improve community consultation outside of the board during the AGM, and bettering relationships within the House.

On April 24th, Fleming College announced that 29 programs are suspended, 14 of which are programs offered at the Frost campus. This announcement came after the college sent out acceptance letters in early March. As a result, many students have been left feeling disappointed and uncertain about our futures, as many of us have already made plans to return to Fleming in the fall.

Letter to the Editor urging Trent University to take a stronger stance on the Free Palestine movement in wake of the newly announce B.A. in Human Rights and Global Justice program.

The Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG) Peterborough chapter called a public meeting on April 25th at Emmanuel United Church on George Street to discuss concerns regarding what they defined as a “conflict” with the Peter Robinson Community and Student Association (PRCSA)—the non-profit organization which operates Sadleir House—over allocation of office and storage space.

The story of a grown woman making friends in a videogame, and the little Cadet who could.

Media tropes, cinematic metaphors, or simply the common themes which we see across genres of entertainment have engineered the foundational societal understandings of how particular groups of people, genders, or general happenings are presented. The “Bury Your Gays” literary trope, which appeared in the late 19th century, has since entered popular social discussion resulting of the aggressive social outcry which followed the on screen death of popular The 100 character in 2016.

Peterborough City Councillors have rejected City Staff’s suggestion of scrapping the City’s Canada Day Parade in favour of re-investing the $20,000 cost into other festivities on the holiday. Councillors also gave preliminary approval to designating the J.J. Turner building on King Street as a heritage site and two housing developments in the City's West End.

It’s sometimes the case that the sports we see on TV (or the ones at the centre of municipal discussion) tend to overshadow other, lesser known pastimes which are every bit as interesting. Enter roller derby—it’s fast paced, close knit, and welcoming to everyone.

A months-long investigation by Arthur has revealed that the Residence Life Don position at Trent is far from being a university student's dream come true. From an unpredictable discount on residency, meagre compensation, to the very integrity of the job—being a Don is not as lavish as it is made out to be. Dons across Trent’s collegiate residences have come forward accusing Trent of fomenting a culture of overwork in which dons are underprepared and undercompensated for the emotionally and mentally demanding job they are asked to do. 

In this second edition of my ongoing interviews with Neurodivergent professors here at Trent, we speak with Derek Newman-Stille (They/Them), a nine-time Aurora Award winner for fantasy and science fiction writing, and Trent PhD candidate, who specializes in fat studies, disability studies, and queer studies.

Members of the student body share their thoughts with the inimitable editors of Alfred. A union boasts of their fair and democratic elections, and a concerned student sounds the alarm about a red scare inside a long-standing campus institution. Read on to find out more!

Seeking support amid the drudgery of student life? In search of gainful employment? Maybe just looking for love? Alfred is pleased to be your one-stop shop for all these things and more. Enjoy perusing these listings at your leisure. Who knows—maybe something will catch your eye!

Dear David comes 'round for the last time this volume to bring you some study tips for the end of the semester.

Put your vote behind a team who have proven themselves to be polysecure.

The returned of a hallowed anthology of Trent student writing strikes a question into the hearts of all those whom bear it witness: "Who up scratching they chickens?"

On the afternoon of April 6th, Peterborough’s Washboard Hank (Hank Fisher) and Catfish Willie (Willie Lindsay) took the stage at Take Cover Books. I, along with others of all ages, was fortunate enough to attend this delightful performance. 

As I went to create my March dump for my Instagram story, I realized something: Other than screenshots regarding my mobile game addiction and things I might buy online, I literally had no photos to reflect the last month of my life. 

The Bonnerworth redevelopment project is moving forward as planned following a final vote of Council on April 8th. The $4.4M redevelopment which includes 16 pickleball courts, a skatepark expansion, and a pump bike track has been the topic of community unrest and debate at Council since plans for the park were revealed to the public just prior to a March 21st consultation session.

Athens, Florence, Budapest, and Rome are just a few places that are known for their iconic architecture. However, none of these compare to the renowned architectural masterpieces of the Electric City: Peterborough, Ontario! 

Arthur has learned that at least one complaint has been made to Peterborough’s Integrity Commissioner, Guy Giorno, concerning Mayor Jeff Leal following the City Council general committee meeting on April 2nd during which Leal made threatening remarks toward Town Ward Councillor Alex Bierk.

On March 24th, 2024 the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) held a meeting of its Board of Directors, whereby it ratified the results of its Spring Election and put together a Presidential Committee, which shall select one of the Association’s Directors to serve as President over the summer, until the Fall 2024 By-Election.

No, Donald Glover didn’t go to the moon, but he is making giant leaps for mankind when it comes to racial representation in mainstream media.

Trent University announces the shutting down of all Trent email accounts, replaced by Messenger Pigeons, Smoke Signals, Yogurt Cups and Megaphones.

New York Ranger’s rookie, Matt Rempe has quickly gained a reputation as the newest heavyweight in the NHL in his short, but eventful career. The rookie has earned 54 penalty minutes and been the cause of plenty of controversy in the league.

Tempers flared and threats flowed during discussion of a motion regarding the Bonnerworth Park redevelopment which includes the construction of 16 pickleball courts at the April 2nd General Committee Meeting of Peterborough City Council.

Gardaworld officers hired by the City of Peterborough once again served a trespass notice to the volunteers of Food Not Bombs on Monday evening (April 1). This is the second time in two weeks that the volunteers and community members who comprise the Peterborough chapter of the international mutual aid movement have been served with a trespass notice.Just like the week before, meals continued to be served.

On the afternoon of his 26th birthday, David King joined a group of students and community members in spectating one man's attempt to eat two President’s Choice Barbecue Seasoned Whole Chickens. His name? The Chicken Man.

On the evening of Thursday, March 21, 2024, three authors apart of Trent University faculty, Rob Winger, Concetta Principe & Aaron Kreuter took to the podium for the “Writers Reading Series” at Traill College. Each presenting specific factions of their previous literary works, the three authors spoke in turn.

Miracle Territory, a production and promotions collective founded by Peterborough-based musician and producer, Michael Cloud Duguay, aims to put on more all-ages shows featuring local and touring acts in unique locales around the City.

Unofficial results of the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA)’s Spring General Elections seem to reveal a failure to solicit a sufficient number of votes to ratify referenda, effectively leaving Association policy changes dead in the water.

This column has admittedly seen better days. Though, I will say it’s nice to see you on the back page for a change with a marginally bigger word count to play in, it does mean that I have to keep yapping to fill it. It is not lost on me that I may, (allegedly) (some might argue), have lost the plot from my editorial many issues ago that saw the birth of this silly little column. 

Community member Jim Reedyk articulates his concerns with the accumulation of garbage along the banks of the west bank of the Otonabee River and of Little Lake in downtown Peterborough, and implores the City of Peterborough and Trent University students to help maintain the waterfront.

It’s a tale as old as time: “Shucks, I sure do want to date men, but Andrew Tate is literally real.” What are women supposed to do?

Two weeks after being told they would need a permit to continue handing out free food to the community, the Peterborough chapter of Food Not Bombs gathered again—as they have for over 18 years—at Confederation Park in defiance of the City’s threats to shut them down. This time, volunteers received warning that next week there would be no warning prior to police intervention.

Helen Cameron Wallis (March 20, 1932 - February 29, 2024), was born in Ottawa, raised a family and enjoyed a varied career in Toronto, after which she settled happily on the bank of her beloved Otonabee River, in Peterborough.

As of March 11th, 2024, Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) Vice President Health & Wellness, Bri Policicchio, resigned from her position amid allegations of bigoted behaviour and workplace conduct from her fellow executives. In a letter obtained by Arthur written by TCSA President, Aimee Anctil, to the Association’s Elections Committee, Anctil alleges that from as early as June of 2023, Policicchio repeatedly harassed Association staff and Directors, monitored BIPOC Association Staff during work hours, and attempted to wrest power from the Association’s Resource Manager and General Director.

Izzie M: The Alchemy of Enfreakment is a curious production, turning to the past historical tradition of the freak show as a way of reclaiming Indigenous personhood.

A review of Yuri Sakugawa's beautiful graphic novel, and the friendships that have changed my life.

A review of Viktor Pelevine’s Omon Ra, a satire of the Soviet space program. Originally published in Russian, the 1992 short novel is often praised for its poetic prose and absurdity, which also shine through in its English translation.

During the General Committee meeting on the evening of March 11th, Homelessness and Data Program Manager, Jocelyn Blazey, along with the Modular Community Project Manager, Jessica Penner, offered a six month update on the Modular Bridge Housing units which opened in November of last year.

In the spirit of equity and as part of our mandate to inform our shared membership with the TCSA of their roles in fostering a positive environment for discourse on issues that matter to students both as members of the university community and as citizens of Nogojiwanong/Peterborough; Arthur unequivocally endorses all candidates for the upcoming TCSA elections.

The sexual assault charges against Neil Pereira, a former Peterborough Priest who formerly served as the campus minister for Trent University and Fleming College while on loan from the Archdiocese of Toronto, have been withdrawn.

Student engagement took center stage during the March 3rd Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) Board of Directors meetings, with Directors sharing their concerns of falling attendance rates, both within the student body and the Board of Directors itself.

During an open meeting with the President held on Thursday morning (March 7) Trent University’s President Leo Groarke addressed staff and faculty members on the current state of post-secondary education in the Province. 

Peterborough residents gathered in Confederation Square in protest of the Israeli occupation of Palestine and Canada's complicity in it.

Public Energy Performing Arts presentation of Vástádus Eana on March 3rd, 2024.

In what can only be described as a sucker punch to those of the Association’s membership who showed up to vote on specific by-law amendments which they rejected—twice—during a February 14th Semi Annual General Meeting (SAGM), the TCSA decided to ignore the will of students who cast their vote in a duly convened meeting and force the questions to appear on a referendum on the Spring Election ballot. 

In the first instalment of his column interviewing neurodiverse academics, staff writer Ian Vansegbrook profiles swordfighter and polymath Dr. Katrina Keefer, who discusses her experiences in grad school while having ADHD.

It has happened; the day we feared, when the Trent varsity Volleyball season would come to an end. We’ve come through many trials and tribulations, underdogs of the highest calibre, elite athletes, performing against overwhelming odds. This final (for now…) edition of Arthur’s coverage of the team will cover the events of the final home games, including both the White-out and final game, as well as some of the goodbyes and good journalism you expect. 

On the evening of February 17th, Shakespeare fans and cynics alike packed into Trent University’s Nozhem Theatre to watch the Shakespeare Cabaret—a collaboration between Trent’s English department and the Anne Shirley Theatre Company (ASTC). Arthur's Mikaela Lewis and Ian Vansegbrook were both there to take it all in.

This monthly column dives into why writing is hard, and how dating is even worse.

A by-law meant to streamline Peterborough City Councillor’s portfolios has passed following a lengthy and at times heated discussion during the February 26th Council Meeting.

Sally Rooney’s 2021 novel Beautiful World, Where Are You is an articulate investigation of emotion as it relates to the phenomenon of self. Drawing on personalized experiences to create literary persons, Rooney’s continuous ability to convey depth through a thought-provoking narrative is uncontested.

The finances behind Trent Foodservices and inflation's effects on students living on campus.

Ten months after their nomination as Peterborough's Poet Laureate, Ziysah von Bieberstein appeared before Peterborough City Council to deliver a powerful speech about the fears of the future, and those who grant optimism by offering free meals and standing up against the ongoing genocide being committed against the Palestinian people.

On February 2nd, the Whitby Chamber of Commerce held a Black History Month panel to highlight Black entrepreneurs in Durham Region.

Contributor Alex Southey discusses Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986) noting how the lack of spectacle in director John McNaughton’s storytelling makes it a unique serial killer film especially when compared to most content being produced in the current true crime boom.

In this month's Dear David, David King solves the climate crisis, drops some new merch, and reflects on the state of Fortnite dubs.

The Writer's Reading Series returns to Trent University in 2024. Champlain College hosts award-winning author, Canisia Lubrin to celebrate the launch of her first fiction novel Code Noir.

Having recently discovered that her favourite game of all time received a 3D platformer spin-off/remake, Arthur editor Evan Robins reminisces on the impact one little indie game about a girl climbing a mountain has had on her life, and muses in typically indulgent fashion on the futurity of endings.

On the evening of February 8th, members of the Trent University community packed into Bagnani Hall at Catherine Parr Traill College to hear a lecture from the 2023/2024 Ashley Fellow, Bridget Larocque. The talk, titled “A Northern Perspective on Decolonization and Indigenization—Retelling Narratives” is a part of the university’s North at Trent lecture series, a program of public talks organized by Trent’s Canadian Studies program featuring and focusing on Northern Canada.

The February 11th Trent Central Student Association Board of Directors meeting saw multiple heated discussions, and the announcement of new measures, from $12,000 of funding for Sadleir House put up for referendum, to by-law amendments simplifying the TCSA’s internal impeachment processes.

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder is a raunchy, rowdy musical about a young man who, after the death of his mother, realizes that he is eighth in line for the Earldom of Highhurst. Realizing his D’ysquith heritage, he sets out to shorten the line and wrest the title for himself. Adapted from the 1907 novel The Autobiography of the Criminal by Roy Horniman, the play debuted on Broadway in late 2013, and quickly became a smash hit, winning four Tony awards in 2014. 

Journalist Mikaela Lewis sits down with local artists, including poet PJ Thomas, to discuss their upcoming project, "12 Weeks of Bliss"

Following the announcement that Dr. Cathy Bruce would be Trent University’s ninth President and Vice-Chancellor, the editors of Arthur sat down for an interview with the incoming President to discuss her vision for leadership and some of the challenges facing Trent.

The crest for Trent University’s newest college was unveiled on the evening of February 10th on the second day of the 48th annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering, organized by First People’s House of Learning at Trent.

On Friday, February 9th, the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) held a “virtual social”—titled “Beat the Hypocrisy, Let’s Talk Policy”—for students to ask questions about proposed changes to the Association’s Policies & Procedures and By-Laws, which will be put to the membership for approval at their upcoming February 14th Semi-Annual General Meeting (SAGM).

On the evening of February 8th, 2024, Arthur's Magali Nichol attended the “Hearts and Flowers Poetry Reading” by Peterborough poet, and former Arthur editor PJ Thomas.

On January 27th, ReFrame Film Festival held Wshkiigmong Dibaajmownan/Curve Lake Storytellers — an event which featured screenings of six short films produced as part of a project in Market Hall.

Arthur journalist Allen Barnier reports on a campus-based event film event led by Trent Active Minds and Art with Impact cultivating conversations on student mental health, burnout, and mindfulness.

Dr. Cathy Bruce will be Trent’s ninth President and Vice-Chancellor and will assume her new position on July 1st, 2024.

Peterborough City Councillors will vote on a notice of motion concerning the recently introduced cap on international study permits by the federal government.

On the evening of February 1st, the Community Race Relations Committee of Peterborough (CRRC) kicked off Black History Month with their Proclamation Event in collaboration with the City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Public Library. 

Arthur Journalist Kiki Paterson reviews Boil Alert, a film that highlights the devastating realities for Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island and the importance of water for Indigenous identity.

It is difficult to define whether or not the inclusion of technology in elementary schools is positive or negative. There are many contrasting personal perspectives and scientific articles on the matter. Technology is an extremely resourceful, helpful and convenient tool. But to what point does this convenience genuinely help young students learn?

Arthur editor Evan Robins caught up with author Drew Hayden Taylor following last week's launch of his new novel, COLD, to chat about writing, the honorary doctorate he received from Trent University, and how it feels to be a rockstar of contemporary literature—at least in his own way.

It’s the 25th of December, and I am curled up in my apartment watching old episodes of Vanderpump Rules cringing hard at the television screen. This year, I am spending Christmas alone and it’s an experience (an isolating drab one). Being an international student living in Canada, one of the cons includes not having your family with you during holidays and missing out on family rituals.

The 2022 documentary Sew to Say, directed by Rakel Aguirre, recounts the story of a woman named Thalia who began a non-violent, textile-based campaign in the 1980s to combat the proliferation of nuclear weapons—specifically the deployment of American cruise missiles to the United Kingdom as part of the U.S. Cold War strategy.

The first of the 2024 Speaker Series at the Peterborough Historical Society presented Peter Blow as he showed his promotional film and spoke on Indigenous conservation and the work of Grey Owl.

It has been many moons since we last spoke and though we have remained a mere paper apart from each other, the world continues to spin around the centre of the universe—my fat orange little guy. 

On January 22nd, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller announced that the Trudeau government would begin capping the number of study visas for incoming international students. As Trent depends heavily on international student enrolment growth for