Queen’s University
THE JOURNAL —
Vol. 154, Issue 11
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Friday, October 30, 2026
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Situated on the
traditional lands of
the Anishinaabe and
Haudenosaunee peoples.
Since 1873
GLENN, PALONE ELECTED TO CITY COUNCIL Glenn unseats Paterson in Kingston’s
Annie Palone wins Sydenham District council seat, vote share
mayoral race
doubles closest opponent
Paterson’s nearly 12-year term set to end following narrow defeat
Cinanni, Amos, and Mortley secure victories in districts bordering Sydenham
Jonathan Reilly Editor-in-Chief
Former Sydenham District City Councillor Conny Glenn has been elected the next mayor of Kingston, defeating incumbent Bryan Paterson. According to unofficial reults provided by the City of Kingston on the night of Oct. 26, Glenn collected 43.25 per cent of the vote, compared to Paterson’s 41.17 per cent. Vanessa Mensah earned 14.06 per cent, while Grant Bedard accounted for 1.5 per cent. In total, Glenn won by a margin of 793 votes, receiving 16,451 to Paterson’s 15,658. In an email sent to The Journal, the City wrote that the official results will be posted on Oct. 27. Glenn and her supporters watched the votes trickle in from the Kingston Yacht Club. Teary-eyed, she spoke to those in attendance following the announcement. “The issues aren’t easy, but that doesn’t mean that we give up, that doesn’t mean that we don’t try to find solutions, that doesn’t mean that we shrug it off, because that’s too much of what has happened. I understand that people get tired, and that’s why we needed a new mandate. We needed change,” Glenn said in her victory speech. After thanking her opponents for a “tough race,” Glenn turned to her priorities now that she’s been elected a four-year term. “One of the things I heard throughout the city was how people felt left out, how different districts felt that they weren’t part of the city,” Glenn said. “One of my main priorities is to bring this city together. We have incredible people with incredible ideas, incredible talent, and we can fix the issues in front of us. We can make change happen, and we can do this together.” See Mayor on page 2
PHOTO BY JONATHAN REILLY
PHOTO BY NOAH CYR
Free speech advocates visit campus to debate gender
Students say they value free speech, but disagree with the organizers approach Eva Sheahan Managing Editor
Representatives from Canadian Students for Free Speech visited campus and held signs asking, “Is gender a choice?” On Oct. 28 at the corner of University Avenue and Union Street, approximately five people affiliated with the organization gathered, three holding signs and two filming content for social media. According to the Canadian Students for Free Speech website, the movement champions “defending open debate, viewpoint diversity, and free expression on Canadian campuses.” They remained on the corner from 11:30 a.m. until 3:40 p.m.,
Arts & Culture
Happy Halloween ACROSS 1 Enchanting 8 Aliens, for short 11 Picnic pest 14 Our anthem, 2 wds. 15 Switzerland, on a scoreboard 16 *A SHOUT OF DISAPPROVAL* 17 Low cloud 18 "Inside Politics" channel 19 Exist 20 Snake 21 Nutritional fig. 22 "Chandelier" singer 23 *"I WANT CANDY!", 3 wds* 26 QJ Managing Editor __ Sheahan 29 Sci-fi movie that's inspired many Halloween costumes, 2 wds. 30 Guns, as an engine 32 Cunning 33 Sailor's "Stop!" 37 Suffix with problem 38 CD predecessors 40 Ballet bend 41 Soft drinks 43 Pan Am rival, once 45 Blood fluids 46 Perfume ingredients, 2 wds. 50 Two-time loser to president DDE 51 *LEFT-FIELD WALL AT FENWAY PARK, 2 WDS.* 55 Daughter of Loki
I gave myself over to absolute pleasure at Kingston’s first drag showcast for ‘Rocky Horror’
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queensjournal.ca
@queensjournal
Emmet Paradis Senior News Editor
and, according to the representatives, around seven to ten students stopped by for “long conversations and debates.” “Our goal is to have conversations [and] to debate issues that people are usually afraid to talk about,” said William Diaz, the event’s organizer and the groups national campus coordinator, in an interview with The Journal. Diaz has visited multiple university campuses across Canada, including the University of British Columbia and the University of Ottawa. He said their goal is to travel Canada and “have conversation on every campus.” Diaz was accompanied by two volunteers, Sarah Dotzert from Unify Canada, and Joseph Bourne. Dotzert visited Queen’s campus last year to host a booth discussing gun laws. Specifically discussing the motivations behind their signs, Dotzert told The Journal that they feel “more conservative”
56 Chicago's ___ Center 57 Haundenosaune e members native to New York 61 CIA forerunner 62 French pronoun 63 Gallery event, 2 wds. 64 Ocean 65 Director __ DuVernay 66 Actress __ Wright of "Black Panther" 67 French possessive 68 Ottawa hockey player, for short 69 Able to change shape
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24 Noble gas numbered 36 on the Periodic Table 25 Answers an invitation, abbr. 26 The __ Tour; huge concert tour by Taylor Swift from 2023-2024 27 Executive branch equivalent of a Quash 28 Enthusiastic 31 *SPOOK* 34 Epithet of Athena 35 Father 36 Afternoon socials 39 The Matterhorn is part of this, 2 wds. 42 Many Beethoven pieces
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44 Tailor, at times 47 Actor J.B. __ of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" 48 Alternate spelling of aeonian 49 Mailed, 2 wds. 51 *NOT RESPOND TO, PERHAPS?* 52 Watch again 53 Disney-inspired Halloween costumes 54 Convene again 58 Actress __ Blanchett 59 Inter ___; Latin phrase for among other things 60 Actor __ Penn from "Fast Time at Ridgemont High"
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perspectives surrounding gender are not socially acceptable to openly discuss. “Right now, we’ve accepted every viewpoint in society about gender except one that is more conservative. We feel that there should be more conversation around this. We’re not here hating on anyone, we’re just asking the question, and we invite people that disagree to come and talk to us,” Dotzert said. One Queen’s student, Jojo Ruffolo, ArtSci ’27, was upset by the demonstration and decided to organize a response. They told The Journal they were upset by “anti-trans, anti-queer dog whistles,” saying they noticed queer students having to “defend their existence” on campus. As a result, they posted on their Instagram story and got approximately five friends to sit outside Stauffer Library during the Canadian Students for Free Speech event. They held rainbow Pride and transgender Pride flags. The group stayed for 20 minutes before the free speech event ended. According to Ruffolo, about one to two dozen students who walked by acknowledged and expressed gratitude for their response.
See City council on page 3
See Debate on page 3
Sports
Diversions Halloween Crossword
Page 12
@queensjournal
Annie Palone has won the race to represent Sydenham District on Kingston’s City Council, securing the seat over three fellow candidates in the Oct. 26 municipal election. Palone received 809 votes, equivalent to 45.83 per cent of the total share, according to the City of Kingston’s unofficial election results. Rajesh Kumar received 390 votes, John Meligrana got 376, and Andrew DaCosta received 190. The victory marks a change in representation for Sydenham District, which encompasses most of Queen’s campus. The seat was previously held by Conny Glenn, who was elected mayor over incumbent Bryan Paterson with 16,451 votes. Speaking with The Journal following her victory, Glenn expressed confidence in Palone’s ability to represent Sydenham. “I do think that Annie has her finger on the pulse of the issues and I’m looking forward to working with her,” she said. “I think she’ll do a great job for the students.” Glenn said she intends to bring Palone up to speed on the work already underway in the district, specifically on studentrelated issues, so she can continue building on those efforts.
@queensjournalnow
Gaels baseball crowned national champions after undefeated run in Ottawa
Page 13
@thequeensjournal
NEWS
2 • QUEENSJOURNAL.CA
NEWS Rogers hopes to continue advocating for mental health and reconciliation during her second term Emmet Paradis Senior News Editor Shelagh Rogers is preparing for another three years as chancellor; but even after serving in the position at two Canadian universities, she admits the role remains somewhat mysterious. Rogers, ArtSci ’77, was unanimously reappointed by University Council on Oct. 13. Her second three-year term will begin July 1, extending her time as the University’s 16th Chancellor until 2030. The longtime Canadian broadcaster and mental health advocate previously served as the chancellor of the University of Victoria for seven years before returning to her alma mater in 2024. While the position involves presiding over convocation, serving as a voting member on the Board of Trustees, and chairing University Council, Rogers believes its responsibilities extend beyond formal ceremonies
Mayor
... Continued from front page
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026
Shelagh Rogers reappointed as chancellor, reflects on what the role means to her and governance meetings. “I think it’s a role that you can make your own,” she said. For Rogers, that means using the position to advance two causes that have shaped much of her life: mental health and wellness, and truth, healing, and reconciliation.
for family and I just got lost for chancellor. a little while,” she said. Her involvement in reconShe recalled seeking help ciliation efforts stretches back through the University’s student to the Truth and Reconciliation health services. At the time, she Commission (TRC) of Canada, a was told her symptoms were commission established in 2008 likely hormonal, an explanation to investigate the history and lastshe believed for decades. ing impacts of Canada’s residen“I know now that it was a dip tial school system. into depression,” Rogers said. In 2011, she became an honorA familiar campus, a different “But I wasn’t diagnosed until ary witness, a role which involves perspective 2003.” listening to the testimonies of During her second term, survivors at national and regional Rogers first arrived at Queen’s Rogers hopes to protect funding gatherings to bring those experias a student in 1973. More than for mental wellness initiatives at ences into the light. five decades later, she continues Queen’s, particularly as universiThrough her work, Rogers to learn about the University, ties face financial pressures. met the late Murray Sinclair, who describing her experience in the She emphasized that mental served as chief commissioner of role as an ongoing education. support should extend beyond the TRC from 2009 until 2015 “I’m taking a great big crash students to include faculty and and was her predecessor as course in Queen’s University,” staff. Queen’s chancellor. While explorshe said. She also emphasized the ing her Métis ancestry, she discovAlthough she lives in Winnipeg, importance of confronting resi- ered the two were related. Rogers typically spends five to dential school denialism and “We are cousins,” she said. “And seven days a month on campus ensuring the University’s commit- that was just a huge gift.” meeting with students, faculty, ment to reconciliation translates Given her past experience as and staff to better understand into meaningful action. the University of Victoria’s chantheir experiences. Rogers hopes to use her posi- cellor, Rogers recalled Sinclair She describes one of the privi- tion to bring greater attention to contacting her for advice when leges of being chancellor as hav- the research, creative projects, he was approached about the ing the opportunity to contact and interdisciplinary work taking position at Queen’s. people across the University. place across the University, conHer message was that the role “It’s always about the people necting people and highlighting could become an opportunity to for me,” Rogers said. initiatives that might otherwise advocate for meaningful change. go unnoticed. “You can promote the things A personal commitment to that you really believe in, […] and mental health Making reconciliation visible try to change things for the better,” she said. Rogers’ advocacy for mental Alongside mental health advoRogers highlighted changes health is rooted in her own expe- cacy, Rogers identified truth, to convocation ceremonies rience as a Queen’s student. healing, and reconciliation as a that provide dedicated time “I think I was really looking central priority when she became for Indigenous graduates to be
honoured through traditional blanketing ceremonies. “If we are saying we stand for truth and reconciliation, we have to show it,” she said. Looking toward another three years
When asked what she hopes to accomplish during her second term, Rogers said she hopes to continue supporting mental wellness, reconciliation, and the work taking place across the University’s academic community. Rogers also expressed excitement about the reopening of the Agnes Etherington Art Centre and the opportunities for collaboration between disciplines. Although she acknowledged the financial challenges facing Canadian universities, she said she remains optimistic about the University’s future and expressed confidence in Principal Patrick Deane’s leadership. “There’s just a lot coming at all universities right now. Queen’s isn’t immune,” she said, adding that she appreciates his commitment to the institution. “I’m very, very fond of Patrick,” she said. “He’s got a good mind and a good heart.” For Rogers, the opportunity to continue learning about Queen’s and connecting with its community remains one of the most meaningful parts of her position.
Queen’s places fifth in ‘Maclean’s’ large universities category
Rachel Wu Assistant News Editor
humanities grants. The University also placed fifth In an interview with The in faculty awards, which looked at Journal, Mensah reflected on Queen’s has been ranked the fifth major awards won by professors Glenn’s victory from her elec- best university among Canada’s relative to faculty size. tion party at the Marriott Hotel largest institutions in Maclean's The University ranked 11th in in downtown Kingston. 2027 university rankings. research volume, which is evalu“[The voters] chose change, The list categorized schools ated based on the research pubthat change wasn’t me, and that’s into small, medium, or large uni- lished per faculty member, and okay. I’m glad that they chose the versities. Schools with more than 13th in research impact, based on change that they wanted to have,” 30,000 students were considered the share of its publications being Mensah said. “I wish [Glenn] all large, with the ranking method- in the top 10 per cent most cited the best, and I just trust that she ology considering a number of research in their field. will continue to champion the different factors, including grant Under student resources and people’s voice.” funding awarded, student and fac- support, Queen’s had the third Paterson’s campaign team ulty ratio, and research impact.. highest budget toward library told The Journal he would be Fifteen schools qualified as “large.” expenses and ranked ninth for at City Hall on election night. McGill University took the the portion of its library budget However, Paterson didn’t attend, top spot among large universi- allocated to updating library and his team couldn’t be reached ties, followed by the University of acquisitions such as books, jourfor comment before publication. Toronto, the University of British nals, and digital sources. Glenn’s term will begin on Columbia, and the University of Queen’s also had the fifth highNov. 15 when the new council Waterloo. est budget spent on scholarships is sworn into office. Maclean’s evaluates institu- and bursaries, 11th highest oper— With files from Emmet Paradis tional performance using 15 indi- ating budget available compared and Lola Hustins cators grouped into four broad to the student body, and 12th areas: student experience and highest percentage of budget success, faculty quality, student spent on student services. CORRECTIONS resources and support, and This year, the magazine — reputation. revised its 2027 ranking methStudents raise concerns Queen’s ranked second among odology, changing which universiabout drug and alcohol large universities in retention ties are being compared to each use on campus rates and graduation rates, which other through its small, medium, measured the percentage of stu- and large categories. A previous version of this dents who return for second-year In the years before Maclean’s story incorrectly stated that and the percentage who graduate updated its ranking, Queen’s coma students interviewed lived within six years. peted in the Medical Doctorate in Watson Hall. In fact, they The University placed fourth category, which only included live in Watts Hall. in the number of national stu- schools that have both medical dent awards won per 1,000 schools and a broad range of PhD Incorrect information students, and 13th in student to programs and research. appeared in the October 9 faculty ratio. When it comes to The new sorting method issue of The Queen’s Journal. the total value of federal grant replaced Maclean’s previmoney received, Queen’s placed ous “Primarily Undergraduate,” The Journal regrets the error. fourth in medical science grants “Comprehensive,” and “Medical and ninth in social sciences and Doctoral” categories.
Maclean’s updates its ranking methods.
GRAPHIC BY ANGELINA LIU
“We updated our category activity undertaken,” Young said. structure so that the results are Young identified student-tomore user-friendly and easier to faculty ratio, funding devoted to understand,” Maclean’s said in its student services, research volume, 2027 rankings. and research impact as “opporIn a statement to The Journal, tunities for change.” Director (Global Rankings and She said Queen’s aims to Reputation) Sheri Young, who strengthen the University’s global works in the Office of the Vice- research standing through its Provost (Global Engagement), Bicentennial Vision and connect said “even with Maclean’s few research more closely with the changes to their methodology, teaching and student experience. Queen’s improved in a number Young said these rankings of indicators that have stayed reflect Queen’s performance consistent year over year.” through “specific lenses” and are Young listed improvements “not an absolute measure of our in the medical science grant performance.” category by four places, library “For that reason, rankings are expenses by two, and student just one of a number of sources awards by one. Queen’s uses to inform decisions “Our top five results in Faculty regarding academic priorities, Awards and Medical Science resources and long-term planGrants also highlight our high- ning,” Young said. quality faculty and research
NEWS
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026
City councillor ... Continued from front page
QUEENSJOURNAL.CA • 3
Faculty raise concerns over ongoing maintenance issues
Glenn said she intends to bring Emmet Paradis Palone up to speed on the work Senior News Editor already underway in the district, specifically on student-related Faculty members are raising issues, so she can continue build- concerns about deteriorating ing on those efforts. building conditions at Queen’s, Palone hosted her election citing ongoing elevator outages, night gathering at Tir Nan Og Irish inconsistent classroom temperaPub in downtown Kingston, where tures, and water leaks that have she watched the results come in disrupted teaching and accessibilwith her supporters. ity on campus. Speaking to The Journal after Lorena Jessop, co-chair of hearing the results, Palone said the Faculty of Arts and Science she was still processing the (FAS) Joint Health and Safety results. Committee, told The Journal she “I’m thrilled that so many mem- regularly receives complaints bers of the community put this from faculty about building trust and confidence in me and conditions. I’m excited to get to work for “Temperature issues, elevator them,” she said. issues, and I guess leaks would Palone emphasized her involve- be the biggest issues that we see ment in local issues, describing on campus,” Jessop said. However, her campaign as an extension of she believes the University has the work she had already begun increased its efforts to address in the district. the deferred maintenance over “I’m listening and I’m already the past year. doing the work,” she said. “I’m not In a statement to The Journal, just showing up or popping my Queen’s Facilities acknowledged head up because it’s an election.” the challenges associated with When asked what she plans maintaining aging campus to prioritize as councillor, Palone infrastructure, explaining that identified protecting Kingston’s available funding requires the tree canopy as one of her first University to prioritize certain objectives. projects over others. She said protecting mature, “Our teams continue to address healthy trees must be accom- immediate operational needs, panied by planting new trees to respond to equipment failures, make sure the City’s canopy is and undertake preventive mainmaintained over time. tenance to extend the useful life Palone also highlighted of existing assets,” the statement Kingston’s student housing said. strategy and the future of the St. The University said mainteHelen’s property near the Isabel nance priorities are determined Bader Centre for the Performing through a risk-based approach, Arts as issues she has worked on with health, safety, accessibility, through community advocacy. and critical building operations Queen’s student and fellow guiding their resource allocation candidate DaCosta also spoke decisions. with The Journal during election night. DaCosta, who centred his Classroom temperatures campaign on student issues, said disrupt teaching he expected a closer race. “ I t h i n k e ve r yo n e k n e w Among the concerns Jessop Sydenham was kind of a toss-up receives are reports of classgoing in,” he said in an interview rooms becoming too hot or cold, on campus at the Queen’s Pub. sometimes interfering with the He identified student par- instructors’ ability to teach. She ticipation as an area where his emphasized that temperature campaign could have done more. problems can be difficult to Despite his defeat, DaCosta said he address in larger lecture halls, was proud of the campaign he ran where relocating classes may not and the conversations he had with be possible. both students and other district “If you lose class time because residents. a room isn’t the correct temperaThe Journal contacted candi- ture, that’s devastating for both dates Meligrana and Kumar ahead the instructor and the students,” of election night. Meligrana wasn’t she said. She also described hosting an election night gather- concerns about temperature ing and Kumar didn’t respond to the request. Following her victory, Palone congratulated her fellow candidates. She said some of her opponents had already offered ... Continued from front page to support her if she won. “We’re all here as community Ruffolo wanted to “counter members working together for their signs and be like, hey, we the future of the City,” she said. love everyone on campus, this In the districts directly bor- is an inclusive community, and dering Sydenham, incumbent that’s what we’re about.” councillors Vincent Cinanni and “If there was at least one stuDon Amos secured another term dent that felt they were seen and representing Williamsville and cared for, then I’m happy about Portsmouth, respectively, after it,” they said. running unopposed. They worried that young queer In the King’s Town District, students walking around campus Aba Mortley defeated Greg Ridge, may “get the impression that this receiving 1,241 votes to Ridge’s is what Queen’s is all about,” and 996. Melissa Reid finished third feel unsupported. Ruffolo said with 569 votes. they wished Queen’s was more — With files from Noah Cyr and proactive. Angelina Liu The Journal spoke with other
Debate
regulation in Stauffer Library, where she said some employees have reportedly needed heaters during the summer and fans during the winter. The University explained that heating and cooling systems cannot practically switch back and forth whenever outdoor temperatures fluctuate, potentially leaving some spaces warmer or colder than expected. At Stauffer Library, Queen’s Facilities said a recent temperature issue was traced to a malfunctioning outdoor air temperature sensor, which impacted the building’s ventilation system. Facilities is also preparing to adjust the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning controls in six campus buildings to improve temperature regulation, reliability, and energy efficiency. Elevator outages raise accessibility concerns
Jessop also raised concerns about prolonged elevator outages in several campus buildings including Watson Hall, Chernoff Hall, Stauffer Library, and Jeffery Hall. Some faculty members in Watson Hall have had to relocate their offices to the first floor or other buildings, or climb several flights of stairs because of elevator accessibility issues, according to Jessop. She explained that some elevator repairs may be delayed because specialized equipment or replacement parts are required. Queen’s Facilities acknowledged the accessibility challenges associated with elevator outages, noting the University has more than 140 elevators across campus. It acknowledged several modernization projects are underway or planned. Douglas Library’s elevators were modernized in 2025-26 while work at Dunning Hall is beginning. Jeffery Hall’s elevator is scheduled for modernization in May 2027, and construction is underway to add a second elevator to Watson Hall. Jessop acknowledged the University’s efforts to improve accessibility, but said the work can create additional disruptions for building occupants. She described encountering damaged pavement while using Queen’s students walking by the event to hear their perspectives on the gathering. For Yonatan Genkin, Sci ’27, the issue was not with the demonstration or its intentions, but with the actual content of the signs. He expressed support for open discussion, but pointed to the distinction between sex and gender, arguing the demonstrators should “read more” on the topic. Avery Hannah, ArtSci ’30, wasn’t opposed to the organization but felt the approach was intimidating and confrontational. Hannah didn’t want to be judged for an opinion and was uncomfortable with the fact the group was filming. “You don’t know what they’re
a mobility scooter on campus, which she reported to the University last spring. Water leak at Bracken Health Science Library
AMS introduces new plan to support aspiring clubs
Aurelie Kokiw Water management is another Assistant News Editor concern, with Jessop pointing to an ongoing leak at Bracken The AMS is rolling out a new Library in Bottorell Hall. provisional recognition program She described water drip- that aims to make the ratification ping onto a tarp before being process more accessible to studirected into a bucket that must dent groups. be emptied. The provisional recognition Queen’s Facilities confirmed pathway is designed for new stutemporary water collection mea- dent groups that need assistance sures have been installed to man- to become an AMS-ratified club. A age an ongoing leak associated group can only be provisionally with the building’s podium roof recognized for two semesters, and deck. it cannot be renewed, according The University said a perma- to an AMS clubs Instagram post. nent solution requires replacWhile the application packing the affected roof assembly. age was still under development The project is currently in the at the time of publication, the design phase, with construction Clubs Commission wrote in their expected to take approximately Instagram post that they hope two years to complete once it to release applications before begins in 2027-28. November. Through the program, groups Custodial services and gain access to additional communication concerns resources such as event sanctioning and insurance. The groups are Beyond building repairs, also given the permission to use Jessop pointed to issues with “Queen’s” in their name, qualify custodial services, particularly for up to $100 in grants, and have the cleanliness of campus librar- the chance to be included in clubs’ ies during busy academic periods. marketing and outreach events. She said library employees In an interview with The have expressed frustration with Journal, Clubs Commissioner washroom conditions, especially Caroline Ding, HealthSci ’27, during exam periods and holidays. said eligibility for provisional Jessop also said faculty mem- recognition is much easier than bers are responsible for removing ratification. garbage and recycling from their She said student groups need offices, and that their offices are a minimum of five executives and cleaned at most once a year. demonstrate plans for future In its statement, Queen’s events, finances, and organizaFacilities said it has changed how tional responsibilities. The groups custodial services are allocated, are assessed on their ability to with cleaning resources now dis- address a potential gap in existing tributed based on how frequently campus programming. buildings are used and how many Ding said many student groups people occupy them. have promising ideas but lack The University said the the operational planning and approach allows it to prioritize documentation required for AMS cleaning services in areas with ratification. greater demand, adding it allows According to the AMS Clubs resources to be better aligned Policy, student groups must with campus needs. operate for at least two academic Queen’s Facilities acknowl- semesters before applying for edged that sustained investment ratification. They must submit a is important to ensuring the club constitution and provide an long-term reliability of campus annual budget outlining anticibuildings. pated revenue and expenses. Jessop said she hopes the Groups that pass the initial University’s recent maintenance application review are invited to efforts will continue. an interview with the club’s commissioner and the club’s education and policy assistant manager going to cut and edit and if they’re before their application undergoing to make you look like the goes further review. bad person,” Hannah said. Groups are not required to Another student, Darcey have been operating before applyKrangle, ArtSci ’29, questioned ing to the provisional recognition, the intentions behind the move- as long as they can provide a timement’s choice of conversation line of two planned events they starter. will host and how they are going “They have every right to say to succeed. whatever they want. You can have When asked whether difficulany form of open discussion, open ties in the ratification process debate anywhere, but it’s so clear influenced the decision to introthat they are here to just rage bait duce this recognition, Ding said, people,” Krangle said. “we’ve been developing the policy According to a statement since the summer; we wanted to sent to The Journal, Canadian roll out eventually anyways. We Students for Free Speech plan to just thought this would be the continue their national campus best time.” tour, though they are not releasing their planned stops. They said Continued online at they plan to return to Queen’s at www.queensjournal.ca some point.
4 • QUEENSJOURNAL.CA
FEATURES
FEATURES
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026
Remembering ‘Journal’ legend Gabe King ‘For a lot of us, she was a mom away from home,’ former editorin-chief says
come and go, but Gabe is the one who stayed.” The retirement party was hosted by Jake Edmiston, ArtSci ’12, and Clare Clancy, ArtSci ’11, the co-editors-in-chief of volume 139. Edmiston explained they felt “daunted” to step into their roles, Eva Sheahan & not only because of the workIMAGE SUPPLIED BY MARISSA NELSON Jonathan Reilly load, but because it was King’s Gabriele King in a pink jacket surrounded by ‘Journal’ staff and alumni at a volume 125 celebration party. Journal Staff final year at The Journal and they wanted to give her a “proper and I remember her by my side Gabriele King, known as Gabe by send-off.” “calming presence” and a “shoul- way for them to be all that they holding my arm to make sure I generations of Journal staff, was The co-editors ended up rent- der to cry on.” could be.” didn’t slip and fall.” a “calming presence” for almost ing Portsmouth Historic Hall for “I think back to her being King also encouraged students Throughout the years, alumni three decades. the night. Many alumni returned, an adult in the midst of these who visited The Journal, even consistently described King as King worked at The Journal and Edmiston remembers it as all-nighters and pizza boxes and if they weren’t staff members. family. For generations of pasas the paper’s business admin- “packed.” breakups and drama and all of Volume 117 Editor-in-Chief Ian sionate, hardworking, and often istrator, with her career spanning “Everybody has their accom- the rest of it,” Nelson said. Stewart, ArtSci ’90, described overwhelmed Journal staff, “she from 1984 until 2012. A perma- plishments when they run the Nelson visited King while she King as a “safe landing place for was a mom away from home,” nent staff member among a team paper, and that was ours. I think was in hospice and recounted anyone that walked through the Stewart said. of students, King provided sup- we sent out Gabe well, and it a conversation they had about door.” port and a sense of continuity to wasn’t just our accomplishment. King’s experience working at The He pointed out that first-year generations of Journal mastheads. I think the entire alumni network Journal. students would often come to The On Oct. 12, King died of can- came and showed up for her,” “I can’t imagine being her. I said Journal’s office feeling shy and cer in Kingston’s Providence Care Edmiston said. that to her in hospice, and she nervous, not knowing if it was Hospital. This impact on alumni was kind of laughed, and she said, ‘I the right place for them. To reflect on her 28-year leg- something Edmiston felt after his loved it.’ And she had this little He added that while he was acy, The Journal spoke with for- time at The Journal too, explain- glint in her eye. I think she loved one of these students, King had a mer editors-in-chief during King’s ing he still looks back fondly on being around young people on unique way of comforting people. time at The Journal to hear how his memories of King in the old the cusp of life,” she said. “Gabe could see I was insecure. Alexandra Gromova she impacted their experiences. Journal house. When Nelson found out I didn’t know what I was doing, Features Editor Her time at The Journal began “There are places you can go in through Facebook that King was but she immediately sort of got when volume 112 Editor-in-Chief your mind where you feel sort of in hospice, she had the idea of up, came around her desk, […] There was a time when getting John Stackhouse, Comm ’85, safe and warm, and The Journal creating a document for alumni and said, ‘You’re welcome here.’” into Queen’s Model Parliament brought her onto the team. house [King] created is one of who worked with King to write H e r s u p p o r t e x t e n d e d (QMP) meant getting in line. “[Hiring her] was literally one them for me,” he said. “I realize messages about the impact she beyond just lending a listening Zayden Vergara, ArtSci ’25, of the first things I did as editor, I’m not even there anymore, but had on their experiences. In just ear. Stewart described her as recalled hearing stories from and she was fantastic from day I can think in my head of walk- a few days, over 50 alumni wrote “very no-nonsense,” and said she older QMP alumni about a time one,” Stackhouse said. “She, as ing in and turning the corner and an individual message. always made sure things got done. when demand for the conference generations saw afterwards, was seeing her at her desk, and just “I’m so grateful that everybody “She was very protective of was so high that students had to more committed to The Journal, feeling sort of lighter.” took the time to write. She saw everyone that was in The Journal, compete for admission. Even after and especially to its people, Edmiston moved from the them all. She read them. She […] so if there was a problem, she securing a spot, delegates reportthan I think anyone could have Toronto area to Kingston for uni- loved them. In some ways, it was was the first one to step up and edly arrived hours early outside anticipated.” versity and was “deeply home- reflective of the community that defend you.” the House of Commons, lining While King carried out a num- sick.” When he began his term The Queen’s Journal, through the Some of his favourite memo- up to claim the best seats in the ber of administrative tasks to as editor-in-chief, he and Clancy years, creates,” Nelson said. ries of King didn’t take place in chamber. ensure the business side of the went to King’s home for dinner. She simply wanted King and the office, though. “There was not just a wait list. paper was running smoothly, “I remember she cooked for her sister to “have a document “Gabe used to always host these There was a line that people those were not her only responsi- us,” Edmiston said. “She made to show her how loved she was.” […] barbecue bonfire kind of would be essentially camping out,” bilities. Her greatest impact, argu- me feel like I was with family. […] King’s younger sister, Patricia things in the summer. They were Vergara said in an interview with ably, was the emotional support She became like my family.” Armson — who stayed at King’s really boozy, debaucherous sort The Journal. she provided to generations of Marissa Nelson and Eric bedside in Providence until she of affairs. [But] seeing her out of In 2017, QMP sent 338 stuThe Journal staff. Morris, both ArtSci ’99 and co-ed- died — read King stories from an office setting — the warmth dents to Ottawa, according to “She hadn’t worked in a stu- itors-in-chief of volume 125, also the document every day. and the kindness in her smile the Queen’s Gazette. COVID-19 dent environment […] or a news threw a historic party during For Armson, the document were just brilliant,” he said. interrupted the annual trip, and environment, so that was fresh their tenures. For The Journal’s reminded her that King’s strength Once Stewart finished his term a small executive team brought it to her. She didn’t claim to track 125th anniversary, Nelson and came from “believing in people, as editor-in-chief, he went on to back to the House in 2023. Now the issues that we were tracking, Morris hosted a celebration in giving them encouragement, and pursue a career in journalism and approahing its 80th sitting, QMP is or read the paper, but she had a Grant Hall. embracing them.” foreign correspondence. While on preparing to return to the House great sense of people and was Nelson described King as Over the last few years, the an assignment in Sierra Leone in of Commons this school year from very protective of the people at “ecstatic” and “giddy” that night, two sisters were able to spend a January 1999, Stewart was shot in January 6 to 8 with registration The Journal,” he said. “We needed as she was so happy to see “her lot more time together as Armson the head when a suspected rebel open through December. that, but we needed it more than kids” again. moved back to Kingston. Armson opened fire on the vehicle carryThe premise of the club is we probably appreciated.” “She was delirious with the 125 referred to King as “so fun” and ing him and several colleagues. simple. For three days, Queen’s After graduating, Stackhouse [party]. […] Even the other day, “full of surprises.” Stewart was critically wounded, students sit where MPs sit, form visited The Journal and King on we talked about it, and she was King was the eldest of four and fellow Associated Press jour- parties, and debate bills they’ve multiple occasions. like, ‘That was so amazing.’ It was children, with two younger nalist Myles Tierney was killed. written themselves. Each party His favourite memory over the a good party,” Nelson said. brothers and her younger sister, After months of being in the brings serious proposals and years was during King’s retireThinking back to the late Armson, by seven years. Armson hospital, he returned to Queen’s deliberately ridiculous ones. ment party in 2012, as he was nights preparing the paper, mixed remembered King as a “mother later that year to give a career The bills won’t become law, but able to see, first-hand, all the with the generally tumultuous hen” figure who looked out for talk, where he and King reunited. alumni told The Journal the experelationships King had developed experience of being a student, her younger siblings — both tak“I was walking with a cane, rience changed how they spoke, during her time at the paper. Nelson referred to these produc- ing care of them and setting them so she saw me in a very bro- approached politics, and under“It was just so joyful for me tion nights as a “pressure cooker.” in line — language she also used ken-down state, and that was a stood one another. to see all that she had built over “You’re trying to get every- to describe King’s relationships really emotional thing, but she many years. I mean, I didn’t know thing done, and you’ve still got with Journal staff. just stepped in right where things all the editors that followed, but exams, and relationships, and “She wasn’t just a mother hen had left off. It was like we had Continued online at their attachment to her, and all of these things happening at to them. Yes, she listened to them, never been apart,” he said. “[I www.queensjournal.ca her to them, was really special,” once,” Nelson said. Through all but she was a force of motivation was] trying to manage walking Stackhouse said. “The students of it, she said King served as a and success in showing them a through slushy snow with a cane,
More than
a seat in the House
OPINIONS
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026
QUEENSJOURNAL.CA • 5
OPINIONS The case for saving the American chestnut
Your Perspective
A rare opportunity to restore a piece of Canada’s past Daniel Aiello Contributor
Old legend holds that a squirrel could walk from Maine to Georgia across a canopy of chestnut trees without ever touching the ground. Today, the squirrel would be hardpressed to find a single tree. Castanea dentata, or the American chestnut, was once an abundant tree across eastern North America, and a part of Canada’s economy, history, and environment. Chestnut blight, a destructive fungal disease, was accidentally introduced to North America through imported Asian chestnut trees. When it reached southern Ontario by the early 1920s, it destroyed nearly all of the approximately four billion American chestnut trees alive in North America by 1950. Both Canadian governments and citizens should take a more active role in the conservation efforts of the American chestnut tree. Much of the research towards blight resistance and genetic engineering in chestnut trees is done by the U.S. This is not to say that Canada has not identified the problem and its significance. Both the Ontario government and the Canadian Chestnut Council have made important steps towards the preservation of the tree, and possibly towards a future blightresistant strain. In fact, the Canadian Chestnut Council reported that some second-generation trees showed enough resistance to chestnut blight to be selected as parents for a third generation, which is now growing in their field. Each generation allows the council to select and breed the most
resistant trees, gradually work- naturally rot-resistant. It is ing towards a population capable straight-grained wood, which of surviving the blight. makes it easier to work with, and According to the Ontario gov- its beautiful colour and grain paternment’s 2018 American chest- tern make it an attractive flooring nut recovery review, the province and furnishing material. Canada allocated just $590,152 to chest- has a rich history of furniture nut preservation over 10 years. making and woodwork in genAn additional $790,146 went to eral. It surely can put the wood broader, multi-species projects, to good use again. some of which also supported There are also cultural and chestnut trees. historical reasons to care about Compare these figures with the American chestnut. the US $3,892,850 in expenses Chestnut was once considreported by the American ered a "cradle-to-coffin" wood, Chestnut Foundation, a nonprofit meaning products made with its organization, for the fiscal year wood would be used at all stages ending in June 2025. of one’s life. Indigenous commuThe government has simulta- nities historically relied on the neously recognized the impor- nuts and wood of the American tance of preserving the tree and chestnut for generations. financially neglected the conserQueen’s has also recently vation effort. undertaken campus-wide bioAlthough it is simple to sug- diversity work to document gest throwing more money at a plant species and inform future problem, the American chestnut planting and conservation decioffers a compelling economic case sions. It is also of note that for investment. Queen’s University’s Snodgrass Chestnuts are a highly nutri- Arboretum contains horse tious and exportable crop. chestnut trees that, according Chestnuts are widely enjoyed to Queen’s, are often mistaken across the world, with 2.1 million for the native American chestnut. tonnes of chestnuts grown annuAmerican chestnuts were once ally. But Canada would not simply prized as shade trees, growing as be contributing to this number high as 30 metres and living for by growing its own chestnuts; centuries. A tree planted beside American chestnuts are widely a home could outlive the person considered the best-tasting chest- who planted it many times over, nut variety and would be sold as shading their family for generaa luxurious alternative to the tions and turning the American already popular nut. chestnut into a true heirloom Those who are lucky enough to “family tree.” have eaten an American chestnut Aside from the economic, culoften describe them as crunchy, tural, and historical significance sweet, and more naturally fla- of losing the American chestvourful than their European and nut, Canada may not yet fully Asian counterparts. Unlike most understand the ecological conother varieties, which are often sequences of its disappearance cooked to reduce their bitter either. When an ecosystem — like flavour, American chestnuts are that of pre-blight North America prized for their sweetness even — has developed around the when eaten raw. Eating them raw extreme abundance of a certain also preserves their vitamin C species like the American chestcontent, which is reduced dur- nut, its sudden disappearance ing cooking. may have consequences more C h e s t n u t w o o d i s a l s o drastic than visibly evident.
A 2024 study examined the changing composition of forests in Shenandoah National Park. The researchers found that the composition of the forest changed faster from 1977 to 2021 than it did from pre-blight to 1977. Although the researchers admit that factors such as climate change, other pests, and natural succession may have also been at play, the findings suggest that the ecological consequences of losing a dominant species may take decades to fully materialize. The reintroduction of the American chestnut en masse may recover ecological relationships that have been absent for generations. The eager citizen may wonder how they can contribute to the cause of preservation. Fortunately, the Canadian Chestnut Council offers Canadians various options to contribute to the cause. Membership in the council costs $35, with many other donation options also being available. Canadians need not donate, however, to make a difference. Volunteer opportunities to assist with the preservation of the trees are available, and those who stumble upon a surviving mature chestnut tree can report it to Ontario’s Natural Heritage Information Centre. In fact, Ontario’s 2018 review reported that 11 new chestnut populations had been discovered since 2008, illustrating the importance of community effort and observation. Canada has the opportunity to reverse an environmental disaster while gaining valuable scientific experience and reaping long-term economic and cultural benefit in the process. It is high time Canada took a greater interest in the preservation of its arboreal heritage.
Hillary Roberston & Bonnie Zheng HealthSci ’30
“Dunning basement.” Cordel Epale Comm ’28
through the campus master plan How students can help build our campus Niki Boytchuk-Hale Staff Writer
When Queen’s proposed replacing Kingston Field (now known as Nixon Field) with a new science building (Stirling Hall) in 1961, the response for student protestors was to hold a full-fledge funeral for their beloved green space. The dramatics were so compelling that the University decided it was time to embark on a campus plan that considered how and where to expand academic buildings outside of the lower campus. This came at a time when The Journal had written to the administration and proposed adding 10 minutes for walking time between classes, recognizing that the campus would inevitably need to expand. While on University Avenue, I recently overheard visiting alumni remark on how stunning our campus is, and that it contributes to the charm of being a Queen’s student. While I couldn’t agree more, we also know that there is a lot of work to be done. We need to protect and add meaningful green space, prioritize walkability and accessible routes, and design growth that supports student well-being, rather than simply maximizing square footage. A campus plan may be all about the physical buildings, but my two cents are that, at its heart, it’s about community building. Queen’s students of today can take a lesson from those mourners in the 1960s by adding their voices Daniel Aiello is a fifth-year to the conversation about campus Concurrent Education student. planning. At a high level, a campus master plan helps us ensure we have the capacity to accommodate growth in the student population and support research excellence. It also helps us define priorities for renewal, including which buildings need repairs, where new buildings may be needed, and when these projects should take place, based on the University’s top priorities. There are many layers to consider, like protecting heritage and supporting our competitive goals as a nationally and globally competitive institution. Our campus looks the way it does because of several distinct master plans. Some changes were for the better, like the newest residence on Albert Street that seamlessly integrates into the Kingston “Etherington Hall. It was really “MacCorry because it’s like a maze.” community, but others were for creepy there when I did my chem the worse, like the concreate junmidterm. There were a lot of Lex Leikin gle in and around Mac-Corry that spiderwebs.” Sci ’29 appeared in the years following the world wars. Devansh Goyal Sci ’29 Continued online at www.queensjournal.ca
Halloween Talking Heads... What is the scariest place on campus?
“Jeffery 155, the vibes are daunting.”
Rector’s Digest: Walking
6 • QUEENSJOURNAL.CA
EDITORIALS
EDITORIALS
The Journal’s THE QUEEN’S that transformed “participatory Perspective culture, fandom, and parasocial JOURNAL
Our morbid curiosity has taken us too far
Chloe Nunes Arts & Culture Editor True crime is a nonfiction genre that recounts the stories of real crimes, real perpetrators, and real victims. Despite this mainstream fixation’s online popularity and seemingly innocuous nature, true crime has an ethical dilemma that cuts deeper than the spectacle of violence. In the digital era, content creation changes how consumers engage with the genre. Across social media platforms, armchair detectives use public records and digital archives to investigate cases. These fans seek to resolve where the justice system seemingly fails, but their obsessive armchair investigations put justice at risk. When toxic engagement in the true crime community escalates a general interest in crime into an intrusive fan obsession, this online fandom does more harm than good.
For instance, after Bryan Kohberger murdered four University of Idaho students in 2022, sensationalized media coverage of the high-profile homicide case risked the trial’s integrity by creating conspiracies, rumors, and speculations. Resources were wasted as true crime fans flooded the FBI call line with rumors, while others toured the site out of morbid curiosity to take photos as a way to seek their own answers. Some even identified as “probergers,” a fan name inspired by Kohberger’s last name, which led to the creation of love letters and a banned “Brynation” subreddit. These obsessive fan behaviours were rooted in ‘evidence’ sourced by fans, which cannot be proven in the court of law. However, in the court of public opinion, findings rewrote the perception of the truth. False speculation surrounding the killer’s identity spread by TikToker Ashley Guillard led to a $10 million lawsuit after she amassed millions of views by
accusing University of Idaho professor Rebecca Scofield of murdering students she never met. There were also unfounded claims surrounding the surviving roommates that ultimately provoked the grieving family members of the victims to issue public statements proving their innocence. This fan engagement in victim-blaming removes responsibility from perpetrators by neglecting the violence they have inflicted. Until content regulation can control case media coverage, harmful online speculation will continue to act as collateral damage. The result is that these intrusions will continue to cross boundaries against victims and retraumatize survivors. A study published by Crime, Media, Culture found that covictims experience an “extreme loss of privacy [...] from outsized media attention,” which produces “harmful interactions” by true crime consumers. Crime sightseeing, social media messaging, and trolling were noted to be actions
The case to lower the voting age in Canada is compelling, but not convincing
Debates surrounding lowering the voting age have recurred in Canadian political circles for years, but the answer, for now, should remain the same. Amidst the 2025 Canadian Federal election, a group of young Canadians, known as the Young Politicians of Canada, advocated to lower legal voting age in Canada from 18w to 16 years old. The argument was that Canada, being a representative democracy, should allow stronger representation from younger Canadians. While the potential drawbacks of lowering the voting age — notably the risk that 16-yearolds may be more susceptible to outside influences, including from their parents — ultimately outweigh the benefits, the argument is not without merit. Young Canadians, for example, would be most likely to vote on issues oriented towards the future of the country, since they will live with the ramification of today’s political decisions longer than anyone. This is sorely lacking from Canada’s modern political landscape. Not only that, when young people in democracy’s feel unheard and unrepresented, societal unrest can follow. Look at the student-led protests in France as evidence to this point. If younger Canadians were allowed to vote, politicians could no longer ignore young people
once they became a significant voting demographic. Evidence also shows that when voting ages decreases, those who voted at an earlier age continue to vote at a higher rate than the rest of the population. In a country where voter turnout and general political apathy are already significant issues, encouraging younger people to vote can help address both of those issues. It’s perfectly reasonable for 16-year-olds to feel like they should have the right to vote. And make no mistake, plenty of young, well-informed Canadians have opinions that should, in an ideal world, be heard. However, we do not live in an ideal world. In reality, life experience does matter when it comes to voting. Friends, partners, peers, coworkers: these shape the experiences and perspectives that inform our understanding of the world. In that regard, independence, especially as a mindset, is a critical component of forming a political opinion, and a characteristic all voters should have. Of course, there are exceptions. But in general, the younger you are, the less likely you are to have developed that perspective. That is the primary reason voting should not be extended to younger Canadians. Among voting-age adults, one of the strongest indicators
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026
of how someone votes is how their parents vote, and that only gets stronger the younger the voter is. While external parental influence is problematic enough, it’s possible that parents or guardians wouldn’t even have the greatest influence. In fact, the truly impactful influence could come in the form of online information, and it’s impossible to ignore how much of that now comes from unreliable sources. For Canadians aged 18 to 24, social media is already the single largest source of political information. It plays a disproportionate role in shaping their opinions — and this effect is amplified in developing, impressionable teenage brains. No Canadian, regardless of age, is immune to disinformation online, but studies show younger brains have the most trouble discerning real information from fake. T h e s a m e problem already exists among adults. Uninformed
interactions into an invasion of Volume 154, Issue 11 privacy.” Publishing Since 1873 Although the Moscow police warned that intrusive fan behaviour can result in criminal charges, misinformed content about the Idaho Four continues to be uploaded as its media attention refuses to die down. In fact, the Idaho Murders returned to the headlines when Kohberger filed a petition to rescind his guilty plea in late July. Editorial Board Now, one of the top search results for #idaho4 on TikTok is a Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Reilly Eva Sheahan series of sleuth videos posted in Managing Editor Editor Emmet Paradis August, which have a combined 5 News Assistant News Editor Lola Hustins million views, alleging the survivAurelie Kokiw Rachel Wu ing roommates lied to investigaProduction Manager Jordan Medulan tors. Despite no court evidence Features Editor Alexandra Gromova supporting their involvement, Katherine Hunter Taylor Fountain thousands of users agreed, and Editorials Editor Editorials Illustrator Anna Van Raalte further perpetuated conspiracies Opinions Editor Sophie Campbell Chloe Nunes that have already been debunked. Arts & Culture Editor Editor While these intrusive fan in- Assistant Arts & Culture Claudine Koroshegyi teractions primarily occur onMayah Ricketts Julia Ludden line, harmful engagement in the Postscript Editor Editor true crime community’s digital Business, Science, & Technology Uroosa Imtiaz world has dangerous off-screen Adelene Leung Sports Editor Noah Cyr consequences. Assistant Sports Editor Malek Benameur Fan obsessions with cases Jacksen MacLean Lilly Meechan that have struck hearts world- Multimedia Editor wide should be mindful of their Assistant Multimedia Editor Drew Gabrielle Cuencaho impact on real cases. If true crime Photo Editor Claire Bak Eve Linden is meant to honour the victim’s Assistant Photo Editor Elizabeth Poidevin life, then risking the execution Copy Editor Ananya Sharma of justice just sensationalizes Jaimeson Terada Graphics Editor Angelina Liu tragedy.
voting is common, and lowering the age by two years does nothing to fix it. More participation, on its own, won’t produce a better democracy. A test, or a pathway for 16-year-olds to apply for the vote, might seem like a way through. In theory, it makes s e n s e . I n p ra c t i c e , m o s t Canadians who can already vote likely couldn’t pass one, and barriers to voting are already a problem. Canada still has work to do on turnout, civic education, and access for the voters it already has. That work should come first. Until it’s done, the voting age should stay where it is, at 18. — Journal Editorial Board
QTBIPOC Advisory Board Member Merab Ali Daniel Gill-Sitoski Rohaan Malik First Year Intern Camille Chang-Ying Sophia Johnson Jasper Zhang
Business Staff Jacob Kranjac Emily Ma Kate Wong Fundraising Representative Sophia Varga Social Media Manager Zara Shaikh Business Manager Sales Representative
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026
BUSINESS, SCIENCE, & TECHNOLOGY
<BIZ-SCI-TECH>
Queen’s wins first place in global fintech hackathon
Five Computing students win awards at China’s Chengdu 80 Hackathon Uroosa Imtiaz Business, Science, and Technology Editor Five Queen’s Computing students spent Fall reading week in Chengdu, China, competing in a global hackathon. The only full-undergraduate team at the event, Chloe Houvardas, ArtSci ’28, John Li, Wafeeqa Chowdhury, Rory Macdonald, and Michelle Shi, all ArtSci ’27, took home first place at the Chengdu 80 Global FinTech Product Design and Development Competition at the Southwestern University of Finance Economics (SWUFE). The team was mentored by Coach and Undergraduate Chair of Computing Yuanzhu Chen and Professor Emirita Wendy Powley, who retired last year after serving the Queen’s community for over 45 years. This year’s theme was “Building the Next-Generation AI-Native Financial Application Platform.” Instead of delivering a single product, teams were tasked with building an entire platform capable of generating financial apps using natural language prompts and then using it to create three different apps. Per the title, each team was given 80 non-stop hours to build the project and three apps. Eight different universities from Canada, China, the U.S.,
Is the new foldable iPhone worth the hype?
The new iPhone is impressive, but Samsung still has an edge, students say Uroosa Imtiaz Business, Science, and Technology Editor Foldable phones have been around since the 1990s, but the iPhone Duo is anything but a throwback. Released last week, the Duo has a “passport” form factor with a 5.4-inch outer display that unfolds to reveal a 7.6-inch inner screen, falling somewhere between a smartphone and tablet. It comes in two colours, Star White and Night Sky, starting at $2,999 before tax. Beyond the satisfying click
Queen’s team accepting first-place award on stage at SWUFE.
and Europe participated in the invite-only, all-expenses paid competition, including Tsinghua University, the University of Hong Kong, the National University of Singapore, ETH Zurich, and SWUFE. Houvardas, a fourth-year Computing student, participated in the competition two years prior, where Queen’s also won first place. This year, she returned as team captain, leading the team to victory. Despite previously participating in the competition, she still felt like she was in “unfamiliar territory” given how much had changed in the past two years, she told The Journal. During the event, the Queen’s team spent more time ideating
than others, ensuring their project targeted a specific problem aimed at a particular target demographic. The team built a product focused on small and medium businesses to create their own agentically-powered financial apps, demonstrating it with an app that sends invoices, an app that pays them, and one that predicts cash flow. Agentic AI could be considered “reckless” in the financial space and capable of making costly mistakes, so the team added guardrails and an audit agent framework to ensure every action taken by the agent was “safe and compliant,” she said. The format of the hackathon was very different to what Houvardas, a seasoned hackathon
when it closes, the Duo has little in common with older flip phones. It is 11.3 mm thick with rounded corners on the right side and square at the hinges when folded. When opened, it’s 5.2 mm thick, narrowly beating the iPhone Air as Apple’s thinnest phone. It has an estimated battery life of 24 hours with mixed use and the latest A20 chip. The inner screen can display two views side by side, with some built-in apps already offering tailored layouts for the larger display. It can fold into a chair or tent position to stand on its own. The Journal asked Queen’s students about the appeal of foldable phones, and whether they’d ever consider switching to the new iPhone Duo. Mason Bouchard, Nurs ’29, was eager to try the new foldable Samsung when it first came out but waited for the technology to mature before buying the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Four four years ago. “It’s a conversation starter for sure, every time I pull it out, people are like, is that your phone?” he said. He since upgraded to the
Galaxy Z Flip Six, with a 3.4-inch external display and a clamshell form factor, which opens into a typical phone screen instead of a tablet like the Duo. While the folding is “really fun,” his main motivator was how small and compact it was. “I like that it fits in my pocket perfectly, and I can do everything that I would need to do,” he said. The outer screen allows him to check his notifications, messages, and control his Spotify playlist without ever opening his phone. The added friction prevents him from “doomscrolling” on social media. Another boost is that the phone doesn’t require a stand to hold itself up. “If I’m video calling my girlfriend, I can just have it like that,” he said. Multitasking and customizability are other reasons why he recommends the Flip. “You can easily have two different apps open at the same time and switch it around however you need to,” he said. As a long-time foldable owner, he says there are certain downsides. “They’re definitely a little bit more fragile than a regular
PHOTO SUPPLIED BY WENDY POWLEY
winner, was expecting. “Normally you have a time limit, you start hacking, and you’re able to distribute this time however you want,” she said. This time, teams had to submit different parts of the project every 12 hours, which they could no longer modify. This also meant they couldn’t pivot to a different idea. “Normally with hackathons, I’m used to pivoting a lot,” Houvardas said. After the 80 hours were complete, they took a scheduled tour of Chengdu, visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a World Heritage Site. Each member documented their experience on RedNote,
phone,” he said. A common concern with foldable phones is the crease, which Apple has tried to minimize. The Duo uses a custom OLED display developed by Samsung, which launched its first foldable smartphone in 2019. While people often ask him about the crease, he finds that it’s a “non-issue.” It’s imperceptible to touch and isn’t visible when the phone is on. Bouchard said he prefers the Flip over the Duo for its compactness as the Duo is much larger and bulkier when folded. Its full screen is also slightly squarer which is a strange aspect ratio for watching videos, he added. However, he does see the appeal for those looking for something like a tablet and who are already within the Apple ecosystem. “I switched to [the Flip] four years ago and have zero regrets,” he said. Duncan MacKay, ArtSci ’27, a friend of Bouchard’s, switched from a normal Samsung Galaxy to the Z Flip last year. Like Bouchard, he likes being able to control his media from the
QUEENSJOURNAL.CA • 7 a major Chinese social media platform, which sponsored the competition. They posted in between breaks from coding and trying local food and culture, winning two additional awards for Most Popular Team and Most Popular Individual, won by McDonald, based on the number of likes received. After that came a full-day of presentations, which was far longer and more in-depth than a typical hackathon, Houvardas said. Teams delivered a technical defense in the morning and an investment pitch in the afternoon, with in-depth question periods. “The judges, all very accomplished industry experts from big financial firms in China, either had really strong finance backgrounds or led the innovation and tech fronts of these particular firms, would grill you on your architecture in front of everybody,” she said. Hackers had real-time, in-ear translators since some of the judges were strongest in Chinese, which was a very cool experience, Houvardas said. There was also a code-quality score generated by engineers that thoroughly went over the codebase, staying up past 4 a.m., verifying its function, and judging whether it was production ready. The day after the presentation was over, they got to explore the city on their own with the other teams, even running into some Queen’s alumni on the streets of Chengdu. “We ended up getting really close with some of the other teams. Went out on the town and then had our final hot pot dinner and then it was back to Canada. It went by very quickly,” she said. Powley, who also mentored the team two years ago, was blown away by the team’s success and how the event was organized. “To have won the competition with a team of five undergraduate students was amazing,” she said.
backscreen without opening his phone and risk getting distracted. As a member of the cheer team, he frequently records his routines with the phone on the ground. “You can turn on the back screen while taking photos, so you can have a preview of what your camera sees,” while using the rear camera, he said. Both phones allow you to view the rear camera output on the back screen, similar to taking a selfie. Another major plus is that the Flip doesn’t slip out as easily from his pockets, especially in sweatpants, compared to a regular phone. When it comes to the crease, MacKay finds it barely noticeable when the screen is on, although a slight depression is visible when it’s off. “This is like the seventh generation of folding screen they’ve had, and they’ve really been able to iron out the creasing,” he said. Continued online at www.queensjournal.ca
8 • QUEENSJOURNAL.CA
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026
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ARTS & CULTURE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026
ARTS & CULTURE Student shaves head for Dean Deluzio look-alike competition
Two engineering students compete for custom patch Chloe Nunes Senior Arts & Culture Editor
The cultural phenomenon of look-alike contests carries on at Queen’s. This time without Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, but with the equally iconic Kevin Deluzio, Sci ’88, the eean of Smith Engineering. On Oct. 23 at 11:00 a.m., the Clark Hall patio filled with a small crowd of about 30 engineering students and passersby, with two dressed in their best blue suits to participate in the contest. Hosted by Golden Words, the first-place prize was a custom “DoppelDean” jacket bar to adorn the sleeve of battered golden party armour. The judging panel, who all matched in their GoldenWords
jerseys, consisted of Golden Words Editors Amanda Clayman and Payton Marsh, alongside “the man, the myth, the legend” himself,” Kevin Deluzio. Before the contest began, Marsh announced this was their “first and last ever Dean Deluzio lookalike contest,” and thanked Deluzio for booking off his Friday morning. Next year in June, Kevin Deluzio concludes his time as dean after having served two consecutive terms. With only two contestants, the competition was tough. Brian Hall, Sci ’30, shaved the top of his head in inspiration of Deluzio’s signature look. Tihon Pleshkov, Sci ’30, might not have shaved his hair, but he surely wore the best blue suit.
The first challenge was cat walking across the Clark Hall patio. The fierce music selection got the crowd fired up as they cheered for the contestants. Hall strutted to Slayyyter’s “DANCE...” while Pleshkov walked to Charli XCX’s “365.” Then, to assess their capabilities of becoming the next dean, the judges asked three questions: their favourite United Nations sustainable development goal, the core principles of a dean, and the most important skill of a dean. If there was a louder microphone, the crowd could have heard the contestants’ answers, but their responses looked like they secured laughs from the judging panel, so certainly they were funny.
QUEENSJOURNAL.CA • 9 Afterwards, the crowd cheered for their winner, leading Dean Deluzio to bestow the bar to Hall, while granting Pleshkov the title of best dressed. Hall’s commitment to resembling Dean Deluzio is what led him to victory, but everyone wondered what led him to shave his head. “It was dedication. My roommate convinced me that I looked enough like Dean Deluzio. [...] We shaved my head last night after my physics exam,” Hall said in an interview with The Journal. “I’m going to shave the rest of it, so it’s all even.” After shaving his head, putting on glasses, and throwing on a blue suit, Hall transformed into the dean he wanted to become. “I looked in the mirror, and it was really uncanny that we looked very similar,” Hall said. N o w that he’s won the only bar of its kind, it
will eventually be sewn onto his jacket. “The bar is going very proudly on my jacket. It’s probably gonna be the first one I put on,” Hall said. During his time at Queen’s, Deluzio set a high bar for Smith Engineering. Although it’s uncertain who will take on the role of dean next, perhaps Brian Hall, it’s certain Deluzio is wellloved by his students. When the contest concluded around 11:30 a.m., Golden Words sold their Homecoming merch, “drunk darts don’t count” and “puke n’ rally.”
GRAPHIC BY ANGELINA LIU
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ARTS & CULTURE
10 • QUEENSJOURNAL.CA
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026
‘Cast Out of the Shadows’ took place on October 20, 21, and 23 at the Screening Room.
Chloe Nunes Arts & Culture Editor
For the first time in Kingston, The Screening Room’s annual screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show took audience participation to the next level with a live drag shadowcast, “Cast Out of the Shadows.” On Oct. 20, 21, and 23, eight Kingston drag artists brought the show’s iconic musical numbers to life with their live drag performances while the dialogue scenes played without the shadowcast. Since 2011, the independent movie theatre has screened Rocky Horror every Halloween. Over 50 years ago in 1975, this musical horror comedy euphorically embraced gender expression and sexual liberation. It stars an androgynous mad scientist, a sexy creation, and some not so straight-laced newlyweds. Beyond its hilariously crude jokes, Rocky Horror remains a queer cult classic because it shows how to belong in the world. A longstanding tradition for myself and my friend, we come in costumes ready to scream our best call-backs at the screen. Although I can quote Rocky Horror by heart, I am a shadowcast virgin.
I gave myself over to absolute pleasure at Kingston’s first drag shadowcast for ‘Rocky Horror’ But this year, I was in for a mind flip. Throughout that wild night, I smiled so much it made my face ache. A powerful force in Kingston’s drag scene, Tyffanie Morgan, ArtSci ’03, opened the show by asking the crowd how they were doing. After our first response gave a prudish Janet-esque reply, we endearingly responded, “Fuck you, bitch!” Then, Morgan lip synced “Science Fiction/Double Feature,” with her face peeking through a large red lips cut out. When the church bells rang, Janet, played fabulously by Oktavia Kalor, showed off her ring, with Brad, portrayed by Sundae Morning, smiling at the crowd. Over at the Frankenstein Place, “The Time Warp” had everyone in the theatre jumping to the left and putting their hands on their hips. This dance number has always been my favourite moment of regular Rocky Horror screenings, but it was dreamy to watch the
shadowcast dance too. There was a show even for those in the back row as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, played by Rowena Whey, strutted down the aisle in a black cape, eventually revealing the iconic red corset. Dr. Frank-N-Furter tore off toilet paper disguising the golden undies of Rocky, played by Carn E Val, who was a joy to watch run around as he got chased through the theatre. After tossing around a blow-up sex doll, Dr. Scott, played by Street Meat, wheeled down to the stage. Of course, the costumes were sensational. For the finale, everyone dressed in stockings, corsets, and gloves, with bold red lips to top it off. Notably, Brad had “asshole” rhinestoned on the back of their shorts as an homage to the call-back. Then, MagRaff, played by Dare de LaFemme, was in the infamous silver space suit. Of course, Columbia, portrayed by Yuni-Verse, was decked out in sequins with her fabulous golden tailcoat and top hat. The blue lights for “I’m Going
If the limestone could talk Guides reveal Kingston’s local history told through paranormal stories
Mayah Ricketts Assistant Arts & Culture Editor
Kingston might be the best place to get haunted this Halloween. As one of the oldest settlements in Ontario, Kingston’s history is full of ghost stories. Established in 1995 by Queen’s alum Glen Shackleton, ArtSci ’96, the Haunted Walk is a ghost walking tour company that now has several locations across Ontario. After founding the tours in his third-year, Shackleton went on to author “Ghosts in Kingston,” a short book on the ghouls from the city’s past. The tours take attendees on a guided tour of the city while telling ghost stories. In Limestone City, these stories focus on historical Kingston, with the oldest stories dating back to the 1800s. Even before European contact, this area was inhabited by multiple Indigenous communities, who have their own paranormal tales to tell.
PHOTO BY CHLOE NUNES
Jax Harripersaud, Kingston’s Haunted Walk manager, told The Journal that the city’s rich backstory is what makes the haunted walks as special as they are. “So many people have lived on this land and created a lasting impact of them being here,” she said. The paranormal may also be imbedded in Kingston’s architecture. According to Harripersaud, the limestone itself makes the city more susceptible to paranormal activity. This may be because limestone is a porous rock made from the fossils of sea creatures. A popular ghost hunter theory claims that limestone absorbs ghost stories like it does with liquids. “[People] haven’t really realized exactly what links limestone and hauntings,” Harripersaud said. “But it seems to be that areas that have a lot of limestone, all those seem to be very paranormal heavy places.”
Home” put tears in my eyes. After the drag artists received applause in abundance, they cheered for everyone’s Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Tim Curry. This year marks the first Rocky Horror season without him. For five decades, Curry was an absolute pleasure to see on the stage and screen. When he passed away in late August, heartfelt tributes honoured his legacy. When asked about his legacy in an interview with The Journal, Morgan said “Cast Out of the Shadows” was more of “a celebration of life” for Tim Curry. Morgan was “enamored” when she first experienced Rocky Horror on a satellite dish in rural Ontario at the age of 13. Years later, Morgan helped launch Kingston’s first shadowcast. As Morgan explained in the interview, earlier in January, ow ner Wendy Hu ot l oved ReelOut’s “4D-QUEER-O-VISION” at The Screening Room. The screening featured live drag performances by several of the performers featured in the always read in the history books,” Harripersaud said. “We started talking about the grave robbings and the hangings […] so you get to learn things that you would never learn in history class.” T h e t o u r g u i d e s re a l ly make the experience, with Harripersaud emphasizing their desire to create a campfire atmosphere. Haunted Walk looks for outgoing and friendly people who are connected to the ghost stories and passionate about telling them. But sometimes, the ghost tours
shadowcast. Later in the summer, when planning the Witch Walk’s screening of Practical Magic, Morgan asked Huot if there was interest in a Rocky Horror shadowcast inspired drag performance. “People are like, “Oh, I’ve seen the movie already. What else is there to [do]?” No, no, it is definitely a different experience when you’re experiencing it as a shadow cast, as it on the big screen, or as a play,” Morgan explained. Although “Cast Out of the Shadows” was not a full shadowcast, Morgan believed it held “some really great magic,” and it’s safe to say I was enchanted by their performances. As Dr. Frank-N-Furter sings, “Don’t dream it. Be it.” “Cast Out of the Shadows” stepped beyond imagination to realize the unashamed, campy, queer fantasy of Rocky Horror. It is that sense of liberation that calls me to return to The Screening Room every Halloween with my newspaper and party hats in hand. After a phenomenal shadowcast, I re-experienced that magic, and I cannot wait to do the time warp again catch even the most experienced guides off guard. Harripersaud recalls a night on the S.S. Keewatin, Kingston’s Edwardian-era steamship that’s older than the titanic. Although guests reported hearing music playing, the guides explained the music was playing from speakers — until they recalled they weren’t working that day due to a power outage. Not every walk is the same, but it seems every walk is sure to leave an eerie memory.
Besides simply sightseeing to be more immersed in the tales, Haunted Walk highlights the large community building aspect that goes into in-person storytelling. While many go on these tours to hear the stories, Harripersaud notes they create space for people to share their own paranormal experiences with open minded people who think the same way. “It’s more about as community environment, about likeminded people just wanted to gather and listen to stories that might spook them out a little bit,” Harripersaud said. Even Kingston locals who are familiar with the history of sites like Skeleton Park or stories like Queen’s Medical School’s grave robbing, often find that there’s a lot to learn while on these tours. Harripersaud noted that people often find the city’s many hidden burial sites to be a shocking addition. “It’s a creepier and darker history that you don’t necessarily Haunted Walk is located at 200 Ontario Street.
GRAPHIC BY CLAIRE BAK
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026
Kellyann Marie finds solace in art with ‘On my knees through the desert repenting’
ARTS & CULTURE
QUEENSJOURNAL.CA • 11
Union Gallery exhibit turns grief into art Mayah Ricketts Assistant Arts & Culture Editor
Artist and Queen’s PhD student Kellyann Marie’s Union Gallery exhibit, On my knees through the desert repenting, was pieced together after the death of Marie’s brother, Eoian Patrick. On display from Oct 13. to Dec. 19, the exhibit’s title comes from Mary Oliver’s poem, “Wild Geese.” It became important to Marie because their family read that poem together by their brother’s deathbed. Furthermore, on one of their many biking journeys across the U.S. and Canada, Marie found themself in the desert, mourning their brother. Marie’s biking journeys have taken them across Europe, Canada, and the United States. It was an activity they did with their brother, and their preferred mode of transportation after his death. “I had just seen my brother die, and then two days later, I was biking on the same bike path that we had started biking together on,” Marie told The Journal. The only work created before Award-winning pumpkin carving with PSC PHOTOS BY CLAIRE BAK
Most Scariest Klara Dernerova
Most Original Sophie Lang
Most Favourite Damya Boukhtouchen
his death, My Brother Used to Shave My Head on Mama’s Porch, was the exhibit’s catalyst. The painting was going to be on display in Tallahassee, where the siblings lived together during Marie’s undergrad. However, their brother never got to see it in-person. To Marie, the piece meant too much to just hang on a blank gallery wall, resulting in the large tree cradle installation on the Union Gallery’s back wall. The trees aren’t simply green and brown, but yellow and blue, giving them more dimension. “I originally built that whole cradle to house that painting so that it was relegated to bigger than it was, so people knew it was really, really important,” Marie said in an interview with The Journal. The painting has been replaced in the tree cradle by a large quilted portrait of their brother holding a cyanotype alligator, a motif often used in Marie’s art to represent their childhood and experience with poverty. The entire piece is made with
‘On my knees through the desert repenting’ is on display until Dec. 19.
PHOTO BY CLAIRE BAK
a variety of second-hand materials. While creating this project, the second-hand element became even more important. Marie’s brother was an organ donor, and according to Marie, he was now second-hand himself, being repurposed to help complete strangers. “It’s a way a lot of people wouldn’t want to think about their loved one […] but it’s like a salve for this whole terrible thing,” Marie said. “My brother lived to be second-hand, and he repaired.” For Marie, art helped them work through their grief because it became easier to accept what happened. For non-artists, they may have only seen the tragedy for what it was. Marie argued that being an artist helped them experience grief in many ways. “It’s a level removed,” Marie said. “I can think about that
memory without having to be in that memory.” The art exhibit included the program from Patrick’s funeral, which featured a hand-drawn portrait of Marie’s brother in his hospital room. After the funeral, Marie carried the program on their biking trip from Florida to Montreal. Near the program is a bronze hand belt with two clasped hands that were worn by Victorian widows in mourning. Incorporated into this belt were the staples from their brother’s head, which Marie had acquired in an attempt to keep as much of their brother that they could. “When he died, I wanted everything I could have of that,” Marie said. “I had the coroner take the staples out of his head […] and I carried it with me across the country.” Marie was able to pursue their
passion for making art through their brother’s support. They turned towards art after the loss of their brother because it felt like the right thing to do. “When this all happened, […] it just seemed natural that I would use something we had been practicing our whole life to get through that.” According to Marie, after leaving Union Gallery, On my knees in the desert repenting will continue to be displayed. They plan to have the art cover an entire room instead of just a wall. On my knees through the desert repenting was not simply a memorial for Eoian Patrick, but a way to carry his memory forward. Using art to process their grief, Marie’s exhibit creates space for viewers to work through their own.
unoriginal — the antithesis of Gay Halloween. On the other hand, comedian Meg Stalter‘s golden human Emmy and convicted con artist Elizabeth Holmes‘ deceitful blue eyes are trending yet remain niche. From her run in Oh, Mary! to her Diet Coke dress, Stalter is the moment. In a way, Holmes is too. Nathan Fielder’s new documentary You Can See Everything has achieved universal acclaim, and Holmes’ performance has already been memified.
of Julie Andrews (though she would be on theme as she’s also a gay icon).
will be the couple’s costume of the year. Guaranteed a trio will hold space for the Last Ditch lesbian bar fiasco to wear a clown school uniform. However, since the final season of Yellowjackets is just around the corner, Jackie Taylor and Shauna Shipman are the doomed yuri Gay Halloween needs.
I love Gay Halloween, what do you mean you’re...
Chloe Nunes Arts & Culture Editor
Chappell Roan‘s passenger seat. The tennis ball from Challengers. Or even, the Propeller Hat and Lollipop Dog. Gay Halloween is the act of dressing as a ridiculously niche queer pop culture reference that only the chronically online would understand. As early as 2023, the online phenomenon has produced viral posts bursting with creativity and absurdity, all attached with a simple slogan. “I hate gay Halloween, what do you mean you’re…” W h a t m a ke s t h e s e G ay Halloween costumes special is that they’re unapologetically queer, hilariously campy, and very crafty. For anyone excited about the Glee revival, this year’s Gay Halloween guide is for you. Celebs
A crucial aspect of Gay Halloween’s criteria is the celebrity costume. This is not to be confused with simply dressing up as any celebrity. The fine print states that the costume celebrates a celebrity’s viral moment that broke the internet. Nicole Kidman‘s AMC Theatres ad and Zendaya‘s hat come to mind. But after being in circulation for a few years, these costumes risk being mainstream and
Memes
Gay Halloween’s hyper-specific cultural references often materialize as memes that circulate on queer sides of the internet, such as Stan Twitter (X). Since only the chronically online understand what you’re referencing, these costumes expose your screen time and your heart. Think of Cosmo Lombino‘s Soft White Underbelly interview, the butch who runs McDonald’s like the Navy, or even the gay little monkey in an Apple store. For people consumed by gay digital culture, these quintessential memes make great costumes. While hundreds of Nikkis from Obsession roam Princess Street, there will be one Mary Poppins diva convincing everyone they’re dressed as Coco Marshall’s viral cover of “Feed The Birds” instead
Characters
It goes without saying that all Gay Halloween costume categories give people the chance to dress as their favourite characters — so long as that character has a trending audio on TikTok. After all, a Gay Halloween costume’s best accessory is a social media post. With Ryan Murphy rebooting Glee, Sue Sylvester is the perfect choice. Unlike other Gay Halloween costumes, people should know who you are in that red Adidas tracksuit. Plus, her lipsync potential is endless. Couple’s Costumes
Since Gay Halloween can get way too specific, some costumes require multiple people to pull it off, or else everyone at the party will embarrassingly ask who you’re supposed to be. Remember the Challengers tennis ball costume? It needed Tashi, Art, and Patrick. Without their love triangle, it was just a boring old tennis ball. With a little coordination, any group costume is possible. Obviously, Heated Rivalry‘s iconic enemies-to-lovers Ilya Rozonov and Shane Hollander
***
Although Gay Halloween is often reduced to a funny online trend, it should be recognized as a collective cultural moment that celebrates the queerness of Halloween. As an eccentric night of freedom to express whoever you want to be, Halloween is the ultimate queer holiday. Some trick-or-treat, others party, but a new tradition is checking Halloweekend social media posts to catch everyone’s unique costumes — a special treat that Halloween Stage Rage cannot offer.
DIVERSIONS
12 • QUEENSJOURNAL.CA Halloween
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Taurus (April 20 - May 20) You’ve got some tricks up your sleeve this Halloween. Remember not to confuse fantasy with reality. Your situationship will not last through November. And remember, November lines up with the Sunday Scaries. Stay vigilant and sexy like Magic Mike.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) It’s right behind you, isn’t it? A Halloween that brings renewal. Your life needs a last-minute costume change. So, bring on the unknown, for better or for worse. What you left behind is ahead of you now. Time to face it.
Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) Remember after every rain comes a rainbow. You are Gay Halloween. Not everyone understands you, but the important people do. Hold onto your wig tight. Dress up as that obscure internet concept. The Journal loves you.
Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) Dip your cup into the river of fulfilment. That’s the jungle juice, babe. It will give you superpowers this weekend. Make sure you take a dip into the unexpected. Your risks will pay off tenfold, but the spirits of Halloween past follow you into oblivion.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 22) This Halloweekend has you stepping into your full power. Learn to trust in the Halloweekend spirits that be. They only want what’s best for you. Maybe. Who’s to say?
Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) Letting others take control takes conscious effort. You may feel calmer, as your fiery sprit is quelled by a Journalistic presence. As a natural born leader, you might be letting someone else lead this week…especially if your name is Gigi Words…
SPORTS
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026
SPORTS
QUEENSJOURNAL.CA • 13
Gaels baseball crowned national
Gaels finish on top of the OUA with win over McMaster
champions after undefeated run in Ottawa
That led the team to a date Three complete with the Carleton Ravens in the finals with a national championgames by the ship on the line. The Ravens were Gaels pitching staff also undefeated heading into the finals and were the weekend’s propelled the team host team. Building on last game, the to a 5-0 weekend Gaels offence exploded against Jacksen MacLean Assistant Sports Editor
Wilaon Heslop, #27, jumps on a fumbled ball in the homecoming game on Oct. 27.
Field goal frenzy pushes Queen’s to victory Noah Cyr Senior Sports Editor With a 25-17 win over the McMaster Marauders, the Gaels have claimed first place in the OUA regular season for the first time since 2021. Men’s football travelled to Hamilton on Oct. 24 to take on the Marauders with first place in the OUA on the line. The Marauders, a formidable opponent who were also 6-1 heading into the matchup. In the OUA, finishing first allows for a quarter-final bye and home field advantage for the duration of the OUA playoffs. On the first drive of the game, the Gaels were stopped, but the drive was extended as the Marauders went offside on the punt. With the early break, the Gaels looked to the endzone to try to put a touchdown on the board early, but were forced to settle for a short field goal. After the Gaels defence forced a two-and-out, the offence pushed down the field, featuring two Jack Ashby-Jacobs, ArtSci ’27, receptions, one of them being a catch and run for 51 yards. Despite the big play, the Marauders defence buttoned up and forced a second
consecutive field goal. The Queen’s defence continued not to let the Marauders earn a first down, giving the team’s offence good opportunities to break the game open. Gaels quarterback Alex Vreeken, Kin ’27, connected with Ben Falkowsky, ArtSci ’29, on a 58-yard pass down the sideline. The Gaels found themselves deep in the redzone, but again not able to break through for a touchdown. Tyler Mullan, ArtSci ’27, added his third field goal of the quarter, giving the Gaels a 9-0 lead heading into the second quarter. Early in the second quarter, the Gaels found themselves in the redzone again following a big catch by Mateo Tuitoi, ArtSci ’27. A theme of the day, the Gaels were unable to score a touchdown, settling for their fourth field goal of the game. While looking to muster up some offence, the Marauders were stymied following a big play from Brandon Spence, Kin ’27, who forced the ball out of the Marauders player’s hands and knocking it out of bounds to give the Gaels possession. On the subsequent drive, the Gaels added their fifth field goal of the game from Mullan to take a 15-0 lead. This would be the last score of the half as both defences continued to hold the offences at bay. McMaster began the second half with the ball, eventually finding their way down deep into Gaels territory. With the walls closing in, Gaels defensive lineman Oliver Jackson, ArtSci ’27, sacked the Marauders quarterback, preventing them from scoring a touchdown and forcing them to kick a field goal, earning them their first points of the game. The Gaels offence was then stopped on their first two possessions in the second half, handing the momentum back to the Marauders. They pushed deep into the Gaels territory and scored the first touchdown of the game, cutting the deficit to five. Needing a response, the Gaels were energized by a 65-yard
PHOTO BY JONATHAN REILLY
kickoff return by Cederic Smith, ArtSci ’27, leaving the Gaels deep McMaster territory. After a roughing the passer penalty on the Marauders, the Gaels were set up on the one-yard line. Gaels backup quarterback Ashton St Germain, ArtSci ’29, was able to sneak his way into the endzone, giving the Gaels their first touchdown of the game. After a McMaster punt, the Gaels added another field goal early in the fourth quarter to go up 25-10. McMaster tried to get the comeback started, pushing all the way down the field to the Queen’s nine-yard line. The Marauders, with three tries to get into the endzone, were unable to find a receiver. On the third down, Gaels defender Wilson Heslop, Kin ’29, swatted the ball away. Following the stop, the Gaels were deep in their own territory, trying to push the ball away from a dangerous situation. However, the Marauders were able to sack Vreeken, forcing a fumble. The play gave the Marauders a lifeline as they scored a touchdown on the ensuing possession, making it a 25-17 game. After a Gaels two-and-out, the Marauders, with all the momentum, advanced the ball into Gaels territory. Just as the Marauders were progressing into the redzone, Cordel Epale, Comm ’29, forced a fumble for the Gaels that was picked up by Heslop, giving Queen’s the ball with less than two minutes left in the game. Despite the turnover, the Gaels offence were unable to run out the clock right away, giving the Marauders 53 seconds and one last chance. But the defence came up with yet another big stop and, after a turnover on downs, the Gaels were able to kneel out the game and seal the victory. With the win, the Gaels finish first-place in the OUA standings and earn a quarterfinal bye. They will play the winner of the Guelph Gryphons and Windsor Lancers in the semifinal game hosted at Richardson Stadium on Nov. 7.
For the first time since 2004, the Queen’s Baseball team are national champions. The Gaels recently competed in the Canadian National University Baseball Championships in Ottawa from Oct. 22-25. Despite playing some of the top teams in the nation, the team went a perfect 5-0 in the tournament, eventually beating the Carleton Ravens 15-4 to win nationals. Queen’s was coming off a strong regular season where they went 8-4, allowing them to qualify for the OUA playoffs. But the team struggled in provincials. Despite beating the Waterloo Warriors in game one, the team faltered in the next two games against the Brock Badgers and Laurier Golden Hawks and were eliminated from the OUA playoffs. “We were a little disappointed with the result,” Queen’s Baseball Head Coach Jeff Melrose said in an interview with The Journal. “That really hurt. I felt like we were playing too tight.” The Gaels had a chance to redeem themselves though, as their strong regular season record also allowed them to qualify for nationals as well. And redeem themselves they did. Nationals began with three games of pool play. Game one was against the McGill Redbirds, who the Gaels proceeded to beat 7-3 behind a strong hitting performance from Jack Angel, Sci ’28. The team then proceeded to play in a couple of low-scoring affairs. They first got revenge on the Golden Hawks, beating them 2-0 in a complete game shutout from Mackenzie Rabeau, ArtSci ’27. “The [win against] Laurier was particularly important, because they really are one of the top ranked teams in the OUA,” Melrose said. The Gaels then rode Ryan Opresnik, ArtSci ’27, for another complete game shutout in a 2-0 victory over the New Brunswick Reds to move the team to 3-0 in pool play. After going undefeated in pool play, the team received a bye past the quarterfinals and played a semifinal game against the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers, who they beat handedly by a score of 9-1. Adding to the trend, Robert Jamieson, ArtSci ’27, pitched another complete game for the Gaels. “That was a really strong performance,” Melrose said on Jamieson’s outing. “We [also] got some offense from some guys who had been struggling a little bit as well,” he said.
the Ravens, beating them by a score of 15-4 to win the national championships. Catcher Alex Cole, ArtSci ’30, had four hits, while Jonah Brotman, Sci ’27, and Clarke Needles, ArtSci ’27, each hit big home runs in the game. Cole’s clutch performance in the finals is another accomplishment in an astounding season for the Gaels. After their main catcher went down early on in the season, Cole stepped in and caught almost every game from there on, also becoming one of the team’s best bats towards the end of the year. “Alex’s contribution was pretty unbelievable, to go back there and catch day in and day out,” Melrose said. “What he did was outstanding.” Melrose also praised Angel for hitting over .500 during the regular season, and the entire pitching staff for keeping the team in games throughout the year when the offense struggled at times. When asked about what his team improved most this year, Melrose said that there wasn’t some big thing that got fixed, rather his team just “played looser” and bonded more as the season progressed. “They didn’t look like a team that was afraid to lose. I think it has to do with the way that they bonded, and came together, and started to have a little bit of more fun,” he said. With the busy season over, the players will have a bit of time to unwind and catch up on their academics. Training for next season will begin in January when the players hit the weightroom. “They need a break, and everyone involved needs a break,” Melrose said. “We’re all exhausted, and this has been a long season, full of highs and lows too. There’s a physical toll and an emotional toll that it takes on everyone.” The players can now relax with the glory of a national championship under their belt as they prepare all winter to defend their title next season.
SPORTS
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Men’s rugby shuts out RMC to advance to OUA semifinals
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026
Tennis takes home silver at OUA Championship Men’s team earns national’s berth Noah Cyr Senior Sports Editor
Men’s rugby celebrates try in win over RMC at Nixon Field.
Gaels defeat Paladins 60-0, setting up a rematch with the undefeated Guelph Gryphons Malek Benameur Assistant Sports Editor Queen’s Men’s Rugby made a statement in its first playoff game, shutting out its cross-town rivals to advance to the OUA semifinals. The Gaels defeated the Royal Military College (RMC) Paladins 60-0 on Oct. 25 at Nixon Field, extending their winning streak to four games. After finishing the regular season with a 4-2 record, Queen’s now prepares to face the undefeated Guelph Gryphons in the OUA semifinals on Oct. 30. The Gaels wasted little time taking control of the quarter-final, crossing the try line within the opening four minutes to establish a 5-0 lead. They continued to build their advantage throughout the first half, adding four converted tries to enter halftime leading 33-0. Thomas Paddick, ArtSci ’28, Trekker James, ArtSci ’27, and
PHOTO BY MORGAN JEFFERIS
Graham Walters, ArtSci ’28, led the scoring with two tries each. Massimo Ruben, ArtSci ’30, Remy Kefford, Comm ’27, Briar Barron, Sci ’28, and Noah Merkur, Kin ’28, each added a try. Ben Greenstein, ArtSci ’28, contributed another 10 points through five successful conversions. Despite trailing considerably, RMC continued to challenge Queen’s defence in the second half, advancing deep into Gaels territory on several occasions. However, the Paladins were unable to convert those opportunities into points. Queen’s added another try in the 51st minute before crossing the try line four more times to complete the 60-point victory. Ahead of the quarter-final, The Journal spoke with fourth-year Oliver Davis, ArtSci ’27, about the team’s playoff expectations and the challenges posed by RMC. Davis emphasized the Paladins’ physicality and discipline, having faced them throughout his varsity career. “They work super hard, they’re super dialed, they’re super disciplined,” Davis said. The victory continued Queen’s recovery from a difficult stretch earlier in the season. After opening the regular season with a 31-19 over the Laurier Golden Hawks, the Gaels
suffered consecutive losses to the Gryphons and Western Mustangs before responding with three straight wins against the Waterloo Warriors, Brock Badgers, and Trent Excaliburs. The quarter-final victory extended that streak to four games, but Queen’s next opponent presents a familiar challenge. The Gryphons finished the regular season undefeated at 6-0, securing the top seed in the OUA and a bye into the semifinals. When the two teams met on Sept. 19, Guelph defeated Queen’s 61-17, building a 40-0 halftime lead before the Gaels managed to respond in the second half. The matchup also serves as a rematch of the 2025 OUA Championship, when Guelph defeated Queen’s 43-21 to secure its fifth consecutive conference title. Before the RMC game, Davis identified another opportunity to face Guelph as a motivating factor for the Gaels. “We have another chance at Guelph which we’re all really excited for,” Davis said. Queen’s will travel to Guelph to face the Gryphons in the OUA semifinals on Friday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. at Varsity Field, with the winner advancing to the OUA Championship on Nov. 7.
With their seventh national title, Queen’s Men’s Ultimate is now the most decorated university ultimate program in Canada. The team qualified for nationals when they advanced to the provincial finals at the Canadian Ontario University Ultimate C h a m p i o n s h i p s ( CO U U C ) . Similarly, the Gaels also beat the GeeGees in the final to claim their 12th straight provincial championship. The team had three games against pool opponents on Oct. 17 to open their tournament. They doubled up on the Ottawa GeeGees by a score of 14-7 and then beat the Memorial SeaHawks 15-7. They closed out their day by beating the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds by a score of 13-8 to go undefeated and finish first in their pool. That set up a quarter-final matchup the following day against
the University of Manitoba Bisons, who the Gaels cruised past, winning 14-6. In a statement to The Journal, head coach of the men’s ultimate frisbee team Pete Galbraith said that the team scored at a 94 per cent rate when they had possession and “easily outclassed opponents” during the first four games of the tournament. However, their semifinal matchup a few hours later against the McGill Redbirds was not as smooth. They went down 3-0 early in the contest but were able to battle back with four straight goals, eventually squeaking out a narrow 9-7 victory. According to Galbraith, the victory over the Redbirds was the Gaels’ first in six contests. That led them to another date with the GeeGees with a national championship on the line. The first half was pretty evenly
Queen’s Men’s Tennis will be serving at nationals. From Oct. 9-11, the Gaels competed in the OUA Championships, hosted by the Waterloo Warriors but played at the Mayfair Toronto East. Both the men’s and woman’s tennis teams ended up winning silver. Both teams were looking to find the podium for the second straight year, as the men won bronze and the women won silver last year. And find it they did. The OUA Championship is made up of eight ranked teams who play both singles and doubles matches, with points earned based on the outcome of each match. The first team to four points wins the team head-tohead match and moves on to the next round The men’s team, made up of 10 players, won their first match against the York Lions in dramatic fashion, battling back after having dropped their doubles matches early on. This set up a semifinal game versus the University of Ottawa GeeGees During the semifinal match, it came down to the final singles game, where men’s captain Ben Chernin, HealthSci ’28, secured the victory and the national’s berth as the OUA had two eligibility spots this year. The team ultimately dropped their finals match to the Western Mustangs, who took their fourth OUA Championship in six years. For the women, they cruised through the first round against McGill, winning by a score of 4-1. A thrilling match versus Western saw the final doubles game go to an 8-7 tiebreaker but ultimately a win that sent the Gaels to the finals
The Gaels matched up with the three-time defending champion Toronto Varsity Blues. They Gaels pushed them to the brink but were unable to follow through and narrowly lost by a score of 4-3. To d i s c u s s t h e O U A Championships, The Journal sat down with Queen’s Tennis Head Coach Tony Roth. In his interview, Roth touched on the strong competition in the league. “The calibre of tennis is very high,” Roth said. “If we were in the United States, this was a division one lineup.” Roth also explained how important that semifinal win over the GeeGees was for the men. “Ottawa finished second last year and they basically had a completely returning team,” Roth said. “Our team was much younger, lots of rookies, and they just played and competed with so much heart.” For the women, Roth talked about how devasting it was dropping the OUA Championship to University of Toronto. “In that moment it was really difficult to take. U of T has been the winning team for several years in a row, so we’ve had our sights on them,” Roth said. “Everyone competed so well, and we were up three points to one, so it was pretty heartbreaking for sure.” While the OUA season has come to an end, the winter season is just beginning for Queen’s Tennis, a season that Roth has been instrumental in organizing. “We organized a winter league where a lot of universities are competing, that is going to expand throughout the school year,” Roth said. “Everybody is committed and determined to continue to improve on the tennis program, which is really exciting.” The Gaels will continue to compete in their winter league, but their sights will be set on nationals held in Montreal in late May.
Men’s ultimate frisbee claim seventh national championship in Ottawa
Gaels become most decorated program in Canadian University Ultimate Jacksen MacLean Assistant Sports Editor The men’s ultimate team has claimed yet another national championship. From Oct. 17-18, the Queen’s Men’s Ultimate Frisbee team competed in the Canadian University Ultimate Championships (CUUC) in Brampton. The Gaels ultimately came out on top, beating the Ottawa GeeGees by a score of 12-9 in the gold medal game to claim the national championship.
Gaels Tennis competing at Mayfair Toronto East. PHOTO BY XAVIER TOUGH
played, with each team trading points until Queen’s was able to grab two consecutive goals and an 8-6 lead into halftime. After a quick goal from the Gaels coming out of halftime, the GeeGees began to build momentum, cutting the deficit to 9-8. The team was able to calm things down and close the game out, finishing the match with a goal to make it a final score of 12-9 for Queen’s. “It was truly a team effort as every Gael had a goal or an assist through the weekend,” Galbraith said. After the final goal, the Gaels rejoiced in the endzone
in celebration of yet another national championship for the program Dax Miller, ArtSci ’27, led his team at Nationals with 12 goals, eight assists, and six blocks, winning the finals Most Valuable Player for his performance. Miller has been a prominent player and leader on the men’s ultimate team for his duration at Queen’s. The national title is the fifth under Galbraith’s tenure as head coach, helping them become the most dominant university ultimate program in the nation. “I’m incredibly proud of this squad and what they’ve achieved,” he said.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026
POSTSCRIPT A cat lover’s guide to a witchy life
A girl’s best friend Eva Sheahan Managing Editor From Salem, the feline friend from Sabrina the Teenage Witch, to Hermoine Granger’s Crookshanks, a witch needs her cat. This Halloween, I decided to read In Defense of Witches, which talks about the different ways women have been labelled as “witches” to villainize them throughout history. Through my read, I kept noticing that witches are almost always accompanied by their cats. For me, that cat is named Joni. Really, it’s a love story like any other. I moved away from home to go on exchange, ending up in Istanbul, or as it’s lovingly referred to, Catstanbul. It’s estimated that Istanbul is home to 120,000 to 300, 000 street cats. They would roam my university campus, hop onto my lap at local cafes, and even follow me up to my dorm room. The cats there are used to being pampered and adored by locals, holding no qualms about approaching humans. As a lonely foreigner who didn’t have many friends initially, the happy surprise of a cat plopping up and purring in my lap was one that brought me immense comfort. I had never known a cat before, I wasn’t even entirely sure I knew how to pet one. Eventually though, as I grew and became more comfortable in the city, I came to know and love many cats, all of whom I had to leave behind on my return to Canada. My family was always a steadfast “dog family.” I had only ever grown up around dogs. And I mean, I grew up in a zoo of dogs. In my final year of high school, my two dogs had puppies together, which was an adorable and stressful experience that quickly became chaotic when my living room became a petting zoo of 10 puppies. Something that began cute quickly overwhelmed snotty teenage me. I came to associate family pets with disorder, mess, and turmoil. That is until the summer I came back from exchange and my family friend offered me a small gray kitten with big green eyes who needed a home. Reminded of the many cats who turned Istanbul into a home, I immediately fell in love. This was Joni. I named her after Joni Mitchell, a Canadian folk singer from the 1960s whose ballads on life and love kept me company while I was miles away from everything familiar and certain. It felt like a perfect tribute to the period of my life where, left to my own devices on the other side of the world, I
fell in love… with cats. Since then, my life has never been the same. I made an impulsive long-term commitment, and one I’ll never regret. I got Joni at the start of my fourth-year and she quickly became the perfect university cat, hopping from housemate to housemate as we rewatched Game of Thrones in the living
POSTSCRIPT
much as we care about them — but with animals, we simply accept them for who they are, asking only for their company. “The human goodness, in all its purity and freedom, can come to the fore only when its recipient has no power. Mankind’s true moral test, its fundamental test (which lies deeply buried from view), consists of its attitude towards those who are at its mercy: animals,” he writes. During my first two years of university, I was desperate to prove myself as a competent strong woman who could take care of myself. Coming to school as the oldest of five
Eva reflects on her relationship with her cat, Joni.
room and keeping me company when I had an influx of readings. My university experience grew, not only opening for Joni herself, but my purpose expanded. Waking up each morning isn’t only defined by dragging myself to campus for an 8:30 a.m. lecture, but to ensure Joni is fed and happy. One of my favourite books of all time, Milan Kundera’s The Unbearable Lightness of Being, argues that humanity’s relationship with animals is our true moral test. Kundera believes human beings naturally ask for something of everyone we interact with — for them to love us, or for them to care about us as
children, university felt like the first time I could be wholly selfish and untethered. I was even reluctant to enter romantic relationships, because as a “girlfriend,” I saw my femininity in constant question and my independence always at risk. I rebelled against domesticity in any sense, obsessed with being a powerful “new woman.” I associated taking care of other people as a domestic and traditional act that only bound me further to the patriarchy. I was scared to be loved, but mostly, I was scared to love, worried that I would be judged and remembered for who I am in relation to others, as women often
QUEENSJOURNAL.CA • 15 are, rather than seen for who I actually am. This is the exact version of femininity radical conservatism warns about. This distance from traditional femininity is associated with witchery by conservatives and feminists alike. It seems to be a strong, independent woman throughout history has always been associated with witchery. Whether that’s a powerful, reclaiming for the radical left or a condemnation of liberation for the alt-right, a “witch” has become synonymous with an unconventional woman. For example, in Chollet’s non-fiction book about witches, American televangelist Pat Robertson
women who lived alone and kept cats as companions (most of the time relying on them to kill rodents). Cats also do not perform unconditional loyalty the way that dogs do. Instead, they are selective with their affection. In medieval Europe, this was suspicious to the mobs. Coming from the dog-heavy background that I do, I’m familiar with how dogs show affection. Endlessly, enthusiastically, almost goofily. When I walk through the door, whether I’ve been gone for 10 minutes or seven months, I’m instantly swarmed by a small mob of slobbery and energetic dogs, who have never hesitated to express love and trust — something I’ve never been great at. Neither have cats. More independent than dogs, cats are autonomous creatures, not automatically reliant on their owners. Instead, they choose affection and security, not as a predisposition, but out of trust and a formed bond. Taking care of Joni, I realized I didn’t need to be alone to be independent. I didn’t feel embarassed or weak to clean up after her o r cuddle her to sleep. If anything, I felt proud and capable. After this realization, I felt sad, remembering all the times in my life I’d rejected softness, kindness, and love out of fear of being taken unseriously or being hurt by the beautiful experience of being human. When I come home from work, the first thing I do is look for Joni, who often comes to meet me, already purring. This action reminds me that to open myself to love doesn’t make me feel less than, but builds me up. One of my favourite albums of all time is Clairo’s Sling, an album that was deeply influenced by her relationship with her dog Joanie, another reason why I chose Joni’s name. When discussing taking care of her dog, she admits that she didn’t think domesticity is something she could ever benefit from or could co-exist with her young adult life. “I realised I was creating so ILLUSTRATION BY ANNA VAN RAALTE much space for this animal to feel safe and secure and doing once argued in a 1992 speech that everything I can to do so, think“Feminism encourages women to ing about how I’d do that for my leave their husbands, kill their kid,” she said. “But also realising I children, practice witchcraft, hadn’t been doing that for myself.” destroy capitalism and become Writing this now after a nice lesbians,” to which many women meal in my own apartment, Joni responded, “Where do we sign is curled on my lap, purring. Not up?” because she has to, but because In many ways, I guess I am a she wants to. Taking care of her witch. But again, what is a witch is a pleasure. It doesn’t sabotage without her cat? my independence — it amplifies During the 16th century witch it. Because again, what is a witch craze, women were being mass without her cat? killed in Europe after being I belong to Joni and she labeled witches. But they weren’t belongs to me and it really is just alone. Cats became associated a love story like any other. with witchcraft and devilry as well, presumably because they were associated with the nighttime and the “suspicious, witchy”
16 • QUEENSJOURNAL.CA
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