Your World Tonight – CBC

Episode: Recognizing a Palestinian state, Disney reinstates Kimmel, CFL makeover, and more
Air Date: September 22, 2025
Hosts: Susan Bonner & Stephanie Skenderis

Overview

This episode dives into several pressing stories shaping Canadian and global conversations. Key highlights include Canada’s landmark recognition of a Palestinian state amidst international debate, the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension and reinstatement, US warnings about Tylenol use in pregnancy, the transformation of a former residential school, significant changes for the Canadian Football League, impacts of climate change on pumpkin farming, and a viral moment from a Newfoundland softball league.

1. Canada Recognizes the State of Palestine (00:40 – 07:21)

Key Discussion Points

• Historic Announcement
  Prime Minister Mark Carney declares at the UN General Assembly that Canada now recognizes Palestinian statehood, joining a growing international list (UK, France, Australia, Portugal).
• Policy Shift Rationale
  Mark Carney explains Canada’s decision is due to the erosion of prospects for a negotiated solution, citing Hamas terrorism, Israel’s expanded settlements, and increased settler violence.

  "Canada's commitment to this goal was premised on the expectation that this outcome would be... achieved as part of a negotiated settlement. Regrettably, this possibility has been steadily and gravely eroded." (Mark Carney, 02:17)

• International Reaction
  • US delegation boycotts UN session.
  • Israel’s envoy Danny Danone calls it “shameful.”
  • President Macron of France also makes a formal recognition.
• Israel’s Anger and Threats
  CBC's Sasha Petrasek (from Jerusalem) describes acute frustration from Israel, especially PM Netanyahu, who vows never to accept a Palestinian state from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean—hinting at potential further annexations of West Bank territory.

Notable Quotes

• Mark Carney (02:17):

  "...including by the pervasive threat of Hamas terrorism to Israel and its people, culminating in the heinous attack of October 7, the accelerated building of settlements across the west bank in East Jerusalem and the soaring settler violence against Palestinians."

• Sasha Petrasek (04:16):

  "There certainly seems to be a feeling of frustration and a tone of anger, especially from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu... announcing that Israel will never accept such a state anywhere from the Jordan river to the Mediterranean."

Next Steps & Analysis

• Potential escalation in settlement expansion or annexation by Israel is anticipated.
• Canada hints at willingness for Canadian peacekeeping involvement in a future Palestinian state, pending US guarantees (07:21).

2. Autism, Tylenol, and the Trump Administration (12:08 – 15:06)

Key Discussion Points

• White House Warning
  President Trump publicly links acetaminophen (Tylenol) use in pregnancy to autism, sparking concern and debate.
• Scientific Response
  Experts such as Dr. Graham Smith (Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology Canada) and Prof. Brian Lee (Drexel University) firmly reject the claim, emphasizing established safety protocols and lack of causal evidence.

  "The Canadian recommendation on using Tylenol during pregnancy has not changed." (Christine Birak, 13:01) "No strong evidence supporting a link between Tylenol and autism." (Brian Lee, 14:17) "It would be extremely premature if the administration were to make any recommendation that folks with autism should be taking this [folic acid or leucovorin] because frankly, it's not ready for primetime yet." (Brian Lee, 14:43)

• Contextual Analysis
  The discussion underscores the White House’s reliance on preliminary or misinterpreted research. The scientific community urges reliance on robust evidence over ideology.

Notable Quotes

• Brian Lee (13:34):

  "Eating ice cream is associated with drowning, okay? But ice cream does not cause you to drown..."

3. Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension & Disney’s U-Turn (08:53 – 12:08)

Key Discussion Points

• Background
  Kimmel was suspended by ABC/Disney after controversial comments on the killing of political activist Charlie Kirk.
• Hollywood Backlash
  Over 400 celebrities (Jennifer Aniston, Tom Hanks, Maya Rudolph) release an open letter criticizing Disney for “kowtowing to government intervention and censorship.”
• Rapid Reinstatement
  After internal discussions, Disney reinstates Kimmel, effective immediately, but offers scant rationale beyond citing “thoughtful conversations.”
• Media & Political Response
  President Trump mocks Kimmel over low ratings; FCC Chair Brendan Carr warns late-night hosts about political commentary. The incident reignites debates over censorship, free speech, and the politicization of entertainment.

Notable Quotes

• Disney Statement (09:21):

  "...we have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy. And after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday."

• Ali Chiasson (10:53):

  "This, all of this really kicked up so much conversation about censorship, government intervention, free speech. So, so many people will want to know what Jimmy Kimmel has to say..."

4. Mohawk Institute Residential School: Trauma and Transformation (15:06 – 18:08)

Key Discussion Points

• Restoration & Memorialization The former Mohawk Institute (Canada’s longest-running residential school) is reborn after a $26 million renovation as a museum and cultural center.
• Survivor Voices Survivors, such as Doug George and Roberta Hill, recount memories of deprivation, abuse, and resilience.
• Critical Historical Reckoning The project involves painstaking historical archiving and survivor testimony to ensure authentic, educational exhibits.
• Significance for Canada Heather George (Woodland Cultural Center) and historian Rick Hill emphasize the site’s role in national reckoning and reconciliation.

Notable Quotes

• Doug George (16:00):

  "Hunger was always there, a craving for something. And then there was, of course, feelings of abandonment... if you didn't obey the rules, then corporal punishment was swift and brutal."

• Heather George (17:16):

  "It makes you realize how real and authentic that experience was..."

• Rick Hill (17:39):

  "Sometimes when I leave here, I just shake my head thinking like, how in the world could this happen to children? But I'm glad also to be part of the recovery..."

5. Climate Change Threatens Canadian Pumpkin Harvest (18:20 – 21:33)

Key Discussion Points

• Widespread Crop Loss Unpredictable weather—heavy rains and drought—devastate pumpkin yields across eastern Canada; up to 40% reduction reported.
• Farmer Testimonies
  • Sylvain Etie (Montreal): "There are 30 to 40% fewer pumpkins this year."
  • Greg Mackenzie (PEI): "This year has been too dry...about 40% of his crop has been affected."
  • Barb Stephanician Cote (Saskatoon): The farm had to cancel its annual pumpkin festival due to crop failure.
• Broader Implications Increasingly erratic weather challenges local farming, raising concerns about food security and climate resilience.

Notable Quotes

• Susan Bonner (20:22):

  "Anytime you don't have the yield that you were planning on again, it's going to be on your bottom line. Our input costs were all still the same..."

6. CFL Makeover: Tradition vs. Modernization (21:33 – 24:43)

Key Discussion Points

• Major Rule Changes From 2026–2027, the CFL will:
  • Move benches to opposite sidelines.
  • Install a 35-second play clock.
  • Retain but tweak the "rouge" rule.
  • Shift goalposts to back of the end zone.
  • Shorten the field (from 110 to 100 yards).
  • Shrink end zones (from 20 to 15 yards).
• Why the Change? With declining viewership and an aging fan base, the league hopes modernizing will revitalize interest, especially among younger demographics and bettors.
• Mixed Reaction
  • Some see the changes as necessary rejuvenation.
  • Traditionalists, like Peter Diekanowski, worry Canada is losing football’s unique identity in a bid to emulate the NFL.

Notable Quotes

• Stuart Johnston, CFL Commissioner (22:31):

  "We are keeping the rouge, which is synonymous with the uniqueness of Canadian football."

• Michael Narain, Brock University (23:47):

  "This is where the CFL has an opportunity to jump on this bandwagon and say, look, we are going to bite the bullet and go through this rejuvenation..."

• Peter Diekanowski, former CFL player (24:16):

  "I think that's a shortcut instead of doing some of the tougher things to build the game and to improve the businesses of some of the teams..."

7. Viral Softball Pep Talk: “Year of Ball” (24:43 – 27:03)

Key Discussion Points

• The Story Nelson Bradbury, at 80 years old and the oldest player in the Mount Pearl slow pitch softball league, sends a 2:30 AM pep talk and heartfelt thank-you to his much younger teammates.
• Going Viral A teammate’s spouse shares the text message on TikTok, where it resonates with millions—highlighting the power of sports, intergenerational friendship, and gratitude.
• Cultural Resonance Media outlets, including ESPN and People magazine, pick up the story, further amplifying its reach.

Memorable Quote

• Nelson Bradbury (25:21):

  "Most of these guys are 35 or 40 years of age. I'm almost twice the age of some of them and you know, they have accepted me and treated me like an equal..." "All of you should take pride knowing there's an old fart you keep going every day. I don't know if I'll get another year or not...but I do know this will be the year of ball I remember made me cry."

Episode Themes & Tone

The program remains analytical, news-focused, and empathetic—balancing hard-hitting political stories with heartfelt cultural moments and underrepresented Canadian perspectives.

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