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    Globe and Mail public editor: When a private school’s history goes public

    A few readers, graduates of St. Michael’s College, were upset with The Globe and Mail’s coverage of their school these past two weeks. Toronto police are investigating allegations of assault and sexual assault connected to the Catholic boys’ school after receiving multiple videos, and six students have been arrested. These graduates aren’t denying the news…

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    Globe and Mail workers could be off the job by midnight Wednesday: union

    A strike appears to be looming at the Globe and Mail. The union representing editorial, circulation and advertising sales workers at the Globe says they could be on strike by midnight Wednesday. Unifor says the 320 members are seeking pension protection and an end to what it says is a pay gap between male and female employees. They have been negotiating…

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    Globe and Mail public editor: Is it news or views?

    The attacks on the media continue south of the border, but in this country, I believe readers understand the importance of fair and accurate news coverage. What a few don’t really grasp (based on some of the complaints I receive) is the difference between a fact and an opinion. But before we look at what…

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    Globe and Mail Public Editor: When weighing anonymous voices, consider the source

    Off the record, a source said; a senior government official said on background; according to an insider. How important are anonymous sources in reporting? Overuse or misuse can hurt credibility, but you need those insider voices for many stories to get beyond the press releases and speeches. They are crucial when the news can’t be…

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    Globe and Mail tests new in-article explainers

    The Globe and Mail is testing a new feature that could enhance readers’ understanding of its online stories and the mechanics of its journalism. Globe and Mail reporter Susan Krashinsky Robertson has taken a three-month leave from her reporting duties to test expandable, in-article explainers called the Globe Primer. Krashinsky Robertson said this feature acts…

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    Globe and Mail Public Editor: Suicide coverage an opportunity to help

    Two greatly admired and creative people died by suicide this week: On Tuesday, designer Kate Spade, known for her colourful handbags and clothing, and today, chef, traveller and television personality Anthony Bourdain, who opened our eyes to the great and offbeat tastes and cuisines of the world. These tragedies offer an opportunity to speak openly about…

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    Globe and Mail Public Editor: Cannabis investors have right to know bad news

    Shareholders in cannabis firms are anxious about their investments, the profits and the coverage of them. It is seen as riskier than most investments because there is no historical data to track and because it is likely, in an emerging market, that there will be some great successes and some spectacular failures. In fact, according…