Hunting Grounds: The Spectator's Susan Clairmont on new true crime series
It's one thing to write about crimes in the Westdale area that went on for seven years as Spectator columnist Susan Clairmont did in a series called Hunting Grounds, laying out the story of men peeping on women, videotaping them without their knowledge, and in some cases sexually assaulting them in the area around McMaster University. But finding a balance between writing it in a compelling way while also maintaining enough of an emotional distance so as not to be consumed by the horrible details is a challenge. One Clairmont has had to navigate for years writing about the worst crimes in the city. How does someone immerse herself in horrible things and not become totally torn up by what she sees and hears? Clairmont talks about that - and Hunting Grounds - on this episode of Placeline Hamilton.
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What is the role of universities in 2025?
Between the tens of thousands of students who attend and the staff who are employed there, McMaster University has a huge impact on the Hamilton community. Susan Tighe was installed as the school's new president a few months ago. On this episode of Placeline Hamilton, she talks about the role of universities in 2025, challenges facing schools and whether students today are too easily offended on campus. Also, what's Mac doing with the old Hamilton Spectator building just off the highway, anyway?
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Will 2026 bring another 'change' election?
We are roughly a year away from the next municipal election in Hamilton. Which means those who are thinking of running for mayor (and in some cases, council) almost certainly have the wheels in motion by now. Who will be running? What will be the main issue or issues? And will this election bring the kind of change the last one did? John Best is back to chat about what city hall might look like by the time we go to bed on Oct. 26, 2026.
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Expect to be 'shocked' by changes at TD Coliseum
Paul McCartney won't be the only thing people are wanting to see in Hamilton on Nov. 21. Those going to see the former Beatle in concert will also be eager to check out the newly renovated TD Coliseum in which he'll be performing. Eighteen months and $300 million later, the GM of the place says folks will be "shocked" when they see the changes. What can people expect from an old arena that's been given a new life? The building's senior vice-president and general manager, Nick DeLuco, joins Placeline Hamilton to give a rundown.
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Local hockey fixture Don Robertson joins Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame
This week, five new members of the Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame were inducted. Among them was longtime hockey fixture Don Robertson. In a chat with Placeline Hamilton about minor pro leagues and teams back in the day when Slap Shot felt less like a fictional movie and more like a documentary, Don tells some tales. About fans and players brawling in the stands, players who could barely skate and even one incident in Collingwood that's almost too ridiculous to be true.
In journalism, a "placeline" is the location given at the start of a story which indicates where the story originated – in this case, Hamilton. Each week, the Placeline Hamilton podcast will bring you all the latest news from around Hamilton and area – everything from council to crime and entertainment to sports – and things of interest to Hamiltonians. Hosted by Spectator columnist Scott Radley, it will be a deep dive into the week's most interesting developments, and bring you exclusive interviews with experts from The Spectator and across the city.
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