The Wolves men’s volleyball team extended its win streak to five games after beating the Durham Lords 3-1 on Jan. 24 at the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre.
The Wolves beat Canadore, Centennial, George Brown and La Cité, so it wasn’t looking good for the Lords as they rolled into Ottawa on a three-game losing streak
The Wolves won the first set 25-19, and Durham won the second 25-22. The Wolves dominated the following sets, overwhelming the Lords on both defence and offence.
Wolves setter Noaki Nakashima, who was named player of the game, said he knew it wasn’t going to be an easy win and that the Lords were going to give them a good fight.
“I knew they were going to give us a challenge. They’re a great team. I know we did beat them in the past, but we always have to fight for it, like any team in this league,” said Nakashima.
Wolves coach Jelle Kooijman said things really started to turn around for the team in the third set.
“I think we did a lot of good things in the first set, but we got away, especially on the serving side. We didn’t have enough pressure on them to receive. We started to change that around in the third set, and that’s where I realized if we can do that, that’s gonna be the key to the game,” Kooijman said.
The Wolves’ performance was highlighted by their ability to stay composed and execute under pressure. After dropping the second set, the team responded with focus, showing discipline and confidence in one another.
Their communication on the court was consistent, allowing them to limit forced errors and maintain control throughout the remainder of the match. They took advantage of playing on their home court, showing confidence and composure in each set, taking command of the game.
Local
CBC Ottawa: The capital region’s annual winter festival kicks off Friday night.
Winterlude 2026’s opening weekend will see the return of ice carving at Confederation Park, the addition of a ferris wheel at Snowflake Kingdom in Gatineau and other winter-themed activities across the region.
This year’s winter festival runs from Jan. 30 to Feb. 16.
National
CBC: Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre will address the Conservative Party of Canada Friday evening in Calgary at the party’s annual convention.
The speech will be followed by a vote that will determine his future as the leader of the Official Opposition.
Poilievre is scheduled to take the stage at 8:30 p.m. ET.
International
Toronto Star: The U.S. Justice Department released a new batch of records from the Epstein files on Friday.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement that more than three million pages of documents will be released, including more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images.
Epstein was a convicted sex offender accused of running an international sex-trafficking ring with his longtime confidante and girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell. He died by suicide in a New York prison cell in August 2019.
With the new semester starting off strong, students weighed in on the stress of academic success and techniques they use to protect their mental health at Algonquin College.
Throughout the week of Jan. 19 to Jan. 23, the Students’ Association held events to spread awareness for mental health. From a journalling workshop to art therapy and Paws 4 Stress, there were plenty of events available for students to use as a breather.
Ilana Goldfarb, an event programmer for the Students’ Association, hopes events like the journalling workshop can be used to build bridges and erase the stigma that surrounds speaking up.
“We’re hoping to have students make connection with each other and to learn how to express their feelings and emotion through journalling,” Goldfarb said.
“Because a lot of students don’t know how to journal or that’s a way to express emotion, maybe heal and help with depression and anxiety, so it’s just a way to bring awareness and people together,” Goldfarb said.
While not knowing the SA and counselling service was holding a journalling workshop on Jan. 20, many students still had their own ways of keeping up with their mental health and taking a breather when needed.
Jeremy Elliott, a fourth-year construction and engineering student, finds it difficult to balance school with his personal life.
“I’d say school stress is definitely something that I struggle with sometimes. Managing personal life with school and work, managing finances while going to school,” Elliott said, and while he didn’t attend the journalling workshop, he has his own ways of keeping calm.
He also believes the school is trying its best to make it easier for students who would appreciate an extra hand.
“I think they’re doing a pretty good job right now but just keep continuing to give out the resources to students. Push those resources for those who need it. They do a good job at creating resources on Brightspace for everybody to get,” Elliott said.
Elliot Montpellier, a fourth-year construction and engineering student, sees it differently. He’s not being flooded with assignments but there’s intensity that comes with harder work when reaching a higher level of his program.
“The technical material on some of the more advanced classes can be a struggle sometimes but I don’t find the work balance too bad,” Montpellier said.
If he ever needed it, he’d go online to get a better understanding of what’s being asked by his professors.
“I’d say YouTube is my biggest (source). I find when you don’t get everything you want out of a professor, YouTube has a lot of sources that can be super helpful,” Montpellier said.
Montpellier suggests students take note of the ads placed around campus highlight clubs and events.
“So far what I found is there’s a lot of different resources,” Montpellier said.
M Drouin, a first-year interactive media design student, said she has a close support system which helps when scheduling or workloads are too much.
“(I) talk to my family and just making sure I’m taking care of myself,” Drouin said.
Each student has their own ways to cope and the college helps by hosting weekly events providing mental breathers or good times.
“We do a minimal of two events a week for the students, so it’s a lot of events. It just might not be what everyone wants to see and the more feedback we get the better,” Goldfarb said.
Ottawa-based thrift brand 3 Cuties has sold at Algonquin College twice so far, and co-owner Hailey Lagassé says both experiences have been nothing but positive.
“Our experience vending at Algonquin College has been such a good time,” Lagassé said. “Both times have been welcoming, energetic, and honestly just really fun.”
Lagassé has vended for two Algonquin College events: the Midday Picnic on Oct. 15 and Jan. 15. The Midday Picnic events are popular among students and staff. For many, these events can make the campus feel like a pause in the day, a conversation, or even a reminder that fashion doesn’t have to be exclusive.
Lagassé says the campus environment stands out compared to other pop-ups or in-store sales. According to her, college students tend to be much more engaged and open when shopping.
“College customers are curious, bold, and not afraid to try something new,” she said. “They ask questions, try things on, hype each other up, and want to hear the story behind the pieces.”
That level of student interaction has had a direct impact on the business. Lagassé said selling on campus helps introduce 3 Cuties to new customers who continue to support the brand after the event, often by following their social media or attending future pop-ups.
While pop-up markets can be unpredictable, Lagassé said there have been few drawbacks to selling at Algonquin College. Like any event, foot traffic depends on timing, but she said the positives outweigh any challenges.
“The energy, the exposure, and the love from students make it so worth it,” she said. “It feels more like a community than just selling.”
That sense of community aligns closely with 3 Cuties’ focus on body inclusivity, a value Lagassé says is central to the brand. For her, body inclusivity means ensuring people of all sizes feel represented and comfortable.
“Body inclusivity means everyone gets a seat at the table,” she said. “Fashion should be fun, not stressful, and no one should feel excluded from expressing themselves through clothing.”
Lagassé noted that body-type inclusion remains a challenge in the fashion industry, particularly in vintage clothing.
“Many vintage pieces were produced during time periods when sizing standards were more limited, making it harder for people with diverse body types to find clothing that fits.
“That’s why it’s important to be intentional when sourcing vintage and to style it creatively,” she said, adding that self-expression through fashion should not be limited by size.
As a woman-owned business operating in Ottawa, 3 Cuties also faces challenges common to small businesses. Lagassé said one of the biggest is learning to recognize their own value in a competitive market.
“It can be competitive, but collaboration will always be cooler than competition,” she said. “Supporting other women and small businesses,” she added, “helps build a stronger local community.”
3 Cuties began as a shared love for thrifting and fashion and grew into a business through community support and customer connection. Lagassé said what continues to motivate the team is seeing people find pieces that make them feel confident.
For women who struggle to feel confident in their clothing, Lagassé offered simple advice: wear what feels good.
“Your body is not the problem,” Lagassé said. “The clothes are.”
Looking ahead, 3 Cuties plans to return to Algonquin College for future pop-ups and events. Lagassé said the brand is especially interested in participating in events like the Midday Picnic, which bring vendors directly to students during the school day.
More pop-ups are planned across the Ottawa area, with details shared through the brand’s social media.
Students laughed, played and unwound with therapy dogs from the Paws 4 Stress program on Bell Let’s Talk Day, Jan. 21, during Mental Health Awareness Week.
Thanks to the Volunteer Centre, the Students’ Association and the Student Health & Wellness Zone, staff and students could take a break from their busy day and take a “paws.”
The 90-minute event happened in the corner lounge located in the Student Commons building.
Students sat in small groups and socialized with the therapy dogs, their handlers and each other.
Anna Ottchitch, an Algonquin College student in the social service program, said she enjoys having events that gather the community together.
“I definitely think that events like this bring people together, and it really helps people. Who doesn’t want to pet dogs and meet all these new people?” she said.
This was the first Paws 4 Stress event of the winter 2026 academic term.
Mark Philip, a therapy dog handler with St. John Ambulance, has been working with his dog, Theo, for three years.
“You can see it all around here. it’s to give a sort of emotional type of support to individuals who might be feeling high stress. It can be a stressful situation where they need comfort, or they just need calmness.” Philip said.
The types of therapy dogs ranged from fluffy bernedoodles like Jemma to shaggy golden doodles like Theo.
Philip and Theo often visit hospitals and nursing homes to provide a fluffy companion for people who may be feeling stressed or anxious. At Algonquin College, these pop-up events help students relax and destress in a calm, controlled environment.
“The dogs seem to bring out a lot in people. As soon as they see them, you see how their demeanour changes.” Philip said. “It might be stressful at the time, but as soon as they see the dogs, they sort of bring a smile to their face, and you can sort of see them more at ease when they come in, when they walk up, and they actually meet with the dogs.”
Local
CTV News: Two people are in police custody after a man was stabbed near Ottawa’s Central Experimental Farm on Wednesday evening, marking the city’s first homicide of 2026.
Emergency personnel responded to reports of a stabbing on Mayview Avenue at approximately 7:10 p.m.. The victim was found at the scene with life-threatening injuries and died while being transported to hospital.
“Police do not believe there is an ongoing risk to public safety,” police said in a statement. “The investigation is ongoing, and officers remain in the area.”
National
CBC News: Canada’s premiers were meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa as a review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) approaches. Carney said the meeting will focus on how Canada plans to move forward despite the ongoing trade war with the United States.
“As we’re building new partnerships abroad, we’re focused on building our strength at home and transforming our economy,” Carney said.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe spoke to reporters ahead of the talks Thursday morning, saying he hopes to discuss the future of Canada’s relationship with the U.S.
“What I would like to hear is a conversation around really clarifying what Canada needs in that trade relationship moving forward, and whether or not then we’re able to actually present that and move with respect to, not the renegotiation of CUSMA, but the review of CUSMA,” Moe said.
International
CBC News: U.S. President Donald Trump warned that “time is running out” for Iran to have “NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS” in a Truth Social post Wednesday, as the U.S. builds up military presence in the Middle East.
Trump’s decision to send USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided missile destroyers into the region, capable of launching strikes from sea, was thought to be in response to Iran’s violent crackdown on protests.
Protests erupted in Iran on Dec. 28 after the rial, the Iranian currency, fell quickly, turning into a movement which demands the end of the current regime. At least 6,221 deaths have been confirmed, though other sources estimate the toll may be as high as 30,000.
The Students’ Association held a thrift store on Jan. 15 in the Student Commons where local vendors showcased their second-hand finds.
There were about 10 vendors selling clothes, trinkets, jewellery and more.
According to organizer Mark Sola, the thrift store has happened on campus for the past four years.
Sola also happens to own a store called Thrift_Sola, which has been open since 2017.
“I sell ’90s clothing and accessories mixed with Y2K and 2000s,” Sola said.
Students looked around the racks and tried on clothes to see if they wanted to buy them. It made the Commons busier than it was on any regular day.
There was also another clothing vendor called 3 Cuties Thrift, owned by Algonquin College alumni Grace Kanto and Hailey Lagasse. They opened the store five months ago at 63 Beechwood Ave.
“We are a second hand and vintage pop up store that is size inclusive,” Lagasse said. They also sell homemade banana bread.
Another vendor, Anika Patel, who’s a University of Ottawa student, said she started her business called Trinketella in 2025.
“I wanted to share my passion of trinkets” Patel said.
The Algonquin Students’ Association offered cheap tickets to an Ottawa Charge game this month, giving students on a tight budget a chance to see a professional hockey game.
“We sell sports game tickets every year, but this year is our first event with the PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League),” said Alain Cyr-Russo, a staff member with the SA.
The tickets for the Jan. 28 game against the Seattle Torrent were $10 each, but they were only available to Algonquin College students.
Students come from many places in the world that don’t have hockey. Some students have never experienced a hockey game in person.
The SA wasn’t the only organization selling tickets for the hockey game.
“This PWHL game is especially meaningful because it’s a post-secondary night, with several institutions such as Carleton, uOttawa and La Cité also participating,” said Cyr-Russo.
Students said they appreciate the SA selling cheap event tickets.
“Yeah, it’s definitely a gift for us students because we shouldn’t be stuck doing nothing and focus on school, though we should, but knowing how much the tickets are can allow all students to do something without spending too much,” said Peyton Isaac, an Algonquin College student in the early childhood education program.
Isaac isn’t alone.
“I feel like it’s a gift for students, but some have never had the opportunity to see a hockey game in person,” said Elias Popal, an Algonquin College student in the police foundation program.
The opportunity to experience a hockey game could be meaningful for students who went with a group.
“Yes, this could absolutely become a core memory. PWHL games offer a high-energy atmosphere. Plus, we have over 50 students and their friends sitting in the same section, which creates a fun environment and a chance to meet new people,” said Russo.
Isaac said hockey is a great social activity.
“It definitely can be a core memory to go to a hockey game because, like I said, anyone can meet new people and enjoy their time cheering for the team and socializing as well,” said Isaac.
Neeraj Sharma, an Algonquin College student in the culinary management program, said the experience could be special for students.
“To experience something that they could never have done before, it would be an important memory for them,” said Sharma.
As the cost of clothing and basic necessities continues to rise, the Students’ Association hosted a pay-what-you-can thrift store pop-up to help ease financial pressure on students.
The SA Donation Thrift Store on Jan. 20 in the E-building offered affordable clothing, accessories, household items and Algonquin College merchandise to students.
This pop-up is held once per semester during the week to maximize the amount of students to attend. This semester’s event, the recent four-hour thrift store, saw a steady stream of students.
Abby Muir, food cupboard coordinator with the Students’ Association, said the initiative was created in response to the rising costs that students continue to face.
“Since regular thrift stores have upped their prices like crazy, having something that is this affordable is a good thing,” Muir said. “We found this was a good way to be sustainable, but also have students get stuff that maybe they wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise.”
All items at the pop-up were donated by students, staff and alumni before being redistributed back to students. Shoppers were encouraged to take what they needed and pay what they could. Muir said the initiative has grown over time and continues to see strong demand.
“I feel like 80 per cent of it goes,” she said.
Leftover items are stored for future pop-ups, and items which remain after several events are donated externally.
In addition to affordability, the thrift pop-up promotes sustainability by reducing clothing waste and reliance on fast fashion. Some students said the environmental aspect of the event was just as important as the cost savings.
“There’s so many clothes that already exist in the world. I don’t need it to be new,” said Katina Szilvagyi, a first-level baking and pastry student. “It would be nice to contribute to that life-cycle of things.”
Students from multiple programs said rising prices have made it increasingly difficult to afford clothing and basic necessities.
Sarah Grace, also a first-level baking and pastry student, said the pop-up provides a practical alternative to buying new items.
“Instead of buying a brand new sweater that’ll be over $50, I can buy one that’s really comfortable for way cheaper,” she said.
Grace added that she would like to return in the future and donate items as well.
For some students, the pop-up offered opportunities beyond personal shopping.
Eva Deyell, a first-level medical radiation technology student, said the event helped her manage living costs while also allowing her to find a birthday gift.
“It’s a fun thing to do and also there’s some good, affordable stuff here,” she said.
Ozias Blumetti, a fourth-level robotics student, said budgeting is especially important while receiving OSAP. Blumetti said the flexible pricing at the pop-up makes a noticeable difference compared to traditional thrift stores.
“At normal thrift stores, you could have something that has a massive rip on the side that’s not supposed to be there but the tag is non-negotiable.”
All students interviewed said they were able to find something they liked or needed at the pop-up.
As attendance continues to grow each semester, the SA Donation Thrift Store remains an accessible and sustainable resource, helping students manage rising costs while encouraging community support and reducing waste.
