Our top 5 stories of 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re looking back at the stories that captured your attention the most. It's a lineup that reflects a collective fascination with unsolved mysteries, resounding gratitude for unforgettable mentors, and, notably, the unavoidable influence of US politics—in Canada and beyond.
From vanishing sea stars to your favourite UBC profs to the challenges posed by a second Trump presidency, here are your most popular reads of the year, starting with #5.
5. Solving the decade-long mystery of what was killing sea stars in the Pacific
For more than a decade, scientists puzzled over the sudden disappearance of sea stars along the Pacific coast. This feature—written by the very team of researchers who cracked the case—takes readers inside the search for answers and what enabled them to solve one of the greatest ocean mysteries of our time.
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4. The profs who changed us
At the start of the year, we asked UBC alumni to share a story about a professor who had made a big impact on them. We were subsequently astonished by the many stories that came through, submitted by graduates from every decade since the 1960s! Revisit some of our favourite alumni submissions in this popular Readers Write roundup.
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3. Canada’s fight with Trump isn’t just economic, it’s existential
In a year marked by shifting Canada–US relations, this article by UBC political scientist Dr. Stewart Prest provided essential context. It revealed how the real stakes behind new tariffs and political tensions extended far beyond trade—touching on democratic values, sovereignty, and the deeper question of how Canada should defend, and define, itself in the face of unwarranted threats.
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2. Could Donald Trump be barred from Canada as a convicted felon?
Though published in 2024, this legal analysis by Dr. Catherine Dauvergne, a UBC law professor, became a standout read in 2025 as interest in cross-border policy surged. The piece unpacked a timely hypothetical: Could a (then-former) US president with felony convictions legally enter Canada? Dr. Dauvergne's clear explanations of Canadian immigration laws and loopholes kept readers returning as political events continued to evolve.
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1. Where do Canada’s fruits and vegetables come from? New website maps the flow
Our most-read story of 2025, written by UBC alum Sachi Wickramasinghe (BA'11, MJ'14), reveals surprising insights about how familiar foods travel to Canadian plates. A new UBC-developed tool visualizes the journey—and sheds light on what those routes might mean in an era of climate disruption and shifting trade dynamics.
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