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As It Happens

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News that’s not afraid of fun. Meet people at the centre of the day’s most hard-hitting, hilarious and heartbreaking stories — powerful leaders, proud eccentrics and ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. And plenty of puns too. Hosted by Nil Köksal and Chris Howden, find out why As It Happens is one of Canada’s longest-running and most beloved shows. (Ahem, we literally helped make the beaver a national symbol.)


New episodes Monday to Friday by 7:30 pm E.T.

760 Episodes
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Hamas responds to the U.S. President's peace proposal -- and says it agrees to some aspects of it, including the release of all Israeli hostages. For the first time in more than a millennium, a woman will lead the Church of England. A London vicar says Sarah Mullally is the perfect person to heal a divided church. Young people flood the streets of Morocco, expressing their anger over health care, education and unemployment -- and one activist tells us they won't stop until they see concrete action.His soul is as dark as his feathers; and now a black swan nicknamed "Mr. Terminator" has been exiled from an English town after terrorizing the local swans -– not to mention our guest, who had to capture him.The owner of a New Jersey theme park is selling off his herd of animatronic dinosaurs -- and, like his stegosaurus, interest is seeing some major spikes. Hit me with your nest shot. New research has found that birds all over the world issue the same call warning each other about cuckoos -- which lay their eggs where they're not wanted.As It Happens, the Friday Edition. Radio that can't play you the whole warning call -- just an exchirpt.
A deadly attack at a Manchester synagogue shakes the Jewish community – and our guest, an Anglican bishop who lives nearby. He tells us how he plans to support his neighbours through a dark time.Canadians thinking of heading to the U.S. may want to move a little slower. That's the subtle messaging from Ottawa, where Global Affairs has officially, and quietly, updated its travel advisory for our southern neighbour.As the federal government moves forward with its firearm buy-back program, some gun owners in Cape Breton are sharing their frustrations.Canadian rugby star Sophie de Goede reflects on Team Canada’s incredible run at the Rugby World Cup – and on tackling her own challenges.Thousands of devotees descend on a small town in West Virginia to celebrate the legendary creature known as Mothman – and to shine a light on its many mysteries. A couple of firefighters in Maryland express their dissatisfaction with baseballs flying in from a neighbouring field with professional courtesy - by flooding the field with their firehose.As It Happens, the Thursday edition. Radio that would have covered this story earlier -- but we were swamped.
Remembering Jane Goodall

Remembering Jane Goodall

2025-10-0101:01:42

We remember Jane Goodall, who spent her life working to protect the home of the chimpanzees she helped the world fall in love with. Alberta's premier revives the promise of a new oil corridor to the coast -- and an industry leader says, this time, all the right players are aligned to make it happen.A retired U.S. Navy captain says unequal fitness standards for men and women in combat roles don't exist -- and she doesn't know why Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth doesn't know that.For years, the century-old remains of a woman found in a Saskatoon well went unidentified. Now, police know who she was, thanks in part to some of her descendants -- who only just learned her story.A paleontologist says he experienced a "perfect moment" when he realized he was looking at an incredibly rare fossil of an incredibly old leech.Startling new research reveals the reason so many of us have "innie" belly buttons -- and the theory that our guts have their own gut instincts causes stomach upset in the world of science.As It Happens, the Wednesday Edition. Radio that's well-versed in navel battles.
The Taliban imposes an Internet blackout on Afghanistan -- a move one Afghan women's rights activist says is as horrifying as when the regime returned to power in the first place. A Jewish activist says everyone on the international flotilla attempting to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza is on high alert, waiting to be intercepted -- but he still hopes to arrive in time for Yom Kippur.Hundreds of U.S. military leaders gathered today to hear Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's vision for the troops. A retired lieutenant general tells us he doubts the message was well-received.A growing number of companies are opting for a "no-shoes" policy in the workplace -- giving employees new and old a chance to get their feet wet.As It Happens, the Tuesday Edition. Radio that believes this shows callous disregard.
On the 5th annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Nil Köksal speaks with the author about her memoir 'Children Like Us.' As the child of a Métis birth mother with Anishinaabe, Cree and European ancestors and the adopted child of a Mennonite father and Ukrainian convert mother, Brittany Penner's family life can best be described as "complicated." But those complications are what make her memoir searingly beautiful and utterly unique.
The U.S. President names himself the head of an international transitional body he's calling the Board of Peace -- as he presents his latest ceasefire plan for Gaza. A longtime Middle East negotiator tells us what he believes will actually happen.As Canada moves forward with changes to Jordan's Principle, one organization warns that a nutrition program in Yukon is going unfunded -- so kids there will go hungry. A local church is destroyed, four congregants are dead and people in Grand Blanc, Michigan are trying to understand why a gunman chose their community. A neighbour tells us he's not sure how anyone will ever be able to feel safe again.A longtime colleague tells us about Dr. Balfour Mount -- the Montreal doctor who pioneered palliative care, and found purpose in helping patients achieve the best deaths possible.This year's winner of New Zealand's Bird of the Year competition will rip your heart out -- literally, if you're small enough or it's hungry enough.Every year, the winner becomes a celebrity -- but this time, there was also a family reunion after an ash tree on a busy street in Glasgow was named "UK Tree of the Year". As It Happens, the Monday Edition. Radio that reminds contestants: the winner is always tall -- so flat tree will get you nowhere.
Former FBI director James Comey is indicted for allegedly lying to Congress. Our guest says when it comes to political interference by the Trump administration, the case is already setting a dangerous precedent. Bullets with inscriptions seem to keep showing up at shootings in the U.S. as an often cryptic kind of manifesto. But as the messages get coverage, our guest worries it's giving other shooters more ammunition. Dozens of delegates walked out en masse as the Israeli Prime Minister addressed the U-N General Assembly today. And Benjamin Netanyahu had much to say about the countries, including Canada, that recognized Palestinian statehood this week.It's do or die for Canada at the finals of the Women's Rugby World Cup. A Canadian Olympic medalist says tomorrow will be the country's best chance to show it can beat the dominant England team -- after a string of losses. When she first purchased a butterfly sanctuary on Vancouver Island, our guest was winging it. But nearly a decade later, she says she's loved every minute...and is looking for a new owner to take over. An 80-year-old Nashville man tells us about his storied barefoot runs, and what it means to have his grandson join him. As It Happens, the Friday Edition. Radio that wouldn't want to be in their shoes ... you know, if they wore them.
After several acts of vandalism, Ontario’s Premier says he plans to ban speed cameras. A Toronto city councillor who got a ticket in her own ward says they’re crucial to keeping her citizens safe. He told his father he went to play soccer with friends -- and never came home. On Sunday, Quebec police shot and killed a 15-year-old Nooran Rezayi; we reach his family's lawyer.In their first White House meeting in six years, Donald Trump urges the president of Turkey to stop buying Russian oil -- and suggests that Recep Tayyip Erdogan could play a role in stopping the war in Ukraine. A keen-eyed thrifter in BC spotted what could be a cache of Roman jewellery -- and now students at Simon Fraser University have been tasked with finding out if they’re worth their weight in gold. An urgent update on the asteroid that might smack the moon in the face -- and the bold plan astronomers are considering: to prevent that impact by blowing it to smithereens.We'll talk to the first American to win a top French cheese competition -- who, unlike a quality Stilton, has really broken the mould. As It Happens, the Thursday edition. Radio that guesses the French have hit Roquefort bottom. 
The results of a new gene therapy for Huntington’s Disease are so promising that, when he saw them, one researcher tells us he thought he was dreaming. The U.S. government is spreading extremely dubious information about the causes of autism -- when a mother of two children with autism tells us what they need most is acceptance.  A human rights advocate tells us Israel's closure of the only gateway from the Occupied West Bank to the outside world risks penning Palestinians in -- and is deepening fears about what might be next. The late Louise Vincent used lessons from her own life in her work as a harm reduction advocate and researcher. A friend tells us she never claimed to be in recovery, and never apologized for using. A young artist defends the dominance of a trio of brothers who are so good at painting, they just can't stop winning the annual U-S Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest -- despite a push to clip their wings.Music teachers in movies strike a chord with all of us -- but according to a new study, their miraculous methods make it harder for their real-life counterparts.As It Happens, the Wednesday Edition. Radio that knows how to find out how good a music teacher is: just inquire in choir.
Canada's Public Safety Minister casts doubts on the gun buyback program he's promoting today -- so we'll ask Gary Anandasangaree whether Canadians should believe what he said on that tape, or what he's saying now. A reporter says Haitian civilians are at risk not just from ongoing gang violence -- but from explosive drones deployed by the government that have already killed dozens of civilians, while trying to target gang leaders.A researcher responds to the Trump administration's claim that Tylenol use during pregnancy heightens the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder -- telling us it's not just misleading, it's dangerous.The 11th annual Fat Bear Week kicks off at a national park in Alaska; a ranger there tells us which of the chonkers is most likely to conquer. A postcard mailed in 1953 makes it back to the guy who put it in the mailbox -- but admits he doesn't remember writing it. The third-ever Nigel Night attracts hundreds of Nigels to a British pub -- where they confront the extinction of their name, and rage, rage against the dying of the Nige.As It Happens, the Tuesday Edition. Radio that warns: it's no more Mr. Nige Guy.
A politician in the West Bank welcomes Canada's recognition of Palestinian statehood -- but tells us the long-awaited move on its own won't change the brutal reality on the ground. His parents were killed by Hamas on October 7th -- but one peace activist believes recognizing Palestine as a state is a path to peace the world, and his fellow Israelis, should embrace. Long awaited and long overdue. After over a decade of pressure from his family and supporters, Egyptian political prisoner Alaa Abd el-Fattah is pardoned. His aunt tells us how his family is preparing for him to come home at last.Germans have historically been subject to strict rules about where and how they bury their dead. But some states are looking to change that -- and our guest is digging the idea. The World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship has reached its triumphant conclusion; a member of the Canadian team tells us how she kept herself from falling to pieces. Some bigwigs at a European luxury car company reveal that, when they're developing a new vehicle, they ask themselves one question, presumably in a gravelly voice: "Is it Batman enough?"As It Happens, the Monday Edition. Radio that brings you the news straight from the hoarsest mouth.
If you're wondering why ABC agreed to silence "Jimmy Kimmel Live", a look at some potentially lucrative pending business deals may provide an answer. It's taken decades for an Anishinaabe man's remains to make the journey from the place he died to to Long Lake 58 First Nation where he was born. An advocacy group in Alberta will keep fighting controversial laws affecting transgender youth -- though a leaked memo suggests the province is planning to use the notwithstanding clause to keep them in effect. A Toronto man completes his quest to run on every single street in the city -- even after being diagnosed with brain cancer. A doctor wins a posthumous Ig Nobel Prize for literature, after spending years analyzing the growth of his fingernails. An Ontario man explains why he decided to get himself a giant inflatable wiener-dog suit and wear it while he's out walking his regular-size, uninflated wiener dog. As It Happens, the Friday Edition. Radio with a strong interest in the unorthodox-sund. 
After Jimmy Kimmel is yanked off the air, an Obama-era chairman of the Federal Communications Commission says it's clear that his former agency -- and the White House -- have gone too far.And W. Kamau Bell tells us why he thinks it's so important that his fellow comics and late-night hosts stand up for what's right in this pivotal moment for the United States. Cutting out the middle man. Donald Trump's tariffs are bringing Canada and Mexico closer together -- as evidenced by this week's meeting between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Claudia Sheinbaum. A longtime friend remembers the sourdough-loving, trailblazing Yukon politician Ione Christensen. A football fan didn't know his emotional responses to a game were being shown on the Jumbotron, charming the crowd -- but not his boss, who thought he was home sick.Our annual look at the winners of the Ig Nobel Awards -- where previous recipients have been recognized for their research on the shape of narcissists' eyebrows, and constipated scorpions. As It Happens, the Thursday Edition. Radio that makes sure its science is always backed up. 
Members of a UK protest group were shocked to be arrested for projecting a pointed short film about Donald Trump on the walls of Windsor Castle -- and even more so when police told them why. In Nova Scotia, a former swim instructor at a provincially-run youth detention centre is arrested and charged for the alleged sexual abuse of young people over nearly three decades. Ottawa's mayor says the key to solving homelessness in the capital is solving it for the young -- and he's promising to do that in the next five years. We'll remember the North Dakota newspaper columnist Marilyn Hagerty, whose generous review of an Olive Garden restaurant divided the Internet -- and made a fan of Anthony Bourdain. The local historical society in a Maryland town wants two statues removed for being distracting -- but two store owners explain why they're making an emoji-nal appeal to keep the giant peach and the giant eggplant where they are. If you want to know what's contaminating hot springs all over Yellowstone National Park, hold on to your hat: it's hats visitors didn't hang on to. As It Happens, the Wednesday Edition. Radio that blows the lid off people having their lids blown off.
J.C. Chandor describes how he convinced the late actor to star in All Is Lost — a movie with a small budget and no dialogue, about a lone sailor struggling to survive a storm at sea. An aid worker tells us some people are fleeing Gaza City without shoes on their feet -- because it's better than risking death in Israel's ground invasion. A longtime advocate for a stronger sanctions law tells us why Canada's legislation is falling short -- and why a new bill named for his friend Sergei Magnitsky may be the solution. We'll remember Inuk Elder Jean Crane -- who opened her own home to women fleeing abuse, before helping create an emergency shelter in Labrador. An international golf tournament will be held in New York -- so in preparation for American fans, Team Europe is practicing playing with loud insults blasting through their headphones.A new study suggests cats eat grass for good reason. And our guest was so devoted to her research that she saved her own cats' hairballs in Tupperware. As It Happens, the Tuesday Edition. Radio that recognizes a get-retch-quick scheme.
With the return of Parliament, we found out how the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition handle each other -- and now we'll ask the House Leader how the government plans to handle Canadians' money. The exchanges between MPs today revolved around familiar themes on familiar issues; the CBC's Catherine Cullen tells us what's different this time around. Get this party re-started. The NDP returned to the House of Commons with a mere seven seats; we'll hear how that baker's half-dozen plans to avoid getting sidelined. Trump administration cuts shut down a consortium of doctors who specialize in childhood brain tumours -- which, in turn, means young cancer patients will be shut out of clinical trials in Canada. It's a marathon, not a sprint. But then it's a sprint. At the World Athletics Championships, the men's marathon ends with a top-speed race to the photo-finish -- a staggering achievement when most of us would have been staggering. An annual competition in San Francisco puts the "wha" in "guacamole" -- as contestants come through with some of the weirdest recipes imaginable when the chips are down.As It Happens, the Monday Edition. Radio that knows all guacamole champs have the same motto: "Mashin' accomplished".
A former FBI agent who teaches at the university where Charlie Kirk was killed talks about the arrest of a suspect today -- and what he'll say to his students when they return to campus next week.All five former world junior players who were acquitted of sexual assault are cleared to return to the NHL. A sports lawyer -- and sexual assault survivor -- says the league is walking a very fine line.When a South African man discovers he can not take his wife's last name, the couple go to court -- and force their country to get a handle on their preferred handle. It warmed the cockles of his heart. More than that, it kick-started the cockles of his heart -- and for that, a BC man who suffered a cardiac arrest will always be grateful to the friend who saved his life with CPR. A beloved octopus at a California aquarium named Ghost is in the final days of her life cycle and dedicating those to eggs that will never hatch.Food writer Mark Bittman says he's never felt more fulfilled than he is by his latest project, which offers fine dining at different prices for different customers -- and cheaper for those who leave nearby. As It Happens, the Friday Edition. Radio that figures: there escargots the neighbourhood.
A college student who debated Charlie Kirk on his campus tour says a lot of the popular right wing activist's beliefs crossed a line -- but his death is inarguably wrong. Detractors have said the privately-financed "Enhanced Games" are a "clown show". But a British swimmer says he's eager to see how far sanctioned doping can take athletes like him.  As Prime Minister Mark Carney unveils the first of his "nation-building" projects, mining industry leaders are hopeful the first initiatives will pave the way for all-weather road infrastructure in the north.Scientists are amazed at the remarkable diversity of dancing peacock spiders -- and turn to an analysis of what's known as dark DNA to help untangle things. A mechanic in Texas tells us about the moment his pet pigeon went missing -- and how local police helped him track down the beloved, blind bird named Kevin.Rick Astley shares the story of hearing his 1987 hit "Never Gonna Give You Up" in a Tokyo toilet that, oddly, was entirely dedicated to him and his music. As It Happens, the Thursday Edition. Radio that hopes the song is a Number One and Number Two hit. 
Prime Minister Mark Carney spends his last days before heading back to Parliament talking about "nation-building" projects with his caucus -- and with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony isn't at the International Criminal Court to hear evidence of his war crimes. Our guest was born into his militia -- and says there's no justice until he's made to face his crimes. Hong Kong lawmakers reject limited rights for some same-sex couples. An advocate tells us he's disappointed -- but still certain progress will be made...eventually.A pastor in Rochester, New York explains how her community sent ICE agents packing, when they tried to arrest a group of roofers working on a house. The creatures who live near the ocean floor aren't typically known for being cute -- but a new species of bumpy snailfish is the sweetest thing in salt water. Remembering the Japanese racehorse Haru Urara, who became a national inspiration because of her remarkable consistency on the track -- where she lost 113 consecutive races. As It Happens, the Wednesday Edition. Radio that knows some heroes are larger-than-life -- and some are mare mortals.
Tens of thousands of young people in Nepal push back hard when the government threatens to ban social media -- but our guest says what they're really fighting for -- is fundamental change. Israel's surprise attack on Hamas officials in Qatar surprises and outrages world leaders -- and terrifies a journalist, who was sheltering with his family a few hundred meters away.With more unhoused people living in encampments in Barrie, Ontario, the mayor declares a state of emergency -- and explains why he thinks that's the right call. Some people from Annapolis County, Nova Scotia were given the green light to return home today, after weeks of uncertainty caused by wildfires -- but one woman tells us the decision isn't that simple.He was in "Jaws: The Revenge", and he's also won 2 Oscars. Michael Caine is unpredictable -- as he's just proven yet again, by refusing to stay retired at 92.A Kentucky woman tells us about giving emergency CPR to a patient she discovered in a dumpster: a dangerously drunk baby raccoon.As It Happens, the Tuesday Edition. Radio that's glad she seized a wasted opportunity.
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Comments (28)

Sara Fyke

! !

Apr 12th
Reply

Justin Ward

CBC falsifies and spreads misinformation. Don't take anything reported as fact. Frankly, they're a disgusting outlet and should be disbanded.

Dec 22nd
Reply (3)

Jane

I work in daily staffing for one of the biggest healthcare systems in the Minneapolis and metro area. What the nurse said about shifts, expectations, too many hours, back to back nights and days, it's supposed to be 2 full days between, it's all 100% true. I worked in hospital nursing at the beginning of the pandemic and transferred to doing clinical staffing. Same situation. However, the staffing part should not be seen as the fault of staffers, we are exhausted and getting burnt out as well. We sometimes have about half of the staff we need. So many have left, staff out due to COVID, early retirement you name it we are short. We are often put in the situation of having to ask staff to work overtime, extra days, a few extra hours, come in early, stay late... We are experiencing fatigue also, unwanted overtime, missing vacations (I'm supposed on vacation but will work today to get caught up) so I can't imagine how are staff are feeling.

Sep 14th
Reply (1)

David Schaefer

why do people use profanity. wtf how can you ask such a brain dead question.

Aug 18th
Reply

David Schaefer

how dare cbc ask stupid questions of African nations about global warming when they are trying to supply Europe with natural gas and prosper. first world countries are the ones that have caused global warming. white privilege idiots.

Mar 25th
Reply

D big G studios

Roger the botanist is the funnest man alive.

Oct 29th
Reply

Christine Watts

So this interviewer is loudly proclaiming her anti-Israel bias! Hamas is using civilians as human shields & then blaming Israel when those civilians, whom they endangered, are hurt or killed. HAMAS IS CAUSING THIS!

May 19th
Reply

Janice Ackroyd

l6

Jul 7th
Reply

Bob the Conqueror of Mornings

With regards to the boy's OD, CBC really wanted to run down the police actions. I suggest if anyone has questions they read the report of the IIO rather than listen to the CBC's usual bias

Dec 11th
Reply

Minnich

To say someone of a different creed cannot use your culture's music is the same as saying white people can't play the blues, or rap, or that black people can't sing country music. This person's views are intolerant.

May 19th
Reply

Greg Garland

where is Jeff Douglas???

Feb 26th
Reply

Greg Garland

another episode without Jeff. I LOVE Carol but dang I miss Jeff.

Feb 9th
Reply

Greg Garland

I honestly don't like listening when Jeff isn't there. I still do and all but it's seriously not the same without him.

Feb 8th
Reply

Ryan Howanyk

I like cheese

Jan 3rd
Reply

Sidney Graham

i.e.

Aug 16th
Reply

Minnich

The reason we have a deer problem in Wisconsin is due to a lack of natural predators such as bears, bobcat, wolves, and cougar. #don'tkillthebears

Aug 13th
Reply

Pierre Hawkins

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Jul 14th
Reply

Georges Valade

this is poor journalism, unprofessional.

Jun 3rd
Reply (4)

Tristan Matthews

This is not the episode as in the description.

Mar 1st
Reply

Jammin Songsmith

The music that was played between stories on Feb 23 was so beautiful... are there links to it somewhere?

Feb 27th
Reply
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