As It Happens

As It Happens

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.

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Episode's summary

This episode covers the devastating impact of the Bald Range wildfire in Summerland, B.C., and the legal implications surrounding the death sentence of former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. We explore concerns regarding fair trial guarantees in Syria and the challenges of achieving legitimate transitional justice. Additionally, the program discusses the Chicago White Sox's connection to Pope Leo XIV, the protection of a Harry Potter memorial site from underwater power cables, and the rapid spread of Ebola in the Congo. Finally, we look at a significant paleontological discovery of an extinct spade-foot toad species at the La Brea tar pits.

Chapters

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Highlights

We need to brace ourselves for what's there or what's not there. It's going to be hard. It's going to be really hard.

00:03:19 · The Mayor of Summerland warns residents about the difficult reality they will face upon returning to their homes after the wildfire.

This was an incredibly significant and symbolic moment for a lot of victims and survivors who've waited, you know, over 15 years for any sort of accountability.

00:11:34 · A Human Rights Watch advisor describes the emotional impact of the death sentence on Syrian victims.

I said, listen, you know, we're one step away from confirming that God is a White Sox fan.

00:22:33 · Brooks Boyer jokes about the team's connection to the newly elected Pope.

The village I'm talking about, the closest treatment center is about 40 kilometers. So even if they wanted to access it, There is no way they can because the only good mode of transport there is motorcycle taxi. And the now motorcycle taxi drivers now are not willing to take any patient to that hospital.

00:36:11 · The speaker explains the logistical barriers preventing rural Congolese villagers from receiving medical care during the Ebola outbreak.

it's the first new species to be identified from the tar pit site in multiple decades. But also, it's only the second species of extinct ice age amphibian ever to be described from the United States.

00:42:41 · Emily Lindsay emphasizes the scientific significance of finding a new species of spade-foot toad in the La Brea collection.

Episodes

3071-

Will Syria’s former dictator ever face justice?

This episode covers the devastating impact of the Bald Range wildfire in Summerland, B.C., and the legal implications surrounding the death sentence of former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. We explore concerns regarding fair trial guarantees in Syria and the challenges of achieving legitimate transitional justice. Additionally, the program discusses the Chicago White Sox's connection to Pope Leo XIV, the protection of a Harry Potter memorial site from underwater power cables, and the rapid spread of Ebola in the Congo. Finally, we look at a significant paleontological discovery of an extinct spade-foot toad species at the La Brea tar pits.

11 Aug 2026
3070-

Fire evacuee applauds community support in face of flames

This episode of As It Happens covers the devastating impact of wildfires in British Columbia, including a harrowing account of a toddler attacked by a black bear and Grand Chief Stuart Phillip's opposition to a proposed West Coast oil pipeline. The program also discusses the recent Ukrainian drone strike on a Russian oil refinery, featuring an interview with MP Kira Rudik regarding defense strategies. Additionally, the episode explores the scientific properties of snail mucus, the retirement of Senator Chuck Grassley's vacuum cleaner, and the discovery of a lost painting by Flemish artist Clara Peters.

10 Aug 2026
3069-

Prediction market betting on clinical trials is coming

This episode explores the profound human impact of systemic crises, from the devastating effects of power outages and U.S. sanctions on rural life in Cuba to the emotional aftermath of an arson-linked wildfire in Spokane. We also examine the ethical dilemmas posed by prediction markets like Kalshi allowing bets on clinical trial outcomes. Additionally, the program investigates a missing high school time capsule in Yellowknife, the extreme challenges of medical evacuation flights in Antarctica, and new scientific confirmation regarding carnivorous plants in the Saxifraga family. The episode concludes with a 'sound of the day' featuring a news anchor falling asleep on air.

07 Aug 2026
3068-

Will rare charges stem settler violence in the West Bank?

This episode explores diverse stories of justice, resilience, and systemic challenges. We begin with the rare indictment of an Israeli settler for the manslaughter of a Palestinian activist and a Yukon canoe journey led by Donna Johns to revitalize Indigenous traditions. The program also examines the resilience of Indigenous youth, a physicist's tracking of his high-performance hamster, and workplace safety charges in Alberta following a firefighter's death. Further reports cover political redistricting in Tennessee, UN concerns regarding a Sikh activist's safety in Canada, and the urgent need for a dedicated Minister of Mental Health in Quebec to address rising crises among vulnerable populations. Finally, we conclude with the incredible scale of the John Cage organ project in Germany.

06 Aug 2026
3067-

A fellow anchor remembers the late, great Lloyd Robertson

This episode explores critical issues of foreign interference and national security, featuring an interview with Sikh activist Maninder Singh regarding threats to his safety and the launch of Canada's new foreign influence and transparency office. The program also pays tribute to the legendary Canadian broadcaster Lloyd Robertson, reflecting on his enduring impact on journalism. Additional reports cover the catastrophic flooding in St. Catharines and its impact on local infrastructure, the excitement surrounding Filipino tennis players at the National Bank Open, and the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge to pedestrians and cyclists.

05 Aug 2026