Google promises its new “Willow” chip — unveiled this week as the latest update in the field of quantum computers — might someday revolutionize everything from drug discoveries to artificial intelligence. A technology reporter explains what quantum computing is, and why the arms race is on, even though practical uses are still years away.

The Vancouver Island marmot — one of Canada’s most endangered species — is making a remarkable population rebound from near-extinction. A conservationist working to save the species tells us about this year’s record arrival of pups, and why the marmots aren’t out of the woods just yet.

Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador have struck a new hydro energy deal. It replaces the previous pact that saw power leave the Churchill Falls hydroelectric plant in Labrador at a very low price. The tentative renegotiation will see Quebec pay 30 times the previous price. Premier Andrew Furey and the CBC’s David Cochrane share why the old agreement bred resentment within N.L. for more than 60 years, and how this step forward could change their province forever.

The Bank of Canada cut its interest rate again yesterday — now down to 3.25 per cent. An economist lays out what that means for your debt, our dollar and an economy that’s got Canadians feeling stretched.

In Syria, celebrating has shifted to planning, as the country maps its future after nearly 14 years of civil war. We hear from a Syrian national once detained by the Assad regime and the CBC’s Margaret Evans about the country’s cautious optimism.

Saudi Arabia has been named host of the 2034 World Cup despite a track record of human rights violations. An investigative football journalist tells us why the decision is a “middle finger” to fans of the game.

Daniel Leader started selling loaves of bread out of his station wagon four decades ago. Now, the pioneer of the artisanal bread movement is sharing what he’s learned about his craft. Leader tells Matt Galloway about his early loaves — which were more like paperweights — and how the bread baking process is like meditation.

Winter tires are mandatory across Quebec and on mountainous roads in B.C., but in the rest of Canada, the decision rests with drivers. Should that change? A road safety expert weighs in.

After Jessica Waite told Matt Galloway about her memoir A Widow’s Guide to Dead Bastards, our listeners shared their own experiences with grief. We hear some listener mail about coping with the loss of a partner — and more from producer Alison Masemann’s trip to Camp Widow.

Donald Trump wants Canada to curb the flow of drugs and migrants southbound across the countries’ shared border. For people living in border communities, what will that look like? We hear from folks whose work and lives straddle the dividing line about the uncertainty Trump’s crackdown brings.