As It Happens

The award-winning author and investigative journalist sits down with Nil Köksal in the As It Happens studio to discuss his new book, An Accidental Villain: A Soldier’s Tale of War, Deceit and Exile.

As the world wonders what role the United States will play in global politics, the leaders of China, Russia and India gather to present a united front -- and a potential photo-op of the future. Late last night, an earthquake hit Afghanistan, killing hundreds and injuring thousands. An aid worker tells us about the moment the quake struck -- and about the devastation it's caused to families in the mountains, near the epicentre. A rare, lefty snail found in New Zealand needs another rare, lefty snail to reproduce. Ned's owner tells us about the nation-wide campaign to find one...before it's too late. Facing abominable approval ratings, Peru's Congress takes drastic action to turn things around -- by creating an adorable mascot named "Congresito".As It Happens, the Monday Edition. Radio that doesn't usually support a puppet government.

The federal government has made it clear it wants to make Canada a natural-resources superpower -- and who better to explain how they plan to do that -- than Canada's Minister of Natural Resources.Dr. Demetre Daskalakis just quit his job as the CDC's vaccine chief -- but he says his work fighting misinformation in the US is only getting started. 20 years ago, a Mississippi woman lost everything in Hurricane Katrina. Two weeks ago she met a stranger who found a small piece of her former life -- and it was a life-changing moment for both of them. After thousands of performances, Broadway legend Tshidi Manye is leaving the role of Rafiki -- the mandrill in question -- in "The Lion King". She tells us how she felt the love every night. After nearly 40 years, the Family Channel is going dark -- breaking the hearts of the Canadian former kids who grew up watching it. Ashley Leggat -- who played Casey on "Life with Derek" -- tells us what life without the channel means. Here comes Peter Quantum-tail. To defeat an invasive army of pythons, Florida has deployed a high-tech squad of solar-powered robot rabbits -- which look and smell like the real thing.As It Happens, the Friday Edition. Radio that's worried they're breeding like robots.

Overnight, Russian missiles battered the city -- and all our guest could do was cower in a hallway and hope that none of them would hit her apartment building.The director of the American Public Health Association tells us chaos at the Centres for Disease Control spells trouble for health professionals – and for the well-being of everyone in the country.The late Joe Hickerson was a folk singer/songwriter but his greatest contributions to the genre happened behind the signs, in the archives of the Library of Congress.The back-to-school season will look different for some students in Manitoba – as wildfire evacuees prepare to start the year in classrooms far from home. Felix Perry was on everyone's nice list -- for bringing a big beard and a bigger heart to his role as a mall Santa to kids in Nova Scotia. A Winnipeg hill built on a garbage dump has become a beloved local landmark -- and thanks to a newly-repaired sign, it’s been forever immortalized as “Garbage Hill.”As It Happens, the Thursday edition. Radio that welcomes a little trash talk.

While the Israeli military prepares to conquer famine-stricken Gaza City, Donald Trump and friends prepare for a post-war Gaza. But a former Middle East negotiator tells us he has no confidence their plans will come to fruition. A survivor of the 2016 mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Florida says the state's move to erase rainbow crosswalks really highlights the governor's true colours.After dramatic cuts to their funding, the future of public radio in the U.S. is precarious -- and in some communities, the loss of a station would be devastating. Canadian small business owners face the end of duty-free shipping to the U.S. -- which means they're facing some tough decisions. The port authority in London is finally tackling what might be its most daunting, disgusting task yet: removing a giant agglomeration of stuff that wound up in the River Thames after people flushed it -- known as "wet wipe island."As It Happens, the Wednesday Edition. Radio that hates to end things on a sewer note.

Leonard Lusky, a president at Secretariat.com and longtime associate of legendary jockey Ron Turcotte, teams up with Marta Suarez, a behavioral physiologist from the University of Porto. They dive into the important diplomatic ties between Canada and Germany, especially in light of geopolitical changes. Marta reveals surprising emotional depths in fish, proving they feel more than just fear, but also pleasure. The conversation challenges how we perceive both international relations and the emotional lives of our aquatic friends.

Mikhailo Winitsky, a Sociology professor and former Deputy Minister of Education in Ukraine, reflects on the tragic deaths of journalists in Gaza amid escalating violence. He provides insights on Prime Minister Carney's surprising visit to Ukraine, highlighting the complexities of international support. Marta Urquia shares her experiences as a D.C. parent organizing safety measures for families in a militarized environment, revealing the emotional toll of living under heightened security. The discussion underscores the pressing challenges faced by both media and families in times of conflict.

Jason Kenney, former Alberta Premier and Harper-era cabinet minister, shares his insights on the Conservative Party's current challenges. He discusses Pierre Poilievre's recent by-election victory and the party's struggle to connect with voters after consecutive electoral losses. Kenney highlights the need for strategic communication to engage diverse demographics, particularly women. The conversation also touches on the importance of adapting to shifting political landscapes and the internal dynamics within the party as they navigate a path back to government.

Aaron O'Toole, former leader of the Conservative Party, analyzes Canada's recent tariff cuts and their impact on U.S. trade relations. Dale Sky Jones honors cannabis activist Richard Lee's legacy in the fight for legalization. Retired physician Jeremy Lockwood shares his exciting discovery of a new dinosaur species with a giant sail on its back, while psychologist Sean Kidd discusses a groundbreaking app that assists individuals in distinguishing reality from auditory hallucinations. There's also an amusing anecdote about a 'Bald Fest' celebrating hair loss.

Elian Peltier, a New York Times journalist, shares harrowing accounts from refugee camps in Gaza as families face the threat of impending Israeli attacks. Farhan Jai, co-founder of Speak Up Africa, advocates for the Equal Earth projection map, aiming to correct Africa's representation and highlight its significance. The conversation also touches on a tragic bus crash impacting Afghan repatriates. As the discussion unfolds, themes of resilience, identity, and the humanitarian crises are poignantly explored, making for an engaging and thought-provoking dialogue.