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 explores escalating geopolitical and environmental tensions, beginning with the economic implications of maritime attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and the historical significance of the Bayeux Tapestry's return to Britain. The program also covers scientific and medical investigations, including the BepiColombo mission to Mercury and a study into carbon monoxide exposure in Canadian ice rinks. Additionally, the episode examines sports and ethics, featuring Ben Shelton's historic late-night U.S. Open victory, the challenges of international travel for NFL players, and the massive ethics complaint filed against FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The program concludes with a look at the intelligent play behaviors of endangered pygmy raccoons in Cozumel.

Chapters

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Highlights

Iran's strategy of economic pressure on the U.S. relies on their ability to push down energy traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and push up global energy prices.

00:04:54 · Analyst Farzan Sabat explains the strategic motivation behind Iran's recent military escalations.

And then our Japanese colleagues, their spacecraft is going to be spinning. So a bit like a rotisserie chicken.

00:21:29 · The scientist uses a humorous analogy to explain how the Japanese orbiter regulates its temperature.

It did not finish until 3.30 in the morning. 3.33 to be precise. That's four hours and 28 minutes of tennis, and it is the latest finishing match in U.S. Open history.

00:35:26 · The reporter describes the unprecedented length and timing of the quarterfinal match between Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz.

We had 103,000 people who signed it. Typically ethics complaints to FIFA would be signed by one person or an organization.

00:43:44 · Nick McGeehan explains the unprecedented scale of public participation in the ethics complaint against the FIFA president.

And I wish that people more acknowledge that these raccoons are critically endangered. They are going extinct and they are going extinct because of humans.

00:56:03 · The researcher emphasizes the urgent need for conservation due to human-driven extinction threats.

Episodes

3092-

Inside an escalating tit-for-tat in Iran

This episode explores escalating geopolitical and environmental tensions, beginning with the economic implications of maritime attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and the historical significance of the Bayeux Tapestry's return to Britain. The program also covers scientific and medical investigations, including the BepiColombo mission to Mercury and a study into carbon monoxide exposure in Canadian ice rinks. Additionally, the episode examines sports and ethics, featuring Ben Shelton's historic late-night U.S. Open victory, the challenges of international travel for NFL players, and the massive ethics complaint filed against FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The program concludes with a look at the intelligent play behaviors of endangered pygmy raccoons in Cozumel.

09 Sep 2026
3091-

Canada’s ‘pivot’ away from U.S. easier said than done

This episode explores Canada's efforts to reduce economic and military reliance on the United States amidst trade tensions, alongside architect Moshe Safdie's views on revitalizing 24 Sussex. The program also examines international developments, including sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the impact of mining expansion on the indigenous Sami people in Sweden. Additionally, the episode features stories ranging from a hockey-themed corn maze in New Brunswick and an obituary for Belgian prankster Noel Godin, to the return of a rare woolly dog pelt to Coast Salish territory and the culinary rise of Huitlacoche.

08 Sep 2026
3090-

US/Canada tariffs can’t stop this cross-border partnership

This episode explores diverse global stories, beginning with the impact of new Canada-U.S. trade tariffs on small tea producers and a tribute to the late Cree filmmaker Georgina Lightning. The program also covers the discovery of a massive Viking-era silver hoard in Finland and reports on environmental damage to Mount Everest caused by human waste. Additionally, the episode examines the political implications of the AfD's electoral success in Germany through a discussion with Jürgen Hart regarding economic reforms. Finally, we hear accounts from Canadian canoeists encountering bears during their trek across Canada and an interview with bioacoustician Torin Jundsen on reconstructing the sounds of Jurassic insects.

07 Sep 2026
3089-

What happens to Lindsay Clancy now?

This episode explores a range of complex legal and humanitarian stories, beginning with the mistrial in the Lindsay Clancy case and its implications for discussions on postpartum psychosis. We also follow the rescue efforts in Nepal following devastating floods and examine the ongoing struggle for justice for Sharpeville massacre survivors facing legal barriers. Additionally, the program covers diverse topics including the beauty of British Columbia's Cathedral Grove, the science behind how breathing affects decision-making, and a debate over invasive species management on Catalina Island. The episode concludes with the charming legend of Erik the Red, a famous Halifax cat.

04 Sep 2026
3088-

Celebrating feminist icon, Gloria Steinem

This episode begins with a tribute to feminist icon Gloria Steinem, exploring her enduring legacy and impact on the feminist movement through interviews with Letty Cottin-Pogrebin and Michelle Landsberg. The program also covers a legal dispute in Quebec regarding French-only voter information under Bill 96 and examines the political shift in the BC Conservative party following Scott McInnes's departure. Additionally, the episode reports on how new income assistance regulations in Nova Scotia affect unhoused individuals living in encampments. Finally, we explore the science behind an Ig Nobel Prize-winning research project on splash-free urinals and a massive charity event in Chicago centered around drinking Jeppson's Malort.

03 Sep 2026