This is Edmonton

The holiday season is synonymous with alcohol. Rum-spiked eggnog, wine at the holiday party, it seems like there is a cup of Christmas cheer at every corner. But with more Edmontonians experimenting with sobriety, what are the alternatives? This week, Min Dhariwal learns about the booming business of alcohol-free adult beverages, and Clare Bonnyman speaks with the creator of Mock-Ups Mocktails.

This week CBC Edmonton launches its annual campaign to support the Edmonton Food Bank and spread some kindness across the city. We meet with producers Emily Senger, Adrienne Lamb and Liam Harrap who share stories of kindness, and talk about the vital role food banks play in our community.

It's the spending season, but as the cost of living increases, more people are feeling the pinch. This week The Loop talks to a teacher in Edmonton focusing on financial literacy for the next generation. Plus, Credit Canada CEO Bruce Sellery joins us to talk about financial readiness -- and how to holiday on a budget.

Six months after two violent homicides in the business district still recovering from the effects of pandemic restrictions, the community is fighting for a comeback. CBC reporter Wallis Snowdon walks us through recent developments, and Clare goes for a walk with Chinatown resident and advocate William Lau.

Pediatric hospitals are facing serious pressure across Canada. In Edmonton, The Stollery’s inpatient beds are at capacity, and Doctors say the ER is backed up. ER Doctor Shazma Mithani shares what she’s seeing. Plus provincial affairs reporter Janet French talks about the concerns and politics around what we do next.

This week: what’s up with Twitter? University of Alberta professor Timothy Caulfield and Sarah Dharshi, content strategist for Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, join host Clare Bonnyman to dig into what the platform means. Plus, technology columnist Dana DiTomaso joins the show to talk about Elon Musk's purchase of Twitter — and the platform's potential future.

The Loop is back! This week we’re taking a walk around downtown Edmonton with Doug Cook, Business and Community Engagement Liaison with Boyle Street Community Services. More than 2,500 Edmontonians are experiencing homelessness, and some of them share their stories with host Min Dhariwal.

A brief note from The Loop team about the podcast. Plus one of the latest episodes of Slumtown, a CBC Edmonton original podcast.

It’s a complicated time to be Catholic in Canada. This week Loop host Clare Bonnyman talks with local young faithful ahead of the Pope’s visit to Alberta.

Support is available for anyone affected by their experience at Indian or federal day schools, and those who are triggered by these reports. Individuals can access immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention services at the Hope for Wellness helpline by calling 1-855-242-3310 or online at www.hopeforwellness.ca.

Wild boars are a problem in Alberta - and the invasive species is gaining traction around Edmonton. Megan Evans, from the Alberta Invasive Species Council, talks with host Clare Bonnyman about the origins of wild boar. Then CBC’s Wallis Snowdon explains how Edmonton is stepping up its response.