This is Edmonton

After this week’s U.S. presidential debate, many took to social media to react, saying it might be time to move to Canada. President Trump’s controversial comments on white supremacy had people examining the current climate in America. Things may be better by comparison in our country, but they are by no means perfect. This week, Irfan Chaudhry, a hate crimes researcher and director of the Office of Human Rights, Diversity and Equity for MacEwan University, looks at the prevalence of right-wing extremism in our province. CBC digital associate producer Madeleine Cummings finds out why some trees in Mill Woods are surprisingly thriving in a paved parking lot. Plus, local writer and poet Nisha Patel tells us why she’s getting personal about chronic illness and Canada’s health care system in her new podcast, 70 Percent Coverage.

Pivot. Adapt. Modify. Transition. No matter what word you use, that’s exactly what individuals and industries have done for over six months now. The pandemic has introduced new challenges, so we’re constantly pivoting and adapting. Even beyond COVID, transitioning is about preparing for tomorrow because the world is always changing. The oil and gas industry has taken many hits over the past few years, so what’s in store for Alberta’s energy sector? CBC investigative reporter Robson Fletcher discusses what experts are saying about how the province can transition to a low-carbon future and what impact that might have. We also speak with Terri Suntjens and Robert Houle, co-chairs of a committee that worked to rename the ward boundaries in Edmonton using various Indigenous languages. Plus, CBC’s Rod Kurtz delves into how daycares are impacted by COVID-19, and we hear why a beloved mac & cheese meal is getting a fall flavour makeover.

When the Black Panther film came out in 2018, it was a big deal and led to renewed conversations about why representation matters. However, pop culture is just one part of a much larger discussion. What about gathering race-based data? How does a lack of information affect the way people and communities are cared for and supported? What about how diverse bodies and skin tones are photographed? Are those behind the lens properly capturing each individual’s true likeness and beauty? Edmontonians are advocating for these sorts of changes. And people are listening. This week, CBC reporter Andrea Huncar looks at a national study on how Black Canadians are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and how news of that data has led to local support. Associate producer Kashmala Fida shares the story of an Edmonton model who is pushing for a stronger focus on diversity in the photography industry. Plus, reporter Min Dhariwal tells us about a new team in the city that’s stepping up to the plate, and our intrepid producer and tech, Clare Bonnyman, makes new friends during harvest season.

On March 11, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic as the number of reported cases around the world continued to rise. Hard to believe it has been six months. No one was prepared for what came next and it has affected each of us in many different ways. In fact, The Loop launched that week when everything changed, which was definitely not something we were expecting. As we continue to look at how things are adjusting, CBC digital journalist Wallis Snowdon joins us to talk about current case numbers in the province and how schools have been impacted. Artist Tim Okamura is from Sherwood Park, but has lived in New York City for awhile now. He shares his story about what it’s been like to see the outbreak unfold in a place that was once the epicentre of it all. CBC senior reporter Erin Collins looks at why a rural community in central Alberta is raising concerns about a proposed wind turbine project. Also, a Cree artist describes how her beadwork reflects what Alberta means to her in a new mosaic map.

It’s been a big week, but a different one as students, teachers and other school staff head back to the classroom. Usually heading back to school comes with excitement about seeing buds again and some anxiousness about getting back to the books. This year, with new restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are also thoughts about sanitizing, wearing masks, and class cohorts. Some students are even staying home to learn online instead. CBC associate producer Ariel Fournier spoke with many Edmonton students, parents and teachers about what this new school year looks like. She joins The Loop to talk about what she’s heard and share the story of one student who is taking a traditional approach to learning. And what about teachers who don’t have contracts right now? Rod Kurtz, from CBC’s Radio Active, found out about this new trend of learning pods, so he’ll tell us what that means. CBC Calgary reporter Sarah Rieger looks at the story of a pregnant woman, originally from Alberta, and her current struggle to return to Canada from Haiti with her adopted children. Plus, a family-owned business out of Saddle Lake Cree Nation has developed personal protective equipment that draws on Indigenous culture.

You might be basking in the lazy, hazy final few weeks of summer, but things definitely hit differently during this time of COVID, ongoing social injustice, and when the news never seems to slow down. Headlines this week were partially dominated by politics as people stayed up late to find out who won the federal Conservative leadership race. Then Premier Kenney did a minor cabinet shuffle just days before the words “debt” and “deficit” took over in the province’s latest fiscal update. This week on The Loop, reporter and producer Elise von Scheel gives us a breakdown on all things politics. Plus, CBC Edmonton associate producer Stephanie Dubois brings you the story of why Edmonton residents are still waiting to hear how the site of a former wood treatment plant may be impacting their health. We’ll also take a deep dive into the world of hold music, and hear how Alberta-raised country singer Tenille Townes found out about her latest award win.

How are you? No, really… how are you? It’s been key that we look out for each other over the course of this pandemic. Now, with rising rates of transmission in Edmonton and the entire city under a COVID-19 watch, it feels like it’s even more important to check in with pals here and abroad. The next chapter is a huge question mark. This week on The Loop, associate producer Stephen Cook walks us through how and why we hit a new high for COVID-19 cases in Edmonton. Investigative reporter Jennie Russell takes us through a disagreement between the city’s police commission and union, and a professor at the University of Alberta discusses some curriculum controversy. Plus, Clare and Tara attempt to rock out with the help of some artificial intelligence.

One of the things we miss most in the pandemic is being around people. But even with our current way of life people are coming together—sometimes for comfort, sometimes for necessity and sometimes to find a little bit of joy. When you’re living in an unprecedented time every little bit helps. This week on the show reporter Jordan Omstead tells us about his visit to Camp Pekiwewin where they’re helping build community for those who need it most. Edmonton’s last standing video store celebrates 15 years of the finest cinema in a basement on Whyte Avenue. Plus two weeks into mandatory masks in Edmonton we look at both sides of the argument and hear about an Edmontonian giving back with bananas.

The back to school season is basically upon us—but it looks a little different. Streetscapes are changing as businesses close due to COVID-19, vacations look different as we stay amused at home all summer and we even look different with most of our face behind a mask. As we approach the next season of cohabitation with COVID-19, we’re still trying to get used to this “new normal”. This week on the show reporter Janet French walks us through Edmonton's back to school plans while Whyte Avenue says goodbye to a beloved home for comedy. Plus, staying safe on the river this summer and celebrating Heritage Festival at home.

In a way it feels like March 153rd. On the other hand it is hard to believe the summer is half over. Time is flying by and big moments are coming at us fast. This week, reporter Natasha Riebe walks us through the city’s plan to mandate masks starting August 1. Edmonton’s Youth Poet Laureate, Timiro Mohamed, joins us to talk about Emancipation Day on August 1 and what that means to her as an artist, a Black woman, and as a Canadian. We’ll have an update on the lengthy legal battle between Habitat For Humanity Edmonton and 57 partner families. Plus, how hockey fans are preparing for the puck to drop this weekend.