The Current

In the wake of 9/11, anthrax-laced letters unleashed a new wave of terror across the nation. But who was behind the attacks — and why has America nearly forgotten this story? As government buildings shut down and law enforcement scrambled to track the perpetrator, the FBI launched one of the largest and most complex investigations in its history. Untangling a web of scientific evidence and false leads, the case took unexpected turns with lasting consequences. From Wolf Entertainment, USG Audio, Dig Studios and CBC, this eight-part series grants unprecedented access to declassified materials and firsthand accounts, revealing how the anthrax attacks reshaped America—and the hidden impact that still lingers today. More episodes of Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer are available at: https://link.mgln.ai/UoHuWX

Duration:00:37:45

Trump wants to shut down Canada’s auto sector. Can he do it?

U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada’s auto industry will lead to “mutually assured destruction,” says Brian Kingston, president and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association. Kingston talks to guest host Mark Kelley about Trump’s stated aim of shutting down auto manufacturing in Canada, and why he thinks these tariffs ultimately leave the U.S. less competitive against rivals like China.

Duration:00:14:32

What it’s like growing up as a ‘restaurant kid’

Rachel Phan was three years old when her parents opened a restaurant in Kingsville, Ont., a venture that quickly ate up most of their time and energy. In her new memoir, Restaurant Kid, the Chinese-Canadian author writes about feeling like the restaurant had stolen her parents away from her, and how it affected her well into adulthood.

Duration:00:25:16

Many treatments for low back pain just don’t work, study suggests

Ann Marie Gaudon tried everything she could think of to treat debilitating back pain, but for a long time nothing worked. Now, a new study suggests very few treatments actually do work — where does that leave the millions of Canadians struggling with chronic pain?

Duration:00:20:46

Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ is here. What should Canadians expect?

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to unveil the full scope of his tariffs plan Wednesday afternoon, a trade policy he says will liberate his country from reliance on foreign goods. Guest host Mark Kelley discusses the economic and political fallout for Canada with former federal minister Lisa Raitt, and Carlo Dade, director of trade and trade infrastructure for the Canada West Foundation.

Duration:00:19:53

Civil war complicates earthquake rescue efforts in Myanmar

Rescue operations continue after the massive earthquake that hit Myanmar and Thailand last week. But journalist Dave Grunebaum says Myanmar’s civil war is complicating relief efforts, as fighting between the military junta and resistance forces continues amid the destruction.

Duration:00:10:23

Should torpedo bats be banned from Major League Baseball?

The New York Yankees are off to a record-breaking start this season, but all eyes are on their new, torpedo-shaped bats. Baseball historian Gary Gillette explains why these bats — developed by an MIT physicist — are making such a splash, and why there’s already talk of banning them.

Duration:00:12:10

Is technology becoming the world's most powerful religion?

Our daily interactions with technology are looking more and more like a religious act, according to Greg Epstein, a humanist chaplain at Harvard University and author of Tech Agnostic. In an interview from December, he discusses whether the tech that surrounds us is worthy of our faith.

Duration:00:22:38

The Current Introduces: Agent Pale Horse

FBI undercover agent Scott Payne’s job was to infiltrate the most dangerous gangs of our times: outlaw bikers, drug cartels and the international neo-Nazi networks hellbent on inciting a race war. He was taking down these groups from within. And Scott was good at it — people confided in him their most audacious plans for mass violence and domestic terrorism. In the second season of White Hot Hate, host Michelle Shephard gives you an unvarnished view of a life undercover. Because after a 28-year-long career pretending to be somebody else, Agent Payne is ready to tell his side of the story. Coming March 25, 2025. This series was produced alongside a book co-written by Scott Payne and Michelle Shephard titled Code Name: Pale Horse: How I Went Undercover to Expose America's Nazis. More episodes of White Hot Hate: Agent Pale Horse are available at: https://link.mgln.ai/KxHmW1

Duration:00:31:47

Did you hear the one about the old comedian?

Getting older isn’t always easy, but sometimes it can be hilarious. As part of our series As We Age, we talk to older comedians about finding humour in everything from senior sex to Old Age Security — and tackling aches and pains when stand-up is literally the job description.

Duration:00:25:13

Trump puts Canada’s defence spending in election spotlight

Defence is now a key election issue, fuelled by questions over whether the U.S. is a reliable ally under President Donald Trump. We ask military experts what kind of investment is needed to make sure Canada can protect itself, and whether whoever wins the election can deliver it.

Duration:00:19:26

Which of these beautiful Canadian spots should you visit?