As It Happens

As It Happens: The Monday Edition

May 24, 2021

Episode Transcript

Part One

Belarus Forced Landing
A Belorussian military jet forced a plane carrying an opposition journalist to land in Minsk, where he was detained. His former colleague says the arrest was meant to frighten all opposition activists, but it won't work.

AB China University
Alberta is ordering universities to halt collaborations with China over concerns about human rights abuses, but our guest says it's academics and students who will pay the price. 

Alaska DIY Sawmill
Cost cutting. An Alaska man takes a distinctly do-it-yourself approach to the sky-high price of lumber -- by building his own backyard sawmill.


Part Two

Ethiopia Journo Expelled
A journalist who has been reporting on atrocities in Tigray has been expelled from Ethiopia. He says he's worried about the chill on other journalists who have told him they're afraid to do their jobs. 

Steinbeck Werewolf Novel
Before writing 'The Grapes of Wrath', a young John Steinbeck tried his hand at a werewolf murder mystery -- and our guest says it's high time to publish it, so readers can discover the author's playful side.


Part Three

Hassan Al Kontar Feature 
Fight or flight. Three years ago -- fleeing the violence in Syria -- Hassan al Kontar landed and got stuck in an airport in Malaysia. He was stateless, alone, and fearing deportation. And that's how he ended up living for months, watching others come and go as he remained trapped. Hear Carol's feature interview with Mr. al Kontar about his incredible ordeal and his remarkable new memoir, "Man at the Airport."