Wildfire season has begun in Alberta, and already more than 4,500 people have been evacuated from their homes. There is planning and preparation across the province for these kinds of situations, but what do they look like in an urban setting? CBC producer Tanara McLean dug deep into Edmonton's plans and the many elements that make up preparation for a wildfire in the city.

Cadomin Cave has been closed to the public for more than a decade, but once a year researchers are allowed in to count the number of bats hibernating in Alberta’s largest bat cave. This yearly count has become increasingly important as a deadly fungus puts populations at risk. CBC reporter Wallis Snowdon hiked into the cave’s twisting chambers to bring us an exclusive look inside.

In April, the Alberta government brought in a $15 flat-rate fee for daycare. It’s a partnership with the federal government and the province that is meant to help parents pay for affordable childcare. But parents say the plan isn’t actually more affordable — instead they’ve been hit with additional fees and fewer options. Host Clare Bonnyman sits down with CBC reporter Sarah Reid who’s been following the changes to Alberta’s system.

Construction season is in full swing, especially in Edmonton’s northeast. But The 132 Avenue Collector Renewal Project has a stick in the spokes: residents are speaking out against construction. On top of the regular headaches from dust and noise, some residents and business owners say they aren’t happy with the city’s bike lane plans for the area and communication. Host Clare Bonnyman sits down with CBC Edmonton producer Pippa Reed, who spent some time in the area to hear what residents are saying.

Everyone knows the cliched image of ballroom dancing, but have you heard about the underground queer subculture version? It is where people "walk", perform, model, dance and lip-sync in a diverse range of categories. First created by Black and Latina queer and trans folks in the U.S., ballroom culture was built as a welcoming space that allowed participants to be themselves and celebrate each other. Producer Tahirih Foroozan gives us a closer look at YEG Ballroom, a part of the Fruit Loop Society of Alberta, and their upcoming Kiki Ball.

In the downtown core, a new series of cooking classes is connecting neighbours, rethinking where food comes from and feeding some of the city’s most vulnerable residents. A tall order for one group, but multiple not-for-profit organizations are banding together to put on Cooking 4 Community, a monthly series held in Boyle-McCauley. This is Edmonton’s Clare Bonnyman went to visit one of the classes, and hear about how collaboration is fueling action for young Edmontonians.

In less than a week, Edmontonians will cast their ballots in the federal election. It’s been a national campaign like no other, especially as our country faces tariff threats from the United States. But what other issues are Edmontonians thinking about? Host Clare Bonnyman sits down with CBC reporter Madeleine Cummings, who has been covering Edmonton’s election issues. We also hear from a panel of young, first time voters.

There are so many tragic stories when it comes to a family fighting to save a loved one battling addiction. Angie Staines’s son, Brandon, is one of the lucky ones. After suffering from addiction, he’s now living a healthy and fulfilling life. His mother embraced harm reduction to help get him to the other side. We’ll hear their story on this week’s episode of This is Edmonton.

To hear the full documentary produced by CBC's Tanara McLean mentioned in this episode go to https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-1337-helluva-story/clip/15955518-unconditional-love