Trumpets are blasting in this week?s musical episode. But can medical statistics be transformed into a jazzy night out? That was the challenge which epidemiologist Elizabeth Pisani set for composer Tony Haynes. This June, his Grand Union Orchestra will be performing Song of Contagion, an evening of steel pans, saxophones and singers telling the story of diseases including Zika and AIDs.
We met Elizabeth and Tony in an East London music studio, to hear Song of Contagion come together for the very first time.
Producer: Hannah Sander
(Photo: Detail close up of French Horn musical instrument, part of the Brass family of instruments. Credit: Shutterstock)
On this final programme of the series we try to give some context to some of the issues that are being discussed during the current election campaign.
Who pays tax?
What proportion of adults are paying income tax? How much are they paying? Where does the highest burden lay? We take a look. Also, we look at the different political parties? tax policies. This includes corporation tax, but what about National Insurance?
How do you cut migration?
The Conservative manifesto again includes the aim to lower net migration to tens of thousands. How has this aim fared in the last six years? And what could the Conservatives do in future years to achieve their goal? We also take a look at what impact that might have on the economy.
Taking the nations? temperature
Summer has arrived ? but we cast our minds to the chilly months ahead and think about the Winter Fuel Payment. The Conservatives are proposing to change this to a means-tested system ? everywhere except Scotland. Is this because Scotland is colder than the rest of the UK? BBC Weather Man Phil Avery has the answer.
Free School Meals
It?s been a popular topic in party manifestos - free school meals. Jamie Oliver thinks school dinners are essential for fighting obesity ? but is there really a case to be made for the health benefits of a school lunch? Emily Tanner from the National Centre for Social Research puts the case for and against Universal Free School Meals ? while munching a pie and a packed lunch.
As Trump prepares to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, Jon and Dan talk about the consequences with one of the deal’s chief negotiators, Brian Deese. Then, they break down the politics of the decision, catch up on the latest Russia developments, and talk with Ana Marie Cox about Trump’s decision to rollback birth control coverage under Obamacare.
Two reports from federal agencies help make the case for reforming, if not ending civil asset forfeiture. Darpana Sheth of the Institute for Justice comments.
What does Donald Trump's trip abroad reveal about his emerging foreign policy? Is there any chance for the U.S. to back away from regional conflicts on the other side of the globe? Emma Ashford comments.
Trump jeopardizes the NATO alliance on his “historically successful” foreign trip, Kushner conducts secret diplomacy with a Russian banker, and the Democrats hone their message after Montana. Then, Senator Elizabeth Warren joins Jon, Jon, and Tommy in studio to discuss the fights Democrats should wage on behalf of working Americans.
Our entire education system is faulty, claim experts. They worry that schools don?t prepare kids for the world outside. But how could anyone prove what the future will be like?
We set off on a round-the-world sleuthing trip to trace a statistic that has been causing headaches for students, teachers and politicians alike. Helping us on our quest are educators Cathy Davidson, Daisy Christodoulou and Andrew Old ? plus a little bit of Blade Runner and a lot data-wrangling.
Producer: Hannah Sander
(Photo: Classmates taking part in peer learning. Credit: Shutterstock)
When attorney and author Ayelet Waldman was contemplating suicide, she chose instead to try tiny doses of LSD. Her book, A Really Good Day, details her experience.
