Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Jess Hullinger, Rebekah Evans and Guy Anker
In this week's episode, we discuss:
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Morning sickness
Scientists have made a breakthrough in their understanding of what causes morning sickness, putting them a step closer to effective treatments. Most pregnant women suffer from some degree of nausea, but in the most serious cases it can lead to hospitalisation or even death. Until now, doctors have not been able to do much more than treat the symptoms, but these new insights suggest that hormonal therapy could alleviate the root cause.
The missing minister
The job of minister for disabled people was "downgraded" in the recent cabinet reshuffle, following a decision by the government to fold the brief into the role of a parliamentary under secretary instead of a more senior minister. Why is this decision so important? What is the government's intention going forward? And are voices from the disabled community being heard?
Energy bills
The artist Grayson Perry drew attention to a perennial problem this week, when he tweeted about his energy bill – which had risen from £300 a month to £39,000. This kind of error happens quite often, and while cases like these might be easily spotted and rectified, less extreme mistakes can cause anxiety to people receiving unexpected bills. What do these problems tell us about the energy market – and what can we expect to happen to prices in 2024?
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‘My donation felt like a rejection of the day’s politics’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
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Trump wants a weaker dollar but economists aren’t so sureTalking Points A weaker dollar can make imports more expensive but also boost gold
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Political cartoons for February 3Cartoons Tuesday’s political cartoons include empty seats, the worst of the worst of bunnies, and more
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The Week Unwrapped: Why is China clearing out its generals?Podcast Plus, can the Conservatives win back the centre? And what’s gone wrong with Britain’s hearing aids?
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The Week Unwrapped: What can we learn from a tool-wielding cow?Podcast Plus, have we reached ‘peak billionaire’? When should troops disobey their superiors?
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The Week Unwrapped: Will Uganda’s pop-star politician prevail?Podcast Plus, is dodgy data undermining medical research? And what does a new app reveal about Chinese society?
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The Week Unwrapped: Is Elon Musk’s AI tool a platform for abuse?Podcast Plus can Mumsnet predict who will be the next PM? And who is still watching Avatar sequels?
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The Week Unwrapped: What’s the cost of PFAs?Podcast Plus why is George Osborne joining OpenAI? And has universal basic income finally come of age?
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The Week Unwrapped: what’s scuppering Bulgaria’s Euro dream?Podcast Plus has Syria changed, a year on from its revolution? And why are humans (mostly) monogamous?
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The Week Unwrapped: Will drought fuel global violence?Podcast Plus why did Trump pardon a drug-trafficking president? And are romantic comedies in terminal decline?
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The Week Unwrapped: Have pedigree dogs had their day?Podcast Plus what can we learn from Slovenia’s rejection of assisted dying? And can politicians admit their weaknesses?
