Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Cindy Yu, Jamie Timson and Rebekah Evans.
In this week’s episode, we discuss:
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Automation and the elderly
When an elderly couple were charged £110 by Ryanair to print out their boarding passes this week, the airline was roundly criticised. But is this a portent of wider problems to come? Rail companies are planning to close ticket offices, an increasing number of shops are refusing to take cash and many services now require an app or an online account. Will those unable or unwilling to use technology find themselves excluded from society?
Edgy books
A children’s book on Princess Diana has garnered controversy this week, as it intends to discuss bulimia. While some have suggested tackling such a sensitive topic is a pioneering force for education and openness, others find it inappropriate to introduce young children to such themes. Is omitting challenging topics from childrens’ literature a form of censorship? Or do authors and parents alike have a duty to shield young minds from issues they do not yet understand?
Women and alcohol
A new study in the US has found that more women are dying from alcohol than ever before. Experts point the finger at an increase in marketing of alcohol towards women with surveys suggesting more women are drinking to excess for fun than ever before - but is enough known on the gender divide when it comes to how alcohol affects the body and what about the ‘sober curious’ next generation of adults?
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Are car headlights are too bright?The Explainer 82% of UK drivers concerned about being ‘dazzled’ as LED bulbs become more common
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Saudi Arabia could become an AI focal pointUnder the Radar A state-backed AI project hopes to rival China and the United States
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What you need to know about last-minute travelThe Week Recommends You can book an awesome trip with a moment’s notice
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The Week Unwrapped: Will Grace Wales Bonner change Hermès for the better?Podcast Plus will nuclear fusion deliver us from climate change? Is humour the best way to take on Trump?
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The Week Unwrapped: Can bullfighting win over young SpaniardsPodcast Plus, is online fandom inherently unhealthy? And is Putin’s economy running out of gas?
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The Week Unwrapped: Who had the last laugh in Riyadh?Podcast Plus are imported eggs undermining animal welfare? And what can we do about AI deepfakes?
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The Week Unwrapped: Was life sent to Earth by aliens?Podcast Plus why did Nepali voters use a gaming app to pick their next PM? And will a new national park boost the case for Welsh independence?
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The Week Unwrapped: Why is horse-racing going on strike?Podcast Plus, will the South Korean women who worked in state-run brothels set up for US soldiers succeed? And what’s behind a surge in leg-lengthening surgery?
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The Week Unwrapped: What does Bake Off say about Channel 4?Podcast Plus, why are Scottish drug deaths so stubbornly high? And are women in their 30s too anxious about their eggs?
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The Week Unwrapped: Could robotic dogs help clear landmines?Podcast Plus, what can we learn from a new approach to urban renewal? And how much power rests with political spouses?
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The Week Unwrapped: Is it time for a new world map?Podcast Plus, why is the pope getting flatmates? And why are seagull 'muggings' on the rise?
