As It Happens: Tuesday Edition
Part One
Amtrak Speed
Investigators confirm that the Amtrak train that derailed yesterday was going far too fast — and our guest says that, had its autopilot system been activated, it would never have gone off the tracks.
Acid Attack Patient
After she was tricked into drinking acid, a Bangladeshi woman despaired of ever living without pain — but now, thanks to a Toronto doctor, she has a brand-new esophagus.
Porch Pirates
Fed up with so-called "porch pirates" stealing packages from his house, a Washington man creates a decoy box that scares thieves off with a deafening bang — and as for what makes that bang, well: you fill in the blanks.
Part Two
Homeopathic Crackdown
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration vows to crack down on labelling and regulating homeopathic drugs — but a Seattle doctor says that doesn't go far enough to remedy the problem.
Spikes On Trees
Some residents of Bristol, England are issuing sharp criticism, after a property management company responds to complaints about pigeon poop by installing anti-bird spikes ... in trees.
Montreal Construction Game
Montreal is already like a giant game of chutes and ladders — but now, there's building excitement around a board game inspired by all the constant construction.
Part Three
Homeless Hospice
A Toronto palliative-care doctor hopes a new hospice will help his city's homeless find dignity, as well as decent care, as they face the end of their lives.
Reading: To Every Thing There Is A Season
Our annual reading of Alistair MacLeod's To Every Thing There is a Season — a short story about a child growing up on Cape Breton — and realizing, at age 11, that the holidays aren't about Santa Claus for him any more.