As It Happens

As It Happens: The Wednesday Edition

Jan. 19, 2022

Episode Transcript

Part One

Afghan refugees: Minister
As Canada's former Afghan allies flee from the Taliban, we ask the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship why he can't simplify the process of getting them out. 

Rap lyrics in court
Rappers like Jay-Z and Meek Mill say prosecutors shouldn't be allowed to use rap lyrics as evidence — and the man who wrote an open letter signed by both artists say their involvement is evidence of change.  

Part Two 

Florida training discrimination bill
A Black lawmaker in Florida tells us a bill backed by the state's Republican governor may not explicitly ban teaching about race — but by emphasizing the prevention of anyone's "discomfort" — it's doing just that. 

Vegan violin
A new vegan violin is free from animal parts, and it's also far from free — but when its creator explains all the work that went into it — its $13,000 price tag starts to seem sound. 

Part Three

Seagull study + Archive: Seagull hotel 
Scientists who taught a group of seagulls to perform what's known as a string-pull test have come up with a result that's sure to ruffle feathers. They're claiming seagulls are... smart.