As It Happens

As It Happens: Thursday Edition

Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017

Full Episode Transcript

Part One

Michigan bottled water
Critics say companies pay next to nothing to bottle hundreds of millions of litres of Michigan groundwater — and now, a state lawmaker says it's time for them to pay the piper. 

Former Mogadishu mayor on attack
In the centre of Mogadishu, where hundreds of people were killed by bombings just days ago, thousands gather to show they will not be intimidated by Al-Shabaab. 

Canada haggis ban lifted
The presence of sheep's respiratory organs in haggis made importing the stuff straight from Scotland a no-no in Canada. Now, a Scottish company has made a version without lungs — meaning Canadians will soon be able to eat, or be grossed out by, the real thing.

Part Two

Fernie arena ammonia deaths
The community of Fernie, British Columbia, is grieving for men in what seems like a freak accident: they were exposed to ammonia in the local arena. Lou Roussinos, a power engineer and former B.C. chief boiler inspector, wonders why facilities are still using the deadly gas at all.

Man not dead
We talked to Bryan Kupiak. If that's surprising to you, it means you work for the government — which means you seem to think Mr. Kupiak is deceased.

Part Three

Insect decline
After studying flying insects in Germany, scientists are aghast to learn their population has plunged by three-quarters over the past 25 years. Sussex University entomologist Dave Goulson explains why we should care.

Louvre sex sculpture
The Louvre recently refused to display a sculpture that's been deemed obscene. Now, it's outside the less-judgmental Pompidou instead. Sculptor Joep Van Lieshout reveals why he was moved to make it, and what people should make of it.