Today - 13/02/2009

Presented by Edward Stourton and Sarah Montague. A plane crashed into a house in Buffalo, New York State, with 48 people on board. Local resident Brendan Biddlecom describes the scene. Deian Hopkin of South Bank University discusses the introduction of a new diploma system in education. Jane Dreaper discusses her interview with Andrew Way, chief exec of London's Royal Free Hospital. Matthew Wells visits the Brooklyn Museum's exhibition of fakes. Phil Mercer reports on the bushfires in the Australian town of Healesville. Columnist Andrew Gimson and author John O'Farrell discuss if politicians should be allowed to swear. Thought for the day with Abdal Hakim Murad. Prof Michael Clarke, director of the Royal United Services Institute, discusses the appointment of Richard Holbrooke as US envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Rebecca Gibbons from New York state police gives an update on the plane crash in Buffalo. Chairman of the Treasury Select Committee John McFall and Peter McNamara, former head of Alliance and Leicester, discuss the scrutiny the finance sector is now under. Kevin Connolly examines the financial strains on motorsport in the US. Nick Bryant reports on the man charged with starting one of the fires which killed at least 180 people in Australia. Lobbyist Lionel Zetter and writer Matthew Parris discuss whether civil servants should enjoy corporate hospitality. Dr Mark Hamilton reacts to the news that a 13-year-old boy has become a father. Matthew Price reports on the centenary of the US National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP). Dr Tim Fox and author Mark Lynas discuss if climate change is inevitable. Author Rob Eastaway and Dr Julie Coultas discuss how Murphy's Law was devised.