Today - 16/12/2008

Presented by James Naughtie and Evan Davis. Kevin Connolly reports on the scandal involving US hedge fund owner Bernard Madoff after he carried out an alleged fraud which lost $50bn. Jeremy Bowen reports on UN attempts to improve Israeli-Palestinian relations. Richard Vautrey and David Hickson discuss some GPs' practice of using revenue-generating telephone numbers. Mike Thompson reports on attempts to control the unrest in the Central African Republic. Thought for the day with The Right Rev James Jones. Steve Rosenberg examines the case of a singer accused of entertaining the Nazis at Dachau concentration camp. Head teacher Sue Bailey discusses the consequences of the Sats fiasco for schools. The government estimates that around 5% of public sector pensioners have been overpaid. Vincent Cable explains what happens to the overpaid pensions. Investment experts Steven Belland Jon Moulton consider the regulatory implications and the consequences for hedge funds following the Bernard Madoff case. Winifred Robinson reports on the efforts being made to curtail underage drinking. Justin Webb reports on the possible impeachment of Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, who has been accused of trying to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat. Tom Feilden explores developments in stem cell research. Mick Brookes, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, discusses if the way pupils' papers are marked is systemically flawed. Mark Mardell reports on Nicolas Sarkozy's speech to the European Parliament to mark his presidency of the Council of the European Union. John Bowen compares modern and 19th century financial scandals. Don Shenker, chief exec of Alcohol Concern, discusses the risks posed by young people drinking.