Today - 25/08/2009

Presented by Evan Davis and Edward Stourton. Uri Geller discusses whether Michael Jackson's death should be considered as a homicide. Media correspondent Torin Douglas explains why a large number of prosecutions against retailers selling adult content to children are being dropped. Where can signs of an economic recovery be found? Reporter Rajini Vaidyanathan investigates some unusual sources of economic data. Former US defence department official Charles Stimson discusses a report detailing the allegations of abuse against terror suspects by CIA agents. Former Europe minister Denis MacShane and Conservative MP John Redwood discuss whether the European Union costs the taxpayer too much. Quentin Sommerville reports on his attempt to reach a village in China where 1,300 children fell sick with lead poisoning. Nick Troop, a lecturer in health psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, explains the relationship between the words of a song and the song's effect. Thought for the day with the novelist and columnist Anne Atkins. Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Salam Fayyad, discusses whether he was enjoying the current tension between Israel and the Americans. Production at the Corus hot strip mill at Llanwern near Newport is to restart next month, the steel giant says. Reporter Jack Izzard returns to the area to test the mood of the city's steel sector. Anatole Kaletsky, of the Times, and Martin Leach, former head of Ford Europe, Maserati and Mazda, discuss whether the economic recovery is now well underway. Iran has placed several senior reformers - including former ministers - on trial. Correspondent Jon Leyne says these trials seem to operate as a philosophical denial of the reformist era. Andy Woodward, chief executive of Farm Stay UK, which represents working farms, and art critic Brian Sewell discuss cultural heritage of the countryside. Dangerous levels of the anaesthetic propofol was found in Michael Jackson's body when he died, coroner's office documents show. Anaesthetist Dr Andrew Hartle explains why someone might use such a powerful anaesthetic. Maryon Stewart, whose daughter Hester Stewart died after taking GBL (which is used as a substitute for GBH or liquid ecstasy) explains her story about the dangers of taking drugs which are currently legal. Controversial world champion athlete Caster Semenya is set to receive a heroine's welcome when she arrives back in South Africa. Correspondent Jonah Fisher reports from the airport in Johannesburg on the athlete at the centre of a gender row. President of RIBA Sunand Prasad and architectural commentator Lucinda Lambton discuss the design of public conveniences. Technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones examines the popularity of anonymous blogging. Paul Staines, who writes a blog under the name Guido Fawkes, and Dr Vince Miller, discuss whether writers have the right to keep their identity a secret.