29/04/2009

Human stories from behind the global headlines. With Matthew Bannister.

On today's programme: Chicago and Obama; schools and swine flu; and the doormat documentary.

LeAlan Jones
As President Barack Obama marks his first 100 days in office, we ask how people in his home city of Chicago feel about their local hero's progress. Journalist LeAlan Jones tells Outlook about the ongoing gun violence amongst schoolchildren in the city and that many people now hope the President will get involved in solving the problem.

Mexico Teacher
The number of confirmed cases of swine flu around the world is rising, and those living at the heart of the outbreak in Mexico are not only dealing with the fear of contracting the virus, but also with the total disruption of their daily lives. Silvia Palacios, a teacher at the Francisco Villa school in Mexico City, explains the precautions they've been forced to take at her school.

Doormats
85% of the world's doormats are made in Kerala in India. A startling figure which pricked the curiosity of Canadian film makers Christy Garland and Susan Mitchell. They tell Outlook's Matthew Bannister about the characters featured in their award winning documentary, 'Doormat'.