Episodit
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Kate Adie presents stories from Georgia, the US, Benin and Egypt.
In Georgia, tens of thousands of people took to the streets this week amid claims of election violations, highlighting the rift between voters hoping for closer ties to Europe and those wishing to retain relations with Russia. Rayhan Demytrie reports from the capital Tbilisi.
Immigration is one of the leading issues for voters in the US Presidential election. James Menendez travelled to both Mexico and the Southern US to meet people affected, in different ways, by the border crisis.
More than 12 months on since the October 7th attacks by Hamas, and the onset of Israel’s retaliation, foreign journalists have still been unable to report directly from Gaza. As a result, news organisations have often turned to Gazan citizens to relay what they see on a daily basis. Lara Elgabaly reports on some of the virtual relationships she has built in reporting on Gaza - and what it was like when she finally met a family that had been sharing their story with her.
Voodoo is an often misunderstood and maligned religion, says its followers, but the government in Benin wants to correct that - and even use the country's traditional belief system and culture to appeal to tourists, as Sam Bradpiece discovered.
And finally, returning to the US election. With the polls neck and neck, America is likely to remain a deeply divided nation no matter who wins the White House next week – but where does the 2024 race sit in the long arc of America’s political history? Nick Bryant has reported from the campaign trail since the 90s and reflects on what next week’s vote could mean for the country.
Producers: Emma Close and Polly Hope.Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison.
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Kate Adie presents stories from Moldova, Russia, the US, Cuba and Indonesia.
In Moldova, a knife-edge victory for the Yes vote in the country's referendum on EU membership came as a shock to many. Chisinau and the EU have accused Russia and its proxies of ‘unprecedented’ interference. Alongside the referendum, the country’s pro-Europe president was also running for re-election. Sarah Rainsford was on the border with Transnistria.
Moscow’s push into the Donbas in eastern Ukraine is intensifying, as Russian troops seek to gain control of the whole region. Earlier this year, Ukraine made its own incursion into the Russian border regions. Nick Sturdee has followed the story of some Russian-speaking Ukrainian fighters who are now in Kursk.
Mike Wendling paid a visit to the swing state of Wisconsin as Halloween preparations were underway and found people are not just spooked by scary masks and ghoulish stories – there’s a deeper, palpable anxiety among voters in Wisconsin about dirty campaign tactics, and even the fate of US democracy itself.
In Cuba, the electricity supply often fails when the fuel runs short. They have regular, planned black-outs, but last weekend, the whole of Cuba suffered a complete blackout, as it dealt with the aftermath of Hurricane Oscar. Will Grant has been to one village, where living without electricity has become the norm.
Mini the Macaque was taken from the forest in Indonesia, when she was just days old, and sold on to criminals in a global animal torture ring. Mini - and the monkey who was held captive with her - were eventually rescued after a BBC Eye investigation. Rebecca Henschke went along to see them being freed.
Series producer: Serena TarlingEditor: Richard Fenton-SmithProduction Coordinator: Katie Morrison
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Puuttuva jakso?
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Katie Adie presents stories from Israel and Gaza, the USA, Ivory Coast and Bolivia.
At a UN school in Gaza, a teenage girl passed a handwritten note to BBC journalists listing her hopes for a more peaceful future. More than a decade on, Jeremy Bowen remembers that brief encounter - and whether her wishes will ever become reality. Speaking to young Israelis and Palestinians today, he discovers that mistrust between communities is as deep as it's ever been.
The US swing state of Georgia is undergoing a green energy boom, which is generating thousands of new 'green' jobs - but the issue of climate change remains a controversial one. Jordan Dunbar discovers how evangelical Christians are finding new ways to discuss the environment with sceptical Republicans, by focusing on a religious duty to protect the planet.
Abidjan in Ivory Coast is being transformed by a massive programme of road-building and infrastructure improvements - but tens of thousands of people have been forced from their homes and businesses in the process. This phenomenon is becoming increasingly common across Africa as cities modernise and expand at unprecedented rates - but at what cost? Sira Thierij reports.
In the town of Copacabana in Bolivia, dozens of vehicles arrive almost every morning outside one of the oldest churches in South America. The Blessing of the Automobiles has been held here since the 1950s. Rebecca Root joined the daily procession
Series producer: Serena TarlingEditor: Richard Fenton-SmithProduction Coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison
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Kate Adie introduces stories from Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Singapore, Oman and Vietnam.
The Amazon rain forest in Brazil has suffered its worst fires in two decades, with most started illegally by humans looking to exploit the land for its resources. The world relies on the Amazon to absorb a lot of its carbon, but these fires mean it is now emitting record amounts itself. Ione Wells has been in Brazil’s west.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, though decades of war and deforestation have led to the degradation of the environment. But a group of scientists is trying to revitalise a forgotten reserve in Haut-Katanga province. Hugh Kinsella Cunningham travelled with them to the Upemba National Park.
Singapore has a zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs, and is one of only a few countries that continues to execute people convicted of drug trafficking. For those caught using illicit narcotics, the punishments can also be severe. Linda Pressly met recovering addicts undergoing compulsory treatment in a state-run rehab centre.
Oman is growing in popularity as a tourist destination, though the oil-rich sultanate is focusing on its ancient heritage, rather than the hi-tech desert cities of its neighbours. This travel boom is also providing opportunities for women entrepreneurs hoping to break cultural barriers, as Sophia Smith Galer discovered in the Salalah region.
And we travel to Vietnam where William Lee Adams embarked on a personal mission while filming a travel documentary - to lay his elder brother's ashes to rest at his family's temple in Ho Chi Minh City.
Series producer: Serena TarlingProduction coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie MorrisonEditor: Richard Fenton-Smith
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Kate Adie presents stories from Israel, Sudan, the US, Bali and Canada
It’s nearly a year since the Hamas launched its attacks in southern Israel, to which Israel responded with a major aerial bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza. This fifth Gaza war is the longest ever, and shortly after it began, Lyse Doucet had a prescient encounter that presaged Israel's response over the past 12 months.
Sudan’s civil war has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises – with nine million people forced from their homes. Barbara Plett Usher reflects on a powerful encounter with one woman, whose torment reflects that of the entire country.
In this week’s VP debate in the US, one issue continued to provoke strong responses – that of abortion rights. And in some parts of the country, the future of access to IVF is also polarising communities, especially among evangelical Christians, after an Alabama court ruling this year. Ellie House was in the swing state of Michigan.
The town of Canggu in Bali has seen radical transformation, evolving from a low-key fishing town to a haven for digital nomads. For locals, it's brought fast-paced change and new jobs - but it's compounded existing problems with infrastructure, as Michelle Jana Chan discovered.
This week Dutch PM, Mark Rutte, took over as NATO secretary general. He travelled to Ukraine, just as Kyiv suffered a heavy blow with the fall of Vuhledar in the east. NATO meanwhile has to continue to prepare for a wider conflict of any kind. Hannah King witnessed a recent training exercise in Canada.
Series Producer: Serena TarlingEditor: Richard Fenton-SmithProduction coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison
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Kate Adie presents stories from Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Cuba and Somalia.
Israel says it has killed the Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, as it continued its air offensive against Lebanon. It says this week’s airstrikes are in response to rocket attacks across the northern border into Israel by Hezbollah. According to the UN, more than 90,000 Lebanese have been displaced over the past week. Hugo Bachega spoke to residents who were forced to flee their homes.
Sri Lanka has elected left-wing President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who's seen something of a meteoric rise. His election heralds a paradigm shift in the country, which has had a history of right-wing administrations - but his rise is perhaps best understood through the prism of the country's dire economic crisis says Samira Hussain in Colombo.
Vlodymyr Zelensky travelled to the US this week as he continues to seek approval for the use of long-range Western missiles, and to set out his 'victory plan' to President Biden. Back in Ukraine, the threat of Russian forces is ever-present, as Abdujalil Abdurasulov found on a recent trip to the eastern front.
Cuba has become known among tourists for its low crime rate - though reputation has been tarnished in the eyes of many Cubans, who say they now are genuinely worried about rising crime, especially with the emergence of a cheap new drug on the island, reports Will Grant.
Somalia has been torn apart by more than 30 years of overlapping conflicts and now faces a further threat: climate change. But even as a warming world is turbo-charging Somalia’s problems, Justin Rowlatt discovered that it's also inspiring entrepreneurs to find solutions that could prove transformative.
Series Producer: Serena TarlingEditor: Richard Fenton-SmithProduction Coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill
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Kate Adie introduces dispatches from Lebanon, Poland, The Gambia, Panama and Cyprus.
Lebanon is reeling from this week’s wave of exploding pager attacks, which killed more than 35 people, and injured hundreds more. Edmund Bower was in capital as the first news of the explosions began to spread, and reveals how the attacks has compounded the unease that already permeates Beiruti society.
Flooding has devastated parts of Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania and Austria this week leaving more than 20 people dead. Sarah Rainsford reports from Poland on the country's worst flooding in two decades.
Female Genital Mutilation is classified as a human rights abuse by the UN, but a recent bill in The Gambia sought to overturn a ban on the practice. Reporting with The Pulitizer Foundation, Sira Thierij visited a community where activists were working hard to change the minds of locals hanging on to long-held cultural beliefs.
Panama’s weather is hot, sticky and tropical – and it's causing a stink among the country's unattended rubbish piles. It was a particular problem for prisoners and prison guards at a local jail - until one inmate came up with an innovative solution. Jane Chambers went to find out more.
And it's 50 years since the war which divided Cyprus and the subsequent negotiations to reunify the island have ended in stalemate. Meanwhile the landscape of this popular holiday island is being remade by developers – though Maria Margaronis met one woman with a different vision for its future.
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Kate Adie presents dispatches from the US, the DRC, Italy, Romania and Egypt
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump faced off against each other in a debate on Tuesday night at a pivotal moment in the race. In the lead up to the debate, both candidates had been neck and neck in the polls. Tom Bateman gauged what the locals made of their performance.
An outbreak of the viral disease, mpox across central and west Africa has infected more than 21,000 people and killed more than 600 – and the Democratic Republic of Congo is at the epicentre. Simi Jolaoso has been to South Kivu, where medical staff are racing to deliver treatment and await vaccinations.
The Italian town of Monfalcone has a population of over more than 30,000 people, more than 6,000 of whom are from Bangladesh: largely skilled workers who came to work at a major shipyard there. This has changed the makeup of the city, which is being met with resistance from certain corners. Especially the far-right mayor, as Sofia Bettiza discovered.
Nicolae Ceaușescu bulldozed one fifth of the city to construct his People’s Palace in Romania’s capital Bucharest. It still towers over its population today. It’s now the location of Romania's parliament and, while efforts have been made to remove the communist era symbols, it was deemed too expensive to demolish. Rob Crossan has been to visit.
George Orwell’s short satirical novel Animal Farm allegorised the rise to power of Stalin and exposed the abuses of his regime in Russia. When Magdi Abdelhadi recently tried to get a new edition of the book printed in Egypt, he found it… a rather Orwellian experience.
Producers: Serena Tarling and Farhana HaiderEditor: Tom BigwoodProduction coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison
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Kate Adie presents stories from Ukraine, Germany, China, Tonga and India
Ukraine suffered several devastating missile attacks this week on the cities of Poltava and Lviv. Despite the more buoyant mood in the country in recent weeks, following Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk, it served as a reminder that the threat is ever-present. Nick Beake has been in Poltava
Last weekend, the far right AFD party - won the most votes in a state election in the east German state of Thuringia and came a close second in the state of Saxony. The AfD were especially popular among young voters. Jessica Parker has spoken to some of them in Thuringia.
Several cities across China have been devastated by heavy rainfall this year and a super typhoon there this weekend is yet another warning for China’s leaders that the country is vulnerable to extreme weather events because the infrastructure in cities cannot cope with such heavy storms. Laura Bicker has been in Zhengzhou where she heard about a possible solution: sponge cities.
Last week, leaders from around the Pacific gathered in the small island nation of Tonga to discuss key issues they are facing. The Pacific Islands Forum is the region’s biggest meeting of the year – and topping the list of concerns was climate change. But on the agenda, there were plenty of other topics – and controversies - as Katy Watson found out.
And finally, the famine in Bengal in the 1940s led to one of the worst losses of civilian life on the allied side during the second world war. Many Indians see this as one of the enduring legacies of empire. Ant Adeane visited one of the survivors that period in his home in West Bengal.
Series Producer: Serena TarlingEditor: Tom BigwoodProduction Coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison
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Kate Adie introduces stories from Sudan, Calabria in southern Italy, Japan, the Californian city of Oakland and Tbilisi in Georgia.
The war in Sudan between its army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has torn the country apart for more than 500 days. Civilians are bearing the brunt of the suffering as aid agencies have had their access blocked in many areas. Leila Molana Allen has seen how Sudanese volunteers are bringing food and medicine to communities now full of hungry, displaced and often traumatised people.
The countryside of Calabria, in southern Italy, may look like a rural idyll. But much of its fertile agricultural land has been infiltrated by the local mafia network known as the Ndrangheta. Francisco Garcia met and talked to farmers trying to resist the organised crime groups which want to muscle in.
There's a record number of abandoned homes or 'akiyas' in Japan. Over 9 million houses are standing empty, as the population ages and shrinks, and younger people move to the cities. Particularly in rural areas, many heirs aren't prepared to take on the costs of emptying, demolishing or rebuilding old family homes. Shaimaa Khalil stepped into a couple of period properties now being restored by their new owners.
The city of Oakland, in northern California, once had a reputation for its political militancy and cultural inventiveness. These days it's known for bitter disputes over gentrification, homelessness, and public fear of crime. Lindsay Johns recently visited the city across the bay from San Francisco with of one of its most famous sons, author Ishmael Reed.
And in the shadow of the Caucasus Mountains, Beth Timmins attends not one, but three Georgian weddings - occasions full of heritage, music, poetry and toasts of thick red wine.Producer: Polly HopeEditor: Tom Bigwood
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Kate Adie presents stories from Thailand, Australia, Senegal, Germany and the US
Thailand has seen its fair share of political drama over the years. In recent weeks, the dissolution of the opposition party and the dismissal of the PM showed the firm grip on the country by unelected institutions. Jonathan Head has been watching the events rapidly unfold.
In Australia, there’s a deepening housing crisis with 120,000 people facing homelessness in the country every night. Soaring property prices and underinvestment in social housing and a growing population have made the situation worse. Katy Watson has been in Perth, Western Australia.
It was an idea that first had its inception in the 1980s: fighting desertification by planting a wall of trees across the African continent. The Great Green Wall would snake through eleven countries, from Senegal in the West to Djibouti in the East. But progress on the project has been slow. Nick Hunt has been in Senegal.
The Baader Meinhof gang are an anti-American, anti-imperialist terrorist group that spread fear across West Germany in the 1970s and 80s. The group claimed responsibility for a series of unsolved murders in the early 90s. So, the arrest of one alleged member of the group in Berlin has attracted significant attention, as Tim Mansel reports.
And finally, a cast of political heavyweights, ranging from Hilary Clinton to Barak and Michelle Obama to Bernie Sanders took to the stage in the glittering halls of the Democratic National Convention this week in Chicago. But back in Washington, Rajini Vaidyanathan spoke to some street vendors who were somewhat underwhelmed.
Producers: Serena Tarling and Farhana HaiderEditor: Tom BigwoodProduction coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill
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Kate Adie presents stories from Russia, Nigeria, the US, Ecuador and Italy.
Ukraine’s surprise attack on Russia’s western border region of Kursk caused authorities to declare a state of emergency there. The incursion is now in its second week and is the deepest into Russian territory since Vladimir Putin launched his invasion. Steve Rosenberg has been watching the reaction in Moscow and reflects on another major news event soon after he first arrived in Russia.
Nigeria has been in the throes of an economic crisis which earlier this month led to 10 days of protests across the country. More than 700 demonstrators were arrested, 22 were killed and many more were injured. The marches eventually petered out but the causes of their discontent, though, don’t look likely to go away. Simi Jolaoso has been to an open-air market in Lagos.
In certain US states, parents are offered school vouchers as a means of paying for their children to go to private school, should they so choose, using public funding which would otherwise be used for state-funded school places. The vouchers scheme has polarised communities across the state of Arizona, says Mark Moran in Queen Creek.
In Ecuador, President Daniel Noboa has moved to clampdown on organised crime and the drug cartels since he took power, amid a surge in outbreaks of violence. Danny Wiser was in Guayaquil, which has seen the worst of the violence and learned how it's impacting key areas of daily life.
The Italian city of Trieste has a complex identity, thanks to its history and its geography. It was once part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. Sara Wheeler found out more about its past on a visit this Summer.
Series Producer: Serena TarlingEditor: Tom BigwoodProduction Coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison
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The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has resigned following weeks of deadly protests, and a heavy government crackdown. Samira Hussain is in Dhaka and spoke to people about their experience of her autocratic rule.
It was the biggest prisoner swap since the Cold War: sixteen Russian dissidents, Germans and Americans were released in exchange for a convicted assassin and seven other Russians held in the West. Sarah Rainsford has reported on the activities of the Russian dissidents for many years and she reflects on her correspondence with Vladimir Kara Murza in prison, and his first big interview since his release.
Critical to any presidential candidate’s chances of clinching victory in November's US election, are the swing states. Wisconsin is one of these, and, along with Georgia and Arizona, had the tightest vote margins in the last election. James Helm was in Door County where he found out what locals were thinking as the country prepares for the final straight of the election campaign.
In Brazil, an ex-model and social media influencer was recently sentenced to 8 years in prison for the human trafficking and slave labour of a woman. Jack Garland describes interviewing her in the high-security prison just before her sentence was passed.
It's almost a year since a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, killing more than 2 000 people. Proinsias O’Coinn spoke to some of the people about their memories of that day, and, amid the destruction and tragedy, found some cause for hope.
Series Producer: Serena TarlingEditor: Tom BigwoodProduction Coordinator: Rosie Strawbridge and Katie Morrison
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Kate Adie presents stories from Venezuela, Israel, Zimbabwe, Turkey and France.
Thousands of Venezuelans are protesting against the results of the presidential election last weekend in which the incumbent Nicolas Maduro claimed victory. The US said there is overwhelming evidence the opposition leader, Edmundo Gonzalez won the election. Since the election, several hundred people have been detained. Ione Wells has been in Caracas.
Hopes for a ceasefire deal between Israel and the militant group Hamas were dealt a serious blow this week with the assassination in Iran of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas. He was targeted only hours after Israel killed a senior commander of Lebanon's Hezbollah movement. Barbara Plett Usher spoke to the people most desperate for a Gaza truce.
Zimbabwe’s government has launched public hearings into a period of ethnic killings in the 1980s when former president Robert Mugabe moved to dismantle the strongholds of his arch-rival. The killings laid the foundation for lingering ethnic tensions. Shingai Nyoka spoke to some of the survivors and victim's families.
Turkish society is fiercely divided over stray dogs and a new law aims to remove an estimated four million from the streets. A controversial provision of that law that requires euthanasia for dogs deemed ill or dangerous has further galvanized Turkish citizens, says Victoria Craig.
In Paris, residents had serious reservations in the lead up to the Olympics: ranging from the E. coli risk posed to triathletes in the Seine, to the impending deluge of tourists taking over the capital. But has the event itself succeeded in winning over Parisians, asks Andrew Harding.
Series Producer: Serena TarlingEditor: Tom BigwoodProduction Coordinator: Katie Morrison
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Kate Adie presents stories from Lebanon, Ukraine, Democratic Republic of Congo, Bali and Spain
In Lebanon, the risk of a wider war between Israel and the armed group Hezbollah remains an ever-present danger. Hezbollah has been trading fire with Israel since the Hamas attacks last October, devastating communities on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border. Orla Guerin reports from southern Lebanon.
Drone warfare has transformed the frontline in Ukraine’s east, making it more dangerous for those fighting. Russians have also used these to target civilians in the city of Kharkiv. Yana Lyushnevskaya fled Ukraine early in the war. She recounts the experience of returning to her life in Ukraine.
In Democratic Republic of Congo, hundreds of thousands of people are staying in overcrowded camps around the city of Goma that has been under siege by the rebel group known as the M23. The Congolese army has struggled to push back the militia’s advance. Hugh Kinsella Cunningham spoke to some of the people trying to flee to safety.
The Indonesian Island of Bali is a rich cultural heritage with its spectacular religious festivals and traditional craftsmanship. But there are concerns that such traditions such as mask-making are being lost with international visitors spending their money elsewhere. Michelle Jana Chan discovers one artisan persisting with his craft.
And finally, back in Europe, thousands of people have been protesting in Spain against a surge in tourism that’s being blamed for plummeting living standards among locals. Majorca has been at the centre of the protests. Nick Beake spoke to islanders who feel their way of life is being threatened.
Series Producer: Serena TarlingEditor: Tom BigwoodProduction Coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison
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Kate Adie presents stories from the US, the West Bank, India and Italy
Donald Trump was confirmed as the Republican party's presidential candidate this week at their National Convention in Wisconsin. He also announced his running mate, JD Vance. Anthony Zurcher was at the convention and reflects on the impact of this last week, and the attempted assassination, on the Presidential campaign.
The Israel-Gaza war has exacerbated tensions in the occupied West Bank where around three quarters of a million Israeli settlers live, including East Jerusalem, alongside three million Palestinians. Under Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, settler expansion has risen sharply. Tim Whewell travelled across the West Bank and heard from both Palestinians and Israelis.
In India, Hindu nationalism had been growing in prominence throughout Narendra Modi’s first terms in office. Its impact was pervasive – and left many Muslims feeling increasingly marginalised, even at risk. But the two communities share far more culturally than the febrile political atmosphere of the recent election campaign would lead you to believe, says Samira Hussain.
The ancient Roman city of Pompeii holds a certain fascination for archaeologists across the world. The current dig is the biggest in a generation and is underlining Pompeii's unique window on the people and culture of the Roman empire. Natasha Fernandes went to explore.
The attempted assassination of Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania has shaken the US and triggered several Congressional investigations. Gary O’Donoghue was at the scene and reflects on a defining moment both in the presidential campaign – as well as US history.
Series Producer: Serena TarlingEditor: Tom BigwoodProduction Coordinator: Katie Morrison
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Kate Adie presents stories from Ukraine, Australia, France, Nigeria and Costa Rica.
There was international outrage after the Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv was hit by a missile this week, during a barrage of Russian attacks on cities across Ukraine. James Waterhouse was returning to his base in the capital when news of the strike broke and saw how Ukrainians reacted during the aftermath.The modern Australian state was built by immigration but it's always had strict rules on who was allowed in. Katy Watson examines the current stringent regulations limiting entry and residence, which can make migrating to the lucky country difficult for people with disabilities or longterm illness.Contrary to many predictions, the second round of France's general election did not bring Marine Le Pen's National Rally party to power. But some say the party's political advance has merely been paused, not prevented. In the town squares, marketplaces and mosques of Lille, Rob Young heard from voters about their needs and fears.Emigration from Nigeria is nothing new but as it confronts a serious economic downturn talk of how to make the move to work abroad is everywhere. Though only a realistic prospect for the relatively well-off, leaving is a near-universal aspiration for young, well-educated workers these days. Hannah Gelbart talks to young Nigerians who're determined to 'japa' - or jump - away from home.Costa Rica is famous for its commitment to eco-friendly policies both at home and internationally - whether it's pushing to reduce global warming or to fight deforestation at home. In the rainforest of Monteverde, John Kampfner learns how a community of American Quakers put down roots here and what they're doing to help preserve their green haven.Producer: Polly HopeEditor: Tom Bigwood
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Kate Adie presents stories from Russia, The Netherlands, Taiwan, Vanuatu and Germany.
The trial of US journalist, Evan Gershkovich in the city of Yekaterinburg will be conducted behind closed doors. He is just one of many journalists who went to Russia to report on the country, as Vladimir Putin’s clampdown on media freedoms intensified. Steve Rosenberg was in Yekaterinburg and reflects on Russia's handling of the case.
Last year, just over 9000 deaths - around 5% of the total number - occurred as a result of euthanasia in the Netherlands, where it's legal. It’s very rare, but every year, there are more Dutch couples choosing to end their lives at the same time. Linda Pressly met someone whose parents made the decision to die together.
In Taiwan, civil liberties are strongly supported, and it is now one of the world’s most progressive countries regarding gay rights. On a recent visit to the capital Taipei, Lucy Ash meets some who fear that should China invade in the future, hard-won rights could be taken away.
In the South Pacific, Vanuatu is grappling with what happens when a significant proportion of its workforce is lured away by higher paid jobs in hospitality, agriculture and elderly care to the likes of New Zealand and Australia. In Port Vila, Rebecca Root speaks to locals about what that means for a country struggling to build up its own economy.
And finally, the UEFA Euro 2024 football championship is taking place at a time when Europe is seeing many political rifts. On a tour of some of the host cities in Germany, James Helm reflects on how football tournaments still have the power to unite rather than divide.
Series Producer: Serena TarlingEditor: Richard Vadon and Tom BigwoodProduction Coordinator: Katie Morrison
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Kate Adie introduces stories from France, Israel-Gaza, Bolivia, Uzbekistan and the USA.
French voters head to the polls in a snap election that President Macron says will shake people from their 'political fever' - but could also see the far right make further gains. Andrew Harding reflects on this pivotal election.
It's estimated around 500 Palestinian medical workers have been killed in Gaza, since Israel's war against Hamas began. When news broke of the death of one British-trained surgeon, Yolande Knell tried to find out more about his life, and the circumstances of his death.
An attempted coup in Bolivia this week raised the spectre of a darker period in the country’s history - when it was under military-rule some 40 years ago. Will Grant reflects on whether this was a genuine attempt to seize power - or a ruse by the current President to strengthen his own hold on power.
Uzbekistan sits at the heart of the ancient silk road – and is still the world’s third largest producer of silkworm cocoons, after China and India. Chris Aslan travelled to a remote part of the country where silk cultivation has remained largely unchanged for centuries, and met one woman who sees her entire home taken over by the precious cocoons.
The Dipsea is said to be America’s oldest trail running race and organisers leave it to the runners to forge their own path between the race start and the finishing line. Although it’s a far cry from marathon running when it comes to distance, the race is known to have stretched some of the most hardened of trail runners. Amy Steadman took up the challenge.
Series producer: Serena TarlingProduction coordinator: Katie Morrison and Sophie HillEditor: Richard Fenton-Smith
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Kate Adie reports stories from Ukraine, China, US, Canada and Senegal
Ukraine is facing one of its most perilous moments since the start of the full-scale invasion. Russia. The Ukrainian army desperately needs more troops and has turned to enlistment squads to bolster numbers. This has pushed those who don’t want to fight into hiding, as our correspondent Jean Mackenzie reports from Odesa.
Youth unemployment in China has reached record levels in recent years. Some graduates have ended up selling products online, but it’s not always clear what products they are selling. Some have accidentally stumbled into the growing online market for synthetic opioid drugs. Danny Vincent has followed the story.
November’s presidential election will hinge on just a handful of states. One of them is Michigan, home to Detroit, which has suffered from decades of industrial decline. In 2016, it voted for Trump; in 2020, it was a critical swing state that voted in favour of Biden. And while crime is down and the economy has improved, many of its residents are struggling to see the benefits as Mike Wendling discovered.
Haida Gwaii is an archipelago off British Columbia’s west coast with a population of around five thousand people, half of whom are the indigenous Haida people. Sally Howard went there and learned how their totem poles, of huge cultural significance for the community, are seeing a renaissance.
We visit the West African nation of Senegal, home to Africa's biggest jazz festival and many other cultural events. But this celebrated hub has been jolted by the arrival of a new president and some political wrangling, as Natasha Booty reports
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