Robert Guest, Foreign editor for The Economist, provides insights into Ukraine's ongoing conflict and its resilience against Russian pressure, highlighting the dire situation faced by residents. Stanley Pignol, European business and finance correspondent, discusses the ambitious need for robust international electricity networks to tackle renewable energy challenges. They explore innovative collaborations in energy interconnections, illustrating the financial and logistical hurdles in transitioning to sustainable sources while underscoring the geopolitical importance of Ukraine's sovereignty.

Stanley Pignol, The Economist's European business and finance correspondent, discusses corporate payouts in the pandemic era. He critiques companies for prioritizing dividends over employee support during economic downturns. The impact of COVID-19 on wildlife is also explored, revealing how lockdowns led animals to reclaim urban spaces. Pignol highlights ongoing environmental issues, notably the severe coral bleaching affecting the Great Barrier Reef, emphasizing the interconnectedness of corporate practices and climate challenges.

Amy Hawkins, an international affairs writer for The Economist, discusses the profound educational and social fallout from COVID-19 school closures. Stanley Pignol, a finance correspondent based in Paris, examines volatile stock markets and regulators' concerns about potential shutdowns. Anne Rowe, the obituaries editor, shares the inspiring journey of Matvee Natanson, aka 'Falafel,' a backgammon genius who rose from homelessness to notoriety in the gaming world, illustrating resilience amidst chaos.