Newshour

Ceremonies have been taking place today in Ukraine to mark 34 years since the country gained its independence from the Soviet Union. President Zelensky said that, three-and-a-half years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Ukraine would not settle for anything less than a just and lasting peace. The BBC’s Zhanna Bezpiatchuk tells us about the mood in Kyiv today.Also in the programme: the Nigerian military says it’s killed more than 30 jihadists in recent air strikes: we speak to the organiser of an open letter by a group of prominent Nigerians calling for a Presidential Task Force to halt the killing of civilians; and the Palestinian teachers in a displacement camp in Gaza City who are sharing their musical knowledge with children. (Photo: A Ukrainian flag flutters next to the Independence Monument at the Independence Square in downtown Kyiv, Ukraine, 23rd August 2025. Credit: Sergey Dolzhenko/EPA/Shutterstock)

Ghislaine Maxwell's recent interviews stir controversy as she denies any wrongdoing and insists she never saw Trump act improperly. Amid a declared famine in Gaza, aid agencies voice fears of escalating hunger. A peculiar story unfolds about a folk singer discovering a new album release she didn’t initiate. The dialogue also delves into the heated debate over sensitivity readers in publishing, alongside exploring AI's impact on the music industry and the complexities of cultural and diplomatic narratives.

Helen Gould, a British sensitivity reader with expertise in mixed race and mental health, discusses pressing humanitarian issues in Gaza, particularly the alarming rise in hunger and malnutrition among children. The conversation also touches on the role of sensitivity readers in literature, weighing their contributions against the need for historical accuracy. Gould’s personal insights enrich the discussion, shedding light on the complexities of representation and the ethical implications of storytelling.

Tom Fletcher, the UN's top humanitarian official, discusses the devastating famine in Gaza City, describing it as 'irrefutable testimony' to the crisis affecting over half a million people. Fleur Hassan Nahum, an envoy for the Israeli Foreign Ministry, counters these claims, highlighting Israel's position. The dialogue reveals the deep emotional toll on families and the complexities surrounding humanitarian aid distribution. Additionally, the conversation touches on a recent FBI raid related to Trump and the crackdown on online gambling in India.

Amid the devastation in Gaza, remarkable stories of hope and resilience do emerge. Sixteen-year-old Sama Nijm, a gifted violinist from Gaza, is using music to bring comfort and healing to the youngest victims of the conflict. Some of the children have lost their parents, and in some cases, their limbs or arms. BBC Newsday's Charlene Rodrigues spoke to Sama, and began by asking her what inspired her to become a violin teacher in the midst of war.

A tragic school shooting in Graz has left nine dead, revealing the community's grief and the need to address firearm regulations. Meanwhile, protests in Los Angeles highlight tensions surrounding immigration policies as Trump sends the Marines. The podcast also touches on the establishment of Marine Protected Areas in Zanzibar, showcasing a commitment to biodiversity and conservation. Other topics include Japan's rice crisis fueled by extreme weather and the nostalgic legacy of Sly Stone in the music industry.