This Is Why

The podcast discusses the recent air travel chaos caused by a technical fault in the air traffic control system, analyzing the reasons behind the disruption and the challenges in recovering. It explores the impact on airports and airlines, the process of manual flight planning, and the experiences of air traffic controllers during travel disruptions. The speakers provide advice for passengers and express concerns about airlines' treatment of affected passengers.

One of the biggest mafia trials in Italian history is expected to deliver its verdict in the coming weeks. Prosecutors have asked for sentences totalling more than 4,000 years in jail for hundreds of alleged ‘Ndrangheta collaborators. One prosecutor of the ‘Ndrangheta, Nicola Gratteri, cannot travel without a heavy police escort, nor see his children for more than a few hours every couple of months. On the Sky News Daily, host Niall Paterson is joined by our Europe correspondent Siobhan Robbins, who has visited the court where hundreds of ‘Ndrangheta collaborators will be tried, to hear more about what it takes to put this powerful mafia behind bars. Producer: Soila ApparicioPromotions Producer: Jim FarthingEditor: Wendy Parker

Russians have been paying tribute to Yevgeny Prigozhin after it was reported the Wagner leader was among ten people who died when a private jet crashed near Moscow on Wednesday.President Putin has praised his former ally as a “talented businessman” who worked “with good results” in Russia and across Africa, but also said he had “made serious mistakes in his life”. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson takes a deep dive into what it means for President Putin’s hold on power, the war in Ukraine and whether it’s the end of the Wagner group. Niall is joined by our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn and military analyst Sean Bell. Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Podcast promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

Russian aviation authorities say Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin was among ten people killed in a plane crash near Moscow on Wednesday. Earlier this summer, the mercenary group leader led a short-lived mutiny against Russia’s top brass. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by military analyst Sean Bell as they examine what we can glean from footage of the private jet falling to the ground, reaction to the crash, and Prigozhin’s relationship with President Vladimir Putin. Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Paul Stanworth

Japan is preparing to release treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean, sparking opposition from neighboring countries. The water, which has been stored in tanks since the 2011 tsunami, will be filtered and diluted before being released over a 30-year period. The podcast discusses concerns about radiation levels and the safety of seafood, as well as the opposition and geopolitical motivations behind the release. Overall, experts argue that there is no need to worry about the impact of flushing out the wastewater.

New data reveals a decrease in drug deaths in Scotland, although still higher than the rest of Europe. The podcast explores possible solutions, including decriminalization, as suggested by an expert. Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh shares the impact of drug misuse. The severity of the drug epidemic in Scotland is discussed, along with challenges faced by women seeking help. The podcast also delves into the presence of pharmaceutical drugs in the illicit market and the underlying societal factors contributing to Scotland's drug problem.

Britain's worst child serial killer Lucy Letby will spend the rest of her life in prison. But the former neonatal nurse refused to appear in court to hear either the victim statements or the judge hand down a whole-life sentence. One of the baby victims' mothers has called Letby's defiance a "final act of wickedness from a coward". On the Sky News Daily, Sky News‘ home editor Jason Farrell discusses if defendants should be forced to face their victims in court. He speaks to legal commentator Joshua Rozenberg and Farah Naz, the aunt of Zara Aleena who was murdered in 2022. Farah Naz was forced to give her victim statement to an empty dock when her niece's killer refused to appear. Podcast producer: Rosie GillottInterviews producer: Alex Edden Editor: Paul Stanworth

A nurse named Lucy Letby has been found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six others. The podcast discusses the details of the trial, the impact on the families, and the hospital's response. It also explores Letby's appearance and behavior during the trial, the prosecution's strategy, and the parents' shock and desire for justice. The podcast highlights the betrayal of trust and abuse of authority in this case.

With six wins and a place in the World Cup final under their belt, the Lionesses have a fighting chance of bringing football home for England. But who is the woman at the helm? Manager Sarina Wiegman took over as Lionesses manager in 2020 and is the first non-Brit to lead the team, originally from the Netherlands. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Rob Harris, our sports correspondent, to talk about Wiegman's career history, and Jeanet van der Laan, the England manager’s former Ter Leede and Netherlands teammate to hear what she's like on and off the pitch. Podcast producers: Rosie Gillott and Emma-Rae Woodhouse Interviews producer: Alex Edden Editor: Paul Stanworth

Students waiting for their A-level results this year are the "unluckiest cohort" in recent years, according to one education expert. Pandemic disruption, rising grade boundaries, and a larger than average number of people applying for university places have all placed pressure on A-level grades. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to Grace Brookes, who picks up her A-level results on Thursday, about the challenges she's faced since the pandemic. The vice-chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University Chris Husbands explains the pressures on universities themselves, and Professor of Social Mobility, Lee Elliot Major explains why he believes the 2023 intake are the unluckiest in a generation. Annie Joyce - senior podcast producer Rosie Gillott – podcast producer Alex Edden – interviews producer David Chipakupaku – podcast promotion producer Paul Stanworth - editor