Oct 1 - national day - is the most important day in the Chinese political calendar. The BBC's China Editor Carrie Gracie attends the annual flag raising ceremony in Hong Kong, which this year is being overshadowed by the pro-democracy protests. 

National day in #HongKong

Voters in Ireland go to the polls on Friday and opinion polls suggest Sinn Fein could make the biggest gains. There is a growing acceptance of the party among mainstream Irish voters but can the electorate forget  their controversial past? The BBC's Jonny Dymond reports from Limerick. 

The rise & stall of Sinn Fein?

This piece was made during the HearSay International Audio Festival 2017. The world's finest audio makers descended on the village of Kilfinane in Ireland for three days and nights of audio heaven. 90 events held in 19 venues in one village attended by audio makers from 30 countries.

There is an audio revolution underway. Jonny Dymond reports.

The audio revolution

Brexit: Brits in Bulgaria

There are new fears about possible Russian interference … this time surrounding a critical referendum in Macedonia this weekend (Sunday 30th September), which may determine whether the country integrates into the EU and NATO. The referendum is asking Macedonia’s two million people to approve a plan to change their country’s official name to ‘the Republic of North Macedonia.’ Doing so would distinguish it from the neighbouring region in Greece and end a name dispute that's been blocking Macedonia’s route to EU and NATO membership. As our Europe Correspondent Damian Grammaticas reports there are concerns that Russia may be working to undermine Macedonia’s shift towards the west.

Macedonia name referendum

High risk fish

Our trip to northern Yemen, escorted by the Saudi military. We saw front line positions and areas recently taken back from the Houthi rebels by Yemeni government forces and their Saudi-led backers. With BBC correspondent Paul Adams.

In Yemen with the Saudi military

After 4 years of fighting, many parts of Yemen have been devastated. But one place has survived and even prospered. The BBC's Paul Adams visited the city of Marib, east of the capital Sana'a, to meet the people who are trying to rebuild their lives there. The trip was facilitated by the Yemeni government and the Saudi-led coalition.

Marib Rising

Ireland is perhaps the most enthusiastic of all EU member states. A recent poll suggested that 93% of voters have a positive view of the EU. The BBC's Europe Correspondent Kevin Connolly started the search for reasons why in County Sligo.

Why does Ireland love the EU?

Greece was in the front line of the EU’s refugee crisis and is still home to tens of thousands of migrants in camps awaiting some kind of resolution. Add to that the pain of the austerity which was imposed as a condition of financial bailouts from the EU and the IMF and you can see why Brussels is viewed with suspicion in Greece. The BBC's Europe Correspondent Kevin Connolly went to Athens to test the mood ahead of the upcoming European parliament elections.

Who doesn't love the EU?

It's not just the British government that's in crisis ... in Austria the Chancellor Sebastian Kurz is facing a no confidence vote on Monday following the so-called Ibizagate scandal. Mr Kurz, a conservative, formed a coalition with the populist far right Freedom Party 17 months ago. But a secret recording emerged last week showing the far right leader Heinz Christian Strache offering government contracts to a woman who he thought was a Russian oligarch’s niece in return for political favours. Mr Strache resigned and other members of his party have also quit the government. Now some Austrians are also calling for Chancellor Kurz to go too. Damian Grammaticas reports from Vienna.

Ibizagate

My 8-year-old niece Abaigeal has made this news report about what life has been like during the coronavirus crisis in Ireland.

Quarantining in Ireland

My 8-year-old niece Abi goes foraging with her mum as Ireland continues to be on lockdown.

Foraging while on lockdown

These are some of the stories I produced during my 15 years working at the BBC.

Maria Byrne

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