The Story is a daily podcast that delves into the biggest stories of the day, offering in-depth analysis and reporting from some of the world's best journalists. Hosted by Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, it is published seven days a week and is ready for listeners every morning. The podcast is produced by The Times and The Sunday Times, and is supported by their readers.
Episodes
Could Pete Hegseth be tried for war crimes?
The Republicans have defeated a motion in Congress to bring impeachment hearings against US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. The articles of impeachment contained serious allegations, including the ordering of extrajudicial killings. What do we know about the US operations in the Caribbean? And with the Iran war being blamed for the Republicans’ midterm defeat, will the Democrats look to prosecute h
The battle-hardened general who could oust Bibi Netanyahu
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, is in trouble. His party failed to secure an overall majority in last month’s elections, so his former ally-turned-chief-rival Gadi Eisenkot has been invited to try and form a new government. So who is Eisenkot? And as members of the Knesset are sworn in, will he succeed in ousting Netanyahu and bringing peace to Israel?Guests: Josh Glan
LATEST: David Walliams accused of exploiting young women for sex
The comedian and children’s author David Walliams has been accused of using his power and celebrity status to exploit young women for sex. An investigation from ITV and The Guardian alleges that Walliams sexually assaulted a 15 year old girl and contacted other teenagers who he went on to have sexual relationships with when they were older – allegations he denies. The revelations come after Wallia
An affair, an alleged spy, and the world’s biggest AI company
Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang has admitted to having an affair with a suspected Chinese spy. The potential breach at the world’s most valuable AI company has raised huge national security concerns and taken $200 billion off their value. But what does it mean for the relationship between China and America, fierce competitors in the AI race? And how serious is this for the world's stock markets – an
After a year of climate chaos, what next?
Today's UN climate conference follows a year in which Britain suffered extreme heatwaves while fires, droughts and flooding devastated countries around the world.Ministers are talking about a new "electric century" - but have also just approved new fossil fuel projects. So, as delegates head to COP31 in Turkey, what will be Britain’s role on the world stage? And are the COP meetings
How Melania Trump is bringing peace to Ukraine - The Sunday Story
With her husband Donald left reeling after last week's US midterm elections, Melania Trump is quietly having a moment. She helped secure a ceasefire in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky and now has her sights set on further peace in the war torn country - she’s just hosted a meeting at the White House between Russian and Ukrainian delegations. How - and why - did Melania get involved in this war,
How the Times revealed claims against Russell Brand - The Saturday Story
This week's conviction of Russell Brand on rape and sexual assault charges followed a joint investigation into the comedian and Hollywood actor by The Times, The Sunday Times and Channel 4's Dispatches programme.Today we're re-publishing that original investigation, led by journalists Rosamund Urwin and Charlotte Wace, as it went out in The Story in September 2023.A warning: this episo
What the celebrity injunction means for press freedom
Last week, it emerged that an unnamed celebrity had asked a court for anonymity, and an injunction to stop two news outlets airing allegations that he abused his fame to prey on young women. The request was partly made on mental health grounds - he said he’d kill himself ‘at the earliest opportunity’ if publication went ahead. It’s prompted a storm of speculation about who the man is, and sparked
Russell Brand guilty of rape | The Trial of Russell Brand
The comedian and Hollywood actor Russell Brand has been found guilty of rape and sexual assault following a trial at London's Southwark Crown Court.The trial itself followed an investigation by The Times and The Sunday Times, along with Channel 4's Dispatches.In this episode of our sister podcast, The Trial of Russell Brand, the reporters who led that investigation join Luke Jones to descr
The Democrats just won a stunning victory – will it take them to the White House?
The results of Tuesday’s US midterm elections are in – and the results are astounding. Democrats flipped some historic red states to gain control of Congress, in a bruising rebuke to Donald Trump. But what does this stunning victory mean for the Democrats? And who could run for president in 2028? We asked our reporters across the US after they watched the results come in.This podcast was brought t
How North Korea became a crypto-theft world leader
Last week, cryptocurrency exchange Binance was hacked, affecting a record £4.7bn of assets. While North Korea denies being behind the attack, investigators say clues point to the actions of the rogue state. How did the country develop into a hacking superpower, and as cyber crime escalates, how can we protect ourselves?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times a
Should Britain pay reparations for slavery?
King Charles is in the Caribbean – his first tour there as monarch. Along with the royal processions, meetings and public appearances, Charles’ recent visits have also included discussions of Britain’s historic role in the transatlantic slave trade. Now, local calls for an apology and even reparations for slavery have grown louder. So how will the King and the UK government answer them?This podcas
Have data centres become a defining issue in the US midterms?
Tomorrow, Americans head to the polls in the most expensive election in US political history: the 2026 midterms. Although Trump’s not on the ballot, the elections are seen as a referendum on his leadership, and alongside diesel prices and the war in Iran, there’s a new issue getting Americans nationwide to reconsider their vote: data centres. So why have data centres become such a hot button issue
Bodybuilding to death - why young athletes are dying - The Sunday Story
Last month, 33 year old bodybuilder Mateusz Chmura collapsed and died during a prestigious UK competition. The cause of his death is yet to be confirmed but it’s raised fresh questions about why there are so many fatalities in the sport – some figures suggest around 50 a year, internationally. So what’s killing these athletes? And is the widespread substance abuse in this world spilling over into
Fairies, foxtrots and sauciness: my night at the romantasy ball - The Saturday Story
The latest installment of the wildly popular Court of Thorns and Roses series hit the bookstores on Tuesday. Mega fans celebrated the midnight release with parties at Waterstones across the country. So just how did Sarah J Maas’ romantic fantasy - ‘romantasy’- series become a global literary phenomenon? The Times went to one of the parties to find out. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the
Q&A: Israel on a knife edge, freedom of movement back on the cards and what next for Christa Pike?
Following this week’s elections in Israel, will Benjamin Netanyahu cling on as Prime Minister? Why did Christa Pike’s execution fail? And as Andy Burnham weighs up a return to free movement with the EU, have the political class ever accepted Brexit? You asked, so we answered, in this edition of our monthly Q&A series.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times
What does the budget mean for you?
Chancellor John Healey has delivered the first budget of Andy Burnham’s government. It was a deliberately low-key statement marked by a string of small policy announcements, and thin on detail when it came to the government’s two biggest fiscal headaches: defense spending and the ballooning welfare bill. So, did the budget actually deliver? And how will it affect you?This podcast was brought to yo
Prepping goes mainstream - how ready should we be?
Last Friday, the UK government told British households to have three days’ worth of food and water in their homes, as insurance against national emergencies. Now, the UK is prepping. But what exactly are the threats? Are we lagging behind our European cousins when it comes to readiness? And what do you need to do?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The
Does the Thomas Markle scandal change how we see Meghan?
Investigators in the Philippines are looking into Thomas Markle Sr, the father of the Duchess of Sussex, after his son told authorities he had found child sex abuse images at his father’s former home. So, what exactly do we know about the allegations? What could happen next? And is the scandal shifting the narrative around Meghan?Thomas Markle Sr denies the allegations against him. This podcast wa
What do you want to know?
We’re publishing our monthly Q&A episode this Friday. Send us your questions by Wednesday, 28 October, 5pm GMT.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comFurther listening: Q&A: Harry and Meghan return, underground data centres and peace for Ukraine?This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all
The inside story of Burnham's first 100 days
Tomorrow is Andy Burnham’s 100th day in office. To mark the occasion, the prime minister sat down for a series of four interviews with The Sunday Times. He tells political editor Ben Riley-Smith how he felt like an imposter when he first came to Westminster, his strategy in dealing with Donald Trump, and how much closer he actually wants to get to Europe.This podcast was brought to you thanks to t
The teen girls trying to ban school uniforms in porn - The Sunday Story
Four schoolgirls in Bicester are asking the government to ban school uniforms in porn, arguing it sexualises minors and puts them at risk. The outfits are a common costume for female performers in pornography, despite the fact that one UK study revealed 35% of girls surveyed had received unwanted sexual attention whilst wearing one. So why is this legal? And could a new piece of legislation make a
What no one tells you about grief - The Saturday Story
Three years ago, the journalist Ann Treneman was told that her husband, Ian, had inoperable cancer. Just six weeks later, Ian had died. As time has moved on, Ann continues to grapple with her loss. The experience has forced her to confront how little she once understood grief, and to consider why something so universal remains so difficult for us to talk about.This podcast was brought to you thank
Brazil’s election – are the Bolsonaros back?
This Sunday, Brazilians go to the polls to choose their new president. It’s a hugely consequential contest between the incumbent president, left-wing Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and right-wing Flávio Bolsonaro, son of ‘Trump of the Tropics’ Jair Bolsonaro, the jailed former president. But what will it mean if this powerhouse of South America follows so many other countries in the region and swings
Why did Labour just approve a new North Sea gasfield?
Yesterday, Labour greenlit Jackdaw, the biggest new British gasfield in almost a decade. But, will it help with energy security or reducing energy bills? And what does it mean for the government's commitment to net zero?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Adam Vaughan, environmen
Why riots are suddenly everywhere in Europe
What began as student protests in France against a struggling education system has erupted into a wider wave of unrest over the rising cost of living and failing public services. Similar grievances have sparked demonstrations across Europe, with violent clashes in Belgium and Italy over the weekend. French authorities have now imposed localised curfews, while declaring a state of emergency remains
Inside Kyiv: the firefighters facing Russia’s attacks
For residents of Kyiv, 2026 has been the deadliest year since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Air defences are virtually nonexistent so strikes and civilian deaths have skyrocketed, making Kyiv’s firefighters evermore crucial. Amid the terror and destruction, they have emerged as heroes – public servants who run towards danger to rescue civilians while being targeted by Russian
The fight to expose Mexico's sex-trafficking capital
In Tenancingo, the country’s sex trafficking capital, children as young as eleven are being forced into prostitution. When they can no longer make money, they ‘disappear’. The state governor has said, it simply does not exist. The women the Sunday Times has spoken to say the problem is worse than anyone knows. Senior correspondent Louise Callaghan travelled to there to investigate.This podcast was
SAS in Syria: the untold murder probe - The Sunday Story
After an operation in 2022 to detain the leader of a terrorist cell goes wrong, the SAS is plunged into crisis raising questions about the future of Britain’s special forces.Insight, The Sunday Times investigations team, has gathered witness testimony, leaked documents and open source intelligence, meaning the full story can be told for the first time.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the
Sir Anthony Beevor: Russia is ‘a prisoner of their own past’ – The Saturday Story
The multitude of interconnected wars engulfing the globe are leading many to draw parallels with 1939, the eve of the Second World War. Historian Sir Anthony Beevor – one of the world’s great chroniclers of the 20th century – is one of those raising the alarm, particularly about the threats posed by Russia. Following the release of his new book Rasputin and the Downfall of the Romanovs, we caught
US midterms: Can the Democrats flip Texas?
On November 3, Americans will head to the polls for midterm elections that will determine who controls Congress for the final two years of Donald Trump’s presidency. While Trump himself isn't technically on the ballot, plummeting approval ratings means the elections are shaping up to be a referendum on his leadership. Republicans face a tough fight, even in traditionally conservative states su
The social housing paradox : ‘Everything that’s wrong with the welfare system’
Over 300,000 people live in ‘temporary’ or ‘supported’ housing, where government-funded rents have no upper-limit. For The Times’ Welfare Inquiry, investigative lead Katie O’Toole goes undercover at an ‘academy’ training landlords in how to profit off housing society’s most vulnerable. She also hears from tenants stranded in supported housing, where severe financial cliff edges penalise those who
Bonus: The case against him | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 3
With our reporters following every word in court, the trial of Russell Brand began in earnest today. The prosecution laid out their case, calling Brand “ruthless, calculating, and manipulative…a sexual predator.” Brand has denied all charges against him.Watch or listen to The Trial of Russell Brand every weekday on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or listen on Spotify. Follow the show to never miss an epis
Do we need to talk about Brexit?
Andy Burnham announced this week that UK and EU leaders will meet in November to discuss a reset in relations. Brexit has been bad for the country, Burnham said, and a closer relationship with Europe will foster economic growth and strengthen national security. Is he right? What is he hoping to accomplish in November? And is now the time to reopen the fraught debate over Britain’s decision to leav
‘A watershed moment' — why the Saudi airport strikes are so serious
Over the weekend, the Houthis attacked one of Saudi Arabia’s main airports twice, as well as other locations in the country. Fourteen people are dead so far, with hundreds injured, in what is the deadliest attack on the Kingdom in over a decade. Saudi Arabia is calling for international help, but will anyone come to their aid? And what’s the fallout in a rapidly destabilising region?This podcast w
Will Netanyahu win the most critical election in Israel’s history?
Israel’s general election on October 27th could be the country’s most consequential in its history. In the run up, the prime minister and his right-wing coalition have promoted a vision of the country’s future that is as uncompromising to its friends as its enemies. As the situation at home and abroad grows evermore dire, what impact will the victor have on the likelihood of peace in the middle ea
Amy Winehouse: the lost interview - The Sunday Story
The month marks the 20th anniversary of Amy Winehouse’s multi-platinum album Back to Black. Just after the album was released and Amy’s fame was beginning to skyrocket, journalist Ariel Leve met the young 23-year-old in LA for two hours, where Amy gushed about her new husband, laughed off the cruel media scrutiny, and mused about her legacy. That interview would never be seen or heard -- until now
Should we feel sorry for nepo babies? - The Saturday Story
They’re actors, rock stars, models — and the offspring of very famous parents. Some see this as joining in on the family business. Others see it as an unfair advantage. But is the backlash against them justified? Times Columnist Ben Machell weighs in on the nepo baby debate. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://
Is Russia covering up a plague outbreak?
In Siberia last week, a Russian researcher working at an institute specialising in dangerous infectious diseases is believed to have died of unexplained pneumonia. Local media suggested it was pneumonic plague; the Kremlin continues to obfuscate. So what’s really happening? With its history of cover ups, can we trust what Russia is telling the world? And how worried should we be?This podcast was b
The student protests putting Macron’s legacy at risk
The student protests that have rocked France for weeks reached a crescendo this week, when more than 250,000 teenagers, parents, teachers and union leaders took to the streets to voice their anger over dilapidated school buildings, staff shortages and complicated timetables. Some protests have resulted in shocking violence, and so far, the government has had limited success in quelling the unrest.
Bonus: Kemi Badenoch bets the house on the economy
Kemi Badenoch's attack on Reform UK was all about character and her attack on Labour was all about economics. In her speech at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, she said she would to scrap inheritance tax on family homes and that under a Conservative government, couples would be able to leave an extra £1m inheritance tax free to their children. Badenoch was withering about Nigel
The battle for the left in the heart of London
Tomorrow sees the Greens and Labour battle it out for control of Holborn and St. Pancras, following Keir Starmer’s resignation as the constituency’s MP last month. The stakes are particularly high for the Green candidate and leader Zack Polanski, who wants to prove his party can be a viable alternative to Labour on the left. But what are voters on the ground thinking? We head up to North London to
Is Spain’s PM next for eviction?
Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez has called a snap election, after losing a key vote on his housing reforms. Protests have been rocking the country since an 87-year-old woman was evicted on a stretcher. Sánchez is gambling that he can leverage the national fury to strengthen his party’s position, but could it backfire?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Time
The UK’s overprescription epidemic
A Sunday Times investigation has found England is in an overprescribing epidemic. Adverse reactions to cocktails of medicines are sending a thousand older people to A&E every day, potentially causing deaths, and costing the NHS billions. So how was this overlooked for so long? And can an already overstretched and underfunded NHS fix the problem?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the sup
How I broke free from my abusive boyfriend - The Sunday Story
When Times reporter Sasha Nugara fell for a charismatic musician she met online, she didn’t imagine she would end up in a coercive relationship. But love bombing quickly soured into manipulation and violence, and Sasha decided to break free – and seek justice. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/th
The Ranulph Fiennes mystery - The Saturday Story
Sir Ranulph Fiennes is one of the world’s greatest living explorers. After he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020, he continued to speak publicly about his career and illness. That is, until 2024. Since then, he hasn’t been seen publicly, and many of those closest to him haven’t been able to reach him. So what is happening with Fiennes?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the suppo
Inside the Man City cheating scandal
In one of the biggest scandals in English football history, Manchester City football club was found guilty this week on all charges of serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules. So how did we get here? What will happen to Man City, and what does the scandal mean for the future of English football? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The
Why does the UK have the most expensive energy in Europe?
The energy price cap goes up again today by 4% – but more pain is around the corner, with forecasts yesterday suggesting a further 16% rise in the new year. Why are UK energy prices, particularly electricity, much more expensive than the US and even most European countries? And while Andy Burnham is promising radical plans to bring them down, will this be enough? This podcast was brought to you th
What Tennessee’s only female death row inmate told us before her execution
Christa Pike is set to be executed today, making her the first woman to be put to death in Tennessee in 200 years. Ahead of the execution, Pike has spoken with The Times about her regrets, her fears, and what it’s been like awaiting her final hours. Thirty years on from her trial, she wonders, would she have gotten the same sentence in 2026?Warning: This episode contains descriptions of violence,
Bonus: Andy Burnham's radical British reset
The Labour party is jubilant. Andy Burnham has fired the starting gun for the next general election with one of the most consequential conference speeches in recent memory. Burnham used the speech to set out a series of major proposals, including an end to the triple lock, the abolition of first-past-the-post and closer ties with Europe. At the heart of his national project is a care service free
What you need to know about the RAF Fairford incident
When police arrested five men on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and explosive offences at RAF Fairford early Sunday morning, questions swirled: who was behind the foiled plot? Should Britain be concerned about its security vulnerabilities? But then the men were released on bail, and suddenly a different question arose: could this entire saga have been a terrible misunderstanding? This podc
Russia revives its nuclear armageddon project, Dead Hand
Deep in Russia’s Ural Mountains lies a secret nuclear bunker, guarded by a gate that has never been seen before. Until now.A Sunday Times joint investigation has revealed that the Cold War-era bunker, long thought to be dormant, is being revamped as President Putin seeks to arm the country against potential nuclear attack. So what does this mean for the West?This podcast was brought to you thanks
What happens when we stop reading? - The Sunday Story
When was the last time you read a book? Literacy rates have plummeted across the developed world since the advent of the smartphone and the consequences for society are chilling, says James Marriott. But why does it matter that fewer of us are reading books? And what happens if we all just stop?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subs
The neuroscientists reconsidering near-death experiences - The Saturday Story
For centuries, people who’ve survived near-death experiences have told eerily similar and strange stories. They talk of bright lights, a feeling of euphoria, life flashing before their eyes. For much of that time, such accounts were often relegated to the realm of mysticism. But now, some scientists are beginning to reconsider what happens to you when you’re on the very edge of life and death.This
Bonus: Earl Spencer, King Charles and the battle for Diana's legacy
Did King Charles really tell Earl Spencer that Diana would soon be forgotten? In his new memoir, Swan Song, Diana’s brother makes a series of explosive claims about the King’s behaviour following her death — prompting a swift and unusually personal response from Buckingham Palace.Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey are joined by Andrew Morton, author of Diana: Her True Story, to examine Spencer’s dispute
How anti-immigration activists came face-to-face with migrants in the Channel
Britain’s small boats saga has had a dramatic week. Wednesday saw 781 people arrive in Britain, the highest number of the year, while on Monday a dingy carrying 60 migrants was met at sea by the far-right activist ‘Danny Tommo’. Protests have since engulfed parts of the south coast, but why is this all happening now? And what can the government do to get a handle on it?This podcast was brought to
Inside the British town contaminated by forever chemicals
In an area just north of Blackpool, a chemical factory sits on the River Wyre. In the past few years, journalists have detected large amounts of forever chemicals in land around the plant. And yesterday, some residents discovered they had high levels of these chemicals in their blood. So, what does this mean? And what can those tested do about it?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the suppo
How Trump and Xi could decide the future of AI
The US president will greet his Chinese counterpart at the start of a state visit later today. The two leaders will hold talks in Washington, DC tomorrow during which artificial intelligence is expected to be high on the agenda. Despite weeks of warnings about the devastation AI could cause to humankind, the two countries are locked in a battle for global domination of the technology. Could Donald
Can Burnham sweet-talk Trump at their first meeting?
Andy Burnham will meet Donald Trump in person for the first time today at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Top of the agenda are the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, North Sea drilling, trade deals and AI. So who wants what? Will there be any curveballs? And can the PM charm his opposite number in this first face-to-face?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of reader
How history is straining Poland’s ties with Ukraine
Anti-Ukrainian sentiment is on the rise in Poland.The rift stems, in part, from a historical dispute over a wartime massacre of Poles 83 years ago, which has bubbled to the surface in recent months. So, how did relations sour so quickly? And what does this mean for Polish support in the war against Russia?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday
Why is Ironman so popular? - The Sunday Story
Ironman ultra-triathlons demand competitors swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles, and then run a full marathon, paying upwards of $1000 for the pleasure. It’s not everyone’s idea of a perfect Sunday, but for its growing base of devotees, it has become almost like a religion. So how did the sport grow from its low-key Hawaiian roots to a money-making global phenomenon? And what drives people to push the
Inside the Macklemore - Ed Sheeran tour fallout - The Saturday Story
All of Ed Sheeran’s support acts have pulled out of his tour after his opening act Macklemore was dropped for making pro-Palestinian remarks on stage. So why has this become such a cause célèbre? What does it mean for Ed Sheeran? And what has happened through history when music and politics meet? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Time
Has space become the final frontier for war?
The space race is on, but not as we’ve known it. Instead of a man on the moon, nations are jostling for who can plant weapons on the moon. In a major development this week, the US has announced that it has deployed a weapon to outer space – the first country to do so. But are other nations, like China and Russia, far behind?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of T
Has Trump paved the way to a united Ireland?
President Trump sparked controversy during his recent trip to Ireland when he said a unified Ireland would be “a fantastic thing.” That was followed on Monday by Scottish, Northern Irish and Welsh leaders signing a pact pledging to break up the UK. With Prime Minister Andy Burnham set to meet with the Taoiseach Micheál Martin tomorrow, is a united Ireland now more likely?This podcast was brought t
Bonus: Bill Gates on AI risk, regulation and the "vacuum of US leadership"
The Microsoft co-founder tells Danny and Katie why AI is "ultra-different" from any previous technology - and why tech companies shouldn’t be responsible for controlling it. Speaking about a new report on AI and equity published by The Gates Foundation he also explores the “vacuum of US leadership” in AI regulation.The Interview is Times Tech's weekly conversation with the people shaping the
How Lucy Letby’s hospital failed her victims
The Thirlwall Inquiry into how Lucy Letby was able to murder babies at the Countess of Chester hospital has released a damning report. It found the hospital could have prevented at least three of the murders, if not for evidence of a pernicious “them and us” culture and a lack of safeguards. But what does this report mean for the hospital authorities? And will it have any bearing on Letby's attemp
What the lightning Houthi advance means for the world
The Iranian-backed Houthis have seized large swathes of territory in Yemen and taken control of the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a key shipping corridor between Asia and Europe. About 12 percent of global trade passes through the strait, including huge amounts of oil, so the move has sent energy prices skyrocketing. But, who are the Houthis? What’s their aim? And with regional powers wary of getting drag
Will superintelligent AI destroy humanity?
Warnings about the dangers of AI are reaching fever pitch, with cases of AI agents going rogue and attempts by malicious actors to use the technology to create biological weapons. Industry whistleblowers are sounding the alarm about a technology they claim could destroy humanity, while AI CEOs are themselves making proposals for a slow down. So how do they plan to stop this march towards oblivion?
Cover-ups, incompetence, and ‘a litany of failures’ exposed at the Nottingham inquiry - The Sunday Story
In June 2023, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, Barnaby Webber and Ian Coates were stabbed to death by Valdo Calocane, a paranoid schizophrenic who is currently serving an indefinite hospital order. The months-long public inquiry into their deaths has revealed a staggering number of failures by the authorities, and a widespread culture of denial and unaccountability. So what went wrong? And what lessons can b
My life with Freddie Mercury - The Saturday Story
When Freddie Mercury, lead vocalist of Queen and one of the all-time greats of rock music, died from Aids in 1991, he left his beloved Kensington house to his lifelong companion Mary Austin. Once engaged to the superstar – before they both realised he preferred men – Austin was by his side from unglamorous beginnings to global stardom. She exclusively reads the story of their extraordinary relatio
He went to jail for exposing America’s darkest 9/11 secret. Should Trump pardon him?
It’s 25 years since the 9/11 attacks; in the aftermath, the CIA hunted down those responsible – detaining suspects and subjecting them to ‘enhanced interrogation.’ One of the prisoners who was subjected to these tactics was Abu Zubaydah, who, at the time, was thought to be a top member of al-Qaeda. John Kiriakou, a former CIA operative who led the operation to capture Zubaydah, blew the whistle on
How the AfD became a nightmare for Friedrich Merz
The AfD’s thumping victory in the Saxony-Anhalt regional election has sent shockwaves across the German political landscape and left chancellor Friedrich Merz in a state of shock. With his popularity plummeting and further regional elections on the horizon, is Merz’s time almost up? And what does all of this tell us about the current state of German democracy? This podcast was brought to you
Inside the West Bank crisis driving Britain to act
Yesterday, foreign secretary Ed Miliband announced new sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank in response to an increase in settler expansion and violence there. So what is really happening on the ground? Can UK sanctions prevent settlement expansion? And what does this mean for Britain’s relationship with Israel and the US?This podcast contains scenes some listeners may find upsetting.
Is Britain's economy really turning a corner?
John Healey gave his first major speech as Chancellor on Monday, aiming to show that the economy has ‘turned a corner’. But his comments have been overshadowed by a background of turmoil in the bond markets, thousands of job cuts, and speculation that he is offering very little different to his predecessor Rachel Reeves. So what did this speech tell us about the new Chancellor? And will he have to
LATEST: Anti-immigration protests in Dover and Portsmouth
Hundreds of protestors in Portsmouth clashed with police last night and early this morning. It was the second mass demonstration against small boat arrivals after a far-right protest caused disruption at the Port of Dover on Saturday. So who is behind the protests? And what should the government do now?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Tim
The state of asylum in the UK
Asylum seekers now make up one in ten of all migrants coming to the UK each year but just one in sixty of those that leave. This week, The Times is looking at the myriad problems with Britain’s asylum system, from Labour’s policies to how previous governments have failed to fix the crisis. What is there left to try?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and T
The Bayeux Tapestry’s long road back to Britain - The Sunday Story
This week, after a meticulously planned voyage for the 11th-century retelling of the Battle of Hastings, the British Museum’s long-awaited Bayeux Tapestry exhibition opens to the public. But, why has it taken almost a thousand years for the Bayeux Tapestry to return to Britain? And after all these centuries, why does this extraordinary piece of embroidery still capture the public imagination?&nbs
Why are autism diagnoses up? - The Saturday Story
Autism diagnoses in England have shot up in recent years from 700,000 three years ago to around 1.1 million today. It's led to a backlash, with some suggesting the condition is being over-diagnosed. Not so, says Dr Mary Doherty, a top doctor who founded Autistic Doctors International. She says she knows why diagnoses are up. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of
Can Reform reset at conference?
As the Reform conference kicks off today, Nigel Farage and his team are looking to pitch themselves as a serious party ready to win a general election. But after a long, hot summer dogged by controversies, party infighting, and a by-election against a man dressed as a bin, this strategy might be undercutting itself. So where do they go from here? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the
Bonus: How will Scott Bessent and the bond markets affect your tax and pension?
How will US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and global bond markets impact UK borrowing, John Healey’s UK Budget, and the wider UK economy? Rising inflation rates, soaring government debt, and higher borrowing costs are likely to effect UK tax and pensions. But can politicians intervene without making things worse?The US Treasury intends to double its buyback operations of government bonds to con
