Sensemaker

The Chinese president has just returned from a three-day visit to Russia. What did we learn about Xi Jinping’s support for Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine?Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise as a member for £60 a year.As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.If you’d like to further support slow journalism and help us build a different kind of newsroom, do consider donating to Tortoise at tortoisemedia.com/support-us. Your contributions allow us to investigate, campaign and explore, and to build a newsroom that is responsible and sustainable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A damning report into the Metropolitan Police has concluded that it is institutionally racist, sexist, homophobic and misogynistic. Can it ever be reformed?Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Credit Suisse is the latest bank to be rescued after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank sent shockwaves through the global financial markets. Can confidence in the system be restored?Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Out of Downing Street, and unleashed from restrictions on second jobs, Boris Johnson is now earning more than any former UK prime minister in history. But where is that money coming from?Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The biggest prison in the Americas will set records for overcrowding. But El Salvador's president says it's necessary to control gang violence.Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Wednesday, Jeremy Hunt delivered his first budget as chancellor which was centred on boosting the workforce and economic growth. But has he done enough to help parents with the staggering cost of childcare?Listen to Mel's Electric Adventure: https://podfollow.com/mels-electric-adventureTortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gary Lineker was asked to step back from presenting Match of the Day after he tweeted about politics. What does the incident tell us about the BBC’s difficulties in achieving impartial broadcasting?Listen to Mel's Electric Adventure: https://podfollow.com/mels-electric-adventureTortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK may become the latest country to ban the use of TikTok on official government devices, joining the EU, US and Canada. What will this mean for the future of the app?Listen to Mel's Electric Adventure: https://podfollow.com/mels-electric-adventureTortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since November, more than 1,000 Iranian schoolgirls have fallen ill after a wave of suspected poisonings. What's really going on?Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government has unveiled new, tougher measures to stop people crossing the Channel in small boats. But it faces legal and practical challenges. Why are they doing it and will it work?Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a long and contentious election campaign Bola Tinubu has been declared president-elect of Nigeria. What does his victory tell us about the challenges facing Africa’s most populous country and biggest economy?Listen to Mel's Electric Adventure: https://podfollow.com/mels-electric-adventureTortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After three years and countless deaths, were the people who think Covid came from a Chinese lab right all along?Listen to Mel's Electric Adventure: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/mels-electric-adventure/id1673852195Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The senior civil servant led the inquiry into Partygate and has now accepted a job as Keir Starmer’s chief of staff causing uproar amongst some Conservative MPs. Is their outrage justified?Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Videos posted on TikTok are thought to be fuelling student protests over uniform and toilet rules. The social media platform says most do not violate its guidelines. But the disruption could reignite the debate about another rule - banning mobile phones in schools.Listen to The News Meeting: https://linktr.ee/TheNewsMeetingTortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A major publishing house has revised some of Roald Dahl’s children’s books. Why did it do it?Listen to The News Meeting: https://linktr.ee/TheNewsMeetingTortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government’s energy price guarantee is due to be scaled back but with the cost of energy falling it is under pressure to maintain it for a little longer, so will bills rise at the end of March?Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak has done a deal with the European Union on post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland. But has he done enough to get it over the line?Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Supermarkets have introduced limits on sales of certain fruit and vegetables due to shortages of fresh produce. They blame bad weather in southern Spain and Morocco but British farmers say it's a more systemic problem.Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A toxic train derailment in Ohio has become a political football. But what about the residents who fear for their health? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tortoise has been speaking to a Ukrainian woman ever since Russia began its full scale invasion of Ukraine. A year later and the war is still raging. This is Halyna’s story. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A year since Russia began its full scale invasion of Ukraine, what are the five key moments which have defined the war so far? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Nicola Bulley disappeared the police struggled to control the narrative around the investigation and people descended on the small Lancashire village where she went missing.Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There has been speculation about whether Kim Jong-un’s young daughter is being lined up to succeed him. But it is more likely that Kim Ju Ae’s public appearances are designed to be a distraction from North Korea’s problems.Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Energy suppliers have agreed to stop forcibly installing prepayment meters in the homes of vulnerable people. Why was it happening in the first place?Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scotland’s first minister has announced she will step aside after eight years in power. What does Nicola Sturgeon’s shock resignation mean for Scottish independence?Listen to The News Meeting: https://linktr.ee/TheNewsMeetingTortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The United Nations Humanitarian chief Martin Griffths has acknowledged an international failure to send aid to Syria. Why was it so difficult to get aid in?Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After shooting down a Chinese spy balloon the US military has downed another three unidentified flying objects. What is going on and are any of them from space?Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Supreme Court ruled that the Tate Modern’s viewing platform is a “nuisance” to residents of a nearby luxury high-rise. The case could change the way we think about our right to privacy. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member.Visit tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The world’s richest club has been charged with 115 alleged breaches of financial rules. How will Manchester City deal with the upcoming inquiry?Click here to listen to the News Meeting.Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member.Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A grassroots Oscars campaign has led to a shock nomination for the star of a small, independent film. What does it tell us about the problems facing the Academy Awards?Click here to listen to the News Meeting.Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member.Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since 2021 dead crabs and lobsters have been washing up along England’s north east coastline. It has left the fishing industry demanding answers about what caused the die-off.Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member.Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The deputy Prime Minister, Dominic Raab is accused of bullying civil servants. Could this be Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s next headache?Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member.Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deadly earthquakes have struck war torn areas of Syria and parts of neighbouring Turkey that are home to refugees fleeing the conflict. In some places whole neighbourhoods have been destroyed.Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member.Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How a small investment firm is taking on one of the world’s richest men.Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member.Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Black man has become yet another victim of police violence in the US. Why does this keep happening?Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member.Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The company that created an AI-powered chatbot called ChatGPT poses a threat to Google’s dominance as the market-leading search engine. Is it a sign of things to come?Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member.Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today. Listen to Hoaxed: https://podfollow.com/hoaxed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Public sector workers want pay rises to counter the rising cost of living. The government is offering less than they want but it faces a dilemma, because wages are rising in the private sector.Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member.Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jordan McSweeney should have been assessed as a high-risk offender, but he wasn’t. Days after being released from prison he murdered Zara Aleena. What does his case tell us about failings in the probation service?Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member.Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After much agonising Germany has agreed to give battle tanks to Ukraine. Why was it so reluctant and what difference will they make?Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member.Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Conservative Party chairman’s tax affairs have been under scrutiny after it was revealed he settled a multimillion-pound tax dispute with HMRC while he was chancellor.Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member.Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A group of families evacuated from Afghanistan have taken the Home Office to court for mismanaging the scheme set up to support them.Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member.Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artificial intelligence is being used to create works of art in seconds. What can human artists do to protect their livelihoods against the machines?Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member.Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US president Joe Biden is in hot water over his handling of classified government documents. But is it as bad as Donald Trump storing secret papers at his resort in Florida?Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member. Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The demise of the electric car battery firm is a blow for the UK government’s attempt to phase out petrol and diesel engines by 2030. Can it still realise its electric dreams?Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. To access more of our journalism and get invites to exclusive events you can join Tortoise as a member.Visit www.tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Sense60 for a special offer today.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iran has killed a British-Iranian national accused of spying for the UK. What does it tell us about the relationship between the two countries?Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events.Just go to tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Tomini50 to get a year's digital membership for £50. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Monday, Metropolitan police officer David Carrick pleaded guilty to 49 offences including rape and sexual assault. Over 20 years, the Met had nine opportunities to stop him. Why didn't they?Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events.Just go to tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Tomini50 to get a year's digital membership for £50. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Differing claims about the Russian capture of an eastern Ukrainian town tell us something about the power struggles in the Kremlin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The hole in the Earth’s Ozone layer is shrinking thanks to a landmark international agreement.Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events.Just go to tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Tomini50 to get a year's digital membership for £50. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NHS is facing significant winter pressures. One nurse explains what it's like working in an Accident & Emergency department.Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events.Just go to tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Tomini50 to get a year's digital membership for £50. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

24-year-old quarterback Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during a game of Monday night football. Could his injury be a turning point for the NFL?Concussions in women are poorly understood – and the consequences are deadly. To learn more, you can listen to an episode of Visible Women with Caroline Criado Perez called The concussed female brain: https://pod.fo/e/142d97 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.