Sensemaker

Hundreds of thousands of games have disappeared from platforms in a crackdown, raising questions about who should be making decisions about content moderation.Host: Tomini BabsWriter: Bex SanderProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreEpisodic Artwork by Darling Demon Eclipse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

According to the world’s biggest bird survey, clearing rainforest to make way for cattle farms is even more harmful to biodiversity than we thought.Writer: James TapperProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel has initiated daily pauses in its military operations - to allow more aid to get into Gaza.  But how much aid is getting through and will it be enough for the Palestinians who rely on it?Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As people are turning to AI for mental health support and relationship advice, could chatbots replace the role of a trusted friend, or even a therapist?Writer: Ada BarumeProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Tomini Babs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The England women’s football team won the Euros for a second time, after they defeated Spain 3-1 on penalties in the final, having drawn 1-1 after extra time, two years after they lost to the same opponent in the World Cup final.Writer: Jessy Parker HumphreysProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Sofia Fenton  Executive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The pharmaceutical industry is pursuing what some consider to be the holy grail: developing and licensing the first drug that slows the body's natural aging process.Writer: Jon Ungoed-ThomasProducer: Casey Magloire Host: Tomini Babs Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Trump administration is setting the stage for what might become the largest deportation of illegal immigrants in US history. Can it succeed? Writer: Stephen ArmstrongProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Casey MagloireTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Ukraine’s president, Volodomyr Zelensky, sparked a $200 million dollar crypto bet and an online rebellion through his choice of clothing.  Writer: Bex SanderProducer: Katie GunningHost: Ada BarumeEditor: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2022, a UK Special Forces official accidentally leaked the names of over 18,000 Afghan nationals, British special forces operatives and MI6 agents, putting thousands of lives at risk if the information fell into the wrong hands.Writer: James Tapper Producer:  Jonathan LewisHost:  Ada Barume Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women’s sports stars are receiving more abuse than men, but can’t afford to leave social media.The interview with Katie Boulter is from BBC Sports.Writer: Jessica HaydenProducer: Amalie SortlandExecutive producer: Rebecca MoorePhotography: Alex Jones Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump has spent his political career promoting conspiracy theories for electoral gain, now he’s trying to shut down one of the most enduring of the lot.Writer: Fred HarterProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since the government proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, dozens of people across the country have been arrested on suspicion of terror offences, for allegedly supporting the group.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hundreds of victims and witnesses are walking away from rape cases before they reach trial.Writer: Jon Simpson Producer: Ada Barumé Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

X’s, formerly Twitter, chatbot Grok has been churning far-right sentiments. Writer: Stephen ArmstrongProducer: Amalie SortlandExecutive producer: Matt Russell  Photography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scientists in Hawaii are using drones to drop millions of genetically modified mosquitoes across the archipelago, with the hope that it will help protect animals on the brink of extinction.Read Benji Jones' article on why mosquitoes are being dropped from drones in Hawaii HERERead more about the charity - Birds, Not Mosquitoes - HERE Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Rebecca MoorePhotography: Joe Mee  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Formula One’s longest serving team principal has been sacked.Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Photography: Joe Mee Additional Production: Poppy Bullard and Amalie Sortland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After unexpectedly pausing military aid to Ukraine last week, the US administration has once again reversed its decision.Writer: Nina KuryataProducer: Ada BaruméExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Europe’s top human rights court ruled that French police unfairly targeted a French citizen of African descent during a stop and search.Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CasareoHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NHS is undergoing a revolution, with health secretary Wes Streeting determined that his new 10-year plan launched last week will shift NHS care from hospitals to neighborhood health centres.Writer: Jon Ungoed-thomasProducer: Matt RussellHost: Ada BarumeEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Penniless and homeless, the Winns found fame and fortune with the story of their 630-mile walk to salvation. We can reveal that the truth behind it is very differentWriter: Rebecca Moore with reporting from Chloe Hadjimatheou. Producer: Rebecca MooreHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Ceri Thomas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 8-week trial has concluded and the former media mogul has been found guilty of two federal charges and is now facing time in prison.  Writer and producer: Casey MagloireWith reporting from Stephen Armstrong. Executive producer: Rebecca Moore Photography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week the government passed its planned welfare reforms in the House of Commons, despite a sizable backbench rebellion.Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Around 200,000 people attended Budapest pride, defying Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ban on the event. Why did Pride become the focus of anti-government protests?Writer: Phoebe Davis Host: Casey Magloire Photography: Alex JonesProducer: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, a six-hour livestream hosted by an AI-generated influencer drew 13 million views and generated $7.5 million in sales for Baidu- a Chinese tech company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The founder of the gossip website is now known. Is this a victory for those targeted by the site? Writer: Rachael HealyProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amazon’s billionaire founder is taking over the city for his wedding to Lauren Sanchez.  Writer: Stephen Armstrong Producer: Casey Magloire Host: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK government has launched a new inquiry and national criminal investigation into the sexual exploitation of children by grooming gangs.Writer: Jon Ungoed-thomas Producer: Poppy Bullard Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The French authorities will soon have new powers to intercept small boats carrying asylum seekers across the English Channel, even if they are already at sea. Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CasareoHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After years of courtroom battles, campaigner Sarah Finch won a landmark Supreme Court case that could reshape how the UK approves oil, gas and coal projects.Writer: David Taylor Producers: Poppy Bullard Host: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump ordered the strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran early Sunday morning. He said the US entered the war to stop the threat from “the world’s number one state sponsor of terror”. Writer: Stephen Armstrong Producer: Rebecca Moore Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Alex Jones Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could Donald Trump order a strike on Iran’s underground nuclear site using a bunker-buster bomb – and what might the consequences be?Writer: Stephen Armstrong Producers: Jonathan Lewis and Poppy Bullard Host: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK eats hundreds of thousands of tonnes of tuna every year but not all of it is legally or sustainably caught. Writer: James TapperProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Andrew ButlerEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artificial intelligence is changing our lives and our world at an astonishing pace, but its hunger for data is matched by its need for energy and water. Writer: Jon Ungoed-thomasProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does the escalating conflict in the middle east mean for Iran, its regime and hopes for a new nuclear deal with the US?Writer: Poppy Bullard with additional reporting from Chloe HadjimatheouProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Casey MagioreEpisode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With findings of a government review on the role of physician associates expected any day now, what is the role, and why are some doctors so concerned about safety?Writer: Rachael HealyProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Claudia WilliamsEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves this week set out the government’s spending plans for the next three years, committing billions of pounds to some departments, while significantly cutting others. She told MPs they were her “choices” - but are they the right ones?Writer: Cat Neilan, The Observer’s Whitehall Editor  Producer: Poppy Bullard Host: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After small-scale protests over immigration raids erupt in Los Angeles, President Trump deployed the National Guard and later, the Marines. Writer: Stephen Armstrong Producer: Casey Magloire Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elon Musk may have left the Trump administration and fallen out with the president. But amidst all the noise over the breakup of their bromance, Musk’s plan to claw back billions in foreign aid is quietly making its way through Congress.  Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CasareoHost: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government is planning on building a new generation of incinerators to generate electricity - including one on England’s renowned Jurassic coast. Writer: Jon Ungoed-thomasProducer: Karla PatellaHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England’s women’s football team heads into the Euros without three key stars. Writer: Jessy Parker HumphreysProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A group of climbers has sparked debate over cheating in mountaineering after scaling Everest and returning to London in just 5 days - with the help of xenon gas.Writer: Jess SwinburneProducer: Serena CesareoHost: Casey MagloirePhotography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Attenborough’s new documentary Ocean has put bottom trawling in the crosshairs of environmental activists. Clips in this episode are from David Attenborough’s new documentary film, Ocean. Writer: James TapperProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After years of peacetime under-investment in defence, the UK government is vowing to shake things up. It says civilians can no longer ignore the rising risks.Writer: Cat NeilanProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As rates of vaping continue to rise across the UK, a health and environmental crisis is unfolding. Will the banning of single-use vapes in the UK turn the tides on their environmental cost?Writer: Jess SwinburneProducer: Karla PatellaPhotography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer:  Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump says he wants to build the ‘next generation’ missile shield to protect America from foreign attacks.  Writer: Stephen Armstrong  Producer: Rebecca Moore Host: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government has hailed ‘a new dawn’ for the railways under the first renationalised train service. But will Britain’s trains become more reliable and will tickets be cheaper under public ownership? Writer: James TapperProducer: Karla PatellaHost: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New research from the Royal College of Nursing suggests many overseas nurses are thinking about leaving the UK. Could the government’s tough new immigration reforms accelerate that?Writer: Rachael HealyProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Claudia Williams Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why the River Wye is at the centre of one of the biggest environmental claims ever filed in the high court.Writer: Jon Ungoed -ThomasProducer: Karla PatellaHost: Casey MagloirePhotography: Alex Jones Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two deaths a fortnight ago haven’t dimmed the high-octane appeal of motorsport. So when tragedy hits a high-risk sport like this, what keeps riders coming back?Writer: Rory SmithProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government has commissioned radical new reforms to reduce the prison population by 10,000 people.Writer: Rachel SylvesterHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.