The News Meeting

Donald Trump is the first former US president to face a criminal trial. He is accused of falsifying business records by saying a hush money payment to a porn star was for legal fees. He's facing 34 counts of fraud under campaign finance laws, and has pleaded not guilty to all of them. The trial, which is expected to last eight weeks, is being held in a New York court and Donald Trump has to appear for every day. In a special one-off, we will be sharing our new series Word for Word: Trump on Trial. In each episode, we’re bringing you the story of the trial, told using the transcripts of what is said in court. This is part 1. To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

As Israel steps up operations in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, what remains of the militant group that it’s trying to wipe out?To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

James Harding and three guests debate what they think should lead the news.In this episode he’s joined by businesswoman and campaigner Gina Miller, Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell and reporter Stephen Armstrong. Email: [email protected]:Gina Miller, businesswoman and campaignerGiles Whittell, Tortoise’s deputy editorStephen Armstrong, Tortoise reporterHost: James Harding, founder and editor of TortoiseProducers: Rebecca Moore and Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Jasper CorbettTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

Last year, almost one in seven prison officers left. What's the state of Britain's prisons, and why does nobody want to work in them? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Harding makes the case for why newsrooms should be places a home for challenging questions, heretics and contrarians.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Harding and three guests debate what they think should lead the news.In this episode he’s joined by psychotherapist and author Julia Samuel, Tortoise news editor Jess Winch and climate editor Jeevan Vasagar.Email: [email protected]:Julia Samuel, psychotherapist and author Jess Winch, news editor at TortoiseJeevan Vasagar, climate editor at TortoiseHost: James Harding, founder and editor of TortoiseProducers: Rebecca Moore and Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Jasper CorbettTo listen to Hattie Garlick’s interview with Stormy Daniels click here.To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

The dating app Bumble ditched its requirement for women to write the first message. What does the change in tack tell us about the business of modern dating? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Curtice and Rachel Wolf discuss the fallout from the local elections results and work out what this could mean for the major parties in a the general election.Hosts: Professor John Curtice and Rachel WolfTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

Olivia Rodrigo, Take That and Keane are among the artists to have gigs cancelled after the opening of Manchester's new arena, Co-op Live, was postponed multiple times. What's causing the delay?To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

Public hearings into the alleged war crimes committed by British special forces during the war in Afghanistan have been delayed by several months after the Ministry of Defence repeatedly failed to meet its deadlines. To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

A rapper faces execution after criticising the Iranian regime in his lyrics. What does his death sentence tell us about the strength – or weakness – of the Islamic Republic?To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

Columnist Phil Collins joins James Harding and the Tortoise team to tell them what he thinks should lead the news.Plus, Kevin Sullivan and Mary Jordan have their latest Postcard from America. This week they discuss the life and career of former US President Jimmy Carter.Email: [email protected]:Phil Collins, Times Columnist and The Draft FounderGiles Whittell, deputy editor at TortoiseCat Neilan, political editor at TortoiseHost: James Harding, founder and editor of TortoiseProducers: Casey Magloire and Rebecca Moore Executive producer: Jasper CorbettTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

Why being a journalist and asking questions can be such a privilege and a joy.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Record breaking college basketball star Caitlin Clark is set to make her professional debut. What impact has she had on the sport and could her success help close the pay gap between male and female players?To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

Just over half of the British public now think the monarchy is ‘very’ or ‘quite’ important. That’s according to new data published by the British Social Attitudes survey which suggests that support for the monarchy has been in decline over the last decade. John and Rachel discuss why this is happening. Click here to book your tickets for Trendy Live at 6.30pm on Wednesday 8th May: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/trendy-live-show-local-election-special/ Hosts: Professor John Curtice and Rachel WolfTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

Five years ago the government said it would reform the private rental market, but charities that once backed the Renters Reform Bill have now turned against it.To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf has resigned after just over a year, throwing the country - and its minority SNP government - into turmoil. What does this mean for the party which has governed Scotland for nearly two decades? To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

In recent days Hamas has released videos of several hostages being held in Gaza. In each case it was the first time their families had seen them alive since they were taken during the October 7th attack. Why might Hamas be releasing the videos now?To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

James Harding and three guests debate what they think should lead the news.In this episode he’s joined by Bronwen Maddox, director and chief executive of Chatham House, Tortoise deputy editor Giles Whittell and political editor Cat Neilan.Email: [email protected]:Bronwen Maddox, director and chief executive of Chatham HouseGiles Whittell, deputy editor at TortoiseCat Neilan, political editor at TortoiseHost: James Harding, founder and editor of TortoiseProducers: Rebecca Moore and Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Lewis VickersTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

What happened when Donald Trump’s old friend took to the stand at the former president’s criminal trial in New York.To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

In the past week there have been a couple of dramatic announcements on military spending, but it has actually increased every year since 2014. In his Editor's Voicemail James explains why this gradual military build-up amounts to a step change, and asks what it might mean for the world.To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

David Aaronovitch and the Tortoise team debate what should lead the news in front of an audience in the newsroom.They discuss the scale of India’s election, failures to tackle the academic and social legacies of school closures during Covid, and what was happening in Iran on the day it attacked Israel.Email: [email protected]:David Aaronovitch, journalist, broadcaster and host of ‘Eight Year’s Hard Labour’Jess Winch, news editor at TortoiseStephen Armstrong, reporter at TortoiseHost: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at TortoiseProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Lewis VickersTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

The world's biggest dating app for the LGBT community is accused of sharing personal information such as people's HIV status with third parties.To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

Nearly two-thirds of under 35s have used a dating app or online service to meet a partner. That’s according to an exclusive poll for Trendy. However, opinion is split about whether online dating is a positive or negative experience. How has how we find a partner changed and what does it mean for long term relationships? Click here to book your tickets for Trendy Live at 6.30pm on Wednesday 8th May: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/trendy-live-show-local-election-special/ Hosts: Professor John Curtice and Rachel WolfGuest: Rebecca Moore, Producer To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

Rishi Sunak has finally passed his Rwanda bill after the House of Lords dropped its opposition. But two-thirds of voters think the country is on the wrong track, so is it a distraction from the bigger issues Britain faces and will it actually stop the boats?To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

In the nineties Will Hutton wrote about the role of government and the free market post-Thatcher. Now, after more than a decade of Conservative-led government, he’s written a new book called ‘This Time No Mistakes’. In this bonus episode he tells James how it might influence Labour’s thinking on issues like Britain’s relationship with the EU and economic reform.Email: [email protected]: Will Hutton, former editor of the Observer and author of This Time No Mistakes: How To Remake BritainHost: James Harding, founder and editor-in-chief of TortoiseExecutive producer: Lewis VickersTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

Yeremiah Bizimana has been living in a hotel for almost nine months because his council house has problems caused by damp and mould.To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

A storm that brought record rainfall and flooding to parts of the United Arab Emirates led to a wave of speculation online about the dangers of ‘geo-engineering’. But what exactly is ‘cloud seeding’ and is it really to blame for the recent extreme weather?To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

What propels something to the top of the news agenda? James Harding is joined by three guests who each pitch the story they think should lead the news.In this episode he’s joined by former Observer editor Will Hutton to discuss the wrangling over the government’s Rwanda policy, the Met’s apology to Gideon Falter after he was called "openly Jewish" by police and threatened with arrest, and Congress approving $95 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine.Book your ticket for the next News Meeting Live on 24th April by clicking here.Email: [email protected]:Will Hutton, former editor of the Observer and author of This Time No Mistakes: How To Remake BritainCat Neilan, political editor at TortoiseStephen Armstrong, reporter at TortoiseHost: James Harding, Tortoise founder and editor-in-chiefProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Lewis VickersTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

During an emotional news conference the Real Madrid footballer Vinicius Junior broke down in tears as he described the racist abuse he faces whilst playing in Spain. But what is being done about it?To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

Although Lord Cameron’s turn as Foreign Secretary hasn’t redeemed his reputation for Brexit, it has made James think again - not just about the former prime minister, but about politics and political coverage.To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

Former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres joins the Tortoise team to tell them what she thinks should lead the news.Plus, Kevin Sullivan and Mary Jordan have their latest Postcard from America. This week it’s about the rise of college women’s basketball, fuelled by one charismatic star - Caitlin Clark. Book your ticket for the next News Meeting Live on 24th April by clicking here.Email: [email protected]:Christiana Figueres, former UN climate chief and host of the ‘Outrage and Optimism’ podcastCat Neilan, political editor at TortoiseJeevan Vasagar, climate editor at TortoiseHost: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at TortoiseProducers: Rebecca Moore and Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Lewis VickersTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

A group of Swiss women who are all over the age of 64 took their government to court over climate change and won. How did they do it?To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

Forty years ago London was in decline. Now it’s a global megacity with a growing population and a large economy, but it’s quite socially conservative. How does that shape the politics of the capital and who governs it?Click here to book your tickets for Trendy Live at 6.30pm on Wednesday 8th May: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/trendy-live-show-local-election-special/ Hosts: Professor John Curtice and Rachel WolfGuest: Professor Tony Travers, director of LSE LondonTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

Families have been left with some difficult unanswered questions after Legacy Independent Funeral Directors was raided by police. What’s alleged to have happened?To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

A slowburn story has presented a moment of peril for Labour’s deputy leader, and perhaps Keir Starmer too.To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

The Middle East is on the brink after Iran launched a huge drone and missile strike on Israel, the first time it has ever attacked the country directly.To understand more about how Israel’s prime minister thinks in moments like this you can listen to ‘The State of Netanyahu’ – a three part series from Tortoise’s Slow Newscast.Just search for ‘The State of Netanyahu’ wherever you get your podcasts or click this link: https://lnk.to/StateOfNetanyahuTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think should lead the news to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell.In this episode the team are joined by David Rhodes from Sky News to talk about Iran’s attack on Israel, police investigating Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner after she was accused of breaking electoral law, which she denies, and jury selection in Donald Trump’s first criminal trial.Book your ticket for the next News Meeting Live on 24th April by clicking here.Email: [email protected]:David Rhodes, executive chairman of Sky NewsCat Neilan, political editor at TortoiseStephen Armstrong, reporter at TortoiseHost: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at TortoiseProducers: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Lewis VickersTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

Why Jaden Ashman, known online as Wolfiez, decided to speak out about the impact being a pro-gamer had on his health and what it could mean for the next generation of esports stars.To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

The journalist and president of SOAS pitches the story she thinks should lead the news and discusses her new book ‘An African History of Africa’.In this episode she’s joined by Tortoise editors Ceri Thomas and Jess Winch to also talk about how we deal with hate speech and the 2,000 Swiss women who took their government to court over its climate policies.Email: [email protected]:Zeinab Badawi, journalist and author of An African History of AfricaJess Winch, news editor at TortoiseCeri Thomas, editor at TortoiseHost: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at TortoiseProducers: Rebecca Moore and Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Lewis VickersTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

Former subpostmaster and campaigner Alan Bates has finally had his day in front of the Post Office inquiry that’s looking into the Horizon IT scandal. What did he say and what questions will this latest phase try to answer?To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

Voters in England and Wales will elect councillors, mayors, London Assembly members and police and crime commissioners. What’s at stake? Is local democracy in Britain in good shape? And what can these elections tell us about the general election?Hosts: Professor John Curtice and Rachel WolfTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

StabilityAI was once one of the world’s most-hyped startups. But now, former employees say it’s in a “death spiral”. What does the company’s apparent downfall tell us about the current state of AI?To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

For months, Republican lawmakers like Marjorie Taylor Greene have blocked a $60bn aid package for Ukraine. Why do they oppose it and what does it mean for Ukraine? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Conservative MP is under growing pressure after giving his colleagues’ personal phone numbers to a stranger who targeted him in a spear-phishing attack.To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell.In this episode he’s joined by Bronwen Maddow, chief executive of Chatham House, who thinks it’s make your mind up time for the Israeli government in light of waning Western support for its war in Gaza. Climate editor Jeevan Vasagar pitches Thames Water defaulting on its debt and Stephen Armstrong thinks the US conspiracy theories surrounding the solar eclipse should lead the news.Email: [email protected]:Bronwen Maddox, chief executive of Chatham House and host of Independent ThinkingJeevan Vasagar, climate editor at TortoiseStephen Armstron, reporter at TortoiseHost: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at TortoiseProducer: Rebecca MooreAssistant producer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Lewis VickersTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

An Iranian journalist working for a TV news channel which is critical of Tehran has been stabbed. What does this attack tell us about the lengths Iran will go to to silence its critics? To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell.Tortoise’s political editor Cat Neilan, climate editor Jeevan Vasagar and news editor Jess Winch discuss the World Central Kitchen workers killed in Gaza, shooting Botswana’s elephants and Conservative MP William Wragg’s involvement in a sext scandal. Email: [email protected]:Cat Neilan, political editor at TortoiseJeevan Vasagar, climate editor at TortoiseJess Winch, news editor at Tortoise Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at TortoiseProducers: Rebecca MooreExecutive producer: Jasper CorbettTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

There’s been international condemnation after seven aid workers were killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza. But will it change anything? To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

As India’s election approaches, some Bollywood films are promoting the politics of the country’s prime minister. What does it tell us about Narendra Modi’s influence and his brand of Hindu nationalism?To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.