This Is Why

It’s been 25 years since a crew of astronauts first stepped foot on the International Space Station – and it’s been occupied ever since.  The station itself will be “de-orbited” in 2030, but naturally humankind’s ambition to explore the universe remains as limitless as ever.  What will the new space race between the US and China look like? Or could the ambitions of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos take us into another dimension? Niall is joined by Sky’s science correspondent Thomas Moore. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill 

Work Christmas parties might be in full swing - but many young people are simply wishing they had a job to go to.  Figures show the unemployment rate has risen again and those aged between 16 and 24 have been hit the hardest. Nowadays it seems not even a degree is enough to land you a job - so what’s causing youth unemployment and what can be done to reduce it? Niall is joined by social media influencer and careers adviser Soshanna Davis - better known as the Fairy Job Mother. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill 

The world was shocked to see the scenes at Bondi Beach – one of Australia’s most iconic locations – after 15 people were shot dead and dozens more injured when two gunmen opened fire on members of the Jewish community at a Hanukkah celebration. What did intelligence and law authorities know of the suspects – a father and son - and what more could have been done to confront a rise in antisemitic attacks across Australia? Niall is joined by Sky’s Nicole Johnston – who was at the scene within an hour – and finds out more about the sense of inevitability and foreboding amongst Australian Jews with Josh Roose – an associate professor of politics, specialising in extremism, at Deakin University. Producers: Tom Gillespie & Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill 

He’s the most streamed artist on the planet and will headline the Super Bowl halftime show – so, who is Bad Bunny? The star dubbed the 'King of Latin Trap’ has become a household name across the US and Latin America – but his political stance and decision to cancel concerts over fears they would be targeted by immigration raids has caused controversy. Niall is joined by Anamaria Sayre, co-host of Alt.Latino, curator and producer for NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, to understand Bad Bunny’s career to date and what could be next. Producers: Soila Apparicio, Emily Hulme & Natalie Ktena Editor: Mike Bovill 

The NHS is warning of a worst-case scenario over Christmas as an "unprecedented wave of super flu" drives infections across the country.  An average of 2,660 patients were in hospital a day with flu last week - the highest ever for this time of year and up 55% on the week before.  There is no peak in sight - so what's caused the predominant H3N2 strain to emerge and can the NHS cope with the extra pressure?  Niall is joined by NHS GP and health educator Dr Raj Arora and Sky's science correspondent Thomas Moore.  Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill 

Kiki Marriott is one of the thousands of people in the UK whose life has spiralled out of control because of gambling addiction. However, research has shown that while people from ethnic minorities like Kiki are actually less likely to gamble than their white counterparts – they are more likely to suffer harm from gambling and less likely to seek help. Why is this? And what can be done to help those most in need feel more comfortable with getting support? Niall is joined by Kiki and Sky News correspondent Emma Birchley. Warning: This podcast contains references to addiction, substance abuse and suicide. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill     

Earlier this year, Donald Trump launched a series of punitive tariffs that in turn ignited a trade war that has changed the way we look at the established global economy.  As we head towards the first anniversary of Trump’s second term in office, what has been the impact of those tariffs both in the USA and around the world? Niall is joined by Sky’s economics and data editor, Ed Conway, who has been on the road to see how Trump’s tariffs have affected everyone from small businesses to global conglomerates. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Mike Bovill 

“Too many women and babies are not getting the safe, compassionate care they deserve.”  The starkest of warnings has been issued by the president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Professor Ranee Thakar, about the failures in maternity services across the country. A new Sky documentary, Birth Trauma: The women who weren’t listened to, tells the stories of three women who were failed by the NHS.  But why is maternity care so bad in the UK? And what can be done to improve the experiences of women and babies? Niall is joined by Leah Hazard, a practising NHS midwife and bestselling author of Hard Pushed: A Midwife’s Story, to understand what leads to negative birth experiences and what changes she hopes a national inquiry will recommend. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill 

Imagine setting up a political party and then boycotting day one of its first conference.It's an unusual thing to do - but exactly what Your Party co-founder Zarah Sultana did last weekend.The former Labour MP isn't the first politician to struggle after defecting to set up a new movement.What's the story behind the left-wing 32-year-old - and how do you successfully set up a new party?Niall is joined by Sky News political correspondent Rob Powell, who attended Your Party's chaotic inaugural conference.Producer: Natalie KtenaEditor: Mike Bovill

Grooming gangs continue to plague our communities. Through the voices of the survivors themselves, a new Sky documentary tells the story of the gangs and how they continue to exploit young girls.   Liz Lane and Sarah O’Connell are specialist producers who have been working with vulnerable and groomed women and girls for years, giving them the chance to tell their stories. They join Niall to talk about Scarlett and Danielle, and the reality of the abuse they’ve suffered. You can watch Prey: Inside today’s grooming gangs on Sky News or our YouTube channel here. Warning: this episode deals with grooming, drugs, violence and child sexual exploitation. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Mike Bovill 

Lucy was 13 when she was robbed by the drug gang she was working for and then stabbed as punishment. Now in her 20s and living in a refuge, Lucy was one of thousands of children exploited by violent drug gangs. A decade after authorities first identified the emergence of "county lines" dealing, parents and former child runners have spoken about the devastating impact on their lives. Niall is joined by Sky's home affairs editor Jason Farrell. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill 

David Lammy has set out radical plans to limit jury trials to only the most serious of crimes.The deputy prime minister argues the move will help tackle a backlog of court cases which has “pushed the justice system to the brink of collapse”.The plans have been heavily criticised, not least by the opposition. But if restricting the right to a jury trial isn’t the answer, then what is?Niall is joined by Dr Rebecca Helm, professor of law and empirical legal studies at the University of Exeter, and Sky News correspondent Dan Whitehead.Producers: Emily Hulme and Tom GillespieEditor: Mike Bovill

From being shot at in Syria to navigating the gang-controlled streets of Haiti, a new YouTube series is shining a light on some of Sky’s most hard-hitting journalism. Hotspots takes you behind the scenes in hostile environments around the world to deliver the story behind the story. Our correspondents Stuart Ramsay and Alex Crawford join Niall Paterson to discuss their important work and where they’d like to go next. You can watch Hotspots here: youtube.com/@SkyNewsHotspots And subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.  Producers: Tom Gillespie & Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill 

The Office for Budget Responsibility has attracted huge criticism, and anger from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, after mistakenly revealing the details of her budget hours before she delivered it. But the watchdog already had its critics. Liz Truss says she never realised how powerful the OBR was and that it should be abolished. And Sir Keir Starmer has criticised the OBR's assessment of his government's fiscal plans. So how will the budget leak affect the OBR's future? Niall talks to Ed Conway, Sky's economics and data editor about exactly what the OBR is, whether it has too much power and if it will survive. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Wendy Parker 

A climbdown from the government over workers' rights. Is it another manifesto breach?A member of the National Guard who was shot near the White House on Wednesday has died. It’s sparked a fiery debate over immigration in the US.And an incredible story about one of the rarest operations you can have.Anna Jones and Kamali Melbourne have the day's news, in just 10 minutes.Follow Cheat Sheet here to never miss an episode: https://podfollow.com/cheatsheet/

A US clinic is offering would-be parents the chance to select traits like height and intelligence to "genetically optimise" their future babies on top of the usual screenings for hereditary diseases.Critics of the start-up company have questioned the ethics of this and experts in human genetics are also questioning the science behind it.Niall talks to Sky's science and technology editor Tom Clarke about what the concerns are.Producer: Tom GillespieEditor: Wendy Parker

A £26bn tax rise, pension changes and an accidental OBR publication. There's a lot to unpack from the Chancellor Rachel Reeves's budget.US President Donald Trump has responded to the shooting of two national guard members who were targeted near the White House.There's been a fatal fire in Hong Kong with 300 people still missing.And the Prince of Wales has told John Cleese his children have just discovered his hit 1970s sitcom Fawlty Towers and "love it".Sophy and Wilf get you up to speed on all the day's news, in just 10 minutes.Follow Cheat Sheet here to never miss an episode: 'https://podfollow.com/cheatsheet/ 

Will you be better or worse off than you were before Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced her tax and spending plans in her long-awaited budget? From the minimum wage and scrapping of the two-child benefit cap to ISA caps and tax threshold freezes, Niall looks at how the budget will impact you with personal finance expert Iona Bain. Producers: Tom Gillespie and Araminta Parker Editor: Wendy Parker 

Tax rises are expected in the chancellor’s budget. But will Rachel Reeves break any manifesto promises?A leaked memo suggests only murder, rape and manslaughter trials will be heard before juries under a radical plan to clear a backlog of nearly 80,000 court cases. The Ministry of Justice says "no final decision" has been taken.And has the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer killed off the 6-7 trend?Sophy and Wilf have everything you need to know, minus the doomscrolling, in just 10 minutes.

Are you prepared to fight for your country?That's the question Emmanuel Macron will be asking the young people of France this week when he announces a plan to introduce voluntary military service.The threat posed by Russia and a US that has a questionable commitment to NATO means Mr Macron isn't the only European leader who has had to ponder such a move.Should the UK follow France's lead and introduce some form of military service?Niall is joined by former armed forces minister James Heappey.Producer: Tom GillespieEditor: Mike Bovill

The chancellor's called for unity among Labour MPs - 24 hours before she reveals her budget.Meanwhile, the prime minister's hosting a call between European allies to push for a better peace plan for Ukraine.Ofcom's brought in new guidance to protect women and girls online - but will it make those in the public eye feel any safer?And Max Whitlock - Britain's most successful gymnast ever - has come out of retirement.Sophy and Wilf have everything you need to know, minus the doomscrolling, in just 10 minutes.Click here to never miss an episode: https://podfollow.com/cheatsheet/

Is it time for an NHS screening programme for prostate cancer? The disease is the most common cancer affecting men in the UK and kills more than 12,000 men every year. A decision is expected to be made by the National Screening Council later this week. Now, former prime minister Lord Cameron has become the latest high-profile figure to reveal his own diagnosis and has called for a national programme to target the groups most at risk. But could an increase in overdiagnosis do more harm than good? Niall is joined by Sky’s science and medical correspondent Thomas Moore to discuss. You can find out more information on prostate cancer at www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/ Producer: Araminta Parker Editor: Mike Bovill 

Two days out from Wednesday's big budget, Sophy and Wilf talk through what they're looking out for.Ukraine peace talks in Geneva continue today.David Cameron reveals he's been treated for prostate cancer.And - a big London derby game ends in tears for Tottenham, as Eberechi Eze scores a hat-trick in a 4-1 win for Arsenal.Sophy and Wilf have everything you need to know, minus the doomscrolling, in just 10 minutes.

She’s the Labour home secretary winning praise from the Tories and Reform UK – no wonder Shabana Mahmood’s crackdown on immigration has grated with some of her own backbenchers. But what is driving Mahmood's stance on small boats, and can her ideas land for Labour? Niall is joined by the former Conservative cabinet minister turned Spectator editor, Lord Michael Gove, who talks of his admiration for Shabana Mahmood. They also discuss her approach to politics and immigration policy as well as her leadership ambitions.  Producer: Soila ApparicioEditor: Mike Bovill

Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he's ready to work on a peace plan put together by just the US and Russia. UK drugs could be funding Russia's war effort. Plus, energy bills will rise by 0.2% in January, 35% higher than they were before the Ukraine war.And the Ashes are off to a worrying start for England, but there's still hope yet.Anna Jones and Kamali Melbourne have the day's news in just 10 minutes.

It's perhaps no coincidence that Trump's latest peace plan has dropped just as President Zelenskyy is having to deal with the biggest corruption scandal his government has faced so far. The latest plan was drawn up in secret with Russia and depends on huge concessions from Ukraine. Joining Niall is our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn to discuss what's in the 28-point plan and whether a perceived weakness of Zelenskyy's position is why it has come out now. Plus, Jaroslava Barbieri, research fellow at the Ukraine Forum at Chatham House on the details of the growing corruption scandal engulfing the Ukrainian government. Producer: Emily HulmeEditor: Wendy Parker

Defence Secretary John Healey sent a direct warning to Russia after a ship was spotted off the north coast of Scotland.US special envoy Steve Witkoff's post on X has suggested the US and Russia may be forming a secret plan to end the war in Ukraine.And authors say they fear AI replacing them entirely.Plus - why are MPs reading dad jokes in the Commons?Sophy and Wilf have everything you need to know, minus the doomscrolling, in just 10 minutes.

Defence Secretary John Healey sent a direct warning to Russia after a ship was spotted off the north coast of Scotland.US special envoy Steve Witkoff's post on X has suggested the US and Russia may be forming a secret plan to end the war in Ukraine.And authors say they fear AI replacing them entirely.Plus - why are MPs reading dad jokes in the Commons?Sophy and Wilf have everything you need to know, minus the doomscrolling, in just 10 minutes.

When a British father, Matt Jeffrey, was killed by a single punch during a stag do on the Greek island of Zante, two men were convicted. But now a Sky News investigation has identified a new suspect - a man who has potentially evaded justice for years.  In this episode, Niall speaks to Jason about the devastating impact of ‘one-punch’ violence, the emotional toll on Matt’s family and the complexities of an international legal battle.  Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill 

Scotland have secured their place in the football World Cup for the first time in 28 years.In the US, politicians have voted to approve a bill forcing the release of files relating to child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.And we explain why President Trump's hosting of the Saudi Arabian crown prince is controversial.Plus, could the UK defend itself in an attack? A new report suggests not.Sophy and Wilf have everything you need to know, minus the doomscrolling, in just 10 minutes.

More than 100 companies are being warned by the competition watchdog in a crackdown on online pricing. If you’re not on your toes, it can be a tricky and expensive world to navigate for consumers at a time when money is tight and many are feeling the squeeze. Fortunately, the Sky News Money blog has launched its Consumer Rights Week - where the team is helping customers with disputes and offering tips to save your hard-earned cash. Do you know your rights and are you getting bang for your buck? Niall is joined by the Money blog’s Jess Sharp. Producers: Tom Gillespie and Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill 

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood is defending asylum reforms some Labour MPs are calling "cruel and inhumane". Also, the UN has passed Trump's peace plan for Gaza.And the government is set to ban ticket touts reselling tickets way above face value. Sophy and Wilf talk about how that's happened following a Competition and Markets Authority report which said Ticketmaster "may have misled Oasis fans" with unclear pricing. Although not about reselling, it did lead to promises to make sales more transparent. Everything you need to know, minus the doomscrolling, in just 10 minutes.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced a radical overhaul of the UK's immigration system, by copying a model that has been seemingly successful in Denmark. That, of course, depends on how you define "successful". Although asylum claims are down, many feel the country's tough approach raises moral and legal questions. Labour hopes Denmark's tried and tested method will help it win over anti-immigration voters here, but what about the social and economic consequences? Is the Danish model right for the UK? Gareth Barlow is joined by Michelle Pace, a professor in global studies at the Department of Social Sciences and Business at Roskilde University in Denmark. Producers: Tom Gillespie and Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill 

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is announcing some of the biggest reforms to the asylum system since WWII. Trump has U-turned on the Epstein files, calling for Republicans to vote for their release. And house prices have fallen below their expected level. Sophy and Wilf explain the reforms, give their take on Trump and discuss why house prices are one to watch in today's episode of cheat sheet - all you need to know, in under 10 minutes.

Who is Sir Robbie Gibb and is he the most influential figure at the BBC? In a week marred by controversy, the organisation has seen the departure of two senior figures and has made an apology to the US president over an edited clip of a speech to his followers on 6 January.  There are rumours that the BBC's director general and chief executive were brought down as part of an "inside job" centred around one man – Sir Robbie – a non-executive director at the BBC. However, a friend of Sir Robbie has hit back at such suggestions, describing them to Deadline as "absolute nonsense". In this episode, Niall is joined by Jake Kanter, the international investigations editor at Deadline to discuss Mr Gibb’s role at the BBC and why it is seen as controversial. Producer: Tom Gillespie & Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont 

Reports say income tax won't increase in Rachel Reeves's budget - but where will the chancellor find the money for government spending shortfalls?The BBC responds to Donald Trump's threat of a $1bn lawsuit as the US president's deadline looms.Plans are laid out for renters and landlords under huge reforms.And an intruder gets onto the Wicked 'yellow carpet' premiere in Singapore. He's been charged with being a public nuisance by a Singapore court. Anna and Kamali get you up to speed on all the day's news, in just 10 minutes.Tap to never miss an episode: 'https://podfollow.com/cheatsheet/ 'Follow Cheat Sheet here

A tricky week for Wes Streeting was eased ever so slightly by the news NHS waiting lists have shrunk – if not by much. But the health secretary will still be nursing his bruises a day after having to deny he was plotting to oust the prime minister.  If he really is in the waiting room hoping to enter Number 10 it would help if his NHS record was given a positive diagnosis. Mr Streeting talks a good game – so what’s the true state of the NHS under his leadership? Niall is joined by former NHS Trust chairman Roy Lilley and health correspondent Ashish Joshi. Producer: Natalie KtenaEditor: Mike Bovill

New emails and documents provide an insight into the relationship between Donald Trump and the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. He has repeatedly denied any involvement or knowledge about Epstein's sex trafficking operation.Meanwhile, research shows children are using e-cigarettes more than adults and are even skipping school to vape. And toy sales are up as 'kidults' buy Minecraft and Lego.Sophy and Wilf get you up to speed on all the day's news, in just 10 minutes.Tap to never miss an episode: 'https://podfollow.com/cheatsheet/ 'Follow Cheat Sheet here

Sir Keir Starmer is standing on the edge of a black hole.The budget is looming and Downing Street believes some of the prime minister’s own MPs may move against him if it is badly received. Much of the jitters within Labour swirl around the filling of a black hole in the public finances that may actually be self-imposed and self-inflicted.Niall is joined by our data and economics editor Ed Conway - who explains everything you need to know about a fiscal black hole that might not actually really exist.Producer: Tom GillespieEditor: Mike Bovill 

Nonita had a voice, but nobody heard it.Aged just 18 and in care, Nonita was hit and killed b y a moving train – despite repeatedly warning the professionals responsible for her that she planned to take her own life.Shocked by Nonita's untimely death, Katharine Bryson - a volunteer who had worked with her - became determined to find out who knew what, and when.What she uncovered horrified her – and it's a story the state never wanted to be told.Niall is joined by Sky's people and politics correspondent Nick Martin.Warning: this podcast contains descriptions of suicide and self-harm.If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, help and support is available. You can call Samaritans free on 116 123 anytime day or night. You can also email [email protected] or visit www.samaritans.org to find support online.For more on this story, you can watch the full documentary on the Sky News website.Producers: Tom Gillespie & Araminta ParkerEditor: Mike Bovill

The row over how President Trump was portrayed in a Panorama programme has proved to be a scandal too far for embattled BBC bosses. Director-general Tim Davie and BBC News chief executive Deborah Turness have both resigned. Mr Trump's lawyers are demanding the BBC retracts the "false" statements in the documentary or face legal action for $1bn (£760m) in damages. Many will feel their departures were inevitable after questions over the way a Trump speech was edited sparked concerns about the corporation's impartiality. Niall is joined by former Panorama editor and host of the Beeb Watch podcast Roger Bolton to discuss the fallout. Producer:  Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill  

A revenge record from the pop star Lily Allen has led to a storm of negative headlines for its alleged inspiration – her estranged husband, David Harbour.  It’s unfortunate timing for the Stranger Things star – with the final season of the Netflix hit dropping at the end of November.  As if that wasn’t enough, there have also been allegations of workplace bullying on the set of the show that made him a superstar. What does all this mean for Harbour? And will it affect the finale of one of Netflix’s biggest blockbusters? Niall is joined by Sky’s entertainment editor Claire Gregory and Emily Bootle, Culture Commissioning Editor at The i Paper. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Mike Bovill  

Have you been feeling a bit more right wing recently? If you're an avid user of X then it appears Elon Musk is trying to make that the case.For the first time, a Sky News investigation has uncovered how the social media platform's algorithm amplifies right-wing and extreme content.Niall is joined by Sky News data and forensics journalists Tom Cheshire and Kaitlin Tosh.Producer: Tom GillespieEditor: Mike Bovill

With the leaders of some of the world's most polluting countries - the US, China and India - set to skip it, is the COP climate conference irrelevant? The event in Brazil next week marks three decades of target-setting and financial pledges - yet temperatures are still rising and so are emissions.Were all those promises a load of hot air? Have dreams of net zero gone up in smoke?Niall is joined by our science and technology editor Tom Clarke who is at the summit.Producer: Araminta ParkerEditor: Mike Bovill

Fatal crashes caused by young drivers inflict untold suffering on survivors and the loved ones left behind. But what about the trauma experienced by first responders? They are part of the so-called ripple effect caused by the aftermath of tragedies on UK roads - and their stories are rarely told. Niall is joined by Sky correspondent Dan Whitehead, who spoke to NHS workers about their experiences. Producers: Tom Gillespie and Araminta Parker Editor: Mike Bovill  

From stabbing attacks to assaults and antisocial behaviour, do you still feel safe taking the train?  On Saturday evening, 11 people were injured on board a high-speed train travelling between Doncaster and London.  The rampage might well have been worse if it wasn’t for the actions of the staff on the train and the swift response from the emergency services. But can we every truly be prepared for such an attack?  Niall discusses whether similar incidents are unavoidable with policing commentator Graham Wettone and Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt.   Producers: Tom Gillespie & Araminta Parker Editor: Mike Bovill  

Police are still trying to work out the motive for Saturday’s mass stabbing on a train from Doncaster to London. Sophy has spoken to the sole survivor of the Air India crash which killed 241 people back in June. And Wilf has heard from the US ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens, who wants the UK to keep drilling for oil and gas.

From Monday, Sky News has a new podcast for your morning commute.Sophy Ridge and Wilf Frost will be up early to get across the news so you don't have to.Cheat Sheet is a 10 minute briefing of all the big stories as you start your day.And you'll still have the Sky News Daily to drill down into one topic as you come home. In your feeds around 6am every weekday, from Monday November 3rd.

The King has announced that his brother, Andrew, will lose the title of ‘Prince’ which he was born with, and will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The unprecedented move comes after ongoing revelations about Andrew’s relationship with the paedophile, Jeffrey Epstein. It also comes after the release of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, a woman who claimed to have had sex with Andrew when she was underage. Once the ‘golden boy’ of the royal family, Andrew was widely thought to be his mother – Queen Elizabeth’s favourite child. But continuing scandal and revelations has resulted in this week’s move by the King. Gareth Barlow is joined by Sky’s royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills to understand what’s next for Andrew and whether the Royal Family can finally draw a line under the matter. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont

Tens of thousands of people were killed in the Sudanese city of Al Fashir in the days after it was captured by a paramilitary group, analysts believe. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been at war with Sudan's army since 2023 and have been accused of carrying out ethnically-motivated mass killings and other atrocities.Now, new satellite images appear to show ground stained with blood and scattered corpses around Al Fashir.Are these images evidence of a genocide?Mark Austin is joined by Sky News' Africa Correspondent, Yousra Elbagir.Producers: Tom Gillespie and Araminta ParkerEditor: Philly Beaumont