The Story

President Trump hails 'everlasting peace' in Gaza and promises hostages will be released as early as Monday. But will a ceasefire hold? What changed to allow this breakthrough? And should Trump now win the Nobel peace prize? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Tal Schneider, Political & Diplomatic Correspondent, The Times of Israel.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.Clips: BBC, Al Jazeera, AFP, DawnNews EnglishRead more: Two years on from October 7 attacks, Gazans count the cost of war.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US government has been shut down for more than a week, and Democrats and Republicans are locked in a political blame game. Shutdowns are nothing new in US politics, but this time President Trump has made an unusual threat: to permanently cut hundreds of thousands of jobs and shutter entire government agencies. Is this just a new bargaining tactic to put pressure on Democrats or part of a bigger project to remake the American government? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Lara Spirit, Washington Correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Micaela Arneson and Olivia Case.Read more: Trump warns Democrats the ‘grim reaper is coming’The revenge shutdown: Trump vows to inflict maximum pain on DemocratsClips: CBS, ProPublica, Democracy Now!, @realDonaldTrump / TruthSocial, ABC, MSNBC, NBC News.Music: (Don't Fear) The Reaper / Blue Oyster Cult / Columbia.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When 29-year-old Sophie Rottenberg took her own life, her family later discovered she’d been confiding in a chatbot called ‘Harry’ things that she wasn’t telling any human.This episode discusses suicide and mental health struggles. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. If you’re in the UK, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. If you’re in the US, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Katie Gatens, Commissioning Editor for News Review, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Edith Rousselot.Read more: My daughter used ChatGPT as a therapist, then took her own lifePhoto: Courtesy of the familyGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two years ago Hamas fighters launched a terror attack on Israel, killing more than 1,000 people and taking around 250 hostage.The Hamas-linked Gaza health authorities say tens of thousands have been killed in the subsequent war, which has devastated the area and led to catastrophic food shortages. In the UK today, members of the Jewish community will commemorate the victims of October 7th, while pro-Palestine protests take place on university campuses across the country. How can we protect vulnerable communities while allowing legitimate protest? Should the police be given increasing powers to intervene, or does that pose a threat to democratic freedoms? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Matt Dathan, Home Affairs Editor, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana.   Producer: Shabnam Grewal, Micaela Arneson. Clips: Times News, 10 Downing Street, The Guardian, Suella Braverman via Twitter. Photo: Getty ImagesGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the future for an unpopular party governed by an unpopular leader? That's the question no one will be asking quite so bluntly at the Conservative Party conference this week in Manchester– except possibly The Times political editor Steven Swinford. He discusses whether leader Kemi Badenoch’s days are numbered and explains how the Tories could beat Reform at their own game. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Steven Swinford, Political Editor, The Times. Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Micaela Arneson, Olivia Case. Clips: GB News, Kookydave via YouTube. Photo: Getty ImagesGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, thousands of children have disappeared from their homes. Separated from their families, many were sent to ‘re-education’ camps in Crimea, others, deep into the heart of Russia. So just what is it like for those children?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/thestoryWARNING: This episode contains reference to sexual violence, torture, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. Written and read by: Jane Mulkerrins, Associate Editor of The Times Magazine.Producer: Dave Creasey.Clips: ITV News, France24, Sky News, DRM News, BBC News, Russian National Anthem. Photo: Eva Pentel for The Times Magazine.Read more: I was kidnapped by Russia at 16 — like so many Ukrainian kids Watch the film.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Planet Hope, a podcast from The Times and The Sunday Times in paid partnership with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiative. Each episode is hosted by The Story released as a bonus weekly series on Saturdays.High in the Arctic, beneath Greenland’s ancient ice, lie caves that hold clues to our planet’s past and its future. Climate researcher and Rolex Awards Laureate Gina Moseley leads daring expeditions into these hidden worlds to uncover how our climate has changed over hundreds of thousands of years. She tells Adam Vaughan why exploring these frozen frontiers matters to us all.Planet Hope is brought to you in paid partnership with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiative. Host: Adam Vaughan, environment editor, The TimesGuest: Gina Moseley, climate researcher and Rolex Awards LaureateSeries Producer: Priyanka DeladiaSound Designer: David CracklesThis podcast is advertiser funded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Thursday morning, a suspected Islamist terrorist, Jihad al-Shamie, was confronted by police outside Heaton Park synagogue in Crumpsall on Yom Kippur. He had with him a knife and a fake suicide bomb. Two people, Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, were killed. One of the victims was shot and killed by police, as they opened fire on al-Shamie.This is a special episode of The Story to bring you the latest on this attack.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Ali Mitib, News Reporter, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Olivia Case and Micaela Arneson.Read more: Manchester synagogue attack — follow live.Clips: Sky, BBC, Times Radio, PA, X / @chiefrabbi, The Independent.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Doctors who’ve been disciplined or had their licence revoked for misconduct or incompetence have been able to work in the NHS. A Times investigation has found more than 20 doctors, who are banned in various countries, but have somehow acquired the right to treat patients here – sometimes with devastating consequences. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: George Greenwood, Investigations Reporter, The TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducer: Shabnam Grewal Read more: The doctors banned from practising abroad cleared to treat in NHSFurther listening: Dubai Unlocked: The convicts secretly investing millions in the EmiratesGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis episode includes references to sexual abuse. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse, help is available. The Survivors Trust provides support and signposting for women, men and children who are survivors of rape, sexual violence or childhood sexual abuse. Phone: 0808 801 0818 or visit the Survivors Trust website Survivors UK provides support for men and non-binary survivors of sexual abuse Survivors UK website  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week The Times is launching a new politics podcast. We're dropping the first episode here -- subscribe to The State of It for free, wherever you get your podcasts, to tune in every week.Welcome to The State of It, coming to you from Liverpool where the Labour Party is finishing its annual conference. Keir Starmer's team seem happy after his leader's speech, but what are his MPs really saying about him? Was he wise to call Nigel Farage a racist? How will Rachel Reeves balance the books in November's budget? Oh, and which cabinet ministers excelled at last night's karaoke?This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times.Featuring:Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesCaroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesGabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday TimesProducer: Euan DawtreyExecutive producer: Molly Guinness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump have agreed to a 20-point peace plan to end the war in Gaza. But hardliners on both sides are already condemning it. So what chance does it have? And how does Tony Blair fit in?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Gabrielle Weiniger, Israel Correspondent, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.Clips: AP, Twitter / @netanyahu.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Off the coast of Venezuela, a small armada of US navy warships and a fleet of fighter jets have struck several small boats, killing 17 people. The Trump administration says the boats were carrying drugs to the US; Venezuela says they were fishing vessels. But does President Trump really care about winning the war on drugs? Or is there another motive?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Jon Bonfiglio, journalist in Latin America. Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Micaela Arneson. Read more: Trump has Maduro in his sights. Will it mean war in the Caribbean?Clips: NBC News, Bloomberg News, Forbes Breaking News, Republic World, US Justice Department, Diario AS.Photo: Getty Images. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com      Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Labour conference ramps up in Liverpool, we bring together three of The Times' keenest political minds to discuss the three biggest problems facing the government. Are the scandals which have beset ministers, the sluggish growth of the economy, and stubbornly high levels of small boat crossings Labour's fault, and could they prove terminal for Keir Starmer?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Aubrey Allegretti, Chief Political Correspondent, The Times, Mehreen Khan, Economics Editor, The Times, Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall Editor, The Sunday Times. Host: Luke Jones.Producers: Olivia Case, Micaela Arneson.Clips: Sky, BBC, 5 News, Youtube / @Farage Reform, The Times. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Alpha School in Austin, Texas is hoping to revolutionise education forever, swapping teachers for laptop lessons and AI, and motivating pupils with cold, hard cash. Is this the future of education?Guest: Danny Fortson, Co-host of The Times Tech Podcast and The Sunday Times' West Coast Correspondent.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Dave Creasey.Read more: This primary school got rid of teachers — and the parents approveHear more: Open AI’s Sam Altman: ‘We’re about to empower people more than ever before’ .Clips: Modern Wisdom, NBC News.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Planet Hope, a podcast from The Times and The Sunday Times in paid partnership with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiative. Each episode is hosted by The Story released as a bonus weekly series on Saturdays.In the remote Himalayan valley of Humla, Rinzin Phunjok Lama is protecting endangered species like the snow leopard and wild yak. Using Buddhist principles, local knowledge, and community-led conservation, he is tackling climate change in one of the world’s harshest landscapes. He tells Adam Vaughan why saving one Himalayan valley matters to the world.Host: Adam Vaughan, Environment Editor, The TimesGuest: Rinzin Phunjok Lama, Conservation Biologist and Rolex Award LaureateSeries Producer: Priyanka DeladiaSound Designer: David CracklesThis podcast is advertiser funded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As England’s Red Roses head into the World Cup final tomorrow, it might be the largest audience that women’s rugby has ever seen. With its TikTok superstars and crocheting players, it’s creating new fans and connecting with people in ways the men's teams can only dream of. So why has it taken so long to get here?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Elgan Alderman, Co-host, The Times' Rugby podcast, The Ruck.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Shabnam Grewal.Read more: Rugby World Cup: how Canada ‘crowdfunded’ way to finalFurther listening: The Ruck: Women's Rugby World Cup final preview!Clips: @worldrugby, BBCSport, ITN News, @mandabed, @rugbyworldcup, @nwsirensgirlsrfu, @ilonamaher, Whistledown Productions, BBC Radio4, englandrugby.Photo: Getty ImagesGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A geopolitical battle between Russia and the EU will unfold this Sunday as Moldovans vote in a pivotal parliamentary election. The result could steer the country closer to the EU, or back towards Moscow. With Russia accused of bribery and vote rigging to sway the outcome in its favour, which path will Moldova choose?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Jack Clover, assistant foreign editor, The Times.Host: Manveen RanaProducer: Edith Rousselot and Dave CreaseyRead more: Inside Putin’s propaganda playground — cash, clicks and clergyClips: European Parliament Youtube channel, DW News, AP News. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An undercover Times investigation reveals how US-inspired Christian activists are running services across the UK, offering pro-life advice to those looking for impartial support. They also recommend exploring an ‘abortion reversal pill’, against national guidelines. So who are these groups, and what is their real mission?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Constance Kampfner, Northern Correspondent, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Rosie Stopher.Photo: YouTube/March for Life UK / Composite design by Cecilia Tombesi.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump has publicly linked the use of Tylenol, or paracetamol, during pregnancy to an increased risk of autism, despite experts saying the connection is unproven. The extraordinary announcement came after months of dramatic changes at US public health bodies, spearheaded by the health secretary and vaccine sceptic Robert F Kennedy Jr. So, how did health become politicised in America? And could the same thing happen in the UK? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: David Charter, assistant editor (US), The Times, Tom Whipple, science writer and special correspondent, The Times.Host: Rosie Wright. Producers: Micaela Arneson and Shabnam Grewal. Read more: Trump to claim taking Tylenol in pregnancy is linked to autismFurther listening: The momfluencers embracing ‘Make America Healthy Again Clips: Forbes Breaking News, NBC News, WHAS11, PBS Newshour,New York Post, Joe Rogan Experience, Lex Fridman, Club Random with Bill Maher, MSNBC, ABC News, ITV News.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK, Australia and Canada have formally recognised Palestine as a state ahead of high level meetings at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly this week. But as the votes and debates continue, little seems to change outside the diplomatic bubble. We discuss with a former Deputy Secretary-General of the UN what relevance the organisation still holds. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Mark Malloch-Brown, former Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Read more: https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/britain-recognise-palestine-state-9fz0pvq87 Clips: United Nations, ABC, Getty, Clinton Presidential Library, The Economic Times, Sky News, Al Jazeera, Global News.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com      Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.