The Story

Following this week’s elections in Israel, will Benjamin Netanyahu cling on as Prime Minister? Why did Christa Pike’s execution fail? And as Andy Burnham weighs up a return to free movement with the EU, have the political class ever accepted Brexit? You asked, so we answered, in this edition of our monthly Q&A series. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guests: Gabrielle Weiniger, Israel correspondent, The Times and Sunday Times. Oliver Moody, Berlin correspondent, The Times and Sunday Times. Olivia Empson, US correspondent, The Times and Sunday Times. Tom Whipple, Science Writer and Special Correspondent, The Times and Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana, Luke Jones. Producer: Jesse Fox, Paige Reynolds. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Netanyahu edges ahead — but is facing weeks of election wrangling Further listening: The Inside Story of Burnham’s first 100 days Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chancellor John Healey has delivered the first budget of Andy Burnham’s government. It was a deliberately low-key statement marked by a string of small policy announcements, and thin on detail when it came to the government’s two biggest fiscal headaches: defense spending and the ballooning welfare bill. So, did the budget actually deliver? And how will it affect you? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guests: Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times. Rachel Mortimer, deputy money editor, The Times & The Sunday Times. Host: Rosie Wright. Producers: Micaeala Arneson, Jesse Fox, Dave Creasey. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Budget 2026 key points: a summary of the highlights Further listening: The inside story of Burnham’s first 100 days Clips: Parliamentlive.tv Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last Friday, the UK government told British households to have three days’ worth of food and water in their homes, as insurance against national emergencies. Now, the UK is prepping. But what exactly are the threats? Are we lagging behind our European cousins when it comes to readiness? And what do you need to do? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Professor Lucy Easthope, emergency planning and disaster recovery expert and government advisor. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Olivia Case. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Don’t call us preppers, we just want to be prepared Further listening: The inside story of Burnham’s first 100 days Clips: BBC, @the.realsashb / Instagram, @merlemunster / Instagram, thechristycollins / TikTok, @muddlethroughmummy / Instagram, @iamellahudson / Instagram, fatgirls.problems / TikTok, Imperial War Museums, BBC, GBNews, ABC, @SimonClark / YouTube, NewsX / Facebook, Al Jazeera, DW News, FRANCE 24. Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Investigators in the Philippines are looking into Thomas Markle Sr, the father of the Duchess of Sussex, after his son told authorities he had found child sex abuse images at his father’s former home. So, what exactly do we know about the allegations? What could happen next? And is the scandal shifting the narrative around Meghan? Thomas Markle Sr denies the allegations against him. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Kate Mansey, assistant editor & royal editor, The Times & co-host, The Royals podcast. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Sophie McNulty, Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Police suspect Meghan’s father is ‘grossest kind of sex offender’ Further listening: The Royals with Roya and Kate Clips: TalkTV, ITV News, E! News, The Daily T Podcast, The Real Thomas Markle Jr. and Friends - YouTube, Hard Megxit - YouTube, ABC News, Dan Wootton Outspoken - YouTube, 7News, Sky News. Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re publishing our monthly Q&A episode this Friday. Send us your questions by Wednesday, 28 October, 5pm GMT. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Further listening: Q&A: Harry and Meghan return, underground data centres and peace for Ukraine? This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tomorrow is Andy Burnham’s 100th day in office. To mark the occasion, the prime minister sat down for a series of four interviews with The Sunday Times. He tells political editor Ben Riley-Smith how he felt like an imposter when he first came to Westminster, his strategy in dealing with Donald Trump, and how much closer he actually wants to get to Europe. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Ben Riley-Smith, political editor, The Sunday Times. Host: Rosie Wright. Producers: Micaela Arneson, Harry Stott. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: The inside story of Andy Burnham’s first 100 days: ‘I’ve got to be radical’ Further listening: Bonus: Andy Burnham's radical British reset Clips: Sky, Andy Burnham via YouTube, Onlooker UK, BBC, Times Radio, Andy Burnham via X, TalkTV. Photo: Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four schoolgirls in Bicester are asking the government to ban school uniforms in porn, arguing it sexualises minors and puts them at risk. The outfits are a common costume for female performers in pornography, despite the fact that one UK study revealed 35% of girls surveyed had received unwanted sexual attention whilst wearing one. So why is this legal? And could a new piece of legislation make a difference? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guests: Helen Rumbelow, feature writer and columnist, The Times. Rose, Mae, Aylin and Willow, students at the Cooper School in Bicester. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Olivia Case. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: The teen girls campaigning to get school uniform banned from porn Further listening: What happens when we stop reading? Clips: House / Heel and Toe Films / Shore Z Productions / Bad Hat Harry Productions / Universal Television[d] / FOX, The Big Bang Theory / Chuck Lorre Productions / Warner Bros.Television / CBS, Britney Spears / Baby One More Time / Jive, St Trinian's / Ealing Studios / Fragile Films / UK Film Council, BBC. Photo: Philippa James for The Times. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three years ago, the journalist Ann Treneman was told that her husband, Ian, had inoperable cancer. Just six weeks later, Ian had died. As time has moved on, Ann continues to grapple with her loss. The experience has forced her to confront how little she once understood grief, and to consider why something so universal remains so difficult for us to talk about. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Read by: Ann Treneman, notebook columnist, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Robyn Simon. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: What no one tells you about grief: the loss doesn’t heal with time Photo: Grey Hutton for The Times This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Sunday, Brazilians go to the polls to choose their new president. It’s a hugely consequential contest between the incumbent president, left-wing Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and right-wing Flávio Bolsonaro, son of ‘Trump of the Tropics’ Jair Bolsonaro, the jailed former president. But what will it mean if this powerhouse of South America follows so many other countries in the region and swings to the right – and towards the White House? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Stephen Gibbs, contributor, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Olivia Case. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Lula v Bolsonaro Jr: the grudge match to decide who Brazil dislikes least Further listening: The fight to expose Mexico's sex-trafficking capital Clips: CBS, The Guardian, @glglobo, Journal da Gazeta, FlavioBolsonaro / Instagram, AP, CBC, Forbes, CBN, lulaoficial / Instagram. Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday, Labour greenlit Jackdaw, the biggest new British gasfield in almost a decade. But, will it help with energy security or reducing energy bills? And what does it mean for the government's commitment to net zero? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Adam Vaughan, environment editor, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Sophie McNulty, Olivia Case. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Who owns Jackdaw field and how will drilling affect the economy? Further listening: Why does the UK have the most expensive energy in Europe? Clips: Sky News, The Guardian, BBC, ITV, Nigel Farage - YouTube, Times Radio, Real Media, Reuters, Scottish Daily Record, Forbes, News24. Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What began as student protests in France against a struggling education system has erupted into a wider wave of unrest over the rising cost of living and failing public services. Similar grievances have sparked demonstrations across Europe, with violent clashes in Belgium and Italy over the weekend. French authorities have now imposed localised curfews, while declaring a state of emergency remains on the cards. So is Europe facing a wider crisis of public discontent? And is this a tipping point? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Charles Bremner, contributor, The Times. Tom Kington, contributor, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Robyn Simon and Olivia Case. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: How our local school protest set France alight Further listening: The student protests putting Macron’s legacy at risk Clips: Channel 4, France 24, Al Jazeera, Tousi TV, DW News, Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For residents of Kyiv, 2026 has been the deadliest year since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Air defences are virtually nonexistent so strikes and civilian deaths have skyrocketed, making Kyiv’s firefighters evermore crucial. Amid the terror and destruction, they have emerged as heroes – public servants who run towards danger to rescue civilians while being targeted by Russian strikes. For the first time, Ukrainian emergency services have allowed a journalist to embed with them. The Sunday Times’ Tom Watling has the exclusive. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Tom Watling, writer, The Sunday Times. Host: Rosie Wright. Producers: Micaela Arneson and Olivia Case. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: A week with the Kyiv firefighters battling Russian drone strikes Further listening: Sir Anthony Beevor: Russia is ‘a prisoner of their own past’ Clips: Fox, BBC, Newsmax, 9News, TalkTV, Asia One News. Photo: Paula Bronstein for The Sunday Times. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Tenancingo, the country’s sex trafficking capital, children as young as eleven are being forced into prostitution. When they can no longer make money, they ‘disappear’. The state governor has said, it simply does not exist. The women the Sunday Times has spoken to say the problem is worse than anyone knows. Senior correspondent Louise Callaghan travelled to there to investigate. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Louise Callaghan, senior US correspondent, The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Dave Creasey, Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: We exposed sex-trafficking town: now officials admit it's a problem Clips: El Debate News. Photo: Getty. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After an operation in 2022 to detain the leader of a terrorist cell goes wrong, the SAS is plunged into crisis raising questions about the future of Britain’s special forces. Insight, The Sunday Times investigations team, has gathered witness testimony, leaked documents and open source intelligence, meaning the full story can be told for the first time. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Read and reported by: Gabriel Pogrund, editor of Insight, The Sunday Times Venetia Menzies, Insight investigations correspondent, The Sunday Times Emanuele Midolo, Insight investigations correspondent, The Sunday Times Producer: Sophie McNulty Sound designer: Ivan Eastley Read more: SAS in crisis: sent to hunt Isis in Syria. Then arrested for murder Further listening: Posh George: The criminal behind Farage Watch: How the Insight team investigated the special forces scandal Artwork: Nina Krause Get in touch: Call or WhatsApp The Sunday Times’s Insight team: 020 7782 5959 For any tips: insight@sunday-times.co.uk This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The multitude of interconnected wars engulfing the globe are leading many to draw parallels with 1939, the eve of the Second World War. Historian Sir Anthony Beevor – one of the world’s great chroniclers of the 20th century – is one of those raising the alarm, particularly about the threats posed by Russia. Following the release of his new book Rasputin and the Downfall of the Romanovs, we caught up with him at The Times and The Sunday Times-sponsored Cheltenham Literary Festival, to ask what the ‘mad monk’ of late-Imperial Russia can tell us about the country today, and just how dangerous this present moment is. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Sir Anthony Beevor, historian and author of ‘Rasputin: and the downfall of the Romanovs. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Harry Stott. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Antony Beevor: Trump shows signs of dementia. He can’t be controlled Further listening: Russia revives its nuclear armageddon project, Dead Hand Clips: BBC, France 24 English, MSNOW, USA Today, War Archives / Youtube, Old Broadcast / Youtube, Admiral Oliver Franklin Doom / Youtube. Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On November 3, Americans will head to the polls for midterm elections that will determine who controls Congress for the final two years of Donald Trump’s presidency. While Trump himself isn't technically on the ballot, plummeting approval ratings means the elections are shaping up to be a referendum on his leadership. Republicans face a tough fight, even in traditionally conservative states such as Texas, where a fiercely contested Senate race could deliver a major upset. Will Texas really turn blue? And what would a Democratic victory in Texas mean for Trump’s political future? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Katy Balls, Washington editor, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Robyn Simon, Olivia Case. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Trump’s convention hurt my midterm chances, Ken Paxton says in leaked audio Further listening: Could Trump lose MAGA over Iran? Clips: CBS, C-Span, Fox, MS NOW, CNN, CNBC, KTXS News, James Talarico Youtube Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over 300,000 people live in ‘temporary’ or ‘supported’ housing, where government-funded rents have no upper-limit. For The Times’ Welfare Inquiry, investigative lead Katie O’Toole goes undercover at an ‘academy’ training landlords in how to profit off housing society’s most vulnerable. She also hears from tenants stranded in supported housing, where severe financial cliff edges penalise those who work. So, who is getting rich from this uncapped system? What is the human cost for those stuck inside it? And where does the system go from 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/thestory Guests: Fraser Nelson, columnist, The Times. Katie O'Toole, Welfare Inquiry investigative lead, The Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producer: Sophie McNulty. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: The benefits system is failing. We hope to help fix it Clips: Channel 4 News. Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With our reporters following every word in court, the trial of Russell Brand began in earnest today. The prosecution laid out their case, calling Brand “ruthless, calculating, and manipulative…a sexual predator.” Brand has denied all charges against him. Watch or listen to The Trial of Russell Brand every weekday on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or listen on Spotify. Follow the show to never miss an episode. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham announced this week that UK and EU leaders will meet in November to discuss a reset in relations. Brexit has been bad for the country, Burnham said, and a closer relationship with Europe will foster economic growth and strengthen national security. Is he right? What is he hoping to accomplish in November? And is now the time to reopen the fraught debate over Britain’s decision to leave the EU? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Oliver Wright, policy editor, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Micaela Arneson, Robyn Simon. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Andy Burnham: We’re ready for closer ties with the EU Further listening: ‘It’s a disaster’: Leave voters on 10 years of Brexit Clips: House of Commons, Labour Party, The Telegraph, Bloomberg, Euronews, France 24. Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the weekend, the Houthis attacked one of Saudi Arabia’s main airports twice, as well as other locations in the country. Fourteen people are dead so far, with hundreds injured, in what is the deadliest attack on the Kingdom in over a decade. Saudi Arabia is calling for international help, but will anyone come to their aid? And what’s the fallout in a rapidly destabilising region? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Michael Stephens, consultant and senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute and think tank RAND. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Olivia Case and Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Why does Saudi Arabia seem powerless to face down the Houthis? Further listening: What the lightning Houthi advance means for the world Clips: WION, BBC, Sky News, ABC News, Al Jazeera, News24, NBC, CBS, FirstPost. Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel’s general election on October 27th could be the country’s most consequential in its history. In the run up, the prime minister and his right-wing coalition have promoted a vision of the country’s future that is as uncompromising to its friends as its enemies. As the situation at home and abroad grows evermore dire, what impact will the victor have on the likelihood of peace in the middle east and the country's relationship with the rest of the world? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Gabrielle Weiniger, Israel correspondent, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Robyn Simon. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Israel closes British consulate in Jerusalem blaming ‘hostile rhetoric’ Further listening: The ticking time bomb Netanyahu faces at home Clips: CBS, CBC, Global News, Al Jazeera, France 24, CJN, Zeteo. Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The month marks the 20th anniversary of Amy Winehouse’s multi-platinum album Back to Black. Just after the album was released and Amy’s fame was beginning to skyrocket, journalist Ariel Leve met the young 23-year-old in LA for two hours, where Amy gushed about her new husband, laughed off the cruel media scrutiny, and mused about her legacy. That interview would never be seen or heard -- until now. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Ariel Leve, author and journalist. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Taryn Siegel. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Amy Winehouse: the lost interview - 'If I die tomorrow then cool' Further listening: My life with Freddie Mercury Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They’re actors, rock stars, models — and the offspring of very famous parents. Some see this as joining in on the family business. Others see it as an unfair advantage. But is the backlash against them justified? Times Columnist Ben Machell weighs in on the nepo baby debate. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Read by: Ben Machell, feature writer and columnist, The Times. Producers: Harry Bligh, Robyn Simon. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Should we feel sorry for (all) the nepo babies - Beckhams included? Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Siberia last week, a Russian researcher working at an institute specialising in dangerous infectious diseases is believed to have died of unexplained pneumonia. Local media suggested it was pneumonic plague; the Kremlin continues to obfuscate. So what’s really happening? With its history of cover ups, can we trust what Russia is telling the world? And how worried should we be? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guests: Rhys Blakely, science editor, The Times. Marc Bennetts, foreign correspondent, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Olivia Case. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Russia denies a plague outbreak. Its history of coverups is less reassuring Further listening: Is Spain’s PM next for eviction? Clips: The 2nd militarised fire department of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the 6th paramilitary fire and rescue unit at Chernobyl, Dark Docs / YouTube, BBC, ABC, Настоящее Время, KGWNews8, CNN. Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The student protests that have rocked France for weeks reached a crescendo this week, when more than 250,000 teenagers, parents, teachers and union leaders took to the streets to voice their anger over dilapidated school buildings, staff shortages and complicated timetables. Some protests have resulted in shocking violence, and so far, the government has had limited success in quelling the unrest. So is there a fix for the French education system, or do the protests point to a deeper malaise? And what could it all mean for President Macron’s political legacy? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Adam Sage, Paris correspondent, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Micaela Arneson, Harry Bligh. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Why are there student protests in France? The reasons behind the riots Further listening: Why is France in chaos again? Clips: La Press Libre, France24, BBC, Sky News, NBC News. Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch's attack on Reform UK was all about character and her attack on Labour was all about economics. In her speech at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, she said she would to scrap inheritance tax on family homes and that under a Conservative government, couples would be able to leave an extra £1m inheritance tax free to their children. Badenoch was withering about Nigel Farage and Reform UK, saying: "The circus goes on and on and it will never stop because this is who Reform are — so to those who say ‘unite the right’, we are not uniting with that.” This week's episode of The State of It looks at the Conservatives' electoral strategy, their prospects — especially compared with a year ago — and the vibes among their MPs. Guests: Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Ben Riley-Smith, political editor, The Sunday Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tomorrow sees the Greens and Labour battle it out for control of Holborn and St. Pancras, following Keir Starmer’s resignation as the constituency’s MP last month. The stakes are particularly high for the Green candidate and leader Zack Polanski, who wants to prove his party can be a viable alternative to Labour on the left. But what are voters on the ground thinking? We head up to North London to find out. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guests: Will Pavia, news and features writer, The Times. Giles Coren, restaurant critic and columnist, The Times. Sarah Elie, executive director, Somers Town Community Association. Henry Conlon, landlord, the Dublin Castle. Host: Luke Jones. Producer: Harry Stott. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: What do voters in Holborn & St Pancras think of Zack Polanski? Further listening: Has Farage’s Clacton by-election backfired? Clips: ITV, LAFAGARI Media / Facebook. Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez has called a snap election, after losing a key vote on his housing reforms. Protests have been rocking the country since an 87-year-old woman was evicted on a stretcher. Sánchez is gambling that he can leverage the national fury to strengthen his party’s position, but could it backfire? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: David Sharrock, Madrid correspondent, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Paige Reynolds, Olivia Case We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez: I am calling an early election Clips: The Guardian, ABC News, BBC, France 24, Democracy Now, BBC, CBS News, Deutsche Welle Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Sunday Times investigation has found England is in an overprescribing epidemic. Adverse reactions to cocktails of medicines are sending a thousand older people to A&E every day, potentially causing deaths, and costing the NHS billions. So how was this overlooked for so long? And can an already overstretched and underfunded NHS fix the problem? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guests: John Lees, son-in-law of Joseph Darbyshire. Shaun Lintern, health editor, The Sunday Times. Professor Jugdeep Dhesi, consultant geriatrician at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Olivia Case. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Dad died after a fall. Was his prescription of 10 drugs to blame? Further listening: The neuroscientists reconsidering near-death experiences Photo: John and Angela Lees and family. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Times reporter Sasha Nugara fell for a charismatic musician she met online, she didn’t imagine she would end up in a coercive relationship. But love bombing quickly soured into manipulation and violence, and Sasha decided to break free – and seek justice. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Read by: Sasha Nugara, property reporter and columnist, The Times and The Sunday Times. Producers: Paige Reynolds, Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: I’m 26. I never imagined I would be the victim of domestic abuse This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes is one of the world’s greatest living explorers. After he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020, he continued to speak publicly about his career and illness. That is, until 2024. Since then, he hasn’t been seen publicly, and many of those closest to him haven’t been able to reach him. So what is happening with Fiennes? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guests: Ben Ellery, deputy chief reporter, The Times Alex Millington-Cotes, Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ stepson Host: Luke Jones Producer: Robyn Simon We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Ranulph Fiennes ‘back home’ after living in care under assumed names Clips: CNN, Chartwell Speakers, BBC. Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In one of the biggest scandals in English football history, Manchester City football club was found guilty this week on all charges of serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules. So how did we get here? What will happen to Man City, and what does the scandal mean for the future of English football? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Martyn Ziegler, chief sports reporter, The Times and The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Micaela Arneson, Harry Stott. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Manchester City verdict: what happens next? Further listening: The man who revealed Infantino’s world cup disaster Clips: BBC, Sky, talkSPORT, ITV, @LouietheReporter via YouTube, ITN. Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The energy price cap goes up again today by 4% – but more pain is around the corner, with forecasts yesterday suggesting a further 16% rise in the new year. Why are UK energy prices, particularly electricity, much more expensive than the US and even most European countries? And while Andy Burnham is promising radical plans to bring them down, will this be enough? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Tom Whipple, science writer and special correspondent, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Harry Stott. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Why does the UK have the most expensive energy in Europe? Further listening: Does Britain have an energy security problem? Clips: DWS News, Sky News, ITV, Channel 4, Martin Lewis Youtube. Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christa Pike is set to be executed today, making her the first woman to be put to death in Tennessee in 200 years. Ahead of the execution, Pike has spoken with The Times about her regrets, her fears, and what it’s been like awaiting her final hours. Thirty years on from her trial, she wonders, would she have gotten the same sentence in 2026? Warning: This episode contains descriptions of violence, murder, and sexual abuse. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Olivia Empson, US correspondent, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Sophie McNulty, Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Christa Pike: ‘I have a kinship with Lindsay Clancy’ Further listening: He went to jail for exposing America’s darkest 9/11 secret. Should Trump pardon him? Clips: WBIR, Times Radio, PBS, CBS, VICE News. Photo: Tennessee Department of Corrections/Reuters. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Labour party is jubilant. Andy Burnham has fired the starting gun for the next general election with one of the most consequential conference speeches in recent memory. Burnham used the speech to set out a series of major proposals, including an end to the triple lock, the abolition of first-past-the-post and closer ties with Europe. At the heart of his national project is a care service free at the point of use. Burnham has set out his vision which promises to put Britain on a different road. But can he persuade the country to buy it? Guests: Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Ben Riley-Smith, political editor, The Sunday Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When police arrested five men on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and explosive offences at RAF Fairford early Sunday morning, questions swirled: who was behind the foiled plot? Should Britain be concerned about its security vulnerabilities? But then the men were released on bail, and suddenly a different question arose: could this entire saga have been a terrible misunderstanding? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guests: Mario Ledwith, news reporter, The Times. General Sir Richard Barrons, retired British Army general and defence expert. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Robyn Simon, Micaela Arneson, Paige Reynolds. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: RAF Fairford: police investigate possible Iran link to foiled bomb plot Clips: BBC, Sky News. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deep in Russia’s Ural Mountains lies a secret nuclear bunker, guarded by a gate that has never been seen before. Until now. A Sunday Times joint investigation has revealed that the Cold War-era bunker, long thought to be dormant, is being revamped as President Putin seeks to arm the country against potential nuclear attack. So what does this mean for the West? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: John Mooney, investigations editor in Ireland, The Sunday Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producer: Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Revealed: Putin is preparing a base for doomsday nuclear strikes Further listening: The descent into madness under Putin This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When was the last time you read a book? Literacy rates have plummeted across the developed world since the advent of the smartphone and the consequences for society are chilling, says James Marriott. But why does it matter that fewer of us are reading books? And what happens if we all just stop? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: James Marriott, columnist, The Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producer: Jennifer Kennedy. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: The death of reading puts the world in a perilous place Further listening: Inside the British town contaminated by forever chemicals Clips: ABC, DW News, Good Morning America, TMZ, Tucker Carlson Network. Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For centuries, people who’ve survived near-death experiences have told eerily similar and strange stories. They talk of bright lights, a feeling of euphoria, life flashing before their eyes. For much of that time, such accounts were often relegated to the realm of mysticism. But now, some scientists are beginning to reconsider what happens to you when you’re on the very edge of life and death. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Read by: John Naish Producer: Sophie McNulty We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: The neuroscientists who had near-death experiences – and how it changed them Photo: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did King Charles really tell Earl Spencer that Diana would soon be forgotten? In his new memoir, Swan Song, Diana’s brother makes a series of explosive claims about the King’s behaviour following her death — prompting a swift and unusually personal response from Buckingham Palace. Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey are joined by Andrew Morton, author of Diana: Her True Story, to examine Spencer’s disputed account and ask whether the Palace scored a “colossal own goal” by responding. He also reveals where Spencer’s version conflicts with Diana's own account, and explains why he believes the memoir is an attempt to take control of her story ahead of the 30th anniversary of her death. They also discuss William’s reported “multigenerational fury”, Harry’s relationship with the Spencer family and whether the book honours Earl Spencer’s pledge to protect Diana’s sons — or risks them reliving their grief. Who should have the final say over Diana’s story? Get in touch: theroyals@thetimes.co.uk Watch us on YouTube. Read more: Hypocrite Spencer is peddling Diana's privacy, say King's allies Further listening: Catherine, Meghan, Camilla, Diana — the price of marrying a prince Producer: Robert Wallace Video Producer: Eve Chadbourn Executive Producer: Priyanka Deladia Image: Getty This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain’s small boats saga has had a dramatic week. Wednesday saw 781 people arrive in Britain, the highest number of the year, while on Monday a dingy carrying 60 migrants was met at sea by the far-right activist ‘Danny Tommo’. Protests have since engulfed parts of the south coast, but why is this all happening now? And what can the government do to get a handle on it? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Emma Yeomans, news reporter, The Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producers: Jesse Fox, Robyn Simon. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: How Danny Tommo came face to face with migrants in the Channel Further listening: Flights, visas, and kidnappers: The new migrant route to Britain Clips: Danny Tommo YouTube, Channel 5 News, ITV News, BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight, Al Jazeera, The Central Club podcast, Dan Wootton (Facebook), BBC Politics. Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an area just north of Blackpool, a chemical factory sits on the River Wyre. In the past few years, journalists have detected large amounts of forever chemicals in land around the plant. And yesterday, some residents discovered they had high levels of these chemicals in their blood. So, what does this mean? And what can those tested do about it? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: George Odling, senior news reporter, The Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producers: Robyn Simon, Jesse Fox. With audio from: Lara Wildenberg. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Alarm over 'forever chemicals' in blood of Lancashire town residents Clips: CBN News, BBC News, BBC World Service, News4AJAX, ‘Dark Waters’ - Universal Pictures. Photo: James Speakman for The Times. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US president will greet his Chinese counterpart at the start of a state visit later today. The two leaders will hold talks in Washington, DC tomorrow during which artificial intelligence is expected to be high on the agenda. Despite weeks of warnings about the devastation AI could cause to humankind, the two countries are locked in a battle for global domination of the technology. Could Donald Trump and Xi Jinping stop the escalation? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Rana Mitter, professor of US-Asia relations, Harvard Kennedy School. Host: Luke Jones. Producers: Micaela Arneson, Jesse Fox. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: China’s AI is not the best but it can still come first Further listening: Will superintelligent AI destroy humanity? Clips: BBC, LiveNOW from FOX, USA Today, CNBC, C-SPAN. Photo: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham will meet Donald Trump in person for the first time today at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Top of the agenda are the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, North Sea drilling, trade deals and AI. So who wants what? Will there be any curveballs? And can the PM charm his opposite number in this first face-to-face? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Ben Clatworthy, Whitehall editor, The Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producers: Olivia Case, Robyn Simon. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Andy Burnham is set to meet Trump: here are the potential flashpoints Further listening: Has space become the final frontier for war? Clips: Sky, BBC, Channel 4, The Guardian, GB News, AP, Parliament.live, United Nations / YouTube. NBC, France24. Photo: Getty Images and Wikimedia Commons. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anti-Ukrainian sentiment is on the rise in Poland.The rift stems, in part, from a historical dispute over a wartime massacre of Poles 83 years ago, which has bubbled to the surface in recent months. So, how did relations sour so quickly? And what does this mean for Polish support in the war against Russia? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Anthony Loyd, special correspondent, The Times Host: Manveen Rana Producer: Sophie McNulty We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Poland and Ukraine reopen old wounds that lay buried for 80 years Further listening: The Ukrainian plot to sink the Russian economy Clips: BBC, Good Morning Britain, Gazeta Wrocławska, Grzegorz Braun - Facebook, Kancelaria Prezydenta RP - Facebook, RMF24. Photo: Jack Hill/The Times. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.