The Story

Martina Lees, Senior Property Writer for The Sunday Times, shares insights from her investigation into the cladding scandal that follows tragic fires, including the Grenfell tragedy. She recounts the heartbreaking story of Catherine Hickman, who lost her life due to inadequate cladding. The discussion uncovers the discrepancies in fire safety regulations and the alarming practices by companies like Trespa. With compelling stories, it emphasizes the pressing need for accountability and reform in building safety standards across the UK.

Join crime editor Ben Ellery as he uncovers the intriguing rise of 'polygamous workers,' individuals secretly juggling multiple full-time jobs, a trend accelerated by the pandemic. The conversation dives into the motivations behind this phenomenon, including the quest for financial security and the defiance of traditional work norms. Ben shares gripping stories of those navigating the complexities of dual employment, shedding light on the ethical dilemmas and potential legal repercussions involved. A fascinating look at modern workforce dynamics!

In this compelling discussion, Anthony Loyd, The Times' Special Correspondent known for his frontline reporting, shares gripping insights from Sudan's ongoing civil war. He unearths the devastating human cost, highlighting the tragic stories of families torn apart by violence and the staggering toll of over 150,000 lives lost. Loyd delves into the complexities of the conflict and the frightening experiences of women like Rahaf, revealing the urgent need for global awareness of this forgotten war. He challenges listeners to recognize the hidden narratives that shape this crisis.

Richard Teng, the new CEO of Binance, brings his vision for the future of cryptocurrency after the controversies of his predecessor. He discusses the vital need for the crypto industry to adapt to shifting political landscapes and recent regulatory changes. Teng addresses Binance's historical challenges, the importance of compliance, and the potential for regrowth in the U.S. market. The podcast also touches on the growing significance of stable coins in global transactions and the evolving culture within the cryptocurrency space.

Helen Rumbelow, a feature writer and columnist for The Times, delves into the tragic story of Virginia Giuffre, a key accuser of Jeffrey Epstein. The discussion highlights Giuffre's idyllic childhood juxtaposed with the horrors of her abuse, her unsettling encounters with Prince Andrew and Ghislaine Maxwell, and her brave journey towards liberation. Rumbelow also reflects on the impact of Giuffre's tragic death and the ongoing fight for justice faced by survivors, emphasizing her legacy of courage amidst a broken system.

Megan Agnew, Senior Features Writer for The Times and Sunday Times, dives into the world of Sean Combs, better known as P Diddy. She discusses his rise to fame in the hip-hop scene and the legal troubles he now faces, including serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. Agnew reflects on the encounter between celebrity glamour and the harsh realities of his past, revealing how his infamous parties and high-pressure leadership style contributed to his controversial legacy. With his trial looming, she examines the challenges ahead for Combs.

Nigel Farage is throwing the kitchen sink at Labour and he’s not being subtle about it. As Reform UK ramps up its local election efforts, Farage is fielding candidates in councils up and down the country. But the real showdown is in Runcorn and Helsby, where Reform is plotting a high-profile coup in the upcoming by-election. What’s at stake in Runcorn, and why should Keir Starmer be worried?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: Geraldine Scott, The Times’ Senior Political Correspondent.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Taryn Siegel and Edith Rousselot. Further reading: Labour and Reform in fierce battle for Runcorn & Helsby seatClips: Sky News, Reform UK Youtube, Nigel Farage Youtube and Facebook, Channel 4, Green Party TikTok, Liberal Democrats Youtube.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Whipple, a science writer at The Times, dives into the intriguing realm of de-extinction. He discusses the recent achievement of recreating dire wolves and the ambitious plans to bring back woolly mammoths and dodos. The conversation brings forth ethical dilemmas surrounding authenticity and biodiversity. Whipple also highlights the business potential tied to these revived species, sparking thoughts on the balance between human intervention and ecological harmony in this groundbreaking genetic revolution.

Gerard Baker, a columnist for The Times and Editor-at-Large for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the explosive legal showdown between Harvard and the Trump administration over substantial funding cuts. He discusses the implications for academic freedom and how government demands could threaten the integrity of educational institutions. Baker also draws intriguing parallels to McCarthyism, highlighting the ongoing struggles with free speech and ideological conformity in academia. Tune in for a thought-provoking analysis of these critical issues.

Mark Sellman, a Technology correspondent at The Times, and Helen Rumbelow, a Feature writer also from The Times, dive into Australia’s groundbreaking law that blocks social media access for users under 16. They discuss the potential of AI age-verification tools to enforce this ban and the implications for kids and parents alike. The conversation touches on the psychological effects of social media, the challenges of regulation, and firsthand insights from the tech industry about the current state of age estimation technologies.