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The Times
The biggest stories, told in depth, daily. Join the world's best journalists to uncover what really matters. Hosted by Manveen Rana and Luke Jones. Published seven days a week and ready for you every morning.The Story is brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 23, 2026 • 33min
Has ICE become the US president's 'private army'?
Will Pavia, New York correspondent for The Times, provides compelling on-the-ground insights from Minneapolis, where protests erupted after ICE agent Renee Good was shot. He outlines the chaotic scene with thousands marching, masked agents stirring fear, and community unrest. Pavia explores how ICE has grown powerful since 9/11, driven by political agendas and controversial tactics. Discussions include the federal response to protests and implications for local communities, highlighting the polarization surrounding ICE's role and the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration enforcement.

Jan 22, 2026 • 34min
Trump's Greenland play and the future of transatlantic relations
In this engaging discussion, Mehreen Khan, The Times' Economics editor, shares firsthand insights from Davos about President Trump's unexpected Greenland proposal and its potential impacts on international markets. Former British ambassador Sir Peter Westmacott analyzes how the UK and Europe must navigate relations with the erratic Trump administration. They explore the reactions from European leaders, the shifting diplomatic landscape, and strategies to strengthen European defense amidst uncertain US commitments.

Jan 21, 2026 • 37min
INVESTIGATION: Could DNA advances overturn one of Britain's most famous murder cases?
Emily Dugan, an investigative reporter for The Sunday Times, dives into the haunting 1996 Russell murders that left Britain in shock. She examines Michael Stone’s conviction and enduring claims of his innocence. Dugan discusses the initial investigation, forensic limitations, and the controversial ‘cell confessions’ that formed the core of the prosecution's case. With advances in DNA testing on the horizon, could this lead to a significant miscarriage of justice? Explore the implications for the victims' family and the ongoing quest for justice.

Jan 20, 2026 • 30min
Tariffs, Trump and Greenland: 'The end of the world as we know it'?
Oliver Moody, Berlin correspondent for The Times, dives into the geopolitical storm surrounding Trump's tariff threats over Greenland. He reveals how Europe's leaders are reacting—some seeing it as blackmail, while others debate countermeasures. Moody discusses Keir Starmer's pragmatic stance and the EU's potential responses, including an intriguing 'anti-coercion' tool. He also highlights the challenges of achieving consensus among EU states and how NATO's future could be impacted by this controversy.

Jan 19, 2026 • 31min
Is China's mega-embassy a mega-spy base?
Cindy Yu, a columnist at The Times focused on UK–China relations, joins Geraldine Scott, assistant political editor, to unpack the controversy surrounding China's planned mega-embassy in London. They discuss the embassy's potential espionage risks, the political reactions from MPs, and the serious security concerns raised about transnational repression. The duo also explores why Prime Minister Keir Starmer might approve the construction, balancing national security against economic interests and diplomatic relations.

Jan 18, 2026 • 32min
The woman erased from the Ozempic story - The Sunday Story
Aimee Donnellan, journalist and author of 'Off the Scales,' dives into the overlooked story of Svetlana Mojsov, a biochemist who discovered GLP-1. Aimee reveals how Mojsov’s groundbreaking work in diabetes treatment was overshadowed, leading to her erasure from a narrative dominated by male accolades. They discuss the complexities of patent disputes, the systemic gender bias in science known as the Matilda effect, and the commercial dynamics surrounding GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, exposing both their benefits and societal consequences.

9 snips
Jan 17, 2026 • 15min
Does male sex drive peak at forty? - The Saturday Story
Join Ben Machell, a Times features writer, who humorously reflects on a study revealing that men's sex drive peaks in their early 40s, exploring factors like confidence and life experience. He discusses why midlife men are considered the 'libido elite.' Meanwhile, Zach Asgard, a younger Times contributor, addresses the struggles younger men face, such as dating app culture and financial stress, which can dampen their sexual desire. A fascinating dive into changing dynamics of male libido across generations!

Jan 16, 2026 • 29min
Jenrick defects: is Reform tearing the Tories apart?
Aubrey Allegretti, Chief Political Correspondent for The Times, delves into the political upheaval following Robert Jenrick's defection to Reform UK after his sacking. He discusses the implications for the Conservative Party and whether Jenrick can align with Nigel Farage. Aubrey highlights Jenrick's ambitions and past controversies while examining the trend of Conservative defections. He also assesses how Jenrick’s move complicates any potential merger between the parties and questions his political future in the turbulent landscape.

Jan 15, 2026 • 33min
The Maccabi fan ban scandal explained - and what next for the police
Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor at The Sunday Times and investigative journalist, unpacks the controversial ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from an Aston Villa match. He discusses the failures of West Midlands Police and the damning Cooke report, revealing the questionable intelligence used to justify the ban. Gabriel also contrasts police transparency in the Netherlands with that of his own country, examines political fallout, and raises important questions about the intersection of policing and politics in this scandal.

Jan 14, 2026 • 36min
Can Nato survive a hostile takeover of Greenland?
Katie Gatens, Europe correspondent for The Sunday Times, shares vivid insights from Greenland, highlighting local fears about US interests in the territory. Oliver Moody, Berlin correspondent, discusses NATO's tricky position amidst escalating geopolitical tensions. They explore Greenland's strategic importance, fears of military presence, and the complex reactions of its residents. The conversation dives into potential US actions, from direct invasion to managing the status quo, revealing the intricate balance of power in the Arctic and NATO's future.


