The Slow Newscast

In this gripping exploration, Lucy Reed Casey, a family barrister and chair of The Transparency Project, unpacks the tragic tale of Sara Sharif. She delves into the chilling judicial decisions that granted parental responsibility to those who ultimately caused Sara’s suffering. The discussion reveals systemic failures in protecting vulnerable children, the complexities surrounding custody battles in abusive environments, and the tough dilemmas faced by judges. Lucy emphasizes the urgent need for reform in family courts to prevent such tragedies in the future.

John Simpson, the Home Affairs Editor for The Observer, shares insights into the troubled history of the Police Federation. He discusses how this powerful organization, which represents police officers, has strayed from its mission. Key topics include the dysfunctional internal culture marked by fear and reluctance to address misconduct, the diminishing influence of the Federation, and the disconnection between leadership and officers. Simpson dives into the challenges police face today and the urgent need for reform within this crucial institution.

Dive into the startling role of North Korean troops in the Ukraine war. Discover the psychological struggles they face and their unexpected deployment in combat. Explore their challenges in adapting to modern warfare during the Battle of Kursk, leading to heavy casualties. Uncover the growing military alliance between North Korea and Russia, driven by arms trade and strategic ties. Through their stories, gain insight into the harsh realities of life under Kim Jong-un's regime and the hopes of those seeking freedom.

Xavier Greenwood, a reporter and producer known for his investigative work, teams up with Chris Blackhurst, former editor of The Independent and author, to delve into Manchester United's dramatic decline. They discuss how the Glazer family's ownership transformed a beloved club into a symbol of mismanagement and alienation. Topics include the financial pitfalls facing the club, rising fan discontent, and the struggle between tradition and commercialism in football. The duo also touches on the future of the club amidst recent ownership controversies.

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Boswell, a scientist and climate activist, joins Sam Dimitriou, head of Britain Remade. They dive into the heated conflict between environmental preservation and necessary infrastructure, exploring legal battles over projects that impact local communities. The duo discusses the emotional toll of NIMBYism, the financial challenges of climate litigation, and the transformative projects aimed at rejuvenating the Thames Estuary. They also highlight the critical need for infrastructure to support the UK's green energy transition.

Donald Trump has ordered the federal government to scrap its diversity, equity and inclusion policies, and corporate America has supposedly followed suit. But this has someone else's fingerprints all over it. This is the story of how one man tried to kill an idea.Reporter: Stephen ArmstrongProducer: Ada BaruméSound design: Karla PatellaArtwork: Lola WilliamsEditor: Jasper CorbettTo find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Fendison, known as CoffeeZilla, is an investigative YouTuber who exposes the wild world of cryptocurrency. He dives into the explosive launch of Donald Trump's meme coin, $TRUMP, and its dramatic rise and fall, examining how speculation and celebrity influence collide. Fendison also highlights a chaotic crypto scene in Argentina with Hayden Davis at its center, facing legal woes over a similar venture. The discussion raises critical questions about the unregulated crypto market and its potential impact on the economy.

Surfing’s ultimate barrier is the 100 foot wave. In Dec 23-year-old Alo Slebir is rumoured to have surfed a 108 foot wave. The problem is no one can agree how big the wave actually was.  Reporter: Claudia Williams Producer: Ada Barumé  Sound design: Karla Patella Artwork: Lola Williams Executive Producer: Matt Russell Editor: Jasper Corbett To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump promised to release classified files about extraterrestrials. But even if they disappoint the millions of people hoping to find proof of existence of aliens, there is a growing belief in the scientific community that it is only a matter of time before proof of life outside our solar system is found.Reporter: Giles WhittellProducer: Matt RussellSound design: Dominic DelargyArtwork: Lola WilliamsEditor: Jasper CorbettTo find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Witkoff, a real estate mogul pivotal in Gaza ceasefire negotiations, reflects on his unexpected role in diplomatic tensions. He recounts his crucial meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu just before Trump’s inauguration. The conversation dives into Witkoff's unique negotiation style, shaped by personal loss and real estate savvy. Listeners gain insight into the complexities of hostages, Israeli politics, and the humanitarian fallout in Gaza, leaving a thought-provoking take on peace prospects and reconstruction efforts.