The News Meeting

Saudi Arabia's selection as the host for the 2034 World Cup sparks intense debate. The conversation dives into human rights violations and environmental issues that raise eyebrows globally. Listeners explore the implications of sports washing in football's landscape. As nations vie for hosting rights, what does this mean for the sport's integrity? Tune in to understand the shifting dynamics and controversies surrounding global football.

Dive into the wild world of memecoins, where a cryptocurrency linked to a murder suspect has skyrocketed to $76 million. Discover how internet culture fuels their rise and the bizarre societal implications behind them. There's a thrilling connection between sensationalism and crypto speculation, raising questions about value and belief. The discussion also highlights the regulatory hurdles surrounding these volatile financial schemes, as well as the risks of pump and dump tactics that can leave investors in the lurch.

Stephen Armstrong, a Tortoise reporter, dives into the Archbishop of York's controversial handling of a sexual abuse case. Pete Apps, an Orwell Prize-winning author, shares insights on the UK’s rising water bills, warning of a 21% increase due to infrastructure failures. Basia Cummings discusses the implications of these crises on governance and public trust. The conversation challenges the Church of England's relevance amid allegations and explores how financial burdens impact communities in modern British society.

Billionaire rapper Jay-Z finds himself in a tangled web of serious sexual assault allegations from the year 2000. A Texas lawyer is suing him alongside Sean Combs, raising questions about the future of such high-profile figures. The discussion delves into the legal complexities surrounding historic claims and their implications for celebrity culture. As Jay-Z's legal team counters these accusations, the pursuit of justice unfolds under intense public scrutiny. This revelation could reshape how we view accountability in the music industry.

Jess Winch and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the thousands of people disappeared by Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the controversy surrounding Saudi Arabia hosting the tournament amid human rights concerns, and a proposed new law banning marriages between first cousins.Guests:Dr Adam Rutherford, scientist, broadcaster and scientistBasia Cummings, editor at Tortoise Claudia Williams, reporter at Tortoise Host: Jess Winch, news editor at TortoiseEmail: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.comProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore 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 exclusive content- Become 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.

The ousting of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad has revealed the full scale of how he used the prison system to lock up, torture and execute his opponents.  What do we now know about what went on?   Producer: Eleanor Biggs Photography: Jon JonesHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk and property tycoon Nick Candy have been named as considering multi-million-pound contributions, which could change the face of British politics forever. Reform could become the best-funded political party in the UK. Writer: Cat Neilan.Producer: Katie Gunning.Photography: Jon Jones. Executive producer: Rebecca Moore.To 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.

France’s government has been toppled, making Michel Bernier the shortest serving prime minister in the history of the modern French Republic. What does it mean for France – and the rest of Europe?Writer: Claudia WilliamsProducer: Claudia WilliamsPhotography: Jon JonesExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo 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.

For more than half a century, the Assad family ruled Syria with brutality and repression. It took less than two weeks for rebels to bring that rule to an end. What does this mean for Syria and the region?Writer: Xavier GreenwoodProducer: Xavier GreenwoodHost: Claudia WilliamsPhotography: Jon JonesExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Giles Whittell is joined by three guests pitching an angle on the toppling of the Syrian regime - the only story leading the news. Guests:Charlene White, Loose Women panellistChloe Hadjimatheou, narrative editor at Tortoise Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at TortoiseEmail: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.comProducer: Eleanor Biggs Executive producer: Jasper CorbettTo 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 exclusive content- Become 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.