The Story

Off the coast of Venezuela, a small armada of US navy warships and a fleet of fighter jets have struck several small boats, killing 17 people. The Trump administration says the boats were carrying drugs to the US; Venezuela says they were fishing vessels. But does President Trump really care about winning the war on drugs? Or is there another motive? 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: Jon Bonfiglio, journalist in Latin America. Host: Luke Jones. Producer: Micaela Arneson. Read more: Trump has Maduro in his sights. Will it mean war in the Caribbean? Clips: NBC News, Bloomberg News, Forbes Breaking News, Republic World, US Justice Department, Diario AS. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Labour conference ramps up in Liverpool, we bring together three of The Times' keenest political minds to discuss the three biggest problems facing the government. Are the scandals which have beset ministers, the sluggish growth of the economy, and stubbornly high levels of small boat crossings Labour's fault, and could they prove terminal for Keir Starmer? 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: Aubrey Allegretti, Chief Political Correspondent, The Times, Mehreen Khan, Economics Editor, The Times, Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall Editor, The Sunday Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producers: Olivia Case, Micaela Arneson. Clips: Sky, BBC, 5 News, Youtube / @Farage Reform, The Times. Photo: Getty Images. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Alpha School in Austin, Texas is hoping to revolutionise education forever, swapping teachers for laptop lessons and AI, and motivating pupils with cold, hard cash. Is this the future of education? Guest: Danny Fortson, Co-host of The Times Tech Podcast and The Sunday Times' West Coast Correspondent. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Dave Creasey. Read more: This primary school got rid of teachers — and the parents approve Hear more: Open AI’s Sam Altman: ‘We’re about to empower people more than ever before’ . Clips: Modern Wisdom, NBC News. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Planet Hope, a podcast from The Times and The Sunday Times in paid partnership with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiative. Each episode is hosted by The Story released as a bonus weekly series on Saturdays. In the remote Himalayan valley of Humla, Rinzin Phunjok Lama is protecting endangered species like the snow leopard and wild yak. Using Buddhist principles, local knowledge, and community-led conservation, he is tackling climate change in one of the world’s harshest landscapes. He tells Adam Vaughan why saving one Himalayan valley matters to the world. Host: Adam Vaughan, Environment Editor, The Times Guest: Rinzin Phunjok Lama, Conservation Biologist and Rolex Award Laureate Series Producer: Priyanka Deladia Sound Designer: David Crackles This podcast is advertiser funded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As England’s Red Roses head into the World Cup final tomorrow, it might be the largest audience that women’s rugby has ever seen. With its TikTok superstars and crocheting players, it’s creating new fans and connecting with people in ways the men's teams can only dream of. So why has it taken so long to get 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 Guest: Elgan Alderman, Co-host, The Times' Rugby podcast, The Ruck. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Shabnam Grewal. Read more: Rugby World Cup: how Canada ‘crowdfunded’ way to final Further listening: The Ruck: Women's Rugby World Cup final preview! Clips: @worldrugby, BBCSport, ITN News, @mandabed, @rugbyworldcup, @nwsirensgirlsrfu, @ilonamaher, Whistledown Productions, BBC Radio4, englandrugby. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A geopolitical battle between Russia and the EU will unfold this Sunday as Moldovans vote in a pivotal parliamentary election. The result could steer the country closer to the EU, or back towards Moscow. With Russia accused of bribery and vote rigging to sway the outcome in its favour, which path will Moldova choose? 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: Jack Clover, assistant foreign editor, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana Producer: Edith Rousselot and Dave Creasey Read more: Inside Putin’s propaganda playground — cash, clicks and clergy Clips: European Parliament Youtube channel, DW News, AP News. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An undercover Times investigation reveals how US-inspired Christian activists are running services across the UK, offering pro-life advice to those looking for impartial support. They also recommend exploring an ‘abortion reversal pill’, against national guidelines. So who are these groups, and what is their real mission? 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: Constance Kampfner, Northern Correspondent, The Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producer: Rosie Stopher. Photo: YouTube/March for Life UK / Composite design by Cecilia Tombesi. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump has publicly linked the use of Tylenol, or paracetamol, during pregnancy to an increased risk of autism, despite experts saying the connection is unproven. The extraordinary announcement came after months of dramatic changes at US public health bodies, spearheaded by the health secretary and vaccine sceptic Robert F Kennedy Jr. So, how did health become politicised in America? And could the same thing happen in the UK? 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: David Charter, assistant editor (US), The Times, Tom Whipple, science writer and special correspondent, The Times. Host: Rosie Wright. Producers: Micaela Arneson and Shabnam Grewal. Read more: Trump to claim taking Tylenol in pregnancy is linked to autism Further listening: The momfluencers embracing ‘Make America Healthy Again Clips: Forbes Breaking News, NBC News, WHAS11, PBS Newshour,New York Post, Joe Rogan Experience, Lex Fridman, Club Random with Bill Maher, MSNBC, ABC News, ITV News. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK, Australia and Canada have formally recognised Palestine as a state ahead of high level meetings at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly this week. But as the votes and debates continue, little seems to change outside the diplomatic bubble. We discuss with a former Deputy Secretary-General of the UN what relevance the organisation still holds. 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: Mark Malloch-Brown, former Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. Host: Luke Jones. Producer: Taryn Siegel. Read more: https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/britain-recognise-palestine-state-9fz0pvq87 Clips: United Nations, ABC, Getty, Clinton Presidential Library, The Economic Times, Sky News, Al Jazeera, Global News. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With his gorgeous looks, infectious charisma and string of hits, Robert Redford was the face of mainstream Hollywood cinema in the 1970's. But he was so much more than a pretty face, and quickly moved into directing and producing awards winning films, before pivoting to focus on what really mattered to him: the Sundance Film Festival, to support independent. Despite his huge public profile, Robert Redford remained an elusive, unknowable and very private man. 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: Anna Temkin, deputy obituaries editor for The Times, Ed Potton, arts commissioning editor for The Times. Host: Rosie Wright Producer: Shabnam Grewal Read more: Robert Redford obituary: elusive legend of the big screen Further listening: Clips: @SAGAFTRAFoundation, CBS SUNDAY MORNING, BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUN DANCE KID CLIPP TM & © Fox (1969) Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation RAINDROPS KEEP FALLING ON MY HEAD (B.J. Thomas version): Songwriters: Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Original Publishers: BMG Gold Songs, Songs of Fujimusic, New Hidden Valley Music, Pw Arrangements, and Universal Music Corp. Photo: Getty Pictures Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Planet Hope, a podcast from The Times and The Sunday Times in paid partnership with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiative. Each episode is hosted by The Story released as a bonus weekly series on Saturdays. Deep in the Amazon, the mysterious pink river dolphins are under threat from pollution, mining, and habitat loss. Marine biologist Fernando Trujillo, known locally as Omacha, has dedicated more than 30 years to protecting them. From satellite-tagging dolphins to training fishermen and lobbying governments, he tells Adam Vaughan what it takes to safeguard one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Host: Adam Vaughan, Environment Editor, The Times. Guest: Fernando Trujillo, Founder of the Omacha Foundation and Rolex Award Laureate. Series Producer: Priyanka Deladia Sound Designer: David Crackles This podcast is advertiser funded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thirteen years after her body was discovered floating in a septic tank in a hotel in Kenya, an arrest warrant has been issued for a former British soldier on suspicion of the murder of 21-year-old Agnes Wanjiru. If the suspect is extradited, it would be the first time a British soldier was sent to face a murder charge alleged to have taken place on foreign soil. We speak to the Sunday Times reporter behind years of dogged investigation, and find out whether the culture of the British army has changed in the intervening years. 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 Collins, northern editor, The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Micaela Arneson. Read more: https://www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/article/agnes-wanjiru-british-soldier-murder-xr0bv2qwg Clips: NTV Kenya, Citizen TV Kenya. Photo: Getty Images. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US President's state visit to the UK is marked by royal pageantry, political tension, and public protest. But what could the UK gain from it? And what are the potential pitfalls lurking for Keir Starmer? 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: Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist, The Times and The Sunday Times and Oliver Wright, Policy editor, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Edith Rousselot and Shabnam Grewal. Clips: Sky News, Reuters, The White House. Photo: Getty Images Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the years since Omar al-Bayoumi was released by British police, new evidence has come to light which was not shared with the officers carrying out his interrogation. Today, he stands accused of being a Saudi agent who helped the terrorists who carried out 9/11, something he has always denied. This is part three of a three-part special investigative 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 Guest: Amardeep Bassey, journalist, The Sunday Times. Host: Taryn Siegel. Producer: Taryn Siegel. Sound designer: Tiffany Dimmack. Read more: Revealed after 24 years, how UK was forced to free 9/11 ‘plotter’ Clips: Metropolitan Police Services. Photo: Tony Bell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On September 21, 2001, Omar al-Bayoumi was arrested in Birmingham on suspicion of the preparation, instigation or commission of acts of terrorism. Police would have seven days before they would need to charge, extradite, or release him. Over the next week of questioning, there would be extraordinary revelations -- but also leads not followed, and crucial information not shared. So what went wrong? This is part two of a three-part special investigative 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 Guest: Amardeep Bassey, journalist, The Sunday Times. Host: Taryn Siegel. Producer: Taryn Siegel. Read more: Revealed after 24 years, how UK was forced to free 9/11 ‘plotter’ Clips: Metropolitan Police Services. Photo: Tony Bell. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the days after the world's worst terrorist attack, we were told explicitly who did it. It was Al Qaeda operatives, working out of Afghanistan, under the leadership of Osama Bin Laden. But 24 years on, one man is at the heart of a trillion-dollar lawsuit, that suggests that might not be the full story. This is part one of a three-part special investigative 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 Guest: Amardeep Bassey, journalist, The Sunday Times. Host: Taryn Siegel. Producer: Taryn Siegel. Read more: Revealed after 24 years, how UK was forced to free 9/11 ‘plotter’ Clips: Metropolitan Police Services, CBS News, NBC News. Photo: Tony Bell. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He appeared at a Russian film festival, wants to work with Trump and still says Jeffrey Epstein was “charming and personable”. Does the film director Woody Allen not care what people think? Hadley Freeman meets him and his wife, Soon-Yi, at home in New York. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/thestory Written by: Hadley Freeman, columnist and features writer for The Sunday Times. Read by: Micaela Arneson. Producers: Shabnam Grewal and Micaela Arneson. Photo: Guerin Blask/The Sunday Times. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Planet Hope, a podcast from The Times and The Sunday Times in paid partnership with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiative. Each episode is hosted by The Story released as a bonus weekly series on Saturdays. From oil spills to climate change, penguins are on the frontline of environmental change. Pablo García Borboroglu has spent more than three decades rescuing colonies, moving shipping lanes, and protecting over 32 million acres of penguin habitat. He joins Adam Vaughan to share what it takes to keep these charismatic seabirds alive in a rapidly changing world. Host: Adam Vaughan, Environment Editor, The Times. Guest: Pablo García Borboroglu, Founder of the Global Penguin Society and Rolex Award Laureate. Series Producer: Priyanka Deladia Sound Designer: David Crackles This podcast is advertiser funded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A sunny afternoon at Utah Valley University suddenly became a scene of terror when the right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a campus event on Wednesday, 10 September. His death was quickly described as an “assassination” by President Trump, and it is the latest in a worrying spate of politically-motivated attacks in the US. So what’s behind this trend? Is political violence becoming normalised? 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 and Columnist for The Times and The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Shabnam Grewal and Micaela Arneson. Read more: Search for Utah Valley University shooter after two suspects released Who was Charlie Kirk? TikTok wizard who conjured up Trump youth vote Clips: New York Post, Republic TV, CNN, KTLA 5, Fox News, Charlie Kirk via Instagram, President Trump via Truth Social Photo: Getty Images Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As people continue to starve in Gaza, the war once again spread beyond its borders this week when Israel bombed Hamas fighters in Qatar - a country that’s involved in the peace negotiations. Meanwhile, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog met Keir Starmer in London yesterday. So what does this all mean for the peace process - and for Gazans? 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: Catherine Philp, World Affairs Editor, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Edith Rousselot and Olivia Case. Clips: The Times, Reuters, The White House, Sky, Al Jazeera, The Sun, BBC. Photo: Getty Images. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.