A few hours before he announced a 90-day pause on tariffs, the president posted “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!! DJT” on social media. Why has this led to accusations he manipulated the market for his own gain? The popularity of companion AI chatbots is rapidly increasing, but what safety nets are in place to protect young people? How have Big Law firms in America reacted to Trump 2.0? Rebecca Moore is joined by Hashi Mohamed, Patricia Clarke and Katie Riley, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day. **Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 29th April here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2  Get in touch and let us know what you think should lead the news. Send a voice note to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com  Read more about the team’s guilty pleasure news stories here: Did Scientist really bring back the Dire Wolf?  Who is joining Katy Perry and Gayle King in space?  Bulgarian footballer honoured with minute’s silence … despite not being dead   Listen to Patricia’s Slow Newscast episode, 'My AI Girlfriend’ here: lnk.to/MyAIGirlfriend  Follow us on Social Media:  @tortoise on IG and X,  @tortoisemedia on tiktok  @tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky  Host: Rebecca Moore, executive producer at Tortoise  Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com Producer: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The United Nations says 15 medics have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, could this mark a turning point in how the West responds to the war? Is Keir Starmer right to suggest Donald Trump’s tariffs spell the end of globalisation? And with trillions wiped off global markets, will the President retreat from his punchy new policy? Giles Whittell is joined by Jasper Corbett, Chloe Hadjimatheou and Cat Neilan, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day. **Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 29th April here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2  Listen to Chloe’s episode of the Sensemaker here: lnk.to/sensemaker  Get in touch and let us know what you think should lead the news. Send a voice note to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com  Follow us on Social Media:  @tortoise on IG and X,  @tortoisemedia on tiktok  @tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky  Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise  Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com Producer: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will President Trump’s global tariff hike force countries to forge new alliances beyond the US? What is the government’s plan to tackle the problems involving young boys in Netflix’s Adolescence? And why are doctors sounding the alarm over the return of Victorian-era diseases? Jess Winch is joined by the Observer’s Rebecca Myers, along with Jasper Corbett and Stephen Armstrong from Tortoise, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day. **Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 29th April here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2  Get in touch and let us know what you think should lead the news. Send a voice note to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com  Follow us on Social Media:  @tortoise on IG and X,  @tortoisemedia on tiktok  @tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky  Host: Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise  Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com Producer: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the largest earthquakes in decades has wrecked parts of Myanmar, but how does a country still grappling with civil war and military rule handle a natural disaster of this scale? The Guardian investigates why senior Tory Lords and MPs are lobbying to thwart the renters’ reform bill. What does Prince Harry’s bullying allegations, brought forward by his former charity chief, reveal about the way we provide aid?  Basia Cummings is joined by the Guilty Feminist’s Deborah Frances-White, plus Tortoise’s Katie Riley and Claudia Williams, as they battle it out to pitch the top story of the day.  **Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 29th April here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2  Take a look at Tortoise’s Peer Review tools here - https://www.tortoisemedia.com/peer-review-explore-tool  Get in touch and let us know what you think should lead the news. Send a voice note to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com  Follow us on Social Media:  @tortoise on IG and X,  @tortoisemedia on tiktok  @tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky  Host: Basia Cummings, Editor at Tortoise Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com Producer: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will there be any repercussions after top US security officials accidentally added the editor of the Atlantic to a Signal group used to plan airstrikes in Yemen? New government, new Spring Statement, but is this the same old politics? And why we need to talk about the growing fashion scene in Bath. Giles Whittell is joined by journalist Anu Anand, Bath Spa University Chancellor Sharanjit Leyl and Tortoise’s Chloe Hadjimatheou, as they battle it out and try to pitch the top story of the day.  **Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 29th April here:  https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2  Get in touch and let us know what you think should lead the news. Send a voice note to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com  Follow us on Social Media:  @tortoise on IG and X,  @tortoisemedia on tiktok  @tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky  Host: Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor at Tortoise Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com Producer: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have the disruptions at Heathrow airport revealed key weaknesses in the UK’s infrastructure? Is the US looking to pull out of Ukraine so it can focus on a potential war with China? And what will happen to millions of people’s genetic data now that 23andMe has declared bankruptcy?  Giles Whittell is joined by Sky News’ Yalda Hakim, alongside Tortoise’s Patricia Clarke and Cat Neilan, as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news. **Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live!  Get your ticket for Wednesday 26th March in Bath here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-3  And our London live show on Tuesday 29th April here:  https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2  Listen to Tortoise’s latest episode of the Slow Newscast, The $Trumpcon - here  Listen to The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim podcast -  here  Follow us on Social Media:  @tortoise on IG and X,  @tortoisemedia on tiktok  @tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky  Host: Jess Winch, News Editor at Tortoise Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com Producer: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is President Trump’s “voluntary transfer plan” for Gaza residents? As Trump clashes with a federal judge over mass deportation, is the Supreme Court willing to stand up to the President? Who were the Navajo code talkers, and why was their wartime legacy briefly erased from US military websites? Jess Winch is joined by Tortoise’s Katie Riley, Chloe Hadjimatheou and Jasper Corbett, as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news. **Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live!  Get your ticket for Wednesday 26th March in Bath here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-3  And our London live show on Tuesday 29th April here:  https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2  Listen to Tortoise’s latest investigative series - Lucky Boy - here  Follow us on Social Media:  @tortoise on IG and X,  @tortoisemedia on tiktok  @tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky  Host: Jess Winch, News Editor at Tortoise Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com Producer: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are welfare reforms Labour’s only hope of saving money ahead of the Spring Statement? Who are the hundreds of Venezuelans who have been forcibly removed from the US? And what is the media getting wrong when it comes to reporting on femicide by an intimate partner? Giles Whittell is joined by Media Storm podcast hosts Mathilda Mallinson and Helena Wadia, along with Claudia Williams from Tortoise, as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news. **Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live!  Get your ticket for Wednesday 26th March in Bath here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-3  And our London live show on Tuesday 29th April here:  https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2  Listen to Media Storm here - https://podfollow.com/media-storm Follow us on Social Media:  @tortoise on IG and X,  @tortoisemedia on tiktok  @tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky  Host: Giles Whittell, deputy at Tortoise Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com Producer: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is potential deportation of Mahmoud Khalil proof that Donald Trump will use cancel culture against his loudest critics? If misogyny is a political ideology, should the Southport murderer's crime be classed as terrorism? Why health professionals are struggling to treat teenagers addicted to vaping. Giles Whittell is joined by founder and host of The Young Turks, Cenk Uygur. Plus,Tortoise’s Katie Riley and Claudia Williams, as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news.  **Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live!  Get your ticket for Wednesday 26th March in Bath here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-3  And our London live show on Tuesday 29th April here:  https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2  Follow us on Social Media:  @tortoise on IG and X,  @tortoisemedia on tiktok  @tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky  Host: Giles Whittell, deputy at Tortoise Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com Producer: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is King Charles’ new Apple playlist a savvy PR move or just a bid for relevance? Mark Carney is Canada's new prime minister; are technocrats the best leaders to combat Trump 2.0? How will the Reform party’s internal battle impact the next British election? Jeevan Vasagar is joined by Orwell Prize-winning author and Inside Housing contributing editor, Pete Apps. Plus,Tortoise’s Katie Riley and Katie Gunning as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news.  **Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live!  Get your ticket for Wednesday 26th March in Bath here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-3  And our London live show on Tuesday 29th April here:  https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2  Follow us on Social Media:  @tortoise on IG and X,  @tortoisemedia on tiktok  @tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky  Host: Jeevan Vasagar, contributing editor at Tortoise Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com Producer: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could Europe unlock frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s fight against Putin? Why Elon Musk’s DOGE remains a mystery despite promises of transparency. And how climate change is reshaping Alaska’s iconic dog sled race. Jasper Corbett is joined by Tortoise’s Chloe Hadjimatheou, Patricia Clarke and Katie Riley as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news.  **Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live!  Get your ticket for Wednesday 26th March in Bath here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-3  And our London live show on Tuesday 29th April here:  https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2  Want to learn more about what we discussed in this episode? Here’s everything you need: What to know more about DOGE? Listen to Patricia’s episode of the Sensemaker: Musk, Trump, and the secretive government overhaul here Read more of the reporting on DOGE by ProPublica here and the New York Times here and here  If you’re interested in the attention economy, Katie recommends reading Chris Hayes’ The Siren’s Call: How Attention Became the World's Most Endangered Resource Follow us on Social Media:  @tortoise on IG and X,  @tortoisemedia on tiktok  @tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky  Host: Jasper Corbett, Audio Editor at Tortoise Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com Producer: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a frantic weekend of diplomatic chess, has Sir Keir Starmer emerged as the new leader of Europe? Will Israel agree to enact the second stage of the ceasefire deal and pull troops out of Gaza? Why is the government spending £100m on a bat cave for HS2?  Giles Whittell is joined by Tortoise’s Stephen Armstrong, Chloe Hadjimatheou and Hashi Mohamed as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news.  **Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live!  Get your ticket for Wednesday 26th March in Bath here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-3  And our London live show on Tuesday 29th April here:  https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2  Listen to Tortoise’s latest series - Lucky Boy here - https://lnk.to/IKgGih  Listen to the latest episode of the Slow Newscast: Trump’s Dealmaker here Follow us on Social Media:  @tortoise on IG and X,  @tortoisemedia on tiktok  @tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky  Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com Producer: Casey Magloire Executive producer: Rebecca Moore  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Keir Starmer’s meeting with Donald Trump cement him as the pragmatic leader the UK left has been missing? With the TV industry struggling, are we witnessing the end of our beloved British TV dramas?  Giles Whittell is joined by comedian Matt Forde, critic Scott Bryan and Tortoise’s Cat Neilan as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news.  **Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live!  Get your ticket for Wednesday 26th March in Bath here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-3  And our London live show on Tuesday 29th April here:  https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2  Grab your ticket to see Matt Forde’s Political Party Live - https://www.mattforde.com/live/  Listen to Tortoise’s latest series - Lucky Boy here - https://lnk.to/IKgGih  Get 30% off UnCommon Wine by using the code UNCOMMONTORTOISE at checkout! Follow us on Social Media:  @tortoise on IG and X,  @tortoisemedia on tiktok  @tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky  Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com Producer: Casey Magloire Executive producer: Rebecca Moore  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Germany’s Friedrich Merz has vowed to secure “independence” from the United States following his party’s victory in parliamentary elections.  In 2023 the Crown Prosecution Service found black people are 16 times more likely than white people to face prosecution under joint enterprise laws, so why is a review only happening now?  For the first time, Apple has agreed to withdraw its highest-level data security tool from UK customers after the government demanded access to user data for security reasons. Giles Whittell is joined by ITV News presenter Charlene White, plus Tortoise’s Jeevan Varsagar and Patricia Clarke, as they pitch and battle it out for today’s top story.  **February’s edition of the News Meeting Live has sold out! So grab a ticket for our March and April shows while spots are still available! Get your ticket here We always love to hear your thoughts. Send a voice note to: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com  Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise. Producer: Casey Magloire Executive producer: Rebecca Moore  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is it so hard for journalists to report on Trump’s blatant lies? Tens of thousands have died and been displaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo - so why is the war missing from the front pages? And what does the conversation between Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch and controversial podcaster Jordan Peterson reveal about the UK’s political right? Giles Whittell is joined by journalist and author Marie Le Conte, plus Tortoise’s Ada Barumé and Cat Neilan, as they pitch and battle it out for today’s top story.  **February’s edition of the News Meeting Live has sold out! So grab a ticket for our March and April shows while spots are still available! Get your ticket here We always love to hear your thoughts. Send a voice note to: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com  Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise. Producer: Casey Magloire Executive producer: Rebecca Moore  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Trump and Putin negotiate a peace deal without Europe or Ukraine, where does this leave Nato members? Can Keir Starmer establish himself as a key figure in European defence? And as the US and Russia meet in Saudi Arabia this week, what does that tell us about the  future of geopolitics?  Giles Whittell is joined by Tortoise’s Jasper Corbett, Stephen Armstrong and Cat Neilan, as they pitch and battle it out for today’s top story.  **Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live! We host live recordings on the last Thursday of every month. Get your ticket for February 27th here We always love to hear your thoughts. Send a voice note to: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com  Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise. Producer: Casey Magloire Executive producer: Rebecca Moore  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a single 90-minute phone call has Donald Trump sidelined Europe in the Ukraine discussion? Why is Donald Trump criticising South Africa’s land laws and what does Elon Musk have to do with it? With Cardiff University announcing major departmental cuts, will other institutions follow suit to save higher education in Wales?  Giles Whittell is joined by the former opposition leader of South Africa and founder of Futurelect, Lindiwe Mazibuko, CNN presenter Max Foster and Tortoise’s Patricia Clarke as they pitch and battle it out for today’s top story.  **Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live! We host live recordings on the last Thursday of every month. Get your ticket for February 27th here We always love to hear your thoughts. Send a voice note to: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com  Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise. Producer: Casey Magloire Executive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are the ethical dilemmas  of publishing a writer's private works after their death?  A new poll reveals that Nigel Farage’s Reform Party may be the UK’s most popular political party. How have Labour and the Conservatives responded to the news? What does the latest round of Trump tariffs tell us about the President’s negotiating tactics? Jeevan Vasagar is joined by Tortoise’s Cat Neilan, Katie Riley and Patricia Clarke as the pitch and battle it out for today’s top story.  **Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live! We host live recordings on the last Thursday of every month. Get your ticket for February 27th here Listen to Cat’s episode of the Slow Newscast - The Rwanda Plan: How to lose £70 million here from Tuesday 11th February We always love to hear your thoughts. Send a voice note to: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com  Host: Jeevan Vasagar, contributing editor at Tortoise. Producer: Casey Magloire Executive producer: Rebecca Moore  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A gang of young officials from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency targeted the US Agency for International Development. What does that tell us about his loyalty to Trump? Despite overseeing the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, Trump now demands the Taliban return 78 aircraft, 40,000 vehicles and 300,000 weapons left behind. As the US steps back  from a key NATO committee, is this the UK’s chance to get closer with Europe again?  Basia Cummings is joined by Moby Media Groups’s Saad Mohseni, plus Tortoise’s Stephen Armstrong and Giles Whittell as they battle to pitch the top story. **Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live! We host live recordings on the last Thursday of every month. Get your ticket for February 27th here To read the BBC’s analysis of Hollywoodgate, the documentary Basia mentioned about US military equipment left behind in Afghanistan, click here. We always love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Send a voice note to: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com  Host: Basia Cummings, editor at Tortoise Producer: Casey Magloire Executive producer: Rebecca Moore  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are the 180-year-old rules that prevent MPs from debating issues about the Royal Family? As Donald Trump floats the idea of “clearing out” Gaza, what lies ahead for Palestinians returning home? And President Trump promised tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China - but how will this affect foreign relations with the US’ closest neighbours?  Giles Whittell is joined by NPR’s International Correspondent Lauren Frayer, plus Tortoise’s Patricia Clarke and Jasper Corbett as they battle to pitch the top story. **Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live! We host live recordings on the last Thursday of every month.  Get your ticket for February 27th here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-1 Learn more about House of Lords with Tortoise’s Peer Review here:  https://www.tortoisemedia.com/intelligence/peer-review  Read the Ezra Klein article that Giles recommended here: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/02/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-trump-column-read.html  Read The Observer Patricia based her pitch on here: https://www.theguardian.com/global/2025/feb/01/stop-shielding-uk-royals-from-parliamentary-scrutiny-says-labour-peer  Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com Producer: Casey Magloire Executive producer: Rebecca Moore  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.