The Slow Newscast

For decades, Paul Skalnik made a living telling police and prosecutors that other prisoners had confessed to crimes. The former police turned con artist and jailhouse informant helped send a man called Jim Dailey to death row for the murder of a teenage girl. Basia Cummings speaks to investigative journalist and author Pamela Colloff who spent years uncovering his deceptions, and his story exposes a criminal justice system prioritising winning convictions over the truth. Producer: Amalie Sortland Exec: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain’s cultural institutions are wrestling with what to do with the human remains in their collections. But as they reckon with the ethical ramifications the sale of body parts remains largely unregulated. Who are the people selling? And why is it easier than ever to buy human remains? Reporter: Evan Moffitt Producer: Ada Barumé Sound design: Dominic Delargy Artwork: Blythe Walker Sibthorp Exec producer: Matt Russell Editor: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The former Unite boss says the police investigation into alleged corruption during his tenure will clear his name after years of accusations. But whether it can erase this dark episode in British trade unionism is another matter. So will the reputation of someone who was one of the UK's most influential power brokers stand the test of time? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The former Unite boss says the police investigation into alleged corruption during his tenure will clear his name after years of accusations. But whether it can erase this dark episode in British trade unionism is another matter. So will the reputation of someone who was one of the UK's most influential power brokers stand the test of time? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Tapper, The Observer's Science editor and a weight-loss jab user, tells the story of his journey using the weight-loss drugs. A journey that along with lost kilograms, led him to the godfather of these drugs: a man who discovered the hormone that led to the development of GLP-1s and who reveals his concerns about their widespread use. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kenyan men are leaving their country for work – and ending up on the frontlines of Russia’s war in Ukraine. This is the story of the recruiters, the promises and the poverty that keeps the pipeline moving. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephanie Arcanjo spent three years building a life with her boyfriend, Eric. One day he vanished, and the police came knocking. Only then would she learn his true identity, and that their life together was a lie. Basia Cummings speaks to Sao Paolo based reporter Oliver Basciano about Stephanie and hears her side of the story. Oliver Basciano's reporting can be found at https://observer.co.uk/contributor/oliver-basciano Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nkechi Simms is a successful actor who’s had parts in Top Boy and BBC comedy PRU. Outwardly life is good and at 26 she’s got everything going for her. But this hasn’t always been the case. When she was 12 Nkechi’s mother handed her over to Camden Council and she was placed in foster care. Now she wants to find out what happened to her and why. The only way she can do this is by getting hold of her care records. But that’s easier said than done. And will those records answer her questions? Careless is a 4 part original series from Tortoise Investigates and The Observer. To binge listen to all episodes today, ad-free, subscribe to The Observer. Or subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to listen to all our podcasts, including this one, without any ads. Reported by Ashley John-Baptiste and Madeleine Parr Produced and written by Madeleine Parr Sound design by Simon Panayi Artwork by Jon Hill The editor is Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What links a rare breed of flamingo and government corruption? In Albania, plans to redevelop Sazan, the country's biggest island, and disrupt the wildlife that lives there, caused protests. When it emerged that it was Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka who was behind the development, the protests became about not just than just wildlife, but about the way the country is run. Andrew Anthony visited the country to find out more. Host: Basia Cummings Reporter: Andrew Anthony Producer: Poppy Bullard Executive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Ben Stokes, England cricket created a star....and quickly lost control of that star. This is the story of how a maverick genius built and broke the team he created. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What drove Syrians to rise up and overthrow a brutal dictator? ‘Days of Love and Rage’ by Anand Gopal is an intimate account of how one town in Syria joined a revolution. The book took him 8 years to report and write. The Observer’s Basia Cummings and Chloe Hadjimatheou, reporter of the We Call Her Emma podcast series about Asma al-Assad, talk to Gopal about how Syrians took politics into their own hands while facing threats from their own government and then ISIS. Anand Gopal's reporting on Syria and ISIS can be found here: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/03/18/the-open-air-prison-for-isis-supporters-and-victims His book, Days of Love and Rage, can be found here: https://www.plutobooks.com/product/days-of-love-and-rage/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ten years ago Kim Edwards and her boyfriend, Lucas Markham, who were both 14 at the time, stabbed Kim’s mother and Kim’s younger sister to death. They were both sentenced to life in prison and became the youngest, and among the most notorious, double murderers in Britain. For the first time Kim’s grandmother, Maxine Follows, tells her side of the story, and questions how the criminal justice system treats children. Reporter: Katie Glass Producer: Ada Barume Sound Design: Dominic Delargy Artwork: Lucy Stevenson Executive Producer: Matt Russell Editor: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the late 1980s 14-year-old Gareth had a sexual relationship with his 27-year-old chemistry teacher, Sally-Anne Bowen. His friends told him at the time that he was a ‘lucky boy’. Last week Sally-Anne Bown was convicted of seven counts of indecent assault. The Observer’s podcast series ‘Lucky Boy’ played a part in the case. Basia Cummings is joined by Chloe Hadjimatheou, who reported the story, to discuss the conviction of Sally-Anne Bowen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paolo Zampolli, the Italian modelling agent who introduced Donald Trump to his future wife, Melania, has gone from the 1990s fashion world to the very top of the Trump administration, joining the small circle of loyalists Trump likes to keep close to advance his brand and influence. It is a story about how power works at the White House and how the distinction between private interests and public office are increasingly blurred. Reporter: Stephen Armstrong Producer: Jonathan Lewis and Amalie Sortland Sound Design: Dominic Delargy Artwork: Emma O’Neill Editor: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is ECT therapy safe? Postcode prescribing leaves patients at mercy of psychiatric opinions. Jessica Rawnsley has been investigating what this means for patients Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a spate of paranormal sightings in 1970s London, debate raged over the existence of a vampire in Highgate Cemetery. Fifty years on, the legend has been taken on by a new generation, fuelled by the world’s longest-running online feud Reporter: Francisco Garcia Producer: Poppy Bullard Sound Design: Dominic Delargy Artwork: Blythe Walker-Sibthorpe Editor: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a 2025 mass shooting on Florida State University’s campus, investigators found a year’s worth of chat history between the shooter and ChatGPT. MotherJones’ Mark Follman has been investigating what the chat log reveals about the shooter and the chatbot and examines how AI responds when faced with severe warning signs and where the responsibility lies when something goes wrong. Note: This story discusses suicide and violence. Mark Follman's reporting can be found here: https://www.motherjones.com/media/2026/08/openai-chatgpt-fsu-mass-shooting-chat-logs/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rupert Lowe is the MP for Great Yarmouth, and the leader of Restore Britain, a right-wing political party which launched in February this year. So, how did the leader of such a young, fringe party end up appearing as a guest on the world’s most popular podcast? And what does it tell us about how the far-right works? Reporter: Poppy Bullard Producers: Amalie Sortland and Ada Barume Sound Design: Dominic Delargy Artwork: Lucy Stevenson Editor: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage has been re-elected as MP for Clacton. But that also means a Parliamentary investigation into Farage resumes. So what's next for Reform and their leader? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Peter Mandelson was sacked as the UK’s ambassador to the United States over his links with Jeffrey Epstein people wondered how he ever got appointed in the first place. Eventually Keir Starmer’s government was forced to publish more than a thousand pages of emails, messages and letters which reveal how Peter Mandelson was appointed, vetted and cleared to become the UK’s most influential diplomat. What emerges from those documents, is a story about who wields power in Britain today, how it works and how we conduct our politics. The Observer’s Ada Barumé tells the story of a political farce that begins with the appointment of Peter Mandelson and ends with the resignation of Keir Starmer. All four episodes are now available to listen to for subscribers to the Observer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Thursday 30th July, an avalanche hit the world's twelfth highest mountain. Ten experienced climbers were caught by it, among them one of the world's most famous and experienced mountaineers Nirmal Purja. Is the world of mountaineering becoming more dangerous? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When World Cup Winner Phil Vickery retired in 2010, he thought his toughest physical battles were behind him. Today, like hundreds of former players, he lives with memory loss and the looming threat of brain trauma – and he’s demanding answers. And across the world, more and more people are looking towards one man in particular. Reporters: Ben Coles and Jonathan Lewis Producer: Jonathan Lewis Artwork: Lucy Stevenson Sound design: Dominic Delargy Executive producer: Jasper Corbett Credits: ITV, BBC, Dodge Woodall, ABC News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are companies extracting British spring water, companies like Coca Cola and Nestle, paying for that water? The answer is extraordinary. And with the threat of nationalisation, what does the future hold for our water companies? In other words, what is our water worth? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How a mislaid phone led to a nightmare of fake reviews and claims of antisemitism. When Ali, a restaurateur, realised his mobile’s security had been breached and that random things were missing from his flat, he began to feel uneasy. Was he being targeted for his politics or his personal life? And more importantly, who could stop it? Credits: Reporter - Eva Wiseman Producer - Matt Russell Sound design - Dominic Delargy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In early 2025, Reform hosts a fundraiser at private member’s club Oswald’s. In attendance are many of the men whose deep pockets line the party’s accounts. Reporter - Cat Neilan Series Reporter/Producer - Poppy Bullard Narrative Producer - Matt Russell Sound Design - Dominic Delargy Artwork - Blythe Walker Sibthorpe Producer for Goalhanger - India Dunkley Executive Producer for Goalhanger - Tom Whiter Executive Producer for the Observer - Jasper Corbett Clips: GB News, Xenia Tchoumi, Spears Magazine, Sky News Australia, Reform UK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2019, Nigel Farage leads the Brexit Party to victory in the European Elections. But there’s a mystery at the heart of the party’s accounts. Reporter - Cat Neilan Series Reporter/Producer - Poppy Bullard Narrative Producer - Matt Russell Sound Design - Dominic Delargy Artwork - Blythe Walker Sibthorpe Producer for Goalhanger - India Dunkley Executive Producer for Goalhanger - Tom Whiter Executive Producer for the Observer - Jasper Corbett Clips: Reform UK, BBC, The Times, House of Commons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another heartbreak for England in the World Cup, but does the tournament tell us anything about the nation's mentality? Rory Smith reveals the stories and moments that have stuck with him from six weeks on the road in America. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ademola Adedeji was wrongfully identified as a gang member and jailed for conspiracy to commit GBH. This is the story of how a nine second clip from a rap video upended his life. Reporter: Ciaran Tracey Producer: Matt Russell Artwork: Lucy Stevenson Sound design: Dominic Delargy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caesar and Sami risked everything to show the world what was truly going on in Syria after the 2011 revolution. The Caesar files are a collection of tens of thousands of photos documenting human rights abuses and torture in Syria under the dictator Bashar al-Assad. They have become the cornerstone of Syrian war crime prosecutions around the world. This is the story of the one of the most remarkable and daring collections and the courageous men behind it. A collection which may not just steer the course of international justice, but will serve as a permanent historical archive of a horrifying legacy for Syrians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When the Arab Spring reached Syria in 2011, Bashar al-Assad's regime showed itself for what it really was: a brutal force, willing to capture and kill ordinary Syrians demanding change. And in all the years that a war raged on, Asma stood by her husband. She seemingly ignored the desperate pleas to stop her husband from killing his own people. But what did she really know about the atrocities her husband’s government was carrying out? And what choices did she really have? Some people allege that she actually assisted the regime and cashed in on the war, that she herself is a war criminal. Others say she tried to run away but was trapped, held hostage by a regime who threatened her life and her children. So, who is the real Asma...or Emma as she was known? We call her Emma is a 6 part original series from Tortoise Investigates and The Observer. To binge listen to all episodes today, ad-free, subscribe to The Observer and use the code AUDIO50 to get 50% off your annual subscription. Or subscribe to Observer+…

The US celebrates 250 years of independence from the British Crown on 4th July. Accusations have flown that Trump has used the anniversary to celebrate himself, not the country. So what does it tell us about Trump’s place within America…and is it really that unusual? Ada Barumé is joined by the Observer’s Americans, Erica Wagner and Evan Moffitt to discuss this moment in US history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Criminal gangs have turned Britain's waste system into a goldmine and transformed pockets of the countryside into toxic wastelands. But how do you hide an 11,000 tonne illegal dump in plain sight? Reporters: Jeevan Vasagar and Jonathan Lewis Producer: Jonathan Lewis Sound design: Dominic Delargy Artwork: Lucy Stevenson Executive producer: Matt Russell Editor: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Each year new temperature records are threatened to be broken. But the UK seems to respond not with innovative adaptation, but with shock. Why? Ada Barumé is joined by academic meteorologist Rob Thomson and Dimple Rana, who is the Heat Resilience Leader at Arup, to discuss how we got here and where we go next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following Keir Starmer's resignation, Andy Burnham is now in prime position to become the UK's next prime minister. So what does he stand for? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re speaking to Frank Cottrell Boyce, the children’s laureate, who has spent two years visiting schools, libraries, and communities to discover what it means to grow up in Britain today. He’s written about it in a new book ‘A British Childhood: How our children live now’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ordinary people are turning to illegally produced peptides in the hopes of a beauty quick fix. How are these shady black market drugs slipping through the regulatory gaps? Reporters: Stephen Armstrong and Madeleine Parr Producers: Madeleine Parr, Matt Russell and Amalie Sortland Sound Design: Dominic Delargy Artwork: Harmony Blaise Editor: Jasper Corbett Clips: ITV News, Channel 4 News, 5 News, Loreal Elvive, Ozempic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Sherpa was left for dead on Everest at the end of the climbing season. Stranded for almost a week thousands of metres up in extreme conditions, he survived. But his story is not a new story, and it raises questions about the mountaineering industry that has risen around the industry of summiting the world's most dangerous episodes. We've been here before, so can lessons be learned? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Children are being caught in a global grooming pandemic. This is the story of a mother whose daughter was one such victim. Reporter: Rachel Sylvester Producer: Matt Russell Illustrator: Sara Andreasson Sound design: Dominic Delargy Editor: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The death of student Henry Nowak has shocked the country and sparked riots in Southampton. Ada Barume is joined by the Observer’s Whitehall Editor Cat Neilan and Home Affairs Editor John Simpson to discuss the implications for the government, and the police. Producer: Amalie Sortland Executive Producer: Poppy Bullard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Senior executives of Swedish firm Lundin Oil stand accused of complicity in war crimes. The case against them took more than a decade to come to trial, and the trial was the longest in Swedish history. If they are found guilty it could change how the rich and powerful operate around the world, but will it deliver justice for the Sudanese victims of war? Reporter: Francisco Garcia Producer: Ada Barumé Executive Producer: Matt Russell Sound Design: Dominic Delargy Artwork: Lucy Stephenson Editor: Jasper Corbett Clips: Äldre TV4, Journeyman Pictures Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark joins The Observer to reveal why he believes there is a chance we will see human-level AI by 2028. From how AI is already changing the job market to a historic meeting at the Vatican, he explains why we must prepare for a future where technology forces us to rethink what it means to be human. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year in the UK, a fifth of people arrested for terrorism offences were under 18. Counter-terrorism experts warn that outlawing social media for children is a matter of national security. So what are children really watching online? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a leadership election on the horizon, there are discussions among the backbenches about how potential contenders might look to reshape and re-energise the UK's growth. The Observer's political editor Rachel Sylvester speaks with economics editor Ben Zaranko about what the various approaches might look like. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For decades, doping has hid in the shadows of elite sports. Now, for the first time, it’s out in the open. The Enhanced Games promises a new era of ‘superhumanity’ – is this the future of sport? Reporters: Jeremy Whittle and Chris Marshall-Bell Producer: Jonathan Lewis Artwork: Blythe Walker Sibthorp Sound Design: Dominic Delargy Executive Producer: Matt Russell Editor: Jasper Corbett Clips: ABC News, Enhanced Games, Josh Brett, Daily Mail Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was recently revealed by The Guardian that before he stood to be an MP in 2024, Nigel Farage received a £5 million gift from billionaire Christopher Harborne. But is there anything wrong with that? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blake Lively’s legal action against Justin Baldoni was settled just two weeks before it was due to go to trial. But the legal documents filed by both sides reveal something darker than a celebrity feud; a new troubling PR playbook. Reporting: Stephen Armstrong and Casey Magloire. Producers: Casey Magloire and Katie Gunning. Sound design: Dominic Delargy Artwork: Lucy Stevenson Editor: Jasper Corbett Clips credits; ITV news Vogue New York Times Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The elections look set to create ominous headlines for Labour. In the locals they could see massive losses across the country. But in Wales and Scotland voters go to the polls to determine who will run the Senedd and Holyrood. It means the results might not just determine Keir Starmer’s future, but the future of the United Kingdom. Observer editor-in-chief James Harding sits down with political editor Rachel Sylvester to unpack what the elections could mean for Keir Starmer, Labour and the United Kingdom. Producer: Amalie Sortland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Novak Djokovic has long been Serbia’s most successful athlete, and perhaps most famous citizen. But as political conflicts such as youth protests have fractured the country, the tennis superstar has found himself on the outside of a regime and a country who once heralded him. Reporters: Francisco Garcia and Camilla Bell - Davies Producer: Madeleine Parr Artwork: Harmony Closs Sound design: Dominic Delargy Editor: Jasper Corbett Clip Credits: Tennis Channel, The Telegraph Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexi is joined by the Observer's national news editor, Claudia Williams to discuss the case of Tarryn Baird. Last week, her husband, Christopher Trybus was cleared of driving her to kill herself. Where does a grieving mother who spent 10 years searching for answers go from here? Host: Alexi Mostrous Guest: Claudia Williams Producer: Ada Barumé Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1988, a painting by Lucian Freud of his one-time friend Francis Bacon was stolen from a Berlin art gallery. It’s now worth £20 million. This week, Steve Smith goes in search of the lost art. Reporter: Steve Smith Producer: Ada Barumé Artwork: Blythe Walker Sibthorp Sound design: Dominic Delargy Editor: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.