Tortoise News

30 million people have signed up to use Replika, “the AI companion who cares”. The chatbot can text you, flirt with you, and promises to love you unconditionally. But what are the risks that come with loving an AI?This story was supported by the Pulitzer Center. Writer and producer: Patricia ClarkeEpisode photography: 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

For nearly two months, the Israeli army has encircled cities in the north of the Gaza Strip. Experts warn Israeli settlements could be established there within the next few weeks.

Basia Cummings and guests debate the top stories of the day and decide what should lead the news. They discuss Donald Trump’s latest controversial cabinet nomination, the backlash against Bob Geldolf’s Christmas hit and the growing concerns about shadow banking. Guests:Lindiwe Mazibuko, former opposition leader in South Africa and co-founder of FuturelectGiles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise Chloe Hadjimatheou, narrative editor at Tortoise Host: Basia Cummings Email: 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 

A proposed new bill has prompted one of New Zealand’s biggest protests of all time. Why is it so controversial? And what does it seek to change?Writer and producer: Claudia WilliamsEpisode photography: Jon JonesExecutive producer: 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

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the farmers’ protest over inheritance tax, why newsrooms are ignoring Afghanistan at their peril and the transgender bathroom row in the US Capitol. Long description:  Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the farmers’ protest over inheritance tax, why newsrooms are ignoring Afghanistan at their peril and the transgender bathroom row in the US CapitolGuests:Saad Mohseni, Chief executive officer of the Moby Media GroupJeevan Vasagar, contributing editor at Tortoise Louise Tickel, Tortoise reporterHost: Giles WhittellEmail: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.comTo 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 

In the wake of the US election result, why are some American women joining a radical feminist movement that started in South Korea?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

Are we getting healthier?  John Curtice and Rachel Wolf discuss the long term trends impacting the nation’s health with Neil Ferguson. Guests: Neil Ferguson, Director of the School of Public Health at Imperial College LondonTo 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 trendy@tortoisemedia.com

The UK was one of the first countries to adopt 5G but now it has one of the worst networks in the world. Why is it so difficult to get a decent phone signal in Britain?Writer: Sophie FentonProducer: Tomini BabsHost: Claudia WilliamsExecutive 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

While national debate raged in Spain over who should be held accountable for the deadliest floods in decades, heavy rainfall flooded parts of Southern Italy. Extreme floods are likely to increase as a consequence of climate change: is Europe ready to deal with them?Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore