Sensemaker

The case of a couple accused of attempting to launder $4.5 billion worth of bitcoin teaches us a lot about cryptocurrency and its place in the economy. You can read more about this case in Tortoise's Sensemaker newsletter: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/2022/02/17/sensemaker-220217/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tributes have flooded in for music entrepreneur Jamal Edwards, who has died at the age of 31, a Youtube star who helped propel British rap and grime into the mainstream. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK expelled everyone who lived on the Chagos Islands more than 50 years ago. Why are they still being blocked from returning? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15-year-old Kamila Valieva’s doping scandal has made headlines around the world. But she’s just a child. What about the team of adults surrounding her? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inflation has hit a 30-year high as energy, fuel and food costs continue to soar. A humble bag of pasta can tell us why the prices of supermarket basics are rising. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Germany’s new chancellor was initially criticised for his slow and awkward response to the Ukraine crisis, but he has now met Vladimir Putin. What does it tell us about his policy towards Russia? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More Insulate Britain activists were jailed last week. Since their protests began in September global energy prices have risen dramatically and British households face a 54% increase in their fuel bills. It might strengthen their case. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Conservative Prime Minister Sir John Major launched a scathing attack on Boris Johnson over Partygate last week. He is known to be a critic of the prime minister, so will it make any difference? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

French president Emmanuel Macron met his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin this week. It was an attempt to de-escalate tensions over Ukraine, but Macron had another aim too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Academy Awards is improving diversity seven years after a hashtag criticising the Oscars went viral, but progress is slow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ryan Kaji is one of the highest paid ‘child influencers’ on the planet, but internet success stories like his pose a challenge to regulators. Sign up to the Tech States newsletter here: https://torto.se/3HA5XNS  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week the Isis leader was killed during a raid on his hideout in Syria. What will his death do to the strength of the terrorist group he once led? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Much is made of Carrie Johnson's apparent influence over policy in Number 10, but her power tells us something about her husband too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When a mega iceberg melted it released 152 billion tonnes of fresh water into the ocean, but that is not what is worrying scientists most. It represents a bigger problem for our planet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government has hinged its success on its ability to "level up" the country. A mayor and former rugby player provides the blueprint for how the Tories can do it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eric Adams, New York City’s new mayor, faces his first major test. Can he curb the recent spike in shootings while balancing police tactics against the rights of poor communities? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been more than 20 years since the British military lifted their ban on gay people serving, so why are LGBT+ veterans still waiting for compensation? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yevhen Murayev was named in a strange Foreign Office press release as the potential leader of a pro-Russian government in Ukraine. Who is he and what is the UK up to? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Australian Open banned t-shirts about the missing Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai, but then u-turned. What does it tell us about how sporting bodies deal with repressive regimes? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How an investigation by the Metropolitan Police threatens Boris Johnson no matter what it finds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An anonymous crypto group thought they bought the rights to Dune. They were wrong.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every year Larry Fink, one of the biggest names in finance, writes a letter to the business world. Why has it become one of the most anticipated events in the calendar? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The most exciting sporting rivalry you’ve probably never heard of. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it do to a politician, to be caught lying to parliament?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Virginia Giuffre is Prince Andrew's accuser. She's fought some of the most powerful people in the world - and, amazingly, she's won. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.