Côte d'Ivoire is widely regarded as a regional powerhouse amid increased political instability and fragmentation in West Africa. However, the country has also been marked by violent conflicts and repeated bouts of political crisis in recent history. With the October 2025 elections fast approaching, Côte d'Ivoire faces another decisive moment – Pres…

A family have been forced to leave a Kent holiday park in the middle of the night after finding bugs on their bedding. The Allen's had booked a five-night stay at Parkdean Resorts in St Margaret’s Bay, near Dover - hear from reporter Oliver Leonard who has been following the story. Also in today's podcast, a Margate mum, who's battling breast cance…

Flowers have been left at the scene of a crash in Herne Bay following the death of a motorcyclist. The man in his 20s was riding along Reculver Road when he was involved in a collision near the junction with Terminus Drive in the early hours of Saturday. Also in today's podcast, an MP has raised concerns about plans for a housing development on lan…

A woman whose mum is being treated at Medway Maritime Hospital has raised concerns about a mice infestation on the ward. 82-year-old Christine Dobbs was reluctantly admitted after suffering a fall at home, but her stay has been marred by what her family says is a “shocking” rodent problem. Hear from Christine's daughter, we have also got a response…

A landlord's been left with a £60,000 repair bill after three of his properties were turned into cannabis factories. Drugs were found being grown at homes owned by Fergus Wilson in Ashford, Aylesford and Boughton Monchelsea near Maidstone. Reporter James Pallant has been covering the story and joins the podcast. Also on today's episode, a former Ke…

Ahead of the landmark COP30 in Belem, Brazil, this November, calls for reform of the UNFCCC and COPs are growing, as are concerns that the only formal global forum for climate negotiation and cooperation is under threat. In a series of conversations, Anna, Ruth and Bhargabi interview thought leaders in the climate world about what the future of cli…

Ahead of the landmark COP30 in Belem, Brazil, this November, calls for reform of the UNFCCC and COPs are growing, as are concerns that the only formal global forum for climate negotiation and cooperation is under threat. In a series of conversations, Anna, Ruth and Bhargabi interview thought leaders in the climate world about what the future of cli…

A young woman's told us she's scared to walk in Maidstone town centre alone after being victim of a violent robbery. Mercie Doe was attacked as she walked near the Archbishop's Palace in August last year, she was thrown to the ground and her bag was stolen. Mercie has bravely spoken about her ordeal and told the podcast what she thinks should be do…

Private security guards have been brought in to help tackle anti-social behaviour in Herne Bay. A company called Akon has been given a six-week contract to support council enforcement teams and police. It's costing £8,500 and comes after concerns about gangs of young people "terrorising" the town. Also in today's podcast, organisers of a free princ…

A cafe in Dover has been forced to close until further notice after a fire ripped through the building. Bosses say they're "heartbroken" after crews were called to tackle the blaze in the early hours of yesterday. Also in today's podcast, fans have been celebrating England's win in the final of the Women's Euros. A mural has been unveiled of Kent s…

How much of Donald Trump’s sanctions strategy is substance — and how much is performance? In this episode of Independent Thinking, Chatham House experts unpack whether sanctions work. And at Trump’s shifting use of sanctions, tariffs and personal power plays in global economic policy. With Dr Christopher Sabatini, Timothy Ash, and Christopher Vando…

How much of Donald Trump’s sanctions strategy is substance — and how much is performance? In this episode of Independent Thinking, Chatham House experts unpack whether sanctions work. And at Trump’s shifting use of sanctions, tariffs and personal power plays in global economic policy. With Dr Christopher Sabatini, Timothy Ash, and Christopher Vando…

Hygiene inspectors have found “multiple risks to food safety” at a popular Indian takeaway - including a mouldy freezer and a bucket of raw chicken being stored at room temperature. The restaurant in Cliftonville has hundreds of five-star ratings on food delivery app JustEat, but Thanet District Council officers found its facilities in a shocking s…

A mum has been granted permission to convert her house into a children’s home – despite facing huge opposition. Vanessa Idada’s application to transform the five-bed property in Aylesham was approved unanimously at a Dover District Council planning committee meeting. Also in today’s podcast, we’ve heard from the RSPCA ahead of what’s expected to be…

A man in his 50s has died following an incident which shut part of the M2. Police were called to a section of the busy motorway between Strood and Chatham just before 5 this morning. Also in today's podcast, a plumber who had been out drinking ended up in a police chase after accepting a lift home in a stolen Asda delivery van - which was later use…

A mum housed in a two-bed council home with six of her children says “pigs in a sty live more comfortably” than her family. Rebecca Waller is desperate to be moved somewhere bigger than the “claustrophobic” semi-detached property in Faversham. Also in today’s podcast, there's been an increase in the number of Kent police officers who are being sign…

The family of a 30-year-old battling a cancer so “horrific” that medical professionals cried while performing radiotherapy is pleading for help with more treatment. Chatham man Alex Able is believed to be the only adult ever recorded in the UK to be diagnosed with the very rare and aggressive Rhabdoid tumour and is now in a race against the clock. …

In this month's episode, we hear from Nigel Howard, project lead for the Commissioner's House renovation project. Learn about Nigel's previous experience working at the Dockyard and discover the craftsmanship, challenges, and vision behind this historic transformation.By The Historic Dockyard Chatham

What does President Donald Trump’s promise of Patriot missiles for Ukraine — and a 50-day tariff ultimatum to Putin — really mean for Ukraine and Russia? Chatham House experts Jaroslava Barbieri, John Lough and Samir Puri look at whether it is a significant pivot towards Ukraine, how both sides are faring in the war, and how U.S. credibility is aff…

What does President Donald Trump’s promise of Patriot missiles for Ukraine — and a 50-day tariff ultimatum to Putin — really mean for Ukraine and Russia? Chatham House experts Jaroslava Barbieri, John Lough and Samir Puri look at whether it is a significant pivot towards Ukraine, how both sides are faring in the war, and how U.S. credibility is aff…

It’s understood plans for a £30 million hotel at a country park have been quietly dropped after the intended operator pulled out. The controversial scheme at Betteshanger, near Deal, was met with huge opposition and took two years to get planning permission. Also in today’s podcast, the family of a sub-postmistress convicted of stealing thousands f…

The body of a much-loved son has been found in woodland, over a week after he was reported missing. The 32-year-old hadn’t been seen since he was spotted in Hawkhurst last Tuesday – it comes just a day after his family made an appeal for information. Also in today’s podcast, the number of children getting an MMR jab in Kent must increase to prevent…

The public health systems in Africa are under growing pressure. The sharp 70% drop in official development assistance (ODA) risks weakening critical health programmes, while a rise in public health emergencies continues to stretch already fragile infrastructure. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) – the public health …

What happened at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) and what does it mean for climate action? What are ‘solidarity levies’ and how might they help close the climate finance gap? What is needed to ensure someone actually reads the ‘Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T’ after COP30? To find answers to these and other burnin…

What happened at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) and what does it mean for climate action? What are ‘solidarity levies’ and how might they help close the climate finance gap? What is needed to ensure someone actually reads the ‘Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T’ after COP30? To find answers to these and other burnin…

A restaurant boss has been hauled before a court after failing to remove an illegal dining enclosure built without planning permission outside his seafront eatery. The owners of A La Turka in Herne Bay has admitted two offences relating to the structure - which continues to stand more than three years after he was ordered to take it down. Also in t…

A driver has called a parking firm “disgusting” after he was wrongfully issued a £100 fine for overstaying. He’d left his car at the multi-storey in Maidstone on two separate occasions, days apart, and paid each time but was baffled when a hefty bill arrived claiming he had parked there for six days. Also in today’s podcast, it’s been revealed the …

A Kent man who had the privilege of travelling with a megastar for one of the biggest global events has been reliving the memories of Live Aid 40-years on. You can hear from broadcaster Steve Blacknell who flew on Concorde with Phil Collins as the singer jetted from the London show to Philadelphia in July 1985. Also on today’s podcast, investigatio…

A huge fire's broken out at an industrial estate in Strood - with smoke visible from miles away. Crews were called to the Viridor recycling centre on the Medway City Estate just before six this morning. Hear from a reporter at the scene and a man who works nearby. Also in today's podcast, a hosepipe ban has been announced for a large part of Kent a…

What does Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the White House mean for the likelihood of a Gaza ceasefire? Bronwen Maddox is joined by Stephen Farrell, Yossi Mekelberg, Sanam Vakil and Max Yoeli to examine the state of negotiations, U.S.-Israel and regional dynamics, and competing plans for what comes next. Read our latest: Presented by Bronwen Maddox. P…

What does Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the White House mean for the likelihood of a Gaza ceasefire? Bronwen Maddox is joined by Stephen Farrell, Yossi Mekelberg, Sanam Vakil and Max Yoeli to examine the state of negotiations, U.S.-Israel and regional dynamics, and competing plans for what comes next. Read our latest: Lebanon’s moment of truth The …

A police officer was seen “bleeding” after coming out of a house before a lengthy stand-off at a property. At least nine police vehicles were called to the property in Sheerness after two officers were reportedly assaulted. Also in today’s podcast, businesses and residents at the centre of everyday delays on a historic bridge are calling for a solu…

More details have emerged about a man who was shot by police in a village near Maidstone Footage from body-worn cameras shows he was wielding a chainsaw and wearing a gas mask – and had what officers thought was an improvised explosive device. Also in today’s podcast, a mum whose son suffered heat exhaustion at school as temperatures hit 32 degrees…

A man has been seriously injured after being shot by police at an address near Maidstone. Kent Police have confirmed they were in Hollingbourne last night to make an arrest when a firearm was discharged. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has confirmed it is investigation. Also in today's podcast, staff at a Kent animal sanctuary say they ar…

A Kent woman says she’s been forced back into homelessness and is “living out of carrier bags” after being “kicked out” of her makeshift home. Kelly Cardwell said her life was finally getting back on track after a year of sofa surfing when she found a converted garage room to rent – but council have told her she has to leave. Also in today’s podcas…

A Ramsgate man's facing life in prison after being found guilty of murdering his baby daughter. A court heard Thomas Holford, 25, of Wallwood Road had smoked cannabis in the hours before shaking five week old Everleigh Stroud, and leaving her with a catastrophic brain injury. Also in today's podcast, the East Thanet MP is calling for more to be don…

After a crisis week for Britain’s ruling Labour Party, host Bronwen Maddox and Chatham House’s Olivia Sullivan are joined by economist Professor Stephen Millard and pollster Joe Twyman to look at the foreign and domestic challenges facing the country just one year after Keir Starmer won a landslide election victory. Read our latest: Presented by Br…

After a crisis week for Britain’s ruling Labour Party, host Bronwen Maddox and Chatham House’s Olivia Sullivan are joined by economist Professor Stephen Millard and pollster Joe Twyman to look at the foreign and domestic challenges facing the country just one year after Keir Starmer won a landslide election victory. Read our latest: Is China friend…

A woman aged in her 20s has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving and causing death by dangerous driving after a motorcyclist was killed in a crash. Police say it happened as a black Ford Fiesta and a black BMW X5 were travelling south along Stone Street last night. Also in today’s podcast, residents are worried plans for 750 homes will add t…

Climate litigation is both a strategic tool for climate action and an increasingly common part of the litigation landscape. Recent legal rulings have huge potential implications for the accountability and financial liability of big emitters, including both corporations and national governments. Anna and Ruth talk to Joana Setzer, climate litigation…

The 2025 edition of the June climate meetings in Bonn (formally ‘the sixty-second sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation of the UNFCCC’, or ‘SB62’) took place 16 to 26 June. These meetings, which take place every year, constitute the only formal space for negotiations ahead…

The 2025 edition of the June climate meetings in Bonn (formally ‘the sixty-second sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation of the UNFCCC’, or ‘SB62’) took place 16 to 26 June. These meetings, which take place every year, constitute the only formal space for negotiations ahead…

Water bosses have apologised after thousands of customers were left without water, or very low pressure, as temperatures topped 34C. South East Water say the problem in Herne Bay was caused by particularly high demand across the county which caused storage levels of treated drinking water to 'fall significantly'. Also in today's podcast, residents …

A determined flat owner who managed to oust her building’s “overcharging” managing agent and halve her service charge is now on a crusade to help other residents. She took action after the problems and poor service started almost immediately after she moved into the property in Unicorn Walk in Greenhithe three-years ago. Also in today’s podcast, pe…

Dreamland says it is supporting the emergency services in their enquiries after the death of a 21-year-old man at a drum ‘n’ bass festival. You can hear from a KentOnline reporter who was at the event in Margate – which was shut down hours earlier than planned following the tragic incident. Also in today’s podcast, a grieving family in Herne Bay be…

A man who murdered a grandfather from Tunbridge Wells has been told he'll spend at least 25 years behind bars. Stephen Castle hid Wayne Woodgate's body in woodland after attacking him over a long-standing grudge last October. The 59-year-old from Hastings Road near Matfield was found guilty by a jury following a trial last month. Also in today's po…

Did U.S. strikes cripple Iran’s nuclear programme — or just set the stage for the next crisis? Bronwen Maddox hosts from Jordan, joined by international security expert Marion Messmer and Middle East associate fellow Lina Khatib in London, to examine the claims and counter-claims and what it means for the region’s fragile balance of power. Read our…

Did US strikes cripple Iran’s nuclear programme — or just set the stage for the next crisis? Bronwen Maddox hosts from Jordan, joined by international security expert Marion Messmer and Middle East associate fellow Lina Khatib in London, to examine the claims and counter-claims and what it means for the region’s fragile balance of power. Read our l…

A brand-new special needs school remains empty months after opening despite being inundated by daily calls from parents “who want their children there”. The independent provision, which has space for 40 pupils, is targeted at children aged seven to 16, with lower special educational needs who do not fit into mainstream schools. Also in today’s podc…

A Herne Bay dad has issued a warning after his daughter suffered a badly broken leg when she was hit by a car while scrolling on her phone. Dashcam video shows 12 -year-old Lola walking straight out in front of the vehicle as she messaged friends on Snapchat. Also in today's episode, the founder of a Kent baby loss charity has told us she's reached…