Today in Focus

40 Episodes
Subscribe

By: The Guardian

Today in Focus brings you closer to the Guardian's journalism. Our award-winning morning edition hosted by Helen Pidd, Nosheen Iqbal and Annie Kelly combines on-the-ground reporting, insightful analysis and personal testimony from the people at the heart of the stories that matter, to give you a deeper understanding of the world we live in. And to make sense of a rapidly-changing news cycle, our new evening edition 'The Latest' hosted by Lucy Hough, brings you up to speed on the big news story of the day in just 10 minutes. Available on YouTube and all podcast platforms.

✂️ Turn this podcast into clips
The Odyssey: is Nolan adaptation worth the hype? - The Latest
The Odyssey: is Nolan adaptation worth the hype? - The Latest episode artwork
Last Friday at 4:04 PM

Christopher Nolan’s star-studded take on Homer’s Odyssey has received rave reviews from critics and is one of the most hotly anticipated films of the year. The three-hour Imax blockbuster has an estimated budget of $250m and a star-studded cast including Matt Damon, Zendaya and Tom Holland. But will it live up to expectations? Annie Kelly speaks to film editor Catherine Shoard. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


How to keep cool
How to keep cool episode artwork
Last Friday at 2:00 AM

Tom Greenhill, the chartered engineer behind the Heatwave Toolkit, provides tips on keeping your home cool in the heat; the Guardian’s Europe environment correspondent, Ajit Niranjan, reports on what governments across the continent are doing in response to this record-breaking summer. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


World Cup: how did it all go wrong for England? - The Latest
World Cup: how did it all go wrong for England? - The Latest episode artwork
Last Thursday at 3:50 PM

England have again suffered World Cup heartache, conceding two late goals that gave Argentina a dramatic 2-1 comeback win and a place in the final against Spain on Sunday. Many have blamed manager Thomas Tuchel’s substitution decisions for the defeat. So did his tactics ultimately backfire? Annie Kelly speaks to sports columnist Jonathan Liew – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


The Andy Burnham I know
The Andy Burnham I know episode artwork
Last Thursday at 2:00 AM

Today in Focus hears from friends, colleagues and mentors of Andy Burnham to find out more about the man soon to be prime minister. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


Social media curfew for teens: is it pointless? – The Latest
Social media curfew for teens: is it pointless? – The Latest episode artwork
Last Wednesday at 4:18 PM

Sixteen- and 17-year-olds face an overnight social media curfew in an extension of the government’s social media ban for under-16s. Under the plan, aimed at reducing online harms, certain apps would be blocked by default from midnight to 6am. But the curfew will not be mandatory and teenagers can opt out, so will it achieve anything? Annie Kelly speaks to social affairs correspondent Jessica Murray – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


The lawyer who took on Meta – and won
The lawyer who took on Meta – and won episode artwork
Last Wednesday at 2:00 AM

When Mark Lanier and his young client Kaley faced Meta and Google in an LA courtroom earlier this year, it seemed a bigger battle than David v Goliath. Lanier, however, was determined to prove the companies had not just stumbled into a youth mental health crisis, but had helped to engineer it. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


Trump forced to refund billions in tariffs – The Latest
Trump forced to refund billions in tariffs – The Latest episode artwork
Last Tuesday at 4:17 PM

The US government has been forced to pay billions in refunds to companies that were hit by Donald Trump’s ‘liberation day’ tariffs. The US has paid out $81bn (£61bn) this fiscal year after the supreme court ruled the tariffs were illegal. Lucy Hough speaks to international editor Chris Michael – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


What’s happened to sperm?
What’s happened to sperm? episode artwork
Last Tuesday at 2:00 AM

Sperm counts are in decline worldwide, and testosterone levels are said to be plunging, but male infertility still carries a stigma. Prof Michael Carroll on what every man should know. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


Ann Widdecombe murder investigation taken over by counter-terror police – The Latest
Ann Widdecombe murder investigation taken over by counter-terror police – The Latest episode artwork
Last Monday at 3:46 PM

Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of the former MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe, in light of ‘new information and evidence’. A 28-year old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s head of national news, Archie Bland – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


China’s massive AI rollout
China’s massive AI rollout episode artwork
Last Monday at 2:00 AM

Senior China correspondent Amy Hawkins on China’s embrace of AI, from medical avatars to food delivery drones and state surveillance. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


How Trump’s intervention tarnished the World Cup – The Latest
How Trump’s intervention tarnished the World Cup – The Latest episode artwork
07/10/2026

There is just one week to go until the winner of the World Cup is crowned, and it has been a memorable tournament, not least due to the extraordinary intervention by Donald Trump this week that shocked the football world. Lucy Hough speaks to global sports business correspondent Matt Hughes – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


The missing scientists at the centre of a UFO conspiracy
The missing scientists at the centre of a UFO conspiracy episode artwork
07/10/2026

Are the disappearances or deaths of 11 US scientists really linked in a nefarious plot? Or just a conspiracy theory with roots in a bizarre broadcast that rocked Britain in the 1970s?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


US and Iran exchange strikes: is Trump’s peace deal over? - The Latest
US and Iran exchange strikes: is Trump’s peace deal over? - The Latest episode artwork
07/09/2026

The US president has said the truce with Iran is ‘over’ amid 48 hours of intense strikes. In the days leading to this escalation, three tankers were attacked by Iran in the strait of Hormuz, raising questions about the clarity of the ceasefire agreement signed in June. The US military’s attacks occurred during the week-long funeral of Iran’s former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, which drew millions on to the streets. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s senior international correspondent Julian Borger – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


Nigel Farage v Count Binface
Nigel Farage v Count Binface episode artwork
07/09/2026

Political correspondent Ben Quinn talks about the forthcoming byelection in Clacton after all Reform’s serious rivals declined to take part. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


Trump on rampage at Nato summit: what does it mean for Ukraine? – The Latest
Trump on rampage at Nato summit: what does it mean for Ukraine? – The Latest episode artwork
07/08/2026

The US president is in combative mood as Nato leaders meet for a two-day summit in Ankara. There are divisions over Russia’s war in Ukraine, defence spending, and the US-Israel war in Iran with signs of the fragile ceasefire collapsing. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is holding talks with leaders as he rallies the European cause against Russia’s war that has reached the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, as Nato allies present an increasingly united front against an unreliable US. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s central and eastern Europe correspondent Shaun Walker – watch on YouTube. Help support our independ...


Iran’s show of strength
Iran’s show of strength episode artwork
07/08/2026

Patrick Wintour reports from the funeral of Ali Khamenei as the Iranian regime puts on a show of confidence and resilience.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


Nigel Farage resigns to stand in ‘people vs establishment’ byelection – The Latest
Nigel Farage resigns to stand in ‘people vs establishment’ byelection – The Latest episode artwork
07/07/2026

Nigel Farage has announced his resignation as the MP for Clacton, triggering a byelection in which he intends to stand as a candidate. The Reform UK leader is under scrutiny over his finances, with two investigations by the parliamentary standards watchdog over undeclared gifts. During a 15-minute press conference, he accused the media of a ‘pile-on’ over his personal finances, and harassment of his family. He said his decision was part of ‘sticking two fingers up at the establishment’ and would prove the public want him to stay on as an MP. Lucy Hough speaks to policy editor Kiran Stacey – watch on Y...


Searching for earthquake survivors in Venezuela
Searching for earthquake survivors in Venezuela episode artwork
07/07/2026

Tom Phillips speaks to the ordinary Venezuelans struggling to find their friends and family after the country’s worst earthquakes in a century. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


Farage under pressure over gifts from convicted fraudster – The Latest
Farage under pressure over gifts from convicted fraudster – The Latest episode artwork
07/06/2026

As Nigel Farage awaits the findings of a standards watchdog investigation into a £5m gift he received from the cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne, fresh allegations about his finances have emerged related to benefits received from the crypto entrepreneur George Cottrell, who has previously been convicted of fraud. The Reform UK leader says he is the victim of an ‘establishment hit job’ and that he has ‘done no wrongdoing’. Lucy Hough speaks to senior political correspondent Peter Walker – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


Has the US finally fallen in love with football?
Has the US finally fallen in love with football? episode artwork
07/06/2026

Has the success of the US men’s team – and hosting the World Cup – finally made Americans fall in love with football? With Guardian US soccer correspondent Jeff Rueter. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


How a Melbourne woman’s death is shining light on the dangers of non-medical births – Full Story podcast
How a Melbourne woman’s death is shining light on the dangers of non-medical births – Full Story podcast episode artwork
07/04/2026

The Guardian’s Full Story podcast covers the inquest into the death of the influencer Stacey Warnecke. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


Taylor Swift’s wedding: Madison Square Garden, NDAs and a princess castle – The Latest
Taylor Swift’s wedding: Madison Square Garden, NDAs and a princess castle – The Latest episode artwork
07/03/2026

The US superstar golden couple Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are finally tying the knot in a rumoured major event in New York’s Madison Square Garden. The couple – who got engaged 10 months ago, announced via an Instagram post that received 14m likes in its first hour online – held an intimate rehearsal dinner at MSG with a rumoured guest list of 1,000 for today’s ceremony and construction of a custom-made fairytale castle inside. But with tight security, NDAs and New York streets on lockdown – what do we know? Lucy Hough speaks to Guardian writer Elle Hunt – watch on YouTube. Help support our...


The return of the firing squad in Trump’s America
The return of the firing squad in Trump’s America episode artwork
07/03/2026

Why are more states than ever in the US using the firing squad as a method of execution? With chief reporter for Guardian US Ed Pilkington. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


How Labour diverted billions from NHS services to appease Trump – The Latest
How Labour diverted billions from NHS services to appease Trump – The Latest episode artwork
07/02/2026

The NHS will divert billions of pounds from essential services to pay for new medicines, under the terms of the US-UK trade deal agreed in December, which could lead to more than 200,000 excess deaths, analysis has found. Ministers have defended the deal as a way of helping British drug exports avoid US tariffs and giving patients access to vital medication, but critics accuse the Labour party of caving into pressure from Donald Trump. Lucy Hough speaks to columnist Aditya Chakrabortty – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


‘I don’t think she knew how much danger she was in’: the life and death of Annabel Rook
‘I don’t think she knew how much danger she was in’: the life and death of Annabel Rook episode artwork
07/02/2026

The community leader and mother of two Annabel Rook was murdered by her partner. Annie Kelly talks to Annabel’s best friend and parents after the conclusion of the trial. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


Crypto, Bibles and watches: how Trump made over $2bn last year – The Latest
Crypto, Bibles and watches: how Trump made over $2bn last year – The Latest episode artwork
07/01/2026

Donald Trump cashed in on more than $2bn from crypto and other business ventures last year. As the US races to become the self‑declared ‘crypto capital of the world’, the president and his family have turned digital tokens, meme coins and merchandise into an unprecedented revenue stream. But just how rich can a sitting US president get? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian reporter Aisha Down – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


The Burnham blueprint, as told by one of its architects
The Burnham blueprint, as told by one of its architects episode artwork
07/01/2026

Andy Burnham has set out his economic plans for Britain. Neal Lawson, from the Burnham-aligned group Mainstream, explains the thinking behind it. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


Is the UK spending enough on defence? – The Latest
Is the UK spending enough on defence? – The Latest episode artwork
06/30/2026

The prime minister has unveiled his long-delayed defence investment plan, promising an extra £15bn in defence spending over the next four years. The funding, which will be spent on drones, nuclear projects and RAF fighter jets, has been made available through cuts to energy, transport and housing projects. Keir Starmer urged his likely successor, the Labour MP Andy Burnham, not to borrow more money to pay for it. Lucy Hough speaks to Guardian policy editor Kiran Stacey – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


Where have all the first jobs gone?
Where have all the first jobs gone? episode artwork
06/30/2026

The number of young people in the UK not in work, education or training is spiralling. How much damage could it do to their long-term prospects – and the country? Sammy Gecsoyler reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


How would PM-in-waiting Andy Burnham change Britain? - The Latest
How would PM-in-waiting Andy Burnham change Britain? - The Latest episode artwork
06/29/2026

Andy Burnham has set out his vision for the UK in his first big policy speech since launching a bid to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister. The Makerfield MP confirmed he would set up ‘No 10 North’ and pledged to ‘bring about the biggest rebalancing of power the country has ever seen’. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s north of England editor, Josh Halliday – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


Life on the porch of an empty mansion
Life on the porch of an empty mansion episode artwork
06/29/2026

Why are so many luxury homes in London lying empty? Sam Wollaston reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


The king, his millions, and the first public royal tax bill – The Latest
The king, his millions, and the first public royal tax bill – The Latest episode artwork
06/26/2026

King Charles has become the first monarch in modern times to reveal how much tax he pays on his private income: £24.6m over the last two years. The move comes after years of calls for the monarch to be more open with the public about the royal finances. Some are heralding this as a new era of transparency – but just how open has the revelation been? Lucy Hough speaks to our European financial affairs editor, Juliette Garside – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


A British woman was strangled in the UK – why did the US military try her case?
A British woman was strangled in the UK – why did the US military try her case? episode artwork
06/26/2026

When the academic Sarah Steele was assaulted in England, she had no idea her case would end up in front of a US military court. Harry Davies explains why military judges and juries are ruling on crimes committed in the UK. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


Desperate search for survivors after deadly earthquakes hit Venezuela – The Latest
Desperate search for survivors after deadly earthquakes hit Venezuela – The Latest episode artwork
06/25/2026

Rescue efforts are under way in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes caused buildings to collapse and killed at least 164 people, and there are fears the death toll could rise significantly. A state of emergency has been declared by the country’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, who said 971 people have been injured and more casualties are expected. Lucy Hough speaks to Latin America correspondent Tom Phillips – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


The dawn of the designer baby
The dawn of the designer baby episode artwork
06/25/2026

Jenny Kleeman investigates ‘Biotech Barbie’ Cathy Tie, the controversial entrepreneur hoping to revolutionise human reproduction by letting parents edit their embryos. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


Hundreds of mothers and babies died or were harmed at ‘toxic’ hospital trust – The Latest
Hundreds of mothers and babies died or were harmed at ‘toxic’ hospital trust – The Latest episode artwork
06/24/2026

A shocking report into the biggest ever maternity care scandal in the NHS has revealed more than 500 mothers and babies died or were harmed as a result of inadequate care in Nottingham. The review, led by the senior midwife Donna Ockenden, found there had been a dismissive attitude to women’s concerns, failures in maternity care, staff shortages, a toxic culture and racism at Nottingham University hospitals NHS trust. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s UK health and inequalities correspondent Tobi Thomas – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


Britain, Brexit, Burnham: how was it for EU?
Britain, Brexit, Burnham: how was it for EU? episode artwork
06/24/2026

A decade after Brexit, the UK simply can’t shake the legacy of the referendum. But with shifting public opinion and the rise of Andy Burnham, could Britain be plotting a path back to the EU?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


Deadly heatwave grips Europe with record high temperatures - The Latest
Deadly heatwave grips Europe with record high temperatures - The Latest episode artwork
06/23/2026

Europe is dealing with a debilitating heatwave, with schools closed, trains cancelled and France holding an emergency meeting after heat-related deaths. António Guterres, the UN secretary general, is urging the world to act on fossil fuels as the continent braces for record-breaking heat. Lucy Hough speaks to Europe environment correspondent Ajit Niranjan – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


Where did it all go wrong for Starmer?
Where did it all go wrong for Starmer? episode artwork
06/23/2026

The UK has lost its sixth prime minister in a decade. How did Keir Starmer go from landslide victory to resigning in two years?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus


Starmer resigns as UK prime minister - The Latest
Starmer resigns as UK prime minister - The Latest episode artwork
06/22/2026

Keir Starmer has announced he is standing down as prime minister after days of intense pressure from Labour MPs, including cabinet ministers, following Andy Burnham’s byelection victory in Makerfield. Wes Streeting has ruled himself out of the running, so will it be a coronation for the ‘king of the north’ or could another candidate emerge? Lucy Hough speaks to senior political correspondent Peter Walker – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus