Hosted by Anushka Asthana, Today in Focus brings you closer to Guardian journalism. Combining personal storytelling with insightful analysis, Today in Focus is The Guardian's daily podcast that takes you behind the headlines for a deeper understanding of the news, every weekday.
The Today in Focus podcast is an exceptional source of in-depth reporting and analysis on a wide range of topics. The podcast stands out for its ability to provide comprehensive coverage and insightful commentary, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking in-depth understanding of current events.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is its commitment to thorough reporting. The journalists behind Today in Focus go beyond surface-level coverage, delving into the complexities and nuances of each topic. They conduct interviews with experts, visit relevant locations, and provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. This level of depth sets Today in Focus apart from other news podcasts.
Another highlight of this podcast is the variety of topics covered. From international affairs to domestic politics, from social issues to cultural phenomena, Today in Focus tackles a wide range of subjects that are both timely and important. This diversity ensures that there's always something new and interesting to learn from each episode.
However, one area where the podcast could improve is by including more interviews with parents about their role in their children's lives. While the podcast covers a broad range of topics, it often neglects to explore the experiences and perspectives of parents with young children. Including interviews with parents would provide valuable insights into family dynamics and shed light on the challenges and joys of parenting.
In conclusion, Today in Focus is an outstanding podcast that offers high-quality reporting, insightful analysis, and diverse subject matter. It stands as one of the best sources for in-depth news coverage and provides listeners with a deep understanding of complex issues. Despite some room for improvement regarding parent interviews, this podcast remains a top choice for those seeking informative and engaging journalism.

It's a decade since the MP for Batley and Spen was killed by a far right extremist. Her sister, Kim Leadbetter, who took over her parliamentary seat, explains what lessons are still to be learnt. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The US and Iran have reached a tentative deal to end the conflict in the Middle East, but competing claims from Donald Trump and Tehran have left the details shrouded in uncertainty. Questions remain over the reopening of the strait of Hormuz, Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon, and the future of Iran's nuclear programme. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian's senior international correspondent Julian Borger. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Helen Pidd goes to Makerfield where the Labour candidate and would-be prime minister Andy Burnham faces Reform UK in a crucial byelection. With reporting from Josh Halliday. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The football's only just kicked off, but this World Cup has already seen its fair share of controversy. With a Somali referee barred from entering the US, Fifa president Gianni Infantino cosying up to Donald Trump and accusations of price gouging and cash grabbing, fans have been left with mixed emotions about the tournament. Annie Kelly speaks to the sportswriter and columnist Jonathan Liew. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The Guardian reporter Hannah Al-Othman on the anti-immigrant rioting in Northern Ireland and the residents afraid for their lives. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

John Healey has resigned as defence secretary over the government's military spending plans, in another significant blow for Keir Starmer. In a scathing letter to the prime minister, Healey said the long-awaited defence investment plan “falls well short of what is required for defence” and that he would have had to take decisions that “could make Britain less safe”. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian's policy editor, Kiran Stacey Healey quits in row with Starmer over military spending. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

As the US prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary and Trump turns 80, what state is the country in? And its president?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Violence erupted in Northern Ireland last night in response to a stabbing attack in Belfast that was captured in a graphic video. Crowds, including masked men, burned vehicles and houses, hours after Elon Musk, Tommy Robinson and other agitators encouraged people to take to the streets. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to Ireland correspondent Rory Carroll – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Russian affairs reporter Pjotr Sauer on Vladimir Putin's increasing isolation – and seeming paranoia – as ordinary Russians become more restive over the toll of the war in Ukraine and a struggling economy at home. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Kemi Badenoch has vowed to reform the Equality Act in what is viewed as an attempt to win back support from Reform voters. The Conservative leader, who also served as equalities minister from 2020 to 2022, wants to scrap the public sector equality duty – a legal requirement that forces public institutions to actively consider how their decisions affect equality. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to community affairs correspondent Aamna Mohdin – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Football fans are celebrating the tournament coming to Guadalajara. But with a brutal crime syndicate holding sway there, what are the risks for fans – and the government?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Israel and Iran have exchanged direct strikes for the first time since a ceasefire was reached in April, raising fears of a return to a full-scale regional war. The Israeli strikes are in apparent defiance of Donald Trump, who told Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, not to retaliate against Iran, in order to avoid derailing peace talks. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian's senior international correspondent Julian Borger – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Dancer, dog owner, bank robber. Germany's most wanted woman, Daniela Klette, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after decades on the run. Deborah Cole and Jason Burke report. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Thousands have protested in the streets of the Albanian capital, Tirana, this week against a planned luxury resort backed by Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. Groundwork has begun on the $1.6bn complex in an area long seen as one of the Mediterranean's most environmentally sensitive, containing 200 species of birds including flamingos and Dalmatian pelicans. After builders began erecting a concrete-based, barbed wire-topped fence around the site, alarm turned to public outrage at the environmental damage and lack of political transparency around the deal. Lucy Hough speaks to US live news editor Chris Michael – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The far-right conspiracy theory is heard everywhere from pubs to parliament and riots to talk radio. Hugh Muir and Joe Mulhall explain why. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire to end hostilities as the US attempts to overcome one of the largest barriers to reaching a broader deal to end the war with Iran. But the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is dependent on a complete halt of fire from Hezbollah, and the evacuation of all its fighters from southern Lebanon. Lucy Hough speaks to Beirut-based reporter William Christou – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The leftwing American commentator Cenk Uygur talks about the ban on him and his nephew, Hasan Piker, entering the UK this week. With reporting from Kiran Stacey. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

There has been violent disorder on the streets of Southampton sparked by the murder of student Henry Nowak. Politicians and community leaders have called for calm amid fears that Nowak's death will be used to whip up racial resentment against minority ethnic Britons. Lucy Hough speaks to community affairs correspondent Aamna Mohdin – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Fast cars, luxury watches – and, of course, that motorhome: the list of what former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell bought with embezzled funds is dizzying. Severin Carrell reports.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The second tranche of documents related to the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador have been released. The documents, running at more than 1,000 pages, were supposed to reveal what ministers knew about Mandelson's links to Epstein and the security process to approve his appointment, but instead have revealed government infighting and early doubts about Keir Starmer's premiership. 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

Daniel Trilling on the far-right party threatening Reform's chances in the Makerfield byelection. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

As Israel threatens to bomb Beirut and the US and Iran trade missile strikes, Donald Trump insists it will ‘all work out well in the end' and urges his critics to ‘sit back and relax'. So are we any closer to a deal? Lucy Hough speaks to diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Alaina Demopoulos reports on the Christian influencers telling women to submit to their husbands. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Nato has vowed to ‘defend every inch' of its territory after a Russian drone hit an apartment building in Romania. The strike prompted swift condemnation and threats of repercussion from European leaders. So is there a risk the war could expand beyond Ukraine? Lucy Hough speaks to senior international correspondent Peter Beaumont – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

In the week when the hottest May days were recorded, environment editor Fiona Harvey examines a new Climate Change Committee report on how the UK can better withstand extreme heat. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

A landmark report has warned that the UK risks a ‘lost generation' of young people, as new figures show that more than 1 million 16- to 24-year-olds in the UK were not in education, employment or training. The former Labour cabinet minister Alan Milburn said youth disengagement was a mounting economic risk to the country, and urged a fundamental reset of policy covering schools, the health service and the welfare state. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's senior economics correspondent, Richard Partington – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The UN's special rapporteur for Palestine, Francesca Albanese, on the war in Gaza, living under US sanctions and accusations of antisemitism. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Peter Mandelson's links with senior figures in China, Russia and Israel were among the concerns raised by the UK's vetting agency when it concluded he should be denied clearance, multiple sources have told the Guardian. It comes after a powerful parliamentary committee said the government was failing to fully comply with a parliamentary motion ordering the release of all papers relating to Mandelson's appointment. A spokesperson for Hayman said he “has no personal connection or familiarity whatsoever” with Mandelson, and his contact with him was limited to work the British politician did for his thinktank. A Cabinet Office spokesperson said it was “committed to complying with the Humble Address in full”. Lucy Hough speaks to the head of investigations Paul Lewis – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Sirin Kale on the BBC Panorama investigation into Married at First Sight UK. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The US has launched fresh strikes on Iran despite suggestions that a peace deal could be within reach. Donald Trump faces growing criticism from Republicans over the proposed plan to end the war, which reportedly contained major concessions from Washington. But could an agreement still be imminent? Lucy Hough speaks to diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Josh Halliday on why Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is tipped to be the future Labour leader … if he wins the Makerfield byelection. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The UK is experiencing record-breaking temperatures in an unprecedented May heatwave, while large parts of Europe are also facing blistering conditions. As the climate crisis makes extreme heat more likely, are we prepared? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian reporter Helena Horton – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Senior Middle East correspondent Emma Graham-Harrison on a pair of laws recently passed by the Israeli parliament to bring back the death penalty – seemingly only for Palestinians. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The US supreme court has preserved nationwide access to mail-order abortion pills, for now. As Carter Sherman explains, the fight to protect this medication is far from over, as a near-total abortion ban could be on the horizon. Carter speaks with Dr Angel Foster, a co-founder of the Massachusetts Medication Abortion Access Project, who reveals how the legal battle over abortion pills has affected patients across the US – and what could happen next. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

A ruthless Thomas Tuchel has left several big names at home for his England squad at this summer's World Cup. There was no space for Harry Maguire, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer or Phil Foden – previous stalwarts in former manager Gareth Southgate's squads. The announcement comes as the club season nears its end, with a historic week for Arsenal winning its first Premier League title in 22 years, sparking an incredible and diverse celebration from fans. Lucy Hough speaks to sportswriter and columnist Jonathan Liew – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Kay Lay and Prosper Heri Ngorora report on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has triggered global outrage after sharing footage of himself taunting bound activists who had been detained as they tried to sail to Gaza with aid. The video has been widely condemned by world leaders, including the Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, and by Israeli politicians, among them the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's chief Middle East correspondent, Emma Graham-Harrison – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The Olympian Max McCusker on his decision to sign up for the Las Vegas games where performance-enhancing drugs are encouraged. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Xi Jinping welcomed Vladimir Putin to Beijing with pomp and pageantry, just days after hosting Donald Trump. But as Russia's war in Ukraine makes Moscow increasingly dependent on China, and western leaders thaw relations with Beijing, what does the power imbalance mean for Xi and Putin's relationship? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's deputy head of international news, Devika Bhat. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Tom Phillips on life in the country four months after the US abduction of the former president Nicolás Maduro. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

A long and bitter legal battle between tech billionaires Elon Musk and Sam Altman has culminated in victory for the OpenAI boss. Musk has vowed to appeal the verdict. But what did the trial reveal about big tech and the global AI race. Lucy Hough speaks to Guardian US tech and power reporter Nick Robins-Early - watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Anna Isaac on Nigel Farage's response to the Guardian revelation that he was given an undisclosed £5m gift from a crypto billionaire in 2024. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus