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.
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After a day of turmoil where the Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, called for Keir Starmer to resign, Labour MPs and cabinet members seem to be rallying around the prime minister. Can Starmer bounce back from this latest blow to his leadership? And what might the road to recovery look like for Labour? Lucy Hough speaks to columnist Aditya Chakrabortty – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Helen Pidd follows the twists and turns on Monday as the prime minister fought to keep his job. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The media mogul and prominent pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in prison in Hong Kong for national security offences. His family has described the sentence as ‘heartbreakingly cruel', given the 78-year-old's declining health. Lai was convicted in December on charges of sedition and conspiracy to collude with foreign forces, after pleading not guilty to all charges. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's senior China correspondent, Amy Hawkins – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The whole town centre of Newton Aycliffe in County Durham is owned by billionaire brothers – so why is it so run down? Josh Halliday reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The latest tranche of Epstein files has sent shock waves around the world, but many of the powerful men who minimised and dismissed his crimes are still yet to face any real consequences. The documents show the likes of Noam Chomsky and Steve Bannon were happy to maintain relationships with Epstein even after he spent time in jail for child sex offences. What message does that send to the abused women and girls, whose experiences should be the real focus? And will these men ever be held to account? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian columnist Marina Hyde – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The journalist Jen Ortiz charts the rise of Bad Bunny – the Puerto Rican superstar musician and ICE critic – before his performance at the Super Bowl on Sunday. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Keir Starmer's days as prime minister are numbered, Labour MPs have warned, after a week of fury over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador despite his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. While several MPs have said the prime minister's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, should take responsibility and resign, the mood surrounding No 10 has seemed ‘terminal', said an MP from the 2024 intake. Lucy Hough talks to political correspondent Alexandra Topping. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The latest release of the Epstein files has dominated the news this week, with documents related to Bill Gates, Peter Mandelson, Elon Musk and Woody Allen pulling them into the spotlight. But, as the US deputy attorney general Todd Blanche suggested the legal review into the Epstein files was ‘over', the survivors of Epstein's abuse made clear it was not the end. Annie Kelly speaks to Lisa Philips, who suffered years of abuse by Epstein in the 2000s and is now one of the many survivors calling for more transparency from the Trump administration. Plus Guardian US columnist Moira Donegan on whether the missing files will ever be released. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Peter Mandelson faces a criminal investigation over allegations he leaked Downing Street emails and market-sensitive information to the child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2009. The Metropolitan police are investigating Mandelson, who was then business secretary, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Police are also reviewing fresh allegations about the former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Lucy Hough speaks to the head of national news, Archie Bland – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Prediction markets allow you to put money on everything from the US attacking Iran to Jesus returning. Saahil Desai explains their dizzying rise. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
A small number of Palestinians from Gaza have started crossing into Egypt for medical treatment after Israel allowed a limited reopening of the Rafah border crossing. It had been largely closed since Israeli troops seized it in May 2024, cutting off a critical lifeline for those in Gaza. About 20,000 Palestinians needing medical care hope to leave Gaza using the crossing, but only a handful have been allowed through so far. The reopening of Rafah is seen as a key step in the US-brokered ceasefire agreement as it moves into its second phase. Lucy Hough speaks to chief Middle East correspondent Emma Graham-Harrison – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
A succession of political leaders have been trooping to Beijing in recent months. Is it an indication of a new world order? Tania Branigan explains. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Donald Trump claims that the release of millions more files related to Jeffrey Epstein ‘absolve' him of wrongdoing, even though his name appears hundreds of times. The latest documents also indicate high-profile figures, including the former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Labour peer Peter Mandelson, continued friendships with the disgraced financier after his child sex abuse convictions. So what have we learned from the newly released files and what happens next? Lucy Hough speaks to columnist and host of Politics Weekly America Jonathan Freedland – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The Pakistani writer on enduring an abusive relationship in the public eye, and how she broke free. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
With Donald Trump tearing up the world order, governments across Europe are having to confront the fact that most of the technology they rely on comes from US companies. French officials have taken a step this week to reduce their dependence on US digital infrastructure, announcing they have stopped using Zoom, the US-owned video meeting software, in favour of a French-made program. But how viable is this? And what are the risks? The Guardian's Michael Safi speaks to the tech journalist Chris Stokel-Walker – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How does it feel when ICE agents swarm your city? Minneapolis residents on why they are rising up. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Donald Trump says ‘time is running out' for Iran as the threat of war appears to loom closer. A huge US armada is being moved towards Iran and is seen as the starkest indication yet that Trump intends to strike. The US president had called on the Iranian regime to negotiate a deal on the future of its nuclear programme, only weeks after he promised Iranian protesters ‘help was on the way' then backtracked days later. Nosheen Iqbal talks to the Guardian's deputy head of international news, Devika Bhat, about what Trump could do next – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Miqdaad Versi, Shaista Aziz, Aamna Mohdin and Nosheen Iqbal on the rise of the far right and growing Islamophobia in the UK. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Keir Starmer has landed in China to meet Xi Jinping, in the first trip to the country by a British prime minister in eight years. But Starmer is facing myriad issues, including pressure to try to secure the release of Jimmy Lai, the jailed former media tycoon and one of Hong Kong's most significant pro-democracy voices, as well as raising other human rights concerns. On top of that he has the difficult task of trying to boost trade with China without triggering the fury of Donald Trump. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian's political editor, Pippa Crerar, who joins from Beijing – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Syrian government forces have seized swathes of territory from Kurdish groups – including camps holding IS prisoners. Will Christou reports on why this is a dangerous moment. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Jeff Bezos's Amazon MGM Studios is due to release its feature-length documentary about Melania Trump, directed by Brett Ratner, a formerly exiled film-maker who was accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women. The documentary was screened at a promotional event inside the White House, attended by what the Hollywood Reporter describes as ‘70 assorted VIPs', including Amazon's Andy Jassy, Apple's Tim Cook and the former boxer Mike Tyson. Bezos bought the rights to the film for $40m (£30m) and spent a further $35m on a global marketing push – but so far, ticket sales are reportedly ‘soft' as it prepares to screen in more than 100 UK cinemas. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The prime minister may have seen off the challenge for the moment – but what will be the cost to his leadership? Peter Walker reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
US federal agents shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday, the second such killing in the city in less than three weeks. Pretti was an intensive care nurse with no criminal record, yet authorities raced to portray him as a violent ‘gunman' who threatened to ‘massacre' law enforcement. Video evidence directly contradicts this account. Protests have since erupted across the US and the Trump administration has said it is ‘reviewing' the incident. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian columnist Moira Donegan. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Are the German people on board with the government's massive militarisation programme? Kate Connolly reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Donald Trump's maximalist approach to foreign policy reached a crescendo this week, with the US president dominating proceedings at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Trump rescinded his threat to seize the Danish territory of Greenland, and launched his so-called board of peace for Gaza. It's been a chaotic week in Trumpworld – but there is increasing resistance from other world leaders, and signs of an emergent new world order. The Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, has warned that ‘the old order is not coming back … We shouldn't mourn it. Nostalgia is not a strategy.' Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
There have been a slew of defections as Reform rides high in the polls. But is it changing the party? Peter Walker reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The US president has backed down from weeks of threats to seize Greenland after threatening Europe with tariffs and the potential of military force. After talks with the Nato secretary general, Mark Rutte, Donald Trump said the ‘framework of a future deal' had been agreed that would allow the US to build up its military presence in the territory. Trump has also backed down from the tariff threat against eight countries including the UK, Denmark and Germany. Lucy Hough speaks to Europe correspondent Jon Henley – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Trump's board of peace includes Putin, Netanyahu and Tony Blair. What on earth will it do? Julian Borger reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The Duke of Sussex has been giving evidence in the high court, accusing the publisher of the Daily Mail of ‘grave breaches of privacy' and unlawfully gathering information. The prince is joined in the legal action by a group of other notable figures including Sir Elton John, Liz Hurley and Doreen Lawrence. Lucy Hough speaks to the senior national news editor Aaron Sharp. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Elle Hunt on the success of the BBC's hit show The Traitors. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, the eldest son of David and Victoria Beckham, has appeared to permanently cut ties with his family. In an explosive statement posted on Instagram, he claimed his parents had been controlling narratives in the press about his family, and had tried to ‘ruin' his relationship with his wife, Nicola Peltz Beckham. Lucy Hough speaks to Guardian columnist Marina Hyde – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Tom Burgis on Donald Trump's friend Ronald Lauder, a billionaire with business interests in Greenland. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Keir Starmer has played down the possibility of retaliatory tariffs on the US, after Donald Trump threatened them against Nato allies unless they support his plan to take Greenland. At an emergency press conference, Starmer said tariffs would be the “wrong thing to do”. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's senior political correspondent, Peter Walker – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Helen Pidd meets the US citizens attempting to claim asylum in the Netherlands. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The Venezuelan opposition leader, María Corina Machado, has presented her Nobel peace prize medal to Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House, saying it was a recognition of his commitment to Venezuela's freedom. The gesture came after Machado was unexpectedly sidelined by Trump after US forces abducted Nicolás Maduro. Lucy Hough speaks to the US live news editor, Chris Michael. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Its agents outnumber police on the streets of Minneapolis, are detaining US citizens and clashing violently with protesters. Caitlin Dickerson and Maanvi Singh report. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Robert Jenrick has been sensationally sacked from the shadow cabinet and suspended from the Conservative party after Kemi Badenoch said she was presented with ‘irrefutable evidence' that he was planning to defect. The shadow justice secretary was Badenoch's leadership rival and had long been said to have been prepared to do a deal with Reform UK's leader, Nigel Farage. 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
What kind of life is the deposed former president of Syria and his family living in Russia? With Pjotr Sauer and Will Christou. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Protesters face execution as the Iranian regime continues its violent crackdown, defying the US president, Donald Trump, who has threatened ‘very strong action' if demonstrators are killed. Erfan Soltani, 26, is the first protester to be sentenced to death, but it is unclear whether or not his execution has taken place. Lucy Hough speaks to journalist Deepa Parent about what she is hearing from those inside Iran – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How far will Rubio go to achieve his own objectives? With Lauren Gambino. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The UK government is threatening Elon Musk's X with the nuclear option: a ban. The social media platform is under pressure from ministers over the use of the Grok AI tool to manipulate images of women and children to remove their clothes. Ofcom, the UK's media regulator, has launched an investigation into X – and the government says it will support a ban if it decides to press ahead. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's senior national editor Aaron Sharp. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Protests have rocked Iran, a brutal crackdown is under way and Trump has threatened to intervene. Ellie Geranmayeh on a dangerous moment for the country's leaders. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
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