Today in Focus
The Guardian
The Guardian's daily news podcast — one big story, in depth.
Recent episodes
Will the Greens win over Hackney?
May 1, 2026Helen Pidd and Peter Walker on the local elections and why the Green party has surged in the polls. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
34m 19s
‘An epidemic’: is antisemitism out of control in the UK? – The Latest
Apr 30, 2026The stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, north-west London, has become the latest in a series of antisemitic attacks. So is rising antisemitism now a national emergency? And is more security for the Jewish community really the answer? Helen Pidd is joined by columnist Rafael Behr – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
14m 9s
Iran’s wartime executions
Apr 30, 2026Over the last six weeks, the Iranian regime has carried out a spate of executions of political prisoners. The Guardian journalist Daniel Boffey reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
24m 24s
Has King Charles salvaged special relationship with Trump? – The Latest
Apr 29, 2026It was a historic day for King Charles as he became the first British monarch to address a joint session of Congress in 35 years, before enjoying a lavish dinner at the White House. There were jokes, subtle digs, and the supposedly apolitical monarch even appealed to Donald Trump on Nato and Ukraine – but how did the US president react? Helen Pidd speaks to the Guardian columnist and host of Politics Weekly America, Jonathan Freedland – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism a
15m 20s
Siri, where does Apple go next?
Apr 29, 2026Guardian US tech editor Blake Montgomery talks about the future of Apple after the resignation of its longtime CEO Tim Cook. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
26m 38s
Starmer staves off mutiny over Mandelson mess… but for how long? - The Latest
Apr 28, 2026Keir Starmer endured another bruising day as the saga surrounding Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador continued. The prime minister faced harsh criticism from his own MPs over his efforts to stave off a privileges committee investigation, while his former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney admitted putting pressure on the Foreign Office to expedite Mandelson’s posting in highly anticipated evidence to a parliamentary committee. So how much peril is the prime minister in? Lucy Hough speak
11m 26s
The secretive billionaire bankrolling Nigel Farage
Apr 28, 2026The crypto tycoon has given millions to Farage’s political parties. But who is Christopher Harborne and what does he want in return?. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
33m 4s
‘Sense of disbelief’: how White House press dinner attack unfolded – The Latest
Apr 27, 2026Details about the shooting at the White House correspondents gala have started to surface as the alleged shooter is set to be charged. The suspect was able to get close to where Donald Trump and many other senior officials were gathered, before law enforcement stopped him. It happened less than two years since Trump was the target of an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, and a subsequent attempt at a golf course in Florida. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s Washington bureau chief
10m 4s
Sanae Takaichi: the most powerful woman in the world?
Apr 27, 2026Justin McCurry on Japan’s heavy metal-loving prime minister and her plan to amend the country’s pacifist constitution. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
28m 26s
Is Starmer on borrowed time? - The Latest
Apr 24, 2026Keir Starmer is fighting for his political life as the Mandelson vetting scandal threatens to end his premiership. With no end to the Mandelson saga in sight, and as Labour looks set to suffer major losses at the local elections, can the prime minister survive? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s head of national news, Archie Bland. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
12m 29s
Will the backlash against AI turn violent?
Apr 24, 2026An attack on the home of OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman – and on the company’s headquarters – has led to concerns the backlash against AI could become violent. Guardian journalist Nick Robins-Early and researcher Sean Fleming discuss. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
27m 26s
Is the tide turning for Ukraine in war with Russia? – The Latest
Apr 23, 2026With the EU approving a €90bn loan for Ukraine, a surprise visit from Prince Harry, and data suggesting Russian troops made almost no territorial gains in March – are there reasons for optimism in Kyiv? Lucy Hough speaks to senior international correspondent Luke Harding – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
11m 39s
The new Michael Jackson biopic. Why now?
Apr 23, 2026A new blockbuster film about the controversial singer could make $1bn worldwide. Owen Myers and Lanre Bakare explain what it says about Jackson’s legacy. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
30m 9s
Trump extends Iran ceasefire: can a deal be made? – The Latest
Apr 22, 2026Donald Trump has indefinitely extended the US ceasefire with Iran after talks looked increasingly uncertain between both sides. Trump said he would ‘extend the ceasefire until such time as [Iran’s] proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other’. The US blockade remains, as does the closure of the strait of Hormuz by Iran, which seized two ships on Wednesday. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour – watch on YouTube. Read Patrick’s anal
10m 36s
The security report the UK government doesn’t want you to see
Apr 22, 2026Fiona Harvey tells Nosheen Iqbal why the climate crisis is a threat to national security. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
28m 28s
Mandelson vetting row: sacked civil servant speaks out - The Latest
Apr 21, 2026The Foreign Office chief sacked over the Peter Mandelson security vetting scandal has finally given his side of the story in an explosive appearance before MPs. Olly Robbins told the foreign affairs select committee that he faced ‘constant pressure’ to get Mandelson in post as US ambassador as soon as possible, and claimed Downing Street took a ‘dismissive’ attitude to vetting. It came a day after Keir Starmer accused Robbins of ‘obstructing the truth’ about the vetting process in a high-stakes
15m 16s
Starmer addresses the Mandelson vetting saga
Apr 21, 2026Jonathan Freedland on what Keir Starmer said – and didn’t say – to the House of Commons about the Mandelson vetting failure. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
28m 16s
Iran war energy crisis: how bad could it get? – The Latest
Apr 20, 2026Oil and gas prices have jumped again as shipping through the strait of Hormuz came to a virtual standstill after Iran closed the waterway over the US blockade and Donald Trump announced an Iranian cargo ship had been seized trying to get past. Tehran has accused Washington of violating the fragile ceasefire agreement. With uncertainty over a second round of peace talks, fears continue to grow about the scale of the energy shock caused by the war. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s energy corres
10m 12s
Stonewall’s new chair on trans rights, JK Rowling and the future of the LGBTQ+ movement
Apr 20, 2026An exclusive interview with Kezia Dugdale on the charity’s mistakes and the future of the LGBTQ+ movement. With reporting by Libby Brooks. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
30m 14s
Is Mandelson vetting scandal the final straw for Starmer? – The Latest
Apr 17, 2026Keir Starmer says it is ‘staggering’ and ‘unforgivable’ that he was not told Peter Mandelson had failed security vetting before taking up the role of US ambassador. The comments follow a Guardian investigation that exclusively revealed Mandelson had initially been denied clearance after a background check by security officials, but that the decision was overruled by the Foreign Office. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s head of investigations, Paul Lewis – watch on YouTube. Help support our ind
10m 56s
Will Trump regret taking on the Pope?
Apr 17, 2026The president’s posting of an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus horrified many Christians. Sarah Posner tells Annie Kelly why evangelical voters still flock to him. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
30m 37s
Israel-Lebanon ceasefire announced by Trump – The Latest
Apr 16, 2026The US president, Donald Trump, has said Israel and Lebanon will begin a 10-day ceasefire. In a post on Truth Social, he said he had spoken to the leaders of both countries today and claimed this would be the ‘tenth war’ he has ‘solved’. Israel has no plans to withdraw its military from southern Lebanon during the ceasefire, it has been reported. Lucy Hough speaks to senior international correspondent Julian Borger – watch on YouTube Middle East crisis – live updates. Help support our independen
8m 43s
When the ‘Dubai dream’ goes wrong
Apr 16, 2026Journalist Will Coldwell tells the story of how a British businessman was imprisoned in Dubai – and how his family finally got him home. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
30m 38s
Big oil making $30m an hour from Iran war - The Latest
Apr 15, 2026The world’s top 100 oil and gas companies made more than $30m every hour in unearned profit in the first month of the US-Israeli war in Iran, according to exclusive analysis for the Guardian. The conflict pushed the price of oil to an average of $100 a barrel in March, leading to estimated windfall war profits for the month of $23bn for the companies. Lucy Hough speaks to Damian Carrington, the Guardian’s environment editor – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a hre
9m 30s
Is the EU back in vogue?
Apr 15, 2026Lisa O’Carroll reports on the ‘resetting’ of the relationship between the UK and the EU. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
28m 17s
Trump’s blockade battle with Iran – The Latest
Apr 14, 2026The US blockade of ships using Iranian ports has come into force but several Iran-linked tankers have passed through the strait of Hormuz since it began. The blockade is designed to put pressure on Iran, whose economy is dependent on oil and gas exports. It comes after peace talks between Washington and Tehran at the weekend ended without a deal. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="
12m 4s
After four decades, Lebanon and Israel finally talk
Apr 14, 2026With the US and Iran in deadlock, could historic talks between Lebanon and Israel help steer the Middle East towards peace? William Christou reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
27m 11s
Why Viktor Orbán lost in Hungary – The Latest
Apr 13, 2026Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule has come to an end after the opposition Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, won the Hungarian election by a landslide. Orbán quickly conceded after what he described as a ‘painful but unambiguous’ election result. All eyes are now on Magyar to see how Hungary’s relationship with the EU and Nato could change after years of strained relations. Lucy Hough speaks to Guardian’s European community affairs correspondent, Ashifa Kassam – watch on YouTube. Help support our indep
11m 53s
Meta‘s AI glasses and the dawn of wearable tech
Apr 13, 2026Elle Hunt on her month wearing Meta’s smart glasses and the privacy concerns around the technology. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
28m 33s
Trump’s war and Melania’s Epstein statement, with US editor Betsy Reed – The Latest
Apr 10, 2026Melania Trump made a surprise appearance at the White House on Thursday to announce that she ‘never had a relationship’ with the late child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. Her address has seemingly put Epstein back on the political agenda when focus had been firmly on the US and Israel’s war in Iran. The intervention came at a difficult time for her husband, Donald Trump, as the fragile ceasefire agreed between the US and Iran seemed to be at risk of falling ap
16m 32s