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Today in Focus

The Guardian·Hosted by Helen Pidd, Nosheen Iqbal, Annie Kelly and Lucy Hough·295 episodes

NewsDailyDaily news briefingBritish journalismGuardian reportingGlobal current affairsInvestigativeMixed episode lengths

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.

Why listen

Today in Focus brings The Guardian's award-winning investigative reporting directly to you, with daily episodes mixing 10-minute evening news updates and deeper 30-45 minute investigations. You get on-the-ground reporting from correspondents worldwide covering global politics, conflict, technology, and culture, hosted by some of Britain's best journalists.

Series(1)

Episodes

33 min
Jul 22, 2026
The man building swimming pools in Gaza

Journalist Amjed Tantesh talks about his project to teach Gaza’s children how to swim. With reporting from our chief Middle East correspondent, Emma Graham-Harrison. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

10 min
Jul 21, 2026
US troops killed: has Trump lost control of Iran war? – The Latest

The US has carried out fresh strikes on Iran after three American soldiers were killed in action. The Pentagon has admitted that nearly 100 US service members have also been wounded as Tehran responded to 10 consecutive nights of attacks. As peace talks mediated by Pakistan continue, Lucy Hough speaks to our senior international correspondent, Julian Borger – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

29 min
Jul 21, 2026
Burnham begins: what awaits the new PM?

Senior political correspondent Peter Walker and former No 10 press secretary Paul Harrison analyse Andy Burnham’s first day as PM. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

9 min
Jul 20, 2026
Andy Burnham becomes Britain’s new prime minister – The Latest

Andy Burnham has become the sixth UK prime minister in a decade after a transfer of power from his predecessor Keir Starmer. In his first address outside Downing Street, he said his arrival in power would be a ‘circuit breaker’ moment for Britain and that his government would bring the ‘biggest changes in 40 years’. Lucy Hough speaks to political correspondent Alexandra Topping – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

28 min
Jul 20, 2026
The battle to reclaim Epping

Tim Burrows goes back to Epping in Essex one year after protesters from across the country descended on the small town to demonstrate against asylum seekers being housed at the Bell hotel. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

14 min
Jul 17, 2026
The Odyssey: is Nolan adaptation worth the hype? - The Latest

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

25 min
Jul 17, 2026
How to keep cool

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

12 min
Jul 16, 2026
World Cup: how did it all go wrong for England? - The Latest

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

37 min
Jul 16, 2026
The Andy Burnham I know

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

11 min
Jul 15, 2026
UK plans social media curfew for teenagers – The Latest

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

27 min
Jul 15, 2026
The lawyer who took on Meta – and won

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

10 min
Jul 14, 2026
Trump forced to refund billions in tariffs – The Latest

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

28 min
Jul 14, 2026
What’s happened to sperm?

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

9 min
Jul 13, 2026
Ann Widdecombe murder investigation taken over by counter-terror police – The Latest

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

24 min
Jul 13, 2026
China’s massive AI rollout

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

10 min
Jul 10, 2026
How Trump’s intervention tarnished the World Cup – The Latest

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

32 min
Jul 10, 2026
The missing scientists at the centre of a UFO conspiracy

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

10 min
Jul 9, 2026
US and Iran exchange strikes: is Trump’s peace deal over? - The Latest

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

27 min
Jul 9, 2026
Nigel Farage v Count Binface

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

10 min
Jul 8, 2026
Trump on rampage at Nato summit: what does it mean for Ukraine? – The Latest

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 independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

32 min
Jul 8, 2026
Iran’s show of strength

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

12 min
Jul 7, 2026
Nigel Farage resigns to stand in ‘people vs establishment’ byelection – The Latest

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 YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

24 min
Jul 7, 2026
Searching for earthquake survivors in Venezuela

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

10 min
Jul 6, 2026
Farage under pressure over gifts from convicted fraudster – The Latest

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

26 min
Jul 6, 2026
Has the US finally fallen in love with football?

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

23 min
Jul 4, 2026
How a Melbourne woman’s death is shining light on the dangers of non-medical births – Full Story podcast

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

13 min
Jul 3, 2026
Taylor Swift’s wedding: Madison Square Garden, NDAs and a princess castle – The Latest

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 independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

27 min
Jul 3, 2026
The return of the firing squad in Trump’s America

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

12 min
Jul 2, 2026
How Labour diverted billions from NHS services to appease Trump – The Latest

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

44 min
Jul 2, 2026
‘I don’t think she knew how much danger she was in’: the life and death of Annabel Rook

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

10 min
Jul 1, 2026
How Trump made over $2bn last year – The Latest

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

26 min
Jul 1, 2026
The Burnham blueprint, as told by one of its architects

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

12 min
Jun 30, 2026
Is the UK spending enough on defence? – The Latest

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

25 min
Jun 30, 2026
Where have all the first jobs gone?

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

11 min
Jun 29, 2026
How would PM-in-waiting Andy Burnham change Britain? - The Latest

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

21 min
Jun 29, 2026
Life on the porch of an empty mansion

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

11 min
Jun 26, 2026
The king, his millions, and the first public royal tax bill – The Latest

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

37 min
Jun 26, 2026
A British woman was strangled in the UK – why did the US military try her case?

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

11 min
Jun 25, 2026
Desperate search for survivors after deadly earthquakes hit Venezuela – The Latest

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

32 min
Jun 25, 2026
The dawn of the designer baby

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

12 min
Jun 24, 2026
Hundreds of mothers and babies died or were harmed at ‘toxic’ hospital trust – The Latest

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

26 min
Jun 24, 2026
Britain, Brexit, Burnham: how was it for EU?

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

11 min
Jun 23, 2026
Deadly heatwave grips Europe with record high temperatures - The Latest

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

25 min
Jun 23, 2026
Where did it all go wrong for Starmer?

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

14 min
Jun 22, 2026
Starmer resigns as UK prime minister - The Latest

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

35 min
Jun 22, 2026
The complicated truth about adoption reunions

Guardian news editor David Batty spent years longing to meet his birth mother. But his reunion with the woman who had been forced to give him up was far from a fairytale ending. He explains why the legacy of forced adoption continues to cast such a long shadow. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

22 min
Jun 20, 2026
Think like a billionaire: part two

Glamorous, rich and well-connected, Julie Meyer was a darling of the dotcom boom. But people who worked with the entrepreneur complain about unpaid wages, debts to suppliers and missing money. Journalist Olivia Lee and the Guardian’s investigation team unravel her story. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

14 min
Jun 19, 2026
Has Burnham’s win in Makerfield sealed Starmer’s fate? - The Latest

Andy Burnham’s resounding win in the Makerfield byelection has set the stage for a leadership battle with Keir Starmer. The outgoing mayor of Greater Manchester received more votes than Reform and Restore combined, and the nature of the victory has prompted speculation he could replace Starmer as prime minister within weeks, if not days. Annie Kelly speaks to political correspondent Alexandra Topping Andy Burnham wins by huge majority. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

28 min
Jun 19, 2026
Think like a billionaire part one

Glamorous, rich and well-connected, Julie Meyer was a darling of the dotcom boom. But people who worked with the entrepreneur complain about unpaid wages, debts to suppliers and missing money. Journalist Olivia Lee and the Guardian’s investigations team unravel the complicated story. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

12 min
Jun 18, 2026
Trump’s Iran deal: the art of the fail? – The Latest

Donald Trump is claiming his Iran peace plan is a victory for Washington, despite the 14-point agreement revealing significant concessions to Tehran. Under the deal, Iran will reopen the strait of Hormuz in exchange for sanctions relief and the release of frozen assets, while talks will continue over the fate of Iran’s nuclear programme. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian’s diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

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Best for: commutes, morning routine, staying current on news, workouts, evening briefing
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