Today in Focus

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.

Last refreshed: June 12th, 2026 at 6:10 PM

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Episodes

Should you boycott the World Cup? – The Latest

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...

Jun 12, 2026•13 min

On the ground in the Belfast riots

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

Jun 12, 2026•27 min

Defence secretary quits with ‘blistering’ swipe at Starmer - The Latest

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 s...

Jun 11, 2026•12 min

Mehdi Hasan on Donald Trump’s big, beautiful birthday

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

Jun 11, 2026•28 min

The view from Belfast after a night of violent protests - The Latest

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...

Jun 10, 2026•13 min

‘Grandpa in a bunker’: is Putin losing control?

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

Jun 10, 2026•27 min

Can Badenoch’s culture war win back Reform supporters? – The Latest

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 th...

Jun 09, 2026•10 min

The criminal cartels cashing in on the World Cup

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

Jun 09, 2026•24 min

Israel and Iran trade strikes: what does this mean for peace deal? – The Latest

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...

Jun 08, 2026•10 min

The jailing of Germany’s most wanted woman

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

Jun 08, 2026•33 min

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