Fatima Bhutto on secrets, lies and surviving coercive control
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
Feb 02, 2026•43 min
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.
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Episodes
Is it time to break up with US tech? – The Latest
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 St...
Jan 30, 2026•12 min
Minneapolis citizens on protecting their neighbours from ICE
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
Jan 30, 2026•27 min
Is Trump about to attack Iran? – The Latest
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...
Jan 29, 2026•10 min
Being muslim as the far right surges
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
Jan 29, 2026•33 min
Starmer visits China: should he trust Xi Jinping? – The Latest
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 ...
Jan 28, 2026•12 min
Can Syria keep the world safe from IS fighters?
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
Jan 28, 2026•28 min
Melania: will Bezos-bankrolled documentary be a flop? – The Latest
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 s...
Jan 27, 2026•11 min
Starmer v Burnham: will it split Labour?
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
Jan 27, 2026•30 min
Outrage grows over Alex Pretti shooting in Minnesota – The Latest
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 ...
Jan 26, 2026•11 min
Why Germany is racing to rebuild its army
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
Jan 26, 2026•25 min
Is this the week Trump went too far? – The Latest
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. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland – w...
Jan 23, 2026•11 min
Why are so many Tories joining Reform?
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
Jan 23, 2026•27 min
Why did Trump chicken out on Greenland? – The Latest
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 correspond...
Jan 22, 2026•11 min
Will Trump’s board of peace replace the UN?
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
Jan 22, 2026•31 min
Prince Harry gets emotional in court - The Latest
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 – watch on YouTube . Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus...
Jan 21, 2026•11 min
How we got hooked on The Traitors
Former contestant Diane Carson, and journalist Elle Hunt on the success of the BBC’s hit show The Traitors. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Jan 21, 2026•31 min
Beckham feud: Marina Hyde on why Brooklyn has gone nuclear – The Latest
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...
Jan 20, 2026•14 min
Why Donald Trump really wants Greenland
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
Jan 20, 2026•28 min
Why the UK won’t retaliate to Trump tariffs over Greenland – The Latest
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...
Jan 19, 2026•11 min
The transgender refugees fleeing the US
Helen Pidd meets the US citizens attempting to claim asylum in the Netherlands. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Jan 19, 2026•37 min
Trump gets his hands on Nobel peace prize – The Latest
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...
Jan 16, 2026•9 min
Is ICE out of control?
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
Jan 16, 2026•33 min
Jenrick defects to Farage’s Reform UK – The Latest
After being sensationally sacked from the shadow cabinet and suspended from the Conservative party, Robert Jenrick has defected to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. Kemi Badenoch said she made the decision to sack her shadow justice secretary after she was presented with ‘irrefutable evidence’ that he was planning to defect. Jenrick was Badenoch’s leadership rival and had long been said to have been prepared to do a deal with Farage. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s head of national news, Archie Blan...
Jan 15, 2026•11 min
What the Assads did next
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
Jan 15, 2026•25 min
Massacres and executions: what are we hearing from inside Iran? – The Latest
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/inf...
Jan 14, 2026•11 min
Is Marco Rubio playing Trump?
How far will Rubio go to achieve his own objectives? With Lauren Gambino. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Jan 14, 2026•27 min
Musk v Starmer: will UK ban X over Grok nudification? – The Latest
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 – watch on YouTube . Help support our inde...
Jan 13, 2026•10 min
Is this the end of the Iranian regime?
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
Jan 13, 2026•27 min
Will Trump go to war with Iran? - The Latest
Donald Trump has promised he will ‘shoot at Iran’ if Iranian security services attack anti-government protesters, but analysts suggest the US is not prepared for military action. It comes as the death toll from Tehran’s crackdown on protests soars, and as demonstrations continue to shake the country. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour – watch on YouTube . Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus...
Jan 12, 2026•10 min
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