Today in Focus
1,641 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 8 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 649 ratingsHosted by Michael Safi and Helen Pidd, Today in Focus brings you closer to Guardian journalism. Combining personal storytelling with insightful analysis, this podcast takes you behind the headlines for a deeper understanding of the news, every weekday. Today in Focus features journalists such as: Kiran Stacey, Pippa Crerar, Alex Hern, Peter Walker, Luke Harding, Andrew Roth, Shaun Walker and Jim Waterson. The podcast is a topical, deep dive, explainer on a story in the news, covering: current affairs, politics, investigations, leaks, and scandals. It might cover, for example, topics such as: the environment, green issues, climate change, the climate emergency and global warming; American politics including: Biden, Trump, the White House, the GOP, the Republicans and the Republican Party, the Democrats and the Democratic Party; UK politics including: parliament, Labour, the Conservative party, the Liberal Democrats, Rishi Sunak, and Keir Starmer; culture; the royals and the royal family, including King Charles III; HS2; the police; Ukraine; Russia; and Bangladesh
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Episodes
What Ukraine needs to change the course of the war
April 25, 2024 02:00 - 27 minutes - 35.9 MBUkraine has been granted a multibillion-dollar lifeline in military aid. But it will need more than that to prevail in the conflict with Russia. Dan Sabbagh in Kyiv and Shaun Walker report. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Could a row over a council house bring down Angela Rayner?
April 24, 2024 07:10 - 27 minutes - 42.6 MBKeir Starmer’s deputy is facing questions over the sale of her former home. But do voters care? Gaby Hinsliff reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Sudan’s forgotten war
April 23, 2024 02:00 - 27 minutes - 36.4 MBWhile conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine have captured global attention, the civil war in Sudan has been largely ignored. That can’t be allowed to continue, says the Guardian’s Nesrine Malik. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Where does the Cass report leave trans teenagers?
April 22, 2024 02:00 - 36 minutes - 55.2 MBDr Hilary Cass’s review of NHS gender identity services has been published. Amelia Gentleman reports on what it means for children at the centre of it all. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The chilling policy to cut Greenland’s high birth rate
April 19, 2024 02:00 - 31 minutes - 47.9 MBIn the 1960s the birthrate in Greenland was one of the highest in the world. Then it plunged. Decades later, women have finally begun speaking out about what happened. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Can Rishi Sunak create a smoke-free generation?
April 18, 2024 02:00 - 24 minutes - 32.2 MBMPs voted this week to ban anyone aged 15 or younger in 2024 from ever buying cigarettes. If the legislation passes and is enacted, it would be a world first. Ben Quinn reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Liz Truss and her plan to ‘save the west’
April 17, 2024 02:00 - 27 minutes - 35.5 MBLiz Truss is back – kind of. The former PM of just 49 days has published a book, Ten Years to Save the West. The Guardian’s political correspondent Eleni Courea and breaking news correspondent Martin Pengelly discuss her seeming lack of regret. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Is the Middle East on the brink?
April 16, 2024 02:00 - 24 minutes - 38.9 MBAfter Iran launched an attack on Israel, is the region heading for all-out war? Emma Graham-Harrison reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How Swiss women won a landmark climate case for Europe
April 15, 2024 02:00 - 25 minutes - 40.4 MBLast week a group of older women successfully challenged the Swiss government’s climate policies at the European court of human rights. Isabella Kaminski reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Carers scandal: why are so many being prosecuted by the UK government?
April 12, 2024 02:00 - 27 minutes - 36.1 MBGeorge Henderson was convicted of fraud and had to repay £19,500 in carer’s allowance years after ticking the wrong box on the form. He is not alone. The Guardian’s social policy editor, Patrick Butler, looks at why thousands are facing prosecution over innocent mistakes. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Stormy Daniels, Donald Trump, and the start of the hush money trial
April 11, 2024 02:00 - 27 minutes - 41.9 MBHugo Lowell talks through the law and the politics of a case starting this Monday against Donald Trump – the first ever criminal trial of a former or sitting US president. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Profits over pipes: who should own our water?
April 10, 2024 02:00 - 25 minutes - 33.8 MBThames Water owes hundreds of millions of pounds in debt, and the UK government is concerned about its potential collapse. Helena Horton reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The devil walking on Earth part 2
April 09, 2024 02:00 - 22 minutes - 36.2 MBAnnie Kelly reports on the story of Sosa Henkoma, who was exploited by drug gangs as a child and now mentors young people at risk of gang violence. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The devil walking on Earth: part 1
April 08, 2024 02:00 - 30 minutes - 46.4 MBAnnie Kelly reports on the story of Sosa Henkoma, who was exploited by drug gangs as a child and now mentors young people at risk of gang violence. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Should the UK stop arming Israel?
April 05, 2024 02:00 - 28 minutes - 37.3 MBThe killing of six international aid workers and their Palestinian driver this week has brought new scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in its war in Gaza. Peter Beaumont and Patrick Wintour examine the growing backlash. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Scotland’s new hate crime law
April 04, 2024 02:00 - 28 minutes - 43.6 MBThe Scottish government has introduced a hate crime law that broadens protections for marginalised groups but critics say it limits freedom of speech. Libby Brooks reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Israel divided: Netanyahu’s coalition crisis
April 03, 2024 02:00 - 25 minutes - 33.7 MBA cabinet split over military service for ultra-Orthodox Jews and large street protests demanding the release of hostages are threatening the prime minister’s grip on power. Bethan McKernan reports from Jerusalem. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
What is Reddit really worth?
April 02, 2024 02:00 - 28 minutes - 37.5 MBThe popular social media site has never made a profit and relies on an army of unpaid moderators to keep order. So what difference will a stock market listing make? Alex Hern reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The birdwatcher fighting racism in public spaces – podcast
April 01, 2024 02:00 - 27 minutes - 36.4 MBA Central Park birdwatching incident went viral after Christian Cooper filmed a white woman threatening him. Now he is using his platform to share his passion for nature. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The birdwatcher fighting racism in public spaces - Podcast
April 01, 2024 02:00 - 27 minutes - 36.4 MBA Central Park birdwatching incident went viral after Christian Cooper filmed a white woman threatening him. Now he is using his platform to share his passion for nature. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The birdwatcher fighting racism in public spaces
April 01, 2024 02:00 - 27 minutes - 36.4 MBA Central Park birdwatching incident went viral after Christian Cooper filmed a white woman threatening him. Now he is using his platform to share his passion for nature. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Who screwed millennials: a generation left behind – Full Story podcast
March 31, 2024 02:00 - 21 minutes - 29.3 MBGuardian Australia’s Full Story co-host Jane Lee and reporter Matilda Boseley investigate the mystery of who screwed young people out of affordable housing, education and secure work. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Ten years of equal marriage – what has it changed?
March 29, 2024 03:00 - 35 minutes - 53.1 MBIt’s a decade since the first same-sex marriages were performed in England and Wales. What have they meant for LGBTQ+ people?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How gangs took control of Haiti
March 28, 2024 03:00 - 31 minutes - 40.2 MBHaiti has erupted into violence after gangs laid waste to the capital and forced the prime minister to resign. But Haitians are wary from bitter experience of outside forces intervening to find a solution to the crisis. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The assisted dying debate: Paola’s story
March 27, 2024 03:00 - 30 minutes - 39.8 MBPaola Marra ended her life last week in Switzerland after being told by doctors she could not be guaranteed a pain-free death from bowel cancer in the coming months. Robert Booth reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The assisted dying debate: Paola’s story – podcast
March 27, 2024 03:00 - 30 minutes - 39.8 MBPaola Marra ended her life last week in Switzerland after being told by doctors she could not be guaranteed a pain-free death from bowel cancer in the coming months. Robert Booth reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Terrorism and the battle for the truth in Moscow
March 26, 2024 03:00 - 25 minutes - 33.3 MBFootage of four gunmen appears to support Islamic State’s claim that it masterminded the worst terrorist attack in Russia in two decades. But the Kremlin has put Ukraine in the frame. Andrew Roth reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The rise and fall of Vice Media
March 25, 2024 03:00 - 27 minutes - 42.4 MBVice Media is laying off hundreds of workers and no longer publishing journalism on its website. Sirin Kale and Sam Wolfson discuss their time at the company. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Shining a light on London’s men-only Garrick Club
March 22, 2024 03:00 - 24 minutes - 33 MBThe Garrick Club is one of London’s original gentlemen’s clubs. Among its members are the most powerful people in the country. Yet in 2024 women are not welcome to apply for membership. Amelia Gentleman reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The silencing of climate protesters in English and Welsh courts
March 21, 2024 03:00 - 24 minutes - 38.1 MBThe court of appeal ruled on Monday that the ‘consent’ defence could not be used in the cases of climate activists. Sandra Laville reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How serious are the plots against Rishi Sunak?
March 20, 2024 03:00 - 28 minutes - 37.7 MBRecent missteps from the prime minister have added to Tory MPs’ concerns about their disastrous poll ratings. But are they ready to act against Rishi Sunak? Pippa Crerar reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Why are Indian and Nepali men ending up on the frontline in Ukraine?
March 19, 2024 03:00 - 24 minutes - 32.4 MBHundreds of young Indian and Nepali men are ending up on the frontlines of the war in Ukraine. Their families want answers. Hannah Ellis-Petersen reports from Delhi. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
What happens when you put a nursery in a care home?
March 18, 2024 03:00 - 32 minutes - 50.1 MBAt Belong Chester, residents spend their days with nursery-age children. What effect does it have on the wellbeing of both groups? Helen Pidd reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
What do the Tories consider extreme?
March 15, 2024 03:00 - 26 minutes - 40.9 MBMichael Gove is rewriting the government’s definition of ‘extremism’ but his actions have drawn criticism from across the political spectrum. Columnist Rafael Behr reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The princess and the pictures
March 14, 2024 03:00 - 29 minutes - 38.1 MBAn edited family photo of the Princess of Wales with her children on Mother’s Day has fuelled an intensifying swirl of conspiracy theories around the royal couple. Archie Bland reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How an infamous ransomware gang found itself hacked
March 13, 2024 03:00 - 33 minutes - 50.2 MBLockBit was a sophisticated criminal operation, offering the tools needed to steal a company’s data and hold it to ransom. Then it was itself hacked. Alex Hern reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The Ministry of Defence’s multimillion pound Saudi defence deal
March 12, 2024 03:00 - 26 minutes - 34.5 MBDocuments released in a Serious Fraud Office court case showed suspicious payments on Saudi Arabian defence deals going back decades. David Pegg reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Black Box: the hunt for ClothOff – the deepfake porn app
March 11, 2024 03:00 - 46 minutes - 69 MBFor the past six months, the Guardian journalist Michael Safi has been trying to find out who is behind an AI company that creates deepfakes. Deepfakes that are causing havoc around the world, with police and lawmakers baffled about how to deal with them. And in trying to answer one question, he has been left with a bigger one: is AI going to make it impossible to sort fact from fiction? Subscribe to Black Box, a new Guardian audio series on artificial intelligence, for all the remaining epis...
Black Box: The connectionists
March 08, 2024 03:00 - 40 minutes - 50.4 MBScientist Geoffrey Hinton set out to understand the brain and ended up working with a group of researchers who invented a technology so powerful that even they don’t truly understand how it works. This is about a collision between two mysterious intelligences – two black boxes – human and artificial. Subscribe to Black Box, a new series on artificial intelligence, for more episodes. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Jeremy Hunt’s election year budget – podcast
March 07, 2024 03:00 - 20 minutes - 33.1 MBWhat does the spring budget mean for the public’s finances and the general election to come? Heather Stewart reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Gaza’s hunger crisis
March 06, 2024 03:00 - 25 minutes - 34 MBChildren are reported to be starving in Gaza as insufficient aid supplies crawl into the territory. Meanwhile, as Ramadan approaches, peace talks are faltering. Patrick Wintour reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Why IVF is under attack in Alabama
March 05, 2024 03:00 - 28 minutes - 44 MBAfter an Alabama supreme court judgment, the biggest IVF clinics in the state closed, leaving prospective parents desperate. Jessica Glenza reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Is ill-health holding back the UK economy?
March 04, 2024 03:00 - 27 minutes - 35.9 MBGrowing numbers of people are leaving the jobs market because of long-term illnesses. It’s coming at a huge personal and national cost, says economics editor Larry Elliott. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Black Box: the collision
March 01, 2024 12:00 - 14 minutes - 21.1 MBThe beginning of a new series that explores seven stories and the thread that ties them together: artificial intelligence. In this prologue, Hannah (not her real name) has met Noah and he has changed her life for the better. So why does she have concerns about him?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How the cost of living changed the way we eat out
March 01, 2024 03:00 - 24 minutes - 38.5 MBRestaurants across the UK are struggling with rising rents, food prices and customers tight on cash. How can they attract loyal diners? Grace Dent and Tony Naylor report. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The Conservative party’s problem with Islamophobia
February 29, 2024 03:00 - 30 minutes - 39.3 MBTory deputy chair Lee Anderson was suspended from the party after suggesting London’s mayor Sadiq Khan was being controlled by Islamists. But why can’t the party call his comments Islamophobic? Archie Bland reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Saldo: Ukraine’s gangster governor – part 3
February 28, 2024 03:00 - 31 minutes - 40.6 MBThe liberation of Kherson city ended months of brutal Russian rule. But across the Dnipro River, occupation governor Volodymyr Saldo finds there is are still money-spinning opportunities to be found. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Saldo: Ukraine’s gangster governor – part 2
February 27, 2024 03:00 - 30 minutes - 39.5 MBRussia’s invasion changed everything for Ukrainians – and for one man it presented an opportunity to reboot his political career and reclaim lost power. Tom Burgis reports from Kherson. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Saldo: Ukraine’s gangster governor – part 1
February 26, 2024 03:00 - 26 minutes - 35.3 MBVladimir Saldo was swept from Ukraine’s parliament after the Maidan revolution appeared to end his political career. By 2022, police were preparing a case against him as a suspect in a contract killing. Then Russia invaded and everything changed. Tom Burgis reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How a ceasefire vote led to two days of chaos in the Commons – podcast
February 23, 2024 03:00 - 30 minutes - 46.1 MBAll parties were calling for a pause in the conflict. So why did MPs storm out and why is the speaker facing calls to quit? Kiran Stacey reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus