Today in Focus
The Guardian
The Guardian's daily news podcast — one big story, in depth.
Recent episodes
Life on the porch of an empty mansion
Jun 29, 2026Why are so many luxury homes in London lying empty? Sam Wollaston reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
21m 45s
The king, his millions, and the first public royal tax bill – The Latest
Jun 26, 2026King 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 <a hr
11m 30s
A British woman was strangled in the UK – why did the US military try her case?
Jun 26, 2026When 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 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
37m 20s
Desperate search for survivors after deadly earthquakes hit Venezuela – The Latest
Jun 25, 2026Rescue 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 <a href="ht
11m 5s
The dawn of the designer baby
Jun 25, 2026Jenny 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 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
32m 10s
Hundreds of mothers and babies died or were harmed at ‘toxic’ hospital trust – The Latest
Jun 24, 2026A 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 T
12m 9s
Britain, Brexit, Burnham: how was it for EU?
Jun 24, 2026A 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 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
26m 46s
Deadly heatwave grips Europe with record high temperatures - The Latest
Jun 23, 2026Europe 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 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/i
11m 33s
Where did it all go wrong for Starmer?
Jun 23, 2026The 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 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
25m 11s
Starmer resigns as UK prime minister - The Latest
Jun 22, 2026Keir 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 <a href="https://www.
14m 28s
The complicated truth about adoption reunions
Jun 22, 2026Guardian 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 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
35m 19s
Think like a billionaire: part 2
Jun 20, 2026Glamorous, 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 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
22m 35s
Has Burnham’s win in Makerfield sealed Starmer’s fate? - The Latest
Jun 19, 2026Andy 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 <a href="
14m 41s
Think like a billionaire part one
Jun 19, 2026Glamorous, 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 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
28m 48s
Trump’s Iran deal: the art of the fail? – The Latest
Jun 18, 2026Donald 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 <a href="https:
12m 41s
Culture wars: the fight to save Ukraine’s art
Jun 18, 2026The Guardian’s chief culture writer, Charlotte Higgins, on the citizens risking their lives to salvage Ukraine’s cultural heritage. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
28m 23s
Russia warship fires warning shot at British couple – The Latest
Jun 17, 2026Keir Starmer has called the firing of warning shots by a Russian warship at a British yacht sailing across the Channel on Tuesday ‘deeply concerning and reckless’. Russia’s defence ministry said the yacht was on a ‘dangerous course’ and several attempts were made to contact it – a claim disputed by the retired couple onboard the 40ft yacht. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian’s defence and security editor, Dan Sabbagh – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href=&qu
10m 49s
Will a ban keep the UK’s kids off social media?
Jun 17, 2026Governments around the world want to keep under-16s off YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Australia has introduced a ban and now the UK is doing the same. Stephen Byrne and Chris Stokel-Walker report. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
32m 13s
Zelenskyy’s clever play to win over Trump at G7– The Latest
Jun 16, 2026Donald Trump has urged Russia to ‘make a deal’ with Ukraine as the leaders of G7 countries meet on Tuesday and try to put the conflict back at the top of the agenda. European leaders are hoping to capture Trump’s attention for long enough to speak to him about Ukraine, with the US president’s focus more on the US-Israeli war against Iran. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian’s Europe correspondent, Jon Henley – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https:/
11m 52s
How the murder of my sister, Jo Cox, changed Britain
Jun 16, 2026It’s a decade since the MP for Batley and Spen was killed by a far-right extremist. Her sister, Kim Leadbeater, who took over her parliamentary seat, explains what lessons are still to be learned. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
29m 8s
Is Trump’s deal with Iran embarrassing for the US? – The Latest
Jun 15, 2026The US and Iran have reached a tentative deal to end the conflict in the Middle East, but competing claims from Donald Trump and Tehran have left the details shrouded in uncertainty. Questions remain over the reopening of the strait of Hormuz, Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, and the future of Iran’s nuclear programme. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian’s senior international correspondent Julian Borger. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/i
11m 27s
In Makerfield for the byelection that could change everything
Jun 15, 2026Helen Pidd goes to Makerfield where the Labour candidate and would-be prime minister Andy Burnham faces Reform UK in a crucial byelection. With reporting from Josh Halliday. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
29m 57s
Should you boycott the World Cup? – The Latest
Jun 12, 2026The 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 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">
12m 53s
On the ground in the Belfast riots
Jun 12, 2026The 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 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
27m 6s
Defence secretary quits: is this the end for Starmer? – The Latest
Jun 11, 2026John 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 su
11m 58s
Mehdi Hasan on Donald Trump’s big, beautiful birthday
Jun 11, 2026As 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 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
28m 5s
The view from Belfast after a night of violent protests - The Latest
Jun 10, 2026Violence 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 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</
12m 34s
‘Grandpa in a bunker’: is Putin losing control?
Jun 10, 2026Russian 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 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
27m 22s
Can Badenoch’s culture war win back Reform supporters? – The Latest
Jun 9, 2026Kemi 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 <
10m 10s
The criminal cartels cashing in on the World Cup
Jun 9, 2026Football 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 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
24m 1s