Today in Focus

Épisodes

• What’s missing from ‘embarrassing’ Mandelson files? – The Latest 02.06.2026 11min

  The second tranche of documents related to the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador have been released. The documents, running at more than 1,000 pages, were supposed to reveal what ministers knew about Mandelson’s links to Epstein and the security process to approve his appointment, but instead have revealed government infighting and early doubts about Keir Starmer’s premiership. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s head of national news, Archie Bland – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
• The party dragging Nigel Farage further to the right 02.06.2026 27min

  Daniel Trilling on the far-right party threatening Reform’s chances in the Makerfield byelection. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
• Trump insists Iran deal close despite strikes – The Latest 01.06.2026 10min

  As Israel threatens to bomb Beirut and the US and Iran trade missile strikes, Donald Trump insists it will ‘all work out well in the end’ and urges his critics to ‘sit back and relax’. So are we any closer to a deal? Lucy Hough speaks to diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
• ‘A husband expects a yes’: wife schools and the Christian nationalist movement 01.06.2026 26min

  Alaina Demopoulos reports on the Christian influencers telling women to submit to their husbands. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
• Could Nato be dragged into war with Russia? – The Latest 29.05.2026 9min

  Nato has vowed to ‘defend every inch’ of its territory after a Russian drone hit an apartment building in Romania. The strike prompted swift condemnation and threats of repercussion from European leaders. So is there a risk the war could expand beyond Ukraine? Lucy Hough speaks to senior international correspondent Peter Beaumont – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
• Why are our homes and cities all so hot? 29.05.2026 24min

  In the week when the hottest May days were recorded, environment editor Fiona Harvey examines a new Climate Change Committee report on how the UK can better withstand extreme heat. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
• ‘Lost generation’: why can’t young people get jobs? – The Latest 28.05.2026 10min

  A landmark report has warned that the UK risks a ‘lost generation’ of young people, as new figures show that more than 1 million 16- to 24-year-olds in the UK were not in education, employment or training. The former Labour cabinet minister Alan Milburn said youth disengagement was a mounting economic risk to the country, and urged a fundamental reset of policy covering schools, the health service and the welfare state. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s senior economics correspondent, Richard Partington – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
• Human rights lawyer Francesca Albanese on life under US sanctions 28.05.2026 29min

  The UN’s special rapporteur for Palestine, Francesca Albanese, on the war in Gaza, living under US sanctions and accusations of antisemitism. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
• Mandelson ties to China, Russia and Israel flagged in vetting – The Latest 27.05.2026 15min

  Peter Mandelson’s links with senior figures in China, Russia and Israel were among the concerns raised by the UK’s vetting agency when it concluded he should be denied clearance, multiple sources have told the Guardian. It comes after a powerful parliamentary committee said the government was failing to fully comply with a parliamentary motion ordering the release of all papers relating to Mandelson’s appointment. A spokesperson for Hayman said he “has no personal connection or familiarity whatsoever” with Mandelson, and his contact with him was limited to work the British politician did for his thinktank. A Cabinet Office spokesperson said it was “committed to complying with the Humble Address in full”. Lucy Hough speaks to the head of investigations Paul Lewis – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
• Can dating reality shows ever be safe? 27.05.2026 32min

  Sirin Kale on the BBC Panorama investigation into Married at First Sight UK. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
• US strikes Iran as Trump faces backlash over ‘disastrous’ peace deal plan - The Latest 26.05.2026 11min

  The US has launched fresh strikes on Iran despite suggestions that a peace deal could be within reach. Donald Trump faces growing criticism from Republicans over the proposed plan to end the war, which reportedly contained major concessions from Washington. But could an agreement still be imminent? Lucy Hough speaks to diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
• Andy Burnham’s (third) bid for the Labour leadership 26.05.2026 29min

  Josh Halliday on why Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is tipped to be the future Labour leader … if he wins the Makerfield byelection. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
• Heatwave hell: are soaring temperatures the new normal? – The Latest 25.05.2026 10min

  The UK is experiencing record-breaking temperatures in an unprecedented May heatwave, while large parts of Europe are also facing blistering conditions. As the climate crisis makes extreme heat more likely, are we prepared? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian reporter Helena Horton – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
• The death penalty returns to Israel 25.05.2026 26min

  Senior Middle East correspondent Emma Graham-Harrison on a pair of laws recently passed by the Israeli parliament to bring back the death penalty – seemingly only for Palestinians. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
• Stateside with Kai and Carter: Why the fight over abortion in US isn’t finished 23.05.2026 42min

  The US supreme court has preserved nationwide access to mail-order abortion pills, for now. As Carter Sherman explains, the fight to protect this medication is far from over, as a near-total abortion ban could be on the horizon. Carter speaks with Dr Angel Foster, a co-founder of the Massachusetts Medication Abortion Access Project, who reveals how the legal battle over abortion pills has affected patients across the US – and what could happen next. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
• World Cup: England’s shock squad and the politics of football – The Latest 22.05.2026 12min

  A ruthless Thomas Tuchel has left several big names at home for his England squad at this summer’s World Cup. There was no space for Harry Maguire, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer or Phil Foden – previous stalwarts in former manager Gareth Southgate’s squads. The announcement comes as the club season nears its end, with a historic week for Arsenal winning its first Premier League title in 22 years, sparking an incredible and diverse celebration from fans. Lucy Hough speaks to sportswriter and columnist Jonathan Liew – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
• Are we heading for another Ebola crisis? 22.05.2026 23min

  Kay Lay and Prosper Heri Ngorora report on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
• The far-right Israeli minister taunting detained Gaza activists – The Latest 21.05.2026 12min

  Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has triggered global outrage after sharing footage of himself taunting bound activists who had been detained as they tried to sail to Gaza with aid. The video has been widely condemned by world leaders, including the Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, and by Israeli politicians, among them the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s chief Middle East correspondent, Emma Graham-Harrison – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
• Competing in the pro-doping Enhanced Games 21.05.2026 24min

  The Olympian Max McCusker on his decision to sign up for the Las Vegas games where performance-enhancing drugs are encouraged. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
• Are Xi Jinping and Putin still ‘best friends’? – The Latest 20.05.2026 11min

  Xi Jinping welcomed Vladimir Putin to Beijing with pomp and pageantry, just days after hosting Donald Trump. But as Russia’s war in Ukraine makes Moscow increasingly dependent on China, and western leaders thaw relations with Beijing, what does the power imbalance mean for Xi and Putin’s relationship? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s deputy head of international news, Devika Bhat. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>