Today in Focus
The Guardian
Hosted by Michael Safi and Helen Pidd, Today in Focus brings you closer to Guardian journalism. Combining storytelling with insightful analysis and personal testimonies, the podcast takes you behind the headlines for a deeper understanding of the news, every weekday. Today in Focus is unmatched in both scope and depth, delivering analysis and storytelling from right across the planet. With a global network of over 900 journalists and five dedicated editions covering news in the US, UK, Australia, Europe, and beyond, the Guardian offers comprehensive reporting across every continent. Most recently we have introduced new correspondents in the Caribbean, South America and Africa.
- 12 minutes 29 secondsIs Starmer on borrowed time? - The LatestKeir Starmer is fighting for his political life as the Mandelson vetting scandal threatens to end his premiership. With no end to the Mandelson saga in sight, and as Labour looks set to suffer major losses at the local elections, can the prime minister survive? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s head of national news, Archie Bland. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus24 April 2026, 4:33 pm
- 27 minutes 26 secondsWill the backlash against AI turn violent?An attack on the home of OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman – and on the company’s headquarters – has led to concerns the backlash against AI could become violent. Guardian journalist Nick Robins-Early and researcher Sean Fleming discuss. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus24 April 2026, 2:00 am
- 11 minutes 39 secondsIs the tide turning for Ukraine in war with Russia? – The LatestWith the EU approving a €90bn loan for Ukraine, a surprise visit from Prince Harry, and data suggesting Russian troops made almost no territorial gains in March – are there reasons for optimism in Kyiv? Lucy Hough speaks to senior international correspondent Luke Harding – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus23 April 2026, 4:36 pm
- 30 minutes 9 secondsThe new Michael Jackson biopic. Why now?A new blockbuster film about the controversial singer could make $1bn worldwide. Owen Myers and Lanre Bakare explain what it says about Jackson’s legacy. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus23 April 2026, 2:00 am
- 10 minutes 36 secondsTrump extends Iran ceasefire: can a deal be made? – The LatestDonald Trump has indefinitely extended the US ceasefire with Iran after talks looked increasingly uncertain between both sides. Trump said he would ‘extend the ceasefire until such time as [Iran’s] proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other’. The US blockade remains, as does the closure of the strait of Hormuz by Iran, which seized two ships on Wednesday. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour – watch on YouTube. Read Patrick’s analysis here.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus22 April 2026, 3:50 pm
- 28 minutes 28 secondsThe security report the UK government doesn’t want you to seeFiona Harvey tells Nosheen Iqbal why the climate crisis is a threat to national security. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus22 April 2026, 2:00 am
- 15 minutes 16 secondsMandelson vetting row: sacked civil servant speaks out - The LatestThe Foreign Office chief sacked over the Peter Mandelson security vetting scandal has finally given his side of the story in an explosive appearance before MPs. Olly Robbins told the foreign affairs select committee that he faced ‘constant pressure’ to get Mandelson in post as US ambassador as soon as possible, and claimed Downing Street took a ‘dismissive’ attitude to vetting. It came a day after Keir Starmer accused Robbins of ‘obstructing the truth’ about the vetting process in a high-stakes appearance in parliament. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s political editor, Pippa Crerar – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus21 April 2026, 4:29 pm
- 28 minutes 16 secondsStarmer addresses the Mandelson vetting sagaJonathan Freedland on what Keir Starmer said – and didn’t say – to the House of Commons about the Mandelson vetting failure. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus21 April 2026, 2:00 am
- 10 minutes 12 secondsIran war energy crisis: how bad could it get? – The LatestOil and gas prices have jumped again as shipping through the strait of Hormuz came to a virtual standstill after Iran closed the waterway over the US blockade and Donald Trump announced an Iranian cargo ship had been seized trying to get past. Tehran has accused Washington of violating the fragile ceasefire agreement. With uncertainty over a second round of peace talks, fears continue to grow about the scale of the energy shock caused by the war. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s energy correspondent Jillian Ambrose. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus20 April 2026, 3:56 pm
- 30 minutes 14 secondsStonewall’s new chair on trans rights, JK Rowling and the future of the LGBTQ+ movementAn exclusive interview with Kezia Dugdale on the charity’s mistakes and the future of the LGBTQ+ movement. With reporting by Libby Brooks. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus20 April 2026, 2:00 am
- 10 minutes 56 secondsIs Mandelson vetting scandal the final straw for Starmer? – The LatestKeir Starmer says it is ‘staggering’ and ‘unforgivable’ that he was not told Peter Mandelson had failed security vetting before taking up the role of US ambassador. The comments follow a Guardian investigation that exclusively revealed Mandelson had initially been denied clearance after a background check by security officials, but that the decision was overruled by the Foreign Office. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s head of investigations, Paul Lewis – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus17 April 2026, 5:32 pm
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