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.
- 11 minutes 51 secondsStarmer thaws China relations: what’s at stake? – The LatestKeir 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 Iqbal speaks to the Guardian’s political editor, Pippa Crerar, who joins from Beijing – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus28 January 2026, 5:54 pm
- 28 minutes 7 secondsCan 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/infocus28 January 2026, 3:00 am
- 11 minutes 23 secondsMelania: will Bezos-bankrolled documentary be a flop? – The LatestJeff 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 spent a further $35m on a global marketing push – but so far, ticket sales are reportedly ‘soft’ as it prepares to screen in more than 100 UK cinemas. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus27 January 2026, 7:03 pm
- 29 minutes 52 secondsStarmer 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/infocus27 January 2026, 3:00 am
- 11 minutes 25 secondsOutrage grows over Alex Pretti shooting in Minnesota – The LatestUS 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 Guardian columnist Moira Donegan. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus26 January 2026, 6:09 pm
- 25 minutes 24 secondsWhy Germany is racing to rebuild its armyAre the German people on board with the government’s massive militarisation programme? Kate Connolly reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus26 January 2026, 3:00 am
- 10 minutes 50 secondsIs this the week Trump went too far? – The LatestDonald 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 – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus23 January 2026, 5:44 pm
- 27 minutes 20 secondsWhy 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/infocus23 January 2026, 3:00 am
- 10 minutes 50 secondsWhy did Trump chicken out on Greenland? – The LatestThe 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 correspondent Jon Henley – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus22 January 2026, 6:27 pm
- 30 minutes 59 secondsWill 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/infocus22 January 2026, 3:00 am
- 11 minutes 3 secondsPrince Harry gets emotional in court - The LatestThe 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/infocus21 January 2026, 6:32 pm
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