Episode notes
Loneliness influencers are on the rise. When did social media get so unsociable? Jessica Murray explains. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
Today in Focus
by The Guardian · English · News
Today in Focus brings you closer to the Guardian's journalism. Our award-winning morning edition hosted by Nosheen Iqbal, Annie Kelly and Helen Pidd combines on-the-ground reporting, insightful analysis and personal testimony from the people at the heart of the stories that matter, to give you a…
More from Today in Focus
-
25 Sep 2026 · 14 min
Rogue AI hacks government system for first time – The Latest
A government database has been hacked for the first time by a rogue OpenAI agent, which infiltrated part of the Australian healthcare scheme in June. OpenAI became aware of the hack in August, but only informed the government in September. Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has expressed his ‘extreme concern’ about the hack, which raises serious AI security concerns for governments around the world. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s UK technology editor Robert Booth – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a…
-
25 Sep 2026 · 29 min
Xi Jinping meets Trump: who holds the cards?
AI, Iran and Taiwan – there will be no shortage of topics when the two most powerful men in the world meet in Washington. But what do they both want? Jonathan Czin explains. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
-
25 Sep 2026 · 13 min
Has Burnham proved he can handle Trump? - The Latest
Andy Burnham has navigated his way through a first high-stakes meeting with Donald Trump at the UN general assembly in New York. The prime minister’s aides were delighted with how the meeting went, as Trump praised the US-UK relationship and described Burnham as a ‘natural businessman’. The anticipated sticking points – the Chagos Islands, West Bank settlement sanctions and Ireland – appear not to have derailed the talks nor cast a shadow over the future relationship. Lucy Hough speaks to policy editor Kiran Stacey – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a…
-
25 Sep 2026 · 11 min
Trump v the media – The Latest
In what is probably one of the biggest battles yet between the press and Donald Trump, major TV networks have united in a boycott of pooled coverage of his administration. It comes after three news organisations – CNN, MS Now and Politico – were denied access to the White House because of Trump’s concerns about their coverage. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s international news editor Paul Owen – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
-
22 Sep 2026 · 23 min
The Houthis’ shock advance and what it means for the world
The Houthis now control the Bab al-Mandab strait. But where is it and why does it matter? Patrick Wintour explains. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
-
21 Sep 2026 · 12 min
Rise of the far right in Germany: how worried should we be? – The Latest
The German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has vowed to stay in office despite heavy losses in two state elections that he described as a ‘disaster’. The anti-immigration, Kremlin-friendly Alternative für Deutschland won with 38% of the vote in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, while the leftwing Die Linke was victorious in Berlin. Merz has promised political change, but speculation is growing that his party could soon oust him. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s Berlin correspondent, Deborah Cole – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a…
-
9 Oct 2026 · 13 minNew
‘Barbaric’ firing squad livestream ordered by Pete Hegseth – The Latest
The execution of a former US army psychiatrist by firing squad is to be livestreamed after Pete Hegseth said it would be a public event. Nidal Hasan was sentenced to death after killing 13 people at a military base in Texas in 2009. There has been widespread condemnation of the decision, including from the UN which said it would ‘amount to torture’. Lucy Hough speaks to US academic and capital punishment specialist Austin Sarat, the author of Life After Death: Surviving Execution – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a…
-
9 Oct 2026 · 28 minNew
Russell T Davies on 40 years of bringing gay stories to our screens
The Dr Who showrunner made his name with taboo-busting series such as Queer As Folk. He tells Helen Pidd about how he changed the way queer lives were depicted on British television. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
-
8 Oct 2026 · 11 minNew
‘Come back’: EU flirts with UK rejoining – The Latest
Andy Burnham is pressing ahead with his Brexit U-turn, using a visit to Germany to make a ‘commitment to deeper EU co-operation’. The prime minister has promised closer ties on issues such as security, youth mobility and immigration. The move has been welcomed by senior European officials, including the French finance minister, who invited the UK ‘to come all the way back’ to the EU. With public polling now shifting against Brexit, is the door open for the UK to decide if it wants to rejoin? Lucy Hough speaks to Europe correspondent Jon Henley – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent…
-
8 Oct 2026 · 28 min
France’s teens versus the riot police
Angelique Chrisafis on the pupils and students who are taking to the streets and closing down schools in France. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>
