Today in Focus
The Guardian
Today in Focus brings you closer to the Guardian's journalism. Our award-winning morning edition hosted by Helen Pidd, Nosheen Iqbal and Annie Kelly 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 deeper understanding of the world we live in. And to make sense of a rapidly-changing news cycle, our new evening edition 'The Latest' hosted by Lucy Hough, brings you up to speed on the big news story of the day in just 10 minutes. Available on YouTube and all podcast platforms.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 30, 2026 • 24min
UK’s big, risky AI bet
Aisha Down, investigative reporter at The Guardian who probes tech and business, discusses the UK’s ‘phantom’ AI investments and missing supercomputer. She walks through vague press releases, GPU shipments counted as cash, power and construction strains on big data‑centre plans, and why unaudited commitments could threaten pensions and the economy.
22 snips
Mar 27, 2026 • 14min
What is Netanyahu’s endgame in Iran war? – The Latest
Emma Graham-Harrison, Chief Middle East correspondent at The Guardian, brings frontline reporting on Israeli politics and regional security. She outlines public backing for strikes on Iran and the everyday disruptions from air-raid alerts. She discusses internal security skepticism about regime-change aims, how the conflict shapes Netanyahu’s election standing, and the widening regional violence and humanitarian toll.
9 snips
Mar 27, 2026 • 33min
Spring break: Culture worth catching this season
Hannah J Davies, Guardian TV critic who highlights standout UK and US dramas. Alexis Petridis, Chief pop and rock critic who spots essential albums, tours and festival picks. Catherine Shoard, Guardian film editor who flags buzzy studio and indie cinema. They chat nostalgia trends, high‑profile casting and sequels, bold albums and festival must-sees, liminal horror, family films and spring tour recommendations.
4 snips
Mar 26, 2026 • 13min
Iran says Trump ‘negotiating with himself’: what next for war? - The Latest
Julian Borger, senior international correspondent at The Guardian who covers global security and conflicts, breaks down US–Iran tensions. He outlines contradictions in messaging, contrasts the US 15-point plan with Iran’s five-point counterproposal, and explains troop movements, possible military timelines and Iran’s public defiance. He also touches on Israel’s role and the wider humanitarian and strategic risks.
19 snips
Mar 26, 2026 • 23min
Is Cuba Trump’s next target?
Daniel Montero, a US-based reporter covering Havana and the humanitarian toll of the oil blockade, and Ruaridh Nicoll, The Guardian’s Havana correspondent, discuss life under fuel shortages and the economic collapse hitting transport, tourism and businesses. They unpack US pressure, Trump and Rubio’s aims, Cuban political responses, fears after provocative remarks, and what concessions Havana might consider.
48 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 12min
Big tech reckoning: Meta ordered to pay $375m in landmark case - The Latest
Katie McHugh, investigative journalist who exposed how Facebook and Instagram can facilitate child sexual exploitation. She discusses the New Mexico court ruling that ordered Meta to pay $375m, how her reporting informed the case, insider testimony and whistleblower accounts, Meta’s courtroom defense and planned appeal, and the potential ripple effects for other tech companies and lawsuits.
24 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 24min
The Maga divide over Iran
Andrew Roth, The Guardian global affairs correspondent in Washington, DC, discusses rapid shifts in US Iran strategy. He details the White House’s search for an off-ramp and messaging aimed at markets. He covers risks of a ground invasion, the cost and congressional funding battles, and how MAGA figures are positioning politically for 2028.
21 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 10min
Ambulance arson attack: what we know so far – The Latest
Daniel Boffey, chief reporter at The Guardian, gives on-the-ground analysis of the Golders Green arson attack on Jewish ambulances. He recounts CCTV details and explosive damage. He outlines the investigation, discusses the HAYI group's claims and credibility, and explores the incident's impact on local Jewish communities and wider tensions.
19 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 25min
Israel’s second front: on the ground in Lebanon
Will Christou, Guardian reporter based in Beirut, gives on‑the‑ground accounts from southern Lebanon and Beirut. He describes daily bombardment and civilian displacement. He explains Hezbollah’s tactical shifts and Iran’s role. He details strikes isolating the south, attacks on health services, and Israel’s push for a buffer zone. He assesses limited diplomacy and a conflict likely decided by fighting.
29 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 12min
Trump chickens out on Iran deadline – The Latest
Patrick Wintour, diplomatic editor at The Guardian, offers concise analysis of US–Iran tensions and diplomatic backchannels. He explains likely intermediated talks, confusing White House messaging, Iran’s escalation choices and control of the Strait of Hormuz. He also outlines humanitarian risks if infrastructure is targeted and the short-term military options on the table.
