Today in Focus

Munther Isaac, a Palestinian Lutheran pastor and director of the Bethlehem Institute for Peace and Justice, shares insights on Bethlehem celebrating Christmas for the first time in three years. He describes the city's transformation into a 'near-ghost city' due to tourism collapse and political barriers. Munther discusses his viral nativity scene depicting Gaza rubble, reactions from Christian communities, and the changing attitudes towards Gaza among Christians. Celebrating Christmas this year represents resilience and defiance amidst ongoing humanitarian crises.

Michael Safi, a former presenter and current host of Guardian Investigates, shares touching stories from post-Assad Syria, highlighting moments of fleeting freedom in Damascus. Oliver Lachland, the Southern bureau chief, gives a stark account of the Alligator Alcatraz detention center and the protests against it. John Reid describes the vast, isolated Jabari Valley and its indigenous communities. Hannah Ellis-Peterson reports on the Kumbh Mela's immense scale and a tragic stampede, while Angélique Chrysafis recounts the emotional public response during a court appeal for justice.

Jonathan Freedland, a Guardian columnist and host of the Politics Weekly America podcast, dives into the anticipated release of Jeffrey Epstein files by the DOJ. He discusses the implications of potential redactions and the political pressure surrounding Trump's obligation to release documents. The conversation highlights notable figures in Epstein's orbit, like Noam Chomsky and Bill Gates, emphasizing that proximity doesn't imply guilt. Freedland also addresses heightened tensions within the Republican Party and how conspiracy theories thrive on the withheld information.

Join critics Ben Beaumont-Thomas, Catherine Shoard, and Hannah J Davies as they dissect the highs and lows of culture in 2025. Ben spotlights Blood Orange's grief-fueled artistry and CMAT's breakout charm. Catherine champions the touching film Young Mothers and the underrated crowd-pleaser Marty Supreme. Meanwhile, Hannah praises the darkly comedic Such Brave Girls and the gripping Severance. The trio also teases exciting releases to look forward to in 2026. Tune in for their insightful and humorous takes on music, film, and TV!

Alexandra Topping, a Senior reporter at The Guardian specializing in crime and gendered violence, dives into the UK government's new strategy to combat violence against women and girls. She highlights alarming statistics and the pressing need for consent education in schools. The conversation addresses the influence of online misogyny, particularly from figures like Andrew Tate, and the dangers of deepfakes. Topping also discusses vital funding for victim services and the challenges posed by overburdened support systems.

Journalist John Bartlett provides an insightful look at José Antonio Kast’s surprising electoral victory in Chile. He discusses how Kast’s focus on security and immigration resonated with voters amidst rising crime fears. Bartlett explores Kast's controversial family history, including his father's Nazi ties, and assesses how Kast altered his messaging to appeal to a broader audience. The conversation also covers Kast's policy agenda, comparisons to other Latin American leaders, and the role of media in shaping public perception of crime.

Denis Campbell, the Guardian's health policy editor, dives into the ongoing strike by resident doctors in England amid a winter flu crisis. He highlights how this walkout, involving about 70,000 doctors, is set to disrupt NHS services significantly. Denis discusses the intense pressures caused by a surging flu outbreak and the nurses' demands to restore pay to 2008 levels. He also explores the government's fiscal constraints and the public's shifting support amid the unfolding crisis, revealing the complexities at play in the healthcare system.

David Smith, The Guardian's Washington bureau chief, interviews Ilhan Omar, the first Somali-American congresswoman. They discuss the personal toll of Trump's attacks, revealing his targeted remarks stemming from Islamophobia. Omar shares insights into her experiences with past threats and the impact on the Somali community in Minnesota. Smith highlights the community's resilience, the political implications of Trump's rhetoric, and ongoing fears of immigration crackdowns, underscoring the urgent need for understanding and advocacy.

Archie Bland, Head of National News at the Guardian, dives into the high-stakes $10bn lawsuit filed by Donald Trump against the BBC. He discusses Trump's claims of deceptive editing during a pivotal speech and examines the political motivations behind the inflated damages. The conversation shifts to the BBC's decision to contest the suit, weighing the financial implications and US defamation law hurdles. Bland highlights the BBC's unique position to resist such challenges, making this legal battle a crucial moment for media independence.

The podcast dives into Reform UK's recent takeover of local councils in England, highlighting their first council meeting and the new cabinet's composition. It explores their controversial cost-cutting strategies, including a unique DOGE-inspired financial approach. The discussion touches on challenges in special educational needs, backlash over care home closures, and internal tensions regarding diversity policies. Allegations and complaints arise as they grapple with budget cuts, setting the stage for a tumultuous governing experience.