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
10 snips
Feb 26, 2026 • 25min
Will Andrew bring down the monarchy?
Andrew Lownie, biographer of royal figures, explains his research into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He discusses how Andrew became a trade envoy with little oversight. He describes misconduct on official trips, disputed claims in the Epstein files, missed chances to act, and whether this scandal forces urgent reform of the monarchy.
Feb 25, 2026 • 11min
Baftas racial slur row sparks BBC backlash – The Latest
Jason Okundaye, assistant opinion editor at The Guardian, discusses the BAFTA broadcast controversy and the shouted racial slur. He outlines how the slur reached air, failures in editing and delay systems, the impact on the actors, and how coprolalia in Tourette’s complicates public response. He warns against framing this as a simple racial vs disability conflict and probes institutional accountability.
27 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 38min
On the ground in the byelection that could end Starmer
Helen Pidd speaks to local residents and canvassers from Gorton and Denton, plus commentators including Jonathan Reynolds, Lucy Powell and Matt Goodwin. They discuss a combustible by-election: why it happened, Reform’s surge and Farage’s rallies, Green Party momentum, disputes over candidates, and how Gaza and local concerns are reshaping voter choices.
12 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 10min
Mandelson arrested: Epstein files fallout intensifies – The Latest
Archie Bland, Head of National News at The Guardian, explains breaking developments around Peter Mandelson’s arrest and bail. He maps how investigations tracked from Washington to police questioning. He outlines what the Epstein files do and do not show. He discusses legal hurdles for proving misconduct, searches of properties, market-sensitive claims and wider political fallout.
Feb 24, 2026 • 26min
Ukrainian men on how four years of war has changed them
Shaun Walker, Guardian correspondent on Ukraine and regional politics, offers analysis of the front lines and wider strategy. Tracey McVeigh, conflict reporter, shares on-the-ground accounts of wounded men and civilian impact. They explore how mobilization, military camaraderie, shifting masculinity, frontline stalemate, and the toll of winter and politics have reshaped men’s lives.
10 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 11min
Could Farage bring ICE to the UK? – The Latest
Jessica Elgot, deputy political editor at The Guardian, offers sharp analysis of Reform UK's plan for a UK Deportation Command. She breaks down claims about detention capacity and deportation logistics. She explains shifts in rhetoric, likely policy moves, and public attitudes toward immigration.
24 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 24min
Will we ever read books again?
Katherine Rundell, author and Oxford scholar of English and children’s books, talks about the global fall in reading and why it matters. She describes tools she used to reclaim focus and how students and children are affected. She explores COVID, phones and social media as causes, the value of fiction for empathy, and practical fixes like stronger libraries and age protections online.
14 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 11min
Andrew under investigation: what’s next for the former prince? – The Latest
Vikram Dodd, Guardian police and crime correspondent, breaks down the investigation into Prince Andrew. He outlines the arrest and searches, what police are likely looking for, and the legal questions around misconduct in public office. He also explains the coordination between multiple forces and what might happen next.
Feb 20, 2026 • 32min
‘They’re not listening!’: the government’s gamble on special education reform
Alexandra Topping, a political correspondent who covers government policy and the SEND system, unpacks the controversial special education reforms. She outlines who is affected and the mechanics of EHCPs and tribunals. She examines political pressures, council funding shortfalls, and why parents fear new tiered eligibility rules. The conversation highlights strained trust and the high stakes for families.
8 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 11min
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested – The Latest
David Pegg, Guardian investigative journalist known for reporting on the monarchy, unpacks Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest and the dramatic Sandringham search. He outlines royal reactions and PR fallout. He explores legal complexities of the misconduct charge and links to Epstein-related documents. He also discusses the trade envoy role and potential wider consequences for those implicated.
