Today in Focus

Join Philip Oltermann, The Guardian's European culture editor, as he dives into the heated controversy surrounding Israel’s inclusion in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. Several countries, including Spain and Ireland, are boycotting the event, citing allegations related to the Gaza conflict. Philip discusses the potential ripple effects on participation and draws comparisons to last year's ban on Russia. He also explores the role of media in the debate and analyzes the implications for Eurovision's political landscape.

In this discussion, Jonathan Liew, a sharp Guardian sportswriter with a flair for football and culture, unpacks the complex relationship between FIFA and Donald Trump ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He examines the implications of Infantino's strategic courting of Trump, emphasizing the spectacle over politics. Liew highlights potential risks, including immigration concerns and diplomatic tensions with co-hosts Mexico and Canada. Despite opposing views, he suggests that the allure of the tournament may ultimately override political issues, keeping fans engaged.

Henry Dyer, an investigations correspondent at The Guardian known for his keen insights into political matters, delves into the allegations against Nigel Farage related to racist and anti-Semitic behavior from his school days. Dyer reveals that more alumni from Dulwich College have corroborated these claims, notably sharing the impactful testimony of Peter Ettingry on enduring abuse. The discussion also touches on Richard Tice's dismissive remarks, Farage's controversial responses, and the broader political implications, highlighting the continuing investigation's significance.

Zack Polanski, the dynamic leader of the Green Party, discusses the party's explosive growth, citing a surge in membership focused on climate justice and economic equality. He shares insights on engaging disillusioned voters and balancing core supporters with new appeals. Randeep Ramesh analyzes the implications of this trend for Labour and the political landscape. They delve into the Green Party's policies on housing and wealth tax, while Randeep commends Zack's communication skills as vital for sustaining momentum in a shifting political environment.

In this discussion, Luke Harding, a seasoned foreign correspondent for The Guardian with extensive experience in Russia and Ukraine, delves into the current geopolitical tensions. He highlights the stalled US–Russia peace talks and Putin’s provocative claims of being ‘ready for war’ with Europe. Harding elaborates on Kremlin propaganda strategies aimed at dividing NATO and discusses the dwindling US support, which could escalate Russian aggression. He also paints a vivid picture of daily life in Kyiv amid ongoing violence, underlining the human toll of the conflict.

Where is Nick Fuentes trying to lead the Republican party? J Oliver Conroy reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Joining Lucy Hough is Alexandra Topping, a Senior reporter at The Guardian focusing on crime and social issues. They explore David Lammy's proposal to replace jury trials with judge-only hearings for minor offenses, aiming to tackle court backlogs. Alexandra sheds light on the implications for victims, particularly in sexual assault cases, and discusses systemic failures in the justice system. They also address public trust concerns and the broader impact on legal diversity, raising profound questions about the future of justice.

Geraldine McKelvey, a Guardian field reporter, provides firsthand insights from the chaotic inaugural conference of Your Party in Liverpool, expressing delegates' frustrations over organization. Peter Walker, the Guardian's senior political correspondent, discusses deep-rooted divisions and factionalism within the party. Delegates express their grievances on issues like Gaza and austerity, while debates swirl around leadership models. The future remains uncertain as they weigh potential pacts and electoral strategies amidst internal strife.

Archie Bland, National news editor and political analyst, joins to dissect the controversy surrounding Rachel Reeves and the autumn budget. He reveals how Reeves may have misrepresented economic forecasts to justify tax increases. The discussion highlights Keir Starmer's urgent need to clarify the situation, as well as Reeves' responses to accusations. Is her conduct ethically questionable, or just standard political maneuvering? Tune in for insights on public trust and the political ramifications of this unfolding drama.

Kiana Hayeri, a photojournalist focused on Iran and women's rights, shares her eye-opening return to Tehran, where defying hijab rules is becoming increasingly visible. Deepa Parent, a journalist for The Guardian, analyzes the aftermath of the Women, Life, Freedom movement, detailing the societal shifts and the harsh repression that followed. They discuss the surprising defiance seen on the streets, the complex reality of life in Iran post-protests, and the evolving dynamics within the regime as economic pressures mount.