Today in Focus

Hannah Ellis-Petersen, The Guardian's South Asia correspondent, and Lhadon Tethong, Director of the Tibet Action Institute, dive into the complex battle over the next Dalai Lama amidst Chinese state control. They discuss the Dalai Lama's legacy at 90 and the challenges Tibetan monks face in preserving their spiritual practices under oppressive regimes. The duo explores how the selection of his successor could reshape global politics and the fight for Tibetan identity, linking it to broader human rights struggles worldwide.

Faye Carruthers, a presenter of Women's Football Weekly, dives into England's thrilling journey in the women's Euros. She highlights the tension-filled semi-final against Italy and the Lionesses' evolution fueled by increased media coverage and investment. The conversation covers the emergence of stars like Chloe Kelly and Michelle Adjumang, while also tackling key issues of equality and diversity in women's football. With their sights set on a final against Spain, Carruthers discusses the stakes for the team and the future implications for women's sports.

David Smith, The Guardian's Washington Bureau Chief, delves into the troubling connections between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. He discusses the implications of recent revelations that might alienate Trump's support base. The conversation touches on conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein’s client list and a contentious birthday message that allegedly ties Trump to Epstein. Smith also examines the broader impact on Trump’s political standing as the midterms approach, highlighting the complex relationship between media and power.

Ben Quinn, a News reporter at The Guardian who covers social issues, discusses the escalating tensions in Epping linked to the Bell Hotel's asylum accommodations. He highlights how misinformation and far-right group involvement have sparked protests and violence. The conversation delves into the political implications of these events, the role of figures like Tommy Robinson in inciting unrest, and the broader societal tensions surrounding immigration. There's a chilling concern over rising extremism and the challenge it poses to community safety and integration.

Emma Graham-Harrison, The Guardian's chief Middle East correspondent based in Jerusalem, delves into the ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. She discusses the controversial 'humanitarian city' plan and its implications on peace efforts, shedding light on the emotional toll the conflict has on families. Emma explores Israel's divided opinions on the crisis and the complex political dynamics at play, offering insights into the challenges of achieving a temporary halt to violence amidst deep-rooted tensions.

Chris Stokel-Walker, a tech reporter known for his insights on Elon Musk and Grok, joins Twitter veteran Will Stansel to delve into the controversial AI chatbot developed by Musk. They discuss Grok's troubling outputs and its connections to extremism. Stokel-Walker reveals Musk's motives behind acquiring Twitter and his vision for free speech, while Stansel shares firsthand experiences of the platform's transformation. The conversation explores the challenges of user trust in Grok, implications for online discourse, and the pressing need for better AI regulation.

Dan Sabbagh, The Guardian's Defence and Security Editor, dives into the troubling implications of a significant data leak affecting Afghan evacuees. The conversation reveals how over 18,000 individuals had their personal information compromised, heightening risks for those seeking asylum. Sabbagh discusses the government's controversial use of a super injunction to suppress media coverage of the breach, raising discussions about transparency. He highlights the struggles faced by Afghan resettlers in the UK, emphasizing their resilience and need for greater support.

Denis Campbell, The Guardian's health policy editor, dives into the ongoing strike by junior doctors in the UK, who are demanding a staggering 29% pay rise due to financial strain and workload issues. He discusses the ripple effects of potential strikes on patient care and public sentiment. The conversation highlights generational challenges faced by young doctors, including rising tuition costs and limited training spots. Campbell also explores the political implications of these labor actions on the future of the NHS.

Michael Savage, The Guardian's media editor, delves into the BBC's troubled coverage of the Gaza war amid intense criticism. He discusses the accusations of bias following a controversial documentary, revealing the internal investigations sparked by these claims. Financial allegations are also explored, though ultimately deemed not indicative of violations. Savage highlights the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity in a politically charged landscape and the declining public trust as the BBC navigates leadership accountability and evolving media consumption trends.

Zelda Perkins, former assistant to Harvey Weinstein, has spent years fighting against non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that silence abuse victims. Alexandra Topping, a senior reporter at The Guardian, joins her to discuss the implications of recent legal changes regarding NDAs. They dive into the dark realities of workplace misconduct and the psychological impact on victims. The conversation also highlights how new legislation in the UK aims to empower employees, fostering a culture of openness and accountability in the workplace.