Today in Focus

William Christou, a Guardian correspondent focused on Lebanon and Syria, teams up with Amar al-Azam, a professor of Middle East History at Shawnee State University. They dive deep into Syria's surge in treasure hunting amid civil unrest and the dire consequences for cultural heritage. The discussion highlights looted sites like Palmyra, the role of ISIS in profiting from destruction, and the economic desperation driving locals to excavate. They also cover initiatives to preserve history and the complex gray market of antiquities, emphasizing the responsibility of collectors.

Tracey McVeigh, Editor at The Guardian, teams up with Badruun Gardi, co-founder of the New Nomad Institute, to explore Mongolia’s climate crisis. They discuss the brutal winters and increasingly dry summers affecting traditional herding practices. Badruun shares insights into the challenges faced by nomads as urbanization encroaches on their way of life. The conversation also highlights how lessons from nomadic culture, such as adaptability and harmony with nature, could guide modern solutions to climate change.

Dale Vince, a millionaire businessman and founder of Ecotricity, advocates for a wealth tax on the ultra-rich, arguing it's time for the wealthy to contribute more to public finances. Arun Advani, an economics professor, explains how implementing such a tax could enhance social equity and government revenue. They discuss the complexities of wealth taxation, challenges of assessing assets, and the moral imperative to address economic disparities. The conversation touches on the contrast between tax rates for wage earners and wealth holders, advocating for fairer tax reforms.

Dr. Tim Gregory, a nuclear scientist at the UK National Nuclear Laboratory, advocates for the revival of nuclear power as a safe and economically viable solution to climate change. He discusses its historical evolution in the UK, analyzing past incidents like Chernobyl that shaped public perception. Gregory emphasizes the importance of nuclear energy in achieving net zero goals, particularly through innovative designs like small modular reactors. He also addresses safety advancements and counters misconceptions by comparing nuclear's safety record and long-term reliability against fossil fuels and renewables.

Ed Pilkington, Chief Reporter for Guardian US, dives into the implications of Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' and how it threatens safety nets for poorer Americans. He discusses the political maneuvering that allows legislation to benefit the wealthy while cutting crucial programs like SNAP and Medicaid. Personal stories reveal the harsh realities families face due to these proposed cuts. Pilkington also examines the internal conflicts within the Republican Party and how this regressive bill aligns with the broader goals of the MAGA movement.

Jenny Kleeman, a Guardian journalist specializing in the fertility industry, uncovers a shocking IVF clinic scandal involving stolen eggs. Renee Ballou, one of the victims, shares her emotional journey and the unexpected friendship she formed with Carol Lieber Wilkins, the woman who received her eggs. Carol, who became a therapist for donor-conceived families, discusses the complexities of motherhood in this context. Together, they explore themes of betrayal, identity, and the healing power of connection amidst unconventional family dynamics.

Guests Andrew Lawrence, a Senior features writer for The Guardian US, and Anna Betts, a breaking news reporter, dive into the recent verdict surrounding Sean 'Diddy' Combs. They discuss the implications of the trial for his legacy in the music industry, contrasting his glamorous rise with serious allegations. Betts shares the courtroom dynamics, while Lawrence reflects on social media’s influence on public perception. They also critique the role of influencers in shaping narratives about accountability and domestic violence in hip-hop culture.

In this discussion, guests Rouzbeh Parsi, an expert historian on Iran’s nuclear program, and Patrick Wintour, The Guardian's diplomatic editor with extensive field experience in Iran, delve into the current state of Iran's nuclear ambitions amidst military actions by Israel and the US. They analyze the effects of recent bombings on Iran's facilities and the ongoing geopolitical tensions. The conversation explores intelligence assessments, historical motivations behind Iran's nuclear pursuit, and the broader implications for international relations moving forward.

Kiran Stacey, a political correspondent for The Guardian, joins the discussion on a tumultuous day in Westminster. They explore Labour MPs' fierce opposition to proposed disability cuts, revealing the deep emotional stakes involved. Internal conflicts within Labour arise as some MPs rebel against party lines in defense of the vulnerable. Stacey also analyzes the government's missteps regarding welfare reforms and how personal experiences shape political stances. Tune in for insights into the implications of these debates on Keir Starmer's leadership.

Phoebe Weston, an environment reporter at The Guardian, delves into the alarming case in Alsace, France, where residents face a ban on drinking water due to toxic 'forever chemicals'. She uncovers the emotional toll on the 60,000 affected in Saint-Louis, rallying for accountability as grassroots activism grows. The discussion expands to the global PFAS contamination crisis, spotlighting health risks, legal challenges with airport-induced pollution, and the overall lack of safety regulations, emphasizing a pressing need for action on water quality.