Today in Focus
The Guardian
Hosted by Nosheen Iqbal and Helen Pidd, Today in Focus brings you closer to Guardian journalism. Combining storytelling with insightful analysis and personal testimonies, the podcast takes you behind the headlines for a deeper understanding of the news, every weekday. Today in Focus is unmatched in both scope and depth, delivering analysis and storytelling from right across the planet. With a global network of over 900 journalists and five dedicated editions covering news in the US, UK, Australia, Europe, and beyond, the Guardian offers comprehensive reporting across every continent. Most recently we have introduced new correspondents in the Caribbean, South America and Africa.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 1, 2024 • 10min
US election extra: Duel rallies in Las Vegas with surprise J-Lo endorsement
David Smith, Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief for The Guardian, reports on the political spectacle in Las Vegas with dueling rallies from Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. He discusses how both candidates are targeting Latino voters, with Harris hosting a star-studded event while Trump engages a male-centric audience. The impact of celebrity endorsements, especially from Jennifer Lopez, is explored, along with early voting trends that emphasize a competitive race and increased female voter turnout in key states.
Nov 1, 2024 • 32min
Six weeks in Saginaw: the bellwether county in the bellwether state
Chris McGreal, a Guardian US writer, shares insights from his six weeks in Saginaw, Michigan, a pivotal county for U.S. elections. He explores the stark economic divide between Saginaw City and Township, revealing how manufacturing job losses have shaped voting trends. The conversation delves into the shift of blue-collar voters towards Trump, the mixed sentiments of black and young voters, and how Biden's policies may influence Arab American voters. Finally, veterans discuss leadership views, underscoring the importance of young voters in the upcoming election.
Oct 31, 2024 • 10min
US election extra: the race in Georgia
George Chidi, a Politics and Democracy reporter for Guardian US, shares insights from the electoral battleground of Georgia. He discusses the polarized political climate and the crucial role women's voting will play. The conversation highlights shifts in voter sentiment since 2016 and the intense competition for Georgia's 16 electoral votes. Chidi also sheds light on the anxieties faced by election officials amid rising tensions, while examining the challenges of changing entrenched voter opinions in a fatigued campaign atmosphere.
Oct 31, 2024 • 24min
Rachel Reeves’s big tax-and-spend budget dissected
Heather Stewart, a special correspondent at The Guardian with extensive experience in political analysis, discusses Labour's first budget in over 14 years. She highlights ambitious public spending plans aimed at revitalizing the NHS and education. The conversation dives into Rachel Reeves' proposals for tax increases and their potential economic risks. They also assess the impact of tax reforms on different social classes and explore the balance of optimism and concern in the overarching budget narrative.
Oct 30, 2024 • 10min
US election extra: Kamala Harris’s closing argument
Lauren Gambino, a reporter for the Guardian, shares her insights on Kamala Harris's impactful closing argument speech. She explores how Harris positions herself as a candidate for change amidst the tension from the January 6th insurrection. The discussion highlights key policy challenges like immigration and abortion rights, while also examining the personal identity Harris brings to her campaign. Gambino also addresses the shadow of Biden's controversial remarks and their potential impact on the election dynamics.
Oct 30, 2024 • 26min
AI images, child sexual abuse and a ‘first prosecution of its kind’
Hannah Al-Othman, a Guardian correspondent, reports on the disturbing Hugh Nelson case, where AI was used to create child abuse images, leading to an 18-year prison sentence. Clare McGlynn, a Durham University law professor, discusses the legal complexities of AI and child exploitation. They explore how AI technology is revolutionizing child abuse, the urgent need for legal reforms, and the societal implications of these emerging crimes. Together, they highlight the necessity of stronger regulations and collective action to protect vulnerable children.
Oct 29, 2024 • 11min
US election extra: the two Trump campaigns
Chris Michael, The Guardian's US editor in London, dives into the intricacies of Donald Trump's dual campaigns for the presidency. He discusses how Trump’s targeted ad efforts in swing states contrast sharply with his spontaneous on-stage rhetoric. The conversation also touches on the repercussions of controversial comments made at rallies, the challenges faced by Kamala Harris in Michigan, and the rising fears of voter intimidation linked to ballot box incidents. Michael paints a complex picture of a tumultuous election landscape.
Oct 29, 2024 • 35min
The Trump supporters who took over Georgia’s election board
Sarah Tindall-Razal, a self-proclaimed election nerd and member of the Georgia State Election Board, teams up with Justin Glawe, a Guardian reporter covering Georgia's political landscape. They dive into the troubling infiltration of Georgia’s election board by Trump supporters, exploring the drastic shifts in election integrity. The conversation sheds light on the consequences of recent changes to the electoral process and raises alarm over the manipulation of voting materials, ultimately questioning the future of democracy in a polarized environment.
Oct 28, 2024 • 11min
US election extra: rage and racist bile at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally
Ed Pilkington, Chief reporter for Guardian US, shares his firsthand experience covering Donald Trump's explosive rally at Madison Square Garden. He highlights the rally's charged atmosphere and the troubling use of humor to mask racist rhetoric, drawing parallels to historical events. Pilkington discusses the challenging landscape for political rivals, as well as the backlash from a major newspaper's controversial no-endorsement decision. He offers insights into campaign strategies as candidates like Trump and Harris maneuver through critical battlegrounds.
Oct 28, 2024 • 21min
The child skincare boom
Sali Hughes, The Guardian's resident beauty columnist and product creator, delves into the rising skincare obsession among children and teens. She discusses how societal pressures and social media, particularly TikTok, shape their routines and influence purchasing habits. The impact of high-end products and age-inappropriate marketing raises concerns about brand responsibility. Hughes emphasizes the need for proper education about skincare ingredients and encourages healthy habits with parental involvement for a more balanced approach to adolescent skincare.
