Today in Focus

Nesrine Malik, a Guardian columnist focusing on global affairs, sheds light on the ramifications of Trump's suspension of USAID. She discusses the humanitarian crisis in regions like Sudan and the dire conditions in Rohingya refugee camps due to lost funding. Malik highlights the critical role of USAID in healthcare and education, emphasizing how a proposed 40% aid cut could jeopardize lives. Additionally, she explores the agency's strategic importance in U.S. foreign policy and the potential power vacuum that could allow adversaries to expand their influence.

Eleni Courea, a political correspondent for The Guardian, uncovers the complexities of the UK’s sovereignty deal concerning the Chagos Islands and the division within the Labour party. Olivier Bancoult, a passionate Chagossian campaigner forcibly removed from the islands, shares his hopes for returning home. They discuss the historical injustices of the 1960s, the emotional significance of the deal for exiled Chagossians, and the geopolitical stakes involved, including the shadow of American interests and China's influence in the Indian Ocean.

Felicity Lawrence, an investigative reporter known for her deep coverage of the Lucy Letby case, discusses significant doubts surrounding Letby’s conviction. She highlights medical experts who label the prosecution's theories as implausible, and questions the reliability of evidence, particularly concerning insulin levels. The emotional impact on affected families is also discussed, as they grapple with potential miscarriages of justice. This gripping conversation raises important issues about accountability in the healthcare and legal systems.

Lauren Aratani, a Guardian US reporter specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion, discusses how Trump's administration influenced the public perception of DEI initiatives. She highlights the backlash to these policies post-George Floyd protests and their controversial links to a tragic aviation incident. Aratani delves into the legal battles surrounding affirmative action in education and the political divide that frames DEI efforts as anti-white sentiment in conservative circles. The conversation also touches on the ongoing struggles for inclusion amidst shifting corporate attitudes.

Stuart Heritage, a Guardian feature writer and author of "Bald: How I Slowly Learned Not to Hate Having No Hair," shares his candid journey through hair loss. He explores the emotional landscape of undergoing this natural aging process and the societal pressures attached to it. Heritage discusses the rise of hair transplants and reflects on his experience in Turkey, highlighting the community that forms around such transformations. With humor and sincerity, he critiques societal biases and the often-overlooked struggles faced by bald men.

Join Patrick Wintour, The Guardian's diplomatic editor, as he sheds light on the chaos of Trump diplomacy. He discusses Trump's provocative proposal for U.S. control over Gaza, likening it to a real estate opportunity while analyzing global reactions. Wintour dives into the shift from Trump's isolationism to a more aggressive foreign policy, exploring looming trade wars, especially with Canada, and their international repercussions. The conversation highlights the unpredictability of Trump's actions and their implications for traditional diplomacy.

Andrew Roth, Global Affairs Correspondent for The Guardian, dives deep into Donald Trump's unusual focus on the Panama Canal. He discusses the canal's historical significance and its geopolitical tension between the U.S. and China. Roth reveals how Trump's ambitions were sparked by the Miss Universe pageant in Panama and highlights conflicts over hotel management with local authorities. The conversation also touches on the long-term impacts of U.S. military actions in Panama and the complexities of national identity surrounding the canal's management.

Widyan Shat, an aid worker and single mother, shares her bittersweet return to her war-torn home in Gaza. She discusses the emotional and physical challenges of facing destruction and loss while longing for normalcy. Amir Hassanin, a 22-year-old law student from Rafah, reflects on the profound impact of the conflict on his life and family. Both guests express a mix of hope and fear, highlighting the resilience of Gaza’s youth in dreaming of a better future despite ongoing struggles.

Join Kate Connolly, The Guardian's Berlin correspondent, as she explores the meteoric rise of Alice Weidel, the far-right candidate who could shake up German politics. They delve into Weidel's controversial branding and her party's evolution from Euroscepticism to radical anti-immigration stances. The conversation reveals how societal grievances bolster the AFD's popularity and examines the shifting political landscape ahead of the federal elections. Protests, coalition dynamics, and the impact of Weidel's ambitions are all on the table.

Robert Booth, The Guardian's UK technology editor, unpacks the upheaval caused by DeepSeek, a groundbreaking AI chatbot from China. He highlights its astounding cost-effectiveness and rapid rise, surpassing costlier competitors like ChatGPT. The discussion dives into privacy concerns linked to user data being stored in China, revealing a clash between innovation and geopolitical tensions. Booth also explores how DeepSeek's efficiency disrupts established giants like NVIDIA, reshaping the landscape of the AI industry.