Today in Focus

Devi Sridhar, a Professor of Global Public Health at the University of Edinburgh, delves into the alarming rise of bowel cancer in younger individuals, linking it to ultra-processed foods. She defines what these foods are and how they infiltrate our diets. Devi highlights the substantial percentage of calories from UPFs and discusses their health impacts, including obesity and cancer risks. She also addresses regulatory challenges and the food industry's response, making a case for government intervention and better labeling to protect public health.

Abigail Radnor, Guardian lifestyle editor from South Manchester, shares her personal grief and shock over the Heaton Park synagogue attack, detailing its impact on local families. Dave Rich, Director of Policy at the Community Security Trust, highlights the rising trend of antisemitism and the emotional toll of security measures within the Jewish community. They discuss anger towards authorities, the challenges of balancing protests on Gaza with community safety, and the urgent need for solutions that enable Jews to live without fear.

Patrick Winter, The Guardian's diplomatic editor, dives into the complexities of Trump's 20-point peace plan for Gaza. He outlines the significant discussions in Egypt, including a potential hostage-for-prisoner exchange and contentious issues surrounding disarmament and governance. Winter highlights the exclusion of Palestinians from negotiations and the vital role of regional players like Qatar and Egypt. He raises concerns about the fragility of guarantees amid ongoing violence while emphasizing the critical need for diplomatic momentum and the political implications for leaders involved.

Josh Halliday, a Guardian journalist, shares his family's experience with Huntington's disease, shedding light on the emotional toll it has taken. He recounts the journey of learning about his father's diagnosis and the challenges it presented to their family, including caregiving struggles. Discussing genetic testing, Josh reveals how becoming a father influenced his decision to get tested, ultimately leading to the relief of receiving a negative result. They also explore groundbreaking gene therapy that shows promising results in slowing disease progression.

Emily Baker-White, an investigative journalist and senior writer at Forbes specializing in tech policy, dives into the controversial deal to transfer TikTok’s US operations to Trump allies. She discusses TikTok's powerful algorithm and how it shapes user engagement, along with national security concerns stemming from its ties to China. Emily also explores political maneuvers for regulation and the implications of new ownership on content direction, revealing a complex landscape where media and politics intersect.

A harrowing account unfolds from the heart of Manchester, where a recent attack on a synagogue has left two dead and several injured. Reporters delve into the chaotic scenes following the car and knife assault, highlighting the rapid police response and the chilling presence of a suspected explosive device. The community's grief is palpable, with worshippers shaken during Yom Kippur services. As details about the suspect remain scarce, the broader implications of rising antisemitism in local neighborhoods take center stage.

In this insightful discussion, Bill McKibben, a renowned environmentalist and author focused on climate change, shares his optimism about the clean energy revolution. He highlights surprising advances in solar, wind, and battery technologies. McKibben emphasizes the urgent need for accelerated adoption to combat rising emissions. He discusses how decentralized solar power can challenge authoritarian regimes and geopolitical dynamics. With innovative storage solutions and growing accessibility, he conveys a cautiously hopeful message about the future of renewable energy.

Peter Walker, Senior Political Correspondent for The Guardian, analyzes Keir Starmer's recent conference speech amidst his low approval ratings and pressure from Reform UK. They discuss Starmer's positioning against Nigel Farage and his commitment to community values. Walker highlights the speech's focus on national renewal but notes the lack of concrete policies. He reflects on broader concerns about immigration rhetoric and the stability of Starmer's leadership moving forward, emphasizing the uncertain political landscape ahead.

Amelia Gentleman, a Guardian reporter known for her investigative journalism, shares insights from Europe's largest porn conference in Amsterdam. She delves into how creators adapt to industry changes and the rise of OnlyFans, highlighting its subscription model and economic impact. The discussion covers the struggles of creators facing burnout and the escalation of extreme content for attention. Amelia also explores the emergence of AI in adult content, featuring AI girlfriends and the mixed reactions from creators about this technological shift.

Nick Lowles, founder of the anti-fascist organization Hope Not Hate, has dedicated decades to fighting far-right extremism. He shares his journey from encountering the National Front in his youth to infiltrating groups like Combat 18 to gather vital intelligence. Lowles discusses crucial successes, including preventing violence in Oldham and the role his organization played in convicting Tommy Robinson. He stresses the importance of community resilience and offers strategic advice for countering far-right narratives while highlighting the changing tactics of online radicalization.