The Explanation

From late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel's suspension to an unprecedented Pentagon memo - where is the line between criticism and censorship?On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda analyze how the Trump administration is taking on its critics and tries to control the narratives in the media. Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: path@bbc.co.uk Producer: Gregory Zhygalov Editor: Adrian Chiculita

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses what effect the recognition of Palestine as a state might have, examines whether Syria is back in the international fold, and looks at the latest restrictions that the Taliban have introduced in Afghanistan.Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski

In the US, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was taken off air after making remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The broadcasting regulator, the FCC, warned stations about continuing to air his show. Donald Trump supported the suspension, but Disney, which owns ABC, later decided to bring the show back. Brian Stelter, Chief Media Analyst at CNN, looks at what this means for the relationship between politicians, broadcasters and entertainers. A BBC investigation has revealed new details about how the government is using hotels to house migrants. The Home Secretary has ordered an urgent review after concerns were raised about taxis being used to move asylum seekers and the conditions inside the hotels, which are currently home to around 32,000 people. BBC journalist Sue Mitchell shares what she found while reporting inside the hotels and the difficulties of recording people’s experiences. A new ITV drama called The Hack tells the story of phone hacking by the News of the World, Rupert Murdoch’s tabloid newspaper, which subsequently shut down because of the scandal. Executive producer Patrick Spence explains the choices made when dramatising real events and his motivation.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lucy Wai Assistant Producer: Martha Owen Production Coordinator: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Mark Dickins Sound: Chris Ablakwa

President Trump’s visit to the UK tests Sir Keir Starmer’s handling of the “special relationship” - but the bigger test comes next, at the UN General Assembly.On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Bernd Debusmann Jr unpack Trump’s foreign relations and relationships, and how the world adapts to his style.Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: path@bbc.co.ukProducer: Gregory Zhygalov Editor: Adrian Chiculita

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the relationship between Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump, analyses whether Israel’s strike on Qatar has played into Iran’s hands, and looks at the widening split between Europe and the United States over Israel and Gaza. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski

The killing of US conservative commentator Charlie Kirk has raised questions about how the media should report on controversial figures while still showing respect to victims and their families. Meanwhile in London, more than one hundred thousand people joined the Unite the Kingdom rally, where Elon Musk spoke by video link. The event has sparked fresh debate about whether using terms like “far right” helps explain what happened or risks pushing audiences away. LBC’s James O’Brien, Talk TV’s Isabel Oakeshott and political commentator Guto Harri give their views on the challenges facing journalism when reporting on divisive stories.Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai and Martha Owen Production Coordinator: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Luke Sweeney Sound: Nathan Chamberlain

The killing of Charlie Kirk triggers shockwaves through the US, sparking grief, anger, and debate over politics, political violence and America’s future.On this live episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Bernd Debusmann Jr discuss the killing of Charlie Kirk, reaction from across the political divide, and what it signals about the depth of polarization in the US.Every Friday, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: path@bbc.co.ukProducer: Gregory Zhygalov Editor: Anna Holford

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether the latest political crisis in France is a sign of long-term decline, examines the reasons for the simmering tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, and looks at the ways in which Russia is trying to win over opinion around the world.Producer: Kate Cornell Executive Producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning Editor: Vara Szajkowski

Super Mario Bros reaches its 40th anniversary. First released in 1985, the Nintendo title redefined video game design and propelled Mario from a supporting character into a global icon. Keza MacDonald, video games editor at The Guardian and author of a forthcoming book on Nintendo, outlines its creation and cultural significance. In Russia, a state-approved messaging service called Max has been made mandatory on all new devices, while WhatsApp and Telegram face restrictions. Eva Hartog, Russia reporter at Politico Europe, considers the impact on digital freedoms and journalism. In Nepal, a ban on 26 major social media platforms led to widespread protests and the resignation of the Prime Minister before the restrictions were reversed. Dr Nayana Prakash, Research Fellow at Chatham House, assesses what this reveals about state approaches to online platforms. A resolution has been reached in the Murdoch family’s long-running succession dispute. Claire Atkinson, media reporter and founder of the The Media Mix newsletter, explains the background to the family trust and what the decision could mean for the company’s future direction.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Trump enters a new political season as Congress returns from its summer recess. Sumi Somaskanda, Caitríona Perry, and Courtney Subramanian look at challenges to his agenda. Every Friday, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: path@bbc.co.uk Producer: Gregory Zhygalov Editor: Adrian Chiculita