The Explanation

How Republicans and Democrats fared in this year’s elections, and what it could mean for the midterms next year. On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian and Sumi Somaskanda look at the success of Zorhan Mamdani, Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill in the 2025 elections, and what it could mean for the future of the Democrats and Republicans in the midterms. 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: Jack Surfleet Editor: Silvia Costeloe Executive Producer: Anna Holford

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores war-weariness in Russia and the problem it poses for the Kremlin, examines the government shutdown in the United States, and analyses whether there will be any effective action from the upcoming climate conference in Brazil.Producer: Kate Cornell Executive Producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning Editor: Vara Szajkowski

Andy Wilman is the producer who turned Top Gear and The Grand Tour into global hits. As he publishes his autobiography - Mr Wilman’s Motoring Adventure – he reflects on his career and working with the famous trio of Clarkson, Hammond and May. Mishal Husain has left the BBC after twenty-six years to start a new chapter at Bloomberg. She talks about her time on major stories and how moving to a new newsroom has changed her work. As Celebrity Traitors reaches its finale in the UK, the show’s executive producer, Mike Cotton, reveals what goes on behind the scenes and how he’s keeping the result a secret.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai Production Coordinator: Lois Wheeler Technical Coordinator: Ozgur Cevik Sound: Chris Ablakwa

The first big elections of Trump’s second term reveal how Americans are reacting to his presidency, and how Democrats are fighting to rebuild their brand. On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian and Sumi Somaskanda discuss the high-stakes gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, the Democrats’ rebranding efforts, and the rise of a progressive candidate shaking up New York. 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 Executive producer: Anna Holford

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses President Trump’s approach to dealing with China, examines the United States’ rivalry with China in south-east Asia, and explores what the future holds for Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski

A row over comments by a British MP has reignited debate about who we see in adverts. Sara Denby from the University of Oxford and Dino Myers-Lamptey from The Barber Shop agency share their views on how the industry has changed. In the US, major streaming companies are merging as they compete for global audiences. Camilla Lewis, Chief Executive of Curve Media, explains what this could mean for both producers and viewers. Historian Bettany Hughes returns with Treasures of the World on Channel 4. She talks about filming around the globe, how history programmes are made today, and why stories from the past still attract big audiences.Presenter: Katie Razzall Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant producer: Lucy Wai Production co-ordinator: Phil Hawkins Technical co-ordinator: Samuel Iyiola Sound engineer: Sarlota Hadroj Touzimska

Demolition work has begun on part of the White House to make way for President Trump's new ballroom, as US government remains shut down. On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda discuss Trump’s decision to remodel the White House while the Senate remains deadlocked on funding the federal government. 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 Executive producer: Anna Holford

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether Hamas will lay down its weapons in Gaza, looks at how other jihadist groups have responded to the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and explores how Ukraine’s approach to the war with Russia might change in the wake of the latest row with President Trump. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski

New attention on Prince Andrew has reopened debate about how the Royal Family is covered by the media. Following confirmation that he will no longer use his titles and the release of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, journalists are reassessing the balance between scrutiny, access and tradition. Simon McCoy, journalist and broadcaster, Robert Hardman, royal biographer, and Emily Andrews, former royal correspondent for The Sun, share professional insight into how stories about the royals are shaped. Also, Pulitzer Prize-winning foreign correspondent Paul Salopek describes his 12-year “Out of Eden Walk,” a 16,000-mile reporting journey retracing humanity’s ancient migration routes. Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai Researcher: Ruth Waites Technical co-ordinator: Chris Brown Sound engineer: Robin Schroder

Medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy are proven to be highly effective for weight management. They are also increasingly being found to treat other conditions and reduce the risk of disease, promising health benefits far beyond the treatment of obesity. But these drugs generally need to be continued for weight loss to be maintained, so there are big questions to be answered about their use and significant challenges to overcome around access and availability. In front of a live audience at Wellcome Collection in London, Claudia and her guests explore the potential and negatives of weight loss injections and ask whether they really are the next wonder drug.