Today in Focus

The Dr Who showrunner made his name with taboo-busting series such as Queer As Folk. He tells Helen Pidd about how he changed the way queer lives were depicted on British television. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Andy Burnham is pressing ahead with his Brexit U-turn, using a visit to Germany to make a ‘commitment to deeper EU co-operation’. The prime minister has promised closer ties on issues such as security, youth mobility and immigration. The move has been welcomed by senior European officials, including the French finance minister, who invited the UK ‘to come all the way back’ to the EU. With public polling now shifting against Brexit, is the door open for the UK to decide if it wants to rejoin? Lucy Hough speaks to Europe correspondent Jon Henley – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Angelique Chrisafis on the pupils and students who are taking to the streets and closing down schools in France. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Christa Pike, a death row inmate who survived the state of Tennessee’s attempt to execute her last week, is conscious and speaking. The 50-year-old is recovering in hospital after surviving two lethal injections in a case that has shocked many in the US and prompted a debate about the death penalty. She was due to be the first woman executed in Tennessee in more than 200 years. Michael Safi speaks to the chief reporter for Guardian US, Ed Pilkington – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

After a surge in support Zack Polanski is hoping he can win over Kier Starmer’s constituency to become an MP. But has a controversial motion over Zionism thrown his campaign into disarray?. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Quarantine measures have been in place in several hospitals in eastern Russia since a 28-year-old laboratory worker, Darya Shipilova, died after falling ill at work following a reported accident at a plague research centre in Siberia. Russia’s health watchdog has said she died of ‘pneumonia of unknown aetiology’, but there is speculation about a possible plague infection. Lucy Hough speaks to Science Weekly co-host Madeleine Finlay – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Andy Burnham has pledged to fix England’s broken social care system. Heather Stewart explains why it matters so much to families like hers. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The US withdrew its bombers from RAF Fairford after an investigation into an alleged planned terrorist attack on the base. At least 10 B-1 bombers used by the US military in the Iran conflict flew out of Fairford on Sunday, suggesting US officials were taking the threat seriously. Last week, five men in three vans near the military base were arrested, followed by a sixth British-Iranian national. All were released on bail, drawing criticism from the Pentagon. Lucy Hough speaks to Dan Sabbagh, the Guardian’s defence and security editor – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Features writer Elle Hunt and indigenous activist María José Andrade Cerda on the growing phenomenon of influencers around the world trying to reach uncontacted tribes. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Who is really in charge – the people or the markets? In the first episode of Radical Thinking, a new series from the Guardian, senior economics commentator Aditya Chakrabortty speaks to the former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis about what it was like during the eurozone crisis when he went head to head with those who wanted to stop his reforms. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Warning: this episode contains spoilers! The BBC blockbuster Celebrity Traitors has returned for a second series, attracting nearly 9m viewers for its first episode. The show features a star-studded cast including actors Richard E Grant and Michael Sheen, and former model Jerry Hall and comedian Romesh Ranganathan. With 3m more viewers than the last series tuning in for the first episode, why is Celebrity Traitors one of the few shows capable of attracting the nation to the sofa? Lucy Hough speaks to TV critic and broadcaster Scott Bryan – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Latin America correspondent Tom Phillips reports on this Sunday’s historic presidential elections in Brazil, as the son of jailed former president Jair Bolsonaro hopes to take power. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

A woman convicted of murdering a schoolmate 30 years ago has been taken to hospital after surviving two rounds of lethal injections in Tennessee. Christa Pike would have been the first woman to be executed in the state in 200 years. Pike, 50, has spent three decades on death row after she was convicted of the murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer in 1995. A last-minute appeal to stop the lethal injection was overturned by the supreme court, but the state governor, Bill Lee, has suspended executions in Tennessee for the rest of the year. Lucy Hough speaks to the attorney and anti-capital punishment campaigner Clive Stafford Smith – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Jonathan Liew explains the accusations against Manchester City – and Simon Hattenstone explains how it feels to be a fan. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

A commercial flight travelling from Dubai to Israel was forced to make an emergency landing after an apparent brawl between its pilots. The flight was in Jordanian airspace when it diverted to Saudi Arabia, after the plane fell 16,000ft in two minutes during the incident, which raised fears of an attempted hijacking. Authorities are investigating a number of lines of inquiry including a hijacking attempt or a mental health incident. Lucy Hough speaks to the Middle East correspondent Will Christou – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Helen Pidd reports from the Labour conference in Liverpool as Andy Burnham lays out his grand plans as prime minister. With deputy political editor Jessica Elgot. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

As the fallout from the Iran conflict continues, the price of diesel has soared to record highs in the UK, Europe and US. With his country facing an increase of 70% in costs compared with this time last year, Donald Trump is threatening a ban on US diesel exports to keep costs low for American consumers. But the plans have been met with alarm – the UK is holding talks with US counterparts to try to block the move, which France says would be ‘catastrophic’ if introduced. Lucy Hough speaks to energy correspondent Jillian Ambrose – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Their opposition to Putin led to two of the group being sent to brutal prison camps. Then another was found to be spying for the Kremlin. Shaun Walker reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Counter-terrorism police have confirmed the five men arrested over the suspected bomb plot near RAF Fairford are all British nationals in their 20s. The men were arrested on Sunday near the base in Gloucestershire, which is being used by the US air force in its operations against Iran. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s defence and security editor, Dan Sabbagh – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Investigations correspondent Louisa Loveluck reports on the Trump administration’s secret deportation deals, sending thousands of migrants to ‘third countries’ across the world. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

More than 100 people were arrested at large protests against the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the UN general assembly. Susan Sarandon, Chelsea Manning and Caleb Hearon were among the famous faces arrested. Inside the assembly hall, Netanyahu faced a mass walkout as he took to the stage. Then, in an inflammatory address, he claimed Israel’s war in Gaza was the ‘opposite of a genocide’ and labelled the New York mayor, Zohran Mamdani, antisemitic. Lucy Hough speaks to UK global editor Devika Bhat – watch on YouTube – Listen to Thursday’s episode of Stateside with Kai and Carter on whether Netanyahu has lost America here. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Guardian columnist Marina Hyde on the release of her new book What a Time to be Alive!. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

A government database has been hacked for the first time by a rogue OpenAI agent, which infiltrated part of the Australian healthcare scheme in June. OpenAI became aware of the hack in August, but only informed the government in September. Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has expressed his ‘extreme concern’ about the hack, which raises serious AI security concerns for governments around the world. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s UK technology editor Robert Booth – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

AI, Iran and Taiwan – there will be no shortage of topics when the two most powerful men in the world meet in Washington. But what do they both want? Jonathan Czin explains. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Andy Burnham has navigated his way through a first high-stakes meeting with Donald Trump at the UN general assembly in New York. The prime minister’s aides were delighted with how the meeting went, as Trump praised the US-UK relationship and described Burnham as a ‘natural businessman’. The anticipated sticking points – the Chagos Islands, West Bank settlement sanctions and Ireland – appear not to have derailed the talks nor cast a shadow over the future relationship. Lucy Hough speaks to policy editor Kiran Stacey – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Loneliness influencers are on the rise. When did social media get so unsociable? Jessica Murray explains. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

In what is probably one of the biggest battles yet between the press and Donald Trump, major TV networks have united in a boycott of pooled coverage of his administration. It comes after three news organisations – CNN, MS Now and Politico – were denied access to the White House because of Trump’s concerns about their coverage. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s international news editor Paul Owen – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The Houthis now control the Bab al-Mandab strait. But where is it and why does it matter? Patrick Wintour explains. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has vowed to stay in office despite heavy losses in two state elections that he described as a ‘disaster’. The anti-immigration, Kremlin-friendly Alternative für Deutschland won with 38% of the vote in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, while the leftwing Die Linke was victorious in Berlin. Merz has promised political change, but speculation is growing that his party could soon oust him. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s Berlin correspondent, Deborah Cole – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

From hospital wards to bathrooms, where is a transgender person supposed to go after the latest equalities guidance?. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Buckingham Palace has issued a rare, and strong, rebuttal to claims made in Earl Spencer’s memoir Swan Song. The book claims that King Charles told Spencer days after Diana’s death and during a heated row over funeral arrangements: ‘Rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough.’ Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s senior national news editor, Aaron Sharp. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Can you have a happy, healthy relationship of three? Today in Focus hears about good and bad throupling experiences. With reporting from Kitty Drake. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, has welcomed the EU’s proposal for Canada to become the bloc’s first ‘associate member’, despite threats from Donald Trump over the plan. The US president said Washington could impose ‘very serious tariffs’ or halt trade if the EU went ahead with the idea. But in a defiant speech to the European parliament, Carney called for ‘deep cooperation’ and said polling showed the overwhelming majority of Canadians supported closer ties with Europe. Lucy Hough speaks to Europe correspondent Jon Henley – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The Swedish journalist Martin Gelin tells Helen Pidd about the impact the far right has had on Sweden’s politics over the last four years – and what the latest general election results could mean for the Nordic country’s future. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

All four supporting acts for the upcoming dates of Ed Sheeran’s tour have withdrawn in solidarity with fellow opener Macklemore. The American rapper was removed from Sheeran’s tour after comments made onstage in support of Palestine. Sheeran responded that venue owners – including Robert Kraft who owns the New England Patriots and its home stadium – had objected to Macklemore’s appearance on the tour. But after he had tried to negotiate with the venue owners “at length to build bridges,” ultimately the promoters made the decision to pull the plug. Artists who have pulled out include Finneas, Aaron Rowe and Beoga. Lucy Hough speaks to Guardian assistant opinion editor Jason Okundaye – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

At least five pupils at a village school in the West Bank have been killed in the last year by settlers and soldiers. Emma Graham-Harrison reports on how the school found itself on the frontline, while a teacher explains what life is like for staff and students.. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Three babies might have survived and others could have been protected if hospital staff had taken action over concerns about the nurse Lucy Letby, an inquiry has found. Lady Justice Thirlwall, who led the inquiry, found there was a ‘complete failure to protect babies on the neonatal unit’ at the Countess of Chester hospital. Letby is serving 15 whole-life prison terms for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven more. The former neonatal nurse says she is innocent and is fighting to overturn her convictions. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian’s north of England editor, Josh Halliday. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Reform UK have just been showered with £72m in donations by billionaires. What does that money buy and what will the party do with it? Peter Walker explains. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The actor Sydney Sweeney is under fire for ‘sexualising women’s sports’ in an ad campaign for US sports prediction company Novig, which features a series of images of her in various states of undress as she pretends to play different sports. The ad has been widely criticised by a number of sportswomen, including Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus who described it as ‘infuriating’ and a ‘kick in the teeth’ to women who have ‘spent decades perfecting their craft’. Sweeney has responded by saying the ad was about ‘embracing a fun idea’. Lucy Hough speaks to Guardian feature writer Elle Hunt – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

A series of figures in the tech world have been warning about – and even resigning over – the existential threat posed by AI. How worried should we be? With technology editor Robert Booth. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

25 years on from the terror attacks that killed almost 3,000 people in New York City, Washington DC and Pennsylvania, the dark legacy of September 11 continues to unfold in the US and across the world. A throughline can be drawn from that day in 2001 to much of the geopolitics and conflicts of today. Annie Kelly speaks to the Guardian’s international security correspondent, Jason Burke, about how 9/11 changed the world – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The UK foreign secretary has drawn rage and respect after announcing trade sanctions on Israeli settlers. Heather Stewart explains how – and why – Ed Miliband got tough. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Donald Trump has pledged a payment of $5,000 to every adult American citizen if the Republicans win in the November midterms. The outlandish proposal, which would cost over $1tn, immediately raised legal and ethical concerns. It comes as the president’s approval rating has hit a record low, hovering at about 38%. Lucy Hough speaks to global editor Devika Bhat – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Nurse Teun Toebes and filmmaker Jonathan de Jong argue for a radical new approach to treating – and giving freedom to – people with dementia, showcased in their film and book, Human Forever.. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The foreign secretary, Ed Miliband, is facing a backlash over the government’s sanctions against illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank after the chief rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, said the safety of British Jews could be at risk. Miliband has rejected the warnings, emphasising that ministers can confront the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government while also fighting antisemitism. US president Donald Trump, however, has failed to comment on the UK government’s action. Lucy Hough speaks to diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Today in Focus presenter Helen Pidd talks to former Reform insider Tim Montgomerie before heading to the 2026 Reform UK Conference to find out where the party may head next. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The UK has attacked ‘settler terrorism’ deployed in a campaign of ethnic cleansing in the West Bank, whilst announcing sweeping sanctions on trade with Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband delivered the strongest condemnation of the actions of the Israeli government ever by a British government, including the disproportionate killings in Gaza of at least 70,000 people including 20,000 children. Lucy Hough speaks to chief Middle East correspondent Emma Graham-Harrison – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

From going undercover as a Playboy bunny to founding Ms Magazine, Steinem brought feminism into the US mainstream. Carter Sherman explains her legacy. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Far-right activists gathered in two disruptive demonstrations in Dover and Portsmouth over the weekend, attempting to obstruct asylum seekers arriving on small boats from France. Many wore all black and balaclavas. The action was seemingly organised by Daniel Thomas, an agitator better known as Danny Tommo, who has close ties with the far-right extremist Tommy Robinson. Thomas was recorded on the ground saying Portsmouth was now ‘ground zero’ for small boat crossings, and has threatened further action. Lucy Hough speaks to political correspondent Ben Quinn – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Katy McQue, who has spent years reporting on Meta and the potential harms its platforms pose to children, explains the tactics being used by prosecutors. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>