Today in Focus

Across the world, hundreds of people have come to believe they have made extraordinary scientific discoveries with AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. Others say their AI has ‘awakened’, or is leading them to a higher spiritual realm. The Guardian journalist Michael Safi investigates a phenomenon labelled ‘AI psychosis’, travelling to the US to meet two people who have been on weird journeys with their chatbots. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Reform UK has suspended two senior officials after they were filmed in an undercover operation appearing to attempt to get around electoral laws on foreign donations. The sting, by Channel 4 News and the investigative group Verbatim, was published on the eve of Nigel Farage’s party conference speech in Birmingham. Reform says it has launched an investigation into the actions of James Orr, the party’s head of policy, and Dan Jukes, a senior aide to Farage. Lucy Hough speaks to senior political correspondent Peter Walker – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

After last week’s devastating floods, the Guardian’s south Asia correspondent, Hannah Ellis-Petersen, tells Annie Kelly about her journey to some of Nepal’s worst-hit areas, and what she found there. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The UN has warned that the El Niño climate phenomenon is ‘supersizing before our eyes’. The event is forecast to be the largest in at least 1,000 years and will almost certainly shatter temperature records. After a summer of record-breaking heatwaves and extreme weather due to global heating, El Niño means 2027 is almost certain to be the hottest year ever recorded. Lucy Hough speaks to environment correspondent Damien Gayle – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Ulrich Siegmund, the charismatic young leader of the AfD party in Saxony-Anhalt, has been labelled Germany’s most dangerous man by Der Spiegel. John Kampfner explains why. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Iran has accused the US of a ‘war crime’ after a missile strike killed at least four people, including a young child, and injured 68 at a wedding at a private house in southern Iran. A month-long uneasy truce between the US and Iran appears to have collapsed after US strikes on Larak Island on Saturday in the strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded by launching drones and missiles on US bases across the Middle East, including Gulf States. Lucy Hough speaks to Middle East correspondent Will Christou – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Thirty years after Tupac Shakur’s death, a man has been found guilty of killing the hip-hop legend. William Shaw on the star’s life, legacy and untimely death. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

A British activist who was forcibly abducted by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank has been deported to the UK. The treatment of 22-year-old Finn Joughin comes after a surge of settler violence against Palestinian people in the West Bank that has been widely condemned internationally and also by many prominent figures within Israel. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s chief Middle East correspondent, Emma Graham-Harrison – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The Guardian’s chief culture writer Charlotte Higgins on why she was inspired to learn Ukrainian and what it taught her about its people. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Revisited: Guardian journalist Michael Safi looks into the world of artificial intelligence, exploring the dangers and promises it holds for society. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Rescue efforts are continuing in Nepal and Tibet after flash floods that have killed hundreds and left many more missing. But fears that a lake formed by the landslide could overflow and cause fresh flooding, along with difficulty accessing disaster-hit areas, are hindering rescue and recovery missions. Lucy Hough speaks with south Asia correspondent Hannah Ellis-Petersen, who is in Nepal, about the situation on the ground - watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Revisited: Guardian journalist Michael Safi looks into the world of artificial intelligence, exploring the dangers and promises it holds for society. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Hundreds of people are missing or have been killed after a catastrophic flash flood hit Nepal and Tibet on Wednesday. Entire villages have been destroyed, many of which are popular pilgrimage and trekking destinations for tourists. Lucy Hough talks to global editor Devika Bhat about how the devastating event unfolded – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Revisited: Guardian journalist Michael Safi looks into the world of artificial intelligence, exploring the dangers and promises it holds for society. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Tributes have poured in for Dolly Parton, the pioneering country music singer, songwriter and actor, who has died aged 80. Stars including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey and Paul McCartney have paid tribute to one of the world’s greatest music artists, with many praising her lifelong philanthropy and advocacy for literacy and LGBTQ+ rights. Lucy Hough speaks to Guardian deputy features editor Jenny Stevens – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Revisited: Guardian journalist Michael Safi looks into the world of artificial intelligence, exploring the dangers and promises it holds for society. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The White House has threatened sanctions on any country that trades with Iran in another bid to economically isolate the country, as US military efforts falter. Launching what he called Operation Economic Outcast, the US Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, compared it with D-day. China, Iran’s biggest trading partner, has already signalled that it will not cooperate with Trump’s attack on the Iranian economy. Lucy Hough speaks to Julian Borger, senior international correspondent – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Revisited: Guardian journalist Michael Safi looks into the world of artificial intelligence, exploring the dangers and promises it holds for society. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Andy Burnham is making his first foreign visit as prime minister to Ukraine, marking the country’s independence day. Burnham will use the trip to announce that the UK government will declassify information about missiles to help Ukraine build its own. Lucy Hough speaks to senior international correspondent Luke Harding – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Revisited: Guardian journalist Michael Safi looks into the world of artificial intelligence, exploring the dangers and promises it holds for society. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

One of Donald Trump’s closest and most devoted aides, Natalie Harp, has faced intense media scrutiny this week, after a Democratic senator, Jon Ossoff, name-checked her in a speech that went viral. So what do we know about Harp, who is often referred to as the ‘human printer’? And why is everybody talking about her relationship with Trump? Helen Pidd speaks to the Guardian’s international news editor, Paul Owen. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Our specialist panel on which books may help you put your phone away and get reading again. With Charlotte Northedge, David Shariatmadari and Rebecca Liu. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are planning to return to live in Britain, six years after leaving for the US: a decision that was subject to intense media scrutiny. The couple and their two children are expected to relocate later in August to a non-royal residence. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to senior national editor Aaron Sharp – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Helena Horton on why the government may decide to allow more oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The prime minister has announced a £442m plan to get rough sleepers off the streets by Christmas. It solidifies tackling homelessness as a central policy for Andy Burnham’s government, and gives voters a measure by which to judge his success – although without a concrete target for ministers to hit. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to social policy editor Patrick Butler – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Annie Kelly heads to Brick Lane to hear from residents campaigning against a massive datacentre on one of London’s most famous streets. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Russia has threatened the UK with ‘consequences’ after reports that British drones were used by Ukraine to strike targets on Russia’s mainland for the first time. The Ministry of Defence has rebuffed these threats, saying the UK is ‘committed to providing equipment Ukraine needs to defend itself against Putin’s illegal invasion’. Annie Kelly speaks to senior international correspondent Luke Harding – watch on YouTube Luke’s new book Betrayal: Trump, Putin and the New Age of Conquest will be published next week. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Investigations correspondent Sirin Kale reports on the allegations of violence and sexual assault against author Christopher Berry-Dee. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner is on a diplomatic mission in the Middle East to meet Hamas officials and the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in an attempt to salvage a ceasefire in Gaza. The talks come after Netanyahu rejected the US-backed 15-point peace plan for the territory in a rare public break with the Trump administration this month. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to global editor Devika Bhat – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

James Ellis Ford talks about being diagnosed with leukaemia and how making music helped him through one of the hardest periods of his life. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Former prison governor Judith Feline on the reality of our overcrowded prisons and Peter Walker on why it’s causing a headache for Andy Burnham. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Five years after the Taliban retook power, women inside the country explain how they have been silenced, while the Afghan journalist Zahra Joya asks why the world has looked away. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Farage has taken a high risk gamble by resigning and forcing a byelection in his constituency. Nosheen Iqbal heads to Clacton to find out how voters feel. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Last week Saudi Arabia’s wealth fund and a group of investors spent $55bn (£41bn) on Electronic Arts, the video games company behind the Sims, Madden NFL and Battlefield. Keith Stuart and George Osborn tell Annie Kelly why this soft-power move is worrying many in the industry. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Are gen Z the most financially savvy generation of them all? With senior economics correspondent Richard Partington and influencer James Beckett. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

With more than 7m pairs reportedly sold in 2025, Meta’s Ray-Ban smartglasses are fast becoming the world’s most popular new gadget. But while supporters say they are transforming photography and accessibility, others have labelled them ‘pervert glasses’, with some UK pubs and restaurants, including Wetherspoons, banning the technology from their premises. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s deputy Opinion editor Kirsty Major – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Jason Arday’s appointment as Cambridge’s youngest black professor made global headlines. Then questions about his meteoric rise began to snowball. Lanre Bakare reports.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Joshua Bonehill-Paine, a former neo-Nazi activist, has been offered a role as an adviser to the Conservative party by Kemi Badenoch after he withdrew as a Tory candidate for next year’s local elections. The role will reportedly be focused on how young men become radicalised. Bonehill-Paine was convicted of harassing a Jewish MP and has previously described himself as a ‘nationalist, fascist, theorist and supporter of white rights’. He says he has carried out counter-extremism work since he was released from prison. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian political correspondent Ben Quinn – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

How did more than 70,000 migrants manage to enter the Spanish enclave of Ceuta all at once … and what will be the fallout? With reporting from Javier Jennings Mozo and Jennifer Rankin. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

At least 17 people were killed and more than 40 injured in another round of deadly Russian strikes on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pleaded for more air defence weapons, saying ballistic missile interceptors ‘could have saved the lives of those killed today’. For months, Ukraine has been warning about shortages after Donald Trump backtracked on his promise to let Ukraine manufacture missiles locally. In response to the attack, the EU’s Ursula von der Leyen said ‘Russia must pay’ – but will it? Lucy Hough talks to the Guardian’s Russia affairs correspondent, Pjotr Sauer. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Cameroon’s 93-year-old president has not been seen for many weeks. The Guardian’s Eromo Egbejule and Giovanni Wanneh tell Annie Kelly how the country is managing without its leader, and why Cameroonians still have hope for the next chapter. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Gianni Infantino’s reign as Fifa president is in severe peril after the collapse of his plans to sell off parts of the World Cup to private investment. Many Concacaf countries are considering following Europe’s lead by formally removing their support for Infantino, and there are widespread calls to remove him from his post. Lucy Hough speaks to columnist Jonathan Liew – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Reform UK’s finances have come under scrutiny like never before. What do we know about the party’s funding – and why do so many awkward questions remain for Nigel Farage? Anna Isaac explains. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Dozens of people died attempting to reach the Spanish enclave of Ceuta after an estimated 50,000 crossed from Morocco last week. The incident has led to a political crisis in Spain and criticism from EU countries. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s European community affairs correspondent, Ashifa Kassam – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Guardian US southern bureau chief Olly Laughland tells the story of Calvin Duncan and a Republican party emboldened in Trump’s America. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Donald Trump has declared a breakthrough in negotiations over the disarmament of Hamas in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, but Israeli government officials have voiced scepticism over the deal. Lucy Hough speaks to Julian Borger, the Guardian’s senior international correspondent – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Guardian US beauty columnist Jessica DeFino explores the rise of ‘tweakments’ and cosmetic procedures – and the pressure it puts on everyone to get something done. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The US military has carried out a wave of airstrikes against Iran in response to Tehran targeting American bases in Jordan. The strikes were launched after Donald Trump vowed to hit Iran ‘very hard’ following a days-long pause in fighting. Iran has expanded its military strikes in the region, raising fears of an all-out war. Lucy Hough speaks to Guardian senior international reporter Peter Beaumont – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Paris correspondent Angelique Chrisafis reports from Bordeaux, as wildfires in the region and beyond cause the biggest peacetime evacuation in French history. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has announced plans to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors in a new commercial entity worth $20bn. One of the leading would-be investors is Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared. The plans have prompted an immediate backlash – with Uefa accusing Fifa of trying to ‘sell football’s soul’. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian reporter Paul MacInnes – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Longtime Epstein associate Daniel Siad – himself accused of human trafficking and rape – was found dead last week. Where does that leave those pursuing justice? With former model Ebba Karlsson and journalist Amelia Gentleman. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Labour has overtaken Reform UK this week for the first time since March last year, according to polls. The ‘Burnham bounce’ comes two weeks into Andy Burnham’s tenure in No 10, during which he has made major announcements on the cost of living and localised education to reduce youth unemployment, and an announcement on social care is expected soon. Is this a turning point for the beleaguered Labour government – or simply a honeymoon for the new PM? Lucy Hough speaks to senior political correspondent Peter Walker. Watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

In the wake of the new PM’s bold pledge, Helen Pidd heads to a village for homeless people in Greater Manchester, where the former mayor first promised to take action. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Firefighters in France and Spain are facing another day battling wildfires that have resulted in hundreds of thousands of people being evacuated, with another heatwave expected to hit this week. French authorities have said this year’s wildfires, particularly the Gironde fire near the south-western city of Bordeaux, are ‘completely exceptional’. Lucy Hough speaks to Europe environment correspondent Ajit Niranjan – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The investigative journalist Lucas Amin reports on how the tech company Palantir won a £330m contract with the NHS … and what happened once its software was introduced. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

After a decade in the pop fringes, Charli xcx was propelled to global stardom by her 2024 album Brat. Then came an acid-green ‘brat summer’, a Glastonbury headline slot and ‘brat’ as Collins’s word of the year. But how do you follow up the album that made you a star? Charli’s latest album – Music, Fashion, Film – has now been released. And, as Guardian deputy music editor Laura Snapes tells Lucy Hough, it’s a pivot to guitar and a ‘meta masterpiece about the instability of identity’. Watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

South Asia correspondent Hannah Ellis-Petersen on the Cockroach movement – and the students driving India’s biggest protests in years. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Millionaires including former footballer Gary Lineker are asking Andy Burnham to tax their wealth more. More than 100 wealthy Brits have signed an open letter to the prime minister, saying: ‘We want you to tax us. We can afford it.’ So should the government introduce a wealth tax? And why is the idea getting more popular? Nosheen Iqbal speaks to columnist and senior economics commentator Aditya Chakrabortty – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Media critic Mark Lawson discusses with Nosheen Iqbal why even the BBC director general has lost faith in the current licence fee model, and explore what options the national broadcaster has to secure funding. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has fired his commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, in Ukraine’s biggest military shake-up in two years. Nationwide protests broke out after Zelenskyy sacked Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister, who the Ukraine president says will now be brought back into government in a ‘prominent position’. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s senior international correspondent Luke Harding – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Journalist Amjed Tantesh talks about his project to teach Gaza’s children how to swim. With reporting from our chief Middle East correspondent, Emma Graham-Harrison. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The US has carried out fresh strikes on Iran after three American soldiers were killed in action. The Pentagon has admitted that nearly 100 US service members have also been wounded as Tehran responded to 10 consecutive nights of attacks. As peace talks mediated by Pakistan continue, Lucy Hough speaks to our senior international correspondent, Julian Borger – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Senior political correspondent Peter Walker and former No 10 press secretary Paul Harrison analyse Andy Burnham’s first day as PM. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Andy Burnham has become the sixth UK prime minister in a decade after a transfer of power from his predecessor Keir Starmer. In his first address outside Downing Street, he said his arrival in power would be a ‘circuit breaker’ moment for Britain and that his government would bring the ‘biggest changes in 40 years’. Lucy Hough speaks to political correspondent Alexandra Topping – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Tim Burrows goes back to Epping in Essex one year after protesters from across the country descended on the small town to demonstrate against asylum seekers being housed at the Bell hotel. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Christopher Nolan’s star-studded take on Homer’s Odyssey has received rave reviews from critics and is one of the most hotly anticipated films of the year. The three-hour Imax blockbuster has an estimated budget of $250m and a star-studded cast including Matt Damon, Zendaya and Tom Holland. But will it live up to expectations? Annie Kelly speaks to film editor Catherine Shoard. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Tom Greenhill, the chartered engineer behind the Heatwave Toolkit, provides tips on keeping your home cool in the heat; the Guardian’s Europe environment correspondent, Ajit Niranjan, reports on what governments across the continent are doing in response to this record-breaking summer. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

England have again suffered World Cup heartache, conceding two late goals that gave Argentina a dramatic 2-1 comeback win and a place in the final against Spain on Sunday. Many have blamed manager Thomas Tuchel’s substitution decisions for the defeat. So did his tactics ultimately backfire? Annie Kelly speaks to sports columnist Jonathan Liew – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Today in Focus hears from friends, colleagues and mentors of Andy Burnham to find out more about the man soon to be prime minister. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Sixteen- and 17-year-olds face an overnight social media curfew in an extension of the government’s social media ban for under-16s. Under the plan, aimed at reducing online harms, certain apps would be blocked by default from midnight to 6am. But the curfew will not be mandatory and teenagers can opt out, so will it achieve anything? Annie Kelly speaks to social affairs correspondent Jessica Murray – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

When Mark Lanier and his young client Kaley faced Meta and Google in an LA courtroom earlier this year, it seemed a bigger battle than David v Goliath. Lanier, however, was determined to prove the companies had not just stumbled into a youth mental health crisis, but had helped to engineer it. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The US government has been forced to pay billions in refunds to companies that were hit by Donald Trump’s ‘liberation day’ tariffs. The US has paid out $81bn (£61bn) this fiscal year after the supreme court ruled the tariffs were illegal. Lucy Hough speaks to international editor Chris Michael – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Sperm counts are in decline worldwide, and testosterone levels are said to be plunging, but male infertility still carries a stigma. Prof Michael Carroll on what every man should know. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of the former MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe, in light of ‘new information and evidence’. A 28-year old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s head of national news, Archie Bland – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Senior China correspondent Amy Hawkins on China’s embrace of AI, from medical avatars to food delivery drones and state surveillance. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

There is just one week to go until the winner of the World Cup is crowned, and it has been a memorable tournament, not least due to the extraordinary intervention by Donald Trump this week that shocked the football world. Lucy Hough speaks to global sports business correspondent Matt Hughes – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Are the disappearances or deaths of 11 US scientists really linked in a nefarious plot? Or just a conspiracy theory with roots in a bizarre broadcast that rocked Britain in the 1970s?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The US president has said the truce with Iran is ‘over’ amid 48 hours of intense strikes. In the days leading to this escalation, three tankers were attacked by Iran in the strait of Hormuz, raising questions about the clarity of the ceasefire agreement signed in June. The US military’s attacks occurred during the week-long funeral of Iran’s former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, which drew millions on to the streets. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s senior international correspondent Julian Borger – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Political correspondent Ben Quinn talks about the forthcoming byelection in Clacton after all Reform’s serious rivals declined to take part. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The US president is in combative mood as Nato leaders meet for a two-day summit in Ankara. There are divisions over Russia’s war in Ukraine, defence spending, and the US-Israel war in Iran with signs of the fragile ceasefire collapsing. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is holding talks with leaders as he rallies the European cause against Russia’s war that has reached the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, as Nato allies present an increasingly united front against an unreliable US. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s central and eastern Europe correspondent Shaun Walker – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Patrick Wintour reports from the funeral of Ali Khamenei as the Iranian regime puts on a show of confidence and resilience.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Nigel Farage has announced his resignation as the MP for Clacton, triggering a byelection in which he intends to stand as a candidate. The Reform UK leader is under scrutiny over his finances, with two investigations by the parliamentary standards watchdog over undeclared gifts. During a 15-minute press conference, he accused the media of a ‘pile-on’ over his personal finances, and harassment of his family. He said his decision was part of ‘sticking two fingers up at the establishment’ and would prove the public want him to stay on as an MP. Lucy Hough speaks to policy editor Kiran Stacey – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Tom Phillips speaks to the ordinary Venezuelans struggling to find their friends and family after the country’s worst earthquakes in a century. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

As Nigel Farage awaits the findings of a standards watchdog investigation into a £5m gift he received from the cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne, fresh allegations about his finances have emerged related to benefits received from the crypto entrepreneur George Cottrell, who has previously been convicted of fraud. The Reform UK leader says he is the victim of an ‘establishment hit job’ and that he has ‘done no wrongdoing’. Lucy Hough speaks to senior political correspondent Peter Walker – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Has the success of the US men’s team – and hosting the World Cup – finally made Americans fall in love with football? With Guardian US soccer correspondent Jeff Rueter. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The Guardian’s Full Story podcast covers the inquest into the death of the influencer Stacey Warnecke. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The US superstar golden couple Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are finally tying the knot in a rumoured major event in New York’s Madison Square Garden. The couple – who got engaged 10 months ago, announced via an Instagram post that received 14m likes in its first hour online – held an intimate rehearsal dinner at MSG with a rumoured guest list of 1,000 for today’s ceremony and construction of a custom-made fairytale castle inside. But with tight security, NDAs and New York streets on lockdown – what do we know? Lucy Hough speaks to Guardian writer Elle Hunt – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Why are more states than ever in the US using the firing squad as a method of execution? With chief reporter for Guardian US Ed Pilkington. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The NHS will divert billions of pounds from essential services to pay for new medicines, under the terms of the US-UK trade deal agreed in December, which could lead to more than 200,000 excess deaths, analysis has found. Ministers have defended the deal as a way of helping British drug exports avoid US tariffs and giving patients access to vital medication, but critics accuse the Labour party of caving into pressure from Donald Trump. Lucy Hough speaks to columnist Aditya Chakrabortty – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The community leader and mother of two Annabel Rook was murdered by her partner. Annie Kelly talks to Annabel’s best friend and parents after the conclusion of the trial. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Donald Trump cashed in on more than $2bn from crypto and other business ventures last year. As the US races to become the self‑declared ‘crypto capital of the world’, the president and his family have turned digital tokens, meme coins and merchandise into an unprecedented revenue stream. But just how rich can a sitting US president get? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian reporter Aisha Down – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Andy Burnham has set out his economic plans for Britain. Neal Lawson, from the Burnham-aligned group Mainstream, explains the thinking behind it. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The prime minister has unveiled his long-delayed defence investment plan, promising an extra £15bn in defence spending over the next four years. The funding, which will be spent on drones, nuclear projects and RAF fighter jets, has been made available through cuts to energy, transport and housing projects. Keir Starmer urged his likely successor, the Labour MP Andy Burnham, not to borrow more money to pay for it. Lucy Hough speaks to Guardian policy editor Kiran Stacey – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The number of young people in the UK not in work, education or training is spiralling. How much damage could it do to their long-term prospects – and the country? Sammy Gecsoyler reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Andy Burnham has set out his vision for the UK in his first big policy speech since launching a bid to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister. The Makerfield MP confirmed he would set up ‘No 10 North’ and pledged to ‘bring about the biggest rebalancing of power the country has ever seen’. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s north of England editor, Josh Halliday – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Why are so many luxury homes in London lying empty? Sam Wollaston reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

King Charles has become the first monarch in modern times to reveal how much tax he pays on his private income: £24.6m over the last two years. The move comes after years of calls for the monarch to be more open with the public about the royal finances. Some are heralding this as a new era of transparency – but just how open has the revelation been? Lucy Hough speaks to our European financial affairs editor, Juliette Garside – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

When the academic Sarah Steele was assaulted in England, she had no idea her case would end up in front of a US military court. Harry Davies explains why military judges and juries are ruling on crimes committed in the UK. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Rescue efforts are under way in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes caused buildings to collapse and killed at least 164 people, and there are fears the death toll could rise significantly. A state of emergency has been declared by the country’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, who said 971 people have been injured and more casualties are expected. Lucy Hough speaks to Latin America correspondent Tom Phillips – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Jenny Kleeman investigates ‘Biotech Barbie’ Cathy Tie, the controversial entrepreneur hoping to revolutionise human reproduction by letting parents edit their embryos. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

A shocking report into the biggest ever maternity care scandal in the NHS has revealed more than 500 mothers and babies died or were harmed as a result of inadequate care in Nottingham. The review, led by the senior midwife Donna Ockenden, found there had been a dismissive attitude to women’s concerns, failures in maternity care, staff shortages, a toxic culture and racism at Nottingham University hospitals NHS trust. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s UK health and inequalities correspondent Tobi Thomas – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

A decade after Brexit, the UK simply can’t shake the legacy of the referendum. But with shifting public opinion and the rise of Andy Burnham, could Britain be plotting a path back to the EU?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Europe is dealing with a debilitating heatwave, with schools closed, trains cancelled and France holding an emergency meeting after heat-related deaths. António Guterres, the UN secretary general, is urging the world to act on fossil fuels as the continent braces for record-breaking heat. Lucy Hough speaks to Europe environment correspondent Ajit Niranjan – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The UK has lost its sixth prime minister in a decade. How did Keir Starmer go from landslide victory to resigning in two years?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Keir Starmer has announced he is standing down as prime minister after days of intense pressure from Labour MPs, including cabinet ministers, following Andy Burnham’s byelection victory in Makerfield. Wes Streeting has ruled himself out of the running, so will it be a coronation for the ‘king of the north’ or could another candidate emerge? Lucy Hough speaks to senior political correspondent Peter Walker – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Guardian news editor David Batty spent years longing to meet his birth mother. But his reunion with the woman who had been forced to give him up was far from a fairytale ending. He explains why the legacy of forced adoption continues to cast such a long shadow. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Glamorous, rich and well-connected, Julie Meyer was a darling of the dotcom boom. But people who worked with the entrepreneur complain about unpaid wages, debts to suppliers and missing money. Journalist Olivia Lee and the Guardian’s investigation team unravel her story. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Andy Burnham’s resounding win in the Makerfield byelection has set the stage for a leadership battle with Keir Starmer. The outgoing mayor of Greater Manchester received more votes than Reform and Restore combined, and the nature of the victory has prompted speculation he could replace Starmer as prime minister within weeks, if not days. Annie Kelly speaks to political correspondent Alexandra Topping Andy Burnham wins by huge majority. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Glamorous, rich and well-connected, Julie Meyer was a darling of the dotcom boom. But people who worked with the entrepreneur complain about unpaid wages, debts to suppliers and missing money. Journalist Olivia Lee and the Guardian’s investigations team unravel the complicated story. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Donald Trump is claiming his Iran peace plan is a victory for Washington, despite the 14-point agreement revealing significant concessions to Tehran. Under the deal, Iran will reopen the strait of Hormuz in exchange for sanctions relief and the release of frozen assets, while talks will continue over the fate of Iran’s nuclear programme. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian’s diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The Guardian’s chief culture writer, Charlotte Higgins, on the citizens risking their lives to salvage Ukraine’s cultural heritage. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Keir Starmer has called the firing of warning shots by a Russian warship at a British yacht sailing across the Channel on Tuesday ‘deeply concerning and reckless’. Russia’s defence ministry said the yacht was on a ‘dangerous course’ and several attempts were made to contact it – a claim disputed by the retired couple onboard the 40ft yacht. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian’s defence and security editor, Dan Sabbagh – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Governments around the world want to keep under-16s off YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Australia has introduced a ban and now the UK is doing the same. Stephen Byrne and Chris Stokel-Walker report. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Donald Trump has urged Russia to ‘make a deal’ with Ukraine as the leaders of G7 countries meet on Tuesday and try to put the conflict back at the top of the agenda. European leaders are hoping to capture Trump’s attention for long enough to speak to him about Ukraine, with the US president’s focus more on the US-Israeli war against Iran. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian’s Europe correspondent, Jon Henley – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

It’s a decade since the MP for Batley and Spen was killed by a far-right extremist. Her sister, Kim Leadbeater, who took over her parliamentary seat, explains what lessons are still to be learned. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The US and Iran have reached a tentative deal to end the conflict in the Middle East, but competing claims from Donald Trump and Tehran have left the details shrouded in uncertainty. Questions remain over the reopening of the strait of Hormuz, Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, and the future of Iran’s nuclear programme. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian’s senior international correspondent Julian Borger. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Helen Pidd goes to Makerfield where the Labour candidate and would-be prime minister Andy Burnham faces Reform UK in a crucial byelection. With reporting from Josh Halliday. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The football’s only just kicked off, but this World Cup has already seen its fair share of controversy. With a Somali referee barred from entering the US, Fifa president Gianni Infantino cosying up to Donald Trump and accusations of price gouging and cash grabbing, fans have been left with mixed emotions about the tournament. Annie Kelly speaks to the sportswriter and columnist Jonathan Liew. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The Guardian reporter Hannah Al-Othman on the anti-immigrant rioting in Northern Ireland and the residents afraid for their lives. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

John Healey has resigned as defence secretary over the government’s military spending plans, in another significant blow for Keir Starmer. In a scathing letter to the prime minister, Healey said the long-awaited defence investment plan “falls well short of what is required for defence” and that he would have had to take decisions that “could make Britain less safe”. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian’s policy editor, Kiran Stacey Healey quits in row with Starmer over military spending. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

As the US prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary and Trump turns 80, what state is the country in? And its president?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Violence erupted in Northern Ireland last night in response to a stabbing attack in Belfast that was captured in a graphic video. Crowds, including masked men, burned vehicles and houses, hours after Elon Musk, Tommy Robinson and other agitators encouraged people to take to the streets. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to Ireland correspondent Rory Carroll – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Russian affairs reporter Pjotr Sauer on Vladimir Putin’s increasing isolation – and seeming paranoia – as ordinary Russians become more restive over the toll of the war in Ukraine and a struggling economy at home. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Kemi Badenoch has vowed to reform the Equality Act in what is viewed as an attempt to win back support from Reform voters. The Conservative leader, who also served as equalities minister from 2020 to 2022, wants to scrap the public sector equality duty – a legal requirement that forces public institutions to actively consider how their decisions affect equality. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to community affairs correspondent Aamna Mohdin – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Football fans are celebrating the tournament coming to Guadalajara. But with a brutal crime syndicate holding sway there, what are the risks for fans – and the government?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Israel and Iran have exchanged direct strikes for the first time since a ceasefire was reached in April, raising fears of a return to a full-scale regional war. The Israeli strikes are in apparent defiance of Donald Trump, who told Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, not to retaliate against Iran, in order to avoid derailing peace talks. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian’s senior international correspondent Julian Borger – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Dancer, dog owner, bank robber. Germany’s most wanted woman, Daniela Klette, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after decades on the run. Deborah Cole and Jason Burke report. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Thousands have protested in the streets of the Albanian capital, Tirana, this week against a planned luxury resort backed by Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Groundwork has begun on the $1.6bn complex in an area long seen as one of the Mediterranean’s most environmentally sensitive, containing 200 species of birds including flamingos and Dalmatian pelicans. After builders began erecting a concrete-based, barbed wire-topped fence around the site, alarm turned to public outrage at the environmental damage and lack of political transparency around the deal. Lucy Hough speaks to US live news editor Chris Michael – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The far-right conspiracy theory is heard everywhere from pubs to parliament and riots to talk radio. Hugh Muir and Joe Mulhall explain why. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire to end hostilities as the US attempts to overcome one of the largest barriers to reaching a broader deal to end the war with Iran. But the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is dependent on a complete halt of fire from Hezbollah, and the evacuation of all its fighters from southern Lebanon. Lucy Hough speaks to Beirut-based reporter William Christou – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The leftwing American commentator Cenk Uygur talks about the ban on him and his nephew, Hasan Piker, entering the UK this week. With reporting from Kiran Stacey. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

There has been violent disorder on the streets of Southampton sparked by the murder of student Henry Nowak. Politicians and community leaders have called for calm amid fears that Nowak’s death will be used to whip up racial resentment against minority ethnic Britons. Lucy Hough speaks to community affairs correspondent Aamna Mohdin – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Fast cars, luxury watches – and, of course, that motorhome: the list of what former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell bought with embezzled funds is dizzying. Severin Carrell reports.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The second tranche of documents related to the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador have been released. The documents, running to more than 1,000 pages, were supposed to reveal what ministers knew about Mandelson’s links to Epstein and the security process to approve his appointment, but instead have revealed government infighting and early doubts about Keir Starmer’s premiership. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s head of national news, Archie Bland – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Daniel Trilling on the far-right party threatening Reform’s chances in the Makerfield byelection. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

As Israel threatens to bomb Beirut and the US and Iran trade missile strikes, Donald Trump insists it will ‘all work out well in the end’ and urges his critics to ‘sit back and relax’. So are we any closer to a deal? Lucy Hough speaks to diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Alaina Demopoulos reports on the Christian influencers telling women to submit to their husbands. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Nato has vowed to ‘defend every inch’ of its territory after a Russian drone hit an apartment building in Romania. The strike prompted swift condemnation and threats of repercussion from European leaders. So is there a risk the war could expand beyond Ukraine? Lucy Hough speaks to senior international correspondent Peter Beaumont – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

In the week when the hottest May days were recorded, environment editor Fiona Harvey examines a new Climate Change Committee report on how the UK can better withstand extreme heat. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

A landmark report has warned that the UK risks a ‘lost generation’ of young people, as new figures show that more than 1 million 16- to 24-year-olds in the UK were not in education, employment or training. The former Labour cabinet minister Alan Milburn said youth disengagement was a mounting economic risk to the country, and urged a fundamental reset of policy covering schools, the health service and the welfare state. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s senior economics correspondent, Richard Partington – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The UN’s special rapporteur for Palestine, Francesca Albanese, on the war in Gaza, living under US sanctions and accusations of antisemitism. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Peter Mandelson’s links with senior figures in China, Russia and Israel were among the concerns raised by the UK’s vetting agency when it concluded he should be denied clearance, multiple sources have told the Guardian. It comes after a powerful parliamentary committee said the government was failing to fully comply with a parliamentary motion ordering the release of all papers relating to Mandelson’s appointment. A spokesperson for Hayman said he “has no personal connection or familiarity whatsoever” with Mandelson, and his contact with him was limited to work the British politician did for his thinktank. A Cabinet Office spokesperson said it was “committed to complying with the Humble Address in full”. Lucy Hough speaks to the head of investigations Paul Lewis – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Sirin Kale on the BBC Panorama investigation into Married at First Sight UK. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The US has launched fresh strikes on Iran despite suggestions that a peace deal could be within reach. Donald Trump faces growing criticism from Republicans over the proposed plan to end the war, which reportedly contained major concessions from Washington. But could an agreement still be imminent? Lucy Hough speaks to diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Josh Halliday on why Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is tipped to be the future Labour leader … if he wins the Makerfield byelection. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The UK is experiencing record-breaking temperatures in an unprecedented May heatwave, while large parts of Europe are also facing blistering conditions. As the climate crisis makes extreme heat more likely, are we prepared? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian reporter Helena Horton – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Senior Middle East correspondent Emma Graham-Harrison on a pair of laws recently passed by the Israeli parliament to bring back the death penalty – seemingly only for Palestinians. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The US supreme court has preserved nationwide access to mail-order abortion pills, for now. As Carter Sherman explains, the fight to protect this medication is far from over, as a near-total abortion ban could be on the horizon. Carter speaks with Dr Angel Foster, a co-founder of the Massachusetts Medication Abortion Access Project, who reveals how the legal battle over abortion pills has affected patients across the US – and what could happen next. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

A ruthless Thomas Tuchel has left several big names at home for his England squad at this summer’s World Cup. There was no space for Harry Maguire, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer or Phil Foden – previous stalwarts in former manager Gareth Southgate’s squads. The announcement comes as the club season nears its end, with a historic week for Arsenal winning its first Premier League title in 22 years, sparking an incredible and diverse celebration from fans. Lucy Hough speaks to sportswriter and columnist Jonathan Liew – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Kay Lay and Prosper Heri Ngorora report on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has triggered global outrage after sharing footage of himself taunting bound activists who had been detained as they tried to sail to Gaza with aid. The video has been widely condemned by world leaders, including the Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, and by Israeli politicians, among them the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s chief Middle East correspondent, Emma Graham-Harrison – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The Olympian Max McCusker on his decision to sign up for the Las Vegas games where performance-enhancing drugs are encouraged. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Xi Jinping welcomed Vladimir Putin to Beijing with pomp and pageantry, just days after hosting Donald Trump. But as Russia’s war in Ukraine makes Moscow increasingly dependent on China, and western leaders thaw relations with Beijing, what does the power imbalance mean for Xi and Putin’s relationship? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s deputy head of international news, Devika Bhat. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Tom Phillips on life in the country four months after the US abduction of the former president Nicolás Maduro. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

A long and bitter legal battle between tech billionaires Elon Musk and Sam Altman has culminated in victory for the OpenAI boss. Musk has vowed to appeal the verdict. But what did the trial reveal about big tech and the global AI race. Lucy Hough speaks to Guardian US tech and power reporter Nick Robins-Early - watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Anna Isaac on Nigel Farage’s response to the Guardian revelation that he was given an undisclosed £5m gift from a crypto billionaire in 2024. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The Brexit debate has been reignited after Labour leadership contender Wes Streeting called it a ‘catastrophic mistake’ and said the UK should rejoin the European Union. His comments put pressure on rival Andy Burnham, who has previously advocated for rejoining the bloc but is fighting a byelection in the leave-voting Makerfield constituency. But how would rejoining work and would the EU even agree to it? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s Europe correspondent, Jon Henley. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The comedian Munya Chawawa on satire in the age of social media and what Donald Trump has in common with wrestlers. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The US supreme court demolished the 1965 Voting Rights Act when they ruled in Louisiana v Callais in April that states can’t consider race in redistricting. Southern states from Tennessee to Alabama have rushed to erase majority Black districts, sparking chaos for the midterm elections. Kai Wright talks with Stacey Abrams, voting rights activist and former Georgia house minority leader, about the fallout from the decision, and why, even now, she thinks the way forward is still through engaging more voters to participate in democracy: ‘They have fractured communities and said we’re going to scatter these seeds. Our job is to grow’. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Andy Burnham may have a route back to Westminster – and a path to the Labour leadership. But first the Greater Manchester mayor must win a byelection in Makerfield, where Nigel Farage has vowed Reform UK will ‘throw absolutely everything’ at the contest. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s north of England correspondent Hannah al-Othman, who has been talking to voters in the constituency. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Guardian columnist Rafael Behr talks through a tumultuous day for Labour and Keir Starmer – following the resignation of health secretary Wes Streeting, and the renewed possibility of a Westminster comeback for Andy Burnham. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Wes Streeting has quit his cabinet role as health secretary and called on Keir Starmer to resign as prime minister after days of speculation. But Streeting did not launch his own challenge to trigger a leadership contest, so what could be next for Starmer’s government? And has he left the door open for Andy Burnham to return? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s deputy political editor, Jessica Elgot. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Senior China correspondent Amy Hawkins talks through the high-stakes meeting in Beijing between presidents Trump and Xi. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Wes Streeting is expected to launch a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer as soon as Thursday. News of the health secretary’s plans came during the king’s speech, derailing what was supposed to be another chance for the prime minister to reset the political agenda. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s head of national news, Archie Bland – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

From supermarkets to corner shops, live facial recognition could be coming to retailers near you. Jessica Murray on the AI systems increasingly used by the police and stores. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Tensions are running high in Westminster as Keir Starmer tells his cabinet he is not going anywhere. But with several ministers quitting the government and more than 80 MPs calling for him to go, how much longer has the prime minister got? Lucy Hough speaks to political editor Pippa Crerar. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Aditya Chakrabortty on the Labour leader’s predicament – and if he may be the last prime minister of the two-party system. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Keir Starmer appears to have staved off an immediate leadership challenge but MPs are still calling for him to set out a timetable for his resignation. So can he cling on or has he run out of road? Lucy Hough speaks to senior political correspondent Peter Walker. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The journalist Patrick Radden Keefe on trying to unravel the double life and tragic death of 19-year-old Zac Brettler – and what it tells us about London’s dark underbelly. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Keir Starmer has vowed to fight on after Labour suffered heavy losses in local elections, while Nigel Farage’s Reform UK made substantial gains and the Green party won its first ever mayoral victory. So is the era of two-party politics over? And can the prime minister survive? Lucy Hough speaks to political correspondent Alexandra Topping. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Journalist Jamie Bartlett on the people trying to get AI to say things it shouldn’t … for the safety of us all. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Shell has made $6.9bn in profits since the Iran war began, cashing in on soaring energy prices. The enormous profits have reignited calls for higher taxes on fossil fuel companies to fund support for those hardest hit by rising costs. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s energy correspondent, Jillian Ambrose – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

As the satirical online newspaper the Onion waits for court approval to take over the conspiracy website Infowars, Helen Pidd speaks to a former staff member about its sinister rise and dramatic fall. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Three people have died and several others have been medically evacuated after the outbreak of a deadly hantavirus on a luxury cruise ship – watch on YouTube There are still close to 150 passengers onboard MV Hondius, which is travelling towards the Canary Islands where it is set to dock. So how worried should we be about the spread of the virus? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian reporter Oliver Holmes. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Trump has threatened to pull 5,000 troops from Germany – while European leaders worry this is just the start of a US withdrawal from the continent. Deborah Cole reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Donald Trump has launched a new operation, which he called ‘Project Freedom’, to try to open the strait of Hormuz. Could it spark a re-escalation of the war with Iran and bring an end to the ceasefire? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s senior international correspondent Julian Borger. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Shaad D’Souza explains how bands such as Geese have faced a backlash since a marketing company revealed its tricks for pushing them into the limelight, and Eamonn Forde discusses what it takes to succeed in the music industry today.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

It’s the grandest and glitziest event in the fashion calendar, but this year’s Met Gala has sparked backlash thanks to its new honorary chairs, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos. The billionaire Amazon founder’s involvement has led to boycotts and criticism of the event. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s fashion and lifestyle editor, Morwenna Ferrier – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Geraldine McKelvie and Hannah Al-Othman tell the stories of women who died after enduring sustained campaigns of cruelty. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

In the six months since a ceasefire was announced in Gaza, more than 800 civilians have been killed and living conditions have remained dire. Meanwhile, Palestinians in the West Bank face a surge in violence from Israeli settlers and soldiers. While the world’s attention has turned to the war in Iran, is there any end to the suffering in sight? Annie Kelly speaks to the Guardian’s chief Middle East correspondent, Emma Graham-Harrison – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Helen Pidd visits Hackney in east London, just one part of the capital where the Green party hopes to oust Labour. She also talks to Peter Walker about whether the Greens are ready for power.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, north-west London, has become the latest in a series of antisemitic attacks. So is rising antisemitism now a national emergency? And is more security for the Jewish community really the answer? Helen Pidd is joined by columnist Rafael Behr – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Over the last six weeks, the Iranian regime has carried out a spate of executions of political prisoners. The Guardian journalist Daniel Boffey reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

It was a historic day for King Charles as he became the first British monarch to address a joint session of Congress in 35 years, before enjoying a lavish dinner at the White House. There were jokes, subtle digs, and the supposedly apolitical monarch even appealed to Donald Trump on Nato and Ukraine – but how did the US president react? Helen Pidd speaks to the Guardian columnist and host of Politics Weekly America, Jonathan Freedland – watch on YouTube . Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Guardian US tech editor Blake Montgomery talks about the future of Apple after the resignation of its longtime CEO Tim Cook. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Keir Starmer endured another bruising day as the saga surrounding Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador continued. The prime minister faced harsh criticism from his own MPs over his efforts to stave off a privileges committee investigation, while his former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney admitted putting pressure on the Foreign Office to expedite Mandelson’s posting in highly anticipated evidence to a parliamentary committee. So how much peril is the prime minister in? Lucy Hough speaks to policy editor and host of Politics Weekly, Kiran Stacey - watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The crypto tycoon has given millions to Farage’s political parties. But who is Christopher Harborne and what does he want in return?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Details about the shooting at the White House correspondents gala have started to surface as the alleged shooter is set to be charged. The suspect was able to get close to where Donald Trump and many other senior officials were gathered, before law enforcement stopped him. It happened less than two years since Trump was the target of an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, and a subsequent attempt at a golf course in Florida. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s Washington bureau chief David Smith, who was in attendance – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Justin McCurry on Japan’s heavy metal-loving prime minister and her plan to amend the country’s pacifist constitution. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Keir Starmer is fighting for his political life as the Mandelson vetting scandal threatens to end his premiership. With no end to the Mandelson saga in sight, and as Labour looks set to suffer major losses at the local elections, can the prime minister survive? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s head of national news, Archie Bland. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

An attack on the home of OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman – and on the company’s headquarters – has led to concerns the backlash against AI could become violent. Guardian journalist Nick Robins-Early and researcher Sean Fleming discuss. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

With the EU approving a €90bn loan for Ukraine, a surprise visit from Prince Harry, and data suggesting Russian troops made almost no territorial gains in March – are there reasons for optimism in Kyiv? Lucy Hough speaks to senior international correspondent Luke Harding – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

A new blockbuster film about the controversial singer could make $1bn worldwide. Owen Myers and Lanre Bakare explain what it says about Jackson’s legacy. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Donald Trump has indefinitely extended the US ceasefire with Iran after talks looked increasingly uncertain between both sides. Trump said he would ‘extend the ceasefire until such time as [Iran’s] proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other’. The US blockade remains, as does the closure of the strait of Hormuz by Iran, which seized two ships on Wednesday. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour – watch on YouTube. Read Patrick’s analysis here.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Fiona Harvey tells Nosheen Iqbal why the climate crisis is a threat to national security. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The Foreign Office chief sacked over the Peter Mandelson security vetting scandal has finally given his side of the story in an explosive appearance before MPs. Olly Robbins told the foreign affairs select committee that he faced ‘constant pressure’ to get Mandelson in post as US ambassador as soon as possible, and claimed Downing Street took a ‘dismissive’ attitude to vetting. It came a day after Keir Starmer accused Robbins of ‘obstructing the truth’ about the vetting process in a high-stakes appearance in parliament. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s political editor, Pippa Crerar – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Jonathan Freedland on what Keir Starmer said – and didn’t say – to the House of Commons about the Mandelson vetting failure. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Oil and gas prices have jumped again as shipping through the strait of Hormuz came to a virtual standstill after Iran closed the waterway over the US blockade and Donald Trump announced an Iranian cargo ship had been seized trying to get past. Tehran has accused Washington of violating the fragile ceasefire agreement. With uncertainty over a second round of peace talks, fears continue to grow about the scale of the energy shock caused by the war. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s energy correspondent Jillian Ambrose. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

An exclusive interview with Kezia Dugdale on the charity’s mistakes and the future of the LGBTQ+ movement. With reporting by Libby Brooks. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Keir Starmer says it is ‘staggering’ and ‘unforgivable’ that he was not told Peter Mandelson had failed security vetting before taking up the role of US ambassador. The comments follow a Guardian investigation that exclusively revealed Mandelson had initially been denied clearance after a background check by security officials, but that the decision was overruled by the Foreign Office. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s head of investigations, Paul Lewis – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus