Why Joe Biden pardoned his son

3 December 2024 - 24 mins
Podcast Series Today in Focus

Hunter Biden was awaiting sentencing for gun and tax offences when, suddenly, his father pardoned him. Has family loyalty been put above presidential integrity? Chris Michael explains. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

24 mins

Series Episodes

Ed Sheeran support acts quit after Macklemore ‘Free Palestine’ row - The Latest Playing

Ed Sheeran support acts quit after Macklemore ‘Free Palestine’ row - The Latest

All four supporting acts for the upcoming dates of Ed Sheeran’s tour have withdrawn in solidarity with fellow opener Macklemore.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 theguardian.com/infocus

11 mins

16 September Finished

The Palestinian school under siege Playing

The Palestinian school under siege

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 theguardian.com/infocus

31 mins

16 September Finished

Damning Lucy Letby inquiry finds ‘complete failure to protect babies’ - The Latest Playing

Damning Lucy Letby inquiry finds ‘complete failure to protect babies’ - The Latest

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 theguardian.com/infocus

14 mins

15 September Finished

Why crypto-billionaires love Reform Playing

Why crypto-billionaires love Reform

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 theguardian.com/infocus

22 mins

15 September Finished

Sydney Sweeney naked ad controversy: what’s she playing at? - The Latest Playing

Sydney Sweeney naked ad controversy: what’s she playing at? - The Latest

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 theguardian.com/infocus

12 mins

14 September Finished

AI isn’t going to end humanity ... right? Playing

AI isn’t going to end humanity ... right?

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 theguardian.com/infocus

27 mins

14 September Finished

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