Rudi Zygadlo

Journalist Amjed Tantesh has spent decades teaching children in Gaza to swim, repeatedly rebuilding pools destroyed by Israeli attacks. Israel’s latest war has reduced his most prized pool to rubble and killed family members, fellow coaches and former students, but he is rebuilding five beachside pools and restarting lessons. The report also examines how prolonged war and blockade have damaged the childhoods of hundreds of thousands of young people in Gaza.

Peter Walker and Paul Harrison examine Andy Burnham’s first day as British prime minister, including his inaugural Downing Street speech, cabinet appointments and governing priorities. They also discuss the practical demands of the office, relations with the US president and the political challenges facing Burnham’s new government.

Andy Burnham begins his first day as prime minister facing the practical and political demands of office, including Downing Street living arrangements, relations with the US president, and the formation of his cabinet. Peter Walker and Paul Harrison assess Burnham’s first speech and early appointments for indications of his governing priorities and the challenges ahead.

Mark Lanier pursues a landmark civil case in Los Angeles aiming to show that Meta and Google engineered addictive platforms that contribute to a youth mental health crisis. The case features testimony from Mark Zuckerberg and uses a combination of AI-based jury modelling and dramatic courtroom tactics to challenge major tech companies over the consequences of their products.

Two major earthquakes strike Venezuela, trapping survivors and separating families in the country's worst seismic disaster in a century. The response is portrayed as hindered by political incompetence amid ongoing upheaval following Nicolás Maduro's capture by US forces and Delcy Rodriguez's installation as successor. Ordinary Venezuelans nevertheless join rescue efforts with basic tools and their bare hands, while the country faces the difficult task of rebuilding.

Idaho has made death by firing squad its primary execution method, contributing to a broader resurgence of the practice across the United States. Guardian US chief reporter Ed Pilkington examines why more states are permitting firing squads, advocates’ claims that they are safe and humane, and allegations that some executions have been botched or deliberately prolonged.

A decade after the Brexit referendum, Britain continues to face its economic, political and social consequences, including trade friction, a contentious immigration debate and repeated changes of prime minister. The podcast examines shifting public attitudes toward Brexit and whether the possible rise of Labour politician Andy Burnham could open a path for the UK to rejoin the European Union, while also considering whether the EU would accept it back.

Keir Starmer rose from a landslide 2024 election victory on promises to repair the damage of 14 years of Conservative rule, but resigned after two years amid widespread anger and disappointment. Political commentator Rafael Behr explains why Starmer appeared effective in opposition yet struggled in government, becoming the most disliked prime minister since modern polling began.

The podcast examines proposals by governments to keep under-16s off social media, focusing on Keir Starmer’s plans for the UK and Australia’s experience with a similar ban. Parents generally support stronger controls, while young people argue that platforms such as Snapchat are central to friendship and belonging. Stephen Byrne reports mixed results from Australia and supports action to protect children, whereas Chris Stokel-Walker calls the UK proposal poorly designed and politically motivated, arguing that the government should await evidence from its own study.

Vladimir Putin’s longstanding informal pact with Russians—allowing everyday life to continue normally despite the war in Ukraine—is under growing strain. Economic stagnation, heavy military casualties, tighter internet restrictions and rising public restiveness are reportedly exposing weaknesses in the system. Increasingly isolated from public view, Putin has acquired the mocking nickname “grandpa in a bunker,” prompting questions about whether his control over Russia is beginning to erode.

Jo Cox, the Labour MP for Batley and Spen, was murdered outside Birstall library on 16 June 2016 by a far-right extremist during the toxic Brexit campaign. Her sister Kim Leadbeater, who later succeeded her as MP, discusses Cox’s political commitments, the family’s creation of the Jo Cox Foundation and the continuing relevance of the killing. The conversation examines the mainstreaming of far-right ideas, the rise of far-right violence and the lessons Britain still needs to learn about political division, social justice and democratic participation.

Vladimir Putin’s longstanding implicit bargain with Russians—allowing the war to continue while everyday life remained relatively normal—is coming under strain. Economic stagnation, the heavy military death toll, restrictions on internet access and growing public unease are increasing pressure on the Kremlin. Reports that Putin is increasingly isolated and paranoid have fueled the nickname “grandpa in a bunker,” raising questions about whether he is still fully in control of Russia after decades at the top.

The 2026 World Cup is expected to bring excitement to Guadalajara, a city with a deep footballing heritage, but also heightened concern because Jalisco is a stronghold of a notorious criminal organization. Mexican journalist Leon Krauze says fans are unlikely to face direct danger, while warning that the tournament will require a major security operation. Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, is taking precautions amid tensions with the United States, where Donald Trump has responded aggressively to the regional drugs trade and could seek justification for unilateral action in Mexico.

Daniela Klette, a former leading member of West Germany’s Red Army Faction who lived under the alias Claudia Ivone for three decades, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison. The podcast examines her ordinary life in Berlin, her arrest and conviction for violent crimes, the history of the RAF, and whether conditions today could support a resurgence of armed militant groups.

A Guardian podcast examines how the claim that Britain has “two-tier policing” spread from the far-right fringe into parliament, social media and protests. The narrative was amplified after the death of 18-year-old Henry Nowak, whose stabbing and the police’s failure to respond to his pleas were recast as evidence that white people are treated unfairly because his convicted attacker, Vickrum Digwa, is Asian. The discussion argues that this interpretation distorts the case, fuels anti-police unrest and represents a backlash against evidence-based concerns about discrimination affecting Black and minority communities. Keir Starmer’s government is attempting to rebut the claim, but contributors say the narrative may already be deeply established.

A Guardian podcast examines whether dating reality television can be made safe after a BBC Panorama investigation reported that two women alleged they were raped by their on-screen husbands while filming Married at First Sight UK. Shona Manderson separately accused her on-screen husband of a non-consensual sex act; all the men deny the allegations. Investigations correspondent Sirin Kale argues that the format’s enforced intimacy, shared living arrangements and deliberate casting of incompatible couples create significant safety risks. Channel 4 commissioned an external welfare review, while producer CPL Productions says its protocols are industry-leading and that it acted appropriately.

Israel has moved toward reinstating capital punishment after decades of an effective moratorium, passing two laws in the preceding two months that appear designed to apply primarily to Palestinians. The episode examines the role of far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the implications for Israel’s justice system, and whether domestic opposition to the policy exists.

Israel has passed two laws in recent months that could restore the death penalty after decades of an effective moratorium. The measures appear intended primarily for Palestinians, raising concerns about discriminatory justice and a new era in Israel’s legal system. Far-right security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has openly celebrated the change, while the podcast examines whether there is domestic opposition to the legislation.

Tom Phillips describes Venezuela four months after the United States abducted former president Nicolás Maduro. The country has seen renewed political activism and the release of hundreds of political prisoners after a period of severe repression and forced silence following the disputed 2024 presidential election. Despite these changes, Venezuelans remain concerned that the apparent political opening may be temporary or illusory.

Nigel Farage accepted an undisclosed £5m gift from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne shortly before deciding to stand as an MP in the 2024 general election. The Guardian examines whether the gift should have been declared under parliamentary rules requiring MPs to disclose relevant financial benefits from the previous 12 months. Farage initially said the money was for personal security but now describes it as a reward for campaigning for Brexit, prompting increased scrutiny of the gift and its classification.ُّ