Today in Focus

The presidential candidates are straining to cover as much ground as possible in key swing states. Oliver Laughland reports from Michigan. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The Conservative party has elected a new leader – one with a combative reputation. Isabel Hardman reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

On Thursday the political circus came to Sin City as the US presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump held duelling campaign rallies. Washington DC bureau chief David Smith reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The Guardian US writer Chris McGreal reports from his time in Saginaw, Michigan – the county that has backed the winning candidate in every US presidential election since 2008 – to find out which way America might vote on 5 November. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Joe Biden memorably won the state of Georgia in 2020. But Trump’s campaign team are confident they can shift the key swing state back into their column this year. George Chidi reports from Atlanta. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The Guardian’s special correspondent Heather Stewart analyses Labour’s first budget in government for more than 14 years. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

All eyes were on the vice president last night for her ‘closing argument’ in Washington DC. But have comments made by Joe Biden overshadowed the occasion? Lauren Gambino reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The Guardian’s North of England correspondent Hannah Al-Othman recounts the case of Hugh Nelson, sentenced to 18 years in prison this week for creating child abuse images with AI. Prof Clare McGlynn charts the rise of this material on the web and discusses what can be done to stop it. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Donald Trump is running two campaigns for president. One is a relatively well-organised and targeted ad campaign in swing states. The other involves the man himself on stage. Chris Michael reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

What happens when an election board in a crucial swing state is infiltrated by supporters of Donald Trump? Justin Glawe reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Ed Pilkington was at Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night where the former president and a cabal of campaign surrogates pumped out a six-hour blast of racism and rage. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The Guardian’s resident beauty columnist Sali Hughes charts a growing skincare obsession among children and teenagers, and how it’s being exploited by big brands. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

How are Americans consuming their news about the 2024 election? Adam Gabbatt reports from New York City. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Harry Shukman of the anti-racism group Hope Not Hate went undercover to expose how some of the wealthiest and most powerful people see race. He tells Michael Safi what he found Read: the Guardian’s full investigation Watch: Undercover: Exposing the Far Right. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Pennsylvania is emerging as the most crucial of all the swing states – and it’s on a knife-edge. Oliver Laughland reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Oritsé Williams of JLS and the Guardian’s head rock and pop critic Alexis Petridis reflect on the life of Liam Payne, including the extraordinary success of One Direction, and his struggles with the fame that came with it. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Donald Trump has furiously accused the Labour party of interfering in the US election, calling it ‘far left’, after party activists travelled to campaign for his opponent. Jonathan Freedland reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

After armed officer Martyn Blake was cleared of Kaba’s murder, many police officers are angry he was ever arrested. But the family say they don’t feel their fight for justice is over. Vikram Dodd reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Voters consistently tell pollsters their top priority is the economy. So who will they favour to take charge of it? Chris Michael reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

On Sunday, Moldovans narrowly voted yes in a referendum on joining the European Union. Why was the result so close? Pjotr Sauer reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Democrats are fearful that Trump could attempt to overturn the result of the election if he loses in November. Archie Bland reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Oliver Laughland reports from southern Arizona, where the issue of immigrants crossing the border has become a controversial topic. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Presidential candidates need at least 270 electoral votes – more than half of the total – to win an election. Chris Michael explains which states Harris and Trump need to win in order to reach 270. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The mastermind of the 7 October attack has been killed. How could his death change the conflict in the Middle East? Julian Borger reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Kamala Harris put distance between herself and the president, using Fox News to give her spikiest interview yet. Adam Gabbatt reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Carter Sherman reports on why the issue of reproductive rights is dominating the US presidential election. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Elon Musk is donating huge amounts to Donald Trump’s re-election campaign. What might he want in return? Adam Gabbatt reports from New York City. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

UN peacekeepers in Lebanon say Israel has been attacking their bases. Now Israel has told them they should leave. Patrick Wintour reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Donald Trump went off script on Monday night and abandoned the usual Q&A format of a townhall event in favour of bopping along to his campaign playlist. Chris Michael has the details. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Will two massive hurricanes in the US be enough to put the climate crisis on the election agenda? Oliver Milman reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

As the polls tighten, Chris Michael joins Lucy Hough to discuss the state of the race, in the first instalment of a daily series of short updates on the election. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

She’s the far-right prime minister with whom leaders across Europe seem to love being photographed. What’s her appeal and what does she really want? With Alexander Stille. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Journalist Ahmed Alnaouq on losing 21 family members in an Israeli airstrike. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Guardian US’s chief reporter, Ed Pilkington, explores Donald Trump’s plans for a second term as president if he wins next month’s election, and how they would give him unprecedented power. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The former PM probably hoped this book would make the country fall in love with him again, but it will only revive the resentment, John Crace tells Helen Pidd. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

It’s coming up to 100 days since Labour took power, but its honeymoon period was cut short by a flurry of negative headlines. Will getting rid of Starmer’s highest-paid aide help? Jessica Elgot reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Bethan McKernan visits Nir Oz in southern Israel to talk to survivors about Hamas’s attack on 7 October last year, and to discuss what has happened to their kibbutz and the wider region since. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

For years the two countries have been engaged in a shadow war. Why, and will it finally explode into a direct confrontation? Patrick Wintour reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Helen Pidd goes to the Conservative party conference to hear from the four candidates vying for the leadership. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Peter Beaumont joins Michael Safi from Jerusalem to discuss the unprecedented attack on Israel by Iran – and what may come next. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Racist chants rang out, and homes, businesses and hotels housing asylum seekers were attacked – for a week this summer English towns and cities seemed on the brink of chaos. Josh Halliday reports on what we know so far about the people at the centre of the violence. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Hezbollah was a force to be reckoned with. Now its veteran leader and a host of its senior leaders are dead and Israel is threatening a ground invasion of Lebanon. Is this the start of a new reality in the Middle East? Jason Burke reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Irritable bowel syndrome affects one in five adults in the UK but is little understood and has no known cure. Hannah Moore discusses living with the condition with a friend and asks a dietitian whether new research into the mind-gut connection may bring answers. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

William Christou and Michael Safi speak to people affected by Israel’s intense bombing campaign in Lebanon. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

For more than a decade Pelicot’s husband drugged her and invited other men to allegedly rape her. When she found out, she made an extraordinary decision. Angelique Chrisafis reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

From anger over the winter fuel allowance to a row over freebies, Labour’s first conference in power for 15 years started under a cloud. Did the prime minister’s speech lift the gloom? With Jessica Elgot. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Annie Kelly reports from a conference in Albania where Afghan women have spoken publicly about the Taliban’s brutal crackdown on their freedom. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Helen Pidd meets Charles Courtenay, the 19th Earl of Devon, to discuss the history and fate of the UK’s hereditary peers. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

On Tuesday, dozens of people were killed when electronic pagers blew up. The next day walkie-talkies exploded. What was the goal of the attacks? William Christou reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The PM should be enjoying his political honeymoon but, explains Anushka Asthana, his wide but fragile majority is proving difficult to navigate. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

How discussions over long-range missiles led to war threats from Vladimir Putin. Dan Sabbagh reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The newsreader has been sentenced for accessing indecent images of children. How did the BBC handle the scandal? Dan Boffey reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

How Donald Trump’s vice-presidential running mate JD Vance calling Democrats ‘childless cat ladies’ backfired. Elle Hunt reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Rory Carroll and Helen Pidd meet the Kabin Crew and the Lisdoonvarna Crew – creators of a song that has notched up over a billion plays on TikTok – as they perform at the Electric Picnic music festival. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

What does the feud between Elon Musk and Brazil’s supreme court mean for X and Starlink users in the country? Tom Phillips reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Keir Starmer says cutting the universal winter fuel allowance for pensioners is a ‘tough decision’ Labour has to take. But many of his MPs were not happy, as Peter Walker reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Guardian columnist Mehdi Hasan talks through the debate strategy needed to face an opponent like Donald Trump. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Twenty-three years after Mohammed Ayaz fell from a plane wheel bay as it descended to Heathrow airport, his brother visits the car park where his body was found. Esther Addley reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

After seven long years, the inquiry into a fire in a London tower block that left 72 people dead has concluded. But is justice for the victims – and survivors – any closer?. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Gershon Baskin on his experience as a hostage negotiator in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

After queuing online for hours to buy gig tickets, some fans saw the prices surge. What happened? Rob Davies reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Elle Hunt reports on the millennials living with their parents, and explains why such living arrangements are on the rise. A family in London describes what it’s like to live together again. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The new parliament contains an astonishing 335 new MPs. Helen Pidd meets three of them as they get to grips with their jobs and leave their old lives behind. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Revisited: Guardian journalist Michael Safi delves into the world of artificial intelligence, exploring the dangers and promises it holds for society. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Revisited: Guardian journalist Michael Safi delves into the world of artificial intelligence, exploring the dangers and promises it holds for society. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Revisited: Guardian journalist Michael Safi delves into the world of artificial intelligence, exploring the dangers and promises it holds for society. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Revisited: Guardian journalist Michael Safi delves into the world of artificial intelligence, exploring the dangers and promises it holds for society. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Revisited: Guardian journalist Michael Safi delves into the world of artificial intelligence, exploring the dangers and promises it holds for society. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Revisited: Guardian journalist Michael Safi delves into the world of artificial intelligence, exploring the dangers and promises it holds for society. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Revisited: Guardian journalist Michael Safi delves into the world of artificial intelligence, exploring the dangers and promises it holds for society. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

A look at some of the brave couples who shared the joys and challenges of their sex lives in the column. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Tom Phillips reports on the opposition protests and brutal government crackdown since Venezuela’s disputed presidential election in July. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

According to government statistics, the UK has issued more than 100 arms export licences to Israel since the 7 October attack. Patrick Wintour reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Former soldier Kerry-Ann Knight describes the sexism and racism she faced in the British military, and how she went from being the face of an army recruitment drive to a painful employment tribunal. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

What does the life of the woman who could be the next president of the US tell us about what kind of a leader she may be? Janell Ross reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Why are Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore staying onboard the International Space Station much longer than planned? Richard Luscombe reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Sheikh Hasina was a historic figure in her country. But now she has fled after protests turned violent. How did it all go wrong? David Bergman reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Ben Quinn reports on how Tommy Robinson became a key figure in British far right politics. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

It is the first time Russia has been invaded by a foreign army since the second world war. Dan Sabbagh reports on the surprise attack. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Tom Clark and Janet Arinaitwe on the politics behind the two-child welfare cap and the impact it has on some of Britain’s poorest families. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Palestinian prisoners have spoken of sexual assault and starvation in Israeli jails. Bethan McKernan reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Alex Hern reports on recent problems artificial intelligence companies have faced and asks whether the billions invested are paying off. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Adam Kelwick is an imam at England’s oldest mosque. He explains why, as far-right mobs launched attacks across the country, he invited the people targeting his mosque to come inside. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Russian affairs reporter Pjotr Sauer talks about the imprisonment and eventual release of his friend, the journalist Evan Gershkovich. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Samira Shackle and Jeff Goodell explain the dangers resulting from extreme heat, and what society can do to mitigate them. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political chief of Hamas, in the Iranian capital, Tehran, are we on the edge of a regional war? Emma Graham-Harrison reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

After the killing of three little girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, the town was in mourning. But after rumours and disinformation flooded social media a riot broke out. Josh Halliday reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has claimed that a £22bn shortfall in the public finances was “covered up” by the Conservative government. Larry Elliott reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Three siblings dared to challenge the kingdom’s restrictive rules for women – and it changed their lives for ever. Tom Levitt reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

For decades, Spain has been the destination of choice for Brits desperate for sun, sea and sand. But now there is a growing backlash against tourism. What went wrong? Sam Jones reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Mina Smallman’s world fell apart after the murder of her two daughters. Then came a shocking revelation about the police’s behaviour. She explains how she found the strength to fight back. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The Olympic Games are starting on Friday – but what does it take to get Team GB ready, and what should spectators be watching out for? With Sean Ingle. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Michael Safi travels to southern Lebanon where Hezbollah is trading strikes with Israeli forces and one misstep could result in all-out conflict. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

Endorsements for Harris to be the new Democratic presidential nominee have come thick and fast. But without Joe Biden can the Democrats win the US election? s. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

President Joe Biden upended the 2024 US election race by withdrawing as his party’s canidate to face Donald Trump and instead threw his support behind his vice president Kamala Harris. Jonathan Freedland spoke to Nikki McCann Ramirez for a special episode of Politics Weekly America. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The Guardian music editor Ben Beaumont-Thomas, books editor Lucy Knight and film and TV critic Leila Latif look at what’s dominating culture this summer. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

As the war grinds on and the death toll mounts, fewer Ukrainians are volunteering to fight. And some are going to desperate lengths to avoid it. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

The new Labour government gets its first chance to set a legislative agenda with the king’s speech at the state opening of parliament. Jessica Elgot examines how radical it will be. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>

As Republicans meet at their national convention this week, has the shooting of the former president altered the course of US politics? David Smith reports. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/infocus">theguardian.com/infocus</a>