The Explanation

Could Texas really go blue? Are Democrats at risk in Michigan? A week out from the 2026 US midterms, Sumi Somaskanda and Caitriona Perry look at the key states – and seats – at play in the 2026 US midterms. Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: path@bbc.co.uk Senior producer: Ellyn Duncan Editor: James Kraft Executive producer: Anna Holford

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores the challenges facing Ukraine in the war with Russia as winter approaches, analyses the causes of the widespread protests in France, and looks at the unexpected victory for President Lula in the Brazilian election. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall

Lewis Goodall presenter of “The News Agents” podcast and Krishnan Guru-Murthy presenter of Channel 4 News discuss whether traditional TV news remains fit for purpose in the digital and social media era. And as Blue Planet III returns to BBC One, we talk to Jack Bootle, the BBC’s Head of Specialist Factual Commissioning. He explains how the series was made without generative AI and gives a behind-the-scenes peek into producing the natural history veteran David Attenborough. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lucy Wai Content Producer: Emily Channon Editor: Gavin Poncia Researcher: Cameron Taylor Sound: Callum Mclean Technical Coordinator: Luke Sweeney

Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann take a closer look at how President Trump’s tough stance on immigration is impacting lives and politics. Sumi joins us from Florida, where she’s been hearing from voters firsthand on what is driving their decision at the polls. Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power.

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the toll on Saudi Arabia of ongoing Houthi attacks, explores whether the Japanese will end their post-war pacifism, and looks at the possible effects on English football of Manchester City being found guilty of breaching financial rules. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall

This week the BBC announced more cuts as part of its drive to save £500 million, following on from a series of other budget saving measures over the last few months. Katie and Ros take stock of everything announced so far along with a panel of experts: ex-BBC executive Roger Mosey, MP for Southport Patrick Hurley, Baroness Morgan, former Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the BBC Deputy Director General Rhodri Talfan-Davies. And a new Channel 4 programme investigates public attitudes toward disability. The creators of The Experiment have built a fictional care home for disabled people and invite members of the public into the facility to see if they can recognize Nazi-era concepts disguised as modern social care. Producer Nick Parnes and presenter Sophie Morgan join the show. Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall Producer: Tim Bano Content Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Gavin Poncia Researcher: Ruth Waites Sound: Mark Pickett Technical Coordinator: Mark Dickins

Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss how the issue of affordability is playing out in different parts of the US - and shaping voters' views. Will voters punish the president and his team at the ballot box? Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: path@bbc.co.uk Senior producer: Ellyn Duncan Editor: James Kraft Executive producer: Anna Holford

John Simpson explores the effect on civilians of Russia’s intense bombardment of Ukrainian cities, looks at how Turkey has become a more authoritarian state, and analyses China’s decision to regulate AI chatbots. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall

Writer and producer Russell T Davies reflects on his career, from the groundbreaking series Queer as Folk to the revival of Doctor Who, Years and Years and his latest Channel 4 drama Tip Toe. The BBC has issued an apology for making false and defamatory allegations about the founder of PinkNews and his husband. Katy Searle, Head of Opinion at The i, and legal expert Clive Coleman assess the editorial and legal implications of the case. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Tim Bano Content Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Gavin Poncia Researcher: Ruth Waites Sound: Adrian Bhargava Technical Coordinator: Mark Dickins

Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann look at the Democrats' race to the midterms. The party is eyeing some key victories in races across the country, to secure control of either the House or Senate – or both – come November. Recent polls appear promising, but what is deciding voters’ minds about who will get their vote – or if they will even head to the polls? Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: path@bbc.co.uk Senior producer: Ellyn Duncan Editor: Magnus McGrandle Executive producer: Anna Holford

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores how Israeli attitudes have changed three years on from the 7 October attacks, analyses the possible impacts of the midterm elections on the Trump presidency, and examines the civil war in Yemen. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall

Six months after Péter Magyar’s election ended Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule, Hungary’s new government faces scrutiny over its promised press reforms. BBC East and Central Europe Correspondent Nick Thorpe reports from Budapest on how the country’s media is changing. Broadcaster Anneka Rice reflects on fifty years since joining the BBC as a trainee, tracing her career across television and radio and the changes she has witnessed in British broadcasting. As the Cornell rape investigation continues, journalism experts including Dr Robert Topinka of Birkbeck, University of London, and Professor Kathleen Bartzen Culver of the University of Wisconsin–Madison consider the ethical and legal responsibilities of reporters covering sensitive cases. Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall Producer: Lucy Wai Content Producer: Emily Channon Editor: Gavin Poncia Researcher: Ruth Waites Sound: Mike Campbell Technical Coordinator: James Cherry

Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann examine the role President Trump is playing in the race to November’s midterm elections. They discuss whether his endorsement is helping Republican candidates, look at the key battleground races, and explore the issues likely to matter most to voters.

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the impact of intensifying Russian attacks on Ukraine, analyses the state of the relationship between China and the United States, and examines the possibility of renewed civil war in Ethiopia.

The Premier League alleges that Manchester City arranged sham contracts with commercial partners to conceal more than £830 million in funding. BBC Sport’s Laura Scott, Der Spiegel journalist Christoph Winterbach, Nick Harris from Sporting Intelligence, and Sky News sports correspondent Rob Harris explain how the story developed and the media’s role in reporting it over time. Also on the programme With Celebrity Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing returning to television, celebrity talent executive Stefania Aleksander describes the process of selecting the personalities who help make these entertainment formats successful, and the behind-the-scenes work that shapes some of the UK’s most-watched shows. Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall Producer: Lucy Wai Assistant: Emily Channon Editor: Gavin Poncia Researcher: Ruth Waites Sound: Chris Lovelock Technical Coordinator: Akik Rahman

Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann discuss President Trump's big week on the international stage, from the United Nations General Assembly to hosting China's president at the White House. They examine how the US president is managing friends and rivals, and grappling with an increasingly complex global landscape.

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the state of Germany’s government after resounding regional election defeats, looks at the effect of American cutbacks on the of future of the United Nations, and examines what we can learn from the tightly controlled elections in Russia. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall

The publication of Earl Spencer’s book about Princess Diana, serialised by the Daily Mail, has reignited debate over who shapes her legacy. BBC Royal Correspondent Sean Coughlan, Evening Standard Royal Editor Robert Jobson and media lawyer Mark Stephens discuss the competing narratives in the press and legal implications. The small village of Piddington in the UK has drawn global attention over plans to house more than a thousand asylum seekers. Guardian journalist Amelia Gentleman and BBC South’s Jamie Morris report on how a local dispute became an international story. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content Producer: Lucy Wai Researcher: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Margherita Campanaro Sound: Mark Pickett

Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann discuss the European Union's ambition for Canada to become its first-ever "associate member", a status that does not currently exist. They examine what such a partnership could mean for Canada, President Trump’s reaction, and whether deeper ties with Europe could reshape Canada's future relationship with its neighbour. Senior producer: James Kraft Editor: James Kraft Executive producer: Anna Holford

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the impact of the latest outbreak of hostilities in Yemen, examines whether there is any hope for a Palestinian state in the Middle East, and explores the potential dangers of artificial intelligence. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall