Today in Focus

Foreign correspondent Ruth Michaelson explains how President Bashar al-Assad’s government lost Aleppo, Syria’s second-biggest city, and who the Islamist militants are who have taken control there Because of industrial action taking place by members of the National Union of Journalists at the Guardian and Observer this week, you may notice some disruption to the availability of new episodes in your Guardian podcast feeds in the coming days. All the work on this episode was done before the strike action began. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]

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 [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]

In what could be the biggest protest march in New Zealand’s history, 42,000 people took to the roads over fears Māori rights are being dismantled. Eva Corlett reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]

After two months of total war and terrible destruction, an uneasy peace has fallen on Lebanon. Will Christou reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]

Deputy political editor Jessica Elgot explains how the assisted dying bill came to the House of Commons this week, and how MPs are feeling about their vote. Dr Lucy Thomas speaks about her experience in palliative care and her fears if MPs vote the bill through. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]