Today in Focus

Is Europe ready for a future without the US?

Trump has threatened to pull 5,000 troops from Germany – while European leaders worry this is just the start of a US withdrawal from the continent. Deborah Cole reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]

Has Trump’s ‘Project Freedom’ reignited war with Iran? – The Latest

Donald Trump has launched a new operation, which he called ‘Project Freedom’, to try to open the strait of Hormuz. Could it spark a re-escalation of the war with Iran and bring an end to the ceasefire? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s senior international correspondent Julian Borger. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]

Fake fans, fake buzz? How your favourite band got big

Shaad D’Souza explains how bands such as Geese have faced a backlash since a marketing company revealed its tricks for pushing them into the limelight, and Eamonn Forde discusses what it takes to succeed in the music industry today.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]

Why the Bezos-backed Met Gala is so controversial – The Latest

It’s the grandest and glitziest event in the fashion calendar, but this year’s Met Gala has sparked backlash thanks to its new honorary chairs, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos. The billionaire Amazon founder’s involvement has led to boycotts and criticism of the event. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s fashion and lifestyle editor, Morwenna Ferrier – watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@todayinfocuspodcast]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]

The women who took their own lives after domestic abuse

Geraldine McKelvie and Hannah Al-Othman tell the stories of women who died after enduring sustained campaigns of cruelty. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]