The Houthis’ shock advance and what it means for the world

Loneliness influencers are on the rise. When did social media get so unsociable? Jessica Murray explains. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

In what is probably one of the biggest battles yet between the press and Donald Trump, major TV networks have united in a boycott of pooled coverage of his administration. It comes after three news organisations – CNN, MS Now and Politico – were denied access to the White House because of Trump’s concerns about their coverage. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s international news editor Paul Owen – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The Houthis now control the Bab al-Mandab strait. But where is it and why does it matter? Patrick Wintour explains. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has vowed to stay in office despite heavy losses in two state elections that he described as a ‘disaster’. The anti-immigration, Kremlin-friendly Alternative für Deutschland won with 38% of the vote in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, while the leftwing Die Linke was victorious in Berlin. Merz has promised political change, but speculation is growing that his party could soon oust him. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s Berlin correspondent, Deborah Cole – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

From hospital wards to bathrooms, where is a transgender person supposed to go after the latest equalities guidance?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Buckingham Palace has issued a rare, and strong, rebuttal to claims made in Earl Spencer’s memoir Swan Song. The book claims that King Charles told Spencer days after Diana’s death and during a heated row over funeral arrangements: ‘Rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough.’ Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s senior national news editor, Aaron Sharp. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Can you have a happy, healthy relationship of three? Today in Focus hears about good and bad throupling experiences. With reporting from Kitty Drake. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, has welcomed the EU’s proposal for Canada to become the bloc’s first ‘associate member’, despite threats from Donald Trump over the plan. The US president said Washington could impose ‘very serious tariffs’ or halt trade if the EU went ahead with the idea. But in a defiant speech to the European parliament, Carney called for ‘deep cooperation’ and said polling showed the overwhelming majority of Canadians supported closer ties with Europe. Lucy Hough speaks to Europe correspondent Jon Henley – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

The Swedish journalist Martin Gelin tells Helen Pidd about the impact the far right has had on Sweden’s politics over the last four years – and what the latest general election results could mean for the Nordic country’s future. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

All four supporting acts for the upcoming dates of Ed Sheeran’s tour have withdrawn in solidarity with fellow opener Macklemore. The American rapper was removed from Sheeran’s tour after comments made onstage in support of Palestine. Sheeran responded that venue owners – including Robert Kraft who owns the New England Patriots and its home stadium – had objected to Macklemore’s appearance on the tour. But after he had tried to negotiate with the venue owners “at length to build bridges,” ultimately the promoters made the decision to pull the plug. Artists who have pulled out include Finneas, Aaron Rowe and Beoga. Lucy Hough speaks to Guardian assistant opinion editor Jason Okundaye – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus