Opponent of Maduro regime receives award and praise for keeping flame of democracy burning'The Venezuelan opposition politician Maria Corina Machado has won the Nobel peace prize for her dogged struggle to rescue the South American country from its fate as a brutal, authoritarian state".Machado, 58, a conservative often described as Venezuela's Iron Lady, has spent the last year living in hiding after her political movement was widely believed to have beaten the country's president, Nicolas Maduro, in the July 2024 presidential election. Continue reading...

Evacuation orders issued in Mindanao region as authorities assess full extent of damageThe southern Philippines was rocked by a powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake that struck in the region of Mindanao on Friday, reportedly killing at least five people and triggering a tsunami warning.The quake struck at 9.43am (0143 GMT) in waters off the town of Manay, at a depth of 10km. The tsunami warning was later lifted. At least five people were killed, including two patients who died of heart attacks at a hospital during the earthquake and a person who was hit by debris in the city of Mati, in Davao Oriental, the regional director of the civil defence office, Ednar Dayanghirang, told the Associated Press. Continue reading...

Financial Conduct Authority proposes manufacturers' finance arms foot nearly half of 11bn compensation bill

Musician died peacefully surrounded by sounds of Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly, say familyThe Moody Blues singer and bass guitarist, John Lodge, has died at the age of 82, his family have said.A statement read: It is with the deepest sadness that we have to announce that John Lodge, our darling husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law and brother, has been suddenly and unexpectedly taken from us. Continue reading...

Broadcaster apologised after Have I Got News For You falsely said ex-PM's son's firm had won digital ID contractThe arrival of a generation of young producers marinated in social media" led to a false claim about Euan Blair being broadcast on Have I Got News For You, the production chief behind the show has said.The first in a new series of the BBC show featured an incorrect claim that the company run by the son of the former prime minister Tony Blair had been given the contract to run the government's new digital ID system. Continue reading...

Those affected at risk of falls, mental ill-health and leading socially restricted lives, say doctorsMillions of people aged 50 or over in the UK are predicted to have undiagnosed sight or hearing problems, prompting calls for that age group to have checkups more regularly.Doctors involved in the related research said the findings were deeply concerning", and warned that those affected were at risk of falls, mental ill-health and leading socially restricted lives.6.7 million people in the UK aged 50 or over have trouble seeing out of one or both eyes2.4 million of them are visually impaired in one eye20.3 million people have some form of hearing loss in one or both ears7.7 million people cannot hear clearly with both ears Continue reading...

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia used over 450 drones and 30 missiles in a country-wide attack. This live blog is now closedPower has been restored to 270,000 consumers in Kyiv after Russian overnight attacks knocked it out, Ukraine's energy minister Svitlana Hrynchuk wrote on Facebook on Friday.Kyiv residents heard blasts throughout the night and many woke up without power after a vast overnight air attack which targeted Ukraine's energy system, Reuters reports. Continue reading...

Plus Dolly Parton, and a vanishingly rare moment to celebrate in a court case related to sexual violenceThe most affecting scene in the first episode of Victoria Beckham, the new three-part documentary that arrived this week on Netflix, revolves around a moment in which she and her daughter, Harper, 14, create family content together. If this sounds like I'm being snide, I'm not. The pair improvise and film a dance, during which Harper, with amused tolerance, weathers her mother's try-hard moves and Beckham, weathering her daughter's condescension, reminds us that dancing was never really her thing. It's sweet and, as is often the case when Beckham interacts on camera with her family, feels like the closest thing you get to a genuine moment. Continue reading...

Exclusive: The film's producers are seeking an injunction in a Sydney court to stop Wilson pursuing a countersuit in California

Inland areas have neared 40C, while in northern China a cold air mass clashed with warmth to produce heavy rainWhile northern parts of China felt their first autumnal chill under persistent heavy rain this week, large areas farther south have continued to swelter in summer-like heat. In south-east China, temperatures have climbed steadily since late September under the influence of higher than average pressure to the north-east, reaching the mid-to-high 30Cs during a period when conditions would normally be cooling from about 30C to the mid-20s. Inland areas have neared 40C (104F), with Xiushui, in Jiangxi province, recording 38.9C on Wednesday, about 13C above average for early October.Overnight warmth has also persisted. In Hong Kong, further heat on Wednesday brought October's tally of very hot days" - defined by temperatures remaining above 28C throughout the day - to four, the highest ever recorded for the month. Models suggest the unusual heat across south-east China will last for another eight to 10 days, before colder air pushes in from the north. Continue reading...

Exclusive: PM reorganising key parts of government to give chief secretary Darren Jones more Whitehall control UK politics live - latest updatesKeir Starmer has been accused of pushing some of his last remaining progressive allies out of government as he embarks on another shake-up of his Downing Street operation designed to empower his chief secretary, Darren Jones.The prime minister is overseeing a reorganisation of several key parts of his government, including the delivery and policy units, to refocus the policy work and give Jones more direct control of the machinery of government. Continue reading...

Public health warning issued after drugs known as nitazenes detected amid move to ban pill testing

Madeleine Habib, captain of the Conscience vessel, was arrested by Israeli forces on 8 October and detained in Israel's Ketziot prison

Congress leader Jose Jeri sworn in as interim president as majority of lawmakers initiate impeachment against BoluarteLawmakers in Peru have voted to remove the president, Dina Boluarte, whose term has been marked by protests and accusations of failing to stem crime.Boluarte refused to appear before Congress on Friday for an overnight hearing after a majority of lawmakers, including some once loyal to her, voted to initiate impeachment proceedings. Continue reading...

Reports of panic and damaged buildings as strong quake hits Philippines

Donald Day Jr will have charges relating to allegedly threatening FBI agents and other officials dropped under deal

Soft-toy collecting back in vogue for children and adults, says HamleysA 7 furry bouncy ball with a face is tipped to be one of the must-have toys this Christmas, according to expert buyers at Hamleys.The Ty Bouncers - essentially fluffy tennis balls - range from cats, cows and monkeys to Spider-Man and Paddington. With 80 to collect, Victoria Kay, the head of buying and merchandising at Hamleys, said the bouncy soft toys offered uncomplicated fun". Continue reading...

She's a global pop star who appears relatable even as her tours alter a country's economy. Bu her new album has sparked surprisingly fierce criticism. Alexis Petridis and Laura Snapes explain.She is by any measure the biggest pop star in the world, which has made her ability to retain her relatable appeal all the more impressive. But this week Taylor Swift seems to have made a rare misstep.For decades her fans have watched her grow from a teenage country star to globally recognised billionaire, and she has taken them with her, thanks to her sharp lyrics about growing up, relationships and heartbreak. But it's not just about the music. She has cultivated a unique connection with her Swifties, dropping clues in her music and content and encouraging them to decode it, explains the Guardian's deputy music editor, Laura Snapes. And it has paid off. The Eras tour boosted the UK economy by 1bn. Continue reading...

Communication must be freed from clickbait and misguided thinking, head of Catholic church tells journalistsThe Pope has condemned clickbait as a degrading" part of journalism, at a private audience with global newswires.Australian media representatives were among those to hear directly from Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Thursday with about 150 members of newswire alliance MINDS International. Continue reading...

Israel's government ratified the ceasefire and hostage deal on Friday, clearing the way to suspend hostilities in Gaza within 24 hoursIsraelis and Palestinians celebrated on Thursday night as Hamas and Israel's government began preparations to implement a ceasefire deal that promises a durable end to a bloody two-year conflict that has killed tens of thousands, destabilised much of the Middle East and prompted protests around the world.In Gaza, there was joy but much anxiety. Many expressed the fear that the new deal would collapse, bringing more suffering to the devastated territory. Though crowds gathered in some places to dance and sing, in many places witnesses reported muted reaction amid loud overflights by warplanes and drones. Continue reading...

Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Wednesday night that Israel and Hamas had agreed the first phase of a new ceasefire deal in Gaza. We've been here before, but is it different this time? Has Trump proved the doubters wrong?Jonathan Freedland speaks to Julian Borger about the prospect for peace in the Middle East and the US president's role in getting to this pointArchive: PBS Newshour Continue reading...

Latest Westeros-set show, based on novellas by George RR Martin, takes place 100 years before events of Game of ThronesHBO is headed back to Westeros once again. The network revealed the first trailer for its second Game of Thrones prequel, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, at New York's Comic Con on Thursday, revealing the Targaryen colors, jousting and plenty of chainmail.According to the logline, the series, based on a series of novellas by the Game of Thrones author George RR Martin, will follow two unlikely heroes" who wandered Westeros: a young, naive but courageous knight" named Ser Duncan Dunk" the Tall, played by Peter Claffey, and his diminutive squire" Egg, played by Dexter Sol Ansell. Continue reading...

The Hungarian novelist whose books reaffirm the power of art' was announced as winner at a ceremony in Stockholm

After 733 days, news of agreement greeted with celebration in Tel Aviv and stickers saying: They're coming home'For 733 days, Israelis have come to Hostage Square in Tel Aviv with a yellow piece of tape on their shirts bearing the number of days since 251 hostages had been taken captive by Hamas-led militants. On Thursday, the yellow stickers remained but the tally was gone. In its place was a simple phrase: They're coming home."Gone were the protest slogans Israelis had chanted for the last two years, calling on their government to secure the release of hostages. In their place were marching bands and crowds singing about the imminent return of their loved ones.

Liliane Landor says World Service journalism must not be linked or subordinated', as BBC explores new funding sourcesUsing Britain's defence budget to help fund the BBC World Service risks subordinating its journalism to the government's national security aims, its former controller has warned.The Guardian revealed last week that senior BBC figures are pushing ministers to increase the service's funding by using resources beyond the Foreign Office, which has traditionally contributed to its global broadcasting. Continue reading...

Shaista Gohir says latest government figures are an underestimation' as many incidents go unreportedThe head of a leading UK Muslim charity has said she is deeply worried" about the unprecedented levels of anxiety in the community as government data shows hate crimes against Muslims are up by nearly a fifth.Shaista Gohir, the cross-bench peer and head of the Muslim Women's Network has criticised ministers for being silent" and called for a public government response to figures which she believes to be an underestimation". Continue reading...

This blog is now closed, you can read more of our European news coverage hereBelow is a video published by the Guardian showing Ukrainian firefighters tackling blazes in burning shipping containers after a Russian drone attack injured at least five people in Odesa.The attack cut power to 30,000 people and damaged the city's port infrastructure. Continue reading...

Dominique Sie recommends 12-year jail term after Husamettin Dugan's refusal to take responsibility' for assaultThe French state prosecutor has called for the jail term of an unemployed builder to be increased after he contested his conviction for raping Gisele Pelicot after she had been drugged unconscious by her husband.Dominique Sie, the lead state prosecutor, told Nimes appeal court that Husamettin Dogan's claims of innocence were an example of how rape culture was still widespread in society as part of archaic" forms of male domination". Continue reading...

Payout likely to be funded by taxpayers if media mogul wins case against gambling regulator

Union accuses St George's, Epsom and St Helier of institutional racism' as cleaners, caterers and porters get lower pay than colleaguesHundreds of NHS hospital workers have voted to strike following claims that they have lost more than 36m in pay and pension contributions over the last four years.More than 330 low-paid workers, mainly cleaners, caterers and porters, known as facilities staff, at St George's, Epsom and St Helier hospital group (GESH) are preparing to go on strike. Continue reading...

Artists including Coldplay and Katy Perry have got behind a plan to fund small venues from big gigs - but owners say that without Live Nation on board, it could failGrassroots venues are the bedrock of the country's music industry, giving artists a place to hone their craft, and punters a place to see them perform up-close - possibly before a bigger, starrier career. But since the start of 2023, more than 150 of these venues have permanently closed their doors - about 16% of the entire UK sector.In this moment of crisis, a solution is on the table: a proposed 1 levy on tickets for all arena and stadium shows with more than 5,000 capacity could raise up to 25m annually for the grassroots venues facing closure. A poll of about 8,000 music fans found that 93% supported the initiative by the charity Music Venue Trust, and a spokesperson from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) says it fully supports" the rollout. Continue reading...

Search engine added STI testing' to list of sensitive topics, censoring important public health campaign, Greens leader says

Ibrahim Helmy tells Icac hearing he created fake invoices as part of alleged multimillion-dollar kickback scheme

Our live coverage continues at this blog

In landmark ruling, NSW court of appeal says anyone attending prohibited protest could be held in contempt of court

David Norris, one of several people involved in the 1993 murder, refused to reveal his face or name his accomplicesThe mother of Stephen Lawrence has called one of her son's killers a coward after he refused to show his face at a parole hearing or name his accomplices to the murder.David Norris, 49, who was convicted in 2011, was speaking publicly for the first time at the hearing. He said he was deeply sorry for the attack in which he punched Lawrence on the back of his head while he was crouched on the ground. Continue reading...

The audience cheered and clapped to convince themselves the whole thing hadn't been a waste of time

Sebastien Lecornu speaks at the Matignon Palace and expresses optimism that parliament will not need to be dissolvedEmmanuel Macron's second term is set to end in May 2027 and he has repeatedly said he will not resign, the Associated Press (AP) reports.If the French president were to quit, the Constitutional Council would declare a vacancy, the Senate president would assume interim powers and a new presidential election would be held within 35 days.

Daniel Noboa's convoy was attacked by a large group throwing stones in protest against rising fuel pricesEcuador's president Daniel Noboa has escaped unharmed after his motorcade was targeted by stone-throwing protesters and what one minister described as a volley of gunshots.Noboa was inaugurating a water treatment plant in central Ecuador on Tuesday when his motorcade was set on by a large group protesting against rising fuel prices. Continue reading...

Environmental group seeks damages from Welsh Water and two chicken producers, alleging responsibility for pollution in Wye, Lugg and UskAlmost 4,000 people in England and Wales are taking legal action over what they allege is six years of sewage pollution that has devastated three rivers, including the Wye.In the largest environmental group action of recent times, 3,943 residents and business owners are seeking substantial damages from Welsh Water and the leading chicken producers Avara Foods Ltd and Freemans of Newent Ltd, alleging they are responsible for extensive and widespread pollution" in the Wye, Lugg and Usk. Continue reading...

Shadow ministers have announced far-reaching and often radical proposals - here is a roundup of some of themKemi Badenoch warned her shadow cabinet in January not to expect any detailed policies until 2027. We're not creating policies for 2028 in 2025," a Tory spokesperson said at the time.This week that changed. At the Conservative party's annual conference in Manchester, shadow ministers have lined up to announce detailed, far-reaching and often radical new policies. Continue reading...

White House says it is important that we get this done quickly' as indirect talks restart in Sharm el-SheikhA US delegation led by envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to join talks in Egypt on Wednesday to reinforce President Donald Trump's involvement in the newly restarted negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at ending the war in Gaza.The indirect talks at Sharm el-Sheikh, the Egyptian resort city on the Red Sea, entered their second day on the second anniversary of the Hamas surprise attack into Israel that triggered the bloody conflict. Continue reading...

Hackers stole names and photos of 8,000 children from Kido nursery chain and posted 10 profiles with threat to publish moreA man and a boy have been arrested in connection with an alleged cyber-attack on a set of nurseries in Greater London.The man, 22, and boy, 17, were arrested on suspicion of computer misuse and blackmail at residential properties in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire on Tuesday and remain in custody for questioning. Continue reading...

Jack Watkin flaunted millionaire' lifestyle after defrauding victims including his father and friends of nearly 200,000A convicted paedophile who described himself as the Kardashian of Cheshire" has been jailed for fraud after he used an elaborate luxury handbag scam to steal nearly 200,000.Jack Watkin, 26, of Alderley Edge, portrayed himself as a millionaire with a glamorous lifestyle" on social media and duped six victims, including his own father and friends, into believing he was a wealthy" and well-connected" reseller of Hermes handbags. Continue reading...

Israelis gather to commemorate the second anniversary of the Hamas-led attack in which 1,200 people were killed. This live blog is closedDeborah Cole is Berlin correspondent for the GuardianGermany marked the two-year anniversary of the 7 October attacks with sombre commemorations across the country and official flags pulled to half mast. Continue reading...

Carmaker also announces new financing scheme to give suppliers cash upfront during restart phase

Artemios Mintzas, 60, charged with 25 offences, including 18 counts of shooting with intent to murder after Croydon Park incident on Sunday

Canadian prog-rockers will play seven concerts in summer 2026 in the US, Canada and Mexico, after hiring new drummer Anika NillesRush, the Canadian prog rockers whose epic and detailed songcraft continues to attract a large and heartfelt fandom, are to reform for the first time since the death of drummer Neil Peart.Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, both 72, will tour the US, Canada and Mexico, playing seven concerts in summer 2026 beginning in Los Angeles on 7 June. Continue reading...

Proposed government overhaul of house purchase process looks at shifting some costs from buyers to sellersMinisters are attempting to cut the time it takes to buy a home by four weeks under new proposals aimed at overhauling the housebuying process.The UK government will also consult on plans to shift costs from buyers to sellers, including compelling sellers and estate agents to provide buyers with vital information - such as the condition of the home and the scale of any leasehold costs - upfront. Continue reading...