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...

Fire at mosque in Peacehaven on Saturday night left front entrance damaged and a car burnt outA suspected arson attack on a mosque in an English seaside town is being investigated by police as a hate crime.The front entrance to the mosque in Peacehaven, East Sussex, was damaged and a car parked outside was entirely burnt out after the incident on Saturday night, which has been condemned by political figures and faith groups. Continue reading...

Hundreds of trekkers stranded by blizzard on eastern face of mountain in Tibet already guided to safety by rescuersRescue efforts are under way on Mount Everest after a snowstorm trapped nearly 1,000 people in campsites on the eastern side of the mountain, according to Chinese state media.Hundreds of trekkers stranded by a blizzard near the eastern face of the mountain in Tibet were guided to safety by rescuers on Sunday, as unusually heavy precipitation including rain pummelled the Himalayas. Continue reading...

Home secretary says police can consider cumulative impact' of demonstrations as Palestine Action ban opponents vow escalation'Civil liberty groups have expressed concern over government plans to hand police greater powers to restrict protests as organisers of mass demonstrations against the banning of Palestine Action pledged a major escalation" of their campaign.Shabana Mahmood said on Sunday that repeated large-scale demonstrations over Gaza had caused considerable fear" for the Jewish community in the wake of a fatal terror attack on a synagogue last week. Continue reading...

Party leader uses conference speech to outline proposal for UK to exit ECHR as part of wider bonfire of protectionsA future Tory government would be open to dismantling more treaties as a means to deport people from the UK, Kemi Badenoch has said at the start of a Conservative party conference focused almost exclusively on immigration policy.Making the first of two addresses to the gathering in Manchester, the Tory leader formally set out her proposal for the UK to quit the European convention on human rights (ECHR) as part of a wider bonfire of protections including an end to legal aid in immigration and asylum cases and the right to take migration decisions to tribunals or judicial review. Continue reading...

Party leader says Britain has allowed extremism to go uncheckedThe polling firm Opinium has released some research this morning suggesting that some Conservative party policies are popular with voters - but that, if people are explicitly told that they are Kemi Badenoch policies, their popularity goes down.There is some evidence that Keir Starmer's unpopularity has the same effect - and that, once a policy is associated with him, voters are less inclined to back it. Continue reading...

Talks on Monday expected to focus on release of hostages and end to war, after Israel kills 63 people in Gaza in past dayNegotiators have arrived in Cairo before talks on Monday expected to focus on the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and a broader end to the war, as Israel continued strikes on the Palestinian territory, killing 63 people in the last 24 hours.The talks on Monday would focus on the first phase of Donald Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza, the Egyptian foreign ministry said, which is the release of the remaining 48 hostages held by Hamas in return for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Continue reading...

Billionaire faces tricky task trying to secure enough support to become PM after ANO wins elections without majorityAndrej Babi has met the Czech president, Petr Pavel, and is to hold talks with other party leaders as the billionaire populist begins the tricky job of trying to form a stable government after his ANO (Yes) party won parliamentary elections, but failed to secure a majority.Final results showed ANO won 34.5% of the vote, held on Friday and Saturday, translating to a provisional 80 seats in the 200-member parliament. The centre-right Spolu coalition of the outgoing prime minister, Petr Fiala, came second on 23.4%. Continue reading...

Study looks at how workouts can help those with hip, knee and back pain - and benefit UK economy to tune of 34bnPeople with sore joints who exercise for two hours a week have less pain, visit their GP less and take less sick leave, a study has found.The findings are from an analysis of how 40,000 people in Greater Manchester with hip, back or knee pain fared when they did two one-hour exercise classes for 12 weeks.Had on average 35% less pain.Went to see their GP 29% less often.Took almost half as many sick days from work.Needed their family to look after them 21% less. Continue reading...

Israelis in Tel Aviv cautiously optimistic but show little sympathy for Palestinians in war-ravaged GazaDonald Trump was the guest of honour on Saturday night at what could be the final rally at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv. Demonstrators took turns shaking the hand of the US president, or rather, a woman wearing a papier-mache Trump mask, while another woman stood silently holding a sign reading we love Trump."For nearly two years, Israelis have gathered in front of the ministry of defence and demanded the government bring home their loved ones. Now, as Israel and Hamas seem to be on the cusp of a deal that could end the war and bring the hostages home, many Israelis are thanking Trump, not the Israeli government, for the potential peace. Continue reading...

Hat Trick pays out interim dividend of 1m, 900,000 of which goes to founder Jimmy Mulville and wifeThe production company behind Have I Got News For You has bounced back into the black after launching the hit panel show in the US for the first time.Hat Trick, which also makes Mastermind, Derry Girls and Whose Line is it Anyway?, reported pre-tax profits of almost 857,000 last year. In 2023, the company reported a pre-tax loss of 377,000. Continue reading...

Mary Attenborough's nightmare began when the police raided the flat she and Michael Gallagher shared, their memoir reveals, but their relationship prevailedWhen police thundered into their London home in 1996 and arrested Michael Gallagher on suspicion of IRA activity, Margaret Attenborough was shocked and indignant.She was an English academic who wrote books on geophysical software and her Scottish partner was a former civil servant who helped homeless alcoholics. The idea of him as an IRA man seemed ludicrous. Gallagher was romantic and cerebral - he had wowed Attenborough by completing the Guardian's cryptic crossword in three minutes. Continue reading...

The communications minister plans to press companies on their legal obligations to protect community safety and procedures to avoid outagesThe federal government will grill the bosses of Australia's biggest telecommunications companies over the reliability of triple-zero services in the looming summer bushfire season, as Labor fast-tracks laws to protect the emergency call system.On the back foot over Labor's response to recent Optus triple-zero outages which have been linked to three deaths, the communications minister, Anika Wells, has ordered the chief executive of the company, as well as the chief executives of Telstra and TPG, the owner of Vodafone, to travel to Canberra on Tuesday to discuss safeguards for the system. Continue reading...

Irakli Kobakhidze accused EU ambassador of supporting attempt to overthrow constitutional order'Georgia's prime minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, has announced a sweeping crackdown on dissent, accusing demonstrators who tried to storm the presidential palace of aiming to topple his government and blaming the European Union for interference in his country.Kobakhidze levelled his allegations a day after protesters attempted to breach the presidential palace as local elections were being held. They were stopped by riot police using pepper spray and water cannon. Continue reading...

La Magie Noire, bought by family of wartime resistance heroine 90 years ago, expected to fetch more than 7mA painting by the surrealist artist Rene Magritte that has been held in a private collection for more than 90 years will go on sale later this month.La Magie Noire was bought by the family of the second world war resistance heroine Suzanne Spaak, who were Magritte's benefactors at a time when he was struggling financially and had failed to sell a single work for two years. Continue reading...

Officers arrest activists at silent vigil in support of banned organisation, as demos go ahead despite PM's pleasPolice have arrested almost 500 people in London at what organisers hoped would be the biggest demonstration so far against a ban on the proscribed organisation Palestine Action.Officers began arresting demonstrators at the silent vigil in support of the group, which has been classed by the UK government as a terror organisation since July this year. Continue reading...