49 minutes ago That Librarian by Amanda Jones review – one woman’s brave fight against book banning

A small-town US librarian’s lively account of her battle with a group of far-right censors reveals the toll it took on her healthAmanda Jones’s story is awful – and important. A school librarian for 23 years in her home town of Watson, southern Louisiana, she has watched with concern in recent years as a movement of book-banning swept across the US. According to the American Library Association, “book challenges” in public libraries almost doubled from 729 in 2021 to 1,269 in 2022.In July 2022, when Jones heard about a public meeting that would discuss “book content” in local libraries, she went along. A board member said she was “concerned” about some “inappropriate” material in the local library’s children and young adult sections. In response, Jones gave a measured speech, explaining...

Events

86 minutes ago Jamie Carragher lists greatest Liverpool players of all time as he slams 'selfish' Mohamed Salah

Jamie Carragher has ranked where Mohamed Salah places in the list of the greatest players in Liverpool's history, while slamming the forward for his 'selfish' comments on his future

Politics

92 minutes ago Jon Jones opens up on UFC negotiations as legend quickly returns to training

The heavyweight champion has been coy about a unification fight with interim-title holder Tom Aspinall

Politics

1 hour ago How the battle of Claremont Road changed the world: ‘The whole of alternative London turned up’

Thirty years ago, more than 500 activists united to save a street – and their actions marked a major turning-point in the environmental movementWalking through Leyton, in east London, you could easily miss Claremont Road. It is hardly a road at all, but a stubby little side street between terrace houses that ends abruptly in a brick wall. But when it comes to the history of direct action, this could be one of the most significant sites in England. Thirty years ago, in November 1994, the scene here was very different: 700 police officers and bailiffs in riot gear marched into a significantly larger Claremont Road and waged battle against about 500 activists, who were dug in – some of them literally – against efforts to evict them.The activists occupied rooftop towers, treehouses, undergr...

Events

1 hour ago Sir Elton John still 'can’t see anything’ four months after losing sight in right eye

Sir Elton first opened up about how he had been left with ‘limited vision’ in one eye in September

Politics

1 hour ago Jake Paul's promotion respond to claims of rigged fight against Mike Tyson

Paul’s business partner Nakisa Bidarian believes the accusations are a “backhanded compliment”

Politics

2 hours ago Controversial footballer axed from tournament over 'high testosterone' wins BBC Women's Footballer of the Year

Zambia and Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda received the most votes from BBC Sport website readers after being included on a five-player shortlist.

Politics

2 hours ago Max Verstappen reveals his dad left him at a petrol station as a teenager following huge bust

Max Verstappen's dad, Jos, a former F1 driver in his own right, has been with him every step of the way, but their relationship has not always been a perfect one.

Politics

2 hours ago Netflix now streaming 'underrated' Liam Neeson film that's 'better than it has any right to be'

The film is perfect for dark winter evenings as we approach the Christmas season

Politics