47 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

93 minutes ago The charming UK market town with 'friendly' vibe that most people ignore

This ancient market town may not be as popular as its neighbours, but it does boast a certain charm making it well worth a visit.

Politics

1 hour ago Number one bestselling Apple Airpods get price slashed by 22% in Amazon Black Friday sale

Amazon has reduced the price of these bestselling Apple AirPods by 22% in Black Friday week sales - but you'll need to act fast, this deal won't hang around forever

Economics

1 hour ago Premium Bonds major update issued after 'careful review' of prizes available

NS&I has confirmed the Premium Bonds prize fund rate will be reduced from 4.15% to 4.00% from its January 2025 draw - here is everything you need to know

Politics

1 hour ago Rebel group takes key Myanmar border town and rare earth mining hub in setback for military regime

Witnesses say a powerful rebel group has seized a key trading town in northeastern Myanmar on the Chinese border, taking control of a lucrative rare earth mining hub in another setback for the military-led government

Events

9 hours ago What did Scotland get right in the Autumn Series? What do they have to do to FINALLY take their game to the next level? And what do our experts think about the rebel breakaway plans?

What were your main takeaways from the win over Australia? Who stood out and what impressed you about Scotland's performance?

Sport

11 hours ago Matthew Richardson’s grand cycling betrayal will leave an asterisk on his glittering career | Kieran Pender

After issuing the findings of its review into the Olympic hero’s defection to Great Britain, AusCycling’s upset is understandableConflicting national allegiances in sport are no simple thing. It is hardly unreasonable for someone with more than one national background to feel competing tugs when it comes to flying the flag on the international stage. Emotion and pragmatism collide to force hard decisions.Australia is a deeply multicultural nation – more than one in four Australians were born overseas, while millions more have parents born elsewhere. We are a nation of complex sporting allegiances. I have dual nationalities; if it wasn’t for the fact that I have all the sporting talent of a gnat, I might have to consider which country to represent. Continue reading...

Sport

11 hours ago ‘Urgent need for training to spot and act on sex abuse within families’

A safeguarding review said children are ‘all too often ignored or disbelieved’.

Events

14 hours ago Best mattress 2024: Memory foam, pocket sprung and hybrid models tested by experts

Looking for a new mattress? Our experts have tried and tested the best UK mattresses for back, side and front sleepers from Simba, Emma, Dormeo and more top brands

Politics