75 m. ago Bring the House Down by Charlotte Runcie review – the joy of the hatchet job

Is giving an artist a one-star review an act of abuse? An influential theatre critic finds out in this smart story of #MeToo-era revengeWhen Jesus is pressed to condemn the woman taken in adultery, he says, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” No one does, and a lesson in critical generosity is learned. Judge not, that ye be not judged.Is giving an artist a one-star review an act of abuse – casting the first stone? Is it worse when the reviewer is male and the artist female? That’s the starting point of this entertaining and very timely debut novel from Charlotte Runcie, an arts journalist who, as a young intern, was lambasted on stage by a successful standup to whom she’d given a bad review.There was an interactive customer feedback device propped up on the bar. Tell us what you think of our service, it said, and underneath there were two buttons you could press: an angry red face or a smiling green one. Excellent or worthless, nothing in...

Society

81 m. ago Heatwave shoppers 'ditch' fans for 'more effective' air conditioning unit reduced to £39 from £150

One way of keeping your home cool during a heatwave is to invest in an air conditioning unit, but this can sometimes be an expensive solution

Economics

2 h. ago These AI chatbot questions cause most carbon emissions, scientists find

Every query typed into a large language model like ChatGPT requires energy and leads to carbon dioxide emissions

Events

2 h. ago Experts warn water levels could ‘deteriorate quickly’ despite recent wet weather

Farmers, distilleries and industry urged not to wait until situation reaches “crisis point” to start using water more efficiently

Events

2 h. ago Netflix’s Grenfell: Uncovered is a raw, urgent film that pulls no punches

The question at the centre of this powerful film is whether we’ve done enough to prevent the catastrophe from repeating itself

Politics

2 h. ago UK households urged to soak flowers in vases in 80p liquid immediately

Cut flowers sitting in vases are at risk of dying early as the overbearing heat threatens to shorten their life-span - that's unless you take extra precautions

Politics

2 h. ago Skechers' comfy out the box £13 sandals worth £55 shoppers say 'buy in every colour'

"So comfortable right out of the box. I have worn them for four to six hours on my feet with no issues at all. They have a soft sole that gives as you walk. They look great with pants or dresses. I recommend you buy several colours."

Economics

3 h. ago Coldplay to reissue albums on records made from recycled plastic bottles

Each 140g LP is made up of approximately nine recycled bottles, after they are cleaned, processed into small pellets and then moulded into records.

Politics

3 h. ago UK weather: Exact date showers bring relief to Brits after sweltering 32C heatwave

After a warm week and weekend, temperatures are set to become cooler next week - and some parts of the country could even experience some rain, according to BBC Weather

Society

3 h. ago SNP urges UK Government to speed up smart meter roll out after RTS switch

EXCLUSIVE: Nationalist MP Graham Leadbitter has called for "a cast iron guarantee to Scottish communities that never again will they be left to live in fear of their hot water supply being cut-off and their electricity supply disrupted."

Politics

3 h. ago Russell Grant's horoscopes as Taurus urged to take time out amid busy schedule

Today's star signs tell Scorpio to remain in stable situation rather than taking risks.

Politics

4 h. ago 'Perfect' Stanley water bottle that keeps drinks cold 'for hours' now 42% off in deal stack

Shoppers have praised the Stanley AeroLight IceFlow water bottle for being slimline and lightweight and there's a way to make a chunky saving on its usual price

Economics

6 h. ago Tube drivers threatening to strike if 'bosses refuse to pay them £76,000 a year'

The RMT trade union is allegedly urging members to take action if Transport for London (TfL) does not offer them a pay rise of 4.5 per cent.

Economics

6 h. ago I'm not ashamed of reading troll paradise Tattle. It exposes grifting influencers and their hypocrisy... I'll be bereft if it shuts down: CLAUDIA CONNELL

Given my experience of trolling, you might expect that the news the man behind gossip forum Tattle Life has been sued for defamation would bring a smile to my face. Not so. I, in fact, love Tattle.

Politics

6 h. ago Passport prices could rise AGAIN in another blow for British holidaymakers

Ministers have been urged to increase the current £95 renewal fee to address a growing black hole in the Passport Office's budget.

Economics

8 h. ago Man arrested for upskirting at Beyoncé concert as police announce extra patrols at summer gigs

The number of stadium concerts in London has more than doubled this year, prompting police to shift their focus to major music events

Events

8 h. ago Top medics issue urgent warning over heart drug taken by millions

The twice-daily pill is given to people with acute coronary syndrome -a sudden reduction of blood to the heart-reducing the risk of deadly clots and strokes.

Events

8 h. ago Families urged to avoid this popular sun cream after it failed safety tests

Research by consumer group Which? found two sun creams that failed its safety checks - plus others that others, including budget brands that passed with flying colours

Events

8 h. ago Argos shoppers can grab a Nintendo Switch 2 right now, but you'll have to be fast

The Nintendo Switch 2 is back in stock at Currys, but you'll need to move quickly if you want to get your hands on one of the many available bundles–here's what's on offer

Politics

9 h. ago California is to examine its Amazon oil ties following pleas from Indigenous leaders from Ecuador

The California Senate has introduced a landmark resolution to have the state examine its crude imports from the Amazon, following a visit this week by Indigenous leaders from Ecuador who urged lawmakers to help stop oil expansion in their territories

Politics