3 h. ago Holyrood committee writes to National Library to 'understand' decision making process amid gender book row

The book was chosen not to go on display as part of an exhibition in the National Library of Scotland

Politics

4 d. ago New James Bond writer insists Brits should celebrate ‘creative nationalism’ and not ‘glorify division’

Steven Knight thinks the UK should be flying the flag about ‘The Beatles, Rolling Stones and our fantastic actors’

Politics

5 d. ago ‘Fight like heck’: US Eagles seek World Cup spot amid MLR turmoil

Just before Sunday’s crucial qualifier against Samoa in Denver, the American domestic league lost a third team in less than two monthsThe US Eagles men can qualify for the 2027 World Cup on Sunday, by beating Samoa in the Pacific Nations Cup fifth-place play-off in Denver. Defeat will not end hopes of making it to Australia, as further play-offs await. But in another horrible week for American men’s rugby, to have one weighty challenge dealt with would be welcome indeed.On Thursday, in a move the Guardian understands caught other team owners by surprise, the Houston SaberCats became the third team to drop out of Major League Rugby this year. That reduced the competition to just seven teams from 11 last season, given the merger of San Diego and LA, announced in August as NOLA Gold and Miami Sharks also called it quits. Houston, San Diego and NOLA were founder clubs in 2018.Martin Pengelly writes on Substack at The National Maul, on rugby in the US Continue reading...

Politics

6 d. ago ‘I haven’t even googled how to write a play!’: Nima Taleghani bringing rap to the National Theatre

The Heartstopper star’s exhilarating reboot of Euripides is the first debut play to grace the hallowed Olivier stage – but it nearly didn’t happen. ‘Its not in my bones,’ he saysNima Taleghani seems astonished that I know anything about him. This is the man who plays Mr Farouk, quite beautifully, in the phenomenally successful Netflix series Heartstopper. He’s an established stage actor and has featured in a number of director Jamie Lloyd’s recent blockbuster theatre productions, from memorable turns in Lloyd’s bold new versions of Cyrano de Bergerac and Romeo and Juliet – where Taleghani’s skill as a rap artist helped him shine in the director’s stripped-back, miked-up productions.This month, Taleghani will be the very first playwright to have a debut play staged on the vast Olivier stage at London’s National Theatre. To top it all off, the production – a ferociously original, rap-infused take on Euripides’ Greek tragedy The Bacchae – will open Indhu Rubasingham’s inaugural season ...

Politics

1 week ago Jade: That’s Showbiz Baby! review – former Little Mix star thrives in chaos on an idiosyncratic debut

(Sony)Jade Thirlwall offers a wild ride through electroclash, Eurovision drama and emotive synth-pop – albeit one she can’t quite maintain for a whole albumLast month, the indefatigable Vice magazine published a piece on the “summer of British chaos”, documenting a scene of deranged social media provocateurs existing at the crispiest fringes of our nation’s cooked identity. Writer Clive Martin defined these graven images of the algorithm as being regionally specific, lurid, rowdy, funny and hedonistic. As a former member of Little Mix, a girl band put together via public vote on The X Factor, Jade Thirlwall might not seem like the likeliest bedfellow of this unhinged movement. But the South Shields pop star’s debut solo single, last year’s Angel of My Dreams, dodged focus-grouped smoothness to present a sublimely whacked-out, thoroughly British pop vision that felt like spinning through someone else’s for you page and realising they exist in a markedly different universe from your o...

Events

1 week ago ‘Shout out to the girls’: US exit Rugby World Cup but young stars stoke hope for future

The Eagles thrashed Samoa but missed the quarter-finals on points differential. Nonetheless, a joyful display was fitting for a team showing encouraging signs The US Eagles exited the World Cup on Saturday after beating Samoa 60-0 in York but seeing Australia hold England to 47-7 in Brighton, enough for the Wallaroos to reach the quarter-finals on points differential.Kate Zackary’s team will be disappointed to miss a last-eight date with Canada, knowing they might well have made it had a few things gone differently.Martin Pengelly writes on Substack at The National Maul, on rugby in the US Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago National Library of Scotland readmits gender critical essay book featuring JK Rowling in censorship U

The book includes submissions by authors including Harry Potter creator JK Rowling.

Culture

2 w. ago Colin Smyth: MSP resigns from Holyrood committee after toilet camera claims

MSP Colin Smyth has denied the allegations.

Politics

2 w. ago BBC Countryfile's Matt Baker opens up on 'big' decisions with wife after 'end of a chapter'

Countryfile presenter Matt Baker has addressed the future of his show, Our Farm in the Dales, and the family's decision-making process while filming

Politics

4 w. ago MSP charged with possession of indecent images urged to stand down from Holyrood committee

EXCLUSIVE: Colin Smyth, who was this week suspended by Labour, has been urged to stand aside from a key Holyrood role.

Politics