5 h. ago Pogacar’s absence from Giro d’Italia may offer breath of fresh air for competition

Dominance of last year’s champion can become predictable and this event could be volatile with more opportunities for the pelotonThe 2025 Giro d’Italia may lack the star power of the Tour de France, but it is likely to make up for it with dynamic and unpredictable racing when it gets under way in Tirana on Friday.Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel, the top three riders in last year’s Tour de France, are not racing, but the Giro will, as ever, throw up plentiful drama. Continue reading...

Politics

14 h. ago Tadej Pogacar’s absence leaves Giro d’Italia field wide open – and gives his countryman another shot at glory

The defending champion may be skipping the corsa rosa but his absence leaves the door open to compatriot Primoz Roglic

Politics

5 d. ago Ukraine war briefing: Russia attacks Kharkiv with drone barrage, injuring 46

Nighttime strikes in four districts prompt fresh appeal from Volodymyr Zelenskyy to boost air defences. What we know on day 1,165See all our Ukraine war coverage Continue reading...

Events

6 d. ago How Kneecap became most controversial band in the UK – podcast

They shot to fame with their provocative blend of rap and republicanism, but their on-stage pronouncements have sparked shock and led to a media storm. Rory Carroll reportsKneecap are no strangers to controversy. They rap about drugs – and are named for the notorious punishment meted out by the IRA at the height of the Troubles to drug dealers, while one of the trio wears a tricolour balaclava.But for their fans – especially those “ceasefire babies” who, like them, grew up in the aftermath of the Good Friday agreement – they are a breath of fresh air. They play with Republican imagery – often mocking it – but are staunch in their nationalism, explains the Guardian’s Ireland correspondent, Rory Carroll. A semi-fictionalised film about their origins won a Bafta. And they have won more praise and fans for their unusual and political choice to rap in Irish. Continue reading...

Politics

6 d. ago How Kneecap became the most controversial band in the UK – podcast

They shot to fame with their provocative blend of rap and republicanism, but their on-stage pronouncements have sparked shock and led to a media storm. Rory Carroll reportsKneecap are no strangers to controversy. They rap about drugs – and are named for the notorious punishment meted out by the IRA at the height of the Troubles to drug dealers, while one of the trio wears a tricolour balaclava.But for their fans – especially those “ceasefire babies” who, like them, grew up in the aftermath of the Good Friday agreement – they are a breath of fresh air. They play with Republican imagery – often mocking it – but are staunch in their nationalism, explains the Guardian’s Ireland correspondent, Rory Carroll. A semi-fictionalised film about their origins won a Bafta. And they have won more praise and fans for their unusual and political choice to rap in Irish. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago How beloved princess was 'a breath of fresh air' for the British Royal Family

Alexandra of Denmark, firstly Princess of Wales and then Queen of the United Kingdom and Empress of India, was renowned as one of the most elegant ladies of her era.

Politics

1 week ago The Honesty Box by Lucy Brazier: Marmalade and marrows saved my marriage

Lucy Brazier battled through her marriage with the help of country air, fresh veg and marmalade.

Politics

1 week ago The Assembly: 'I'm neurodivergent and here's why you should watch this ground

Household names face an outstanding panel of neurodivergent and/or learning disabled interviewers in The Assembly. And the new ITV show is a breath of fresh air.

Politics

1 week ago 'I'm neurodivergent and here's why you should watch ITV's The Assembly'

The Assembly sees some familiar faces get grilled by a panel of neurodivergent and/or learning disabled interviewers on a range of topics. And it's a breath of fresh air.

Politics

2 w. ago Will Smith fans make baffling observation about latest album

The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Men in Black star has enjoyed a successful music career, but his latest album has been dubbed 'a flop' despite the star planning to tour the UK and Europe with the new release

Politics

3 w. ago Nova Scotia House by Charlie Porter review – a headlong rush through the turbulent Aids era

Porter’s urgent prose propels the reader into the gay scene of the 1980s and early 90s as his protagonist’s life is torn apart by the HIV crisisThe humble comma, normally so easily overlooked within a page of text, is clearly Charlie Porter’s weapon of choice for his debut novel. Here, he wields it to propel his narrative forward in the kind of urgent, endless staccato rush that sometimes requires the reader to look briefly up and away, if only to gulp at some fresh air.Nova Scotia House, the 51-year-old journalist’s first work of fiction after two books on fashion, tells the story of living through the Aids crisis of the 1980s and early 90s, and how those who survived it will be forever accompanied by the ghostly presence of those who didn’t.Nova Scotia House by Charlie Porter is published by Particular Books (£18.99). To support the Guardian and Observer order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply Continue reading...

Politics

4 w. ago 'Delicate' designer perfume with 'fresh, spring air' scent cut by 37% on Amazon

The Marc Jacobs Daisy fragrance has remained a staple for perfume fans since it launched in 2007.

Politics

last month Voices: ‘Madman’s dream’ or breath of fresh air? Independent readers divided over 2030 petrol car ban

Our community share their views on the 2030 petrol car ban, from fears of ‘crippling infrastructure costs’ to hopes for ‘cleaner air and smarter incentives’

Politics

last month Amazon knocks £250 off 'breath of fresh air' Acer gaming laptop as gamers hail 'superb value'

This budget-friendly gaming laptop is currently on an unbelievable discount.

Economics