Latest Stories
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Battle of the brothers as royal rift opens
Are Harry and Meghan the future of British royalty? Some think they are a breath of fresh air in a stuffy institution – but others argue it was selfish to give up their royal duties.
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McCartney is a Dickens for our day, says poet
Should Paul McCartney get a Nobel prize? News of a new 900-page autobiography has sparked comparisons with Charles Dickens – and a claim that the former Beatle is a major literary figure.
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Dramatic crash threatens champion’s career
Is this man the greatest athlete in history? In the latest of many dramatic life events, Tiger Woods has survived a terrifying car accident, but there are fears he may never play golf again.
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All eyes on Murdoch as Facebook row deepens
Was Facebook right to ban news content in Australia? As the tech giant responds to a new law, some warn this is a battle with only one real winner – controversial media mogul Rupert Murdoch.
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How a troubled tourist became a TV sensation
Is our obsession with true crime unhealthy? A new series about the disappearance of a young traveller has captivated millions. But critics say the genre harms victims and viewers alike.
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Photo and Oprah date clash with privacy aims
Can celebrities have both publicity and privacy? Harry and Meghan release an intimate portrait and agree to an interview with Oprah Winfrey but demand that the press leave them alone.
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#FreeBritney: new spotlight on troubled star
Are we all partly to blame for her troubles? Britney Spears skyrocketed to fame in the 1990s. Now, a new documentary asks whether her legions of fans are responsible for her downfall too.
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Snubs, rancour and a triumph for three women
Do Hollywood award ceremonies really matter? The Golden Globes have been criticised for some controversial snubs. But its defenders say the headlines miss the event’s true purpose.
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Comic Relief thumbs its nose at the virus
Do the best jokes come from the hardest times? Some people question the idea of holding Red Nose Day during the pandemic, but the comedians launching it insist it is just what we need.
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The musical performed 60 seconds at a time
Can a TikTok video be high art? A new musical produced entirely on TikTok has some wondering if the platform could revolutionise our culture – but others think it is just a passing craze.
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‘This is pre-fascism’ says top US professor
Is it local news that can save democracy? It might sound far-fetched. But respected academic Timothy Snyder is devastating in his diagnosis of America’s ills – and lucid in his prescription.
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Biggest mafia trial for 30 years begins
Are we guilty of glamourising the mafia? The murderous crime families on trial in Italy are accused of unutterable evil – but big-budget films about organised crime remain hugely popular.
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Trump ban sparks fears over power of Big Tech
Has Big Tech gone too far? As social media sites slap bans on Donald Trump, some are applauding their firm stance – while others worry it sets a dangerous precedent for free speech.
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2020: The year in seven fake news stories
How should we deal with fake news? Many western governments are moving towards stricter regulation of tech giants. But others believe that only a more educated public can stop the blight.
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All I want for Christmas is a number one hit
Why are Christmas songs so popular? They drive some people mad, yet they come back year after year and achieve huge sales – and one musicologist argues that some possess real merit.