Guardian’s former Gaza reporter acclaimed at British Journalism Awards

Historian Mary Beard will chair the 2026 Booker Prize judging panel, which includes Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker, novelist Patricia Lockwood, poet Raymond Antrobus, and Guardian Saturday magazine editor Rebecca Liu. The panel is tasked with identifying the standout work of fiction for the upcoming year.

The Guardian's picture editors have curated a selection of striking photographs, including images of fighting antelopes set against the backdrop of a Brazilian sunset, showcasing the beauty and drama of nature. This collection highlights the power of visual storytelling in capturing significant moments from around the world.

In a landmark ruling, a Montana judge found in favor of 16 youth plaintiffs in the case Held v Montana, determining that state officials violated their constitutional rights by promoting fossil fuels. The Montana Supreme Court upheld this decision in late 2024, but recent state laws contradict the ruling, prompting the plaintiffs to seek enforcement from the court.

Australia has revealed the most complained about advertisements for 2025, with concerns primarily centered around themes of sex, nudity, violence, and health and safety. Among the ads that drew significant complaints are those depicting cars driving through a zombie neighborhood and children engaging in inappropriate behavior. The assessment was based on 5,000 complaints reviewed by the advertising watchdog.

Accra Cultural Week showcased the vibrant art scene of Ghana's capital, highlighting its significance as a cultural hub for both locals and the diaspora. The event featured various artistic expressions, celebrating resilience and creativity within the community.

A recent report highlights that approximately 56,000 individuals control three times the wealth of half the global population, illustrating the stark disparity in wealth distribution. This elite group, referred to as the 0.001%, represents a small fraction of the world's population yet holds immense financial power.

UK police forces have successfully lobbied to implement a biased facial recognition system, which is known to produce more incorrect matches for women and Black individuals, after expressing dissatisfaction with a previous version that yielded fewer potential suspects.

Scientists have issued a warning that synthetic chemicals in the food system, such as phthalates and pesticides, are contributing to a health burden estimated at $2.2 trillion annually, linked to rising rates of cancer, infertility, and neurodevelopmental disorders. This alarming report highlights the detrimental impact of these chemicals on both human health and the environment.