From Labour’s winter fuel payments to a wedgie: Edith Pritchett’s week in Venn diagrams – cartoon

Today's photo selection from The Guardian showcases a delightful mix of obedient police dogs and a vibrant dragon dance, capturing the essence of community spirit and celebration. These images not only highlight the impressive training of police dogs but also the cultural significance of the dragon dance, making it a joyful reminder of the beauty in our diverse traditions.

Recent plays like 'Weather Girl' and 'Kyoto' are successfully bringing the climate crisis to the forefront of theater in New York. These productions tackle the complexities of climate change in a way that resonates with audiences, proving that even difficult topics can be engaging and thought-provoking. This shift is significant as it encourages more conversations about one of humanity's greatest challenges, making the issue more relatable and urgent for viewers.

In a scathing critique, Nesrine Malik highlights the increasingly harsh and absurd demands placed on immigrants in the UK, such as requiring voluntary work and imposing lengthy waits for citizenship. This trend reflects a broader political strategy to scapegoat 'outsiders' rather than addressing the real issues of social integration. Malik's insights matter because they reveal how these policies not only affect individuals but also undermine the fabric of society by fostering division and resentment.

Labour MPs are pushing back against plans by the housing secretary and the London mayor to cut affordable housing quotas in the city. They argue that reducing these quotas could undermine efforts to provide necessary housing for those in need, especially as the capital faces a housing crisis. This debate is crucial as it highlights the tension between increasing homebuilding and ensuring that affordable options remain available for residents.

The Guardian's editorial critiques hybrid cars, highlighting that they pollute more than manufacturers claim and hinder the transition to fully electric vehicles. As battery technology advances and electric vehicles become more affordable, the reliance on hybrids may delay the necessary shift towards greener transportation solutions. This matters because it raises concerns about the environmental impact of hybrids and the urgency needed to adopt cleaner alternatives.

Ella Baron's latest cartoon captures the dramatic fall from grace of Prince Andrew, highlighting the ongoing controversies surrounding his royal titles and public image. This matters because it reflects the broader implications of accountability and public perception in the royal family, especially as they navigate their roles in modern society.

In a recent inquiry featured in a long-running series, readers are exploring the question of what the most common word in the world is, excluding brand names. This discussion not only piques curiosity but also highlights the fascinating variations in word frequency across different languages and modes of communication. Understanding these linguistic nuances can deepen our appreciation for language and its role in human connection.

The article highlights the urgent debt crisis facing countries in the global south, particularly Ethiopia, which is on the brink of legal action from creditors after failed negotiations to restructure its $1 billion debt. With rising borrowing costs and cuts to aid budgets from western governments like the UK, the situation is becoming increasingly dire. This matters because it underscores the need for renewed commitment from developed nations to support sustainable development and prevent further economic turmoil in vulnerable regions.

The Canadian government is set to announce new anti-fraud measures aimed at enhancing financial security for consumers and businesses. With a noticeable rise in fraud cases, these initiatives are crucial for protecting citizens and maintaining trust in the financial system. The finance minister's upcoming speech is highly anticipated as it promises to address these pressing concerns and outline steps to safeguard the economy.

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy is set to begin a five-year prison sentence related to his 2007 presidential campaign funding from Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Ahead of this significant legal consequence, Sarkozy met with current President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. This meeting highlights the ongoing political ramifications of Sarkozy's actions and raises questions about the future of French politics as the country grapples with the legacy of its former leaders.

The arrival of US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Israel, along with Vice President JD Vance set to join tomorrow, signals a renewed effort to stabilize the fragile ceasefire in Gaza. This development is crucial as it highlights the ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the Middle East crisis and the importance of international involvement in fostering peace in the region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his willingness to attend a potential summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Hungary, should he receive an invitation. However, he criticized Budapest as the chosen location for the meeting, especially in light of Trump's controversial suggestion that Ukraine may need to cede territory to achieve peace. This statement highlights the ongoing complexities of international diplomacy surrounding the Ukraine conflict and raises questions about the implications of such negotiations.

James Comey, the former FBI director, is facing a critical deadline to file a motion to dismiss charges of lying to Congress, which he plans to argue is a result of vindictive prosecution. Meanwhile, the Senate is set to vote for the 11th time on a funding bill aimed at reopening the government, which has been in a shutdown for 20 days with no resolution in sight. This situation highlights the ongoing political strife and the impact of government dysfunction on the public.

A tragic accident involving a Boeing 747-400 cargo plane in Hong Kong has resulted in the loss of two lives. The aircraft had just taken off from Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport when the incident occurred. This event highlights the ongoing risks associated with air cargo operations and raises concerns about aviation safety protocols.