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My earliest reading memory My mother read to me every night before bed, but by the time I was about three I had begun to focus less on the illustrations and more on the words themselves. Soon afterwards I was reading alone, regularly bringing home four library books a week. My favourite book growing up As a child, I loved Alison Goudge’s The Little White Horse. Its blend of history and gothic fantasy made a lasting impression on me. It is grounded and enchanting, unsettling without ever

Police in South Carolina have determined that the death of US actress Hayden Panettiere was accidental, bringing their local investigation to a close. The Heroes and Nashville actor died in August at the age of 36 after experiencing the toxic effects of fentanyl, Xanax and other substances found in her body. After the medical examiner reported last month that Panettiere had died from a drug overdose, the Greenville Police Department said it had completed its investigation into the case. The US

At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, “Hope,” the new film by South Korean director Na Hong-jin, sparked a considerable reaction. Known for the crime thrillers “The Chaser” and “The Yellow Sea,” the filmmaker returned with a large-scale monster story that left audiences divided. Although the movie went home without awards, some praised it as an inventive take on creature features, a bold dismantling of familiar genre conventions, and a surprisingly sharp satire. Others criticized its excessive

Russian actor Yefim Startsev, known for appearances in the television series “Menty Wars” and “Our Special Forces,” was killed while fighting in Russia’s war against Ukraine. He was 50 years old. Information about his death emerged only recently, although he was reportedly killed on September 30. Russian media, citing people close to the actor, reported that Startsev was buried in St. Petersburg near members of his family. It remains unclear how Yefim Startsev ended up participating in the war

This year’s Toronto International Film Festival brought together an impressive range of talent. In an exclusive portrait studio, filmmakers and performers reflected on the productions that have shaped their lives and careers. Warning: This article includes language that some readers may find offensive. Which film from your career has the greatest meaning for you? Kristine: Sharp Stick, directed by Lena Dunham. It was deeply personal for her, and it became personal for me too. I played Sarah Jo,

The first song I truly adored When I was about five or six, my mum only allowed Christian gospel music in the house. Then her friend Jane took pity on me and gave me a cassette: Whitney Houston on one side, Cher on the other. I was completely stunned by what I heard. I Will Always Love You made me realise: this is what I want to do. The first single I bought It was So Young by the Corrs, bought from Sainsbury’s in Walton Village, Liverpool. Music was something I could rarely afford as a child,

US actor RJ Mitte, widely recognised for playing Walter White’s outspoken son in the drama series Breaking Bad, has died at the age of 34. “It is with immense sadness that we confirm the tragic death of beloved actor, philanthropist and committed disability-rights advocate RJ Mitte,” his representative said in a statement. Mitte died on Monday in Brownsville, Texas. His publicist said that his death was the result of suicide. The actor, who had cerebral palsy, brought personal understanding to

From October 10, 2026, four zodiac signs may enter a phase associated with welcome changes and renewed momentum. The focus could fall on career opportunities, financial matters, and personal relationships. Astrology, tarot reading, numerology, palmistry, psychic practices, and similar approaches are not scientific disciplines. They are based on long-standing traditions, beliefs, and interpretations that have not been confirmed by scientific research or objective evidence. These methods are not

This follow-up to The Social Network turns Facebook’s whistleblower scandal into a drama about corporate secrecy. Yet despite Jeremy Strong’s cold, vacant Mark Zuckerberg, the film rarely generates much suspense. The Social Network (2010) was, on paper, a story about socially awkward students building a website. In practice, it became a sharply entertaining awards success, winning three Oscars and receiving five further nominations. David Fincher directed Aaron Sorkin’s rapid-fire script, while

The British Museum has announced adjustments to the way visitors access its Bayeux Tapestry exhibition following complaints about lengthy queues and overcrowded conditions. The new arrangements will include extended opening times, an audio guide, more seating and improved signs throughout the visitor route. A museum representative said interest in the 11th-century embroidery had been “remarkable”, while accepting that some guests had faced waits far longer than expected. Some visitors said they

A horoscope has been prepared for the week of October 5 to 11, 2026. People born under three zodiac signs may feel especially supported by favorable circumstances. In the coming days, events could seem to unfold in their favor, while a bold and optimistic mindset may help them believe that even their most ambitious goals are within reach. Astrology, tarot reading, numerology, palmistry, extrasensory practices, and similar approaches are not scientific disciplines. They are based on longstanding

After a long shift working in school maintenance, 28-year-old Paul likes to relax with a romance novel, especially one that mixes love with fantasy or horror. He gets through five or six books each month. One recent favourite was Love Bytes, about an eight-foot werewolf woman who leads a wildly successful AI company and falls for an attractive ballroom dance teacher. Paul first discovered romance through what he describes as its more conventional branch, including the Regency world of

New drama Primetime, starring Robert Pattinson, examines the polarising television format built around sting operations targeting suspected abusers. A major ratings success at the time, the series also prompted lasting arguments over media ethics. In November 2004, a confrontational new feature called To Catch a Predator appeared on NBC’s current affairs programme Dateline. Presented like a standard investigative report, it showed a television crew stationed at a suburban house, waiting for

I had read enough interviews with Sophie Calle to expect a difficult exchange. France’s best-known conceptual artist has a reputation for being elusive. That is why the woman on screen surprises me: she is warm, smiling and apparently generous with herself. Large tinted glasses cover her eyes, though I imagine them sparkling behind the lenses. Then, 10 minutes into our conversation, she tells me she is fascinated by absence. When I ask what draws her to it, she replies: “Why do you live in

Well-known Ukrainian TV presenter Solomiia Vitvitska, who is preparing to become a mother for the first time very soon, has shared new details about her pregnancy at the age of 46. The presenter traditionally spoke with her Instagram followers and answered the questions that interested them most. In particular, Solomiia revealed how many kilograms she has gained during this special period. The host is currently in her 39th week of pregnancy. "I actually had some reserves even before

On 7 September 1978 in London, Georgi Markov was struck by an umbrella in an attack widely believed to have been a political poisoning linked to the KGB. He died four days later. In the following year, Markov’s widow and older brother told the BBC programme Panorama that they had received warnings about a planned murder only months earlier from an unidentified caller. "He felt a sharp jab in his thigh. When he turned around, there was a man behind him who apologised and picked up an

Tschabalala Self is strikingly upbeat and determinedly hopeful. The American artist is preparing for the unveiling of Lady in Blue, her new work for the fourth plinth in London’s Trafalgar Square: a monumental, vividly painted bronze figure of a black woman moving confidently into the future. Self speaks with certainty about the sculpture, despite the experience she had with her previous public artwork in Britain. “Yes,” she says from her home in upstate New York. “That was an openly racist

Onimusha: Way of the Sword Two decades after its last outing, Capcom’s fiercely stylish action series is back. Samurai master Miyamoto Musashi faces armies of fighters and monstrous demons across Edo-era Kyoto. Learn its demanding swordplay before plunging into a storm of clashing steel, flying limbs and spectacular sprays of blood. 4 September; PC, PS5, Switch 2, Xbox Screenbound Described as gaming’s first 5D platformer, Screenbound asks players to explore a 3D environment while also

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Final arguments are set for Monday in one of the most closely watched hip-hop trials, involving the man prosecutors say helped arrange the killing of Tupac Shakur. Duane “Keffe D” Davis, 63, is charged with one count of murder with a deadly weapon, with prosecutors alleging the crime was intended to benefit or support a criminal gang. The charge stems from Shakur’s killing in Las Vegas nearly three decades ago. A jury pool of 16 people, including four alternates, heard

Drawing on the DIY pop-rock feminist spirit of the 1990s, Olivia Rodrigo turned a benefit concert into a major fundraising effort for women’s well-being, bringing her young fan base into the movement and generating $20 million. Daisy Chain Fields featured a women-centered lineup that included queer pop performer Chappell Roan, rising rapper Doechii and riot grrrl trailblazers Bikini Kill, all supporting women’s health, workplace rights and legal protections. Before Saturday’s festival in