Scottish-American writer and public figure
The Booker Prize has announced its longlist of 13 novels for 2026, featuring veterans and debut authors from seven countries. Mary Beard chairs a panel that has prioritised risk-taking, with titles spanning Jamaica, Scotland, Mexico, Turkey, and the United States. The list aims to diversify the canon and spark debate ahead of the November winner reveal.
A 19-year-old Norwegian footballer, Johannes Kongsnes Natland, has been found guilty of conspiracy to murder in London after being recruited by the Foxtrot Network, a Swedish crime group with links to the Iranian regime. He travelled to the UK with two guns and ammunition and was arrested in Huddersfield last year. Sanctions against Foxtrot Network remain in place.
A review-based look at a new film and literary outings, weighing the tension between art, ambition and everyday lives. The Guardian’s Possible Love is described as a sombre, bittersweet drama exploring class, desire and documentary ethics; Late Fame follows Willem Dafoe in a comeback story rooted in Schnitzler and modern performance; Sophie, Standing There explores parasocial relationships with authors; Anita Brookner’s portrait examines her life behind the public image; Life of M. draws fire for its portrayal of a real-life actor.