James

Chair of judges Mary Beard said each of the 13 books in contention for the £50,000 award ‘takes the reader to new places’• Comment: This Booker longlist may have two previous winners, but it’s keen to experimentDouglas Stuart and Marlon James, two previous winners of the Booker, have been named on this year’s longlist, alongside three-time nominee Elizabeth Strout, in a collection that “rewards risk”.The 13 novels selected for the 2026 prize, announced on Tuesday, feature authors of seven nationalities across three continents, with almost half from the UK. Ten of the writers are appearing on a Booker longlist for the first time, including three debut novelists: Kenan Orhan, Rebecca Perry and Djamel White. Continue reading...

US president responds to question about NBA’s ‘best ever’James backed three candidates who ran against TrumpIn a bizarre response to being asked to weigh in on the basketball careers of ⁠Michael Jordan and LeBron James, the US president Donald Trump said that James might be “a racist”.In Friday’s ⁠White House press ⁠conference, ​the Fox News reporter Peter Doocy mentioned that James intends to sign with ⁠the Philadelphia 76ers, then asked the president whether Jordan or James is the “best ever”. Continue reading...

• The James Webb Space Telescope has released new observations providing deeper insights into the nature of exoplanets, distant galaxies, and the early universe. • These discoveries are transforming the field of astronomy by challenging existing models and prompting scientists to ask previously unconsidered questions. • The findings matter because they shift the scientific focus from seeking single answers to uncovering complex, unexpected cosmic phenomena.

Woolsey died of a stroke at Washington home after facing ‘Havana syndrome’ reported by some government officialsR James Woolsey, a national security expert who led the CIA for two turbulent years after his appointment by Bill Clinton, has died. He was 84.Woolsey, who became CIA director in early 1993, died on Tuesday at his home in Washington, according to several newspapers. Conchita Sarnoff Woolsey, his wife, told the newspapers that he died from a stroke. Continue reading...

• Astronomers utilized the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to investigate the mechanisms by which early galaxies filled the infant cosmos with cosmic dust. • To uncover these secrets, researchers studied a closer, more recent galaxy to provide a detailed proxy for understanding ancient galactic environments. • This discovery is significant because the JWST's advanced capabilities allow scientists to observe high-detail environments that were previously unreachable.

• Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) are investigating the origin of "little red dots," mysterious objects appearing frequently in surveys of the early universe. • Researchers discovered that these red dots are often paired with "little blue companions," providing a new clue to their nature. • This discovery is significant as it may help scientists determine whether these objects are small, dense galaxies or supermassive black holes from the dawn of time.

• Raymond James stock is trading steadily following quarterly results that revealed higher revenue and strong client asset flows. • Growth is primarily driven by the company's diversified business model, specifically its Private Client Group, Capital Markets, Asset Management, and RJ Bank segments. • The firm is balancing disciplined capital returns with the need to retain earnings to support balance-sheet growth in lending and interest-earning activities.

• NASA released a high-resolution image of the Centaurus A galaxy to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the James Webb Space Telescope. • The image captures the aftermath of a massive cosmic collision that occurred approximately 2 billion years ago, resulting in the galaxy's unique, distorted shape. • This release highlights the telescope's ability to build upon previous astronomical foundations and provide deeper insights into galactic evolution.

• On July 6, the Royal Box at Wimbledon welcomed a variety of celebrities, including actors James Norton and Ncuti Gatwa, as well as tennis legend Roger Federer. • The day's schedule on Centre Court features three fourth-round matches: Jasmine Paolini vs. Alexandra Eala, Arthur Fery vs. Grigor Dimitrov, and Jiri Lehecka vs. second seed Alexander Zverev. • These matchups are critical as the tournament progresses, highlighting the final remaining British star, Arthur Fery, and top-seeded contenders.

• Astronomers have utilized the James Webb Space Telescope to create the most detailed map of the cosmic web to date. • The project focuses on unmasking "hidden corners" of the universe by visualizing the vast network of filaments that connect galaxies. • This achievement matters as it provides unprecedented insight into the large-scale structure of the cosmos and the distribution of dark matter.

• The July 4, 2026, science roundup highlights three major discoveries: the James Webb Space Telescope's identification of a previously unknown substance, the rapid growth of China's "Great Green Wall," and the resolution of a Medici family murder mystery. • The report emphasizes the telescope's role in expanding astronomical knowledge and the environmental impact of China's accelerated reforestation efforts. • These findings matter as they bridge the gap between cutting-edge astrophysics, global climate mitigation, and historical forensic analysis.

• The James Webb Space Telescope has detected a missing wavelength of light on both Pluto and Saturn's moon, Titan. • This specific signal indicates the presence of a mysterious molecule that has never been observed elsewhere in the solar system or the wider universe. • The discovery is significant because it suggests these distant worlds harbor unique chemical compositions previously unknown to science.

• Astronomers used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to observe a unique gas giant exoplanet orbiting a dead star. • The discovery provides a rare glimpse into the final stages of a planetary system's life cycle after its host star has ceased nuclear fusion. • This observation is significant because it serves as a "time machine," allowing scientists to predict the eventual fate of our own solar system.

Ahead of England’s first knockout game of the World Cup, Love Letter to England celebrates what English people have in commonWhat does it mean to be English? Ahead of England’s first knockout game of the World Cup, Ian McKellen and the award-winning playwright James Graham have released a short film that attempts to answer that deceptively simple question.The film, Love Letter to England, explores and celebrates what people across the country have in common. It draws on early contributions to the National Conversation, a UK-wide initiative that began last month. Continue reading...

• Neymar has returned to competitive action, appearing as a substitute in a match against Scotland during the World Cup 2026 cycle. • Other high-profile players, including Lamine Yamal, Christian Pulisic, Mohamed Salah, and Reece James, are currently being monitored for injuries. • These updates are critical as teams manage the fitness of star athletes to ensure maximum squad strength for the tournament.

Acoustic recording of a song titled The World Is Not Enough included in wide-ranging auction featuring formative Coldplay recordingsA lost demo recording of a song Coldplay’s Chris Martin reportedly intended for 1999 James Bond film The World Is Not Enough is going up for auction, alongside other recordings from the band’s earliest years.For the auction by Wax Poetics, the British producer Chris Allison is making available an archive of recordings the band made prior to their Allison-produced second EP The Blue Room, released in October 1999. Continue reading...

• Neymar has officially returned to action, appearing as a substitute in a match against Scotland during the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. • Despite Neymar's return, significant injury concerns persist for other key stars, including Lamine Yamal, Reece James, and Christian Pulisic. • These updates are critical as teams manage the fitness of their marquee players to ensure full strength for the tournament.

• Neymar has officially returned to action, appearing as a substitute in a match against Scotland during the World Cup cycle. • Despite Neymar's return, several high-profile players including Mohamed Salah, Reece James, Lamine Yamal, and Christian Pulisic remain on the injury tracker. • These injuries are critical as teams navigate the 2026 World Cup preparations, potentially impacting the tactical setups and competitiveness of major national squads.

The Happy Valley actor is lined up as the lead in German director Thomas Ostermeier’s first Shakespearean play in EnglishJames Norton is to take on his first major Shakespearean stage role and play Hamlet in the West End next year.The King & Conqueror star said it was a “privilege” and “pretty terrifying” to be cast as the tragic prince in the acclaimed German director Thomas Ostermeier’s production next autumn. Norton was last on stage in 2023 in the harrowing A Little Life, based on Hanya Yanagihara’s novel, which the actor described as the hardest thing he has ever done. Continue reading...

Decision is one of Makerfield MP’s most significant since his Westminster return as he builds his team for governmentAndy Burnham has chosen his Blairite former colleague James Purnell as his chief of staff, the Guardian understands, as he begins to finalise his team for government.The Makerfield MP has picked his former cabinet colleague to be his right-hand man in Downing Street, in one of the most significant decisions he has made since returning to Westminster. Continue reading...

• The James Webb Space Telescope has captured a detailed image of the Orion A region, showcasing its star-forming clouds in vibrant colors. • The image provides a unique view of the region, highlighting its intricate details and beauty. • This capture is significant as it helps astronomers study the formation of stars and planets in the Orion A region.

• The James Webb Space Telescope has detected intense, collision-driven "galaxy-killing winds" in ancient galaxies existing near the dawn of time. • These powerful winds appear to have caused early galaxies to "live fast and die young" by stripping away the gas necessary for star formation. • This discovery is significant as it provides a potential preview of the eventual death of the Milky Way and other similar galactic structures.

• LeBron James earned his first NBA Championship and Finals MVP honors after the Miami Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 4 games to 1. • In golf, 21-year-old Jordan Spieth won the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay after Dustin Johnson missed a critical 12-foot putt on the final hole. • Spieth's victory makes him the youngest player to win two major championships since Gene Sarazen in 1922.

• The James Webb Space Telescope captured a detailed image of OMC-2, a massive cosmic cloud of creation located within the Sword of Orion. • The photograph reveals newborn stars, glowing gas, and sculpted jets, providing a glimpse into the early stages of stellar formation. • This discovery is significant as it allows astronomers to study the complex environments where stars are born and how they interact with surrounding gas.

• Legendary sitcom director and co-creator of Cheers, James "Jimmy" Burrows, has died peacefully at the age of 85. • Over a career spanning more than 50 years, Burrows directed over 1,000 episodes of iconic series, including Will and Grace and The Big Bang Theory. • His immense contribution to television is highlighted by 11 Emmy Awards and five Directors Guild of America Awards.

• Television stars including Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, and Tony Danza have shared tributes following the death of prolific director James Burrows at age 85. • Christopher Nolan, a two-time Academy Award winner, also honored Burrows' legacy on behalf of the Directors Guild of America. • Burrows was one of the film and television industry's most respected directors, known for his extensive work with legendary sitcom casts.

Birds have been in the park since the Russian ambassador gave King Charles II two in 1664 – but none ever bred there They arrived in the royal park shortly before the Great Fire of London, when the Russian ambassador presented a pair to King Charles II as a gift.But although pelicans have been living in St James’s Park since 1664, none ever learned the art of courtship until now – when the first time in more than 360 years, chicks have been born. Continue reading...

• Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have discovered a "salty surprise" on a cold exoplanet nicknamed the "Pink Planet." • The research team noted that the chemical composition of this planet is unlike any other celestial body they have previously analyzed. • This discovery is significant as it provides new insights into the atmospheric makeup of some of the coldest exoplanets in the universe.