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The Odyssey
The trials of Christopher Nolan
Homer’s epic poses several challenges to any filmmaker, not least the fury of fans who don’t read Greek, Xavier Greenwood writes
America turns 250
Dear King Donny
The Declaration of Independence, signed 250 years ago, is a litany of complaints about George III. But several pertain to the sitting US president, Evan Moffitt writes
World Cup 2026
Levelling up
So-called ‘smaller nations’ have closed the gap to the footballing giants – which is good news for the game, Rory Smith writes
For today
Politics
Xavier Greenwood
Donald Trump made a staggering amount of money last year
Data centres
Isabel Coles
Revolt against AI opens new rift in American politics
Social media
James Tapper
TikTok the ‘worst culprit’ for young people’s poor mental health
Wimbledon
Jessy Parker Humphreys
How sport manufacturers are keeping their athletes cool in soaring heat
The critics
Audio
Miranda Sawyer
Russell Tovey’s tale of two brothers is a tribute to queer lives
Music
Kitty Empire
With Confessions II, Madonna dances in the middle of the road
TV
Olivia Ovenden
Elle – the jury’s out on the Legally Blonde prequel
Theatre
Susannah Clapp
Archduke – Franz Ferdinand assassination drama is a misfire
Time well spent
Further reading
From Dave Eggers to Benjamin Zephaniah
Your essential guide from The Observer’s books desk
Further listening
Pride anthems
As London welcomes Pride this weekend, our critic selects the best queer tunes for both celebration and protest
Further watching
From Chris and Martina to The Pitt
The Observer’s TV critic Barbara Ellen on the best new shows airing and streaming
Lifestyle
View more
Ideas
View more
Silicon Valley
Tim Adams
Google and the (multi) billion dollar question
Jeffrey Donaldson
Melanie Reid
In the hands of abusers, holiness is another tool of control
State of the nation
Kenan Malik
From anti-racists to racists, the grooming gangs debate has betrayed the victims
Artificial intelligence
Erica Wagner
Our tech overlords just don’t get reality
Sport
View more
Tennis
Jessy Parker Humphreys
Arthur Fery stands tall to reach Wimbledon third round
Tennis
Paul Hayward
Serena Williams’s Wimbledon return ends in first-round defeat after four-year absence
Cricket
Jessy Parker Humphreys
Sublime England see off South Africa for another shot at glory
World Cup
Seun Matiluko
Diaspora divisions have given way to joyful World Cup pan-Africanism
Food
View more
Recipe
Tomos Parry
Broad beans with burnt cucumbers, and peas, little gem and anchovy cream
Wine
David Williams
A vine romance: heritage grapevines
Recipe
Nigel Slater
Nigel Slater’s recipe for grilled apricots with rose-petal syrup
Restaurants
Chitra Ramaswamy
Eleven Fifty Five, Glasgow: ‘Three joyously sybaritic hours have passed…’
Meet the Observers
To meet more of our team, click here
Tortoise Investigates
Deep Water
In the high-stakes sport of freediving, athletes descend as deep as they can on a single breath. They are used to putting their lives at risk. Through her diving instructor, Lydia Gard discovered a new threat that could tear their community apart: drug use
Sweet Bobby
Kirat is a successful radio presenter. On Facebook she meets Bobby, a handsome cardiologist. He’s a catch. Soon, they get tangled up in a love affair full of lies and manipulation. Then… Kirat discovers a deception of almost unimaginable proportions. Alexi Mostrous investigates a very modern love story
Lucky Boy
Gareth’s whole life has been defined by a relationship he had 35 years ago when, as a 14-year-old schoolboy, he fell in love with an attractive young teacher at his school. He spent most afternoons in her bedroom. But when she walked out of his life, everything started to unravel. Chloe Hadjimatheou asks: who gets to be a perpetrator, and who gets to be a victim?
