Ward: Good News

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The 12 best last-minute Christmas gifts for 2025 that will arrive by December 24

We’re almost out of time — the holidays are just about here, and if you’re still doing your holiday shopping, you’re not alone. Between wrapping things up at work before some well-deserved time off and making sure you have everything you need to host family and friends, it can be hard to find the ti…

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Powerball's Christmas Eve jackpot rises to about $1.7 billion

With no winner in Monday's drawing, the Powerball jackpot on Christmas Eve will be an estimated $1.7 billion.

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Hamas Releases Four Female Israeli Soldiers Under Gaza Cease-Fire Deal

The hostages are the second set to be released since the multiphase agreement came into effect, raising hopes for a lasting end to the war.

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Dynastic Jewels combines stunning stones with compelling stories

The choicest European and Asian regal jewels from the Al Thani Collection are on show in Paris

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The best board games to gift and play with the family for the 2025 holiday season

Once upon a time, a "board game" meant Monopoly or Risk. Then several brave souls dared to ask the question: "What if this was fun?" Thirty years later, we're blessed with tabletop games that challenge our minds, immerse us in other worlds and conjure good times with those we love — sometimes all th…

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Freed Nigerian schoolchildren to be reunited with families

Month-long ordeal ends but no details released on how they regained their freedom or who was behind abductionA final group of 130 kidnapped Nigerian schoolchildren freed by the government on Sunday are expected to be reunited with their families in the central Niger state on Monday, ending a month-l…

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Manchester Museum seeks help to uncover hidden histories of African collection

New Africa Hub confronts colonial-era silences by asking visitors to share insights on 40,000 objectsIt’s a rare thing for a museum to talk about what it doesn’t know. But unanswered questions and archival silences are at the heart of the new Africa Hub at Manchester Museum, north-west England, whic…

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Bethlehem prepares for Christmas after two years of canceled celebrations

Christmas celebrations are back in Bethlehem after two years.

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The best slippers for men and women, from cosy sheepskin mules to chic ballet shoes

Whether you’re trying to stay warm at home or smarten up for guests, we’ve found the perfect slippers and bed socks for everyone – even if you don’t normally like them• The best women’s pyjamas• The best men’s pyjamasIf it’s true that you can judge a person by their shoes, then it’s perhaps even mor…

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The best subscription box gifts for 2025

Subscription boxes are the rare gift that keeps its charm long after the wrapping paper is gone. You make the choice once, but the surprises keep landing on their doorstep for months after that. For anyone who loves the buzz of a delivery, these are gifts that extend the season well past December. E…

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Killer whales and dolphins are ‘being friends’ to hunt salmon together

White-sided dolphins seem to help killer whales "scout" and catch Chinook salmon near Vancouver Island, then eat the leftovers

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The 17 Best Gifts for Plant Lovers We’d Buy Ourselves (2025)

Plant parents don’t always want another plant—up your gift-giving game with these favorite plant presents we've tested.

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Share a tip on your favourite beach in Europe

Tell us about a lesser-known European beach – the best tip wins £200 towards a Coolstays breakAt this time of year, thoughts turn to warmer days and dreamy holidays on sun-drenched beaches. We’d love to hear about beaches you’ve discovered on your travels in Europe (excluding the UK). We’re interest…

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Lessons From My Father's Long, Good Life

Frederick Baker was born in 1920 and died last week. He was an even-tempered man of kindness and faith.

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How a child bride escaped Afghanistan and became a bodybuilding champion

She left Afghanistan as a teenage mother. Now bodybuuilding champion Roya Karimi has a message for the Taliban.

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'A huge surprise': 1,500-year-old church found next to Zoroastrianism place of worship in Iraq

A 2,000-year-old palace in the Republic of Georgia and a 1,500-year-old church in Iraq suggest Zoroastrians coexisted with people of other religions.

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Jump-start your fluency goals with this exclusive lifetime Babbel offer

Get lifetime access to all 14 Babbel languages for a one-time price — no subscriptions, no renewals, just nonstop learning.

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Sign up for the Feast newsletter: our free Guardian food email

A weekly email from our star chefs featuring the latest recipes and seasonal eating ideasEach week we’ll send you an exclusive newsletter from our star food writers. We’ll also send you the latest recipes from our star chefs, stand-out food features and seasonal eating inspiration, plus restaurant r…

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'A miracle': Officer shot in head during Bondi attack home from hospital

The Christmas homecoming of Jack Hibbert, who was shot in the head and shoulder, is a "miracle", his family say.

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The Latest Gaza Hostages Freed: Women Whose Hamas Warnings Were Ignored

The swap for four soldiers stationed on the border of the Gaza Strip at Nahal Oz follows 15 months of captivity and a campaign by their families.