Latest Stories
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Technology pushes animals out of films
In 1895, a dog wandered past a camera recording one of the first-ever films. Animals have been regular movie stars since then, but technology means they could soon be a thing of the past.
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Social media stands up to racism
Can social media be a force for good? Last week, millions posted black squares across channels in support of the Black Lives Matter movement – but critics suggest it is not enough.
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TikTok gets serious about climate change
Is TikTok a force for good? The fastest growing app in the world was developed so teenagers could mess around. Now, young people are using it to speak out and make a difference.
- Chosen by you
- Culture
- Reading Band 14+
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Social media goes to war against the virus
At first, the official advice was to sing “Happy Birthday” while washing your hands. Now, people are getting creative on social media in attempts to help control the spread of the virus.
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Nicest man in the world inspires us all
In the film A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood, Tom Hanks plays a character who is deeply and completely kind and decent. Based on a true story, millions of people are flocking to see it.
- Culture
- Reading Band 8
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JiffPom tops list of cutest social media stars
This cuddly creature is the most popular animal on Instagram in Britain. We human love our furry friends to bits. But some people say we should give more attention to humans in need.
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A new national anthem – for Mars!
Does Mars need a national anthem? An opera singer has just performed his latest musical piece, Rise to Mars! Will it inspire people to head to the Red Planet?
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Baby Yoda takes internet by storm
What is it about this little alien that we love so much? Baby Yoda has gone viral after appearing on a new Star Wars spin-off. He has been specially designed to be as cute as possible.
- Chosen by you
- Culture
- Reading Band 5
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Huge excitement as Elsa returns in Frozen 2
Are there too many sequels? Many children cannot wait to see the new film starring Elsa and Olaf the snowman, but others think that film studios are running out of ideas.
- Culture
- Reading Band 5
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The world’s favourite street turns 50
Is it the most important TV show of the last 50 years? Sesame Street has not only taught a generation of children to read and count, it teaches us to see the beauty of diversity in the world.
- Culture
- Reading Band 14+
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Magic and daemons in Philip Pullman TV series
Do we all have animal spirits? His Dark Materials, a popular book series adapted for TV, is set in a parallel world where everyone’s spirit lives inside an animal companion called a daemon.
- Culture
- Reading Band 8
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TikTok passes one billion downloads
Is TikTok a good thing? The app lets people share short videos with each other. They can work together with other users to make new jokes and songs. Is it creative or a waste of time?
- Technology
- Reading Band 14+
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The name’s Bond. Jackie Bond…
Is it high time the most famous spy in the world was played by a woman? There have been seven male Bonds since the famous film series was launched 55 years ago. But women can be spies too!
- Culture
- Reading Band 11
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Anger at Prince over private jet ‘hypocrisy’
Is the criticism fair? Some in the media are angry with Prince Harry for “preaching” about the dangers of the climate crisis, while enjoying a jet-setting, celebrity lifestyle.
- Society
- Reading Band 14+
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Toy Story 4 explores what it means to be alive
Why are we alive? This is the surprisingly serious question posed by a new character in Toy Story 4, which is released today. The film tells the story of a spork that comes to life.
- Culture
- Reading Band 14+