Can a friendship app, a digital neighbourhood noticeboard or Facebook really help me discover a new bestie?

The actor celebrates all big events in his life by wrapping his arms round a sturdy trunk. With the help of director Kwame Kwei-Armah, he has turned his obsession into a show

Sanitary products litter Europe’s beaches, and 200,000 tonnes a year end up in UK landfill. Meet the people fighting for ‘environmenstrual’ alternatives

PSNI says tests show weapon found in Derry last weekend was used in reporter’s killing

The river between London and the sea is rich in atmosphere and history. Can a new book shed light on Conrad’s ‘mysterious vastness’?

The environmental, health and ethical benefits of veganism are beyond doubt. But what if you feel a bit intimidated by the idea? Some experts offer their advice

Like many Britons, Felicity Cloake lost her passion for steak frites and creme brulee when more exotic options appeared – so she embarked on a tour of France to find it. Plus: five recipes that fanned the flame

Maybe it’s because we remind you of the mental gymnastics required to say you care about animal welfare and the climate while you keep eating meat

Thinktank challenges official statistics claiming average citizen is £128 poorer than a decade ago

Dakota Johnson is reportedly taking $400 lessons on how to be stepmother to Chris Martin’s daughter. Here’s some cheaper, but no less effective, advice

Advertisers, tech giants and border forces are using mind-reading software to read and respond to our moods – whether we like it or not

Report highlights failure to support those affected, with systemic problems still evident

Real hospitality is a life lesson in community living

Activists say stinking sludge is linked to nitrates in fertilisers from intensive farming

Norwegian review of 36,000 cases links more activity overall, light or intensive, with lower risk of death

Schools should teach pupils gardening skills to instil a passion for the environment in future generations, says horticultural chief

Cultural appropriation is a touchpaper issue in the fashion industry, but the house’s bombastically showbiz event in Morocco also highlighted local cultures

Guests from the UK, Ireland Italy and Vanuatu among those evacuated without injury

From a brilliant e-bike to a robot unicorn… the year’s top devices

Homegrown stems accounted for 14% of £865m worth of flowers sold in Britain last year

People who look on the bright side are more likely to live longer, says a new study. But how can you make your outlook more positive?

Kim-Joy is on another planet in Iceland, Ruby Wax falls in love with Brazil, Marcus Brigstocke goes off piste – and Simon Reeve is all over the place …

Passengers reported to have been seen leaving terminal after strike by pro-Haftar forces

Each year, livestock produces billions of tonnes of excrement. It’s starting to poison the natural world. So what is to be dung?

National ‘green legacy’ initiative aims to reduce environmental degradation

Pakistan calls the allegations ‘baseless’ after two officials at high commission given 24 hours to leave

Kristalina Georgieva spoke of ‘huge responsibility’ of taking charge amid faltering growth

Muslims are coming to the end of a month of fasting, which in Britain often means evening meals featuring heaps of meat. But there is a plant-based option

Boris Johnson to announce the easing of coronavirus lockdown measures on Tuesday

Many stylists and barbers are secretly working to keep us groomed during the pandemic, despite it being against the rules. But who are their clients – and aren’t they worried about spreading coronavirus?

MPC’s Michael Saunders says businesses think uncertainty will last well into 2020

It is one of Europe’s smallest capitals but punches above its weight when it comes to world-class galleries, unbeatable urban swimming and, of course, chocolate

The high-speed rail network is under review – and may even be cancelled. But that hasn’t stopped irreplaceable woodland in its path from being targeted for destruction. However, people are fighting back

The pounds fell off as I started to eat less and go to the gym, but it was spending time with my friends that truly transformed me

News comes as some evacuated residents are told they will be able to return home

Driver held on suspicion of murder as investigation is launched into possible role of organised crime groups

Operators of historic boats could be sunk by requirements that could cost £250,000 per vessel

€2bn, 475-mile Viking Link cable will share renewable energy between UK and Denmark

Ali Baba’s founder Jack Ma has come up with a timetable for his married employees. It sounds exhausting

Devastating drama in Chernobyl, a fitting finale for Fleabag and the climax of Game of Thrones. Already, it’s shaping up to be a phenomenal viewing year

Fifteen years ago, all the Slovenian capital’s waste went to landfill, but by 2025, at least 75% of its rubbish will be recycled. How did the city turn itself around?

The buses will only have water exhaust emissions and will be on the capital’s streets by 2020

Jess Vaughan’s dairy products fly off the shelves at farm shops, Her secret? A small herd of happy, well-cared-for cows, aka the ‘ladies’

Sama el-Masry was accused of posting suggestive images that violated family values

From stopping to notice the trees and the clouds to putting bird boxes near your windows, spending more time with nature can boost your health and wellbeing

Spending too much time at home or in the office is confusing our bodies, says author Vybarr Cregan-Reid

EU warns it may have no choice if Iran takes further steps away from deal

Derbyshire police drew criticism this week for tweeting a light hearted picture of a cordoned-off flip-flop. But a little banter can relieve the grim business of solving crime.

Narendra Modi’s dream of a ‘self-reliant India’ comes at a terrible price for its indigenous population

Politicians, trade unionists and experts have set out to learn more about the new industrial landscape