81 minutes ago ‘I thought it was fake news’: secrecy around North Koreans fighting in Kursk

As reports of battlefield casualties emerge, Russian locals say presence of soldiers sent by Pyongyang is barely noticedAt dusk one afternoon last week, two dozen wounded North Korean soldiers were brought to one of the main hospitals in the Russian city of Kursk.They were ushered into a specially designated floor, guarded by police, with access limited to translators and medical personnel. Continue reading...

Politics

2 hours ago Sydney to Hobart yacht race: third death averted as sailors prepare for ‘challenging night in the Bass Strait’

One sailor each on yachts Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline died after being struck by booms, a large pole at bottom of the sailGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastDetails have emerged of a “terrifying” incident in which a crew member fell from yacht Porco Rosso and drifted for more than a kilometre before being rescued on a deadly night of racing, during which two sailors on other yachts were killed.Two sailors on separate yachts, Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline, died at sea amid wild weather conditions that forced line honours favourite Master Lock Comanche to withdraw, among mass retirements.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

Events

4 hours ago China probes personal disputes after mass killings. Many fear further infringement on freedoms

China’s leader Xi Jinping wants the recent spree of mass killings that shocked the country not to happen again

Events

5 hours ago Sydney to Hobart yacht race: third death averted on night of ‘big seas’ and wild weather

One sailor each on yachts Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline died after being struck by booms, a large pole at bottom of the sailGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastDetails have emerged of a “terrifying” incident in which a crew member fell from yacht Porco Rosso and drifted for more than a kilometre before being rescued on a deadly night of racing, during which two sailors on other yachts were killed.Two sailors on separate yachts, Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline, died at sea amid wild weather conditions that forced line honours favourite Master Lock Comanche to withdraw, among mass retirements.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

Events

5 hours ago A quarter of people killed in car accidents last year were not wearing seat belts, figures show

The percentage of fatalities in any seat not wearing a belt rose from 21% in 2022 to 25% last year.

Events

5 hours ago Assad loyalists fight back: Former forces of deposed Syrian dictator 'ambush' new regime, killing 14 security personnel

The incident, the first serious challenge to the new regime in Damascus, took place in Tartus province, a pro-Assad stronghold.

Events

6 hours ago Coronation Street's Rob Donovan return sparks 'big story' with 'twists and turns'

Coronation Street will air the return of killer Rob Donovan in the new year, and now soap boss Kate Brooks has teased 'twists and turns' ahead in a 'big storyline'

Politics

6 hours ago Coronation Street spoilers: Rob Donovan return, devastating stabbing and scary health news

Coronation Street spoilers for early January have teased devastating scenes, with huge twists airing on the ITV soap including a killer's return and a horror stabbing

Politics

6 hours ago Official says NIO should have offered Rosemary Nelson protection ‘in hindsight’

Mrs Nelson was killed by a loyalist car bomb outside her home in Lurgan, Co Armagh in March 1999.

Politics

6 hours ago Connor Swindells says losing weight for SAS Rogue Heroes was a ‘big challenge’

The drama will follow Paddy Mayne (Jack O’Connell) as he takes control of the SAS and attempts to prove the regiment remains essential to the war.

Politics

6 hours ago Two in five rear seat car passengers killed in crashes not wearing seat belt

Motoring research charity the RAC Foundation called for parents to ensure buckling up becomes ‘second nature for their children’.

Events

6 hours ago Pictured: 'Loving' father who was 'stabbed to death' in his own home in the early hours of Christmas Day

Mr Price was victim of a suspected attack at the house where he lived with his parents in the quiet Staffordshire village of Norton Canes

Events

7 hours ago Russia tried to make Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash in the sea by refusing permission to land after missile attack, then jamming its navigation to force hero pilot over water before crash killed 38

A Russian surface-to-air missile struck the flight on Christmas Day, causing the airliner to crash in Kazakhstan - a tragedy which claimed the lives of 38 people.

Events

7 hours ago Azerbaijan Airlines plane 'shot down by Russian air defences' killing 38

The Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed hundreds of miles away from its intended destination in Russia with dozens killed in the impact on Christmas Day.

Events

7 hours ago Israeli drone strike kills 5 journalists in Gaza sparking global outrage

An Israeli drone strike killed five journalists outside a Gaza hospital, drawing condemnation from media groups and raising concerns over attacks on press freedoms during the ongoing conflict

Events

9 hours ago Equestrian champion 'was tortured for 21 YEARS in Syrian jail' after he beat dictator Bashar al Assad's older brother in a competition

Adnan Kassar, who won several gold medals and captained the national equestrian team in the 1980s was a close friend of Assad, whose elder brother Bassel was also a fellow equestrian.

Sport

11 hours ago 'Landlord kicked my family out 5 days before Christmas and served my child the eviction notice'

After being evicted and living in unsafe conditions, families like Emma, Aimee, and Zee are finding hope this Christmas, thanks to Shelter's support in securing safe, stable homes

Society

20 hours ago Kilmarnock skipper insists 'underachieving' squad need to start climbing the table

Killie host Aberdeen this afternoon aiming to make it four games unbeaten

Politics

21 hours ago What it's really like to spend Christmas behind bars: From brewing their own booze, to carol singing and the turkey dinner, ex

EXCLUSIVE: Vanessa Frake-Harris, a former governor of security and operations at Wormwood Scrubs Prison in London , said Christmas was a 'difficult time'.

Politics

24 hours ago Yusra Mardini and the power of sport in ‘the next steps’ of Syria’s new era

Exclusive interview: The former Olympian speaks candidly to Jack Rathborn about Syria’s future after President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown earlier this month

Politics