51 minutes ago How I beat overwhelm: I deleted my email app – and my sleep suddenly improved

Checking my emails at every possible opportunity had become distracting and draining. So I set myself new boundariesAs a freelance writer, the structure of my work day can often vary wildly. Sometimes, it feels as if I have too much to do – other days, too little.Yet no matter the shape of my 9 to 5, one thing remains constant: emails. I receive about 100 a day, ranging from the inane (Tesco Clubcard updates) to the infuriating (the PR who keeps sending me the fluctuating numbers of Taylor Swift’s Instagram following) and the important (editors, often wondering when the piece they have asked me to write might materialise). Continue reading...

Politics

10 hours ago Airport delays LIVE: Passengers facing heavy delays and cancellations due to fog at Manchester and Gatwick

Delays of up to four hours at the country’s busiest airports, including Manchester and London Gatwick, as thick fog disrupts travel

Society

5 hours ago Multimillionaire told he cannot raze his £8.8million waterfront mansion to the ground and rebuild it to have the tallest house on the street after planning objections

John Yeoman, 70, had applied to demolish his luxury £8.8million three-storey home he shares with his wife Deborah, despite it being only 20 years old, and replace it with a five-storey giant.

Economics

17 hours ago Whimpering Rangers fans crown Celtic champions as Hotline clubs together to phone Clement a taxi

Robbie Copeland took your calls after Rangers' defeat to St Mirren plunged them back into crisis mode

Sport

3 hours ago More than a million children are at risk from rundown schools 'collapsing on top of them' as they study

A new Guardian investigation found that thousands of public sector buildings, including schools, hospitals and courts, are in desperate need of repair.

Events

14 hours ago Lady Kitty Spencer shares photos of daughter Athena enjoying a 'magical' Christmas in Monaco

Princess Diana 's niece, 33, has shared photos from a festive stay in Monaco, including adorable snaps of her baby daughter Athena.

Culture

19 hours ago 'Bragging' doctor's receptionist shared patients' medical records with pals on Snapchat

Arman Vyas, 23, was employed by two GP practices where he accessed confidential reports and took screenshots which he sent to others including on social media app Snapchat

Science

8 hours ago Christmas travel chaos breaks out at UK airports including Gatwick and Manchester with more than 100 flights delayed or cancelled after 'heavy fog' descends on Britain

Travellers are being urged to check with their airline as air traffic restrictions are in place at several UK airports due to fog, the country's main air traffic control (ATC) provider Nats said on Friday.

Transport

52 minutes ago Six easy exercises you can do without leaving the house and why they're good for you

Fitness experts have shared six easy indoor exercises that you can do from the comfort of your own home

Politics

13 hours ago I've travelled the world with my family of six and saved £41,000 on accommodation over the years thanks to secret holiday hack

Fionnuala Brennan, 53, from Tramore, Ireland, has managed to holiday around the globe, including in America, Australia, and Italy - thanks to exchanging her home.

Society

11 hours ago Euro giants eye Celtic star, Rangers plot moves, Hearts ace 'has price', Scots boss return

The latest transfer news across Scottish football

Economics

4 hours ago Driver behind China car ramming attack that killed 35 is sentenced to death

Fan Weiqiu, angry at his divorce settlement, caused ‘great social harm’ when he drove into people as they exercised in the city of Zhuhai, court saysA court in China has sentenced a man to death for killing 35 people last month by driving into a crowd, in an attack that raised national concern about mass killings.Fan Weiqiu was venting his anger because he was unhappy with his divorce settlement, the court in the southern city of Zhuhai said in handing down the sentence on Friday. The victims were exercising at a sports centre at the time of the attack. Fan pleaded guilty to endangering public safety by dangerous means, a court statement said. Continue reading...

Events

14 hours ago Our readers on their pick of 2024’s best films, music, TV shows and podcasts

From sci-fi epics to investigate deep-dives, the Guide readers have their say on the year’s finest cultureWelcome to the last Guide of 2024! I hope you all are enjoying your festive break, and have a better handle on which day it is than I do. As is tradition, after our own roundup of the year’s best culture, we are turning things over to you this week. Here are the films, TV shows, music, performances, and podcasts that wowed you in 2024.Thanks to everyone who sent in suggestions and sorry if we weren’t able to include yours. Enjoy the rest of your Christmas break, and see you on the other side of the new year, for our 2025 preview next Friday! Continue reading...

Culture

21 hours ago Embarrassing symptom that led to fitness trainer being diagnosed with cancer at just 25

Fitness trainer Dilan Patel recalled how in his mid-20s he was living a normal life for someone his age, working hard and hanging out with friends with no idea he had a potential cancer symptom.

Science

17 hours ago Seven major driving rules and law changes for 2025 faced by motorists including car tax

Drivers will be impacted by a number of new rules in 2025, including some that will effect electric vehicle owners for the first time. Here's all you need to know about the changes

Transport

1 hour ago From little pink bike to Olympic glory – how Emma Finucane conquered the world

As a local hero and now an international cycling icon Emma Finucane’s achievements in the Olympics have brought a renewed spotlight to cycling in Carmarthen and across Wales

Politics

18 hours ago The most unusual property sales of 2024 — from a lighthouse to a nuclear bunker

There were no shortage of wacky properties to hit the market this year, including nuclear bunkers, a studio with a cell and a replica of the HMS Endeavour

Society

11 hours ago River Island's £45 jeans reduced to £17 in the Boxing Day sale that 'suit anyone'

Fashion editor Rachel Pugh has shared the River Island sale items she's got her eye on this year - including a £17 pair of jeans that will suit anybody

Economics

7 hours ago Nicolas Kuhn reveals Celtic injury exile was 'painful' as he vows to be fully firing in time for Rangers

Kuhn was back on the pitch and back among the goals against Motherwell

Events

17 hours ago Mission Impossible films 'get a HUGE update as Tom Cruise begins work on the next two movies in the iconic series'

The Hollywood legend, 62, could be on the hunt to find the perfect fit to play younger Ethan Hunt in the epic action franchise - in a bit to unveil more of the protagonists' past.

Culture

29 hours ago 5 Corrie spoilers for 2025 from villain's return to Kevin's cancer news

Coronation Street boss Kate Brooks has teased what's in store for the residents of Weatherfield in 2025 and it's safe to say it's going to be a dramatic year

Science

7 hours ago High Street shops Christmas misery as John Lewis, M&S and Next make major call

As Boxing Day sales saw a decline of in-store shoppers on the High Street, some retail giants like John Lewis and Marks & Spencer chose to remain shut for the public holiday

Politics

23 hours ago As a student in London I yearned for home, until I found paradise: a vast old villa with perfect housemates | Andrew Martin

We cooked ragu and listened to records while lying on chaises longues. Then the M11 link road was built – and everything changedIn our end of year series, writers and public figures remember the place or time when they felt most at homeIn the mid-1980s, I was in my early 20s and was reading for the Bar in London. I was living in a mouldy Balham bedsit and returning regularly to the comfort zone of my native York, when a friend told me a room was going in a shared house in Leytonstone.I wasn’t expecting much of E11. I wasn’t expecting trees, for example, but my walk from the attractive art deco tube station took me along roads better described as avenues. The house itself seemed almost the last one in London, an illusion created by the proximity of Wanstead Flats. It was a rangy, detached 1920s house, white with a red roof, and it had a name, but I’ll just call it the villa.Andrew Martin is an English novelist; his latest book is The Night in Venice Continue reading...

Society

16 hours ago DWP confirms new payment dates for benefits including Universal Credit

Benefit payments are not paid on bank holidays - so for example, Universal Credit payments due on Wednesday, January 1, will be paid a day earlier on Tuesday, December 31

Economics

7 hours ago Shocking Boxing Day stampede at store after owner invites people to 'steal'

Footage shows dozens of young people barging their way into a street wear store in Perth, Australia, with many knocked over in the doorway after they were invited to ransack the store on Boxing Day

Events

29 hours ago Exact date new rare Royal Mint coins celebrating Red Arrows will be released

The Royal Mint's 2025 annual set includes commemorative coins celebrating the Red Arrows, Queen Mum, WWII, modern railways, and the Royal Observatory - they will be available from January 2nd 2025

Culture

9 hours ago Jota would welcome Celtic transfer return as Parkhead favourite reckons money side makes sense

Mark Wilson suuspects the Portuguese winger would be back in Celtic's price range amid tough time in France

Politics

17 hours ago 'House prices to top £250k barrier and average road speeds 55mph' in 2025 forecasts

Accountancy giant PwC's predictions for 2025 include jump in electric car sales and green energy production, plus "bright spots" for UK economy

Economics

12 hours ago Biden administration pledges additional military aid to Ukraine amid Russia war

Security assistance package in works as North Korean troops are deployed in Kursk after Putin-Kim agreementThe Biden administration is pledging to approve fresh military aid to Ukraine in the coming days, including crucial air defense systems, as North Korean forces face mounting casualties in their first major deployment to a European conflict.John Kirby, the US national security communications adviser, told reporters on Friday that in just the last week North Korean troops had suffered more than 1,000 casualties in what he referred to as failed “human wave” assaults near the Kursk border-region, which confirms similar figures reported by South Korea. Continue reading...

Events

10 hours ago Dr Martens' huge end of year sale has 40% off best selling boots, sandals and loafers

Dr Martens has launched its end of year sale with 40% off best selling styles - including the 1460 boots and the iconic Blaire loafers - here's our pick of the best bargains to buy

Politics

12 hours ago Brendan Rodgers playing Celtic long game as Tannadice panic warning raises boss' eyebrow

The Hoops boss sees his troops 12 points clear of Rangers, League Cup in the bag and on the verge of Champions League progression

Events

10 hours ago Dr Martens' end of year sale launches with 40% off best sellers including boots and loafers

Dr Martens has just launched a huge end of year sale with up to 40% off some of its most iconic boots, sandals and loafers - here are the best deals you can get your hands on

Politics

19 hours ago Ariana Grande's perfume that 'lasts all day' and 'smells expensive' now £28 at Debenhams

Debenhams has reduced the price of the 'beautiful' perfume from Ariana Grande's popular range, with reviewers quick to praise the long-lasting scent

Economics

12 hours ago Morrison Hotel featured on The Doors’ album cover burns in Los Angeles fire

Blaze engulfed landmark building where Jim Morrison and bandmates posed for a photograph for their 1970 LPFlames engulfed the historic Morrison Hotel, featured on the cover of The Doors’ 1970 album of the same name, after a fire hit the landmark downtown Los Angeles building.More than 100 firefighters responded to the fire, which began around 11am Thursday, and had the burn under control in under two hours. Several dozen people inside were able to escape, including possible squatters and three people rescued by firefighters on the third floor. Continue reading...

Events

11 hours ago Maga v Musk: Trump camp divided in bitter fight over immigration policy

Feud flared up when president-elect chose Sriram Krishnan, an Indian-born entrepreneur, as his AI adviserBitter in-fighting has broken out between tech billionaire Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s hardline Make America great again (Maga) base after the US president-elect chose an Indian-born entrepreneur to be his adviser on artificial intelligence.The row has pitted Musk and his fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy against die-hard supporters including the far-right activist Laura Loomer and Matt Gaetz, the former congress member and abortive nominee for attorney general. The spat threatens to open up a chasm among Trump’s supporters over immigration, a key issue in his election victory. Continue reading...

Politics

12 hours ago Morrison hotel featured on Doors’ album cover burns in Los Angeles fire

Blaze engulfed landmark building where Jim Morrison and bandmates posed for a photograph for their 1970 LPFlames engulfed the historic Morrison Hotel, featured on the cover of The Doors’ 1970 album of the same name, after a fire hit the landmark downtown Los Angeles building.More than 100 firefighters responded to the fire, which began around 11am Thursday, and had the burn under control in under two hours. Several dozen people inside were able to escape, including possible squatters and three people rescued by firefighters on the third floor. Continue reading...

Events

11 hours ago Up to 75% off bestsellers in Debenhams sale including suitcases, watches and airfryers

Debenhams is not holding back with its Boxing Day sale, offering up to 75% off selected lines and an extra 20% off more than 10,000 items

Politics

13 hours ago Microplastics in tea bags are linked to health problems: Experts warn they raise risk of cancer and infertility

Spanish scientists have found there's billions of microplastics in teabags that can seep into our drinks. Experts have warned of the alarming range of risks of these microscopic particles.

Events

12 hours ago Real reason Gavin and Stacey's Neil The Baby sang in BBC Christmas finale revealed

Gavin and Stacey fans were left confused by one moment in the Christmas Day finale but it turns out there was a very good reason why it was included

Politics

14 hours ago Philippe Clement delivers major Leon Balogun injury update as Rangers boss stresses need for 'solutions'

Balogun had to come off after just 20 minutes during the Light Blues' Boxing Day defeat to St Mirren

Events

13 hours ago Max George reunited with beloved pup as The Wanted star finally discharged from hospital

The Wanted star Max George has finally returned home after spending weeks in hospital and having a pacemaker fitted as he reunited with his beloved pitbull Albert

Politics

14 hours ago Missing Florida dog rings owner’s doorbell to announce its return home

Athena, a four-year old German shepherd, pulled off a Christmas Eve miracle when she rang home after 2amA Florida dog missing for more than a week came home on Christmas Eve and rang its owner’s doorbell to announce its return.“It was about 2.30am. She came pawing at the door, ringing the doorbell,” Brooke Comer told local television station KSBW, “which was Christmas Eve. And then that morning I woke up to – she had made it on everybody’s [doorbell] camera.” Continue reading...

Events

13 hours ago Birmingham symphony orchestra to back grime and rap stars in 2025 concert

Artists taking part include Lady Leshurr, Big Dog Yogo, Brixx, C4, Creezon, Jaykae, Mayhem, Nodb, Pressure0121, Roxxxan, Saf One, Sox and T Roadz.

Politics

15 hours ago One month's rainfall in just two days to deluge UK as weather warnings issued

The Met Office says rain and snow are expected next week as the transition between 2024 and 2025 becomes unsettled - and Strathclyde, including Glasgow, will see the heaviest rainfall

Events

13 hours ago Celtic and Rangers are the best, and we want to test ourselves, says Motherwell boss

Stuart Kettlewell says players should embrace the challenge, rather than complain about it

Politics

19 hours ago Robin Propper admits Rangers culture shock as he opens up on demand to win, scrutiny and long ball game

The Dutchman joined in a £1.5m deal from FC Twente in the summer but has taken time to find his feet

Events

13 hours ago Sleepmaxxing: Is the pursuit of the perfect night’s rest making us more anxious?

Following years of insomnia and struggling to reach deep sleep, Emilie Lavinia dives into the latest viral wellness trend and discovers it may actually be doing more harm than good

Politics

20 hours ago The masked Rangers sin that was the REAL problem as Jack Butland not the only one to have St Mirren 'shocker'

Jack Butland took his fair share of the flak but another Rangers player has sins to answer for

Events

14 hours ago Soft Mouthed Dogs: Here are 10 breeds of adorable dog that rarely deliver a painful bite

With demand for pups continuing to rocket, here are the breeds of dogs that have soft mouths so are predisposed to being gentle and never snapping.

Politics

20 hours ago Bargain Hunt's Natasha Raskin Sharp on dramatic filming moments as she admits 'a lot can happen'

The BBC show has been on screen for more than two decades and it seems that a lot has happened in that time - including marriage proposals and break-ups.

Events

14 hours ago Scottish Premiership January transfers: The 18 most expensive signings ever

Here are the 18 most expensive January transfers ever made in the Scottish Premiership.

Politics

20 hours ago Philippe Clement's make or break Rangers run laid bare as he faces nightmare New Year and battle of the crisis clubs

After brief respite, the heat is well and truly back on the Belgian after defeat in Paisley

Events

14 hours ago Every UK high street store we know will close their doors in 2025 – see full list

Store closures in 2025 will involve high street favourites including WHSmith and The Entertainer. It's all down to a decrease in consumer spending as well as increased rents and operational costs

Politics

20 hours ago Enter our £1,000 Aldi vouchers giveaway to stock up on New Year goodies

Twenty lucky winners could each be walking away with a cool £50 to spend in Aldi - so what are you waiting for? You've got to be in it to win it!

Events

14 hours ago Top Tropical Fish of 2024: The 11 most popular types of colourful aquarium fish

It’s estimated that around 10 per cent of British households own pet fish – making them the third most popular animal to welcome into out homes after cats and dogs.

Politics

21 hours ago Motherwell v Rangers injury news: 7 out and 2 doubts as Philippe Clement faces Fir Park injury crisis

Here is the early team news ahead of Motherwell vs Rangers in the Scottish Premiership at Fir Park.

Events

15 hours ago Fact check: Viral screenshot of an opinion column was shared by parody account

The screenshot includes a doctored opinion column header.

Politics

22 hours ago Michael Stewart spots what 'killed' Rangers as bewildered pundit sticks the boot in on something unforgivable

He believes Rangers never had a chance of catching Celtic - and certainly don't now

Events

15 hours ago Christmas Day dumpers at Asda slammed as piles of rubbish ditched at Scots store

"There's no really any need for that though is there the recycle centres will be open tomorrow if they can drive to Asda surely they could wait another day."

Politics

29 hours ago Women who get less than seven hours sleep during pregnancy are at greater risk of diabetes, study claims

Researchers have discovered a link between sleep duration during these crucial periods and a higher risk of a range of health problems.

Events