1 hour ago Musk says ‘hateful unrepentant racists’ must be removed from Republican Party as visa feud deepens

‘They will absolutely be the downfall of the Republican Party if they are not removed,’ Tesla and SpaceX tycoon warns

Politics

17 hours ago Manchester Airport LIVE updates as passengers face 2 HOUR delays due to heavy fog

Airlines have issued warnings to passengers

Society

13 hours ago Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy succeed where LIV Golf continues to struggle after landing crucial deal

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's TGL will debut next month and it has added a major TV partner in the form of Sky Sports, something that LIV Golf has been unable to do in the UK

Economics

15 hours ago 'What do you expect?' How Man City players feel about awful run of results

Manchester City players enjoyed the best of their game with Everton but were again unable to pick up the victory

Sport

5 hours ago What is 'Kessler Syndrome'? Experts warn of 'imminent danger' from space collisions that would knock out Wi

'Unless we do something, we are in imminent danger of making a whole part of our Earth environment unusable,' one physicist warned during a meeting of experts in DC this month.

Events

13 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

10 hours ago Fears Scotland's NHS 'on brink of collapse' as flu hospital cases surge

Flu cases have soared in Scotland as health officials warn the public to stay away from A&E unless necessary.

Science

10 hours ago Travel chaos at Manchester Airport as dense fog causes major delays to flights

Passengers at Manchester Airport have been warned to expect delays of up to 80 minutes to departures and 100 minutes to arrivals, according to online traffic reporting system Inrix

Transport

4 hours ago Now UK’s top union leader turns on Starmer over impact of the tractor tax

Exclusive: TUC general secretary warns onus is on ministers to show family farms are not affected by changes to inheritance tax

Politics

22 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

14 hours ago Is ‘doom spending’ draining your money? How to fix your financial habits in 2025

Former financial ‘hot mess’ Emma Edwards explores how to rest your habits in her new book, Good With Money

Economics

9 hours ago Death in Paradise's Kris Marshall addresses show cancellation as he admits 'was a first'

Kris Marshall, who is best known for his role as DI Humphrey Goodman in BBC's Death in Paradise, has opened up about his experience of working on ITV's Sanditon

Events

16 hours ago The top 25 holiday destinations of 2025, picked by experts: These are the festivals, events and secret relaxing hotspots you should book NOW to get an amazing bargain

In its annual report on travel trends, hospitality giant Hilton declared 2025 the 'Year of the Travel Maximizer' - industry jargon for the idea that we all want more experiences.

Culture

4 hours ago A year ago, a gripping ITV drama triggered outrage over the Post Office scandal. Lead campaigner Sir Alan Bates hoped a new Government would at last deliver compensation. Sadly, he was wrong...

The letters tumbling onto the mat come from across the world - France, Australia, the US and many more - some just addressed to 'Alan Bates, North Wales.'

Politics

23 hours ago Climate crisis exposed people to extra six weeks of dangerous heat in 2024

Analysis shows fossil fuels are supercharging heatwaves, leaving millions prone to deadly temperaturesThe climate crisis caused an additional six weeks of dangerously hot days in 2024 for the average person, supercharging the fatal impact of heatwaves around the world.The effects of human-caused global heating were far worse for some people, an analysis by World Weather Attribution (WWA) and Climate Central has shown. Those in Caribbean and Pacific island states were the hardest hit. Many endured about 150 more days of dangerous heat than they would have done without global heating, almost half the year. Continue reading...

Society

15 hours ago 'I'm a beauty writer and my curls last for days using this Remington hair tool now £17'

Having tried and tested tons of hair curling tools, beauty writer Lucy Addicott has finally found a favourite and it's currently on sale for less than £17

Economics

9 hours ago Passengers warned of delays after UK airports initiate 'air traffic restrictions' amid severe fog

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

Events

20 hours ago Some of the best places you can still book to celebrate New Year's Eve in Manchester

There's still time to make plans for the end of the year

Culture

4 hours ago Chess: Carlsen disqualified in New York after refusing to change out of jeans

The world No 1 was defaulted from the World Rapid Championship and has also chosen to withdraw from the World Blitz saying ‘it became a matter of principle’Magnus Carlsen, the world No 1, has been disqualified from the World Rapid Championship in New York due to a dress code violation, refusing to change from jeans, after a previous warning. He is also withdrawing from the World Blitz which starts on 30 December.Fide explained their decision in a statement while Carlsen said: “I said I’ll change tomorrow but they said you have to change now it became a matter of principle for me so here we are! Honestly I’m too old at this point to care too much. If this is what they want to do I’ll probably set off to somewhere where the weather is a bit nicer.” Continue reading...

Politics

18 hours ago The only times you should use your fog lights and how to avoid £50 fine

Driving in fog can be tricky when there is limited visibility, but it's crucial to know when and how to use your fog lights correctly as it could result in fines, the RAC has warned

Economics

9 hours ago 'Countdown to WW3' as US warned to prepare for Putin's big 'Soviet Union land grab'

Vladimir Putin is said to be plotting a 'land grab' to 're-establish the former Soviet Union' and the US and European leaders have been told to prepare for World War 3

Events

10 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

20 hours ago Is ‘doom spending’ draining your money? How to reprogramme your financial habits in 2025

Former financial ‘hot mess’ Emma Edwards explores how to rest your habits in her new book, Good With Money. By Vicky Shaw.

Economics

10 hours ago Philadelphia judges, citing security lapses, order sheriff to implement a new safety plan

Philadelphia judges concerned about security lapses at city courthouses have ordered the sheriff to address what they call a rising number of assaults, threats and staffing shortages among court officers

Events

10 hours ago 'Ruben Amorim must get Man Utd winning now – I'd love to help coach his defence'

A Manchester United legend has admitted he would jump at the chance to return to Old Trafford in a coaching capacity and warned Ruben Amorim's time at the club could be short-lived

Politics

10 hours ago Met Office issues weather warning for heavy rain to hit parts of UK by New Year's Eve

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for heavy rain that could bring "significant disruption" to parts of the UK ahead of New Year's Eve, and some areas may also see snow

Events

11 hours ago Starmer’s VAT raid will ensure private schools become even more elitist

Letters to the editor: our readers share their views. Please send your letters to letters@independent.co.uk

Politics

10 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

11 hours ago Sir Gino’s scintillating debut puts chaser bang on track for Cheltenham festival

Unbeaten runner imperious in defeat of BallyburnVal Dancer grabs the glory in Welsh Grand NationalWhat looked likely to be a duel in the fog turned into more of a rout in the gloom at Kempton on Friday, as Nicky Henderson’s Sir Gino made one of the more memorable debuts over fences in recent years, and established a strong claim to be the best two-mile novice chaser in Britain or Ireland.Ballyburn, a Grade One winner over hurdles at Cheltenham in March, simply could not live with the speed and accuracy of Sir Gino’s jumping in the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase, a race that has been won by an extensive list of future two-mile champions from the Nicky Henderson yard over the years. Remittance Man, Sprinter Sacre, Altior and Shishkin are all on the roll of honour, and Sir Gino, who is now odds-on with most bookmakers for the Arkle Trophy at next year’s festival, could yet prove to be as good as any of his illustrious predecessors. Continue reading...

Politics

11 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

12 hours ago ‘Godfather of AI’ raises odds of the technology wiping out humanity over next 30 years

Geoffrey Hinton says there is 10-20% chance AI will lead to human extinction in next three decades amid fast pace of changeThe British-Canadian computer scientist often touted as a “godfather” of artificial intelligence has raised the odds of AI wiping out humanity over the next three decades, warning the pace of change in the technology is “much faster” than expected.Prof Geoffrey Hinton, who this year was awarded the Nobel prize in physics for his work in AI, said there was a “10 to 20” per cent chance that AI would lead to human extinction within the next three decades. Continue reading...

Politics

11 hours ago Social media craze for teenage skincare has reached a 'crisis point', dermatologist warns as she reveals she's treated children as young as 8 for using bad products

Dr Tess McPherson, from the British Association of Dermatologists, told Sky News that the Gen Alpha fixation on anti-ageing creams and retinols could cause irreversible damage that is 'life long'.

Events

12 hours ago ‘Godfather of AI’ shortens odds of the technology wiping out humanity over next 30 years

Geoffrey Hinton says there is 10-20% chance AI will lead to human extinction in three decades, as change moves fastThe British-Canadian computer scientist often touted as a “godfather” of artificial intelligence has shortened the odds of AI wiping out humanity over the next three decades, warning the pace of change in the technology is “much faster” than expected.Prof Geoffrey Hinton, who this year was awarded the Nobel prize in physics for his work in AI, said there was a “10 to 20” per cent chance that AI would lead to human extinction within the next three decades. Continue reading...

Politics

11 hours ago Major airports issue flight warnings after 'dense fog' engulfs Britain

Much of the UK has been shrouded in mist in recent days and the weather is having an impact as airports return to their normal flight schedules after Christmas.

Events

13 hours ago Ruben Amorim admits he could be sacked by Manchester United if results do not improve

Amorim says ‘the manager of Manchester United can never be comfortable’ amid dismal run

Politics

11 hours ago Azerbaijan Airlines says there was ‘external interference’ before crash

Carrier suspends flights to five Russian airports after early findings of investigation into crash on Christmas Day The aircraft that crashed in Kazakhstan on Christmas Day, killing 38 people, experienced “external physical and technical interference”, according to preliminary results of an investigation, Azerbaijan Airlines said on Friday.The early findings led the carrier to suspend flights to five Russian airports, citing “potential risks to flight safety”, adding to the two routes that were suspended immediately after the crash. Continue reading...

Events

13 hours ago How I beat overwhelm: I found WhatsApp draining – so I learned ways to curb my cravings

My anxiety about not replying to everyone’s messages was at a constant simmer until I created proper boundariesI feel as if I’ve lost days of my life to digital causes. Even though I’m an extrovert, the near-constant drip of WhatsApp communications can drain me; my anxiety over not replying instantly to everyone is at constant simmer. Add to that the element of performance, and the worry that proving you care is measured in the messages you send and it can all get too much.“Where has Remona gone?” panicked one friend, when I went awol while juggling a deadline, babysitting, and hosting house guests. The pile-up of 248 unread messages in one group alone – inclusive of podcast-length voice notes – made me feel like a bad person for being absent. Sometimes, I’m happy to be entirely mute – as I was in one unnecessarily large group I was added to without consent. I went unnoticed for years amid unsolicited selfies of people I barely knew and forwarded messages that had to be forwarded fu...

Politics

11 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

13 hours ago My son’s girlfriend has taken over his life and I fear he’s being suffocated | Ask Annalisa Barbieri

You are better off keeping your son close so that he knows he can come to you if there are problemsEvery week Annalisa Barbieri addresses a problem sent in by a readerA year ago, our almost 18-year-old son began seeing a girl, who is a year older than him and is his first ‘real’ girlfriend. Soon he stopped seeing his friends and he spent all of his free time with her. When they were not actually together, they were on the phone or playing remote video games.We barely saw him over the summer, as he was with her all the time. He refused to go on holiday with us unless we invited her too, which we were not willing to do . Continue reading...

Politics

13 hours ago Azerbaijan Airlines says there was ‘external interference’ before plane crashed

Carrier suspends flights to five Russian airports after early findings of investigation into crash on Christmas Day The aircraft involved in the Christmas Day plane crash in Kazakhstan that killed 38 people experienced “external physical and technical interference,” according to preliminary results of the investigation, Azerbaijan Airlines said on Friday.The early findings led the carrier to suspend flights to five Russian airports, citing “potential risks to flight safety,” adding to the two routes that were suspended immediately after the crash. Continue reading...

Events

14 hours ago CAROLINE BULLOCK: Once shy arm candy, Nicole Kidman's a brassy diva dishing about her Big Os. Is THIS why she's not holding back anymore?

Her face seems ever more frozen, but Nicole Kidman's inhibitions are melting. From diva disses to ego fueled La La Land introspection, it's all adding up to some increasingly bizarre behavior.

Politics

13 hours ago Russia warns Trump NOT to test nuclear weapon and says it would 'not rule anything out' in response

During Trump's first term as president, his administration discussed whether or not to conduct the first US nuclear test since 1992

Events

14 hours ago Deserted beaches, wild rivers and seaside chill: four days walking in NSW’s largest coastal park

The Yuraygir coastal walk in northern NSW offers 65km of beachy bliss broken up by tiny towns with food and shelter – ideal for hardcore hikers and ragtag families alikeThe tiny town of Brooms Head in northern New South Wales is not much more than a headland, a row of Norfolk Island pines and a sprawling caravan park separating the main road from the beach. It’s the kind of place with one shop, where the bestsellers are bait, mixed lollies and icy poles.On a day trip there from nearby Angourie, our family lay sprawled on the beach, eating Cornettos in the sun, when four men walked past wearing packs – big, proper ones, adorned with damp swimmers. I gave chase. Continue reading...

Politics

13 hours ago Woman burned to death on New York subway still unidentified after five days

‘It just adds another level of tragedy,’ says homelessness activist as police may have to use DNA and dental recordsFive days after a woman believed to be homeless was burned to death by a passenger inside a New York City subway car, city officials have still not been able to confirm her identity.Investigators may have to rely on dental records or DNA analysis to make an identification of the victim. Continue reading...

Events

14 hours ago Ruben Amorim admits he 'could be sacked' by Man Utd after Wolves' festive stuffing

Ruben Amorim has admitted he could be sacked by Manchester United as he addressed the media ahead of the Red Devils' clash with Newcastle United

Politics

13 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

15 hours ago 'I used to feel bloated until six steps completely turned things around'

One woman has shared her six tips for getting rid of bloating - but some social media users were left baffled by one of her methods

Politics

14 hours ago Cruise line cancels stops at ‘violent’ Mexican port following do not travel warning

Crime and kidnapping concerns have seen ships swerve Manzanillo

Events

15 hours ago ITV's Dr Amir Khan shares why you should never put cotton buds in your ears

Dr Amir Khan has issued a warning to his social media followers urging them to avoid using cotton buds in their ears, and it's all to do with the risk they pose

Politics

14 hours ago Weather warning issued for heavy rain in Scotland on final days of 2024

The Met Office said there could also be snow and strong winds in some areas on December 30 and 31.

Events

15 hours ago Bruno Fernandes discovers his fate as Ruben Amorim urged to make major Man Utd change

THE BIG DEBATE: Bruno Fernandes was shown his third red card of the season in Manchester United's loss against Wolves on Boxing Day to add to the scrutiny on the Red Devils captain

Politics

14 hours ago Urgent warning to tea drinkers from scientists over what could lurk in your cuppa

Scientists from the Mutagenesis Group of the UAB Department of Genetics and Microbiology in Spain have discovered some commercial tea bags release nano and micro plastics

Events

16 hours ago UK's weird, wonderful and largely overlooked estate pubs are quickly vanishing

Architectural investigators Matthew Bristow and Emily Cole warn that post-war drinking dens have fallen out of fashion, yet symbolise an important part of the UK's history

Politics

14 hours ago British Gas, EDF, EON, Octopus, and OVO customers given four day warning

People are being urged to act in the coming days

Events