65 minutes ago Don’t give in to pessimism, says Pope Francis in BBC Thought for the Day

Hope and kindness ‘touch the very heart of gospel’ and show people how to behave amid war and social injusticePope Francis has urged people not to be drawn towards “pessimism and resignation” despite wars and social injustices throughout the world, but to retain a “gentle gaze of hope”.The head of the Catholic church gave the Thought for the Day on BBC Radio 4 on Saturday, wishing listeners “peace, fellowship and gratitude” for the new year and emphasising the importance of humility. Continue reading...

Politics

2 hours ago Cheesy anchovy straws and chocolate meringue kisses: Yotam Ottolenghi’s recipes for party nibbles

Bite-sized treats that are big on flavour and will see out the year in styleHappy 2025 everyone, and may the New Year bring with it the positive changes we all so yearn for. Personally, I will be embracing change in a big way, because, after seven years, this is my final column for the Guardian’s Feast. From March, I will be writing a new, long-form quarterly column packed with recipes, personal experiences and general observations about the food world, so stay tuned. The Feast community is the most engaged and greedy I know, so thank you! And I hope you welcome the New Year with these party nibbles I have lined up for this weekend. Here’s to new beginnings! Continue reading...

Society

3 hours ago ‘The impact has been out of this world’: the stranger who gave away a £100,000 inheritance to his neighbours

When David Clarke’s mother died, it took him 10 years to work out what to do with the money she left him. This year, a panel of locals in Liverpool made the decision for himIt was a quiet act of generosity that briefly captured the news agenda: David Clarke, a researcher in Liverpool, made the extraordinary decision to give away the £100,000 he had inherited from his late mother a decade ago. But instead of donating it to one cause, Clarke did something radical. He wrote to 600 addresses in the L8 postcode, where he lives, inviting people to nominate where the money should go.Clarke lost his mother in a cycling accident. “Her death was a devastating shock to me,” he says. “She had a huge social conscience and was interested in the world and how it worked – a lot of my moral framework comes from her. I don’t believe in holding on to inherited wealth, so I spent a long time thinking about what to do with the money.” Clarke wanted to do something that would speak to his mother’s values...

Economics

13 hours ago Arsenal vs Ipswich LIVE: Premier League latest score and updates with hosts in control after Havertz opener

Arsenal are looking to close the gap on Liverpool at the top of the table, but will be without Saka after the England star’s hamstring injury

Sport

40 minutes ago Sir Alex Ferguson's three words sent shockwaves through devastated Man Utd dressing room

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson didn't go easy on his players after their devastating Premier League title defeat to Manchester City in 2012

Events

24 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

1 hour ago 'Nightmare' fog sparks cancellations at UK's busiest airports to 'maintain safety'

The UK's main air traffic control provider explained the essential cancellations were caused by the country's misty conditions, sparking festive chaos as disruptions continue

Transport

96 minutes ago Israeli forces accused of taking Gaza hospital staff to detention centre for interrogation – Middle East crisis live

Gaza health officials said the IDF detained the director of a hospital, which the WHO said was put out of service by an Israeli raidNearly one in five of the world’s children live in areas affected by conflicts, with more than 473 million children suffering from the worst levels of violence since the second world war, according to figures published by the UN.The UN humanitarian aid organisation for children, Unicef, said on Saturday that the percentage of children living in conflict zones around the world has doubled from about 10% in the 1990s to almost 19%, and warned that this dramatic increase in harm to children should not become the “new normal”. Continue reading...

Politics

18 hours ago Nick Knowles struggles to walk up stairs in video as he shares health update

BBC star Nick Knowles has had to undergo operations on both his leg and his arm, and updated fans on his walking progress ahead of DIY SOS and his wedding next year

Society

26 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

1 hour ago Caroline Flack's 'devastated' friends respond to her mum's harrowing questions over day she died

Caroline Flack's friends are 'devastated' after the late star's mother had some harrowing questions about the night the TV presenter died

Events

13 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

1 hour ago Ant McPartin's ex Lisa Armstrong introduces baby boy as celeb supporters gush over arrival

Lisa Armstrong has welcomed a new addition to her family and the Strictly Come Dancing make-up artist was quick to introduce the new young member of her family

Politics

23 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

1 hour ago Foreign Office updates warnings on two countries and one is loved by Brits

It is essential to review the FCDO’s travel advice thoroughly before travelling

Events

2 hours ago The Guardian Footballer of the Year Sofie Junge Pedersen: ‘We wanted to send a message’

The Inter and Denmark player wins the award for her climate activism and being behind an open letter to Fifa regarding Saudi Arabia’s human rights issuesThe Guardian Footballer of the Year is an award given to a player who has done something remarkable, whether by overcoming adversity, helping others or setting a sporting example by acting with exceptional honesty.If the football had not worked out, perhaps Sofie Junge Pedersen could have run away to the circus. When her after-school youth club in Aarhus put on its annual week of performances there was one challenge that struck her in particular: the chance to juggle with fire torches and mock knives. “It was quite serious,” she laughs. “We practised a lot beforehand and I thought it would be fun. I just wanted to be the best.” So it proved and there is no evidence that anyone has beaten the time she set, aged 13, for keeping the two airborne simultaneously. Continue reading...

Politics

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

As a student in London I yearned for home, until I found paradise: a vast old villa with perfect housemates  The Guardian

Society

1 hour ago Luke Humphries fires back at Peter Wright in World Darts Championship war of words as he issues mind games warning

The world champion and Snakebite go head to head in a Sunday night blockbuster at Ally Pally

Events

3 hours ago Nitish Kumar Reddy century leads India fightback to frustrate Australia on day three

All-rounder joins Washington Sundar in critical 127-run standTourists trail by 116 runs with one wicket in hand in fourth Test52nd over: India 180-5 (Pant 22, Jadeja 4) Smokes a pull shot! Pant moves along to the 20s by clattering Boland, then takes a single. Jadeja keeps blocking.Guy Hornsby winds up the crank handle on the email machine. “Morning/evening Geoff. I’m somehow still up in darkest Sale in Manchester, full of port and cheese and wondering if Pant and Jadeja can actually save anything here. Their records suggest there’s a chance, but Pant is Cummins’ bunny of late and India must have felt an absolute gut punch after getting to 153-2 before the calamitous run-out. I’m not going to even attempt to apportion individual blame, just say it was a proper horlicks that took the wind out of India’s sails. Now it’s down to these two and a longish but bullish tail to see how much of a dent they can put into this huge Australian total. Perhaps Bumrah has made clear just how much of ...

Politics

2 hours ago ITV Coronation Street reveals new 'neighbours from hell' to cause chaos on soap

Coronation Street has confirmed that a new family is set to join the soap, with the new clan set to cause chaos and a "trail of devastation" in Weatherfield

Events

3 hours ago Former world’s tallest man calls for more compassion for vulnerable in UK

Hussain Bisad, who has had health problems, says government should do more for people with physical or mental illnessWhen Hussain Bisad first settled in north London as an asylum seeker after fleeing from war in Somalia 23 years ago, he did so in the hope of a new and more settled life. Little did he know that shortly after arriving he would be at the centre of the media spotlight, not for his story of escaping conflict but for something altogether different: his height.Bisad had been in the UK for five months when Guinness World Records measured his height as 2.3 metres (7ft 6.5in), making him then the world’s tallest living man. Continue reading...

Politics

2 hours ago Zelensky urges China to put pressure on North Korea over military aid to Russia

Volodymyr Zelensky has urged China to put pressure on North Korea if it “is sincere in its statements that the war should not expand.”

Events

5 hours ago Senior royal’s touching link to Princess Diana revealed ahead of huge life milestone

The Duchess of Edinburgh has travelled to some of world's most war-torn and traumatised areas to raise awareness of important causes, much like the late Princess Diana

Politics

3 hours ago Nitish Kumar Reddy century leads India fightback as Australia strike late on day three

All-rounder joins Washington Sundar in critical 127-run standTourists trail by 116 runs with one wicket in hand in fourth Test52nd over: India 180-5 (Pant 22, Jadeja 4) Smokes a pull shot! Pant moves along to the 20s by clattering Boland, then takes a single. Jadeja keeps blocking.Guy Hornsby winds up the crank handle on the email machine. “Morning/evening Geoff. I’m somehow still up in darkest Sale in Manchester, full of port and cheese and wondering if Pant and Jadeja can actually save anything here. Their records suggest there’s a chance, but Pant is Cummins’ bunny of late and India must have felt an absolute gut punch after getting to 153-2 before the calamitous run-out. I’m not going to even attempt to apportion individual blame, just say it was a proper horlicks that took the wind out of India’s sails. Now it’s down to these two and a longish but bullish tail to see how much of a dent they can put into this huge Australian total. Perhaps Bumrah has made clear just how much of ...

Events

5 hours ago Royal's emotive bond with Princess Diana's work revealed ahead of big milestone

EXCLUSIVE: The Duchess of Edinburgh is known for her tireless work supporting women in war-torn countries - a cause that has seen her draw similarities to the late Princess Diana

Politics

3 hours ago Huge pop star tragically died at 35 weighing just 4 stone after tragic health battle

Late actress Lena Zavaroni was catapulted to fame on popular TV show Opportunity Knocks at the age of 10, but she tragically died aged 35 following a devastating health battle

Events

5 hours ago Royal left with 'tears dripping off her chin' over heartbreaking comment

EXCLUSIVE: Sophie, Countess of Wessex has made history by visiting some of the most dangerous places on Earth - and has been left in tears by the devastating things she has seen

Politics

4 hours ago Arne Engels savouring Celtic view from the top but warns against wandering eyes with Rangers in sight

The Belgian is settling in nicely after record breaking move from the Bundesliga despite spell out of the side

Events

6 hours ago Tartan Army chief transforms back garden into a spectacular sports bar after five

Chris ‘Gibbo’ Gibson created the stunning boozer so that pals have somewhere to meet up and watch games.

Politics

5 hours ago ‘Bullets can make a real mess of bones’: the hospital where the war wounded have their lives put together again

At MSF’s pioneering centre in Amman, Jordan, the dedicated team deal with lives that have already been saved. Here they make those lives worth livingAs a sign of commitment to peace, help us support those affected by war | Kath VinerDonate to our charity appeal hereA girl slips through the corridors of the hospital’s fifth floor with her friend, the pair bright-eyed and shy. Today is her last chance to wear her sparkly new shoes, bought for a party last week. Tomorrow, the 12-year-old Iraqi will have a leg amputated.The operation was due two weeks ago but the surgeon, who had tried not to weep as he broke the news that amputation was necessary, agreed to delay surgery. She wanted the chance to wear her new shoes to the party first. Continue reading...

Events

17 hours ago Exact date UK could get extra Bank Holiday day off in 2025 with four day weekend planned

Brits could enjoy an extra Bank Holiday in 2025 to celebrate 80 years since the end of the Second World War - a Mirror poll shows most Brits are keen for an extra day off to mark the occasion

Politics

5 hours ago BBC SAS Rogue Heroes star Connor Swindells reveals huge sacrifice he made to play prisoner of war

BBC SAS Rogue Heroes star Connor Swindells opens up on the huge sacrifice he role as a prisoner of war on the show, as Jack O'Connell reveals why he kept a punchbag on set

Events

17 hours ago The 'remarkable intensity' of the Tameside tornado and the devastation it caused

Experts say it could be the 'widest tornado ever recorded in the UK'

Politics

6 hours ago Glasgow rat infestation problem must be brought under control amid alarming stats

Record View says councils need to give clean-up crews the resources they need to do their job. Not just in Glasgow but across all our towns and cities afflicted by rats.

Events

19 hours ago MAGA civil war ramps up as Trump ally Laura Loomer lays into Elon Musk — and loses her blue check

“[Musk] has removed my blue check mark on X because I dared to question his support for H1B visas, the replacement of American tech workers by Indian immigrants,” Laura Loomer tweeted Thursday.

Politics

7 hours ago Search for man missing off NSW north coast amid string of drownings across holiday period

21-year-old Taewoo Kim last seen going for a swim at Moonee beach, near Coffs Harbour, on Boxing Day; police say another man’s body found in sea south of WollongongGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA multi-agency search is under way for a man presumed missing in the ocean since Boxing Day, off the north coast of NSW, as another man’s body has been pulled from the water further south.Taewoo Kim, 21, was last seen around 1pm on Thursday, police said in a statement, going into the water at Moonee beach, north of Coffs Harbour.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

Events

20 hours ago South Korea 'should start Squid Game to see who runs government' says ex

Squid Game is back with a second series but for one armchair viewer of South Korea's scandal-ridden government, it ought to be introduced in real life to decide on country's next leader

Politics

7 hours ago Ukraine war briefing: ‘Human wave’ of North Korean troops being sent to their deaths, says US

Kyiv reports heavy casualties among Pyongyang’s soldiers in Russia while Washington accuses generals of seeing the troops as ‘expendable’. What we know on day 1,039See all our Ukraine war coverageNorth Korean troops deployed in Russia’s Kursk region are suffering heavy losses and being left unprotected by the Russian forces they are fighting alongside, according to Ukraine, while the US says Russian and North Korean generals see the soldiers as “expendable”. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday that said Russian troops were sending the North Koreans into battle with minimal protection and that the North Koreans were taking extreme measures to avoid being taken prisoner. “Their losses are significant, very significant,” the Ukrainian president said in his nightly video address. “We see that neither the Russian military nor their North Korean overseers have any interest in ensuring the survival of these North Koreans.” Zelenskyy said “several” wounded North Korean soldiers had died afte...

Events

20 hours ago The best spa hotels in New York City for jet lag cures and treatments with a view

From bespoke treatments to tranquil escapes admist the urban buzz, these are our favourite hotels with spas that the Big Apple has to offer

Politics

8 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

20 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

10 hours ago Man dies after Sydney arrest for allegedly attempting to enter vehicles armed with knife

Critical incident team from Bankstown Police Area Command to investigate circumstances surrounding 33-year-old’s deathGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA man has died after he was arrested while allegedly attempting to enter vehicles armed with a knife in the middle of Sydney traffic.Police declared a critical incident after officers responded to reports of a man trying to stop traffic and enter vehicles on Remembrance Driveway at Tahmoor in Sydney’s south-west at about 1pm on Friday.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

Events

20 hours ago LIVE: Huge crowds gather outside British Museum as visitors 'forced to evacuate’

LIVE: Huge crowds gather outside British Museum as visitors 'forced to evacuate’  Wimbledon Guardian

Politics

10 hours ago How the last Japanese soldier was finally lured out of the jungle 30 years after WWII ended

Teruo Nakamura had been a private in the Imperial Japanese Army. In December 1974, almost 30 years since the Second World War had ended, he was convinced it was still raging.

Events

20 hours ago ‘Why are my biceps so small?’ The boys and young men turning to steroids

A generation of young people are being raised on a vision of masculinity that glorifies muscular bodies. Performance and image enhancing drugs offer a quick – but potentially risky – way to achieve their goalOne month ago, Nick*, an 18-year-old university student living in the United States, got some devastating news: his little brother has cancer. It’s one of the worst times of Nick’s life, he says, but he’s “still positive”.“I wake up with a smile on my face,” he says. Not because of family support or a miracle cure, but because he has a potent combination of chemicals coursing through his veins: steroids.Sign up for a weekly email featuring our best reads Continue reading...

Politics

10 hours ago Emmerdale spoilers: April 'death' news, Anthony twist and three characters hospitalised

Emmerdale spoilers for next week tease a devastating twist in April Windsor's disappearance, while a special A&E episode sees more than one character hospitalised

Events

22 hours ago Bin man's vital advice about 'putting things in right bins' after Christmas

A UK bin man has shared essential advice about recycling after Christmas, as households across the country dispose of an abundance of waste from the festive period

Politics

12 hours ago Fury as 'woke' MoD bosses threaten to strip the cross from chaplains' military cap badge in bid to make department more 'diverse and multi

The cross is set to be removed from the badge of Army chaplains in a 'woke' move condemned by a formermilitary chief.

Events

22 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

12 hours ago At least 1,000 North Korean troops killed or wounded fighting for Russia, US says

Russia is treating North Korean troops as ‘expendable’ in fight over Kursk region, officials say

Events