50 minutes ago Luke Littler taken aback by next opponent's comments: 'Not good for his game'

Luke Littler saw off Ian White on Saturday night to set up a clash with Ryan Joyce and was surprised to hear that his next opponent didn't think the teenager needed to play well to win

Politics

4 hours ago 'Comfort food in a bowl' cauliflower soup recipe is the perfect winter warmer

Food content creator Alfie Stein has served up the perfect winter warmer soup that he dubs 'comfort food in a bowl'

Society

2 hours ago Murdoch, Musk, water firms Here are the ‘winners’ in another torrid year for business

As 2025 dawns, we looks back at the star players over the last 12 months of economic drama, mishap and scandalThe end of the year is a time for pausing, reflection and exhaustion. But before throwing ourselves into 2025, it’s worth sifting through the remnants of 2024 to see who in the business world has done something worth remembering.So, once more with gusto, the Observer Agenda page brings you its awards for the brightest – or perhaps most glaring – lights in the business world this year. Continue reading...

Economics

2 hours ago How to watch West Ham vs Liverpool: TV channel and live stream for Premier League game today

Dominant Reds hoping to further extend their commanding title lead heading into 2025

Sport

3 hours ago Anonymous artist leaves head of cannibal Sawney Bean deep in Scottish death cave

The legend of of one of the darkest figures ever created in Scotland, Sawney Bean, lives on

Events

4 hours ago From climate denial to gothic movies to ‘treat culture’ what to expect in 2025

The new US president will almost certainly bring unpredictability but several themes will dominate the year ahead. Observer writers offer their guide on what lies ahead in politics, film, fashion, sport and moreThe only thing that can be predicted with absolute certainty about Donald Trump’s second term as US president is that it will be unpredictable. Trump does not really know what he wants to do on a range of issues. He talks a good game, which is how he got re-elected. But he often seems to decide policy on the basis of what the last person he spoke to told him. Is he serious about mobilising the military to carry out mass deportations of “illegal” migrants? Will he use the justice department to hunt down political enemies and media critics? Will he impose sweeping tariffs on foreign imports and trigger a global trade war? Or will he act with greater circumspection, using these threats as bargaining tools? Who knows? He doesn’t yet. Continue reading...

Culture

88 minutes ago Chelsea XI vs Ipswich: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Premier League

Enzo Maresca could rotate for third Blues game in nine days

Politics

11 hours ago Zoe Ball's son Woody Cook announces heartbreaking family death as he shares touching tribute

Norman Cook's son Woody has shared the sad news that his grandmother has passed away on Christmas Day, marking the second grandma he has lost in one year

Society

14 hours ago Peaky Blinders creator confirms film 'won't be the end' as release date teased

Hit BBC series Peaky Blinders is set to be transformed into a movie as the iconic cast including Cillian Murphy reprise their roles to the highly anticipated Netflix release

Economics

3 hours ago How to watch Leicester vs Man City: TV channel and live stream for Premier League game today

Both struggling sides will be desperate to end 2024 on a positive note at the King Power Stadium

Sport

3 hours ago Rangers are too caught up in blame game and Clement is set to become latest culture of failure casualty – Hugh Keevins

Our man hits out at the Ibrox club's reaction to the Cup final VAR controversy

Events

23 hours ago ‘I saw the reflection of his back rolls in the glass door’: Spencer Ostrander’s best phone photo

The American photographer on capturing a moment of intimacy between himself and his baby sonOn a sunny Sunday morning in June, Spencer Ostrander returned from the local hardware store to find his wife, Sophie, gardening in their back yard in Brooklyn, New York. “I handed her the supplies she needed, and a hot coffee, and she handed over our son,” Ostrander says. Their boy, Miles, was six months old at the time.“As I was taking him inside, I saw the reflection of my son’s back rolls in the glass door.” Ostrander grabbed his iPhone 14 Pro and turned the front camera on. “He was teething back then; not crying, but not his usual pleasant self either. I was juggling a wiggling baby and my phone, so I could only take two frames.” Continue reading...

Culture

88 minutes ago Man City XI vs Leicester City: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for Premier League

Pep Guardiola still missing a host of key players for final game of 2024

Politics

11 hours ago Arne Slot's secret weapon behind Liverpool title charge laid bare by Marco van Basten

Dutch legend Marco van Basten has revealed the secret behind Arne Slot's blistering start to life at Liverpool, who are six points clear at the Premier League summit and boast a game in hand over rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, respectively

Society

15 hours ago Squid Game prize money converted into pounds and 500 million Won currency explained

The hit Netflix show has returned and fans might wonder just how much money is on offer to the characters who compete in the deadly tournament.

Economics

14 hours ago 11 players could miss Manchester United vs Newcastle United Premier League clash

The latest Manchester United news as Newcastle United visit Old Trafford in the final game of 2024 with Ruben Amorim's side looking to bounce back from defeat on Boxing Day.

Sport

5 hours ago 'My son went missing on Hogmanay 30 years ago but I still want answers'

SUNDAY MAIL EXCLUSIVE: Kevin McGuire's mum has revealed her agony over her missing boy who hasn't been seen since 1994.

Events

1 hour ago Liverpool XI vs West Ham: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for Premier League

Arne Slot facing big decision in attack for final game of 2024

Politics

20 hours ago ‘Selfless parents gave their child’s organs to save my son. I’m in awe of them’

One year after Ralph was given a life-saving multi-organ transplant, his mother Katie Tatham tells why she is calling for more people in the UK to come forward to helpJust over a year ago, the parents of Ralph Tatham didn’t know if they would make it to Christmas, or if liver cancer would take away their three-year-old son.Now the little boy is just a few weeks away from celebrating his fifth birthday, after receiving a lifesaving multiorgan transplant to replace his liver, pancreas and intestines. Continue reading...

Society

26 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

16 hours ago Forget Risk, play Fantasy Football for Fascists: grudge matches, foul play and violent conduct guaranteed | Simon Tisdall

Leading FFF teams include Donald Trump’s Mad Angry Geezers Athletic (Maga) and Vladimir Putin’s Greater Russia United (GRU)It’s been a gloomy old year, often reflected in this space – so maybe it’s time to inject some festive cheer with an exciting new Swiftian parlour game: Fantasy Football for Fascists (FFF). Ideal for dictators, autocrats, strongmen, neo-Stalinists, far-right nationalist-populists or just students of geopolitics, it’s fanatical fun for all the family!Under conventional fantasy football rules, imaginary teams are composed of real-life players from the Premier League. In FFF, the principal players are typically politicians and public figures who exhibit extreme totalitarian tendencies. Leading FFF teams include Donald Trump’s Mad Angry Geezers Athletic (Maga) and Vladimir Putin’s Greater Russia United (GRU). China has the Xi XI. Continue reading...

Sport

7 hours ago Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta sends warning amid celebrity's 't***s' blast

Arsenal are six poiints behind Premier League leaders Liverpool with an extra game played meaning Mikel Arteta's team could get active in the January transfer window

Events

2 hours ago The big picture: Colleen Kenyon’s new year portrait of her twin sister, 1977

The late feminist artists explored ideas of doubling and twinship, as well as helping to redefine notions of craft skillsThe photographer Colleen Kenyon made this new year portrait of her identical twin sister Kathleen in 1977. At the time the two of them were embarking on a shared artistic journey that put them at the forefront of feminist artists interested in reclaiming and redefining “craft” skills, using photomontage and hand-colouring techniques to celebrate and ironise traditionally “domestic” artistic expression, such as scrapbooking. Over the subsequent 25 years the twins, born in 1951, pursued this practice at the Center for Photography at Woodstock in upstate New York, where Colleen became executive director in 1981 and her sister joined her as associate director. Together they developed the exhibition space and a programme of workshops to make the institution a prime mover in the advancement of women in the arts, and for artists of colour.Their own distinctive photograph...

Politics

32 hours ago Festive air fryer gyros recipe takes just 15 minutes and is a 'serious banger'

Use all of your favourite Christmas dinner trimmings to create a healthy festive gyros that you'll want 'immediately'

Society

31 hours ago Chrissy Teigen blasts 'n**s and t***s' as she is criticised for 'clueless' interview after wearing Chelsea shirt to attend Arsenal vs Ipswich Town match with John Legend and kids

Fans slammed the 'clueless' couple as they appeared to get confused over which teams had played, with Chrissy even wearing a Chelsea shirt to the game.

Sport

10 hours ago Kelsey Parker praises her boyfriend Will Lindsay for 'bringing her back to life' after the death of her late husband Tom Parker following cancer battle

Kelsey Parker has praised her boyfriend Will Lindsay for 'bringing her back to life' following the tragic death of her late husband, Tom Parker.

Events

3 hours ago Sunday with John Cooper Clarke: ‘My wife does a chicken with 60 cloves of garlic’

The poet talks about newspapers and television, coffee and strawberries, and how Monday’s gloomy presence hangs over every SundaySunday habits? A favourite is Desert Island Discs on Radio 4. Or I’ll watch a re-run of Match of The Day on BBC One at 7.30am since I missed it working Saturday. Then what? My local newsagents only order about three copies of each newspaper, so I have to get on the bike to snatch them. Then I read them. That’s my Sunday pursuit.Sunday brekkie? I’m a creature of habit. My breakfast is always the same. A quarter pint of espresso. A couple of baked goods – a danish here, a croissant there – and an entire punnet of strawberries.Sunday lunch? I’m not a lunch guy, but I do have a huge we call it tea. My wife’s French, a terrific cook. The pleasures of the table are close to my heart. What’s on the menu? She does a great chicken with ratatouille, and a chicken featuring 60 unpeeled cloves of garlic. Sixty! Count them. I like Mediterranean grub. I like a nice ragu...

Politics

12 hours ago Norman Cook's mum dies as son Woody grieves losing two grandmothers in one year

Fatboy Slim - Norman Cook - is mourning the death of his mum as his son Woody announced the sad news on his Instagram profile

Events

3 hours ago Scots girl who nursed a bee back to life with honey named among top viral moments of 2024

Willow McMurray from Midlothian won an army of internet fans as she cared for the poorly creature.

Politics

12 hours ago Woman spots late dad sitting in favourite spot on Google Street View 11 years after death

Katie Scott, from Salford, Greater Manchester, discovered her father Arthur Scott, who died from complications of kidney failure, has been immortalised on Google Street View

Events

4 hours ago How I beat overwhelm: I kicked my news addiction – and discovered ways to make a proper difference

When I stopped watching, listening, reading and doomscrolling constantly, I no longer felt I was banging my head against a brick wallFor as long as I can remember, I have been addicted to broadcast news. At least, I used to be. I would wake up to the babble of Radio 4’s Today programme and for the rest of the day subject myself to a bombardment of destabilising sound effects from the Middle East, Trumpland, PMQs and the odd shouty phone-in.It was a habit that was formed long before I became a journalist. My father, a doctor, was a devoted consumer of current affairs. “What’s happening?” he would ask at breakfast. If you started to tell him about your plans for the day, he would listen politely and then say: “I meant, what’s happening in the world?” Continue reading...

Politics

13 hours ago Leicester’s Cole and Pollard thwart Harlequins in thrilling Big Game draw

Premiership: Harlequins 34-34 LeicesterDan Cole try and Handré Pollard conversion seal drawThere may be a grassroots rebellion soon descending on Twickenham, torches and pitchforks in tow, but here was some festive fun before the bonfire begins. Ultimately, it ended honours even – thanks to Dan Cole’s last-gasp try and Handré Pollard’s conversion via a post – and with a slight sense of anticlimax for the sellout crowd. There can be no mistaking they got their money’s worth, however, a nail-biting encounter after a weekend of whitewashes.This was the third time Leicester were the opponents for this annual festive fixture and remarkably, the two previous clashes, in 2008 and 2019, also ended in draws. All the more astonishing is that it was Cole who scored the try to force the draw. It was no less than Leicester deserved, with Michael Cheika unapologetic his side chose to kick the ball out in the dying seconds rather than push for victory. Continue reading...

Events

5 hours ago Pep Guardiola's Man City future depends on rising to 'biggest challenge' in landmark game

Pep Guardiola will become only the second Manchester City manager to reach 500 games in charge, but he is in the middle of his worst run from his previous 499 outings.

Politics

15 hours ago Sailor's shock as large bubble seen floating in middle of the sea has boy, 8 inside

The young boy was found inside the leaking ball by a sailor who was on a boat trip with his children off Lazaro Beach in Ubatuba, Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Christmas Eve

Events

6 hours ago Snoop's game: Snoop Dogg thrills the crowd in the bowl that bears his name

Miami of Ohio beat Colorado State in the Arizona Bowl, but Snoop Dogg was the main attraction

Politics

15 hours ago I broke down in tears when I spotted my dad in his favourite spot on Google Street View 11 years after he died

Katie Scott, 49, found a picture of her late father Arthur, who passed away in 2013, on the search engine's 360 historic street imagery this month.

Events

11 hours ago Judi Dench's moving tribute to Maggie Smith as she reveals final act before funeral

Judi Dench has opened up about her friendship with Maggie Smith and paid tribute to the late actress in a new BBC programme celebrating her life and career

Politics

16 hours ago Peaky Blinders creator teases the upcoming film ‘won’t be the end’ for the drama

Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy is reprising his role as Birmingham gangster Tommy Shelby for the film.

Events

11 hours ago Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek doping scandals are 'disgusting', claims Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios has launched a bitter attack on the sport's authorities, branding the doping cases involving Grand Slam winners Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek as 'disgusting' for the game.

Politics

16 hours ago ‘Create our own history’: Alisson targets title to mark new Liverpool era

The Liverpool goalkeeper expected ‘hard work’ for Arne Slot but flying start to season means their end goal is clearIf 2024 included the final chapter of Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool, the year may yet be recalled as the start of something else special. It was on 26 January that devastated fans learned one of the best-kept football secrets of modern times, that Klopp could give no more. In late December, a renewed team, more patient in style, far less exuberant yet just as potent, already threatens to emulate Klopp’s finest achievements.The bond between Klopp and former players remains firm. When Curtis Jones made his 100th Premier League appearance against Leicester on Boxing Day, he realised only because his former manager had congratulated him on the milestone. When Klopp returns to public life next week as head of global football for the Red Bull conglomerate, the sight of him in the stands, talking to the media, will take some getting used to. Continue reading...

Events

11 hours ago Judi Dench reveals her secret tribute to Maggie Smith in unseen BBC interview

Dame Judi Dench has paid a heartfelt tribute to her late friend and fellow actress, Dame Maggie Smith.

Politics

16 hours ago Matheus Cunha’s wizardry for revived Wolves spells trouble for Tottenham | Ben McAleer

Spurs’ defensive injury crisis spells danger when facing one of the Premier League’s most unpredictable forwards By Ben McAleer for WhoScoredDecember was always going to be a tough month for Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham. Spurs faced crunch domestic and continental meetings with the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Rangers and Bournemouth, and failed to win all four. Of the eight games this month, they have won two, beating Southampton and Manchester United, and the latter they did their best to throw away.Next up for Postecoglou’s side is Sunday’s home game against Wolves. On paper, a meeting with a relegation-threatened side should pose little threat to Spurs. However, Wolves come into the weekend’s trip to the capital following back-to-back league wins over Leicester and Manchester United. Vítor Pereira has made the desired impact having succeeded Gary O’Neil at the Molineux helm earlier this month, watching on as his side have scored five times and conceded none. Continue reading...

Events

12 hours ago Justin Herbert shines as LA Chargers trounce Patriots to clinch playoff spot

Herbert throws three TDs as Chargers win 40-7Patriots lose sixth straight for second time in 2024Justin Herbert threw three touchdown passes and the Los Angeles Chargers clinched their second playoff appearance in three seasons with a 40-7 victory over the New England Patriots on Saturday.The win also secured the fourth postseason appearance in Jim Harbaugh’s five seasons as an NFL coach, adding to the three he made during his stint with the San Francisco 49ers. Continue reading...

Politics

17 hours ago BBC The Traitors' Claudia Winkleman warns 'I will get fired' as she spills on major 'changes' to season 3

The Traitors is back for a third series on New Year's Day and host Claudia Winkleman has shared some 'exciting' changes in the ultimate 'psychological game show'.

Events

13 hours ago Leicester’s unlikely hero snatches share of spoils against Harlequins in annual festive treat

Harlequins 34-34 Leicester: Dan Cole’s final-minute try continued a streak of three draws between these two sides in the annual ‘Big Game’ at Twickenham

Politics

17 hours ago River Plate women’s players released from prison after arrest for alleged racism

Four players were detained after game in São PauloMatch was called off after apparent monkey gestureA Brazilian judge has ordered the release from prison of four players from River Plate’s women’s football team, all of whom were arrested over an alleged racial slur during a match against Grêmio.Judge Fernando Oliveira Camargo decided to free the Argentinian club’s quartet of Candela Díaz, Camila Duarte, Juana Cángaro and Milagros Díaz, on condition they remain in Brazil and show up at court in São Paulo every month until the case is concluded. Continue reading...

Events

14 hours ago Netflix changes Squid Game detail after show nearly 'ruined woman's life'

Squid Game season 2 is currently streaming on Netflix, but the streaming platform had to make a significant change to the show after it almost made one woman's life unbearable.

Politics

18 hours ago Moment boy rescued after being found floating in bubble in the middle of the sea

Rafael Graça do Prado, 32, who runs a tourism boating business, has told how he spotted the large plastic ball while in the sea off Lazaro Beach near Sao Paulo, Brazil

Events

16 hours ago Dancing On Ice's Vanessa Bauer shares poignant post after going public with boyfriend

Dancing on Ice pro Vanessa Bauer has shared a series of photos with her boyfriend, former footballer James Rowe, as she said it was a 'year to remember' in a gushing post

Politics

18 hours ago Call The Midwife creator admits she's unsure how long BBC drama can continue

Call The Midwife creator and writer Heidi Thomas has opened up on the future of the BBC period drama, admitting she doesn't know how long the show will go on for

Events

16 hours ago Moment boy floating in middle of sea inside bubble found on Christmas Eve

Rafael Graça do Prado was on a boat trip with his children when he saw the bizarre object floating in the water.

Politics

19 hours ago Incredible Spirit Bird tribe who don terrifying masks to guard a waterfall

A self-titled 'travel creator' has shared footage of a Papua New Guinea tribe that guard the river with an eye-catching appearance, leading fans to both fear for his safety and doubt the video's reality

Events

16 hours ago Jamie Carragher names two signings Arsenal must make to challenge Liverpool for title

Arsenal are six points behind Liverpool with an extra game played in the Premier League and Mikel Arteta needs to bolster his attack in the January transfer window

Politics

20 hours ago The Chase star died in 'horrible circumstances' with shocked fans paying tribute

Fans of ITV's The Chase paid tribute to a contestant who tragically died in a house fire – just before his episode of the popular game show aired back in 2021

Events

16 hours ago A ceramicist’s personal take on commemorative blue plaques – in pictures

For more than 25 years, Horace Lindezey has been making art at Venture Arts, a Manchester-based studio working with learning disabled artists. In his ever-growing collection of ceramic blue plaques, created with the assistance of ceramicist Caroline Tattersall, he celebrates people who have meant something to him – family members, friends, TV personalities and musicians – focusing on life’s central milestones: births, marriages and deaths. “I feel happy with making the plaques,” says Lindezey. “I roll the clay on to the mould, paint it white, then I put the letters on it. I like showing them in exhibitions, in Blackburn and London. I like to see them out there – they are nice memories of some people that have died.”A limited edition book of The Blue Plaques (£25), signed by the artist, is available at venturearts.org Continue reading...

Politics

22 hours ago Boy and two adults bailed after girl, seven, injured in quad bike crash

The girl was left with life-changing injuries after the quad bike she was on crashed into a telegraph pole on Boxing Day.

Events