81 minutes ago Six easy New Year resolutions to boost your finances and make you richer in 2025

MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry shares how you can live a richer life with these easy financial resolutions for 2025

Politics

9 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

81 minutes 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

13 hours ago Ryan Bertrand opens up on life after football as former Champions League winner turns himself into successful businessman

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY SAMI MOKBEL: The transition from professional footballer into retirement can be tricky business. For Ryan Bertrand, business is the operative word.

Sport

50 minutes ago South Korea plane crash latest: Only two survivors as Jeju Air flight carrying 181 crashes at Muan airport

Jeju Air’s passenger plane rams into a concrete wall in South Korea as landing gear fails to deploy

Events

3 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

13 hours ago Alien life beyond our planet will be proven within two years, claims intergalactic entity

An alleged extra terrestrial living on earth, Bashar, who connected to his human host through meditation, feels a duty to 'service' our world with knowledge about life beyond our stars

Science

81 minutes ago Inside Sarah Beeny's sad family loss that changed her perspective on life

EXCLUSIVE: Property guru Sarah Beeny has opened up about her battle with breast cancer and how she became more sentimental after losing her mum to the same disease

Politics

9 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

2 hours ago Scotland’s green freeports will bring in billions of pounds in new investment

Green freeports will maintain high environmental standards and apply fair work principles, while helping Scotland play a leading role in the green energy revolution, writes Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes

Economics

14 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

56 minutes ago South Korea plane crash horror: 179 presumed killed as official death toll hits 120

At least 62 people are dead after a plane carrying 181 people crashed off the runway and smashed into a wall at a South Korean airport.

Events

16 hours ago Sheffield’s museums show how art comes to life when it is connected to place | Rowan Moore

Institutions in and around the city combine great works with humdrum relics of local life, to fantastic effectI’ve been living partly in Sheffield for the past month or so, which has given me the chance to catch up on some of the great monuments of industry and power in and near the city – the model miners’ village and the fantastical Jacobean castle in Bolsover, the stately home of Wentworth Woodhouse with its battleship-length Palladian facade, the buildings of the subtle modernist Peter Womersley in Huddersfield.Also the Weston Park Museum in Sheffield and the Derby Museum and Art Gallery, both of which combine world-class art with humdrum relics of local life. In one, a large John Singer Sargent portrait of three young Yorkshire women shares the premises with the plastic car roof sign of a 1970s driving school. In the other, there is a gallery full of the illuminated tableaux of science and humanity by Joseph Wright of Derby and another room with a collection of stuffed animals,...

Culture

30 hours ago Revealed: How doctors struck off in Britain for permanently disfiguring patients, sexual assault and financial dishonesty are allowed to continue practising medicine

Surgeons who have committed serious misconduct, sometimes ending in death and life-changing injuries for patients, are continuing to operate on unsuspecting patients around the world.

Science

2 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

19 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

8 hours ago Starmer hails £1.7bn boost for state schools before VAT raid on private school fees comes into force

Despite warnings from private schools over the impact of the policy, the prime minister is ploughing ahead and will charge 20 per cent VAT on independent school fees from the start of 2025

Economics

20 hours ago Christmas movie fans rave over 'masterpiece' film with perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score and hailed as 'an unmissable experience'

The film, which is available to stream on NOW and first hit screens in 1982, has stood the test of time and still remains a beloved favourite for film fans.

Sport

81 minutes ago Man City's transfer disasters before takeover glory – £42m wasted to player now in prison

Manchester City are among the biggest spenders in world football since Sheikh Mansour's takeover in 2008, but their transfer history proves that money does not always bring results

Events

2 hours ago How Marks & Spencer shook off its granny pants image and got genuinely cool

Whisper it but you’re allowed to actually like the clothes in Marks and Sparks these days, even if you’re a millennial. Helen Coffey looks at the British brand’s phoenix-like rise from the ashes

Politics

24 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

15 hours ago Katie Price flaunts present haul from JJ Slater after spending Xmas apart

Katie Price has shared her Christmas gift from boyfriend JJ Slater after the pair spent the festive period apart amid fears they had split, which she has since addressed

Economics

20 hours ago Five UFC fights we need in 2025: Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall tops the list

A grudge match, a slugfest, and vital title fights – here are the bouts we’re desperate to see

Sport

2 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

6 hours ago Hailey Bieber shows off postpartum body amid claims she and Justin are in 'no rush' to have more kids

Hailey Bieber is embracing her postpartum body just four months after giving birth to her and husband Justin's first child, son Jack Blues Bieber.

Politics

26 hours ago House of the Dragon actor: 'leaving London for Brighton has been really good for my mental health.'

House of the Dragon actor Sam Wilson found his life and career began to flourish when he left the capital

Society

18 hours ago Tom Hardy and Guy Ritchie's luxury cars worth £300k as they drive onto Fixer set

Friends and executive producers of new Paramount+ series Fixer Tom Hardy and Guy Ritchie were seen filming in luxury cars, worth a staggering £300,000 together

Economics

30 hours ago Arsenal transfer news: Matheus Cunha sends message as Raheem Sterling makes loan decision

Arsenal have a few positions that could do with more quality - especially up front given their lack of a recognised No 9 - while some defensive cover would also be useful after injuries to Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu

Sport

3 hours ago South Korea plane crash latest: All but two presumed dead as airplane carrying 181 crashes at Muan airport

Jeju Air’s passenger plane rams into a concrete wall in South Korea as landing gear fails to deploy

Events

8 hours ago LA Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani announces his wife Mamiko Tanaka is pregnant in adorable Instagram post

The Los Angeles Dodgers star confirmed in February that he and Tanaka were married

Politics

26 hours ago Christmas leftovers meet Italian flair: Three recipes to reinvent festive staples

Christmas meets Italian flair in these recipes that turn festive leftovers into bold, satisfying dishes. From turkey meatballs to cacciatore-style chicken, here’s how to reinvent your festive staples with ease

Society

20 hours ago Katie Price shows off present haul from JJ after spending Christmas apart

Katie Price has shown off her Christmas present haul from boyfriend JJ Slater after setting the record straight about their relationship amid split rumours

Economics

3 hours ago Family of Scot murdered abroad get fresh hope as cops identify 13 potential new witnesses

Private investigators have identified 13 French nationals who they believe may hold crucial information about the death of Craig Mallon in Lloret de Mar on May 19, 2012.

Events

8 hours ago Megan Moroney, this year’s ‘Rockin Eve’ performer, reveals the only way she’ll have a New Year’s kiss

The ‘Am I Okay?’ singer will be performing in Times Square on December 31

Politics

24 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

5 hours ago South Korea plane crash: death toll reaches 47 after Jeju Air flight skids off runway at Muan airport – live updates

Authorities warn that provisional death toll could rise after Boeing 737-800 with 175 passengers and six crews hit airport fenceReport: South Korea plane with 181 onboard veers off runway and hits fenceDozens are feared dead after a plane skidded off the runway while attempting a landing without landing gear at Muan international airport in South Korea on Sunday morningThe exact casualty figures have not yet been tallied, though authorities are provisionally reporting that 28 people are believed to have died, according to news agency Newsis. Fire officials have warned that given the severe damage to the aircraft, the number of casualties could rise.Jeju Air flight 2216 from Bangkok to Muan was carrying 181 people – 175 passengers and six crew – when it came down, skidded along the runway and hit fencing and a wall around the perimeter before catching fire.Rescues are underway, with two people brought out of the wreckage so far. Emergency services are continuing their search operatio...

Events

9 hours ago Maura Higgins 'worried' ex will reveal all about their love life on Love Island All

Maura Higgins is allegedly "worried" that her ex could spill all about their relationship during a stint on Love Island: All-Stars, which is set to hit our screens next month

Politics

6 hours ago Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury candidly opens up about major life changes she's made since cancer battle

The Countryfile presenter, 54, has revealed the significant lifestyle changes she's made since battling breast cancer, describing the experience as a wake-up call to focus on her health.

Events

9 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

7 hours ago South Korea plane crash: Aircraft carrying 175 passengers smashes into wall at Muan International Airport

We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

Events

10 hours ago Woman defended for getting engaged only days after her brother’s wedding

The woman on Reddit says she engaged during a vacation with her partner after the destination wedding

Politics

9 hours ago Third man arrested on suspicion of murder after 'hero father', 37, was killed when he was 'mown down by a car following an argument' on Christmas Day

A 26-year-old is the third man to be arrested in connection with the death of Kirk Marsden (pictured) who died in the early hours of Boxing Day after he was allegedly hit by a car outside a Blackburn pub.

Events

10 hours ago Prince Harry backed mental health firm slammed by workers as 'toxic train wreck’

BetterUp, the life-coaching and mental health organisation that has Prince Harry as part of its leadership has been canned by employees who say management has 'no moral compass'

Politics

9 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

10 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

9 hours ago Kelsey Parker says boyfriend has 'brought her back to life' after Tom's death

The mum-of-two has said that partner Will Lindsay has brought her "back to life" after the devastation of losing The Wanted's Tom in 2022.

Events

10 hours ago Kelvin Fletcher says he knows he's 'valued' after brief split from wife Liz Marsland

Kelvin Fletcher, who played Andy Sugden in Emmerdale, has opened up about his new life on a farm in the Peak District with his wife Liz and their four young children

Politics

10 hours ago Fans can't wait for Timothee Chalamet's next film from director of Netflix hit

Timothee Chalamet's next film is already being hailed as one of the must-see movies of 2025, with a star-studded cast and a story that is set to take fans on a wild ride.

Events

11 hours ago Heidi Klum braves the cold as she strips down to just a thong and bra for snowball fight

Heidi Klum is having a very merry time up the American Rocky Mountains with her husband Tom Kaulitz - and she's refusing to let a recent toe injury dampen her spirits

Politics

10 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

12 hours ago Love Island star sets record straight on pregnancy rumours after fans spotted 'bump'

A former Love Island star has taken to social media to address pregnancy rumours with her boyfriend from the show as fans thought they spotted a 'bump' in her latest post

Politics

11 hours ago Pictured: Hero parents who 'saved their daughter's life' before they were killed in Boxing Day 'hit

Anthony Hogg, 40, and Georgina Hogg-Moore, 39, died after the incident on Blanchardstown Road North in West Dublin while they walked with their daughter for an evening meal.

Events

12 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

11 hours ago Two mums decide to go public after one donates dead daughter's heart to save other's little girl

Amy Anderson and husband Carl made the selfless decision to donate their daughter Mia's heart, liver, pancreas and kidneys after her death to save the lives of four people who needed urgent transplants

Events

14 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

11 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

15 hours ago Corrie legend Charlie Lawson aka Jim McDonald boasts of wild nights out with Katie Price

Writing in his autobiography That’s Life, So It Is, the actor says he drank over a bottle of whiskey a night and took cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, LSD, speed and cannabis

Politics

11 hours ago Love Island's Millie Court has 'never screamed so loud' after jellyfish attack on holiday

Love Island star Millie Court has shared a terrifying clip of herself being stung by a jellyfish as she swam in the sea while enjoying a break with her boyfriend Liam Reardon

Events

15 hours ago Laura Anderson looks loved up with new footballer boyfriend as pair mark first Christmas together

Love Island star Laura Anderson and her boyfriend, and Dundee footballer, Clark Robertson looked loved up as they enjoyed a romantic break away over the festive period

Politics

11 hours ago Robert Brooks: Shocking footage reveals moment prison officers beat handcuffed man before his death

New York Governor ‘outraged and horrified’ by footage

Events

15 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

11 hours ago Two men dead and baby rushed to hospital after Audi and Mercedes crash in Northern Ireland: Woman remains fighting for her life after smash

The collision, involving a Mercedes and an Audi, happened outside the village of Killylea just before 12.45pm on Friday.

Events