33 minutes ago Surfer dies after being impaled by swordfish in freak accident in Indonesia

Giulia Manfrini was riding a wave when the swordfish jumped out of the water and hit her in the chest

Events

51 minutes ago ‘It was to make bank managers less uptight’: the toy that put Newton’s law on executive desks

The eccentric British design firm behind Ballrace, the bestselling shiny 1970s Newton’s cradle, is celebrated in a new bookSir Isaac Newton was a genius of science, but for many Britons of a certain age he is also fondly remembered for lending his name to a classic executive toy. In the 1970s, the steel five-ball Newton’s cradle became a must-have accessory in offices and homes, ushering in a fad for kinetic games and magnetic puzzles.Now a new book, Loncraine Broxton: Innovations & Executive Toys 1969-1997, published this month, tells the story of the eccentric British company that created these toys as the side hustle of an award-winning film director and an archaeologist. Continue reading...

Society

51 minutes ago A Pennsylvania town is thriving with Haitian immigrants – and is the latest target of Republican hate

Despite a revitalization, Donald Trump wrongfully claimed Charleroi is ‘virtually bankrupt’ with ‘massive crime’There is one thing about her community that makes Kristin Hopkins-Calcek prouder than anything: her city is now one of the few boroughs in Pennsylvania with a growing population.“We haven’t invested in our borough for a long time,” says the Charleroi council president, “and now we are finally able to do that – it’s because we have a need to.” Continue reading...

Events

1 hour ago Jeremy Clarkson's partner sparks frenzy as she shares glimpse at Clarkson's Farm series four

The hit Amazon Prime Video show, Clarkson's Farm, is officially back in production and the former Top Gear presenter's partner Lisa Hogan has shared a sneak peek

Politics

1 hour ago Storm Ashley: Met Office issues new weather warnings as UK hit by 80mph winds and floods

The Met Office issued a rare "danger to life" warning yesterday in relation to Storm Ashley's destructive winds that could lead to large coastal waves and loose beach material that pose a risk to human safety

Events

1 hour ago A planned sequel and a West End musical – but is The Devil Wears Prada out of step with our times?

Attitudes to body standards and corporate exploitation are among themes that look dated in the 2006 smash hitThere’s to be a follow-up to the film The Devil Wears Prada, with original screenwriter, Aline Brosh McKenna, “in talks” to provide the script. The 2006 ­comedy, starring Anne Hathaway as Andy, the put-upon assistant to Meryl Streep’s glacial New York fashion magazine ­editor, Miranda Priestly, was an enormous global hit ­(taking $327m at the box office). As well as the planned sequel, there’s a stage musical opening at the Dominion theatre in London’s West End at the end of this month, ­starring Vanessa Williams as Priestly, with music by Elton John. Almost two decades after the ­original, it appears the ­franchise has been reawakened, but so too have the problematic issues surr...

Politics

1 hour ago Debt will overshadow IMF gathering as World Bank boss pleads for poorest countries

In Washington, finance ministers will face pressure for action to reduce their own debt and offer more resources to poorer nationsDebt, and why governments need to reduce it, will top the agenda at this week’s annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in Washington.Finance ministers and central bank governors from around the world will gather in the US capital alongside thinktank and charity bosses to discuss the state of the global economy and its ability to generate a higher standard of living. Continue reading...

Economics

1 hour ago Fears British High Commission phones were hacked during Chagos Islands talks

Exclusive: British high commissioner hit in huge leak of purported phone conversations between high-profile Mauritian figures

Events

2 hours ago Is the balsamic vinegar in your kitchen cupboard FAKE? Nearly all varieties sold in British supermarkets are bulked out with cheap alternatives

As demand for balsamic outstrips supply, some producers have begun bulking out their products with cheaper vinegars, artificial colours, and even water.

Politics

2 hours ago Major UK river search launched after two boys found 'unwell' on the banks

Police are scouring the River Freshney for potential further casualties after two boys were found unwell near its banks in the early hours of this morning, officers confirmed

Politics