46 minutes ago Virgin River fans are already calling major season 7 storyline ‘totally implausible'

A new storyline will take Virgin River’s seventh season in a whole new direction, but some fans aren’t convinced it makes sense

Politics

96 minutes ago ‘This is not a feud’: Blake Lively’s lawyer issues new statement on Justin Baldoni lawsuit

The Gossip Girl star’s lawyers have hit out at Baldoni’s camp with a fresh statement

Society

96 minutes ago Trump to declare national economic emergency in order to push through tariffs, report says

President-elect has threatened nations including Canada, Mexico and China with steep duties on their products even before taking office

Economics

7 hours ago Peter Hain urges South Africa to boycott Afghanistan game at Champions Trophy

Anti-apartheid campaigner plea to governing bodyWomen’s cricket team disbanded under Taliban ruleThe veteran anti-apartheid campaigner Peter Hain has called on Cricket South Africa to challenge the ban on women’s and girl’s cricket in Afghanistan before next month’s Champions Trophy.In a letter seen by the Guardian, Lord Hain urges the Cricket South Africa’s chief executive, Pholetsi Moseki, to take up the issue with the International Cricket Council before South Africa’s Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan in Karachi. In a particularly striking passage, Hain also draws direct parallels with the struggle of black and brown players under apartheid with the Taliban’s oppression of women’s rights in Afghanistan. Continue reading...

Sport

33 minutes ago West Virginia care facility staff members charged in death of patient left in scalding hot bathtub

Two staff members at a northern West Virginia long-term care facility have been charged in the death of a patient who was left in a scalding hot bathtub a year ago

Events

5 hours ago Horrifying footage shows little girl dangling from ski lift before plummeting 40ft into snow

A little girl was seen fighting to stay in her ski lift as it rose while her small frame slipped below a protective barrier, before she fell more than 40ft at the Genting Resort Secret Garden in China

Culture

6 hours ago Is YOUR local hospital being crippled by the flu surge? Check winter virus levels in your area using our tracker tool

The crisis, driven by flu norovirus, RSV and Covid has already led to a dozen hospitals declaring critical incidents meaning they are struggling to provide safe care to patients.

Science

51 minutes ago Jerry Springer Show refused to fly guests home if they walked off set, according to new Netflix doc

The new Netflix documentary ‘Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action’ explores the making of the controversial talk show

Politics

7 hours ago Sister of OpenAI boss accuses tech billionaire of childhood sexual abuse

Sam Altman, whose company created ChatGPT, labels allegations ‘utterly untrue’

Society

4 hours ago Doughnut Time UK slammed for 'sneakily' rebranding after 'ripping off' black female founder's business

The company, which was originally founded by Australian entrepreneur Damian Griffiths in 2014, closed its 13 UK stores at the end of last month amid growing backlash online.

Economics

7 hours ago Peter Hain urges South Africa to protest Afghanistan game at Champions Trophy

Anti-apartheid campaigner plea to governing bodyWomen’s cricket team disbanded under Taliban ruleThe veteran anti-apartheid campaigner Peter Hain has called on Cricket South Africa to challenge the ban on women’s and girl’s cricket in Afghanistan. In a letter seen by the Guardian, Lord Hain urges the Cricket South Africa’s chief executive, Pholetsi Moseki, to take up the issue with the International Cricket Council before South Africa’s Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan in Karachi on 21 February.In a particularly striking passage, Hain draws a direct parallel of apartheid with the Taliban’s oppression of women’s rights in Afghanistan. “Having struggled long and hard for black and brown cricketers to represent their country like whites did exclusively for nearly a century, I hope that post-apartheid South African cricket will press for similar rights for all women in world cricket,” Hain tells Moseki. “Will South African cricket please raise the plight of Afghan women cricke...

Sport

1 hour ago Tory and Reform MPs accused of ‘weaponising trauma’ of grooming victims, as Farage calls for inquiry into Pakistani men – UK politics live

Prime minister told Commons any new inquiry into child abuse would delay progress however spokesperson says he has not ruled one outReform UK has also tabled a reasoned amendment to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill motion tonight. It says:That this house declines to give a second reading to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill because the secretary of state for the Home Department has not launched a UK-wide public inquiry into grooming gangs and has not committed to updating Members of this House every quarter on the progress of the inquiry.The Conservatives are using the victims of this scandal as a political football.The Conservatives alongside Reform, goaded along by Elon Musk will be voting for a motion which will not secure a national inquiry for victims of child sexual abuse, but instead it would kill these crucial child protection measures completely. Continue reading...

Events

31 hours ago Hawk Tuah girl sparks pregnancy rumours after Dior bikini beach photo goes viral

The Hawk Tuah girl, aka Haliey Welch, was snapped relaxing on a beach in her bikini. But netizens quickly noticed that there may be a little more going on in the photograph

Culture

28 hours ago Hospitals declare critical incidents amid 'sustained pressure’ from flu and respiratory illnesses

Patients who require non-urgent care have been asked to ‘consider other options’ such as NHS 111 or contacting their GP

Science

2 hours ago Government funding 'a lot better' than expected, says Swansea council leader, but tough budget decisions remain

How much Swansea Council spends on things like schools, social care and roads next year are being worked out

Politics

12 hours ago Anger over 'winter wonderland' North Coast 500 as tourist plan leads to 'convoys of motorhomes'

Residents clash with promoters of the NC500 over year-round promotion of the route

Society

6 hours ago Trump ‘considering national economic emergency declaration’ to allow new tariffs; UK borrowing costs rise again – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsRise in UK borrowing costs could push Reeves to new public spending cutsTwo UK investment trusts have urged their shareholders to resist an attempt by a US hedge fund to take control.Janus Henderson’s European Smaller Companies Trust, and its Henderson Opportunities Trust, both recommended that investors vote against Saba Capital’s attempt to shake-up their boards and appoint its own directors instead. “The European Smaller Companies Trust is a well-managed investment company whose strategy has delivered long-term outperformance.“Saba is attempting to take control of your Company by removing a highly qualified, independent board that acts in all shareholders’ interests. It’s clear that Saba’s motives are self-serving. It would like to install directors who would not be independent of the Company’s largest shareholder and has indicated that it may appoint itself as investment manager.The cleverness of Weinstein’s campaign is t...

Economics

1 hour ago British tourist who plunged to his death from fifth floor balcony at Turkish hotel was 'profoundly' drunk and had 'stepped out for cigarette' moments before fatal fall, inquest hears

Crane operator Antony Maxwell, 21, was nearly three times the drink driving limit when he fell from the fifth floor after going out for a cigarette at the Kahya Aqua Resort and Spa in Antalya Turkey.

Events

32 hours ago 'Mystery' Chinese virus hidden symptoms explained as experts say HMPV has hit UK

HMPV cases continue to surge as experts warn the potentially fatal virus is already circulating in the UK and health professionals have shared the symptoms to watch out for

Science

2 hours ago Elon Musk cheers on Kemi Badenoch as Tory leader uses PMQs to demand Keir Starmer be a 'leader not a lawyer' and allow new grooming gangs inquiry

During angry clashes at PMQs this afternoon, Mrs Badenoch piled pressure on the Prime Minister to establish a fresh probe into child sexual exploitation.

Politics

22 hours ago High school students walk out of classes over handling of Washington teacher’s alleged sexual misconduct case

Despite being arrested in early December 2024, Shadbreon Gatson’s charges have been dropped and an investigation continues while he remains on administrative leave

Society

17 hours ago UK's competition regulator faces calls to investigate Google's online search business as a priority

Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) bosses are now facing calls not to 'lose their nerve' and act quickly to probe concerns the US tech giant damages competition.

Economics

2 hours ago LA fires: Two dead as 'growing' blazes continue to rip through California

Los Angeles county fire chief Anthony Marrone said two fatalities were reported in the Eaton fire

Events

41 hours ago WES STREETING: I'll never allow ideological dogma to make patients wait longer for care

During the past fourteen years, a two-tier healthcare system emerged in this country, where people who can afford to are increasingly going private to skip the queue.

Science

2 hours ago Distraught girl's devastating phone call after finding parents lying on bathroom floor

The young girl was in a state of distress and wept as she told her granparents she couldn't wake mum and dad up in the tragic call - which resulted in the police being called

Politics

27 hours ago Fact check: Home Office memo advised police how to deal with vulnerable children

The Home Office circular did not contain the quote, or sentiments, that online users have attributed to it.

Society

21 hours ago Welsh brand sees surge in sales after featuring in Gavin & Stacey Christmas special

The Barry-based brand has seen a 20% rise in its online sales

Economics

2 hours ago Prison officer filmed having sex in cell 'wanted relationship as she felt like gangster'

A shocking psychiatric report on Linda De Sousa Abreu revealed she 'loved' the convicted burglar she had the romp with and viewed him as a 'protector' she provided 'sexual services' to

Events

42 hours ago ‘Sandwich carers’ suffer poorer mental and physical health, research suggests

The average age of the carers – parents of young children who also care for an older relative – studied was around 37.

Science

2 hours ago Premier League footballer accused of raping two women as police issue update

Officers from the Metropolitan Police confirmed that an evidence file has been sent to prosecutors.

Politics

29 hours ago Scots 'remortgaging their homes' to fund private health care, MPs told

Elaine Stewart made the comments in Westminster

Society

24 hours ago Aaron Donnelly close to Dundee transfer return as Tony Docherty pushes for early deal

The Nottingham Forest man enjoyed a successful loan spell at Dens Park last season and is set to come back permanently

Economics

3 hours ago Police pass evidence file about Premier League footballer accused of rape to CPS

Scotland Yard said the footballer remains under police investigation for alleged sexual offences that took place between 2021 and 2023.

Events

3 hours ago Two Girl Scouts cookie flavors will retire after this year. Here’s how to get them before they go

The cookie season will last from Janaury 7 through April 2025

Politics

29 hours ago Florida doctor 'forced young girls to film sadistic sex acts that led to one child's horrific death'

In one tragic case a 13-year-old girl died after Stephen Andrew Leedy, a palliative care doctor in the Tampa Bay area, reportedly told her how to hang herself.

Society

24 hours ago McDonald’s: What are the allegations against ‘predator’s paradise’ burger chain as workers take legal action

More than 450 branches are implicated in legal action taken by more than 700 McDonald’s workers

Economics

3 hours ago Israeli strikes kill at least 22 people in Gaza as US steps up ceasefire push

It comes as the US is said to be pushing for a truce before Donald Trump’s inauguration on 20 January

Events

3 hours ago West Ham sack Julen Lopetegui as Hammers 'should hang their heads in shame'

Julen Lopetegui has become the latest Premier League manager to be sacked after West Ham were hammered 4-1 by Manchester City and 5-0 by Liverpool

Politics

26 hours ago McDonald's boss says he can't guarantee there will be no more sexual abuse allegations at fast food chain after 700 workers launch fresh claims

Alistair Macrow appeared before the Commons Business Committee on Tuesday afternoon and claimed his reforms 'are working' - after fresh allegations of sexual harassment emerged.

Economics

3 hours ago 'I banned my child from YouTube kids after disturbing discovery – it was strange'

A mum claimed she banned her son from watching YouTube Kids after another parent online said her child had "began acting weird" after using the streaming service

Events

3 hours ago Replaying games from my past with my young children has been surreal – and transformative

Introducing my kids to games like Link’s Awakening has given me a whole new perspective on these old favourites and made me excited for what new video game adventures we’ll have together in the futureThanks to some distinctly Scottish weather over the holidays, my family and I ended up celebrating Hogmanay at home rather than at the party we’d planned to attend. My smallest son’s wee pal and his parents came over for dinner, and when the smaller members of our group started to spiral out of control around 9pm, we threw them a little midnight countdown party in Animal Crossing.The last time I played Animal Crossing was in the depths of lockdown. Tending my island paradise helped me cope while largely imprisoned in a 2.5 bedroom basement flat with a baby, a toddler and a teenager. (I was far from the only one – the National Videogame Museum compiled an archive of people’s Animal Crossing experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic, and it’s evident that it was a lifeline for many.) Our g...

Politics

26 hours ago Man City transfer news: Omar Marmoush £50m stance clear as Ederson successor identified

Manchester City reportedly have a list of replacements for Ederson after prioritising signing a goalkeeper and are also reputedly pushing to sign Omar Marmoush.

Economics

4 hours ago Jellycat fans cause chaos at department store as shoppers queue for hours to get new toys

People cannot believe 'insane' queues of people spotted pushing past one another in a bid to get their hands on the new and exclusive Jellycat plushies

Events

4 hours ago Young girl "distraught" after heroin addict parents found unresponsive in bathroom

The child was taken into care, and is unlikely to be returned to her parents.

Politics

28 hours ago Scots patients 'borrowing money and remortgaging their homes' to go private due to NHS waiting times

Ayr MP Elaine Stewart claimed the SNP Government had "abandoned the principles of NHS care at the point of entry".

Economics

4 hours ago Love Island's Laura Anderson hits back at 'jealous' online troll with brilliant response

Scottish former Love Island star Laura Anderson was flooded with support from fans on her latest Instagram post after uploading a series of snaps in a pair of hot pants.

Events

4 hours ago English firm running GP surgeries in Wales criticised over bullying and unpaid staff allegations

'What we cannot have are primary care services being sold off to people who don't give a damn about the people they're supposed to serve'

Politics

30 hours ago Man City push for £50m January transfer for 'new Mohamed Salah' to save stuttering season

Manchester City are among the clubs keen on signing Eintracht Frankfurt hotshot Omar Marmoush - and they may even push to get a deal done this month for the Egypt star

Economics

4 hours ago Police officer, 38, 'had sexual relationship with vulnerable woman he met while leading investigation'

A former Leicestershire Police officer appeared in court this morning accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a woman he met through the course of his duties.

Events

5 hours ago Arne Slot may unleash Liverpool transfer to help Mohamed Salah and Premier League title push

Federico Chiesa has endured a frustrating start to his Liverpool career but boss Arne Slot could use the Reds' cup double-header to help give Mohamed Salah a rest and boost their attacking output

Politics

31 hours ago Pension perks most sought after workplace benefit replacing private medical care

Increased employer pension contributions are the most sought after workplace benefit as almost a third of people look for this benefit from potential employers.

Economics

4 hours ago Tragic final four words of teen who was left quadriplegic after eating slug for dare

Sam Ballard, who died at the age of 28, ate a slug at a friend's party for a dare while still a teenager. The consequences would prove to be catastrophic, resulting in the keen rugby player requiring 24/7 care for the rest of his life

Events

5 hours ago Garmin Connect down: Smart watches around the world not working properly amid online outage

Garmin’s online service is down, leaving its smart watches and other products unable to work properly.

Politics

6 hours ago OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman accused of sexual abuse by sister in lawsuit

Tech entrepreneur and family say Ann Altman’s claims that abuse started in childhood are ‘utterly untrue’ The sister of the OpenAI chief executive, Sam Altman, has filed a lawsuit alleging that he regularly sexually abused her for several years, starting when they were children.The lawsuit filed on 6 January in a US district court in the Eastern District of Missouri alleges that the abuse began when Ann Altman was three and Sam Altman was 12. The filing alleges that the last instance of abuse took place when he was an adult but his sister, known as Annie, was still a child. Continue reading...

Events

5 hours ago Keir Starmer claims new inquiry would delay action on child grooming gangs until 2031 – UK politics live

Prime minister says any new inquiry into child abuse would delay progress as Kemi Badenoch says ‘be a leader, not a lawyer’Reform UK has also tabled a reasoned amendment to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill motion tonight. It says:That this house declines to give a second reading to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill because the secretary of state for the Home Department has not launched a UK-wide public inquiry into grooming gangs and has not committed to updating Members of this House every quarter on the progress of the inquiry.The Conservatives are using the victims of this scandal as a political football.The Conservatives alongside Reform, goaded along by Elon Musk will be voting for a motion which will not secure a national inquiry for victims of child sexual abuse, but instead it would kill these crucial child protection measures completely. Continue reading...

Politics

6 hours ago Man charged over alleged sex assault of teenage girl at Scottish bus stop

The incident involving a 15-year-old girl happened at a bus stop

Events

6 hours ago PMQs: Keir Starmer claims new inquiry would delay action on child grooming gangs until 2031 – UK politics live

Prime minister says any new inquiry into child abuse would delay progress as Kemi Badenoch says ‘be a leader, not a lawyer’Reform UK has also tabled a reasoned amendment to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill motion tonight. It says:That this house declines to give a second reading to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill because the secretary of state for the Home Department has not launched a UK-wide public inquiry into grooming gangs and has not committed to updating Members of this House every quarter on the progress of the inquiry.The Conservatives are using the victims of this scandal as a political football.The Conservatives alongside Reform, goaded along by Elon Musk will be voting for a motion which will not secure a national inquiry for victims of child sexual abuse, but instead it would kill these crucial child protection measures completely. Continue reading...

Politics

6 hours ago Man, 67, charged in connection with reported sexual assault at Clydebank bus stop

Police Scotland confirmed that a 67-year-old man has been arrested and charged following an incident in Faifley Road, Clydebank, last month.

Events

7 hours ago Dilnot: Need for social care reform ‘bleedin’ obvious’ but must get PM’s backing

The economist said three years is an ‘inappropriate length of time’ for a final report from the new commission into social care.

Politics

6 hours ago Labour's THREE YEAR delay on social care reforms is condemned as architect of plans warns they could be wrecked AGAIN

Andrew Dilnot said the timetable for a new review launched by Labour is 'inappropriate' - and warning that progress could be derailed again by the looming election.

Events

7 hours ago Livingston constituency MP Gregor Poynton calls for action on Children’s Online Safety

Writing for The House magazine, Gregor Poynton MP has marked his appointment as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Children’s Online Safety by highlighting the urgent need for stronger protections for children navigating the digital world.

Politics

7 hours ago ByteDance's Lemon8 gains traction amid TikTok ban threat as creators push the app

Hearing a lot about Lemon8 lately

Events

7 hours ago 'I don’t care if I’m lazy – owning a robot vacuum absolutely blew my mind'

The SwitchBot S10 passed every test the Daily Star's Richard Brown could offer and has him fully convinced that we should all join the robot revolution

Politics

7 hours ago Fourteen year old boy rapper's fateful last Instagram post minutes before he was 'murdered' on Woolwich bus amid vicious gang war that saw 15

The teenager, who has been named online only as 'Grippa', was stabbed in front of horrified passengers on a route 472 bus in Woolwich at around 2.30pm on Tuesday.

Events

8 hours ago Card Factory slammed for selling 'disrespectful' and 'odd' Valentine's Day card

The high street shop has caused a stir online after launching an unusual card for people to send to work colleagues on February 14 - and some have labelled it 'odd' and 'disrespectful'

Politics

7 hours ago Investigation launched into Met’s handling of sexual assault allegations made against Mohamed al

Watchdog oversees investigation into ‘missed opportunities or failures’ over two complaints amid fears ‘it could become much wider’

Events

8 hours ago Benefit claimants 'may move from England to Scotland' for extra handouts as they exploit SNP plans to scrap two

Holyrood's independent budget watchdog, the Scottish Fiscal Commission, says the SNP's move would be worth around £3,600 per child each year.

Politics

7 hours ago Ayrshire care worker threatened service user with 'rape claim' after their sexual relationship was investigated

Leigh-anne McCartney attempted to have sex with the man in a car, before the pair had sexual relations on “multiple dates” in a basement.

Events