2 hours ago Voices: I can’t seem to find the perfect partner – and time is running out

The Independent’s agony aunt Victoria Richards is here to help. Email dearvix@independent.co.uk for advice on love, work, family and relationships

Politics

3 hours ago Los Angeles wildfire destroys celebs' homes including Paris Hilton's family pad

Thousands of firefighters are trying to contain the original Palisades fire, which has burnt nearly 16,000 acres, and seven others across southern California in the US

Society

9 hours ago Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, 29, is FREED after spending three weeks in a notorious Iranian jail amid talks of a 'swap deal'

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, 29, who was left to languish in an Iranian prison for three weeks has returned home amid talk of an exchange deal with an Iranian man arrested on terrorism charges.

Economics

3 hours ago Manchester United's first January transfer decision is sign of major revamp in key department

Man Utd have recalled young goalkeeper Elyh Harrison from his loan spell at Chester and will run the rule over the teenager for the rest of the season.

Sport

2 hours ago Academy pushes 2025 Oscars nominations back and extends voting period amid Los Angeles wildfires

Fires have killed at least five people and burned nearly 1,000 homes

Events

3 hours ago The mysterious novelist who foresaw Putin’s Russia – and then came to symbolise its moral decay

Victor Pelevin made his name in 90s Russia with scathing satires of authoritarianism. But while his literary peers have faced censorship and fled the country, he still sells millions. Has he become a Kremlin apologist?Fiction has a habit of coming to life in Russia. On the evening of 2 April 2023, the military blogger Vladlen Tatarsky appeared at an event in St Petersburg organised by Cyber Front Z, a group of semi-professional keyboard warriors who boost Kremlin war propaganda online. With more than half a million followers, Tatarsky was a mid-tier celebrity on Telegram, the social media app that has become a hub of Russian news and political debate.As guests mingled, a young woman with long, salon-waved blond hair approached Tatarsky. She presented him with an unusual gift: a gold-painted statue of himself. About two minutes later, the statue exploded, killing Tatarsky and injuring 42 people. The blond woman – 26-year-old St Petersburg native Darya Trepova – was arrested the next ...

Politics

5 hours ago Wayne Rooney risks house blaze after blowing up hairdryer in his sleep

Coleen Rooney opened up about a near-disaster that almost happened when her husband, Wayne Rooney, was trying to sleep

Society

11 hours ago Sister of OpenAI boss Sam Altman accuses tech billionaire of childhood sexual abuse: CEO denies the claims

Altman and his family denied Ann Altman’s accusations, calling them ‘deeply hurtful and entirely untrue’

Economics

16 hours ago Breaking down Arsenal’s goalscoring struggles – and Mikel Arteta’s solution

The Gunners have lacked a cutting edge in attack, with Newcastle punishing them to grasp control of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday

Sport

3 hours ago Five killed as new Hollywood Hills fire prompts more evacuations in massively destructive LA wildfires: Live

Five people are dead and more than 150,000 are under evacuation orders as a new blaze burns through Hollywood Hills

Events

6 hours ago Revealed: How Kylie Jenner arranged Timothée Chalamet's 'induction' into the Kardashian clan on a romantic Italian holiday with her entire family after 6 months of dating

For Timothee Chalamet, being introduced to Kylie Jenner's big sisters was always going to be a nerve-wracking moment.

Politics

10 hours ago Devastated Heidi Montag breaks down in tears after losing family home in Los Angeles wildfires

A devastated Heidi Montag broke down in tears this morning after losing her family home in the Los Angeles wildfires.

Society

14 hours ago Elon Musk 'stirs up hatred' by 'openly attacking institutions', says Spanish PM Sanchez as European backlash against 'meddling' Tesla billionaire gathers pace

The comments from Pedro Sanchez comes after fellow EU leaders Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz accused Musk of intervening in European affairs.

Economics

17 hours ago Premier League star accused of rape: Police pass evidence to CPS for them to weigh up as player continues playing for his club

The Metropolitan Police passed on the evidence relating to an international player in his 30s who was first arrested at his home in London in July 2022.

Sport

3 hours ago Palisades fire live updates: Five killed as new Hollywood Hills blaze prompts further evacuations

Five people are dead and more than 150,000 are under evacuation orders as a new blaze burns through Hollywood Hills

Events

8 hours ago Major study reveals how long people with dementia live after diagnosis

Roughly 13% of people move to a nursing home in the year after diagnosis

Politics

11 hours ago Newport secondary school locked down as teacher 'hospitalised in assault by former student'

A former pupil allegedly attacked teachers at Newport High School and damaged property including cars with emergency services rushing to the scene as it was put in lockdown

Society

16 hours ago A town centre suffered ‘horrific’ violence and disorder during last August’s riots: Now £600,000 will be spent on ‘recovery’

Bolton has been given government cash after being named as one of 20 areas in the country ‘significantly affected’ by the public disorder last year which saw police and demonstrators violently attacked

Economics

20 hours ago Gordon Ramsay shows true colours as Olympic hero forced to fight back tears

Adam Peaty has won a host of medals during his swimming career but was almost moved to tears when he received an emotional message from his future father-in-law Gordon Ramsay

Sport

6 hours ago Los Angeles wildfires: Five people dead as 'apocalyptic' scenes devastate the region

The two largest fires, the Palisades and Eaton Fires, have burned over 25,000 acres combined as five people have been confirmed dead in Los Angeles, with the death toll expected to rise

Events

10 hours ago BBC The Traitors fans say decision is 'savage' and 'brutal' yet dubbed a 'clever move'

Two sisters who came onto the show together have now both been eliminated

Politics

16 hours ago Spencer Pratt's heartbroken sister Stephanie breaks down in tears as she reveals she does not know if her Pacific Palisades home survived inferno that razed brother's house

Speaking to Sky News today, reality star Stephanie Pratt , 38 - who is currently in London - told of the horror she endured as fires engulfed the affluent Los Angeles neighbourhood.

Society

16 hours ago Popular Welsh rugby club boss suffers two heart attacks and a stroke at 38 after workout

Ryan Thomas, 38, has battled against the odds to survive after his heart stopped for an hour

Economics

20 hours ago Gordon Ramsay shows true colours in text message as Olympic hero fights back tears

Adam Peaty has won a host of medals during his swimming career but was almost moved to tears when he received an emotional message from his future father-in-law Gordon Ramsay

Sport

6 hours ago New Orleans hires former New York police czar amid investigations into security after terror attack

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says she has hired former New York Police Commissioner William J

Events

10 hours ago Heartbreaking four words of teen who was left quadriplegic after eating slug for dare

Sam Ballard died at the age of 28 after eating a slug as a dare when he was a teenager. The consequences proved to be catastrophic.

Politics

17 hours ago Home inspector who committed unspeakable act with Tickle Me Elmo doll in child's bedroom is busted again

Kevin Wayne VanLuven was caught on camera pleasuring himself with a Tickle Me Elmo doll in Michigan in October 2022. He was caught on a nanny cam committing the vile act.

Society

19 hours ago Aldi's new £25 gadget 'effortlessly' soothes babies struggling to get to sleep

The supermarket is launching its January Baby Event, offering a wide range of products for parents and families

Economics

20 hours ago Squid Game fans joke ‘someone is getting fired’ after spotting major blunder at key moment in season 2 finale

Hit Netflix show has fallen victim to a filming error in new season

Sport

6 hours ago I haven't had sex with my husband for 16 years and even took a lover with his permission. But I know the dark secret which has rendered him impotent... and it means I'll never divorce

Every January, my extended family has a big get-together. Each person brings their children and partner or, in my case, partners - my husband Marcus and my boyfriend Neil.

Events

10 hours ago Arne Slot's furious Diogo Jota outburst speaks volumes as Tottenham beat Liverpool

TOTTENHAM 1-0 LIVERPOOL: Arne Slot was left raging over Lucas Bergvall's controversial late winner but prior to the drama he was also unhappy with forward Diogo Jota on a night in which the Reds looked blunt in attack

Politics

17 hours ago My pregnant sister wants to host a gender reveal party at my own wedding reception

The woman, 29, from the U.S., took to Reddit to share her excitement at planning her upcoming nuptials with her fiancé - but her sister's idea to host a gender reveal on the big day has caused a rift.

Society

21 hours ago Tone deaf! Fury after millionaire CEO offers to pay 'any amount' for private firefighters to protect his Pacific Palisades mansion while area burns to the ground

Keith Wasserman, co-founder of real estate investment firm Gelt Venture Partners, posted on X this morning pleading for help as a wildfire tore through Pacific Palisades

Economics

30 hours ago Arsenal sent new transfer plea after painful Newcastle loss: 'Something needs to change'

Gunners’ need for attacking reinforcements made abundantly clear again in Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg defeat

Sport

7 hours ago LA’s night of horror as furious wildfires ignited: ‘Never seen anything like this’

At least five people are dead and several injured as multiple fires burn, including most destructive in city’s historyCalifornia wildfires: live updatesLos Angeles firefighters were already stretched thin on Tuesday night, as a ferocious, fast-moving fire engulfed mansions and businesses in the Pacific Palisades, one of southern California’s most luxurious coastal neighborhoods.Then, just after 6 pm local time, a second fire broke out, this one on the opposite side of the city, near Pasadena, home to universities such as CalTech and Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Continue reading...

Events

12 hours ago 'I had a steamy night with my boyfriend's dad and now I can't stop the affair'

A woman has revealed she's been having an affair with her boyfriend's 51-year-old dad, and is now 'addicted' to sleeping with him behind his back and doesn't want to stop

Politics

20 hours ago Elon Musk's reasons for wanting to buy Liverpool emerge as dad explains club connection

Elon Musk is interested in buying Liverpool from current owners Fenway Sports Group and his father, Errol, has explained the controversial billionaire's connection to the club and the city

Society

7 hours ago ‘All Gone’: Actor James Woods breaks down in tears recounting destruction of home in California fire

At least five are dead and thousands of structures are in ruin as several wildfires burn through Southern California

Events

12 hours ago EastEnders fans 'rumble what Peter Beale is hiding' as Cindy twist 'sealed'

EastEnders fans think we could be getting closer to finding out who really attacked Cindy Beale on Christmas Day, with her son Peter Beale acting suspiciously on the BBC soap

Politics

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

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

Society

8 hours ago Monstrous wildfires blanket Southern California with smoky air, threatening the health of millions

Massive wildfires burning in the Los Angeles area have filled the air with a thick cloud of smoke and ash, prompting air quality advisories

Events

12 hours ago Pageant queen is stripped of her crown over appalling 'animal abuse' video

Brazilian beauty queen Gabrielly Palácio has been stripped of her crown after a bizarre video captured the moment 19-year-old model allegedly attacked cats with a firecracker.

Politics

20 hours ago Petra Ecclestone's husband Sam Palmer says they are 'praying for a miracle' as they watch the Pacific Palisades wildfire move closer to their $30.5million home in Brentwood

The raging wildfire - now burning over 2,900 acres of Los Angeles land - is rapidly ripping through the expensive A-list enclave, home to Ben Affleck, Chris Pratt, Reese Witherspoon and Miles Teller.

Society

8 hours ago Paris Hilton's Malibu beach home is 'burned to a crisp' in California wildfires

An oceanfront Malibu home owned by the socialite, 43, who shares two children with husband Carter Reum , 43, was 'burned to a crisp.'

Events

12 hours ago MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski quickly issues legal note after guest calls Trump a ‘rapist’

The immediate clarification comes weeks after ABC News settlened a defamation case with Trump over George Stephanopulos saying the president-elect was found ‘liable of rape. ‘

Politics

22 hours ago Palisades Fire live: First casualties confirmed as inferno spreads across Los Angeles forcing 30,000 to flee their homes

‘Multiple burn victims’ are among the first reported injuries as fires rage across Palisades, Altadena, Pasadena and Sylmar, leaving schools closed and almost 300,000 without power

Society

8 hours ago Pants on fire: police release footage of person discarding burning clothes after alleged arson in Melbourne

Detectives release CCTV video of two people after being called to Doncaster East blaze early Christmas morningFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAn alleged arsonist has had to shed their burning pants after seeking to set a Melbourne fast-food business alight on Christmas morning.Victoria police said emergency services were called to a blaze at a strip of shops off Doncaster Road in Doncaster East at about 2.40am on 25 December.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

Events

13 hours ago Man accused of breaking into farm stables and having sex with Shetland pony

Damion Ogeare is accused of breaking into a Wiltshire stables containing two Shetland ponies and having sex with a female mare, called Cassieopia Wooley, in January last year

Politics

22 hours ago Palisades fire live: First casualties confirmed as inferno spreads across Los Angeles forcing 30,000 to flee their homes

‘Multiple burn victims’ are among the first reported injuries as fires rage across Palisades, Altadena, Pasadena and Sylmar, leaving schools closed and more than 300,000 without power

Society

8 hours ago Warning as 'suspicious yellow man' wearing mask caught loitering in creepy clip

Inspector Burns, of Police Service Northern Ireland, has reassured communities across the nation officers have increased patrols following encounters with the "suspicious yellow man"

Events

14 hours ago Archie Vaughan secures ‘special moment’ with captaincy for England Under

Vaughan will lead England in South Africa with the Under-19s, following in his father Michael Vaughan’s footsteps

Politics

30 hours ago Elon Musk buying Liverpool would be like seeing your dream home bulldozed

COMMENT BY DOMINIC KING: It felt a bit early for April Fool's Day but, lo and behold, Musk's father, Errol, went on Times Radio on Tuesday afternoon to set out his son's wish.

Society

9 hours ago Hollywood stars whose homes have burned to the ground as devastating LA wildfires destroy California

Dozens of stars are among the 30,000 people currently under evacuation orders as the blaze continues to rage in the ritzy Pacific Palisade neighborhood.

Events

14 hours ago Inside Adrian Mutu's wild life from Transylvanian temptress to coke shame

Adrian Mutu was a hero in Serie A, but his career quickly unravelled during a series of tabloid scandals after a high-profile move to Chelsea in 2003

Politics

9 hours ago Paedo knifeman caught on CCTV chasing and stabbing teen girl is jailed

WARNING DISTRESSING CONTENT. Ellie Dismore, 24, threatened and stalked a teenage girl after lying about his age.

Events

15 hours ago Forget the January detox – there’s finally a scientific defence for your morning coffee

As new research suggests a cuppa could keep you alive for longer, Helen Coffey celebrates that, for once, we’re not being told to give up one of life’s greatest simple pleasures

Politics

9 hours ago Adam Brody, Leighton Meester and Diane Warren among celebrities whose homes burned in LA fire

Several celebrities have issued updates as wildfires continue to devastate some LA neighborhoods

Events

16 hours ago Employment expert shares CV hack for parents returning to work after career break

Sisters Amelia and Lydia Miller started their company Ivee to help women get back into work after a longer career break, such as being a stay-at-home mum – and shared their top tips

Politics

9 hours ago Man arrested for trying to bring machete into US Capitol visitor center

Three knives also found in bag as X-ray machine screened people going into building to pay respects to Jimmy CarterA man was arrested on Wednesday for trying to bring a machete and knives into the US Capitol visitor center, police said.US Capitol police said officers spotted the machete in the man’s bag as it went through the X-ray machine, and found three knives in the bag. Continue reading...

Events

16 hours ago Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez denounces Elon Musk at Franco anniversary event

Sánchez accuses X owner of inciting hatred as country marks 50 years since start of its return to democracyPedro Sánchez has hit out at Elon Musk and his allies for “openly attacking our institutions, inciting hatred and openly calling for people to support the heirs of nazism”, saying the politics of division, disinformation and hatred risk ushering in a new age of authoritarianism.Speaking in Madrid on Wednesday as Spain prepares to mark the 50th anniversary in November of the death of General Franco and the country’s subsequent return to democracy, the Spanish prime minister said hard-won, basic freedoms could not, and should not, be taken for granted. Continue reading...

Politics

9 hours ago Ricki Lake reveals she lost her 'dream home' in devastating Los Angeles fire: 'It's all gone'

Ricki Lake shared a heartbreaking post on Wednesday to reveal that she and husband Ross Burningham lost their 'dream home' in the devastating Pacific Palisades fire.

Events

16 hours ago 'Britain's most controversial chef' announces closure of UK's first crowdfunded restaurant

Gary Usher has revealed that his Wirral-based bistro Burnt Truffle closed its doors today, admitting he had 'never been able to make it work'.

Politics

10 hours ago LA influencers slammed for stopping to take selfies and film themselves as deadly fires destroy everything

A shocking photo captured a group stopping to pose for smiling selfies near burning homes as raging wildfires ravaged Pacific Palisades, killing two and destroying thousands of homes.

Events

16 hours ago King Frederik and Queen Mary mark Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine's 14th birthday with heartwarming photos from family's New Year's Eve party

This morning, the Danish Royal Family 's official Instagram page posted three unseen images of the teenage Prince and Princess - who born at 10:30am on 8 January 2011.

Politics

10 hours ago Tearful loved ones come together at vigil to mourn schoolboy rapper as police continue to hunt for 14

Teenage friends of the aspiring drill rapper lit candles at the front of St Mary Magdalene Church in Woolwich, which overlooks the bus stop where the schoolboy was knifed to death.

Events

17 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

10 hours ago The Traitors' Maia is murdered right after her sister Armani was banished in 'savage' move: 'Both gone in one day!'

Maia, 25, broke down in tears after her sister left on Friday's episode and she hardly had a moment to recover before finding out she was murdered.

Events