2 hours ago Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado ‘kidnapped’, allies say

Leader reportedly ‘violently intercepted’ after sneaking out of hideout to lead protest against authoritarian president Nicolás MaduroAllies of Venezuela’s most influential opposition leader, María Corina Machado, say she has been “kidnapped” from the streets of Caracas by regime officials after sneaking out of her hideout to lead a major protest against the authoritarian president, Nicolás Maduro.Maduro is set to be sworn in for his third presidential term on Friday, despite widespread suspicions that he stole last year’s election. Hugo Chávez’s heir has produced no proof of his claim to victory while Machado’s movement has published detailed voting tallies offering compelling evidence that its candidate, Edmundo González, actually won. Continue reading...

Politics

7 hours ago How worried should we be about RFK Jr as health secretary? Ask Florida

Florida’s surgeon general Joseph Ladapo has given free rein to his own unorthodox views on vaccines and public healthDonald Trump’s promise to upend public health policy across the US by installing Robert F Kennedy Jr as health secretary is resonating in Florida, where experts say the nation can learn from its own experience of a vaccine-denying state surgeon with unorthodox scientific views.Like Kennedy’s relationship with the incoming president, Dr Joseph Ladapo was championed by, and is closely aligned to, a powerful rightwing political leader – Ron DeSantis, Florida’s Republican governor. Continue reading...

Society

2 hours ago Police discover 'sophisticated' cannabis farm worth more than £1 million in former pub

"They smashed in the door...it was like something from a movie"

Economics

30 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

61 minutes ago David and Victoria Beckham among stars sending support as fires rage across LA

Firefighters have been praised for trying to contain a series of deadly fires which have destroyed many structures and caused thousands to flee.

Events

8 hours ago Love Island All Stars twist as ITV bosses issue announcement days before launch show

12 familar faces are heading back to the Love Island villa in a bid to try and find 'the one' but the power is in the hand of the public on who couples up together

Culture

1 hour ago Killer nurse Lucy Letby could have been stopped sooner if there had been an independent medical examiner at her hospital, ex Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt tells inquiry

Delays in appointing specialist doctors to look into deaths not investigated by a coroner in NHS hospitals meant the 'dots' were not joined up, the Hunt told the public inquiry into her crimes.

Science

2 hours ago Kate and Lottie Moss pictured at family get together more than a year BEFORE they publicly healed their rift

Kate Moss' lookalike brother Nick shared a 27th birthday tribute to half-sister Lottie on Instagram on Thursday - four months after Kate publicly buried the hatchet with Lottie.

Politics

9 hours ago EastEnders' Patsy Palmer in tears as her children flee LA pad as wildfires destroy homes

EastEnders star Patsy Palmer has spoken of her heartbreak as she is 'helpless' and 'crying' over the devastating wildfires that are raging through her 'hometown' of Los Angeles

Society

3 hours ago Pub's 'amazing' gesture to customers after hearing 'upsetting but true thing'

The pub was touched by hearing an "upsetting but true thing" from one of its customers - and has now responded

Economics

34 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

4 hours ago Khloe Kardashian and Sharon Stone urge followers to donate food and clothing for LA fire victims

Khloé Kardashian and Sharon Stone are using their star power to support those affected by the LA wildfires. The Hollywood heavyweights took to social media, asking fans to donate.

Events

10 hours ago Patients in chairs ‘day and night’ and physio gym turned into ward, say doctors

The Royal College of Physicians has published accounts from doctors on the front line talking about the crisis in NHS hospitals.

Science

3 hours ago Body language expert reveals touching hidden tribute in Kate Middleton’s birthday portrait

A body language expert says the birthday portrait of Kate Middleton released to the public by Prince William shows a hidden tribute to the couple's marriage as Kate turned 43 today

Politics

26 hours ago Public will not have to change lives ‘radically’ for 2035 climate goal, MPs told

Government climate advisers said the UK can ‘absolutely’ meet its targets for 2030 and 2035, but it currently remains off track.

Society

4 hours ago Ayrshire residents struggling to pay energy debt urged to seek help as cold snap continues

Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown is urging people worried about energy debt to seek support following a Warm Homes event at the Scottish Parliament.

Economics

34 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

4 hours ago EastEnders cast photo reveals who survives 40th anniversary stunt amid death fears

A new photo taken in-between filming on EastEnders, featuring members of the cast, has seemingly confirmed some characters that will survive explosive scenes next month amid death fears

Events

24 hours ago Health experts rally for ‘call to arms’ to protect children from toxic chemicals

In new paper in the New England Journal of Medicine, leading researchers to propose action to protect kidsChildren are suffering and dying from diseases that emerging scientific research has linked to chemical exposures, findings that require urgent revamping of laws around the world, according to a new paper published on Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).Authored by more than 20 leading public health researchers, including one from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and another from the United Nations, the paper lays out “a large body of evidence” linking multiple childhood diseases to synthetic chemicals and recommends a series of aggressive actions to try to better protect children. Continue reading...

Science

3 hours ago The Guardian view on Jimmy Carter’s funeral: requiem for a good man and a better era | Editorial

Five living presidents gathered at the service in Washington. They were a reminder of how much has changed in US politicsHeavy with honours, attended by all living US presidents, and swathed in public affection, Jimmy Carter received a solemn state funeral on Thursday on the kind of cold and crystalline January day at which Washington DC’s climate can excel. Within hours, though, the 39th US president’s remains were interred in a private ceremony alongside his wife Rosalynn, in the shadow of the modest house they built in 1961 in Plains, Georgia, where Mr Carter was born more than a century ago, and where he died at the end of December.This sharp juxtapositions of Mr Carter’s final day in the world’s eye were somehow appropriate. He made his home in Washington for the four years of his presidency, but his roots and heart were always in Georgia. His manifest personal decency and lack of Beltway experience made him the “not-Nixon” that the US needed after...

Politics

31 hours ago Compact heater that's ‘great at warming the space’ is perfect for working from home

As the temperatures continue to plummet, many remote workers are likely struggling to keep the cold out - well, this compact heater could be your new best friend for working from home

Society

7 hours ago Winter fuel payments: The cold weather support available for pensioners after new rules introduced

Everything you need to know about the changes to the winter fuel payment

Economics

5 hours ago Plymouth chief hits back at Wayne Rooney claim after Man United legend's sacking changes plans

Wayne Rooney was sacked as Plymouth head coach earlier this month after a torrid run of results, and club chief Simon Hallett has hit back at claims he was a publicity stunt

Events

33 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

3 hours ago Wayne Rooney supports Coleen in first public appearance since Plymouth sacking

Footballer Wayne Rooney, who was recently let go by Plymouth, was spotted supporting his wife at her pop-up at Liverpool ONE

Politics

8 hours ago Apply for Household Support Fund: how to apply online in 2025 as UK families to receive £500 DWP payment

Thousands of households can apply for help with food, energy, and bills 💰

Economics

5 hours ago MP says she received rape threats and describes herself as ‘survivor of abuse’

Sorcha Eastwood said a member of the public ‘came up and said they wanted to rape me’.

Events

5 hours ago Ant McPartlin looks blissfully happy as he struggles to keep his hands off wife Anne

The couple were seen playing in the water in front of the five-star Fairmont Royal Pavilion hotel on the western coast of the Caribbean island.

Politics

9 hours ago Mortgages 'to rise' after Pound hits year low and borrowing costs soar in treble blow to Rachel Reeves

The Chancellor may have to scale back public spending or raise taxes again, economists are warning

Economics

6 hours ago John Swinney under pressure over Chinese surveillance cameras in public sector

A newspaper reported earlier this week that 22 councils continue to use devices made by Hikvision.

Events

5 hours ago California fires: Los Angeles officials update public as unprecedented blazes rage on – latest updates

Officials said they were dealing with five major fires, which have destroyed almost 2,000 structures and forced 130,000 people to evacuateFull report: wildfires continue to rage in Los AngelesVisual explainer: why are the LA wildfires so bad?Californians: have you been affected by the wildfires?Five people have died in the Eaton fire in Altadena, an increase from the two reported deaths earlier today, Los Angeles county sheriff Robert Luna told ABC Los Angeles station KABC.Here are some of the latest images from the newswires from the wildfires raging though Los Angeles County. Continue reading...

Politics

12 hours ago Record level of spending on major repairs by private social housing providers

The Regulator of Social Housing has published a report into the state of finances in the sector.

Economics

6 hours ago Oldham grooming gang survivor says her 'whole life was smashed apart' by scandal as she bravely speaks out following government's decision against public inquiry

Sam Walker Roberts, 31, from Oldham, has been calling for a multi-agency inquiry into the failings for many years and has waived her right to anonymity.

Events

5 hours ago Inside Ruth Langsford and Coleen Nolan's 'single girly weekend' down the pub

Loose Women stars Coleen Nolan and Ruth Langsford are planning a 'girls weekend' to help them move on from their recent heartache after both becoming single

Politics

13 hours ago People struggling with energy bills urged to claim up to £2,000 in financial help this winter

The British Gas Energy Trust has two energy support funds open for customers and those with other suppliers.

Economics

6 hours ago Rotherham grooming gang survivor who found her rapist a mile from her house after he was released from prison blasts Keir Starmer for 'point scoring' and 'insulting the public' over the scandal

A woman who was repeatedly raped as a teenager told MailOnline how 'angry' she was after this week's comments by the Prime Minister on grooming gangs.

Events

6 hours ago Coronation Street fans support axed star as he confirms what 'won't change' after exit

Colson Smith recently surprised fans as he told how cobbles chiefs had decided to get rid of his character Craig Tinker

Politics

19 hours ago Stonewall becomes increasingly reliant on taxpayers' money as its overall finances suffer

Stonewall is now increasingly reliant on taxpayers' money as its overall finances suffer, prompting calls for public bodies to end their support for it.

Economics

6 hours ago Biden administration gives $500m to Ukraine in final military aid package

US defense secretary says ‘Ukraine’s fight matters to all’ when revealing aid bundle days before Trump’s returnThe Biden administration has given its final injection of military support to Ukraine, unveiling a $500m weapons package just days before Donald Trump’s return to the White House threatens to upend western backing for Kyiv.The aid bundle – including air defense missiles and F-16 fighter jet equipment – was announced on Thursday by outgoing US defense secretary Lloyd Austin during a summit at Germany’s Ramstein air base. Continue reading...

Events

7 hours ago Olympic icon Duncan Scott swaps the pool for pulling pints after being spotted behind bar at Scots pub

Olympic hero Duncan Scott delighted pub goers in Stirling this week after he was spotted at a popular watering hole within the city's ancient City Walls.

Politics

28 hours ago Cyriel Dessers sees Rangers transfer escape route open up as Italian strugglers 'evaluate' bargain buy

The frontman is struggling for regular game time at Ibrox this term

Economics

7 hours ago Next Luton manager odds as Stephen Robinson and Celtic legend among favourites to replace sacked Rob Edwards

Rob Edwards' sacking by the Championship strugglers could open the door for some familiar faces in the Scottish game

Events

7 hours ago Former Rangers star Andy Halliday and wife Jilly Isabella share baby gender reveal

Scottish influencer Jilly Halliday and the ex-Rangers player have been flooded with support on their happy pregnancy news, which comes after the pair tied the knot in Glasgow last year.

Politics

29 hours ago Starmer urged to scrap funding for Musk’s firms after billionaire receives £190m from UK taxpayers

Exclusive: Firms owned by Elon Musk have raked in more than £190m of taxpayer cash since 2016, sparking calls for Sir Keir Starmer to prevent any further public funds going to the billionaire’s sprawling business empire

Economics

7 hours ago EastEnders gears up for 40th anniversary with dramatic returns and exits

EastEnders is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary in February, and the BBC soap has a number of stars returning and leaving to mark the huge milestone

Events

7 hours ago EastEnders fans 'solve' sinister Ravi and Jack twist and 'real reason' for viewer vote

EastEnders viewers are fearing there is a deadly twist on the cards for two characters, after news of a viewer vote was confirmed by the BBC soap ahead of the 40th anniversary

Politics

29 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

7 hours ago Plans for new Falkirk town hall move forward five years after being agreed

Falkirk Council has released images but says there will be public consultation before the final decision is made

Events

7 hours ago Love Island All Stars' Scott Thomas 'blows fans minds' as he's called 'inspiration' by brother Adam

Former Emmerdale star Adam Thomas showed support as Scott enters the South African villa

Politics

33 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

7 hours ago EastEnders' Patsy Palmers life in LA from beating addiction to fleeing wildfire

EastEnders star Patsy Palmer now lives a very different life to her early London days as a single mother, having bravely overcome drug and alcohol addictions and moved to LA

Events

8 hours ago Meta has ‘heard the message’ from Trump, says whistleblower Frances Haugen

Mark Zuckerberg’s move to end factchecking in US reflects president-elect’s views on social media, says HaugenMark Zuckerberg has “heard the message” from Donald Trump on restricting online content, and his Meta platforms will intervene “less and less” on users during the president-elect’s administration, according to the whistleblower Frances Haugen.Haugen, who revealed the Facebook and Instagram owner’s struggles with user safety in 2021, said the US president-elect thought “the right way to run social media is with no restrictions”. Continue reading...

Politics

34 hours ago DWP full list of 85 health conditions that qualify you for £737 payment

Over a 1.1 million Brits are being supported for very common medical conditions

Economics

8 hours ago In their final meeting, Zelenskyy and Austin say military aid to Ukraine must continue under Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U_S_ Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin used their final meeting in Germany to press the incoming Trump administration to not give up on Kyiv’s fight, warning that to cease military support now “will only invite more aggression, chaos and war.”

Events

8 hours ago People still snowed in at Britain's highest pub receive booze delivery from Aldi snowplough

Ten people, including four visitors and six staff, remain snowed in at the Tan Hill Inn in the Yorkshire Dales, the country's highest pub, which has received a care package from supermarket Aldi

Politics

34 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

10 hours ago Mum of tourist missing in Highlands pleads with public to help find 'kind' and 'gentle' son

"As his mum, I can't bear the thought of him being cold, hungry, and alone."

Events

8 hours ago ‘Talking about the Palestinian story was forbidden’: a developer’s struggle to make a game about the 1948 Nakba

Rasheed Abueideh’s game, based on a folk tale about a mother’s escape to Lebanon has been rejected almost 300 times, but he hopes it can be completed even in the event of his disappearanceIn the city of Nablus in the West Bank, Rasheed Abueideh owns a nut roastery, where he works to provide for his family. He is also an award-winning game developer. A decade ago, as the 2014 Gaza war raged, he created a harrowing video game called Lilya and the Shadows of War, about a man trying to find safety for his daughter and himself – but as missiles fall around them, it quickly becomes clear that there is no safety. When the game was released in 2016, it was initially rejected by Apple on the grounds of inappropriate content, a decision reversed after a week of outcry.Despite the acclaim and attention that Lilya received, however, Abueideh has not been able to raise funding for his next game through conventional means. The game he envisions, Dreams on a Pillow, is about the 1948 Nakba, told t...

Politics

35 hours ago Hair loss sufferers praise 'amazing' £1.50 supplements reduced in new year sale

The Feel Hair Support is made with Keranat, which has been clinically proven to reduce hair loss and improve hair health, is currently 20% off in a New Year sale

Economics

10 hours ago Graham Potter makes Chelsea job admission as he looks for West Ham bounce back

New Hammers boss in Pep Guardiola claim as he insists he is a better manager for Stamford Bridge struggle

Events

9 hours ago The wrong trousers: how sporting dress codes can create an image problem | Emma John

Magnus Carlsen’s jeans put the spotlight on chess’s sartorial intransigence but it is not the only sport struggling to adaptWallace and Gromit is a festive TV staple in many a household – but it wasn’t their wrong trousers that scooped the post-Christmas headlines. That honour belonged to Magnus Carlsen, disqualified from a chess tournament in New York for wearing jeans.The orld No 1 – who also happens to be the only current chess player most people can name – had balked when he was told to change his attire ahead of his third-round match at the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships. Walking out of the event, Carlsen shrugged that he would “probably head off to somewhere where the weather is a bit nicer”. Instead, he returned three days later after governing body Fide had agreed a more “flexible approach” to its dress code. Continue reading...

Politics

35 hours ago Greater Manchester pubs given chance to receive free £10k makeover in bid to boost economy

Three pubs will be chosen for the very special initiative

Economics

11 hours ago Man disappears for 9 years after leaving bar until Google Maps image uncovers grim truth

David Lee Niles was visiting his local bar to meet a friend in 2006 but after leaving the pub, he was never seen or heard from again - until a chilling discovery was made on Google Maps nine years later

Events

9 hours ago Labour vows not to ‘cease and desist from truth’ despite Truss lawyers’ demand

Lawyers for Liz Truss have sent a letter to Sir Keir Starmer about ‘false and defamatory public statements’ made about their client.

Politics

11 hours ago Coleen Rooney details marriage 'strain' as Wayne struggles and son hit by abuse

The I'm A Celeb runner-up has spoken openly about her marriage and family life

Events

9 hours ago Ange Postecoglou gets exciting glimpse into Tottenham future as youngsters shine in Liverpool win

Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Antonin Kinsky show the future can be very bright for Spurs despite recent struggles

Politics

11 hours ago EastEnders fans 'work out' who attacked Cindy Beale as she wakes up from coma

EastEnders fans are convinced they've worked out who attacked Cindy Beale on Christmas night after the latest episode of the BBC One soap dropped a major clue

Events

9 hours ago Jimmy Carter funeral: mourners gather at Washington national cathedral

39th president’s funeral service to be held at Washington national cathedral before he is laid to rest in Georgia7am: Public visitation of Carter’s lying in state ends.9am: Carter’s casket departs the US Capitol. The funeral motorcade travels to Washington national cathedral, passing by the White House. Continue reading...

Politics

11 hours ago Inside RuPaul's secret struggle after The Vivienne's death and plans big Drag Race change

RuPaul is said to be devastated by the loss of The Vivienne, who passed away at the age of 32, and is considering stepping down from his presenting duties

Events