45 minutes ago New details emerge of additional learning needs school in the Rhondda as plans are submitted

The plan is to build a new 3-19 school on the site of former RCT Council offices in Clydach Vale which will accommodate up to 176 pupils and have 113 full-time equivalent staff

Politics

64 minutes ago ‘My best friend and I married each other as kids on holiday at the beach. It would be the closest she would come to a real wedding’

Summer holidays are a time of memory-making. We asked Guardian writers and contributors to share some of the summer holiday photos that transport them back to a simpler timeMore summer essentialsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastIt had always been Harriet’s dream to get married more than mine. I’ll never forget us as little girls on summer holidays, stretched out on twin beds, poring over her magazine cutouts of white wedding dresses, multi-tiered cakes and overflowing bouquets.We would muse what our husbands’ names would be and how many children we would have. They would be born at the same time, so they could grow up together as best friends. Just like we had. Continue reading...

Society

2 hours ago Early ‘forever chemicals’ exposure could impact economic success in adulthood – study

Those who lived in regions with firefighting training areas earned about 1.7% less later in life, research showsEarly life exposure to toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” could impact economic success in adulthood, new first-of-its-kind research suggests.The Iowa State University and US Census Bureau working paper compared the earnings, college graduation rates, and birth weights of two groups of children – those raised around military installations that had firefighting training areas, and those who lived near bases with no fire training site. Continue reading...

Economics

4 hours ago How Amad recovered from two setbacks to become one of Manchester United's most important players

Amad has emerged as Man United's talisman at their lowest ebb for decades when a year ago he couldn't get into the team.

Sport

40 minutes ago Kardashian enclave at risk as LA wildfire sweeps towards family's properties amid the devastation

The Kardashian's enclave is at great risk as the wildfires continue to sweep through Los Angeles amid the shocking devastation. 

Events

64 minutes ago ‘They created a Vegas in 10 years’: photographing the hedonistic gambling mecca of Macau

Photographer Adam Lampton discusses capturing the vice, cash and sheer excess of the special administrative region of China – a place built on contradictions“I am not a huge gambler,” says Adam Lampton. “The first time I went to Macau, fresh out of grad school, I didn’t have any money to spare – it all went on camera film. People take it all very seriously, so I was too intimidated to sit down and be the white guy who didn’t know what the hell he was doing.”As a non-gambler in Macau, the American photographer would have been an oddity – most tourists go there to “play”, hoping Lady Luck glances their way. The former Portuguese colony, now a special administrative region of China, is the world’s gambling mecca. Located on China’s south-east coast, just across the water from Hong Kong, Macau’s gambling revenues often put the US’s “Sin City” in the shade. The Macau government expects its gaming revenues to hit about $27bn in 2024, while declining Nevada looks set to fall below 2023’s r...

Culture

3 hours ago Hundreds admitted to Welsh hospitals and dozens critically ill as five viruses savage the NHS

Latest figures show flu cases are 'approaching peak levels' in Wales but hospitals continue to creak at the seams and ambulances have been queuing up outside

Science

17 hours ago Fulham fly past Watford as Cardiff dump Sheffield United out of FA Cup

Fulham 4-1 Watford: Marco Silva’s side continued their unbeaten run as they booked their spot in the fourth round

Transport

48 minutes ago Neil Critchley slams Hearts transfer leaks as 'unacceptable' after Cammy Devlin release fee emerges

The Tynecastle boss is fuming that information regarding the Aussie's contract at Tynecastle were leaked

Politics

8 hours ago Novak Djokovic’s claim he ate ‘poisoned’ food in 2022 Melbourne hotel detention ‘possible but very unlikely’, experts say

Doubt cast on tennis former world number one’s comments in GQ interview as debate reopens about handling of visa sagaGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastExperts have cast doubt on Novak Djokovic’s claim that he was “poisoned” by the food he ate in hotel immigration detention during his Australian Open visa saga, suggesting it is possible but unlikely.Interviews with the former world number one ahead of the 2025 Australian Open have reopened public debate about the chain of events in 2022, with Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios saying his home country had “treated [Djokovic] like shit” by cancelling his visa in 2022.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

Society

2 hours ago Dunelm's giant £10 slipper heats up in two minutes and keeps feet warm 'for ages'

The £10 gadget is ideal for anyone who suffers from cold feet as the weather continues to push temperatures down

Economics

4 hours ago Everton latest, transfer updates and FA Cup third round news: football – live

All the latest before a busy weekend of FA Cup actionEmail David your thoughts | Sign up for Football DailyJonathan Wilson reflects on Sean Dyche’s Everton exit. The numbers are surprising and perhaps currency for Dyche when he seeks future employment. But the style of football was, let’s be honest, utterly abysmal.Everton have lost only four of their past 16 games in all competitions.Everton have kept five clean sheets in their past eight games and in the past month held Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City to draws. Continue reading...

Sport

41 minutes ago California wildfires live updates: nearly 180,000 people evacuated and at least 10 killed

About 10,000 structures have been charred by the two biggest blazes, while Santa Monica declared a curfew because of lootingFull report: LA fires burn through city as death toll risesMangled trees and charred homes inside a levelled communityCalifornians: have you been affected by the wildfires?An update on the Hurst fire from the US forest service has increased the acreage burned to 771 and is 37% contained.477 personnel were assigned to the fire. Continue reading...

Events

1 hour ago Zuckerberg approved Meta’s use of ‘pirated’ books to train AI models, authors claim

Sarah Silverman and others file court case claiming CEO approved use of dataset despite warningsBusiness live – latest updatesMark Zuckerberg approved Meta’s use of “pirated” versions of copyright-protected books to train the company’s artificial intelligence models, a group of authors has alleged in a US court filing.Citing internal Meta communications, the filing claims that the social network company’s chief executive backed the use of the LibGen dataset, a vast online archive of books, despite warnings within the company’s AI executive team that it is a dataset “we know to be pirated”. Continue reading...

Culture

18 hours ago 'I was told I had a urine infection but a CT scan revealed a horrifying diagnosis'

Zoe Gardner-Lawson, 36, was diagnosed with a UTI and given antibiotics for five days but her pain continued and she later found out she had a 5cm tumour on her bowel

Science

27 hours ago Snow and heavy winds bring travel disruption with airport runways shut

Large parts of the UK continue to face yellow weather warnings for snow and ice on Thursday, with another ‘very cold night’ expected.

Transport

64 minutes ago 66 days to cut down sugar: ‘I find myself enjoying the sweetness of my lip balm’

How long does it take to change a habit? It varies, but one paper suggests it takes an average of 66 days. We ask writers to change one thing in their lives within that timeframe and tell us if it worksRead more in the 66 days to change seriesMore summer essentialsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastNot even a year ago, I would have called myself crazy for giving up sugar, even for 66 days. But the truth is I eat way too much of it and it can’t be good for me.I’ve eaten cake for breakfast on more than one occasion and can easily finish a packet of biscuits in a day. I have a soft spot for baked goods, kindled by the many bakeries and cafes in my neighbourhood. If I go to bed without eating something sweet I feel as though something’s missing. Continue reading...

Politics

22 hours ago UK weather live: Britain braces for coldest night of winter so far with temperatures to drop as low as

The warning for snow comes amid continued weather disruption at airports and schools across the UK

Society

2 hours ago 'I visited magical UK market town with castle ruins and gorgeous shops'

Llandovery is a small market town in Carmarthenshire. Zoe Chamberlain never knew what a treasure trove it was until she looked beneath the surface

Economics

11 hours ago Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta's Alexander Isak plan emerges as Man Utd move for target

Arsenal suffered a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final with an FA Cup clash against Manchester United up next

Sport

63 minutes ago New Mexico supreme court strikes down local abortion pill restrictions

Justice rules against ordinances in counties and towns on Texas border that sought to limit access to mifepristoneThe New Mexico supreme court late on Thursday ruled against several local ordinances in the state that aim to restrict distribution of the abortion pill.In a unanimous opinion, the court said the ordinances invaded the legislature’s authority to regulate reproductive care. Continue reading...

Events

3 hours ago ITV This Morning viewers issue complaint as they 'ruin' popular series

This Morning fans failed to mince their words as they complained that the ITV show was spoiling BBC's The Traitors as they continued to interview evictees

Culture

23 hours ago Scientists prize neutrality – that doesn’t cut it any more. In 2025, they must fully back the climate movement | Bill McGuire and Roger Hallam

With 2024 set to go down as the hottest year on record, we know that what is coming is truly horrifyingThe past 12 months have seen our world enter new territory. Last year will go down as the first time that the global average temperature exceeded 1.5C above preindustrial times over a calendar year. We could crash permanently through the 1.5C guardrail within the next five years, and shatter the 2C limit as soon as 2034. This will almost certainly result in the tipping points for collapse of the Greenland and west Antarctic ice sheets being crossed, committing us to the drowning of coastal towns and cities.In years to come, we will look back at this time and ask the same question that future generations will ask: why didn’t we stop this catastrophe?Bill McGuire is professor emeritus of geophysical and climate hazards at UCL and author of Hothouse Earth: an Inhabitant’s GuideRoger Hallam is co-founder of Extinction Rebellion, Insulate Britain and Just Stop Oil Continue reading...

Science

80 minutes ago US job market soars past expectations in last report before Trump retakes White House

Number of new jobs added to the economy accelerated to 256,000 in December, up from November, bolstered by new jobs in healthcare and retailThe US labor market expanded strongly in the last jobs report of the Biden administration, according to new data released on Friday.The number of new jobs added to the economy accelerated to 256,000 in December, up from 227,000 in November, soaring past expectations. The labor market last month was bolstered by new jobs in healthcare, retail and government. Continue reading...

Politics

23 hours ago Ayrshire house builder enters administration with loss of almost 50 jobs

Connect Modular, based in the Caponacre Industrial Estate in Cumnock, called in administrators after facing “significant financial challenges”.

Society

2 hours ago FTSE 100 LIVE: London stocks continue to slide as UK borrowing costs rise again

FTSE 100 LIVE: London stocks continue to slide as UK borrowing costs rise again  Yahoo Finance UK

Economics

16 hours ago Lakers postpone Hornets game as coach JJ Redick loses home in LA wildfires

Wildfires are burning fiercely across Los Angeles regionLA Rams playoff game still expected to go aheadThe NBA has postponed Thursday’s game between the Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets in Los Angeles due to the wildfires in the region, but the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams still expect their home playoff game on Monday to go ahead.At least five people have been killed, thousands of structures have been incinerated and nearly 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate their homes during the disaster. Lakers head coach JJ Redick lost his house in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles in the fires, ESPN reported on Thursday. Continue reading...

Sport

64 minutes ago ‘The worst way of dying’: scientists urge coordinated effort to stop whales getting tangled

Experts recorded 45 entanglements off Australia’s east coast in 2024 – but believe that’s ‘the tip of the iceberg’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAt least 45 whales were entangled by fishing ropes and line on the east coast in 2024, and experts are calling for better management of fishing gear in Australia to prevent marine suffering.Dr Olaf Meynecke, a marine scientist at Griffith University, said the issue of preventing whale entanglements was “largely ignored in Australia”.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

Events

22 hours ago Christie’s auction showcases style of centenarian fashion muse Iris Apfel

Lots include her trademark oversize glasses as well as outfits from Miu Miu and Dior and lifesize ostrich sculptureIris Apfel, perhaps the world’s first centenarian style icon, died last year at the age of 102. Now her clothes, art and furniture are set to be sold at Christie’s later this month in an online auction titled Unapologetically Iris.Anyone familiar with Apfel and her “more is more” style would know that it began with her trademark owl-like glasses. There are 18 pairs for sale here, with square, round and sparkly designs included. Continue reading...

Culture

26 hours ago Flu EXPLOSION: Top nurses 'never been more worried for patients' as hospital cases spike five

More than 2.3million patients visited A&E in December while ambulance teams tackled over 800,000 incidents - the highest number ever recorded in a month.

Science

1 hour ago From oatzempic to mouth taping: does science back up TikTok health tips?

Here are some of the more curious health hacks circulating on the social media platform – and what the evidence saysThe deluge of improbable health hacks on TikTok can only mean it’s the start of a new year. Here we look at some of the more curious tips and the evidence, where there is any, behind them. Continue reading...

Politics

24 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 I make £1,000 a month as a 'financial dominatrix'. Married lawyer and mother AMANDA CARTER reveals her lucrative secret side

Curled up on the sofa after putting my children to bed, I can feel boredom creeping in. My husband is out for the evening - and wouldn't be much company if he was here, to be honest.

Economics

21 hours ago Netflix fans desperate to copy Squid Game in real life as new trend sweeps globe

After Squid Game season two was recently released, fans of the Netflix show have been trying to recreate a vital aspect of the show's plot in real life as Google searches continue to rise

Sport

72 minutes ago DWP to scrap these six benefits for millions by 2026 as warning issued

Action is required to continue receiving money

Events

27 hours ago BBC The Traitors fans ask 'who is that' as they 'didn't realise' contestant was in the show

The Traitors continued with a shock elimination, but Anna's presence in the castle caused more confusion amongst fans

Culture

28 hours ago Flu surges AGAIN: Hospital cases spike, emergency services report 'busiest winter EVER'

More than 2.3million patients visited A&E in December while ambulance teams handled over 800,000 incidents - the highest number ever recorded.

Science

1 hour ago 11 councils ask Government to postpone local elections ahead of reorganisation

The Government has proposed the largest reorganisation of local government for decades.

Politics

29 hours ago UK weather live: Manchester Airport runways shut amid heavy snow as temperatures plunge to

The warning for snow comes amid continued weather disruption at airports and schools across the UK

Society

3 hours ago Melania’s $40m Amazon deal: another sign Bezos is capitulating to Donald Trump | Margaret Sullivan

Sadly, the Amazon-Melania deal has much the same flavor as the rest of Trump appeasement moves – not just by Bezos but by others of his ilkThe language in a New York Times article was extremely restrained as it described Jeff Bezos’s evolving stance regarding Donald Trump.The Amazon founder and the president-elect had had a rocky relationship in the past, “but in recent months, Amazon and Mr. Bezos have taken steps to repair it”.Margaret Sullivan is a Guardian US columnist Continue reading...

Economics

22 hours ago Stuart Hogg was a world class Scottish rugby player who now has to relocate his moral compass | Robert Kitson

The former national rugby union captain has been spared jail for the domestic abuse of his estranged wife, Gill, after courts painted a grim picture of his off-pitch behaviourScotland has not always been blessed with rugby players of genuine world class but prime-time Stuart Hogg was a rare exception. At the height of his powers he was the Six Nations Player of the Year in successive seasons in 2016 and 2017, mixing acceleration and attacking intent with a just-try-and-stop-me attitude that set him apart from the average workaday pro.The talented lad from Hawick was a big fish in a series of smallish pools – the Borders, Scottish rugby, Exeter – and grew accustomed to being hailed as king of his local oval-ball castle. While, behind closed doors, not being entirely the man his many fans thought him to be. Continue reading...

Sport

81 minutes ago ‘It was extraordinary’: Spanish captain recalls rescue of woman who gave birth in dinghy

Mother and newborn saved from inflatable boat off Canary Islands, on a route on which thousands have diedThe call that would lead to one of the most poignant images of the humanitarian emergency in the deadly waters off the Canary Islands came at 4am.In the early hours of Monday, the Las Palmas command centre of Spain’s maritime rescue service, Salvamento Marítimo, told Domingo Trujillo, the captain of the search-and-rescue vessel Talía, that a small inflatable boat, packed with people, was adrift 97 nautical miles (180km) off the coast of Lanzarote. Among those onboard, they added, was a woman who was due to give birth at any moment. Continue reading...

Events

2 hours ago Farming industry ‘destroyed’ by lack of government support, say protesters

Kurt Morton, 39, drove in a rally of dozens of tractors on Friday morning to protest against changes to inheritance tax rules for farmers.

Politics

32 hours ago Weather and travel LIVE updates as major road shut, schools close and trams hit by 'severe delays' in Greater Manchester

The cold snap is continuing

Society

3 hours ago Price of resale tickets to be capped under plans to tackle touts after Oasis fans saw prices soar

The Government has announced the measures as part of a 'Plan for Change' to clamp down on touts, who are estimated to cost music fans an extra £145m a year

Economics

23 hours ago New Call of Duty report reveals staggering cost of making games in popular series

Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War reportedly cost over $700 million to develop and market, as a new report suggests Activision's shooter's costs are astronomical

Sport

1 hour ago UK officials 'monitoring' Elon Musk's social media as 'possible security risk'

Entrepreneur’s social media posts are being tracked by Government officials, according to reports

Events

2 hours ago The world's most powerful passports in 2025 revealed: US and UK slide down list dominated by European nations

The global ranking indicates the number of countries citizens around the world can enter visa-free. The most powerful passport allows holders to visit an astonishing 195 destinations without a visa.

Politics

39 hours ago Producing food is ‘primary purpose’ of farming, Environment Secretary says

A speech by Steve Reed will outline measures to boost sector profits in the wake of protests against the Government by farmers.

Society

8 hours ago Rachel Reeves heads to China as pressure mounts as market turmoil derails government’s economic strategy

The Chancellor has been criticised for continuing with a planned visit to China amid rising yields on government bonds

Economics

26 hours ago Bryan Mbeumo: Brentford hold crucial contract ace amid Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool transfer links

Key clause puts the Bees in stronger future negotiating position as interest in their star forward continues to build

Sport

2 hours ago Swinney: Consumption room should help reduce ‘entirely unacceptable’ drug deaths

The First Minister has visited the UK’s first facility where drug users can inject in a clean and safe environment.

Events

2 hours ago 'I found prettiest Welsh town you can easily drive past and I can't wait to go back'

Zoe Chamberlain had driven through the market town of Llandovery many, many times on my way to family holidays in Pembrokeshire. But this time, she finally stopped to check it out

Politics

9 hours ago Stock market today: Asian shares slide further as rate cut, tariff worries hit market sentiment

Shares have fallen for a second day in Asia after U.S. markets were closed to observe a National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter

Economics

29 hours ago Man City transfer priority clear as new target emerges to put four players on alert

A new Manchester City transfer target has reportedly emerged as 18-year-old Vitor Reis could be on his way to the Etihad Stadium this month.

Sport

2 hours ago 'Don't dry your clothes here' warning as freezing temperatures continue

If you use this common place to dry laundry, you could be setting yourself up for problems

Events

2 hours ago UK housebuilders to shed light on property market amid Government targets

London-listed construction groups Persimmon, Vistry and Taylor Wimpey will all provide trading updates next week.

Politics

10 hours ago Whitehall braced for spending cuts after UK hit by bond market turmoil

Rising gilt yields mean government departments may face further squeeze

Economics

31 hours ago Mallorca’s Cyle Larin: ‘Some players dive with the pressure but I like it’

Club’s top scorer has his sights set on the Spanish Super Cup but harbours ambitions of playing in the Premier League“Pair of extra socks, pair of extra boxers”, and that, Cyle Larin says, is pretty much that. Well, it is normally. This time, it is a little different. There is a smile and Real Mallorca’s top scorer this season, Canada’s top scorer of all time, says: “Win that first game and you got to stay longer.”More boxers, more socks, maybe more history too. Win that first game, Thursday night’s Spanish Super Cup semi-final, and they will still be there on Sunday night, 5,000km from home and 90 minutes from the third trophy in their 108 years. Continue reading...

Sport

2 hours ago Sir Rod Stewart hits the beach in St Barts with his wife Penny Lancaster, 53, and huge blended family as he continues his 80th birthday celebrations on $150m super yacht

The singer continued to ring his 80th birthday in style as he hit the beach with his huge family in St Barts on Wednesday.

Events

2 hours ago Rise in national insurance taxes will probably lead to lower wages in 'long run'

'To be clear, I expect bank rate to come down over time as the effects of the large shocks of the past continue to abate'

Politics

12 hours ago Ruben Amorim gets 'dream' Man United transfer chance as Marcus Rashford swap deal emerges

Latest Manchester United transfer news and gossip with updates on Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen

Economics

2 hours ago Judge will weigh holding Giuliani in contempt of court after jury's $148 million defamation award

A federal judge is set to hear arguments on whether to hold Rudy Giuliani in contempt of court for continuing to spread lies about two Georgia election workers after they secured a $148 million defamation judgment against him

Events

3 hours ago Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman review – meditations on life’s brevity

If time management is all life is, asks the author and narrator, why do we treat it as such a depressingly narrow-minded affair?The title refers to the time most humans spend on Earth, assuming they live until their 80s. When the author Oliver Burkeman first made the calculation, he felt unexpectedly queasy at our “insultingly” short lifespans. He also began thinking about how we manage our time.“Arguably, time management is all life is,” he notes. “Yet the modern discipline known as time management is a depressingly narrow-minded affair, focused on how to crank through as many work tasks as possible, or on devising the perfect morning routine, or on cooking all your dinners for the week in one big batch.” But what is the point of all that “doing” when life is so short? Continue reading...

Politics

13 hours ago ANDREW NEIL: The economy's reeling from the disastrous Budget. Taxes or cuts are coming... and the big financial players I've talked to now all say it could spell the end of Labour

In the run-up to the General Election , Rachel Reeves boasted repeatedly of her qualifications for being Chancellor, even liberally embellishing her CV to bolster her credentials.

Economics

3 hours ago ‘If you are black, you are finished’: the ethnically targeted violence raging in Sudan

Refugees tell of attacks on darker-skinned people and non-Arab groups by Rapid Support Forces and its allies in DarfurHusna Ibrahim Arbab had already lost her son in the early days of Sudan’s civil war – burned to death in his tent after it was set on fire – when she was apprehended by militia aligned with the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group while fleeing west towards the border with Chad.A bullet flew by close to her head, the 24-year-old said. Five male relatives were separated from the group she was travelling with, taken to a creek, and shot in the chest. Continue reading...

Events

3 hours ago Man City sent fresh Omar Marmoush transfer update as bid clarity emerges

Manchester City have made Omar Marmoush a top January transfer target - but Eintracht Frankfurt will not let their star man leave easily.

Politics

15 hours ago Price of resale tickets to be capped under plans to clamp down on touts

The measures would aim to prevent organised touts reselling a large number of tickets at vastly inflated prices, the Government said.

Economics

3 hours ago Israeli military IDs hostage killed in Gaza as ceasefire talks continue

Hamza Ziyadne, 22, was kidnapped by Hamas while working at a Kibbutz near the Gaza border on 7 October

Events

3 hours ago Digested week: put away the hot wax and don’t eat your Christmas tree | Lucy Mangan

Never trust a hippy selling pine-flavoured butter. Plus, a watch that finally explains it allThe AFSCA (Belgium’s federal agency for ensuring food supply chain safety – but of course you knew that) has been forced to issue a warning to the good people of Poirot’s homeland not to eat their Christmas trees. This is after the city of Ghent – an environmentalism hotspot in northern Flanders – posted tips on how to recycle their obsolete festive conifers into food, including using them to make pine-flavoured butter. Continue reading...

Politics

17 hours ago Luke Littler jets off on holiday as darts champion, 17, starts spending £500k winnings

World Darts Champion Luke Littler is currently on holiday in the Spanish province of Alicante as he continues celebrating his triumph over Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace

Economics

3 hours ago Gavin Newsom's shocking reaction to woman who chased him down to demanding wildfire answers

The California Governor apologized and claimed to be trying to reach the president on the phone when he was accosted by the emotional woman.

Events

3 hours ago Digested week: Put away the hot wax and don’t eat your Christmas tree | Lucy Mangan

Never trust a hippy selling pine-flavoured butter. Plus, a watch that finally explains it allThe AFSCA (Belgium’s federal agency for ensuring food supply chain safety – but of course you knew that) has been forced to issue a warning to the good people of Poirot’s homeland not to eat their Christmas trees. This is after the city of Ghent – an environmentalism hotspot in northern Flanders – posted tips on how to recycle their obsolete festive conifers into food, including using them to make pine-flavoured butter. Continue reading...

Politics

17 hours ago Shein edges closer to controversial £50bn London listing as China denies human rights abuses

The £50bn listing could be sorted by Easter, sources say, as Chancellor Rachel Reeves heads to China for talks on economic and financial cooperation.

Economics

3 hours ago LA fires live updates: Arson suspect ‘armed with flamethrower’ arrested near new Kenneth blaze as 10 dead

Death toll continues to climb as the arson suspect, allegedly armed with a ‘propane tank’ or ‘flamethrower,’ is being held in police custody

Events

3 hours ago Ronnie O’Sullivan abandons Masters snooker title defence on health grounds

Neil Robertson replaces 2024 winner at Alexandra PalaceO’Sullivan had withdrawn from Championship LeagueReigning champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from the upcoming Masters snooker event on medical grounds.The world No 3, who has won the competition eight times, was due to face John Higgins in the opening match on Sunday afternoon. Neil Robertson has replaced O’Sullivan in the draw for the tournament, which runs until 19 January at Alexandra Palace in London. Continue reading...

Politics

20 hours ago Italian mayor vows to stop sale of Neapolitan islet to wealthy speculator

Bacoli mayor says his administration wants to buy Punta Pennata and turn it into an ‘open-air museum’An Italian mayor has vowed to do everything in his power to stop Punta Pennata – a slice of island paradise close to the heart of Naples, from where a fleet departed to rescue survivors of the AD79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius – being sold to a wealthy speculator.Located within the pristine waters of Bacoli, a fishing town located in the vast volcanic area of the Campi Flegrei, and described as a “historical and natural gem”, the strip of land was put up for sale to the highest bidder this week. Continue reading...

Economics

4 hours ago Ontario leader warns of ‘pain’ for US if Trump moves forward with tariffs on Canada

Premier of most populous province says rhetoric clouds trade relationship worth hundreds of billions of dollarsThe United States will “feel pain” if Donald Trump doesn’t back down from his threat to impose steep tariffs on its northern neighbour, the leader of Canada’s most populous province has warned.After a tumultuous week that left Canadian leaders flailing for a coherent national response to Trump’s provocations – including the suggestion that the US would annex its closest ally – Ontario premier Doug Ford told the Guardian: “We will never be for sale.” Continue reading...

Events

3 hours ago Raducanu turns down insect bite treatment over doping fears in Australia

Raducanu snubs spray after Swiatek and Sinner sagas‘I’m going to tough it out because I don’t want to risk it’Emma Raducanu says the chance of ingesting a contaminated substance is a notable concern on the minds of tennis players at a time when Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek continue to navigate the fallout of two of the most high profile anti-doping cases in the history of the sport.Speaking at her pre-tournament press conference at the Australian Open before her first round match against the 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova on Monday, Raducanu said players must “manage the controllables” as well as they can. She had suffered a significant insect bite the previous day but declined the antiseptic spray she was provided because she did not want to risk taking a banned substance. Continue reading...

Politics

21 hours ago Firms to pass on tax hikes through lower wages in long run, Bank executive says

Sarah Breeden, the Bank’s deputy governor for financial stability, also said firms might respond to the tax rises by cutting staff or raising prices.

Economics

4 hours ago Now Harriet Harman joins calls for a  new inquiry into grooming gangs as pressure mounts on Keir Starmer

The party grandee suggested the Government should show an 'openness' to a future probe, although she said the PM was 'right' to resist a repeat of previous work.

Events

3 hours ago Should you be worried about your mortgage? Gilts are volatile and the answer is: it's complicated

Financial markets are turbulent, ministers say don’t panic, but households are worried - what is going on with UK bond volatility?

Politics

21 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

4 hours ago You be the judge: should my girlfriend agree to exile her unruly dog from my house?

Fernanda’s pooch, Roo, has been banned from the home after an altercation with Vivienne’s cat. You decide if Roo should be let out of the doghouseIf Fernanda’s dog moves in, my cat will get stressed and not come home. That would break my heartI’ve put in more effort to adjust to Vivienne’s life than she has to mine. Roo just needs training Continue reading...

Events

3 hours ago Scottish Labour MP will vote against UK Government on Waspi compensation

EXCLUSIVE: Brian Leishman said he will back an opposition party's motion to pay women impacted by changes to the state pension age if it comes to a vote.

Politics

21 hours ago The tiny beach hut on sale for the same price as a family home: Wooden cabin in Britain's beach hut property hotspot hits the market for £450,000

Mudeford Spit in Christchurch Harbour, Dorset, has emerged as one of the most desirable addresses for buyers seeking out picturesque coastal locations.

Economics

4 hours ago LA fires live updates: Arson suspect ‘armed with flamethrower’ arrested for new Kenneth blaze as 10 dead

Death toll continues to climb as Kenneth fire arson suspect allegedly armed with a ‘propane tank’ or ‘flamethrower’ is being held in police custody

Events

3 hours ago Cristiano Ronaldo goes viral as video emerges of Portuguese superstar's incredible gesture after being approached by a starstruck young fan

Cristiano Ronaldo has gone viral on social media once again after shooing away security in order to sign a child's football shirt and ball at last month's Globe Soccer Awards.

Politics

22 hours ago Brits 'paying price for Labour's bungled Budget': Reeves warned money from tax hikes will have to go on servicing debt after markets turn on UK

Sterling tumbled to its lowest level against the US dollar for over a year this morning as investors continued to push up risk premium on UK gilts - the way the state finances its activities.

Economics

4 hours ago FTSE 100 Live 10 January: Sainsbury’s update fails to ease retail jitters, sterling steady

Warnings of higher mortgage costs have added to pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves after a turbulent week for UK financial markets.

Events