The latest controversy reveals deeper tensions about who will shape the sport’s future: its greatest players or the governing authoritiesA persuasive case can be made that Magnus Carlsen is the greatest chess player of all time. The 34-year‑old Norwegian is no longer world champion – bored with classic (long-form) chess, he chose not to defend his title in 2023 – but his name resonates with the public more than ever. This is not due to his expertise in the Sicilian Defence but because chess’s world governing body, Fide, recently barred him from playing in a tournament for wearing jeans. “Jeansgate” illustrates that while the public may care little for the niceties of chess openings, they are captivated by the eccentricities of the chess world.The fabulous (often chess-inspired) costumes in Netflix’s drama hit The Queen’s Gambit made style magazines swoon. But in real life, chess and fashion rarely intersect, though the great Cuban world champion of the 1920s, José Raúl Capablanca, w...

Politics

Rows of glitzy waterfront houses lay in charred ruins after the punishing blaze ripped through them - save for one miracle structure which stood alone, flanked by smoldering debris

Society

Scots may still be reeling from the festive period and laying off the booze for a month may be welcome for a spending break

Economics

United are in need of more goalscoring firepower but they may already have the gem ready to uncover in their ranks

Sport

Some types of dog have seen an astonishing growth in demand in recent years, with Kennel Club registrations soaring.

Events

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

After lots of testing, I've discovered the ten best tips for effortless packing. Read on for my tips to make packing for your next trip as easy as possible.

Politics

Electricity North West are investigating the power cut in the Deansgate area

Society

Oodie's Puffer Boots are not only 'warmer than Skechers', but they're currently on sale

Economics

Matt Davies, 56, had his arm 'blown to pieces' in a freak accident while preparing for lunch service in a restaurant.

Events

“The biggest concern we have is increasing the sales mix of battery electric vehicles” – Alan Gall, SMTA

Science

The jacquard knit dress has been marked as a favourite by Roman shoppers and it's now reduced to a lower price

Politics

Learn how to prevent health risks when using your air fryer.

Society

Prices tags for the 600e family crossover and Abarth 500e hot hatch have been trimmed by up to £4,220. Both now start from £29,975.

Economics

Sources at ABC News have now alleged the network is 'embarrassed and horrified' by Muir's gaffe, with several insiders telling Page Six that the 'narcissistic' move is typical of the anchor.

Events

In honour of Kate Middleton's birthday yesterday, Prince William posted a touching tribute to Kate on Instagram, and we've found an £18 alternative to the princess' chic check scarf in the photo

Politics

Rumour has it the creams share 90 per cent of the same ingredients but how do they compare?

Economics

Carla was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with sepsis before being told she needs a kidney transplant

Events

I loved to scour apps and charity shops for cheap clothes and toys – but now I know it is another kind of overconsumption‘Guess how much this was,” I say to my partner mischievously, revealing with relish the latest toy I’ve found for our youngest son. It’s wooden, Montessori in style (apparently a ball dropping through a hole teaches him object permanence), and retails at about £20 new. “A quid,” my partner proffers, wearily: he is savvy to this game by now. This time, though, I can go one better. “Free!” I screech with glee. “Free! Can you believe that? Someone was giving it away on that secondhand WhatApp group.” I’m giddy with my find, drunk on the size of the bargain, but, as I add the new (to me) toy to the teetering pile of others – dolls, a tunnel, toy cars, a lunchbox – I can feel something – guilt, I think – gnawing away at me. Am I a secondhand overconsumer?I’ve always been a champion of secondhand shopping. I was plundering charity shops before it was cool and, in a tale...

Politics

Down to just £18.82 from the usual £44.99 with a massive 58% discount, this oil filled radiator is more than capable of heating up a home office or a small bedroom

Economics

In 1989, an on-camera head to head triggered the then PM’s demise. Harriet Walter, Steve Coogan and James Graham discuss their gripping take on the bombshell broadcastIt was the interview that destroyed Thatcher. Three days after the furious resignation of her chancellor Nigel Lawson in October 1989, she went on TV for a 45-minute interview with an unlikely confidant of hers – Brian Walden, the Labour MP turned ITV journalist. She was ready for him, but she also trusted him: it wasn’t their first rodeo together. It was, however, emotionally intense.“I think so many of his questions are beseeching,” says James Graham, the celebrated writer of Sherwood and Brexit: The Uncivil War, who has turned it into new drama Brian and Maggie, starring Steve Coogan as Walden and Harriet Walter as Thatcher. “Just say that you get it. Just say that you were wrong, just say that you’re not flawless. And if you do that, grab my hand and I’ll save you.” Saving her is the opposite of what happened. Cont...

Events

Totally Taylor is the electrifying tribute act dedicated to bringing the magic of Taylor Swift’s music to life on stage.

Politics

At the moment, a guesthouse along the shore of a loch that has been described as a "Scottish paradise" can be booked at a major discount through voucher website Wowcher.

Economics

Blast likely caused by accumulation of methane gas

Events

From non-smudgy mascara to the surprisingly worth-the-hype Dyson AirStrait, here are my top purchases of 2024I was struck by how dominant makeup and devices were in 2024, after years of skincare mania in the market. Saie, a fairly priced US makeup startup, stormed it. With the notable exception of its complexion products (improvement needed), the line is excellent. Dew Bronze (£20), an extremely easy, natural-looking bronzing liquid, was its best launch. I reached for it again and again, fluffing it into cheeks and temples with their now-indispensable Base Brush (£21). Saie could get away with less for the money, but mostly overdelivers.Speaking of price, the high-street hits kept on coming. Elf’s non-smudgy, seven quid Lash XTNDR would have been my mascara of the year at any price. Continue reading...

Politics

From price and range, to computing power and release date, everything we know so far about the upcoming Afeela 1 from Sony and Honda.

Economics

My work bag is closer in scale to a laundry basket than the tiny handbags clutched by modelsFashion sometimes excludes people on grounds that are truly nasty and toxic and which reflect and drive fundamental problems in our culture: race, weight, wealth. So I hesitate to bring up what I’m about to say because it is small-fry compared with those issues. What I want to talk about today is not, in the scheme of things, any kind of hard luck story. But I am going to bring it up anyway.The microaggression for which I would like to call out fashion, today, is for all the times it has made me feel excluded because my handbag is inelegantly big and heavy. I have quite often felt like a no-hope outcast from glamour, on the grounds that the outfits fashion celebrates on catwalks or billboards or red carpets feature a handbag no bigger than a hardback novel, while the bag I carry to the office and back every day is closer in scale to a laundry basket. Continue reading...

Events

Claiming to be the most powerful V8 hoover ever, this device is capable of lasting a lengthy 40 minutes with uninterrupted suction power

Politics

The ideal temperature for your bedroom is cooler than you might think

Economics

Melissa Rivers revealed that she was able to save her late mother Joan Rivers' Emmy before losing her Pacific Palisades home in the devastating L.A. fires.

Events

Criterion theatre, LondonIt goes on and on but this madcap spoof of the blockbuster film has a sparkling cast, including Lauren Drew as Dion and Layton Williams as the icebergImagine James Cameron’s 1997 disaster film romance Titanic as a camp musical spoof narrated by Céline Dion, who famously sang its signature number. Every character onboard this ill-fated liner is a closet-door short of coming out – including Jack and Rose. Then add enough smutty double entendres and rapid cultural references to bedazzle a pantomime dame, alongside a score of mainly Dion songs (My Heart Will Go On is set to electric guitar).You might come close to preparing yourself for this madcap musical fantasia which has fetched up from off-Broadway to reprise (ruin?) the love story between Rose (Kat Ronney) – who is engaged to rich Cal (Jordan Luke Gage), with Grindr on his phone – and the poor artist Jack (Rob Houchen). Continue reading...

Politics

A woman stunned online commenters when she revealed her real age on TikTok – and people were delighted when she posted about how she stays looking so young

Economics

Team behind UK first centre aim to save lives and improve public health

Events

Electricity North West are investigating the power cut in the Deansgate area

Politics

This style is ideal for fashion fans who usually opt for a skinny fit but find wide-leg jeans too drastic a change

Economics

It’s difficult to save things when ‘you’re running for you life,’ said champion swimmer

Events

As series three of The Traitors hits our screens, we're loving seeing the fashion-forward looks Claudia Winkleman is serving this time. If you're looking to shop them, these are the links you need

Politics

The long check coat is available in sizes eight to 28 and fashion fans are calling it 'a great investment piece'

Economics

Electricity North West are investigating the power cut in the Deansgate area

Events

For when elbow grease just won’t cut it

Politics

The flash deal offers Estée Lauder fans the opportunity to bag three full-sized makeup products for less than £9 each

Economics

Coronation Street fans are convinced they know who will save Carla Connor from her devastating kidney failure after she was stabbed by Scott Emberton's son Johnny.

Events

Dive into your past with a 12-month membership for half-price

Politics

From Dr Martens, Glow Recipe, Next and more, here's what we're adding to our wardrobe, home and makeup bag

Economics

The wind farm could generate enough electricity to power 100,000 homes

Events

From Cyrus to Marrakech and Greece, here’s how to enjoy your next getaway for less

Politics

The retailer is offering a 51% discount on the insulated coat which comes in three colours - khaki, black, and blue

Economics

It may look like something from the Star Wars films, but this new single-person flying vehicle will launch in the real world next month. The Manta M4 can take off from land and sea.

Events

Jewellery brand EAR SASS has unveiled its latest creation: the 'Catherine' earrings in rose gold, launched in honour of the Princess of Wales' birthday. Sophie McGown, a Scottish fashion and jewellery entrepreneur, has a personal story of loss and resilience that has inspired a collection infused with deep meaning and a commitment to driving change. These delicate, glass-beaded, hooped earrings celebrate the Princess's timeless elegance and style while reinforcing the brand's dedication to mental health advocacy.

Politics

All is not well in Weatherfield as some of the show's mid-ranking actors and younger stars are said to be worried they'll be axed in a bid to save money.

Economics

Ready to define a style that feels authentically you? Join personal stylist Clare Chambers to discover practical strategies for creating a wardrobe that saves you time, money, and stress—while looking effortlessly polished.

Events

German maker of fashionable cork-based footwear files three lawsuits alleging copyright infringementOnce sneered at as the preserve of muesli-loving, Guardian-reading hippies, Birkenstocks have more recently been promoted to the status of fashion item, not least since they took a starring role in the Barbie movie. But now cork-soled sandals are facing their day in court as their German makers call for them to be protected in perpetuity – and to be recognised as nothing less than a unique work of art.Germany’s federal court of justice is to decide on the future of the ergonomic sandal after three lawsuits against alleged copycat competitors were lodged on Thursday by the footwear manufacturer. Continue reading...

Politics

The beauty bargain has been doing the rounds on social media

Economics

Marks and Spencer shoppers have fallen for an "insulating" coat, branding it the "best ever" - and it's available in two colours

Events

Natalie Dixon tried a watermelon sample pack of the Feel Pro Collagen supplements - which currently have a 20% special discount

Politics

"Pretty dress sits very nicely on body, looks elegant and can be worn casually"

Economics

Torben Hersborg appeared in court and has agreed to cooperate with police combing through his electronic devices

Events

NESO told consumers it was safe to continue to use electricity as normal after operations

Politics

By stacking two deals, shoppers can bag a pair of Nike Air Max for less than £25

Economics

What to wear in 2025? Here's how to re-vamp your look, says Joe Bromley

Events

Alba MSP Ash Regan says the crossing has ‘immense potential’

Politics

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

Economics

A failure of justice, and draconian Tory law, put Gaie Delap in prison. A failure of government is keeping her thereGaie Delap will turn 78 on Friday, in Eastwood Park prison, Gloucestershire. Sentenced to 20 months last August for climbing a gantry over the M25 for Just Stop Oil, she was released in November to serve the rest of her sentence on a home detention curfew. But the electronic tag that she was required to wear couldn’t go round her ankle because she has deep-vein thrombosis and it might have risked causing her a stroke. It couldn’t go round her wrist because they couldn’t find a tag small enough, which people keep saying is because she’s frail. Delap hates being called frail. Her wrist is a perfectly reasonable size, 14-and-a-half centimetres. It’s the wrist-tag design that’s wanting. The topsy-turvy world where a government contractor, Serco, can fail and fail again, while a citizen with a social purpose gets called back to prison five days before Christmas to atone for...

Events

This 'delicate and classy' scent by Burberry has had a price cut in a flash sale, brining it down to half-price - but there's no telling how long the discount will last, so you may want to act fast

Politics

"Flattering fit and very comfortable. The material is high quality and thick but with plenty of stretch still"

Economics

Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke had to be escorted away from his lavish home in Los Angeles by emergency services as wildfires continue to rage through the A-lister-filled city

Events