3 hours ago The Guardian view on Magnus Carlsen’s power play: checking chess’s ruling body in style | Editorial

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

7 hours ago To resist the climate crisis, we must resist the billionaire class | Peter Kalmus

To solve the climate crisis, power must flow away from the billionaire classWhen I feel uncertain, I find it’s helpful to write down things I know to be true. Fossil fuels are causing irreversible planetary overheating. Overheating threatens essentially all life on Earth. Oil and gas executives knew this but they chose to systematically lie and block a climate transition. They continue to make this choice.I choose to focus my energy on the climate crisis because a habitable planet is a prerequisite for everything worth fighting for, and because the prospect of losing a planet feels horrific and sad to me in a primal way that I can’t express with words. I’m also simply in love with the Earth. But planetary overheating is really just the most geophysical symptom of extractive colonial capitalism – “billionairism” – a system designed to pump wealth from the poor to the rich, creating billionaires, the healthcare crisis, the housing crisis, genocide, hierarchies like racism and patriarc...

Society

2 hours ago The Trump company is not banning private foreign deals, a break with its first term policy

The Trump family business has agreed to a voluntary ethics agreement that would ban it from striking direct deals with foreign governments after inauguration, but would give it a free hand to pursue ventures with private foreign companies

Economics

54 minutes ago Dani Olmo transfer reality clear as Barcelona make final call amid Man United and Man City link

Barcelona have finally confirmed what the future holds for Dani Olmo after struggling to register their Spain international since making the £50million signing last summer.

Sport

3 hours ago US official warns Puerto Rico of weak power generation as it prepares for a Trump administration

U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm has warned that Puerto Rico needs more power generation as it struggles to recover from a recent massive blackout

Events

9 hours ago Harrowing before and after photos show the full extent of damage caused by devastating LA wildfires

Huge swathes of LA and its coastline are seen laid to waste in the graphic pictures, with countless houses and structures having imploded under the ferocious heat and power of the fires

Culture

4 hours ago UK announces sanctions against figures close to Venezuelan president Maduro

It comes as Mr Maduro was sworn in for a third term as president on Friday.

Politics

8 hours ago Woman's genius tip for heating up food if you have a power cut this winter

Instead of panicking next time your lights go out, be prepared with a genius tip that could make all the difference - people in hurricanes and power cuts say it really works

Society

8 hours ago Sony Honda Mobility Afeela 1: Release date, price and all you need to know about the 2026 EV

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

4 hours ago £2.15bn claim over helicopter crash that killed former Leicester City owner

Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and four others were killed when the aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from the club’s King Power Stadium.

Events

32 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

4 hours ago Venezuela’s Maduro sworn in amid outrage over alleged fraudulent election

US announces $65m bounty for arrest of president, who has led country since 2013 and failed to prove he won recent voteVenezuela’s authoritarian president, Nicolás Maduro, has been accused of a shameless, fraudulent power grab after swearing himself in for a third term despite domestic outrage and a chorus of international condemnation at his alleged theft of last year’s election.“This is a great victory for Venezuelan democracy,” the 62-year-old autocrat boasted during a sparsely attended oath-taking ceremony in Caracas that was boycotted by the leaders of democratic nations. Continue reading...

Politics

24 hours ago LIVE: Manchester city centre properties left without electricity after power cut

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

Society

21 hours ago Elizabeth line hits 500m passenger journeys landmark as wider benefits of £20bn link are revealed

Shorter journey times and fewer interchanges are top two reasons for using the Lizzie line

Economics

5 hours ago Laurence Holloway dies aged 86 as tributes paid to iconic Strictly musical director

The English composer, who started off as a pianist in dance bands, died after a “short illness” on Thursday, his daughter Abigail Holloway told the PA news agency.

Events

25 hours ago Inside Russian spy's Norfolk guesthouse: Jurors are shown images of Great Yarmouth hotel rooms crammed with surveillance equipment as court hears he boasted about being like James Bond's 'Q'

Orlin Roussev, 46, boasted to his controller that he was becoming like the 007 character as he prepared his spying 'toys' for kidnap and surveillance operations across Europe.

Society

27 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

5 hours ago California wildfires live updates: at least 10 people killed; winds expected to pick up again

Officials warn people against returning home too soon amid continued threats to life from broken gas and power lines; details emerge about victimsAfter the fire, the insurance battles: new ordeals to comeFleeing the LA fires alone on a wheelchair: ‘I had to take my chances’Californians: 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

4 hours ago How power manifesting can turn your dreams into reality. If you know my cutting

Some people are better at realising their dreams than others. They dream big, they make grand plans and they reach their goals. Now you are going to learn to do the same.

Politics

34 hours ago Symptoms of Clive Myrie's 'drooping eye' syndrome as viewers raise health concerns

BBC News at Six presenter Clive Myrie was hit with a barrage of concern over his health on Monday night

Society

38 hours ago Rangers fresh exit link, Celtic deal for 'future star' hits snag, Hearts departure mooted

Here are all the latest Scottish football transfer headlines on Thursday morning - including Celtic, Rangers and Hearts.

Economics

5 hours ago Shamima Begum's life now Syrian prison camp and why she 'could be free' soon

The Foreign Secretary David Lammy has ruled out allowing her to return to the UK.

Events

5 hours ago Why are UK gas stores lower than usual, and how is the overall supply looking?

Amid concerns over stored gas capacity during the latest cold snap, the PA news agency explains why we are not running out of gas.

Politics

9 hours ago Warning issued over 'concerningly low' gas levels amid fears ice blast will send temperatures plunging to

The icy weather over the last few days has seen demand for gas-fired power station balloon, with energy firm Centrica saying Britain could run out of gas reserves in days.

Events

5 hours ago Love Island fans ‘can’t unsee’ major soap connection after spotting link to cast

Love Island fans have spotted a serious similarity between the cast lineup for the new series and a beloved British soap opera - and you 'can't unsee' it once you notice

Politics

10 hours ago Sophia Kelemen inquest after car park crash postponed due to power cut

Two inquests were first delayed and then postponed due to a technical issue affecting Pembrokeshire County Hall

Events

6 hours ago Dean Windass 'worried sick' after dementia diagnosis as David Beckham gets behind cause

Former Premier League striker Dean Windass has been diagnosed with dementia at the age of just 55, with professional footballers more than three and a half times more likely to develop the syndrome

Politics

20 hours ago PATRICK MARMION reviews Titanique at the Criterion Theatre in London: Titanic fun...with Celine's doppelganger

The siren call of Celine Dion is very great. The queen of power ballads' tooth-loosening vibrato and enamel-melting schmaltz could even pose a danger to shipping. 

Events

6 hours ago There are no adults in the room: there’s barely a room. This is politics at warp speed, and we know who’s benefiting | Marina Hyde

Fiscal crisis, corruption claims, shenanigans and legal threats. This feels like the week old-style politics sat on a grenade The worst-timed foreign visit by a politician this week was LA mayor Karen Bass deciding to attend the inauguration of the president of Ghana. The second worst might be Rachel Reeves’s decision to push ahead with her China bridge-building trip against a backdrop of market turmoil, soaring UK borrowing costs and the inevitability of rising food prices. But look, maybe have no fear. The chancellor has apparently told all her cabinet colleagues to “cease anti-growth measures” – amazing – and also to come up with specific plans to boost economic activity. I am already picturing her opening the bits of paper from the hat. “Right, I’ve got 20 for ‘build an effing time machine’ and one that just says ‘Pass’. Sorry, Lammy – this isn’t Celebrity Mastermind.”As for auto-satirical lowlights further down the ministerial ladder, do keep your eye on anti-corruption ministe...

Politics

23 hours ago BBC The Traitors fans blown away as star uncovers dramatic 'power play move'

Fans of the The Traitors have taken to social media to share their reactions after one star revealed a huge bombshell about their career away from the show

Events

6 hours ago 'Instead of facing consequences, Donald Trump's return to power places him above the law'

After being handed an unconditional discharge over his hush money payment to Stormy Daniels, it is clear the 2024 election was really about securing the ultimate "get-out-of-jail-free" card

Politics

24 hours ago LIVE: Manchester city centre plunged into darkness as thousands hit by power cut

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

Events

7 hours ago Scotland 'leader' in surprise Rangers link as boss admits 'realistic' transfer may happen

The Scotland defender’s future is in doubt after EFL Championship offers transfer update

Politics

26 hours ago Swiss national accused of spying takes own life in prison, Iran judge says

The Swiss Foreign Affairs Department confirmed the death

Events

8 hours ago Gas supplies are 'concerningly low' and UK narrowly avoided POWER CUTS amid fears Labour's Net Zero will put the lights out during

The icy weather over the last few days has seen demand for gas-fired power station balloon, with energy firm Centrica saying Britain could run out of gas reserves in days.

Politics

27 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

9 hours ago Britain’s gas storage levels ‘concerningly low’ after extreme cold, says British Gas owner

Plunging temperatures and high demand for gas-fired power stations are the main factors behind the low levels, Centrica said

Politics

29 hours ago Plans for 'England's largest onshore wind farm' on Scout Moor take step forward

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

Events

9 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

30 hours ago Dog owners warned as chew toy linked to deadly 'werewolf syndrome' that's killed 15 pets

The so-called 'werewolf syndrome' leads to panic attacks, extreme amounts of energy, aggression and canines howling like a wolf and has been linked to the deaths of 15 dogs

Events

9 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

30 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

10 hours ago As wildfires devastate LA, Republicans point fingers at Democratic California leaders

Trump and Maga allies are using the fires to attack leaders like Newsom – possibly foretelling power struggles aheadIf ever a situation cried out for elevating national unity over political divisions, the dystopian scenes emanating from the Los Angeles fires surely qualified.The catastrophe that has left at least five people dead, more than 1,000 structures destroyed and forced thousands fleeing their homes would – in an ideal and less polarised America – spur humane empathy and solidarity in place of tribal partisanship. Continue reading...

Politics

32 hours ago Lammy declares ‘Trump is right’ on defence spending as he warns post Cold War peace is over

The foreign secretary has used his first major speech of 2025 to go after the Putin’s aggression in tearing up the world order and back Trump’s demands for significant increases in defence spending

Events

11 hours ago Britain came 'unsettlingly close' to rolling power cuts this week, reveals ex

Britain should brace for blackouts as the country becomes increasingly reliant on renewable energy, a former Cabinet minister has warned. Lord Frost raised fears about the net-zero crusade.

Politics

32 hours ago Chad’s government says 18 killed during foiled attack on presidential complex

‘Destabilisation attempt’ in N’Djamena blamed on ‘disorganised’ group of assailants armed with knivesEighteen assailants and one presidential guard died during a foiled attack on the presidential complex in the Chadian capital, N’Djamena, on Wednesday night, a government spokesperson has said.The attackers attempted to storm the presidential palace while President Mahamat Déby Itno was inside, said Abderaman Koulamallah, who also serves as the foreign minister in the military-ruled, central African country. Continue reading...

Events

11 hours ago Why are US supreme court justices starting to sound like Trump? | Moira Donegan

The justices are increasingly operating by the sheer force of raw power. That should trouble us allWe’re supposed to believe that it was about a job interview. On Tuesday, president-elect Donald Trump spoke on the phone with supreme court Justice Samuel Alito; the call came just a few hours before Trump’s attorneys petitioned the supreme court to put a stop to his criminal sentencing, scheduled for this Friday, in a New York state court.Alito insists that this was all perfectly innocent. “William Levi, one of my former law clerks, asked me to take a call from president-elect Trump regarding his qualifications to serve in a government position,” the justice told ABC News after word of the call leaked on Wednesday. Continue reading...

Politics

32 hours ago Chad’s government says 19 killed during foiled attack on presidential complex

‘Destabilisation attempt’ in N’Djamena blamed on ‘disorganised’ group of assailants armed with knivesEighteen assailants and one presidential guard died during a foiled attack on the presidential complex in the Chadian capital, N’Djamena, on Wednesday night, a government spokesperson has said.The attackers attempted to storm the presidential palace while President Mahamat Déby Itno was inside, said Abderaman Koulamallah, who also serves as the foreign minister in the military-ruled, central African country. Continue reading...

Events

11 hours ago Biden to kick off last week in office with speech on foreign policy legacy

Biden’s address will be one of two major speeches as he prepares to end a half-century in government

Politics

32 hours ago The Cold War is BACK! David Lammy issues chilling warning that the world 'won't return to normal' and Europe's security is 'on a knife edge'

In a chilling speech this morning, the Foreign Secretary said the world will 'not get back to normal' amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Middle East crisis.

Events

12 hours ago Prince Harry and Meghan Markle face evacuation and power outages at Montecito home amid LA wildfires

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave in Montecito with their two children, Archie and Lilibet

Politics

34 hours ago Elon Musk's influence on grooming gangs debate shows what chaos a hostile foreign state could cause, Government watchdog says

Jonathan Hall, the independent review of state threats legislation, said Mr Musk's recent actions presented a 'canary in the coalmine moment' for the UK.

Events