26 minutes ago Australian Open 2025: Sabalenka beats Stephens, Zverev in action next on day one – live

Updates from the first day of action at Melbourne ParkAny thoughts? Share them with Daniel via emailTalking of Andreeeva, here she is talking to Tumaini Carayol.I can’t wait to see how she develops but, seeded to meet Saba in round four, she might be on borrowed time. That, contest, though, would be a treat – and most likely a lot closer than our current one. Sabalenka breaks again for 4-0, but Stephens quickly earns 15-40 Continue reading...

Politics

21 hours ago We built our world with fire. Now heat is destroying our lives | John Vaillant

We fell in love with the power and speed that fossil fuels brought us. But the price being paid in California, and around the world, has become too highZero per cent contained. In layperson’s terms, that means “out of control and burning at will”. It’s a common designation for a wildfire – in the wild. But when a fire like this enters an urban area such as Los Angeles County, the most highly populated metropolitan area in the US, it becomes an exploding bomb, and this one has been detonating since last Tuesday.By now, the energy release from this wind-driven, drought-fuelled firestorm turned urban conflagration is into the megatons, and the nuclear-scale destruction is there for all to see: block after block and neighbourhood after neighbourhood levelled – roughly 12,000 structures destroyed or rendered uninhabitable, 55 sq miles of city and mountain burnt, nearly 200,000 residents evacuated – so far. There is more to come. Continue reading...

Society

5 hours ago ‘A welfare state with a budget on the right side of zero’: Iceland’s youngest

Kristrún Frostadóttir, who entered politics just four years ago, speaks to the Observer about feminism, the far right and reopening talks on joining the EUNearly 45 years ago, Iceland made history by producing the world’s first elected female president of a country, setting it on a path to being the global feminist frontrunner it is today.Since then it has had multiple female presidents and prime ministers, but it wasn’t until three weeks ago, when social democrat Kristrún Frostadóttir took office, that the country’s two top positions were both held by women at the same time. It comes after Halla Tómasdóttir became Iceland’s second female president in August. Continue reading...

Economics

5 hours ago Football stadiums that never were including stunning Liverpool and Chelsea concept designs

These stunning grounds unfortunately never saw the light of day, including a strange Liverpool and Everton hybrid stadium, and Chelsea’s grand Battersea Power Station design

Sport

80 minutes ago Meghan and Harry serve meals to LA wildfire survivors but are overlooked by California news anchor who puts focus on embattled governor's wife

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stood next to the wife of the Democrat California Governor Gavin Newsom who has come under increasing pressure for his response to the raging wildfires.

Events

4 hours ago Landowner and music festival founder claims mass pylons will 'ruin' Highlands

Hundreds of miles of new powerlines and pylons are due to cross the Highlands.

Culture

17 hours ago Britain's gas crisis could lead to higher energy bills if we have to import more from the EU to keep country running, expert says

With Centrica and National Gas at odds over the UK's gas stocks, the Government may be forced to turn to the EU to ensure supply, in a move which could spell disaster for consumers.

Science

29 minutes ago Ben Doak Liverpool transfer price tag 'revealed' as ex Celtic kid adds Bournemouth to list of suitors

The Scotland cap has been tearing it up in the English Championship on loan at Middlesbrough

Politics

21 hours ago It's not just Meghan copying recipes! Chefs including Tom Kerridge and James Martin have admitted to being heavily inspired by other cooks

Just hours after Montecito-based Meghan Markle released the trailer for her upcoming Netflix series With Love, Meghan, critics accused her of poaching recipes.

Society

5 hours ago 'I cried for hours over Man Utd and Real Madrid deal collapsing – it cost me big'

A Real Madrid legend has revealed how he was on the verge of joining Manchester United but was later left in tears when his move to the Premier League powerhouse collapsed

Economics

18 hours ago Graham Potter breaks silence on Marcus Rashford transfer amid shock Manchester United link

The latest Manchester United transfer news amid ongoing speculation around their wantaway England forward Marcus Rashford.

Sport

1 hour ago LA fires death toll rises to 16 with firefighters bracing for strong winds as California weather conditions worsen

Outrage over the handling of the devastating Los Angeles fires is heating up amid reports that city leaders failed to prepare local reservoirs while power grids struggled hours before the blazes.

Events

22 hours ago Protection zone set up after bird flu outbreak in Angus area of Scotland

Scottish government stresses risk to public is low, as chief veterinary officer says it is first outbreak since 2023A protection zone has been set up after an outbreak of bird flu in Angus, Scotland’s chief veterinary officer has said.On Friday night, Sheila Voas said a 10km (6.8 mile) surveillance zone had also been declared around the area as well as the 3km protection zone in Kirriemuir after a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was reported. Continue reading...

Science

35 minutes ago Wayne Rooney 'lands new Dubai coaching job just one WEEK after Plymouth sacking'

Former Manchester United and England star Rooney was dismissed by Plymouth on December 31 with the club bottom of the Championship.

Politics

22 hours ago LA declares health emergency following raging wildfires as at least 60,000 homes left without power: Live Updates

The expansion of the Palisades wildfire has thrown Californians into fresh jeopardy as the blazes continue to rage for a fifth day.

Society

8 hours ago This £22m school opened in September. So why are staff now facing redundancy and being told state of the art facilities may never be used?

The 'much needed' Ysgol Robert Owen, funded by the Welsh Government and Powys Council, has empty places and is making cuts five months after opening

Economics

24 hours ago The incredible Murray and Djokovic story at Australian Open – Finals, Melbourne rivalry and the truth behind shock partnership

It's the start of a new era for one of Scotland's greatest ever sportsmen as Andy Murray joins Novak Djokovic's coaching team

Sport

1 hour ago Simon Cowell begs 'those who can help, to help' in message of support to Los Angeles residents after devastating inferno burns 37,000 acres of land and claims 16 lives

Residents have been encouraged to evacuate their homes and strict water saving rules have been imposed as a result of the inferno.

Events

26 hours ago Battersea Power Station’s magical Light Festival will return at the end of January – here’s everything you need to know

Battersea Power Station’s magical Light Festival will return at the end of January – here’s everything you need to know  Time Out London

Science

40 minutes ago Alan Shearer's daughters both have famous boyfriends – including England international

Legendary former Newcastle United and England striker Alan Shearer has been married to his wife Lainya for nearly 34 years and the pair have two daughters and a son

Politics

23 hours ago Health emergency declared across LA as at least 60,000 homes left without power: Live Updates

The expansion of the Palisades wildfire has thrown Californians into fresh jeopardy as the blazes continue to rage for a fifth day.

Society

10 hours ago Housekeeper's sick revenge on boss after being denied $500 Christmas bonus

A Florida housekeeper allegedly turned violent on Christmas Eve after being denied a $500 bonus, assaulting her 83-year-old employer and stealing checks, credit cards, and holiday gift.s

Economics

4 hours ago Women’s Ashes: England fall to ODI defeat as Australia draw first blood

First ODI: Australia, 206-6, beat England by four wicketsHealy anchors run chase in multi-format series openerAlyssa Healy’s stated ambition on the eve of this Women’s Ashes was to “throw the first punch”. Mission very much accomplished. England limped away from North Sydney on Sunday evening with a bloody nose, whimpering to 204 all out in 43.1 overs – a total that despite their best efforts proved impossible to defend.England undoubtedly missed the parsimonious bowling of Kate Cross, whose back injury continues to plague her; her fitness for the remainder of the series remains in doubt. But the real blame lay with the England batters, who played in classic “Jonball” fashion (the aggressive style to which coach Jon Lewis lends his name), lacking the patience required to see off Australia’s world-class attack. The hosts’ eventual margin of victory was just four wickets. Imagine what alternative outcome we might now be contemplating had England scored even 30 more runs. Continue read...

Events

73 minutes ago 'They don't give a s***': Fury over 'diabolical' plans for 15,000 newbuild homes on greenbelt land as debt

EXCLUSIVE: St Albans Council sent its proposal to use land including 800 hectares of green belt to build 15,000 homes by 2041 to Labour's Planning Inspectorate in December.

Politics

22 hours ago Crystal Palace to make England starlet first January transfer in £14.5m swoop

Crystal Palace have pushed ahead with a move for Millwall talisman Romain Esse in a bid to beat a host of other Premier League clubs to the teenager's signature

Economics

4 hours ago Anas Sarwar to harness Andy Burnham to 'do devolution better' if Labour win power in 2026

Anas Sarwar will learn lessons from Andy Burnham and other governments across Europe and the United States as Scottish Labour plan to “rejuvenate Scotland’s national, regional and local governments”.

Events

79 minutes ago Australian Open 2025: Sabalenka v Stephens, plus Zverev in action on day one – live

Updates from the first day of action at Melbourne ParkAny thoughts? Share them with Daniel via emailTalking of Andreeeva, here she is talking to Tumaini Carayol.I can’t wait to see how she develops but, seeded to meet Saba in round four, she might be on borrowed time. That, contest, though, would be a treat – and most likely a lot closer than our current one. Sabalenka breaks again for 4-0, but Stephens quickly earns 15-40 Continue reading...

Politics

22 hours ago Reeves doubles down defending China trip as fears over impact of economic crisis grow

Early indications that chancellor will slash disability benefits and delay increases to the defence budget to the 2030s to avoid breaking borrowing rules

Economics

5 hours ago Forecast of gusty winds spells yet more bad news for LA as meteorologist warns: 'This is not looking good': Live updates

Outrage over the handling of the devastating Los Angeles fires is heating up amid reports that city leaders failed to prepare local reservoirs while power grids struggled hours before the blazes.

Events

91 minutes ago Starmer’s City minister Tulip Siddiq should be sacked, says Kemi Badenoch

But science secretary Peter Kyle defends anti-corruption minister over corruption accusations

Politics

24 hours ago Malik Tillman hands Rangers ANOTHER windfall chance as hidden Bayern clause could land Ibrox side £3.5m bonus

Tillman could be on his way back to Bayern Munich - and Rangers will be in the money if so

Economics

5 hours ago Grindr serial killer Stephen Port's prison letters 'exposed childish concerns'

Stephen Port, who was convicted of the murders of four men he met on Grindr, thought he was writing letters from his prison cell to a young fan - but he was actually corresponding with author Sebastian Murphy-Bates

Events

2 hours ago Humiliation as Brexit bankroller Arron Banks refused US entry to own Donald Trump party

Brexit bankroller and Nigel Farage pal Arron Banks is unable to attend his own £150,000 party celebrating Donald Trump's return to the White House after being denied US entry

Politics

27 hours ago Shoppers 'need' River Island's £38 denim smock dress that's 'so flattering'

Shoppers have been left seriously impressed after a fashion lover tried on River Island's denim smock dress

Economics

6 hours ago A rape survivor must sign gagging order if she wants to watch attacker's freedom hearing

Ellie Wilson, who will have to sign a gagging order to protect her attacker’s privacy, has accused the parole board of “silencing her”.

Events

2 hours ago When is the FA Cup draw? Time, ball numbers and how to watch fourth round draw on TV

Everything you need to know about the draw for the next round of England’s premier cup competition

Politics

28 hours ago River Island's 'flattering' £38 denim smock dress 'looks good on everyone'

Shoppers have been left seriously impressed after a fashion lover tried on River Island's denim smock dress

Economics

6 hours ago Rape survivor must sign gagging order if she wants to watch attacker's freedom hearing

Ellie Wilson, who will have to sign a gagging order to protect her attacker’s privacy, has accused the parole board of “silencing her”.

Events

3 hours ago What are we paying senior royals for, if not to show up at presidential funerals? | Catherine Bennett

Perhaps grandma’s grudge against Jimmy Carter explains why Edward, 14th in line, was sentThat legendary boozer the late queen mother liked to entertain her guests with an “anti-toast”, in which she drank to people she disliked. One day the names ill-wished were “Tony Benn, Idi Amin and Jimmy Carter”. The benign US president featured in the same list as a mass murderer because, she explained, “he is the only man, since my dear husband died, to have had the effrontery to kiss me on the lips”.This alleged offence was enough for the queen mother to want it remembered, and not as an innocent accident. She believed it was her misfortune, her biographer William Shawcross wrote, to remind middle-aged men of their mothers; she recognised “the glazed look that came over their faces”, and thought this had made Carter reach in for his kiss. “I took a sharp step backwards. Not quite far enough.” So Carter could hardly help becoming aware of the accusation, which “distressed” him. Continue readin...

Politics

28 hours ago 'Flattering' £38 River Island dress 'suits everyone' and will be great for spring

The denim shirt dress has wowed shoppers after a customer tried it on in a TikTok video that's gone viral

Economics

8 hours ago Girls 'quitting cricket and being put at risk by governing body's refusal to ban transgender women from amateur leagues'

The English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) banned trans women from female professional competitions last October but allowed them to continue at grassroots level.

Events

3 hours ago 'I'm a fitness instructor – here are the top 3 workout myths I'm here to bust'

Fitness influencer Caroline Idines is one of Mirror in Focus' 25 ones to watch in 2025, and speaks to The Mirror about breaking the power of aesthetics and how to give your time to fitness where it seems like you have none

Politics

34 hours ago Britain's Treasury chief is heading to China to revive suspended economic and financial talks

Britain’s Treasury chief is travelling to China this weekend to discuss economic and financial cooperation between the countries, as the U.K.‘s Labour government seeks to reset frayed ties with Beijing

Economics

9 hours ago At least 1,860 foreign nationals arrested over sexual offences against children in England and Wales last year

Campaigner Dame Jasvinder Sanghera - who has received death threats for speaking out - said she had 'no doubt' grooming gangs were continuing to brazenly target youngsters.

Events

4 hours ago 5 options for Kyle Walker as frontrunner to sign Man City captain quickly emerges

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Kyle Walker has requested to leave the club - and the England defender already has a few potential destinations in mind

Politics

34 hours ago Reeves defiant over China trip in face of growing criticism and economic turmoil

Labour chancellor accused of ‘undesirable’ policies and ‘incompatible promises’

Economics

9 hours ago Private school teachers threaten to strike as bosses of UK's largest academy chain are accused of offering a 'Scrooge

Hundreds of private school teachers at United Learning, which runs 90 state academies and 14 independent schools, are set to strike because state school teachers could receive triple their pay rise.

Events

4 hours ago ‘I do the best I can’: Robert Zemeckis breaks down criticism of new AI

The Hollywood director behind ‘Back to the Future’ and ‘Forrest Gump’ talks to James Mottram about dealing with bad reviews, accusations that his films are too sentimental, and using AI tech to de-age Tom Hanks in new release ‘Here’

Politics

9 hours ago Wes Streeting accused of 'playing the race card' and trying to silence debate on grooming gangs after warning of a far

Wes Streeting was last night accused of 'playing the race card' over the grooming gangs scandal after warning of a far-Right terror attack if entire communities are 'tarred with the same brush'.

Events

4 hours ago UK government to crack down on MPs earning extra cash from media firms

Jacob Rees-Mogg and Nigel Farage are among those who have earned large sums from broadcasters, but a tightening of rules on MPs’ outside interests is being consideredMPs would no longer be able to rake in huge sums that can see them more than double their ­parliamentary ­salaries by signing contracts with media outlets, under plans being ­considered by ministers.The Observer has been told that ­talks on further ­tightening rules on MPs’ ­outside interests, ­including media contracts, will be started by leader of the House of Commons, Lucy Powell, at a hearing of the all-party standards committee on Tuesday. Continue reading...

Politics

11 hours ago LA Times owner's stark message to voters as he attacks Democrat incompetence over deadly fires: Live updates

Outrage over the handling of the devastating Los Angeles fires is heating up amid reports that city leaders failed to prepare local reservoirs while power grids struggled hours before the blazes.

Events

12 hours ago 180(000)! Nigel Farage's joy as he channels his inner Luke Littler to celebrate Reform hitting another membership target

In a pointed jibe at the Tory leadership Mr Farage held up a dartboard registering the maximum 180 score, leading to wild cheers at Reform UK's North West England Conference in Chester yesterday.

Events

4 hours ago Scotland's next crop of keepers CAN be as good as Craig Gordon and David Marshall as new SFA goalie guru makes pledge

Graeme Smith played in goals in Scotland for 20 years and now wants to help produce the next batch of quality shot-stoppers

Politics

12 hours ago California fires live: governor doubles national guard in LA as firefighters arrive from Mexico and Canada

Palisades and Eaton fires start coming under control as fierce winds ease but forecasters predict another red flag warning for MondayFull report evacuation orders expand as Santa Ana winds set to pick upHow the climate crisis fuels devastating wildfiresLos Angeles fires: the damage in maps, video and imagesThe LA fire department issued a new immediate evacuation order at 7pm local time on Friday for the Palisades fire. It affects the following areas:It covers Sunset Boulevard north to Encino Reservoir and from the 405 Freeway west to Mandeville Canyon.The fires, coupled with strong winds, have severely degraded air quality by releasing hazardous smoke and particulate matter, posing immediate and long-term risks to public health. Continue reading...

Events

5 hours ago Simon Schama: ‘Britain is a much more tolerant place now. I’m Mr Sunshine on this’

The historian on taking the social pulse of the nation in his new TV series, why we’re such word addicts, and his fear that the needle in the US is moving towards redSimon Schama, 79, is a writer, television presenter and professor of history and art history at Columbia University in New York. His bestselling, prize-winning books include The Embarrassment of Riches, about the Dutch Golden Age, and Citizens, a study of the French Revolution. His television series for the BBC include A History of Britain, Simon Schama’s Power of Art, and The Story of the Jews. His new series, Simon Schama’s The Story of Us, traces the history of postwar Britain in an effort to locate the origins of the current culture wars and to celebrate the art that has united us in the past.How did you begin thinking about this series?Well, I live most of my time in America, but I come back here often and it always pierces me. I’m heartfelt about it. I wanted to take the social pulse of Britain, and I wanted to lo...

Politics

14 hours ago Energy giant makes shock admission about Los Angeles fire as inferno is blasted by powerful winds towards Brentwood: Live updates

Outrage over the handling of the devastating Los Angeles fires is heating up amid reports that city leaders failed to prepare local reservoirs while power grids struggled hours before the blazes.

Events

6 hours ago Nigel Farage front and centre, 40 Senedd seats and sweeping changes. Reform UK's bold claims to rule Wales

Their Welsh spokesman said they will be a credible party of government in Wales

Politics

15 hours ago Police Scotland shell out extra £1.7m on Tasers as officer attacks rise

Police chiefs are shelling out £1.7million to replenish their Taser stocks amid soaring rates of attacks on officers.

Events

8 hours ago Just look at this hidden mansion with indoor swimming pool and sea views

A coastal location, over 20 acres of land, and a luxury home with planning in place to make it even bigger

Politics

16 hours ago Fresh hell for LA residents as chief fire officials issue wind warnings... as the inferno blazes towards Brentwood and Encino: Live updates

Outrage over the handling of the devastating Los Angeles fires is heating up amid reports that city leaders failed to prepare local reservoirs while power grids struggled hours before the blazes.

Events

8 hours ago Politicians quibbling as LA burns: Gavin Newsom’s latest beef with Trump

California governor calls president-elect’s claim that water is being withheld from southern California ‘delusional’Gavin Newsom, California’s Democratic governor, appeared briefly to put his long-running feud with Donald Trump to one side on Friday, when he invited the president-elect to Los Angeles to survey devastation from the wildfires and meet with first responders, firefighters and the “Americans” affected.“In the spirit of this great country, we must not politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation from the sidelines,” Newsom wrote in a letter to Trump on Friday. “Hundreds of thousands of Americans – displaced from their homes and fearful for the future – deserve to see all of us working in their best interests to ensure a fast recovery and rebuild.” Continue reading...

Politics

16 hours ago Missing twin sisters major update after being seen on CCTV before nighttime walk disappearance

Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both aged 32, vanished after last being seen on CCTV going for a late-night walk next to the River Dee in Aberdeen, Scotland, this week

Events