57 minutes ago ‘Listen my soul to the glad refrain’: poetry prescriptions to beat the January blues

If the dark nights and bleak days are getting you down, Poetry Pharmacy founder Deborah Alma has treatments available from Philip Larkin, Imtiaz Dharker, Edward Thomas and more‘Last year is dead, they seem to say,” wrote Philip Larkin in his poem The Trees. “Begin afresh, afresh, afresh.”In the heart of the winter (both literally and metaphorically, as the world is in such turmoil), the distilled quality of poetry can work its particular kind of alchemy, as we attempt to make sense of things. I have been “prescribing” poetry at festivals, conferences, hospitals and schools from the back of my “Emergency Poet” ambulance since 2011, and later via the Poetry Pharmacy bookshops. Here I’ve compiled a first aid cabinet to lift your spirits and help you face this January.At the first frost, when cold made sugar bloom meager into the sloes, cows steamed the valley, down from the hillsides. Geese woke us in the night. Larches turned like old men toward the wind and let go. In the house, pipe...

Politics

70 minutes ago Is Alex the most dangerous Traitors contestant EVER? He barely gets any airtime and no one can remember his name so is the care home manager hiding a massive secret that will get him to the final?

The third series of the popular BBC show, hosted by Claudia Winkleman , returned to our screens this month and has already got fans hooked with the nail-biting twist and turns.

Society

1 hour ago Growing anger as homeowners face insurance crisis after companies refuse to pay out and LA residents could face a $115billion shortfall

Tens of thousands of displaced LA residents have lost everything but the clothes they were wearing, leaving insurance companies on the hook for colossal payouts.

Economics

2 hours ago Fan who mocked dead player at derby match fined and banned from football

A district judge heard how Brandon Pedryc, 23, typed out ‘Where’s Baldock’ in large letters on his phone and waved it at rival fans.

Sport

50 minutes ago Gisele Pelicot's daughter fears evil dad raped her after spotting sick twist in photo

Caroline Darian, the daughter of Gisele Pelicot, has spoken for the first time about her sick father who was recently jailed for 20 years after a ground-breaking trial

Events

4 hours ago 'Hollywood's favourite high school' where Carrie, Freaky Friday and an Olivia Rodrigo's music video were filmed is destroyed in LA fires

Over 40 per cent of Palisades Charter High School is 'damaged or destroyed' due to the devastating inferno, the school's principal revealed.

Culture

8 hours ago Sports car seized after 'driver brought attention to themselves' in city centre

Police weren't impressed by their behaviour on the road

Transport

59 minutes ago Residents left without water in rural Stirling villages as workers carry out emergency repair on burst pipe

Scottish Water has advised that water supplies in Kippen and Gargunnock have been interrupted due to a burst water main on the A811, Dumbarton Road.

Politics

2 hours ago Kyle Walker holds secret 'leaving party' as he nears transfer from Man City to one of two Italian teams in bid to keep England career alive

SAMI MOKBEL AND MIKE KEEGAN: The England defender is set to end a seven-and-a-half-year stint at the Etihad with a move to Italy for the rest of the season.

Society

2 hours ago Shoppers hail £64 air fryer as 'just as good' as Ninja and it'll save you £116

Air fryers are the go-to kitchen appliance for creating quicker, healthier mealtimes, and this £64 dual basket model is a hit with Amazon shoppers who say it's 'just as good' as a Ninja one

Economics

5 hours ago Liverpool missing two players for Nottingham Forest clash as Arne Slot admits mistake

Liverpool travel to Nottingham Forest looking to avenge Arne Slot's only Premier League defeat but will be without two players for their visit to the City Ground on Tuesday

Sport

55 minutes ago LA fire chief says ‘we are not in the clear’ as firefighters brace for ‘explosive fire growth’ – latest updates

LA fire chief says department as maximized its resources; firefighters warn of ‘critical fire weather’ until Wednesday with risk of significant and rapid spread of fireTell us about the financial consequences you are facing due to the California firesWeather forecasters are predicting that the dry season in Los Angeles is likely to get worse in the coming weeks and that the drought which intensified last week across southern California will continue to worsen into March.Meteorologist Eric Holthaus has written for the Guardian and says the rain forecast for the next three weeks in Los Angeles means the city’s record-dry start to its rainy season will keep getting worse.This year’s rainy season is running at just 2% of normal for Los Angeles, which has only seen 0.16in of rain so far.Weather models increasingly indicate that southern California will receive no rain at all during the rest of January, and potentially no rain during the first week or two of February as well. Continue rea...

Events

19 hours ago Dancing On Ice reveals 'brutal' elimination twist during 2025 launch show

Dancing on Ice returned for its 2025 series with a thrilling live premiere, bringing back its signature mix of dazzling performances and icy competition. The night featured a revived elimination twist, setting the stage for a dramatic season ahead.

Culture

9 hours ago New road crumbles weeks after being fixed as locals say they 'could do better with blunt screwdriver'

Derby City Council has apologised to residents in Derby after blaming "failed materials" with loose debris seen scattered across a road weeks after a new surface was laid

Transport

1 hour ago Tonight's Swansea City news as club have second bid knocked back and legend slams display

The latest news from the Swansea.com Stadium

Politics

5 hours ago What food is toxic for dogs? The 9 dangerous common household foods that you should never feed your dog

Here’s what you need to know 🐶

Society

2 hours ago Celebrities who are donating money for LA fire victims... after Mandy Moore was slammed for opening GoFundMe account

Celebrities have taken to social media to send out prayers for the Los Angeles fire victims. But others have written large checks like Kim and Paris.

Economics

22 hours ago Manuel Ugarte issues strong message after Manchester United response vs Arsenal

Manchester United defeated Arsenal on penalties to book a tie with Leicester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday

Sport

55 minutes ago California homeowners slammed over 'evacuation hauls' amid LA fires, from Taylor Swift merch to Chanel purses

Thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes due to the Palisades blaze, and many have taken to TikTok to showcase the items that they chose to bring with them.

Events

32 hours ago Truth behind Macy Gray's Masked Singer meltdown and what ITV didn't show you

The Masked Singer fans were stunned when Toad in The Hole star Macy Gray stormed off stage following the decision to reveal her - but not all of the antics were shown on air

Culture

2 hours ago UK's 'healthiest city' is in Scotland with twice the green space of London

According to new research, Edinburgh offers an abundance of green spaces, parks and health-focused stores - and it's a travel favourite

Politics

8 hours ago Pep Guardiola lectures serial autograph hunters with a life lesson after they ambushed him in a car park near Man City manager's home

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola dished out a scathing dressing down of several serial autograph hunters who approached him asking for signatures near his home in the city centre.

Society

2 hours ago Perth's new £27m museum attracted almost 225k visitors by the end of 2024

Culture Perth and Kinross, which runs the city visitor attraction, is "thrilled" at its popularity.

Economics

23 hours ago Chelsea and Manchester City cruise through to fifth round of Women’s FA Cup

Chelsea thrashed Charlton while Vivianne Miedema marked her return from injury with a goal to help Manchester City through

Sport

55 minutes ago Ben Affleck gets shock visit by the FBI and LA County Sheriff's deputies at Brentwood home as LA fires rage

The FBI agents and Sheriff's deputies reportedly waited outside Affleck's mansion for several minutes before heading on their way.

Events

2 hours ago Meghan Markle's 'strategic move' after LA fires 'could change future with Prince Harry'

As wildfires continue to ravage parts of Los Angeles, Meghan Markle has made a huge decision regarding one of her upcoming projects - and a PR expert believes it may just change the future for her and Prince Harry

Politics

11 hours ago Weary LA residents finally told when they can return to homes after fires ravaged thousands of buildings along the coast: Live updates

DAILY MAIL LIVE BLOG: The wildfires ravaging California have killed at least 16 people and destroyed over 12,000 structures.

Society

2 hours ago Shoppers are raving about an air fryer that's 'just as good' as Ninja but £116 cheaper

A Ninja air fryer has become the go-to for many, but you can pick up a similar design on Amazon that's 'just as good' as a Ninja but will cost you almost £120 less

Economics

25 hours ago New England Patriots appoint former player Mike Vrabel as their new head coach

49-year-old found success as head coach of TitansVrabel replaces Jerod Mayo, who was fired last weekThe New England Patriots have hired their former player Mike Vrabel as the team’s next head coach. The news comes a week after Patriots owner Robert Kraft fired another former Patriots player, Jerod Mayo, after the team finished 4-13 in his lone season as coach.Vrabel, a fan favorite during eight seasons as a player in New England where he was a member of the franchise’s first three Super Bowl titles and an inductee into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2023, was the preferred candidate because of his long association with the Pats and coaching success during six seasons in Tennessee. Continue reading...

Sport

58 minutes ago Top secret British spy 'pen' weapon used by WWII agents appears up for sale

A deadly weapon, which looks like a simple pen and was used by WWII British sabotage secret agents, has emerged for sale at auction, and sold for four times its estimated worth

Events

3 hours ago Pretty city hailed 'healthiest in the UK' with more green space than London

Edinburgh has previously been voted the 'best city in the world'

Politics

18 hours ago California fires live: LA fire chief says ‘we are ready’ ahead of ‘critical fire weather’ and heavy winds forecast

At least 16 people have been killed so far as death toll expected to rise, Los Angeles county sheriff says Full story: stronger winds threaten further destruction, officials warnPoliticians quibbling as LA burns: Newsom’s latest beef with TrumpDetails emerge about the LA fire victimsA video shows a fire tornado spotted in the Palisades blaze:As is noted in our news report on the California wildfires, at least 20 arrests have been made for looting. Officials have imposed a mandatory curfew in evacuation zones as well as in the city of Santa Monica, which is next to Pacific Palisades. Continue reading...

Society

4 hours ago Pep Guardiola reveals Man City transfer priority amid £33m deal agreement claim and shock Kyle Walker update

It’s shaping up to be a busy January transfer window for Man City

Economics

26 hours ago Kyle Walker is 'set for new life in Italy with wife Annie Kilner as football star, 34, eyes up Inter Milan loan transfer' after asking to leave Man City

The Manchester City captain, 34, has requested to leave the Premier League with AC Milan hoping to sign the England defender.

Sport

59 minutes ago Draya Michele faces backlash for promoting air purifiers off the back of LA fires

The ‘Basketball Wives LA’ star provided a discount code for the air purifier on Instagram

Events

3 hours ago Man City XI vs Brentford: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for Premier League

Pep Guardiola has a big decision to make over a key player

Politics

21 hours ago California fires live: Governor Newsom suspends environmental laws to allow rebuilding in fire zones

At least 16 people have been killed so far as death toll expected to rise, Los Angeles county sheriff says Full story: stronger winds threaten further destruction, officials warnPoliticians quibbling as LA burns: Newsom’s latest beef with TrumpDetails emerge about the LA fire victimsA video shows a fire tornado spotted in the Palisades blaze:As is noted in our news report on the California wildfires, at least 20 arrests have been made for looting. Officials have imposed a mandatory curfew in evacuation zones as well as in the city of Santa Monica, which is next to Pacific Palisades. Continue reading...

Society

5 hours ago Ricky Gervais fans joke his Hampstead mansion has 'hospital vibes' as he shares look inside £14.5m home

Fans said it looked like a ‘psych ward’ and compared it to a horror movie set

Economics

29 hours ago FA Cup fourth round draw LIVE: Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City learn opponents after Arsenal vs Man Utd clash

The draw for the fourth round takes place, with fixtures to be played on the weekend of 8 February

Sport

64 minutes ago Ricki Lake reveals smouldering ruins of her once glorious Malibu mansion destroyed in raging LA fires

Ricki Lake, 56, showed the devastating aftermath of the California wildfires on social media, which left only a few walls standing in her burnt-out home.

Events

3 hours ago Landmark study links household water to degenerative diseases – is your area affected?

It is the first time scientists have looked at the link between neurodevelopmental disorders and the level of minerals in water

Politics

26 hours ago M6 LIVE traffic updates as motorway shut after 'serious collision' and air ambulance scrambled

Emergency services are at the scene on the northbound carriageway

Society

6 hours ago Father, 50, wins £1.9million payout after 800kg steel pallet crushed his leg in horror workplace accident

Father-of-two Wayne Hatton has won a £1.9million payout after a 800kg steel pallet crushed his leg in a horror workplace accident.

Economics

30 hours ago Man City 'legend' might have played his final game for the club as teammate reaction speaks volumes

Pep Guardiola named just one senior centre-back in his Manchester City side to face Salford in the FA Cup.

Sport

65 minutes ago Monster Manual 2025: ft. A haunted house, and an ooze with a dead god's skull inside

The updated Monster Manual enters the D&D Multiverse in 2025, here's everything you need to know ahead of its release in February.

Events

3 hours ago Naomi Osaka sent someone to save daughter’s birth certificate from LA home

The two-time former champion is keeping track of the fire maps from Australia.

Politics

26 hours ago LA cops rush to 'burglary' at Kamala Harris' Brentwood home as fires spark looting chaos: Live updates

DAILY MAIL LIVE BLOG: The wildfires ravaging California have killed at least 16 people and destroyed over 10,000 structures.

Society

6 hours ago Debenhams reduces 'warm and rainproof' Mountain Warehouse coat from £80 to £35

The water-resistant outer shell and inner fleece provide protection from wind and rain when walking with the dogs or running errands

Economics

37 hours ago 60 seconds of chaos shows why Pep Guardiola is giving Man City fans a different kind of transfer rebuild

Pep Guardiola showed why Manchester City are looking for two central defenders in the January transfer window as the Blues beat Salford.

Sport

70 minutes ago Leicester City helicopter crash inquest begins as police officers' desperate act to try and save victims is revealed

The aircraft had spun out of control just seconds after taking off from Leicester' King Power Stadium, violently tailspinning into wasteland near the ground before being engulfed in flames.

Events

3 hours ago Scottish Government backs appeal by house builders to redevelop site in West Lothian village

Plans to squeeze 125 homes onto the banks of the river Almond would destroy the habitat of otters and the ancient landscape of a drovers road, residents warned when the proposal was first aired in 2022.

Politics

29 hours ago Horrifying moment Czech restaurant turns into fireball inferno after gas cyclinder exploded

This is the horrific moment a Czech restaurant was consumed by a fireball inferno after a gas cylinder exploded, leaving six people dead. 

Society

14 hours ago I am sure Pep Guardiola has admitted he made £42m Man City transfer mistake

City have developed a reputation for selling some of their finest academy talent for substantial transfer fees

Economics

71 minutes ago LA fire controversy: Influencer divides opinion after 'warning' Californians that 'all these homeless people have been waiting' to commit crimes amid chaos

Taking to social media, Leo Skepi, who has 4.7 million followers on TikTok urged people in Los Angeles to prepare for 'round two' after the blaze, which will be a 'battle for resources'.

Events

3 hours ago See incredible pictures of Scotland from the air to go on show in new Highlands exhibition

The exhibition opens this weekend

Politics

32 hours ago Lauryn Goodman asks Kyle Walker to rent out £2m Sussex home amid plans to move abroad

The 34-year-old footballer is facing a turbulent period, with transfer rumours surrounding his playing career and reports of a divorce adding strain to his personal life

Society

16 hours ago Britain's unlikely bureau de change boom... and the dark reason behind it: As 25 money changers pop up within 500 yards in one city, RORY TINGLE investigates

EXCLUSIVE: Bureau de change stores offering money transfer services are found in large numbers across many British towns and cities, defying the growing popularity of mobile payments.

Economics

72 minutes ago Hollywood actress who appeared in The Blues Brothers killed in Los Angeles fires

The 95-year-old grandmother's remains were found in her destroyed home

Events

3 hours ago Pep Guardiola provides update on Kyle Walker’s availability after request to leave Manchester City

The right back has requested permission to seek a move away from the club but is continuing to train as normal

Politics

17 hours ago Fans all saying the same about Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag after loss of their $2.5M home in LA fires

Fans are rallying around Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag after the famous couple tragically lost their home in the catastrophic LA fires. The Hills alums were forced to flee their Pacific Palisades abode.

Economics

73 minutes ago Tyler Perry blasts 'appalling' and 'greedy' insurance companies for cancelling policies before LA fires

Several companies have reportedly stopped policies for high-value homes with higher wildfire risk

Events

4 hours ago Man City sent fresh transfer plea as 'colossal' Kyle Walker nears exit

Pep Guardiola has revealed that Kyle Walker wants to leave - and it may leave City short on options

Politics

22 hours ago Millions of workers are skipping a meal at least once a week to save cash, poll shows

The TUC hit out at poor wage growth under the Tories as they released polling that shows working people are having to cut back on meals, heating and hot water to save money

Economics

77 minutes ago Spencer Pratt sobs as wife Heidi Montag’ album hits No. 1 on iTunes after losing home to Palisades fire

Reality star revealed that they put ‘every dollar’ they made from ‘The Hills’ into the album

Events

4 hours ago Pep Guardiola confirms Man City transfer priority in busy January window

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about the January transfer window in a busy month for his club

Politics

29 hours ago WW2 heroes reduced to skin and bone in Japan's horrific POW camps: Harrowing pictures reveal ordeal of Brit troops... and the fearsome devices used to torture them

Heinous images depict the horror hundreds of starving prisoners suffered, with some wearing false legs having undergone amputations, often brought about from being tortured.

Economics

81 minutes ago Hollywood actress dies in LA wildfires as she 'waited to find a husband'

Dalyce Curry, who was known as Momma D to her family, was found in the rubble of her home in Altadena after the Eaton Fire tore through the region, it was confirmed on Sunday

Events

4 hours ago Newsboy’s horseracing tips for Tuesday’s three meetings, including Southwell Nap

Newsboy fancies his nap, Dance Time, to find the winning moves at Southwell and also hopes Water Of Leith can score at Newcastle and complete his Daily Double

Politics

1 hour ago Shamed face of 'fake firefighter' as he's arrested for looting in inferno

The man in the yellow jacket may appear to be a hero California firefighter - but LA Sheriff's office says the truth is far more disturbing.

Events

5 hours ago Pep Guardiola gives Kyle Walker update after Man City transfer request

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about Kyle Walker's future after the shock revelation that he wants to leave

Politics

1 hour ago LA fires live: firefighters brace for ‘explosive fire growth’ amid forecast of strong winds

Firefighters warn of ‘critical fire weather’ until Wednesday with risk of significant and rapid spread of fireTell us about the financial consequences you are facing due to the California firesWeather forecasters are predicting that the dry season in Los Angeles is likely to get worse in the coming weeks and that the drought which intensified last week across southern California will continue to worsen into March.Meteorologist Eric Holthaus has written for the Guardian and says the rain forecast for the next three weeks in Los Angeles means the city’s record-dry start to its rainy season will keep getting worse.This year’s rainy season is running at just 2% of normal for Los Angeles, which has only seen 0.16in of rain so far.Weather models increasingly indicate that southern California will receive no rain at all during the rest of January, and potentially no rain during the first week or two of February as well. Continue reading...

Events

5 hours ago 'Kyle Walker has nothing left to achieve at Man City – he owes the club nothing'

Wherever Kyle Walker ends up, no-one at Manchester City should begrudge him wanting to seek pastures new - there is nothing left for him to achieve - and he owes the club nothing

Politics

1 hour ago Police say a man has been arrested in series of weekend stabbings that left 2 dead in Denver

Police say a man has been arrested in connection with a series of weekend stabbings that left two people dead in Denver

Events

5 hours ago DWP benefit claimants forced to wait more than three months for reviews as backlog bites

The department says it is working to address a ‘backlog’ of cases by March but has no mandatory deadline to reduce average wait times

Politics

1 hour ago Courtney Stodden breaks down in tears while evacuating from LA fires as she suffers from 'anxiety triggered by uncertainty'

The pinup explained that in the past few years she has had to move from rental to rental as she hit hard times economically after a divorce and broken engagement.

Events

5 hours ago Anger as mum and baby left with no heating or hot water for 'over a YEAR'

The housing association says it struggled to get access to the property, but their tenant says communication has been poor

Politics

1 hour ago Harry and Meghan unite for victims of deadly LA inferno: Sussexes' visit to relief centre is first time they been seen together in public for five months

Meghan Markle was filmed by a TV crew hugging victims and first responders at an evacuation centre in Pasadena last Friday as Prince Harry appeared moved as he watched on.

Events

6 hours ago Easy air fryer midweek dinner ready in 15 minutes and tastes 'just like' Nando's favourite

Nathan Anthony, the food guru behind Bored of Lunch, shared the Nando’s Chicken and Halloumi Roll Fakeaway on TikTok.

Politics

1 hour ago California fires latest: Los Angeles warns of ‘critical’ threat as extreme winds complicate firefighting efforts

Palisades and Eaton fires continue to rage through southern California as Santa Ana winds set to return

Events