61 minutes ago NFL divisional round playoff predictions: how do you beat the No 1 seeds?

The best weekend in football whirls into action with Kansas City starting their bid for a three-peat and ends with a blockbuster meeting of MVP candidateWhat the Texans need to do to win: CJ Stroud needs to continue his upward trajectory. After turning what would have been an ugly fumble deep in his own half into the beginning of a run of 23 unanswered points against the Los Angeles Chargers last week, Houston’s quarterback seemed to shake off his winter blues at the very moment he found Xavier Hutchinson wide open downfield. Stroud needs to trust his instincts in order to compensate for a subpar offensive line, though more importantly he has to have faith in Nico Collins. The receiver will be under blanket coverage from Trent McDuffie and Justin Reid, owing to a lack of any other significant Texans threat downfield, but his remarkable knack of making catches in heavy traffic will be crucial if his team are to keep pace with the Chiefs. Oh, and in games that Collins has 150 or more ...

Politics

50 minutes ago Farmers take their fight to the checkouts: Tractors mass in supermarket car parks in battle against Keir Starmer's tax raid on family farms

Dozens have descended on their supermarkets to try and highlight the financial challenges that farmers are facing and voice their thoughts on how food productions operates in this country.

Economics

47 minutes ago Sacked rogue officers could be reinstated and owed backpay if Met Police loses legal challenge, chief warns

Officers facing allegations of domestic abuse and sex attacks could be allowed to return to the Met if the force loses a legal battle over vetting

Events

26 hours ago Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin rocket blasts off in challenge to Elon Musk’s SpaceX

Launch of Amazon founder’s New Glenn craft on second attempt ramps up rivalry between tech billionairesBlue Origin’s huge New Glenn rocket has blasted off from Florida on its first mission to space, an inaugural step into Earth’s orbit for Jeff Bezos’s space company as it aims to rival Elon Musk’s SpaceX in the satellite launch business.Thirty storeys high with a reusable first stage filled with liquid oxygen and methane, New Glenn launched at about 2am ET (0700 GMT) from Blue Origin’s launchpad at the Cape Canaveral Space Force station under cloudy skies on its second attempt this week. Continue reading...

Technology

22 hours ago A giant US hospital chain says it’s leading the fight against medical debt. Not all patients agree

Many patients say they were harmed by Advocate Health’s billing and collection practices – even as the health system has canceled thousands of liens against patients’ homesAdvocate Health, one of America’s largest hospital chains, says it is working hard to confront one of the biggest problems in US healthcare today – promoting itself as “a leader in the effort to solve the nation’s medical debt crisis”.The non-profit hospital system says it has revamped its billing and collection practices and boosted the number of patients who qualify for charity care. In September 2024, it announced it would take the “bold step” of canceling thousands of debt judgments held as liens against patients’ homes in multiple states, including North Carolina, where the fast-growing chain is headquartered. Continue reading...

Science

4 hours ago Why Scottish sustainable house building can learn a lesson from EV market

‘We are now facing the same challenges that the automotive industry faced in balancing sustainability with affordability when EVs were introduced” - Michael Pratt, Timber Engineering UK

Politics

1 hour ago DP World Tour's feeder circuit rebranded for start of 2025 season in new deal

Farmfoods Scottish Challenge could be among events to additional investment

Economics

96 minutes ago Heartbreaking moment Texas cops race to save K9 that was shot after sniffing out killer hiding in dumpster

US Marshals Service K9 Rocky was shot at least twice by a suspect who killed Brazoria County Sheriff's Office Deputy Jesus Vargas earlier in the day.

Events

22 hours ago Jenufa at the Royal Opera House review: symbolic, psychologically probing and more potent than ever

This revival was Jakub Hrusa’s first production as Covent Garden’s music director designate – the venue is in safe hands

Science

6 hours ago China's population falls for a third straight year, posing challenges for its government and economy

China’s population has fallen for the third straight year, pointing to further demographic challenges for the world’s second most populous nation that is now facing both an aging population and an emerging shortage of working age people able to support their elders

Politics

8 hours ago King's royal seat is beaten in Game of Thrones... By a Scots shopping centre built in the 1970s who aced prestigious Loo of the Year awards

The facilities at The Centre in Livingston scored top marks from the judges, beating 1,800 other conveniences around the country.

Economics

4 hours ago Brendan Rodgers doesn't need baseball bat yet with Celtic World Cup Final looming on night of judgement – Chris Sutton

Sutton reckons Celtic need to be ruthless against Young Boys to really make their season a success

Events

10 hours ago Ruben Amorim issues immediate challenge to Amad as he matches two Man Utd icons

Amad fired a blistering 12-minute hat-trick to haul Manchester United back from a goal down to beat Southampton 3-1 - but manager Ruben Amorim is already pushing his winger to repeat his heroics

Politics

8 hours ago Revealed: 'Broke stay at home mum' Helen Flanagan's £1m home yards from a bus stop... after she told judge she can't lose her driving licence because it's so remote

Helen Flanagan claimed she is 'really struggling financially' and cannot even afford a £10 taxi to take her son to nursery, but was banned from driving at Wirral Magistrates' Court.

Economics

4 hours ago Brendan Rodgers doesn't need baseball bat with Celtic World Cup Final looming on night of judgement – Chris Sutton

Sutton reckons Celtic need to be ruthless against Young Boys to really make their season a success

Events

14 hours ago More than a dozen Democratic AGs say they'll defend gun regulations ahead of Trump's 2nd term

More than a dozen Democratic state attorneys general said Thursday they plan to defend two gun regulations now being challenged in court, including one banning devices that enable semiautomatic guns to fire more quickly

Politics

16 hours ago Tottenham to revive attacking star's career with January deal following North London derby defeat: report

Tottenham to revive attacking star's career with January deal following North London derby defeat: report  FourFourTwo

Economics

14 hours ago Giuliani says he has settled defamation dispute and will keep Florida condo

Trump ally says he has reached deal with election workers he defamed and will not have to turn over key possessions Rudy Giuliani’s trial over whether he must turn over his Florida condo and other prized possessions to former Georgia election workers whom he defamed was delayed on Thursday after the former New York mayor failed to show up in court.Giuliani later shared on X that he had “reached a resolution of the litigation with the plaintiffs that will result in a satisfaction of the plaintiffs’ judgment”. Continue reading...

Politics

20 hours ago Scottish education first as college fires up £1.8 million ‘vertical farm’ in Edinburgh

“The centre enhances SRUC’s ability to address the major challenges facing the world, both now and in the future” – Professor Wayne Powell, SRUC

Economics

8 hours ago Beware... Millennials are eyeing up your teapots! Retro homeware comes back in fashion as Gen Z embrace nostalgic 'cottagecore' trend

Other shabby-chic items enjoying a revival include farmhouse sinks (42 per cent), butter dishes (31 per cent), French doors (31 per cent), range-style ovens (26 per cent) and stone floors (20 per cent).

Events

15 hours ago Local reviews into grooming will get answers and bring change, says Cooper

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said local reviews would provide more answers and change than a nationwide probe.

Politics

21 hours ago How Luca Brecel balances Masters challenge with 'Ironman' transformation after dramatic weight loss

The Belgian Bullet is bidding for a second Triple Crown this month

Economics

15 hours ago The Guardian view on Biden’s warning of oligarchy: Trump and the malefactors of wealth | Editorial

The outgoing president was right, in his farewell address, to warn of the dangers posed by the billionaires around the tableAristocrats are “the most difficult Animals to manage, of anything in the whole Theory and practice of Government. They will not suffer themselves to be governed,” John Adams warned, writing after his presidency. Banning titles was insufficient; a few would still be distinguished by birth or, especially, wealth. The problem was not just their ability to buy political favours but the grip that their money had on people’s minds.Economic and political power entwine everywhere. Fear of the rich’s outsized influence has existed throughout US history. Yet at times the relationship becomes especially stark and threatening. On Wednesday, Joe Biden evoked the 19th-century Gilded Age and the robber barons – who crushed competitors, exploited workers, bought judges and politicians, and flaunted wealth – in his warning against oligarchs. Continue reading...

Events

16 hours ago How Trump's Access Hollywood scandal and Chelsea Clinton's wedding spawned a new MAGA conspiracy theory

A prominent conservative pundit repeated a falsehood from Billy Bush that was later amplified by the soon-to-be vice president

Politics

15 hours ago Battle to stop super prison: Villagers launch legal bid to challenge Angela Rayner's decision to force through plans for a 1,700 capacity jail on green belt land

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary approved the building of a jail holding 1,700 prisoners near Chorley in Lancashire.

Events

17 hours ago I can’t believe it’s not denim: how fashion fell in love with fake jeans

Jeans are a classic, but aren’t always the most comfortable thing to wear. Is that why designers have started ‘faking’ them?Those of us who wear jeans tend to do so for the following reasons: they’re durable, versatile, and timeless. But when it comes to comfort, well, that is usually more of a rare quality. Who doesn’t own a pair of jeans that are difficult to sit down in? But now, a new jean is challenging this tradition – meet the jean-printed sweatpant.Gap’s £60 “jean joggers” look like a pair of loose-fitting jeans complete with five pockets, but are in fact cotton joggers with a hidden elasticated waist and faux fly. Gap describes them as “jean adjacent.” Similar to fake news, they’ve quickly gone viral. Continue reading...

Politics

16 hours ago Sean Brown murder has left ‘indelible stain’ on British state, court hears

A barrister for the GAA official’s family urged judges to reject a Government bid to overturn a court order compelling it to hold a public inquiry.

Events

17 hours ago UK age verification: How will it work for porn sites and when does it come into force?

PornHub and other popular adult websites blocked access to their sites in large parts of the US after similar age verification rules were introduced

Politics

19 hours ago LIVE updates as Ryan Wellings sentenced for abuse and assault of Kiena Dawes

Judge set to rule on fate of 30-year-old

Events

18 hours ago Rail firms would issue 'yellow cards' to passengers under new UK rules

Train firms and rail companies nationwide have been urged by the rail passenger watchdog to give a "yellow card" to people travelling without the correct ticket

Politics

20 hours ago Constitution Hill given next race target ahead of Cheltenham Festival challenge

The hot favourite for the Champion Hurdle is to warm-up for the big race at the Cheltenham Festival Trials Day meeting after his successful return at Kempton on Boxing Day

Events

19 hours ago Melania Trump takes a swipe at Obamas over ‘challenging’ transition as Michelle skips inauguration

The incoming first lady said it was a ‘very different transition the second time around’

Politics

20 hours ago Judge wrong to order public inquiry into murder of GAA official, court told

The Government is challenging a High Court ruling that compelled it to establish a public inquiry into the killing of Sean Brown in 1997.

Events

21 hours ago Fitness beginner ran 5K a day for a month and was amazed by the effect on his body shape

Youtuber Luke Longden, who lives near Doncaster, described himself a complete novice runner but embarked on the challenge to see if he could inspire others to take up a new fitness goal.

Politics

21 hours ago A town torched by LA fires rallies to revive its community: ‘Everybody wants to come back’

Eaton fire tore through Altadena, burning buildings and killing many. Its residents are only now taking in the scale of devastationA week after wildfires tore through the community of Altadena, the smell of destruction still hangs in the air. The acrid smoke seeped into the walls of homes that survived the Eaton fire, which burned 7,000 buildings and killed at least 15 people.On Woodbury Road, where unblemished homes stand in between blackened lots of charred rubble, the devastation overwhelms the senses. The houses that haven’t completely collapsed offer glimpses of life before disaster arrived – pitchers and mugs in a cabinet, all a deep black, a bed still standing, a scorched bicycle and children’s toys. Continue reading...

Events

21 hours ago Former football club chairman bailed on £10m stadium loan inquiry fraud charge

Ex-Northampton Town chairman David Cardoza appeared before a judge alongside property developer Howard Grossman and two other men.

Politics

21 hours ago 'It's finally over': Mum of murdered schoolgirl Caroline Glachan says killers are 'where they belong' after appeals thrown out

Margaret McKeich said "a weight has been lifted" after judges rejected appeals by killers Donna Brand and Andrew Kelly against their convictions.

Events

22 hours ago TikTok is the only truly democratic social platform. A US ban would rob us all | Sophia Smith Galer

Nothing has challenged Silicon Valley like the Chinese app. Blocking its use in the US would be like stealing half the books in a libraryHow many times in your life can you say that one of the culture-defining platforms of your era is being forcibly removed? This is what will happen to the one third of American adults who use TikTok – and the other two-thirds whose lives have been undoubtedly affected by it – if the US supreme court upholds its ban on the Chinese-owned app, as it is expected to do on 19 January, in the interests of national security.I have spent the last few years researching instances of linguicide, where authoritarian regimes have burned dictionaries, or sent people to prison just for singing a song. I see alarming parallels with the dismantling of TikTok in the US; a ruthless cull of a communication tool that challenges Silicon Valley hegemony and gave the US a serving of what it is allegedly supposed to prize: healthy, full-fat competition.Sophia Smith Galer is ...

Politics

23 hours ago Thank god TikTok is banning beauty filters for teens – they ruined my youth

The social media platform is due to halt under-18 access to particular filters in the coming weeks, following worry that young people are experiencing plummeting self-esteem and body image issues. Ellie Muir, a reformed filter-user, hopes it’s not too little, too late

Events

22 hours ago Most Canadians don’t recognize Mark Carney, the Liberal party favourite to replace Trudeau

‘Rock star central banker’ Carney, expert on economic risks of climate change, unknown by 76% of votersMark Carney, the “rock star central banker” who navigated a string of financial crises and became a leading global voice on the economic risks of climate change, has rapidly emerged as a favourite in the race to lead Canada’s Liberal party.But the steepest challenge for Carney, a fixture at international summits and company boardrooms, may be getting ordinary Canadian voters – even those within his own party – to recognize him. Continue reading...

Politics

23 hours ago Emma Raducanu sets up Swiatek test but Boulter crashes out in three sets

Raducanu fought off sore back during her 6-3, 7-5 victoryKudermetova catches Boulter cold in 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-2 winSlowed down by a sore back, swirling wind and a supremely talented ball-striker who robbed her of rhythm, all Emma Raducanu could do was fight with all the energy, intelligence and conviction she could rouse as her presence at the Australian Open hung in the balance. Across two testing, uncomfortable hours, Raducanu scrapped, counterpunched and chased down every last ball, her significant efforts yielding a brilliant win as Raducanu out-hustled Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-5 to reach round three at Melbourne Park.“I thought I played really well in some big moments in that match,” said Raducanu. “I thought it was going to be a really challenging one, playing Amanda. She’s obviously a good friend of mine, so it’s never easy. I feel like that adds another dimension to the match, but yeah, I’m happy I stuck with her in the second set and came through and found a way.” Continue rea...

Events

22 hours ago Mark Carney is the Liberal frontrunner to replace Trudeau, but most Canadians don’t recognize him

‘Rock star central banker’ Carney, expert on economic risks of climate change, is unknown by 76% of votersMark Carney, the “rock star central banker” who navigated a string of financial crises and became a leading global voice on the economic risks of climate change, has rapidly emerged as a favourite in the race to lead Canada’s Liberal party.But the steepest challenge for Carney, a fixture at international summits and company boardrooms, may be getting ordinary Canadian voters – even those within his own party – to recognize him. Continue reading...

Politics

23 hours ago Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet has 'ideas up his sleeve' for new captain's challenge rule

The new rule for the Super League will be used for all televised fixtures, allowing the captain to contest one referee decision per game.

Events

22 hours ago Harry Stone says Ayr United have character to challenge as Hearts loanee continues to shine at Somerset

The shot stopper has been in brilliant form since returning between the sticks for Ayr.

Politics

23 hours ago Business Secretary worried about US tariff war that would hit the public

Jonathan Reynolds said Donald Trump’s presidency could be a ‘challenging time’ for trade.

Events

23 hours ago Melania Trump's brutal swipe at the Obamas as she reveals exactly what they did when Donald first entered the White House

Melania Trump expects the White House move will be easier this time around, suggesting that is partly because she does not need to rely on her predecessors for help.

Politics

33 hours ago Trump energy chief pick says linking wildfires to climate crisis is ‘hype’

Democrats criticize Chris Wright’s comments during US Senate confirmation hearing for energy secretary nomineeDonald Trump’s nominee for energy secretary, Chris Wright, is facing criticism for disputing the ties between climate change and more frequent or severe wildfires, the Washington Post reports, a stance that is contrary to scientific consensus.During Wright’s US Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Democrats, including the California senator Alex Padilla, challenged Wright over past comments, pointing to a LinkedIn post calling wildfire concerns “hype” and dismissing their connection to climate policies. Continue reading...

Events

23 hours ago 'Significant' increase in number of abortions after relying on natural contraception and period tracking apps

The proportion of women who reported using no contraception at all when they got pregnant also increased by 14% between 2018 and 2023, the analysis found.

Politics