74 minutes ago Women and LGBTQ+ people take up guns after Trump’s win: ‘We need to protect ourselves’

National gun clubs field an influx of newcomers interested in learning how to shoot firearms for self-defenseThe misogyny and anti-trans rhetoric that were hallmarks of the 2024 election campaign have seemingly ramped up since Donald Trump’s win, prompting some women, queer and trans people to respond by buying guns – and learning how to defend themselves from potential attackers.The Guardian spoke to various Americans from marginalized groups taking firearms classes, arming themselves with stun guns and pepper spray and taking their friends shooting in an effort to protect themselves from bigots they fear will be emboldened by the president-elect’s return to power. A few left-leaning gun clubs say their numbers are increasing dramatically. Continue reading...

Politics

74 minutes ago I’ve joined Bluesky and it feels like a breath of fresh air – in some ways | John Naughton

The flourishing new platform may be like Twitter once was. The problem is the limited algorithmic scope of all social mediaAs I write, there’s a window on my laptop screen that is providing a live view of a stampede. It’s logging the numbers of people joining the social network Bluesky. At the moment, the number of registered users is 20.5 million. By the time you read this there will be more than 30 million of them, judging by the rate that people are currently joining.The proximate cause of it is the role that Elon Musk, owner of X (née Twitter), played in the election of Donald Trump, when a significant proportion of the platform’s 200 million-plus users realised that they’d been had – that they had, in effect, been useful idiots for Musk on his path to the centre of political power....

Politics

84 minutes ago Cadbury ditches Christmas chocolate favourite and people are beside themselves

A spokesperson for Cadbury's has officially revealed the reason they're axing a popular Christmas chocolate bar – and fans are begging them to bring it back as soon as possible

Politics

92 minutes ago The only qualification Trump's absurd Cabinet nominees have is blind loyalty to him

Trump's has set a new standard for rapid-fire, jaw-dropping appointments by picking some of the least appropriate people. If any of them make it through, says US editor Christopher Bucktin, they pose a serious threat to the stability of America

Politics

1 hour ago Horrifying rise of somnophilia: Britain's 'Monster of Avignon' drug rape cases

In recent months, the world has been shocked by a number of high-profile cases around drug rape - notably the infamous 'Monster of Avignon' - but the crime is more common than many may think.

Events

2 hours ago People finally discover hidden hot water bottle symbol – and it could be 'risky'

A little-known symbol on your hot water bottle could reveal whether it's safe to use - and the expert shared a way to make sure you're not putting yourself in danger

Events

2 hours ago Inside the drastic cosmetic surgery procedures Ozempic users are getting to counter extreme weight loss

Plastic surgeons are taking drastic measures to make people who have lost huge amounts of weight after taking Ozempic and other weight loss drugs look good again. 

Politics

3 hours ago Top 10 countries that will pay Brits to move there – but there's a catch

Many people are turning relocation into rewards after discovering the countries offering financial incentives to attract new residents - would you pack your bags?

Politics

3 hours ago US TV warns viewers Londoners are tricking them over Angus Steakhouses by lovebombing eatery chain with fake five

'They're playing a trick on us, people - don't fall for it,' said morning show host Tony Dokoupil about the ploy by locals to send visitors to the central London tourist traps.

Events