43 minutes ago Footballers at ‘very high risk of extreme heat stress’ during World Cup 2026

Scientists warn Fifa’s current ‘wet bulb’ temperature policy underestimates strain athletes undergo during matchesFootballers face a “very high risk of experiencing extreme heat stress” at 10 of the 16 stadiums that will host the next World Cup, researchers have warned, as they urge sports authorities to rethink the timing of sports events.Hot weather and heavy exercise could force footballers to endure scorching temperatures that feel higher than 49.5C (121.1F) when they play in three North American countries in summer 2026, according to the study. It found they are most at risk of “unacceptable thermal stress” in the stadiums in Arlington and Houston, in the US, and in Monterrey, in Mexico. Continue reading...

Sport

44 minutes ago Footballers face risk of extreme heat stress in 2026 World Cup, study warns

Analysis suggests 10 out of the 16 venues across North America where the men’s tournament will be played will be at risk of extreme heat stress.

Events

83 minutes ago Everton owner Moshiri makes pledge over £451m debt if takeover drags on

Debt would be converted into shares to avoid paymentMoshiri committed to waiving debt in Friedkin dealFarhad Moshiri has agreed to convert his £451m loan to Everton into shares if the club has not been sold by the time new Premier League regulations on shareholder loans come into force.The Everton owner has committed to waiving the huge debt on completion of his planned sale to the Friedkin Group, and will covert it to equity if it appears that will not happen before 11 January. From that date shareholder loans will become subject to a fair market value test by the league after last week’s vote on associated party transaction rules to which opposition was led by Manchester City. Continue reading...

Economics

1 hour ago ‘You have to find your own recipe’: Dutch suburb where residents must grow food on at least half of their property

In the suburb of Oosterwold, a living experiment in urban agriculture, the 5,000 inhabitants find different creative ways to fulfil the unique stipulationWhen Marco de Kat starts planning his meals, he doesn’t need to travel far for fresh food. Right outside his house is an 800 square metre plot with all sorts of produce – apples, pears, peppers, basil, beets and cauliflower, to name a few. During the winter months, he and his wife can pretty much survive off the vegetables stored in their freezer. Even after living in Oosterwold for a number of years, it’s something that still excites him.“Yesterday, I forgot to think about what to eat,” he says. “You walk through your garden and you find something and that’s what you eat.” Continue reading...

Society

1 hour ago Joan Armatrading: ‘I love The Beano – in fact, I was in it, having a slap

The singer-songwriter answers your questions on the bank robber that inspired her, playing with Bob Dylan and Clarke Peters, and her love of classic comicsI’m not sure we have been in a more depressing, hope-bashing time since 1945. What can the ordinary person do? eamonmccWell, the title of my new album is How Did This Happen and What Does It Now Mean. I have no answers and I haven’t met anybody who has, but I hope we get rebooted to something a bit more balanced. I think we’ve become polarised because when you’re face to face with somebody, things such as body language and eye contact stop us doing certain things. That doesn’t happen on social media, then it spills into the real world. We’re not going to get rid of all wars and disagreements, but the album title is asking how on earth...

Politics

1 hour ago Joan Armatrading: ‘I love the Beano – in fact, I was in it, having a slap

The singer-songwriter answers your questions on the bank robber that inspired her, playing with Bob Dylan and Clarke Peters, and her love of classic comicsI’m not sure we have been in a more depressing, hope-bashing time since 1945. What can the ordinary person do? eamonmccWell, the title of my new album is How Did This Happen and What Does It Now Mean. I have no answers and I haven’t met anybody who has, but I hope we get rebooted to something a bit more balanced. I think we’ve become polarised because when you’re face to face with somebody, things such as body language and eye contact stop us doing certain things. That doesn’t happen on social media, then it spills into the real world. We’re not going to get rid of all wars and disagreements, but the album title is asking how on earth...

Politics

3 hours ago I went to Swansea Christmas Market and these are some of the most joyful things you can buy there

Swansea Christmas market is back with stalls full of edible goodies and gifts for your friends and family. Here's my guide to some of the gorgeous things you can buy

Economics

3 hours ago Regulators cracked down on sweet vapes after use by kids spiked. Now the Supreme Court is wading in.

Vaping is coming before the Supreme Court next week as federal regulators ask the high court to uphold its block on sweet, flavored products following a spike in youth e-cigarette use

Events

3 hours ago Kids' menus ranked for quality at JD Wetherspoon, KFC, McDonald's Nando's, TGI, Wahaca

The Soil Association's annual Out to Lunch league table found an 'abundance of unhealthy options, excessively sugary desserts, problematic additives, plus ultra-processed and low-welfare meat'

Politics