81 minutes ago The Guardian view on the tenacity of hope: a necessary virtue in troubled times | Editorial

At a moment of the year associated with renewal and new birth, reflection on inspiring acts of solidarity and courage can point the way to a better futureIn the introduction to a new, seasonal compilation of his speeches on hope, Pope Francis reflects on the legacy of the great German theologian Johann Baptist Metz. Shaped by the early experience of living through the horrors of the Nazi era, Metz’s political theology was a passionate warning against the danger of a self-absorbed Christian piety. Instead he urged a hopeful “mysticism with open eyes” – one that clear-sightedly bears witness to, and seeks to alleviate, the suffering of others.At a time of the year associated with renewal and new birth, it is not necessary to share Metz’s religious convictions to feel the power of that message. This year has been filled with heart-rending images from the ongoing wars in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and elsewhere. The weekend brought reports of yet more innocent casualties of Israel’s...

Events

82 minutes ago Mozambique’s top court confirms election result after months of protest

Opposition claimed ruling Frelimo party rigged 9 October vote, leading to months of civil unrestMozambique’s top court has confirmed the ruling party’s victory in October’s presidential elections, potentially triggering more protests after more than two months of unrest over allegations that the results were rigged.Daniel Chapo, of the ruling Frelimo party, won the 9 October presidential election with 65.2% of the vote, Lúcia Ribeiro, the chair of Mozambique’s constitutional council, told a press conference on Monday. Continue reading...

Events

84 minutes ago Saudi Arabia ‘had asked for extradition’ of suspect in Magdeburg attack

Riyadh warned Germany many times about danger posed by Taleb Jawad al-Abdulmohsen, source saysA source close to the Saudi government has told Agence France-Presse that Saudi authorities previously requested the extradition of the main suspect in Friday’s Christmas market attack in Germany, as multiple agencies admitted they had received warnings about him.Echoing reporting from over the weekend, the source said Saudi Arabia warned Germany “many times” about Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a Saudi citizen with a history of spreading anti-Islamic propaganda on social media. The source did not explain in what way he was considered potentially dangerous. Continue reading...

Events

2 hours ago Blind psychic Baba Vanga's terrifying predictions that came true in 2024

As the year comes to a close, some of Bulgarian mystic Baba Vanga's predictions for 2024 seem to have come true in surprising ways - while others still remain unfulfilled.

Events

2 hours ago Stephen Bunting lifts lid on how HYPNOTIST has helped turn around darts fortunes

Stephen Bunting and Michael Smith are both from St Helens, but only one remains in the 2024-25 PDC World Championship following a massive upset in the second round

Politics

2 hours ago Wishaw MP warns those living in constituency face being priced out of housing market

In North Lanarkshire, renters faced inflation-busting increases between 2023 and 2024 while house prices also rose sharply.

Events

2 hours ago McTominay, Doak, Dykes: How the 16 Scotland internationals that moved in summer have fared for new clubs

An update on the 16 Scotland internationals that completed transfers to new clubs in summer 2024.

Society

3 hours ago Best Christmas sandwiches of 2024 reviewed: The seasonal lunch selection tried and tested

Our definitive ranking of this year’s festive Sarnies, from Tesco to Pret and everything in between

Politics

3 hours ago Why some people are spending the holidays sans family: ‘My friends are more fun than my relatives’

Not everyone can – or wants to – celebrate with family. Some choose traditions with friends and neighbors insteadThe holidays are often thought of as a time for family – a time to pack bags and hop on trains, planes and automobiles to go see people with whom you share DNA.But for some, this might not be possible, or particularly desirable. Some live far from their biological families. Others are not particularly close, or have fraught relationships. This can be challenging, but it can also be an opportunity to build new traditions with friends and neighbors. Continue reading...

Politics

3 hours ago ‘Never underestimate what neighbors can do for neighbors:’ the small town that teamed up to take in two families

At a time when support for immigration is waning, the people of Stone Ridge, New York, adopted Afghan refugees – and helped them build a new lifeEvery third Thursday evening, an episcopal church in upstate New York transforms into an Afghan takeaway restaurant. It’s a “very foodie congregation”, says the Rev Marcella Gillis. The church does not charge the fledgling catering company overseen by Saida Faqirzada, a refugee from Kabul, for use of its gleaming commercial kitchen.That decision, unsurprisingly, reminds Gillis of a familiar biblical parable. Several bystanders pass by a distressed person who has been mugged, who beaten up, robbed and left for dead. They say, “I’m not allowed to help them. I shouldn’t help them. Someone else will help them.” So they walk past. Continue reading...

Politics