4 h. ago Anger spreads over Afcon schedule as Morocco seek to end half

Fifa’s lack of concern for African football’s key money-spinner has led to inadequate preparation timeWith the hosts, Morocco, taking on the island nation of Comoros in the Africa Cup of Nations opener in Rabat on Sunday, there is no mistaking the excitement across the continent. Football is akin to a religion among Africa’s largely young population, with 60% of its 1.5 billion people under the age of 25.But the timing of this Afcon, to be played over the Christmas and New Year period in Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier and Fez, has never happened since the tournament began in 1957, igniting a storm of anger throughout the African football community. Continue reading...

Politics

12 h. ago Ambulance workers ‘fear being attacked’ over Christmas period: ‘A gruelling, relentless struggle’

The GMB publicised its findings on the last Friday before Christmas, one of the busiest nights of the year for ambulance and hospital workers

Events

21 h. ago Best films on Disney Plus from Christmas favourites to 'next level funny' movie

Disney Plus is home to a whole host of classic films, documentaries and TV series families can sink their teeth into over the Christmas period

Culture

22 h. ago I’m a microbiologist. How to avoid the common causes of food poisoning this Christmas

Food poisoning affects millions of people in the UK every year, and the risk rises during the Christmas period. Large family meals, raw poultry, packed fridges and buffet food all increase the chances of contamination.

Politics

24 h. ago Expert shares the most unusual volunteering opportunities in the UK that you can sign up for

'Tis the season for helping others – and latest research has found that many Brits are hoping the volunteer this Christmas period, with several options available to them

Politics

25 h. ago 22 Kids and Counting fans shocked by Sue Radford's massive Christmas food shop

22 Kids and Counting star Sue Radford is gearing up for a busy Christmas period with her famous family

Events

29 h. ago Thursday news quiz: AI mishaps, fan fury and a tiny baby hippo

Test yourself on topical news trivia, pop culture and general knowledge every Thursday. How will you fare?Welcome to the final Thursday news quiz of the year – a small festive tradition involving the news, a handful of jokes, and the knowledge that somewhere there are 1,057 pedants limbering up to find something to nitpick. And it is a bumper 20-question edition. Thank you for quizzing throughout the year, for your comments, corrections and good-natured quibbles, and most of all for the kind messages literally hundreds of you sent the quizmaster during the Great Thursday Quiz Hiatus of 2025™, when he was off sick. It really meant a lot. Allons-y!The Thursday quiz will return in the new year and wishes you a Merry Christmas, a great festive holiday period and all the best for 2026. Sign up for First Edition to get a Thursday quiz-style quiz of the year in your inbox on Christmas Day. Continue reading...

Politics

39 h. ago Amazon shoppers race to buy £169 robot vacuum with 27,000 ratings for £99 for Christmas

It's perfect for cleaning the house during the Christmas period without getting off the sofa

Economics

43 h. ago Christmas rail closures and service disruptions in London — what you need to know

Anyone planning to travel over the Christmas period should allow extra time for their journey

Politics

51 h. ago Every major Scots shopping centre opening times REVEALED in run

CHRISTMAS is just weeks away and the rush to buy last-minute stocking fillers and presents has begun. Major shopping centres across Scotland have revealed their opening hours over the festive period. All stores will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Opening times will vary across centres in the lead up to the...

Economics

52 h. ago Dreaming about someone over Christmas has very specific meaning for the future

Keeping an eye on your dreams in the week before Christmas could ensure a smoother festive period

Politics

2 d. ago The vital documents divorced parents must carry when flying with kids this Christmas

Millions of Brits go abroad for the festive period, but some families may be navigating Christmas apart from each other.

Transport

2 d. ago Cancer survivor caught up in Liverpool Victory Parade attack speaks of 'raw and paralysing' fear

David Price was invited to Liverpool to celebrate the end of his cancer treatment

Events

3 d. ago Royal Mail urges customers to pay £4.85 for special delivery in 3 instances

Royal Mail customers have been issued advice ahead of the busy Christmas period – so here's everything you need to know about sending letters and parcels in the coming days

Economics

3 d. ago Jewish people living in fear in Britain, admits No10 after Bondi Beach terror attack

Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones told of an ‘abhorrent’ rise in anti-Semitism

Events

4 d. ago Map reveals Britain’s road rage hotspots as Christmas revealed to be most hostile period on UK roads

BRITAIN’S road rage hotspots have been revealed - with the week before Christmas said to be the most hostile time on UK roads. In fact, new research from Nextbase has found that one in four Brits report they’ve been victims of road rage. A survey of 2,000 adults found that rising festive stress leads to...

Politics

5 d. ago Yankee Candle that ‘smells just like Christmas’ slashed by 20% for a limited time

Whether you want your own home to smell festive this holiday period, or want to gift the scent of Christmas to a loved one, you can't go wrong with this on-sale Yankee Candle

Politics

6 d. ago Premier League Christmas crackers: Ticket and hotel deals for Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea games from £149pp

FOOTBALL fans all know that going to a game over the festive period is one of the highlights of Christmas. So we've found some of the best packages to get you to the grounds during the holidays. With games on most days over the period, there’s plenty of chances to sample the unique atmosphere of...

Sport

7 d. ago Brits flying over Christmas should take note of airline rules on presents and crackers

Plane passengers travelling over the Christmas period should take note that there are some airline rules that could mean you have to ditch presents

Politics

7 d. ago David Walliams' 'brutal reset' as he looks ahead to lonely Christmas

As David Walliams looks ahead to a lonely Christmas, a PR expert has shed light on the transitional period he faces, against a backdrop of lost friendships and shifting tastes in comedy

Politics