42 h. ago From the Met to maximum security: Joyce DiDonato is on a mission to bring opera to the people

The celebrated American mezzo-soprano has graced the world’s top opera houses, but is equally passionate about performing to first-timers – and inmatesGet our weekend culture and lifestyle emailAmerican mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato apologises for the bed hair as we chat via zoom from Tasmania, where she’s preparing a series of concerts to mark her first time performing in Australia. “I’m windswept”, she laughs as she pats down her signature spiky blond hair. “I’m having a week of vacation, which is rare for me.” Downtime for DiDonato is made rarer by a punishing touring schedule that sees her perform around the globe in recitals showcasing her extraordinary vocal technique, while juggling major roles in classical and contemporary opera. She’s a regular at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and has sung in the world’s top opera houses, including Milan’s La Scala and Covent Garden in London.Sign up for the fun stuff with our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend,...

Events

43 h. ago Best cordless vacuum cleaners, expert tried and tested in 2025

Ditch the cable, and zip through the cleaning with these dust-busting machines

Politics

56 h. ago Top Fannie Mae officials ousted after sounding alarm on sharing sensitive housing data

A confidant of Bill Pulte, the Trump administration’s top housing regulator, provided confidential mortgage pricing data from Fannie Mae to a principal competitor

Politics

67 h. ago 10 best volumising hair products for bouncy hair, tested by a beauty expert

Say hello to oomph and goodbye to fine or flat strands, with these tried and tested products

Politics

4 d. ago Tussles break out between protesters and security at Cop30 in Brazil

Dozens storm venue at climate conference that has encouraged NGOs and Indigenous groups to play unprecedented role in talksThere were tussles between protesters and security guards at the Cop30 climate talks late on Tuesday night, when a group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people stormed the conference centre in Belém.Several dozen men and women, some in brightly coloured feather headdress, ran through the entrance, pushing at least one door off its hinges, before striding through the metal detectors and entering the Blue Zone. Continue reading...

Events

4 d. ago Experts say new rapid heart attack test could get patients treated faster and more safely

Researchers examined chest pain data in emergency departments across six New Zealand hospitals

Science

4 d. ago 13 best video doorbells, tried and tested by a home security expert

These are the best video doorbells for answering the door wherever you are

Events

4 d. ago 7 best sunrise alarm clocks to wake up naturally, tried and tested

Ditch the noisy alarm and wake up refreshed by simulated sunlight

Events

5 d. ago Best home security system 2025: Top alarms tried and tested by an expert

These are the best smart, connected systems for keeping your home secure

Events

5 d. ago 10 best air fryers, tested by experts for fast and healthy meals

Whether you’re cooking crunchy chips, crispy bacon, or a baked potato, these are the air fryers I’d recommend

Society

5 d. ago Best VPN for Windows PC and laptops in 2025, tried and tested by an expert

Add online privacy to your laptop and Windows PC, with these free and paid-for VPN options

Politics

6 d. ago Experts reveal the fitness tests you should do in your 40s – can you pass?

If you can excel in these nine tests, it’s highly likely you have a fit and functional body that’s built to last

Politics

6 d. ago The best laptop for you based on your budget: Which? experts tested 244 laptops

A fortnightly look at the best products to buy - as tested by the experts at Which?

Politics

1 week ago Belgium to hold security meeting after drone sightings at airports and military bases

Source says Russia ‘very probably’ responsible amid surge in incursions into European airspace since mid-SeptemberBelgium’s national security council will hold an emergency meeting on Thursday after drone sightings at airports caused chaos for travellers and raised security concerns.Arrivals and departures were halted for several hours on Tuesday evening at Belgium’s busiest airport, Brussels, leading to the cancellation of dozens of flights. The skies were also closed over Liège airport, an important hub for freight transport, leading to further cancellations, delays and diversions. Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago First DNA evidence of Black Death in Edinburgh discovered on teeth of excavated teenage skeleton

Experts said the discovery was “ground breaking” with new testing transforming understandings of the city’s medieval populations.

Events

1 week ago Third of men worry low testosterone would 'ruin their relationship'

Research shows most men associate testosterone with sex drive - but experts say it impacts much more than that.

Politics

1 week ago Experts find flaws in hundreds of tests that check AI safety and effectiveness

Scientists say almost all have weaknesses in at least one area that can ‘undermine validity of resulting claims’Experts have found weaknesses, some serious, in hundreds of tests used to check the safety and effectiveness of new artificial intelligence models being released into the world.Computer scientists from the British government’s AI Security Institute, and experts at universities including Stanford, Berkeley and Oxford, examined more than 440 benchmarks that provide an important safety net. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago David Beckham was stripped of knighthood hopes after fiery emails leaked

Beckham lost out on his chances of securing a knighthood years before he was finally honoured in 2025 after a series of controversial emails were leaked

Politics

2 w. ago What is a Six Star Medal? Eliud Kipchoge to secure major achievement at New York City Marathon 2025

The veteran Kenyan is set to complete a rare feat on Sunday when he runs through the five boroughs of New York before a potential shift in his career and the prospect of an ultra marathon attempt

Politics

2 w. ago What’s a Six Star Medal? Eliud Kipchoge to secure major achievement at New York City Marathon 2025

The veteran Kenyan is set to complete a rare feat on Sunday when he runs through the five boroughs of New York before a potential shift in his career and the prospect of an ultra marathon attempt

Politics