5 h. ago Iran cannot be bombed into democracy. But it can be helped to find its way there | Simon Tisdall

Independent media, civil society, the rule of law – these are the things that Iranians truly need. And there are ways for the west to help secure themSoon after becoming president in 2017, Donald Trump ordered an attack on an Islamic State (IS) underground complex in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province. The strike involved the first-ever use in combat of a GBU-43 massive ordnance air blast (Moab) “bunker buster” bomb – the US’s most powerful conventional weapon. The bombing killed about 90 insurgents but failed to crush IS. It also made zero long-term difference to the US’s losing battle with the Taliban.Yet that was not the point. Inexperienced Trump, who had famously avoided military service, was keen to show he was in charge, a commander-in-chief unafraid to make tough calls and send troops into harm’s way. He craved a big bang – a spectacular demonstration of unmatched US power. Like a teenager who unexpectedly obtains the keys to the family gun cabinet, he could not resist the tem...

Events

8 h. ago Infectious disease expert reveals viruses to worry about as 'super flu' overwhelms US... including one that could put the world 'on cusp of a pandemic'

As an infectious diseases physician and researcher, I'll be keeping an eye on a few viruses in 2026 that could be poised to cause infections in unexpected places or in unexpected numbers.

Science

13 h. ago 'Not great': Hearts fears grow over Lawrence Shankland for Celtic clash as major update given

Striker’s injury is major concern after Scottish Cup exit

Politics

14 h. ago Michael McIntyre guest says 'I'm struggling breathing' before wowing with voice

Michael McIntyre's Big Show aired an emotional Unexpected Star segment as aspiring singer Sam was surprised on stage before delivering an incredible Adele performance

Politics

14 h. ago Michael McIntyre guest left 'struggling to breathe' before wowing fans with singing voice

Michael McIntyre's Big Show viewers were left emotional over the Unexpected Star segment

Politics

18 h. ago Call The Midwife star Helen George candidly opens up about unexpected 'dream role'

After nearly 15 years playing Nurse Trixie on Call The Midwife, Helen George says she’s ready for a dramatic change, revealing her dream is to swap delivering babies for solving crimes

Politics

20 h. ago What time is next Love Island All Stars episode on ITV2 after 'unexpected delays'

Love Island All Stars has made a triumphant return to screens following an unexpected delay

Politics

20 h. ago Nottingham Forest v Arsenal live: Bukayo Saka on the bench as Premier League leaders bid to grow the gap

Can Nottingham Forest climb clear of danger with a home win against Arsenal?

Politics

26 h. ago ‘I always knew my dogs loved the wind on their faces’: Thiago Bernardes de Souza’s best phone picture

When the Brazilian photographer heads out on his motorbike, his rescue pets come along for the ride Brasília’s sky was bright and beautiful on the day Thiago Bernardes de Souza took this shot. Exploring Brazil’s capital city on his motorbike is a pleasure when the weather is like this, he says, and his canine cavalcade had effectively invited themselves along for the ride.“The first member of our pack, Filo, isn’t in the photo, but she was there that day,” de Souza says. “Filo started riding with me in a backpack years ago, then around the time she turned one, I rescued Teo. He’s the dog in the goggles, a mixed breed and the most energetic and mischievous. Teo jumped into my sidecar when he was a puppy, and when I rescued Juju, at the front, a couple of years later, she settled into the remaining place immediately. She’s the sweetest and most loving dog. Now, when I head out on the bike, they even know in which order they should get into the sidecar.” Continue reading...

Politics

26 h. ago Man found dead in popular Liverpool city centre hotel as police swarm the area

Merseyside Police and ambulance crews raced to a popular hotel in Liverpool city centre to reports of a body being found as the force confirm it was an "unexpected death"

Events

27 h. ago Blue Curse: How the Queen wearing blue at royal weddings became a bad omen

In what is now being dubbed The Blue Curse, a striking pattern has emerged from the royal archives that casts an unexpected shadow over one of Queen Elizabeth II's fashion choices.

Politics

41 h. ago Emmerdale's DI Dent makes unexpected return after six years in new Graham twist

Emmerdale aired a comeback for a past character on the ITV soap on Friday, linked to the return of Graham Foster as there was a new twist linked to his fake death

Politics

42 h. ago Gladiators star Fury says she's continuing her dad's legacy after he collapsed and died

Jodie Ounsley - aka Fury on Gladiators - was left 'heartbroken' in November when her beloved dad, Phil, unexpectedly passed away after collapsing on Pen-y-ghent in North Yorkshire

Events

42 h. ago Robbie Williams shocks fans as he releases BRITPOP album three weeks early

Robbie Williams has surprised fans by releasing his new LP BRITPOP three weeks earlier than planned, with the unexpected drop coming in the early hours of Friday morning

Events

43 h. ago Is Leanne leaving Coronation Street? Fans 'in tears' as cobbles favourite shares exit plans

Coronation Street's Leanne Battersby made an unexpected confession on Friday

Politics

44 h. ago Igor Thiago: ‘The only thing I know how to do in my life is score goals’

Brentford’s record-breaking Brazilian has overcome a torrid childhood, racism and injuries – but is dreaming of Brazil’s No 9 shirt at the World CupIgor Thiago had dreams that seemed impossible. His impoverished childhood and the early death of his father forced him to grow up fast while still a teenager. To eat, he had to start working as a child. He was a bricklayer’s assistant, a fruit carrier at the market and a car washer so many jobs that could have prevented him from becoming the Brazilian to make Premier League history with the most goals in a single season.Igor Thiago has 16 goals in 21 games for Brentford. There are still 17 more matches to go, the first against Chelsea on Saturday, but he has already surpassed such Brazilian luminaries as Roberto Firmino, Matheus Cunha and Gabriel Martinelli, all of whom scored 15 league goals in their most prolific season. How to describe this turnaround in his life? Igor Thiago has an easy explanation. “I would describe it as a lot of h...

Politics

45 h. ago Rob Mac's secret relationship with Hollywood star as real reason for name change emerges

Rob Mac has seen his fortune grow since buying Wrexham, with the It's Always Sunny star's love life and name change examined

Politics

46 h. ago Rob Mac net worth after Wrexham sale, secret relationship with Hollywood star, name change truth

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Rob Mac has seen his wealth grow alongside Wrexham's remarkable rise up the leagues

Politics

51 h. ago Places for London opens applications for businesses looking to grow at Lockton Street Arches

Places for London opens applications for businesses looking to grow at Lockton Street Arches  Wired-Gov

Politics

53 h. ago Sleaford Mods: The Demise of Planet X review – vulnerability and versatility widen potty

(Rough Trade)The duo’s 13th album finds Jason Williamson as baffled and infuriated as ever at the state of the world, with help from some unexpected collaboratorsOver the course of a dozen albums, Jason Williamson (words) and Andrew Fearn (music) have journeyed from DIY to the album chart Top 5 by providing a gut-punchingly bleak and amusingly absurdist commentary on the financial crash, austerity, Brexit and the rise of the far right. On their 13th LP, Williamson again convinces in the role of a potty-mouthed bystander, baffled and infuriated by what goes on around him, whether empty lives in the digital age (“Weights and wanking / Hard bodies and phone lights / That’s all we got”), Trump’s US (“Maga’s off their tits”) or minor daily irritants: “Lazy dog walkers on short walks, mate, wanker!”However, developments here should gently broaden their appeal. Williamson displays a welcome new vulnerability on the harrowing Gina Was, about a childhood incident. Meanwhile, Fearn is subtly ...

Politics