34 m. ago UN human rights chief ‘deeply worried by fundamental shift’ in US

Volker Türk alarmed at growing power of ‘unelected tech oligarchs’ and warns gender equality is being rolled backThe UN human rights chief has warned of a “fundamental shift” in the US and sounded the alarm over the growing power of “unelected tech oligarchs”, in a stinging rebuke of Washington just weeks into Donald Trump’s presidency.Volker Türk said there had been bipartisan support for human rights in the US for decades but said he was “now deeply worried by the fundamental shift in direction that is taking place domestically and internationally”. Continue reading...

Politics

44 m. ago Fires, frocks and the president who must not be named: my very weird night in the Oscars cheap seats

After the horror of the LA wildfires and with the world in uproar, some had called for the show not to go on. But up in the mezzanine with the shouty hoi polloi, I saw that hope really does spring eternal hereOscars 2025: Brody beats orchestra, Brits keep it classy and Kieran Culkin botches his big momentIt’s the calm before the storm of the 97th Academy Awards and the announcer, Nick Offerman, is rehearsing his lines on the auditorium’s PA system. He introduces the nominees and trails the potential stories. He says: “Conclave won six awards tonight, including best picture,” and then pauses a moment to allow this momentous result to sink in. Upstairs at the Dolby theatre in Hollywood, the early arrivals have barely had time to get a drink in their hands. Now, all at once, they look stricken and cast nervous glances back and forth. Is Offerman joking, or has he just emitted white smoke by electing Edward Berger’s papal thriller? The Oscars don’t even start for another two hours and t...

Politics

54 m. ago DWP benefit claimants could be owed £5,000 after major Universal Credit error

The issue relates to benefit claimants who lost disability premiums after they were moved to Universal Credit before January 2019

Economics

87 m. ago Entitled Spirit Airlines passenger learns harsh lesson after attacking staff as she tells them to 'take me to jail'

An entitled female Spirit Airlines passenger named Rachel threw a huge fit and stomped her feet at police after she was put on the no-fly list while trying to catch a flight from Orlando to San Juan.

Events

91 m. ago O’Neill pledges transparency around programme for government targets

The First Minister said the publication of the first agreed PFG for a Stormont executive since 2011 marked a ‘significant day’ for powersharing.

Politics

1 hour ago Households not on benefits qualify for £147 DWP payment for one reason

One council in the UK is offering a payment worth £147 – and you don't have to be on benefits to qualify for the funding from the Department of Work and Pensions

Economics

1 hour ago Thousands can get up £300 to help with bills through DWP scheme – all the support available

Some councils are even using funds to ‘replace’ lost winter fuel payments

Economics

1 hour ago Mortgage approvals fall as borrowing still costly compared to 'cheap money era'

The number of mortgages being approved to home buyers fell back in January, following an increase in December, according to Bank of England figures

Economics

2 h. ago Get paid to move banks: Best current account switch offers worth up to £175

It’s not just about the cash bonus either - better interest rates or other perks are available if you switch

Economics

2 h. ago DWP alert as 'spying powers' will allow officials to view all UK bank accounts

A privacy expert urged for the new powers to be scrapped

Politics

2 h. ago Cardiff City announce £11.6m loss after major investments made

The Bluebirds have published their annual accounts for the year ending May 31, 2024

Economics

2 h. ago London weather: Capital to be hotter than Barcelona as glorious start to March continues

Mercury to hit 16C as Londoners could enjoy a whole week of uninterrupted sunshine

Politics

2 h. ago Families fear Shakespeare's hometown is in 'terminal decline' after alarming number of shops close

Since last summer popular restaurants in picturesque Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire have shut amid concerns about spiralling costs and a lack of workers.

Society

2 h. ago ‘The basis of eugenics’: Elon Musk and the menacing return of the R

The slur is rooted in the dehumanization of people with intellectual disabilities. Its resurgence threatens the fragile progress we’ve madeI got into my one and only physical fight when I was in seventh grade. It was right after school let out, the other boy was called Nathan, and moments before I launched at him, he knocked the books out of my brother Casey’s hands and called him “retarded”. More than 20 years after that scuffle, I still wonder how often Casey, a now 35-year-old autistic man, is called that word. Given the current political landscape, I’m certain he’s going to start hearing it more often.The R-word is in a new era of prominence in rightwing, chronically online circles – especially on 4chan and X. A favorite of those who currently hold power or stand to gain power under Donald Trump’s second administration, the slur is being used with gleeful relish to belittle and mock ideological enemies. Continue reading...

Politics

2 h. ago New fast ferry service from Swansea to South West England explored

A maritime company is involved and a consultation has been launched. The vessel would be powered by a combination of electric batteries charged by renewable energy and locally-produced alternative fuels such as green hydrogen

Politics

2 h. ago Households struggling with energy costs can get free £147 payment from DWP scheme

The help is from the government's Household Support Fund scheme which gives local councils pots of cash, which they then use to provide support to those struggling with the cost of living

Economics

3 h. ago DWP confirms record number of older people boost annual income by over £4,000

Nearly 118,000 Pension Credit claims have been successful since the Winter Fuel Payment rule change announcement.

Economics

3 h. ago Jonas vs Price start time, full fight card and how to watch on TV and online

Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price headline an all-women’s event at the Royal Albert Hall

Politics

3 h. ago Half a million pensioners boost their State Pension by over £5,000 a year

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released updated figures on the State Pension for the financial year 2025/26, as well as other benefit payments

Economics

3 h. ago Return fees see more clothes end up in landfill as customers put off from sending items back

Environmental scientist Angela Terry warned retailers should be doing "everything in their powers to encourage conscious consumerism" as much of fast fashion ends up in landfill or incinerated

Economics