4 h. ago ‘Substantial’ federal layoffs begin as Congress remains deadlocked over funding to end shutdown – live

No official numbers have been announced but treasury, HHS, DHS and education departments among agencies confirming cuts White House announces federal worker layoffs as government shutdown nears third weekAs the shutdown enters its 10th day, and both chambers are out of session today, House speaker Mike Johnson has defended not passing a separate bill that would keep members of the military paid throughout the shutdown.“Republicans have voted to OPEN the government and get our troops, Border Patrol, TSA, and veterans PAID,” Johnson said, before blaming Democratic leadership for refusing to pass the House-passed continuing resolution. “Chuck Schumer is terrified of a challenge from the Marxist left – so he and the Democrats voted to CLOSE the government-and to STOP PAYCHECKS from being issued.” Continue reading...

Events

9 h. ago The Weeknd confirms single Manchester date as seven new shows announced

The Weeknd fans can buy tickets to the new show in a matter of days

Politics

16 h. ago Gaza ceasefire plan live: Israel’s government approves deal for hostages’ release as US troops to ‘oversee’ truce

Ceasefire supposed to begin immediately after early Friday’s cabinet approval under deal, says Israeli officialIsraeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner after a government meeting to approve the US-brokered deal to release all hostages and implement a ceasefire in Gaza.The Times of Israel reports that Gaza’s civil defence service has issued a warning to Palestinians not to approach the areas where the Israeli forces are present, particularly towards the border, until the IDF has officially announced their withdrawal and officials confirm this. Continue reading...

Politics

39 h. ago Teacher at wits' end shares list of 'worst' twin names she's ever come across

A woman who works in education up and down the country has called out parents for their unusual choice in baby names - saying their 'unique' names are going to cause their children issues later in life

Politics

3 d. ago UN plastics treaty chair to step down with process in turmoil

Exclusive: Luis Vayas Valdivieso says he is quitting for personal and professional reasons after reports of pressure behind the scenesThe chair of stalled UN plastics treaty talks, Luis Vayas Valdivieso, is preparing to step down, after accounts of behind-the-scenes pressure from the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep).The move will be announced at a UN meeting on Tuesday, with an official announcement expected by Thursday. Vayas Valdivieso confirmed in an interview with the Guardian that he was resigning and said: “There have been some challenges in the process.” Continue reading...

Politics

4 d. ago Freddy Brazier practices for being a dad as he plans sweet tribute to mum Jade

Freddy Brazier and the mother of his baby are no longer a couple but the 21-year-old says his family are supporting him and that he can't wait to become a day in April

Politics

6 d. ago Freddy Brazier reveals he will name his child after his late

The son of Jeff Brazier and the late Jade announced he was set to become a father with his ex-girlfriend back in August.

Politics

6 d. ago Freddy Brazier cuts a stylish figure as he joins Princess Andre and her loved up brother Junior as they lead the stars at Tulleys Farm Shocktober Fest

Freddy Brazier cut a stylish figure as he attended the Tulleys Farm Shocktober Fest on Friday.

Politics

6 d. ago Freddy Brazier is all smiles as he steps out in first public appearance after baby news

Freddy Brazier appeared in good spirits as he posed for pictures for the first time since it emerged that he was to become a father with his ex-girlfriend

Politics

9 d. ago Gorka Marquez's Strictly Come Dancing 'return' confirmed as 'bigger and bolder' announcement made

He and his co-stars from the BBC One dance contest are joining forces away from the ballroom

Politics

1 week ago Bad Bunny confirmed for Super Bowl 2026 halftime show as NFL announces historic booking

Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny has been announced as the headline act for the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show, which will take place in Santa Clara next year.

Culture

2 w. ago BREAKING: Ryder Cup opening pairings confirmed as team captains make announcement

Keegan Bradley and Luke Donald have announced their pairings for the opening day of the 2025 Ryder Cup, as Team USA and Team Europe prepare to hit the greens and fairways of Bethpage Black on Friday morning

Politics

2 w. ago Ryder Cup opening pairings confirmed as team captains make announcement

Keegan Bradley and Luke Donald have announced their pairings for the opening day of the 2025 Ryder Cup, as Team USA and Team Europe prepare to hit the greens and fairways of Bethpage Black on Friday morning

Politics

2 w. ago Christian Horner takes huge £80MILLION payout to finally leave Red Bull: Geri Halliwell's husband given green light to return to F1 after power struggle sacking

JONATHAN McEVOY: Christian Horner has officially left Red Bull, with a blockbuster pay-off. An announcement has confirmed his departure is - and these are the full details of the split.

Economics

2 w. ago Strictly's Dianne Buswell drops unusual baby name hints after Joe Sugg pregnancy joy

Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell has shared her thoughts on potential baby names after announcing her pregnancy with partner Joe Sugg

Politics

3 w. ago Announcement confirms 270,000 drivers to receive payments averaging £740

It has was confirmed on Friday by the Financial Conduct Authority

Economics

3 w. ago Bobby Brazier shares emotional birthday tribute to brother Freddy as father Jeff reflects on turbulent year

The EastEnders star shared a throwback photo and touching message to his younger sibling

Politics

3 w. ago Take That make huge announcement as they confirm 20th anniversary tour including Hampden date

Take That's Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen will return to the stage with a revival of The Circus tour

Politics

3 w. ago Jeff Brazier's emotional 21st birthday message to Freddy as he prepares to become dad

Jeff Brazier has shared an emotional message to mark son Freddy's 21st birthday, saying the pair have 'hearts full of love and chests full of pride'

Politics

3 w. ago BBC confirms new release date for delayed Ozzy Osbourne film as Paramount+ announces its own project

Paramount+ will release a documentary about the final six years of the Black Sabbath frontman’s life, shortly after the BBC shares its own delayed project

Economics