71 m. ago Young country diary: Our local river is clean again – and the birds are back too | Theo

River Wandle, south London: I can see the water from my bedroom window, the pollution has gone and it’s bursting with lifeMost mornings now, I peek out of my bedroom window and immediately feel happy. Right outside, the River Wandle is awake and bursting with life. The grey heron swoops down and swiftly lands with a big splash, then stands up, still as a statue. Once I spotted an electric-blue kingfisher zapping along so quickly that I could barely see it.Sadly, in February at half-term, there was a diesel leak into the river. A putrid stench came out of the water and the shock of the smell was overwhelming. The shimmering rainbow swirl of oil seemed to kill any fish that were in its path. My family and I were so worried, especially about the birds. The community worked together to clear the spill and monitor the river, and someone came to do a clean-up. Continue reading...

Politics

71 m. ago The year in patriarchy: Taylor Swift, Trump 2.0 and the Epstein files | Arwa Mahdawi

The year 2025 saw a Swift engagement, a rapid rollback of rights and a slow release of the heavily redacted Epstein filesThe year 2025 would have been far better if we could have sent a few billionaires and world leaders into intergalactic exile. Instead, we had to make do with Katy Perry spending 11 minutes on the edge of space as part of Blue Origin’s all-female crewed mission. Perry promised us all that, in service of women’s empowerment, the crew would “put the ‘ass’ in astronaut” and “make space and science glam”. Truly, one giant leap for womankind!Space may have got glam, but it was another glum year for many on Earth. The war in Ukraine continued, with increasing numbers of women volunteering to fight. The civil war in Sudan raged on, with the UN urging the world not to ignore harrowing details of targeted sexual violence, torture, and abductions from the region. The slaughter in Sudan is so extreme that the blood can even be seen from space. Although I’m not sure the billio...

Politics

2 h. ago Flight attendant explains what happens if you forget to put windows up during take

Ever wondered what happens if you forget to put your window up during take-off or landing? One flight attendant explained the purpose behind the important safety precaution

Politics

3 h. ago Pamela Anderson bonked football ace '12 times a night' but branded him 'cheating monster'

Hollywood star Pamela Anderson is claimed to have bonked her former footballer partner 12 times a night but ended up branding him a 'cheating monster' as their relationship fell apart

Politics

4 h. ago Magical moment when meteorite fell from outer space and landed in Cotswolds cul

When Kate Middleton handled a small piece of rock at London’s Natural History Museum she became one of the few people on earth to have touched a meteorite.

Politics

5 h. ago What you needed to know about tax in 2025: The top questions answered by our expert HEATHER ROGERS

Heather has fielded questions about accidental landlords, setting up a trust for a vulnerable adult, and avoiding inheritance tax if you own a listed building this year.

Politics

5 h. ago ‘Ghost resorts’: as hundreds of ski slopes lie abandoned, will nature reclaim the Alps?

With the snow line edging higher, 186 French ski resorts have shut, while global heating threatens dozens moreWhen Céüze 2000 ski resort closed at the end of the season in 2018, the workers assumed they would be back the following winter. Maps of the pistes were left stacked beside a stapler; the staff rota pinned to the wall.Six years on, a yellowing newspaper dated 8 March 2018 sits folded on its side, as if someone has just flicked through it during a quiet spell. A half-drunk bottle of water remains on the table. Continue reading...

Politics

5 h. ago Expert reveals top travel trends for 2026 – from EU culinary hotspot to 'cheaper' Cotswolds

If you're looking for some inspiration for your 2026 holiday, OK!'s travel editor has rounded up what are set to be the top travel destinations for the year

Politics

5 h. ago The central Manchester spot that went from bombsite to futuristic glamour

It's been 60 years since Piccadilly Plaza and its hotel became a city landmark

Events

6 h. ago Restaurants worth travelling for: Fifty Two at Rudding Park, Harrogate

In the driving rain, Dan Cullen-Shute has a spectacular meal tinged with magic

Politics

6 h. ago Where to go on holiday in 2026 – from surprising EU foodie hotspot to ‘cheaper Cotswolds’

Need inspiration for your next getaway? Try one of these 2026 trending destinations, says travel editor Laura Mulley, from long-haul bucket-list trips to cosy UK countryside getaways

Events

7 h. ago Anas Sarwar reveals the last time he cried as he opens up on private family moment

The Scottish Labour leader was asked on the Planet Holyrood podcast about the last time he was tearful.

Events

7 h. ago Scots mum struggles with £15k of debt after falling pregnant unexpectedly

Holly Wilson saw her work hours slashed when she fell pregnant.

Economics

7 h. ago Dunelm's 'luxurious' ottoman with 'plenty of space inside' slashed by 50%

Refresh the home with Dunelm's Boxing Day offer.

Politics

8 h. ago Best hotels for seaside stays for 2026 including location Queen Victoria called a 'fairytale'

Surrounded by a stunning coastline, the UK has some breathtaking beaches to visit - here are five of the best hotels to stay at which make the most of their magical seaside locations

Society

10 h. ago How to use your star sign to get the life you want: Master astrologer DEBBIE FRANK teaches you how to change your luck, find your superpower... and manifest the destiny that you deserve

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to be able to click their fingers and magically manifest their heart's desires?

Science

11 h. ago Jeffrey Epstein gave ‘backstage tickets’ to magician David Copperfield’s shows as ‘birthday gifts’ for victims

MAGICIAN David Copperfield has been further embroiled in the Epstein saga as prosecutors reveal the notorious paedophile gave multiple victims "backstage passes" to Copperfield's shows. The famous illusionist was described by authorities as a "favourite cohort" of Epstein's, with tickets to his performances doled out as "birthday gifts" for victims, according to explosive new emails....

Events

12 h. ago Easy sleep method 'works like magic' and will have you snoozing in minutes

Insomnia and struggling to sleep can have a serious negative effect on people. A woman has shared a "magic" sleep hack which solved her sleep struggles, allowing her to nod off in a matter of minutes

Politics

13 h. ago How Lionel Messi has brought the MLS forward by ten years ahead of World Cup 2026

WHEN I woke up in New York the other day, it was a proper snow globe  outside. The white stuff was falling heavily and the city looked magical. Christmas time means the  NFL and NBA Stateside but you might be surprised to learn the heat is on ahead of the World Cup. And ‘soccer’ will be...

Events

13 h. ago Pep Guardiola drops strong hint at January transfer business with Man City favourites for £65m Antoine Semenyo

PEP GUARDIOLA could hit the January sales again — with Antoine Semenyo believed to be on his shopping list. Manchester City are favourites to land the Bournemouth winger, who has a £65million release clause. Pep was always reluctant to spend money in the winter but then lavished £174.2m on five new signings at the start...

Economics