55 m. ago Trump again defends decision to ‘send in the troops’ after LAPD calls marines’ arrival an ‘operational challenge’ – live

Trump doubles down on decision to deploy thousands more troops; LAPD says marines’s arrival without coordination presents a ‘significant’ challengeTrump sends thousands more troops to California in ‘authoritarian’ moveUS officials said the marines were being deployed to protect federal property and personnel, including immigration agents. A convoy of 10 to 15 buses with blacked-out windows and escorted by sheriff’s vehicles, left the base at Twentynine Palms in the desert east of Los Angeles late Monday and headed toward the city, stopping around 1am (9am BST) at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, about 20 miles (35 km) south of downtown Los Angeles.Despite their presence, there has been limited engagement so far between the Guard and protesters while local law enforcement implements crowd control. Continue reading...

Politics

57 m. ago One year from World Cup opener, FIFA leaves questions unanswered on tickets and security

A year from the largest World Cup ever, there has been no announcement on general ticket sales, prices for most seats, location of a draw and security arrangements as FIFA mostly avoids disclosing details of an event set for 16 stadiums across the United States, Mexico and Canada

Events

59 m. ago 'I went from Universal Credit to lottery win and made one major life change'

Scottish couple and parents of four Olivia and Kevin Love won £10,000 a month for 12 months on the National Lottery - and Olivia has already made a big announcement about her future

Politics

60 m. ago Family 'utterly heartbroken' after man killed in horror three

The three-car crashed happened in Aberdeenshire and has left a man dead, with his family ‘utterly heart-broken’.

Events

67 m. ago How to Train Your Dragon review – faithful yet utterly soulless remake

DreamWorks tries to find success with the Disney live-action remake template but falls shortIt was only a matter of time before DreamWorks jumped on the lucrative live-action remake bandwagon with its soulless new How to Train Your Dragon. Disney has been playing this cynical game since 1994 – releasing their Jungle Book remake (the one starring Jason Scott Lee) the same year DreamWorks was founded – and striking gold with Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland (2010), which arrived in theatres just weeks before the original How To Train Your Dragon landed.It also comes as no surprise that DreamWorks moved with Night Fury speed to revisit a movie that’s only 15 years old. As the recent Lilo & Stitch proved, there’s plenty box office gold to mine from introducing new children to a young and beloved property, while banking on the nostalgia that a generation without fully formed frontal lobes would carry for the not-so-distant animated films and TV spinoffs they were weaned on. Continue ...

Politics

69 m. ago SNP opposition to new nuclear power stations ‘makes no sense’, says Miliband

The Energy Secretary accused the party of ‘sticking their heads in the sand’ on the subject.

Events

83 m. ago Rail union issues warning as industry giant targets major train service expansion

Labour's nationalisation of the railways will continue to allow private operators to run - and grow - services

Events

87 m. ago Chelsea cool interest in Mike Maignan and make £42m bid for Jamie Gittens

Milan want €25m for keeper who is free agent next yearBlues make second offer for Dortmund’s English winger Chelsea have cooled their interest in Mike Maignan after failing to agree a fee with Milan for the goalkeeper before the Club World Cup but have made a new £42m bid for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens.Chelsea commenced talks with Milan after being presented with an opportunity to sign Maignan. The France international has a year left on his deal and has indicated that he wants to join Chelsea. Continue reading...

Economics

93 m. ago Wayve and Uber plan London robotaxi launch after UK speeds up autonomous vehicle rollout

Wayve and Uber plan London robotaxi launch after UK speeds up autonomous vehicle rollout  TechCrunch

Politics

1 hour ago From Hadestown to Hercules: ancient myths are the gods’ gift to musicals

Newly arrived in the West End, Disney’s demigod is the latest mythological A-lister to knock out showtunes. Why are deities such as Hermes and the ‘half-blood’ Percy Jackson having a moment in musical theatre?Ancient Greek dramas have long thrived on the West End stage. In recent times: Sophie Okonedo’s electrifying Medea, Brie Larson’s high-wire Elektra and Mark Strong’s smoothly political Oedipus. But the likes of Hades and Eurydice are less often found belting out big numbers alongside a dancing ensemble. Until now, it would seem. Mythological musicals are on the rise: Disney’s Hercules opens this month and Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown is in its second year at the Lyric while The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is going on tour this summer.“Greek theatre has influenced every facet of our lives, from athletics to religion,” says Cedric Neal, who plays Hermes in Hadestown. “What better than for it to be translated to the stage with music, choreography and dance?” Neal has...

Politics

1 hour ago Music festivals have become more open to harm reduction initiatives. How far will it go?

Harm reductions initiatives are becoming more commonplace at major music festivals, both through partnerships with festival organizers as well as volunteer efforts done without explicit permission

Culture

1 hour ago Strictly Come Dancing star Katya Jones supported as she makes major move away from ballroom

It comes after she was previously confirmed as returning to the hit dance show in the professional dancer line-up later this year

Politics

1 hour ago Sky's new Glass TV upgrade now available to buy for much cheaper price

The Sky Glass Air smart TV is now available to buy in the UK, with shoppers able to get their hands on the sleek smart TV with Sky built in from £6 per month

Economics

2 h. ago 'Deeply concerning' spike in attacks against women and girls on Scotland's trains

EXCLUSIVE: Hundreds of women were assaulted, harassed or faced unwanted sexual behaviour on the rail network last year prompting anger from campaigners.

Events

2 h. ago Sonos updates its Ace headphones with major new features as it recovers from difficult year

Sonos will release a host of new updates for its Ace headphones, after they were caught up in the company’s disastrous app update.

Politics

2 h. ago Poundland stores closing: dramatic discount chain overhaul could see 200 stores close and jobs at risk

The chain faces a major shake-up as tough trading forces radical cuts and a potential change of ownership 🛒

Events

2 h. ago Lavish Scottish train journey offers luxurious Highland experience for £20k a ticket

The Royal Scotsman has provided a luxurious rail journey through the Scottish Highlands for years, offering an opulent way to experience its wild beauty

Economics

2 h. ago Furious British tourist complains Benidorm holiday was ruined by 'rude' Spanish people at hotel

A British holidaymaker has posted a scathing review of their Benidorm hotel, slamming the amount of "loud and rude" Spanish guests who were also staying there, and complaining that the entertainment wasn't in English

Society

2 h. ago Busy Renfrew route closure blow after bridge damaged by lorry

Motorists to face major disruption on Arkleston Road as engineers assess crash impact.

Events

3 h. ago Loose Women star brands Love Island 'hypocritical' following major change in first episode

The dating show tweaked how the first couples of its new season were made

Politics