56 m. ago Michael Phelps is right. USA Swimming’s failure runs deeper than medals

The 23-times gold medallist warns of drift and weak leadership. Governance failures, and a troubled safeguarding record, could cost the US more than podium places at LA 2028In three years’ time, the swimming programme for the Los Angeles Olympics will unfold over nine days and nights on the grandest stage the sport has ever known. A purpose-built pool inside SoFi Stadium in Inglewood will be the centerpiece of a 38,000-capacity open-air natatorium, transforming the $5bn home of the NFL’s Rams and Chargers into the largest swimming venue in modern history. For the United States, a rare Summer Games on home soil should be a coronation, a chance to showcase the depth of its talent in the country’s most spectacular arena. Yet Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of them all, fears the US swimming program is in no shape to seize the moment.Phelps has launched a withering attack on USA Swimming’s leadership, accusing it of “weak” stewardship, “poor operational controls” and presidi...

Events

82 m. ago What is chikungunya virus? Symptoms and advice as cases rise among travellers returning to UK

UK health authorities have urged people to take precautions against mosquito bites when travelling

Science

1 hour ago Fury as influencer reviews meal from homeless shelter and brags: 'I didn't have to pay for it'

Glasgow-based Tracy Cahill has amassed a large TikTok following by rating meals and restaurants across the city - but one video has sparked fierce backlash.

Politics

1 hour ago Woman charged with assault after migrant from Canary Wharf hotel ‘walked into her flat’

Arrests and charges follow protests outside Isle of Dogs hotel

Events

1 hour ago China and Britain shared a mission to fight aggression and fascism. And we can work together today | Zheng Zeguang

As we remember VJ Day, let us also recall a spirit that can help us combat regional instability and climate changeZheng Zeguang is Chinese ambassador to the UKThis year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese people’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the world anti-fascist war. On Friday, there will be a two-minute silence at noon in the UK to honour the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. This is a moment not only for solemn remembrance, but also for reflection on the enduring bonds forged in the crucible of history – bonds that continue to resonate in our world today.At the darkest hour of the second world war, China and the UK fought on different fronts but shared a common mission: to defend humanity against fascism and aggression. Millions of lives were lost, cities razed, and families torn apart. Yet in that darkness, courage and solidarity illuminated the way forward. The Chinese and British peoples stood shoulder to shoulder, united by sacrifice and ...

Events

1 hour ago Horrifying moment father is snatched by crocodile and dragged to his doom in front of his family as they bathe in river before bystanders bravely battle the beast to recover the victim's body

The man, identified as Arifuddin, 53, had been bathing with relatives along the Bulete River in South Sulawesi on Thursday afternoon when the reptile struck, sinking its teeth into his leg.

Events

1 hour ago Migrant staying at Canary Wharf hotel arrested after ‘walking into blind woman’s flat’

Met Police say woman, 22, separately charged with assaulting security guard at Britannia International

Events

2 h. ago Fern Britton claims she was 'punched in kidneys' by King Charles's protection officer

Fern Britton has spoken out about the moment she was introduced to King Charles during her teenage years

Events

2 h. ago Iceland boss will pay customers to sniff out shoplifters after thieves cost supermarket £20million in the past year

Iceland's CEO Richard Walker hoped that the incentive would encourage shoppers to act if they spotted a shoplifter and hit back at claims it was a 'victimless crime '.

Economics

2 h. ago Instant karma! Moment suspected thief rams police with quadbike during chase in Liverpool before getting flipped upside down and arrested

This is the moment a suspected thief rams into a police car with his quadbike during a chase in Liverpool's Kensington area, but is flipped upside down and falls on the road.

Events

2 h. ago Chinese economy slows as Trump tariffs bite; FTSE 100 on track to hit new record

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsThe owner of Kingsmill has agreed to buy its rival bakery business Hovis, in a deal that could make the biggest bread brand in the country if it gets the green light from regulators.Associated British Foods, a FTSE 100 company which also owns the retailer Primark, has agreed to buy Hovis from the private equity firm Endless.This transaction will create a UK bakeries business that is both profitable and sustainable over the long term. Supporting the Hovis and Kingsmill brands with well-invested and efficient operations will also enable innovation and growth. This solution will create value for shareholders, provide greater choice for consumers and increase efficiencies for customers.Firms may be running on existing capacity rather than building new plants The July industrial value-add breakdown tells a more nuanced story than the weak fixed asset investment headline. Continue reading...

Politics

3 h. ago Roman Kemp admits moment he stopped supporting Arsenal and 'cried' over one player

Roman Kemp has been an avid Arsenal supporter since he was a child, but has admitted there was a moment that made him want to stop supporting the Premier League side

Sport

3 h. ago Southport victim’s family criticises police plan to share suspects’ ethnicity

The grandfather of Bebe King said the ethnicity of serious crime suspects is ‘completely irrelevant’.

Events

4 h. ago Singer Ciara's London guide: dates at Annabel’s, shops at Dover Street Market and loves China Tang dumplings

The singer shares her favourite spots in the capital

Economics

5 h. ago Trump the ‘dealmaker’ faces his biggest test with Putin summit

After promising to solve the Ukraine war throughout his campaign, the US president faces a moment of truth in Alaska

Politics

6 h. ago Young Celtic fan parties with BSC Young Boys in Switzerland after sweet viral clip in Glasgow

Footage captured the moment Joshua McLaughlin interacted with BSC Young Boys fans at Celtic Park earlier this year, a special relationship which has continued.

Politics

7 h. ago Moment kidnap gang drive off with pregnant woman as they threatened to cut off her fingers if her partner didn't hand over cash and jewellery

Audi Johnson, Ahmad Ghiasi, and Nicholas Mitchell bundled their victim, 36, who was six months pregnant, into a van outside her home in Enfield, north, on May 10 of last year.

Events

7 h. ago Man Utd transfer news: Rasmus Hojlund set for exit as Red Devils in midfielder talks

Manchester United have just a few weeks remaining to get their summer business sorted and it appears that a few deals could be confirmed sooner rather than later

Politics

7 h. ago Trump makes false claims about crime in Washington DC as homeless camps are cleared

President’s comments come after protesters heckled officers who stopped cars at checkpoint along busy streetDonald Trump falsely claimed that crime in Washington DC is “the worst it’s ever been” on Thursday, amid a federal takeover of the city’s police department and deployment of the national guard and federal agents in the city.“Washington DC is at its worst point,” Trump said from the Oval Office. “It will soon be at its best point.” He also baselessly accused DC law enforcement officials of giving “phony crime stats” and said “they’re under investigation”. Continue reading...

Politics

8 h. ago Trump’s approval rating dips again in new poll as some of his supporters sour on his performance

Just 38 percent of respondents approve of the way the president is handling his job, according to a new survey

Politics