35 m. ago The photographs that defined 2025 – and the stories behind them

As wars in Ukraine and Gaza continued, anti-government protests erupted around the world. Amid the violence, there were moments of humanity, sporting glory and stunning natural beauty. Photographers reflect on the moments behind the picturesA man cries out in distress as a fire spreads across multiple buildings on a housing estate in Hong Kong Tyrone Siu/ReutersA massive fire broke out around 3pm at Wang Fuk Court, a densely packed housing estate in Tai Po, and I arrived about an hour later. By then, the flames were raging across multiple blocks, with thick black smoke. Unsafe bamboo scaffolding and foam may have led to what became Hong Kong’s worst fire in decades. Residents were streaming out in panic, while emergency crews fought a losing battle against the inferno spreading from one tower to the next. Continue reading...

Culture

1 hour ago Ryanair passengers 'flung from seats' in 'horror movie' turbulence at 35,000ft

Terrified passengers were reportedly thrown around when the Birmingham to Tenerife flight hit severe turbulence over France at 35,000ft, forcing an emergency return with paramedics meeting the plane

Events

2 h. ago Here are some people you’ll find in every local community Facebook group | Jess Harwood

Some of them are exactly the kind of members you want to meet, others not so much Continue reading...

Politics

6 h. ago Adam Peaty 'uninvited more family' from wedding days before as sister's 'betrayal' revealed

Adam Peaty family issues appeared to worsen in the days leading up to his wedding and it has been claimed hi barred mother is upset by daughter Beth's attendance 'betrayal'

Society

7 h. ago Energetic Manchester City have lifted last season’s fog, says Pep Guardiola

City second after six straight Premier League wins‘We have to improve but this mindset is better’Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City have regained the energy that eluded them last season and lifted the “fog” that clouded a disappointing campaign. City finished without a major trophy for the first time since 2016-17, Guardiola’s first in charge, but are hunting a seventh Premier League title under him after six straight wins.Rayan Cherki struck late on at Nottingham Forest on Saturday to maintain City’s impressive winning run, which extends to eight in all competitions. Second-placed City are two points behind leaders Arsenal, who host third-placed Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. City do not return to action until Thursday, when they face high-flying Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Continue reading...

Politics

8 h. ago Photos show Myanmar holding its first election since the military seized power

Voters in Myanmar cast ballots in the first phase of the country’s general election Sunday. The polls are being held under military rule during a civil war. Critics argue the election is a facade to legitimize military control under the pretense of civilian rule.

Events

9 h. ago Photos show surfers riding waves along Gaza City’s damaged coastline

Surfers carry their boards into the Mediterranean, warm up on the sand and ride waves off the coast of Gaza City, where the shoreline bears visible damage from the Israel-Hamas war.

Culture

10 h. ago Bernie Sanders criticizes AI as ‘the most consequential technology in humanity’

Republican senator Katie Britt also proposes AI companies be criminally liable if they expose minors to harmful ideasUS senator Bernie Sanders amplified his recent criticism of artificial intelligence on Sunday, explicitly linking the financial ambition of “the richest people in the world” to economic insecurity for millions of Americans – and calling for a potential moratorium on new datacenters.Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with the Democratic party, said on CNN’s State of the Union that he was “fearful of a lot” when it came to AI. And the senator called it “the most consequential technology in the history of humanity” that will “transform” the US and the world in ways that had not been fully discussed. Continue reading...

Politics

10 h. ago Love Island stars spark engagement rumours with hidden detail in Christmas snap

Love Island fans think Luca Bish is getting ready to propose to Grace Jackson after seeing this one small romantic detail in one of their Christmas photos together

Politics

11 h. ago Paramedic struck off for 'lying' for day off now working on NHS hospital ward

Natalie Twomey, who was struck off as a paramedic for 'lying' about her sister's health to get time off work, is pictured working on an NHS hospital ward in new photos

Events

11 h. ago 'I was knocked out by Wayne Rooney and Alex Ferguson made me rescue a cat'

The Premier League's first female photographer, Magi Haroun, talks about being a pioneer and the hazards of sitting pitch-side

Events

12 h. ago Terrified of vomit: What it's like living with emetophobia, the condition that leaves sufferers in fear of being sick or seeing others throwing up

According to Jess Smith, 62, who has struggled with emetophobia - a fear of vomiting - since she was a child, it makes life inescapably miserable.

Events

12 h. ago Gary Anderson makes lie down and stretcher admission after winning heart

The Scottish hero came through a blistering affair against Jermaine Wattimena and was worn out after the enthralling clash

Events

12 h. ago Paramedic, 31, dealt devastating blow as surgeons reveal return of incurable cancer

Abbie Tutchings, 31, from Normanby, was told by medics that the cancer which she thought she had beaten had returned

Science

13 h. ago Man hit and killed in Christmas Eve crash named as family leave mince pies

The family of a man who was killed after being hit by a car on Christmas Eve have left heartbreaking tributes - Simon, 55, tragically died after being struck by a black Mini Cooper in Southport

Events

13 h. ago Photos show flour, eggs and firecrackers flying at Spain's Els Enfarinats festival

Revelers take part in the Els Enfarinats festival, a battle using flour, eggs and firecrackers in the Spanish town of Ibi.

Culture

13 h. ago Fury as mountains of Christmas rubbish pile up on the streets of Birmingham after nearly 12 months of bin strikes

ENRAGED residents in Birmingham have been left "ashamed" and "depressed" by the state of their roads amid the ongoing bin strike. As rats roam the litter-strewn streets and bins overflow with rubbish in the wake of Christmas, locals have told of their deep frustration with the continued dispute. Shocking photos now show mountains of festive...

Events

13 h. ago How animals have been used for espionage from Hvaldimir the roving Russian whale to American 'bat bombs' and a 'spy squirrel' unit caught behind enemy lines

The first time animals are believed to have been used was after German pharmacist Julius Neubronner developed the pigeon photograph method in 1907.

Events

13 h. ago Gary Anderson beats Wattimena by EXACT same score in same round as he did in 2018 in World Darts Championship epic

GARY ANDERSON has booked his spot in the last 16 at the World Darts Championship after beating Jermaine Wattimena in a thriller. The Scotsman, 55, sealed a 4-3 victory after landing his sixth match dart at Ally Pally. Lightning struck twice because Anderson also beat Wattimena by the same score in the same round in...

Sport

13 h. ago Adam Peaty's estranged brother makes cryptic Instagram post after being banned from wedding

James shared photo of himself with mother Caroline outside Bath Abbey before deleting it after 15 minutes

Events