2 h. ago Devotional practices are core to world religions – and fan culture – but they are no longer for me | Jackie Bailey

The ‘power of love’, as Celine Dion sang, keeps devotion at the centre of worship. Now that I’ve left behind institutional religion, it feels blasphemous• Making sense of it is a column about spirituality and how it can be used to navigate everyday lifeWhen I was a high schooler, it was the done thing to write the name of your favourite band on your school backpack, broadcasting your allegiances and through them assert your identity. Canvas bags were festooned with the lightning font of AC/DC and Led Zeppelin, lined up outside classrooms as far as the eye could see. And then there was my bag, with “Life is God” in big bubble writing along the flap, the smell of the permanent marker filling my head with the feeling of floating heavenwards on the wings of truth.I was prepared to be scorned, spat upon, ridiculed. There was nothing I wanted more than to be persecuted, like the early Christians, in order to prove my devotion to God.Jackie Bailey is the author of The Eulogy, the winner of...

Politics

2 h. ago Weather: London sizzles as 30C heatwave sparks wildfire and health alerts

This marks the third heatwave the UK has seen this summer

Society

3 h. ago Israeli airstrike kills at least 10, including six children, at Gaza water station, say health officials

Nine killed in separate bombing of a home on Sunday and 31 others shot dead near aid distribution site on SaturdayMiddle East crisis – live updatesAn Israeli airstrike has killed at least 10 people, including six children, who were waiting to collect water in Gaza, Palestinian health officials have said.A separate airstrike on Sunday hit a home, killing nine people, and 31 others were shot dead near an aid distribution site on Saturday, marking another bloody weekend as the conflict’s death toll exceeded 58,000. Continue reading...

Society

3 h. ago 'I tasted Blackpool's famous £1 burger and one thing left me shocked'

A burger bar in Blackpool has been a popular spot for years thanks to its bargain food prices - but what does the burger taste like? One man went to find out

Economics

5 h. ago Bald eagle's new status as the official US bird brings pride and hope to many Native Americans

Many Native Americans are marking ceremonies like graduations with bald eagle feathers, a form of reverence for the bird they have always held sacred as a messenger to the Creator

Politics

6 h. ago Has America learned anything from the George Floyd uprisings? | Eric Morrison

The response to the demonstrations fell short. But they marked the beginning of a new era that calls for actionFive years ago, the entire world changed when we saw George Floyd’s body on the pavement, a knee pressed into his neck – a murder, in broad daylight. Others might have simply witnessed a horrific incident, but Black people saw ourselves, and what it’s like to live with a knee on our necks at all times. Because George Floyd wasn’t the first – and unless we uproot this system, he won’t be the last. The police have gone so far as to remind us of this by killing more people each year since George Floyd.But the uprisings of 2020 didn’t erupt because of one killing. They were the breaking point of centuries of violence and neglect. Trayvon Martin. Freddie Gray. Sandra Bland. Oscar Grant. Breonna Taylor. Dreasjon Reed. Ma’Khia Bryant. Ahmaud Arbery. And far too many others whose names never trended. The message was clear: we’ve had enough. Continue reading...

Politics

6 h. ago If you dial 999 you CAN expect an officer to attend, but we're pretty stretched, says Met Police chief

Sir Mark Rowley spoke on Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, where he attempted to reassure viewers that officers would respond to urgent calls.

Events

7 h. ago Blood and bravado: the Trump shooting upended an election and shook the US

A year ago the image of Trump’s raised fist became a political touchstone, helping force Joe Biden from the race and fuelling a presidency like no otherBlake Marnell was standing in the front row, about 10 yards from Donald Trump, when the shots rang out. He watched the Secret Service pile on the former US president. “I was able to see him standing and I could see the blood on his ear,” Marnell recalls. “When he put his fist up, I remember yelling, ‘Yes! Yes! Yes!’”Sunday marks one year since the assassination attempt on Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and a week that changed US politics. Eight days later then-president Joe Biden, 81, dropped out of the election race amid concerns over his mental and physical decline. Continue reading...

Politics

8 h. ago Mark Wright provokes furious backlash with 'dangerous' swimming pool prank

Former The Only Way Is Essex star Mark Wright left fans unimpressed when he shared a video showing himself pushing his elderly dad into a swimming pool - prompting a backlash

Politics

9 h. ago Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle's explosive disagreement that saw the demise of the 'Fab Four', according to royal author

Strain in the relationship between Kate, Princess of Wales, and Meghan Markle began to present itself even before their first meeting in January 2017, according to royal biographer Tina Brown.

Politics

12 h. ago Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd offer, Arsenal sent Gyokeres message, Liverpool receive hint

Arsenal are busy in the transfer market as they near a deal for Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres makes headlines while Manchester United continue to try and strengthen Ruben Amorim's side with Bryan Mbeumo

Sport

12 h. ago Manchester United need to do something they have not done in the transfer market for six years

Man United need to raise funds via player sales to bring in new signings this summer - but they are yet to oversee a permanent outgoing.

Sport

12 h. ago Racial disparities in criminal justice system ‘shameful’ – Met Police chief

Sir Mark Rowley discussed the racial disparity among suspects and victims of crime in London.

Events

18 h. ago Tour de France Stage 9 preview: Route today as sprinters head for ‘Cavendish City’

The Tour heads to Chateauroux, scene of three Mark Cavendish victories, for another sprint finish

Politics

19 h. ago Historic London pub marks 70th anniversary of Ruth Ellis becoming UK's last woman hanged for murder, after she gunned lover down outside saloon bar

Ruth Ellis was put to death 70 years ago aged just 28 for shooting dead her violent lover, racing driver David Blakely in a north London boozer.

Events

21 h. ago Crystal Palace drop clear Marc Guehi hint amid Liverpool transfer links

Liverpool are in the transfer market for a new defender and could make a move for Marc Guehi after seeing Jarell Quansah leave for Bayer Leverkusen earlier this summer

Politics

21 h. ago Anisimova endures a hot Wimbledon nightmare after entering the Swiatek bakery | Jonathan Liew

American’s double bagel defeat was a meltdown that nobody saw coming but she can come back from heartbreakThis is what a scream with no vowels sounds like. This is the weight of the soul leaving the body. The arms are no longer connected to the legs, the legs have been severed from the lungs, the lungs have lost contact with the heart and the heart is getting ghosted by the brain. Amanda Anisimova sits on her chair, baking in the heat, stewing in sadness. She dabs her face with a towel and hopes people won’t notice she’s wiping away tears.A faint voice from the outer edge of the universe calls time. She still has to go out there. She takes a deep breath. Lifts herself from her seat and takes the 18 long steps to her mark just behind the baseline. Ever found it a struggle getting up to go to work? Try summoning the strength to face Iga Swiatek when you’re losing 6-0, 5-0 in a Wimbledon final. Continue reading...

Politics

22 h. ago Man Utd 'ready' to trigger release clause for transfer after Andre Onana injury

Manchester United's latest injury could see them move quickly in the transfer market as they were already eyeing a new goalkeeper to add to Ruben Amorim's squad

Events

24 h. ago Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley admits racism in policing still an issue in London

Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley admits racism in policing still an issue in London  Sky News

Events

25 h. ago Met Police Chief, Mark Rowley, says race disparities in crime and justice are 'shameful' for London

Met Police Chief, Mark Rowley, says race disparities in crime and justice are 'shameful' for London  Sky News

Events