Category: News
You’ll Die for This Glimpse Into the Love Lives of Only Murders Stars
The Only Murders in the Building stars may catch killers onscreen, but they catch feelings in real life. Read on to learn more about Selena Gomez, Martin Short and more of the cast’s real love lives. You don’t need to be a detective to see all the love in this building. It’s been a killer…
Former Greek prime minister Costas Simitis dies aged 88
Four days of mourning decreed after death of Pasok party co-founder Simitis, architect of country’s entry into euro Costas Simitis, the former socialist prime minister of Greece who was the architect of the country’s entry into the euro, has died aged 88. Simitis was taken to a hospital in the city of Corinth early on…
Nikki Glaser Will Host the 2025 Golden Globes: All About the Comedian
Comedian Nikki Glaser will host the 82nd annual Golden Globes on January 5. To learn all about the “Someday You’ll Die” comic, keep reading. Nikki Glaser is laughing all the way to the 2025 Golden Globes. The comedian, known for her role as host on HBO Max’s FBoy Island and her latest Emmy-nominated stand-up comedy special, Someday…
Congestion pricing begins in NYC in a high stakes test for the model’s U.S. viability
By Robbie Griffiths Congestion pricing was introduced in the center of New York City on Sunday, after a late attempt by officials in neighboring New Jersey to stop it in court failed. The measure — which charges many drivers $9 dollars to enter Manhattan during peak hours — is intended to bring relief to the…
Anthony Albanese switches to election footing with blitz of three campaign battlegrounds
PM frames federal poll as choice between ‘building Australia’s future’ under Labor or ‘taking Australia backwards’ under Coalition Anthony Albanese will frame this year’s federal election as a choice between “building Australia’s future” under Labor or “taking Australia backwards” under the Coalition as the prime minister opens 2025 with a blitz of three campaign battlegrounds.…
Antibiotic emergency ‘could claim 40 million lives in next 25 years’
As superbugs spread across the globe, death rates from antimicrobial resistance are set to double, says England’s former chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies has a straightforward message about the coming year. We face a growing antibiotic emergency that could have devastating impacts on men, women and children across the globe, she says. Davies, a…
Britain’s first supermarket petrol station – when fuel cost just 15p a litre
It is 50 years since a supermarket chain opened its first petrol station – proudly describing the pumps as “space-age”. On the new Sainsbury’s forecourt in Coldham’s Lane , Cambridge, the unbranded four-star petrol was 68p a gallon, or 15p a litre. That equates to £1.14 a litre now. Sainsbury’s had planned to open it…
As Trump rewrites history, victims of the Jan. 6 riot say they feel ‘betrayed’
Tom Dreisbach For the millions of Americans who watch the presidential inauguration every four years, the Lower West Terrace Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol is a familiar site. The incoming president walks through that tunnel and on to the inaugural platform, before taking the oath of office. On Jan. 6, 2021, it was a crime…
Unpacking the Many Twists in the Menendez Brothers’ 1989 Murder Case
When Lyle and Erik Menendez went on trial for the 1989 murder of their parents, the definition of a media circus ensued. Netflix’s Monster, nominated for three 2025 Golden Globes, brought it all back. What Erik Menendez and Lyle Menendez did on the night of Aug. 20, 1989, was never the real question. It’s why…
Ukraine launches surprise operation in Kursk region, according to reports
Footage purports to show Ukrainian armoured columns advancing towards village of Bolshoe Soldatskoe Video showed Ukrainian armoured columns advancing across snowy fields towards the village of Bolshoe Soldatskoe, north-east of the Ukrainian-held Russian town of Sudzha. The scale of the Sunday morning operation was not immediately clear. There were unconfirmed reports Ukrainian troops had captured…
Musk’s grooming gangs attack on Phillips ‘disgraceful smear’
Elon Musk’s attack on Jess Phillips’ handling of grooming gangs is a “disgraceful smear,” Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said. It came after Phillips rejected a request for the government to lead a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham – which sparked calls from the Conservatives and Reform UK for a national inquiry…
Ukraine launches new offensive in Russia’s Kursk region
Ukraine has launched a fresh offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, the Russian Defence Ministry says. In a statement, the military said efforts to destroy the Ukrainian attack groups are ongoing. Officials in Ukraine have also suggested an operation is under way. Ukraine first launched its incursion into Russia’s Kursk region in August last year, seizing…
Race to replace Justin Welby begins as archbishop formally steps down
Appointing new archbishop of Canterbury likely to take months after Welby’s resignation over abuse scandal Justin Welby will relinquish his role as archbishop of Canterbury at midnight on Monday, formally starting the firing gun in the search for a new de facto leader of the Church of England and the global Anglican church. The process…
Israel’s Military Pounds Gaza as Pressure Mounts for Cease-fire
Middle East Crisis Gaza’s health ministry said that 88 people had been killed over the past day. Israeli and Hamas officials have been holding indirect cease-fire talks via mediators in Qatar. By Hiba Yazbek Reporting from Jerusalem Dozens of Israeli strikes pounded the Gaza Strip over the weekend as Israeli and Hamas officials resumed indirect…
Prisoner who took MoJ to court says he remains in isolation 20 months later
Kevan Thakrar still awaits judgment after case alleging unlawful solitary confinement was heard in April 2023 A prisoner who brought a legal challenge in April 2023 alleging he had been held in solitary confinement in England for more than two years has said he remains in isolation 20 months later because the judge has not…
Rwanda-backed rebels seize key town in DR Congo
Rebel forces backed by Rwanda have captured the town of Masisi in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to various reports. This is the second town seized by the M23 group in as many days in the mineral-rich North Kivu province. The group has taken control of vast swathes of eastern DR…
On the Run, a Hit Man Gives One Last Confession
Edgar Matobato says he killed again and again for former President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines. Now he’s trying to stay alive to testify. Edgar Matobato says he killed again and again for former President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines. Now he’s trying to stay alive to testify. Edgar Matobato, a member of a death…
In Damascus, Syrians Reclaim Spaces and Freedoms After al-Assad’s Fall
Syria’s Civil War Residents of Syria’s capital are picnicking on a once-forbidden mountaintop and trading openly in dollars and imported Nescafe. They say the city seems theirs again. Residents of Syria’s capital are picnicking on a once-forbidden mountaintop and trading openly in dollars and imported Nescafe. They say the city seems theirs again. Mount Qasioun,…
Woman had eight organs removed in cancer treatment
A woman who had eight organs removed after being diagnosed with a rare cancer has returned to work. Faye Louise, from Horsham, West Sussex, began planning her own funeral after doctors found a tumour in her appendix in 2023. But after “the mother of all surgeries”, she said she was cancer free and able to…
Hamas releases video of Israeli hostage Liri Albag as ceasefire talks resume
Hamas has released a video showing a 19-year-old Israeli captive, as indirect talks between the group and Israel on a ceasefire and hostage release deal resume in Qatar. The footage shows Liri Albag calling for the Israeli government to reach a deal. She was taken hostage along with six other female conscript soldiers at the…
New York becomes first US city with congestion charge
The first congestion charge scheme for vehicles in the US is being introduced in New York City on Sunday. Car drivers will pay up to $9 (£7) a day, with varying rates for other vehicles. The congestion zone covers an area south of central park, taking in well known sites such as the Empire State…
Curb extremism now or face new terrorist threats, Labour warned
Experts say measures announced so far are not enough to turn the tide Labour must reverse years of political failure on extremism to stop it fuelling more disorder, violence and terrorism in Britain, leading figures have said. Neil Basu, the former head of counter-terrorism policing, and Dame Sara Khan, previously the government’s counter-extremism tsar, warned…
Nigel Farage claims Reform can win power – but how realistic is that?
Find yourself in a marquee on a Saturday afternoon where there’s a bar with wine and beer, gags being cracked, and speeches being made and you might think it’s a wedding. But the marquee at Chelmsford City Racecourse on Saturday was packed with more than 1,000 people who had turned up to a Reform UK…
South Korean protesters brave cold to demand Yoon’s ouster as detention deadline looms
By The Associated Press SEOUL, South Korea — Hundreds of South Koreans, bundled up against freezing temperatures and snow, rallied overnight into Sunday near the residence of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, calling for his ouster and arrest, as authorities prepared to renew their efforts to detain him over his short-lived martial law decree. Dozens…
Invasion Day marcher stripped of $800,000 compensation as police duty of care ruling overturned
Laura Cullen was among 5,000 people at a 2017 Sydney protest when she was knocked down and injured as NSW police tried to arrest a man A landmark legal ruling that set out the duty of care New South Wales police owe people attending protests has been overturned on appeal, stripping an Invasion Day marcher…
William’s ‘sorrow over pal’s death’ and ‘bleak midwinter’
The Sunday Telegraph is among the front pages to feature a picture of Edward Pettifer, the British man killed in the attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. He was the stepson of a former nanny to Prince William and Prince Harry. “Wills’ sorrow at Brit terror death,” is the Sunday People’s headline, while…
‘Eyewatering’ £100m spent on repairs in Scotland’s ‘ferry fiasco’ over past decade
Government plans for publicly funded operator CalMac have been mired in controversy, with replacement vessels delayed and costs spiralling Almost £100m has been spent over the past decade on repairs for eight of the largest publicly owned ferries in Scotland. The figure has been described as “eye-watering” by Sue Webber, transport spokesperson for the Scottish…
After bruising election loss, what next for Kamala Harris?
Exactly two months after her election loss to Donald Trump, Vice-President Kamala Harris will preside over the certification of her own defeat. As president of the Senate, on Monday she will stand at the House Speaker’s rostrum to lead the counting of Electoral College votes, officially cementing her rival’s triumph two weeks before he returns…
Tourism agency deletes ‘pristine swimming spot’ post about unpatrolled beach on Mornington Peninsula
Video removed as Life Saving Victoria carries out 145 rescues – ‘We don’t remember when we’ve been that busy’ Victoria’s tourism agency has removed a social media post that described an unpatrolled ocean beach on the Mornington Peninsula as a “pristine swimming spot” amid almost 150 rescues on the state’s beaches on Saturday. Number 16…
Farage defends Musk after grooming gangs posts
Nigel Farage has defended Elon Musk after the billionaire attacked the UK government’s response to grooming gangs on X, the social media platform he owns. In a series of posts over several days, Musk suggested Sir Keir Starmer failed to prosecute gangs and said Home Office minister Jess Phillips “deserves to be in prison”. It…
How Emilia Perez and More Could Break Golden Globes Records
Emilia Perez‘s Karla Sofía Gascón, The Apprentice‘s Sebastian Stan and The Bear‘s Ayo Edebiri are just some of the stars who could break a record at the 2025 Golden Globes on Jan. 5. Find out how. These nominees are going for the gold. After all, the competition at the 2025 Golden Globes is fierce, with multiple…
Severe winter storm puts much of US on high alert
Tens of millions of Americans are bracing for a huge winter storm that could bring the heaviest snowfall and coldest temperatures in over a decade. The storm, which started in the middle of the US, will move east in the next couple of days, the National Weather Service (NWS) said. Parts of the US not…
Melbourne fire that destroyed Forty Winks store could have been arson, police say
More than 95 firefighters and 26 trucks deployed to Nunawading, with dozens of nearby residents evacuated Fire crews remain at the scene of a blaze that destroyed a Melbourne mattress store, with investigations likely to continue well into Sunday night after the fire was deemed a suspected arson attack. Emergency crews responded to several calls…
Our culture isn’t fantasy – so stop misusing it for mystical books
A Court of Thorn and Roses, also known as ACOTAR is the TikTok-viral fantasy book series which took the genre by storm in 2024. But with character names including Rhysand, Gwyneth, Alis and Morrigan, it seems American author Sarah J Maas drew inspiration far from home. Dubbed “the Tolkien effect”, after the author of the…
75 Hard: Is the TikTok fitness challenge really worth it?
When you think of new year’s resolutions, a 75-day workout might not top the list. But that’s what’s going viral this year as people take to TikTok to document their progress. First, the ground rules: you stick to a healthy diet with no cheat meals or alcohol. Plus on each of the 75 days, you…
Austria’s chancellor to quit as coalition talks collapse
Austria’s Chancellor Karl Nehammer says he will resign in the coming days, both as chancellor and party leader, after talks about forming a coalition government collapsed. The chancellor said his party – the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP) – and the Social Democrats had failed to agree on key issues. The liberal Neos, another party involved…
Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet among stars gathering for Golden Globes
The Golden Globe Awards take place later, with Emilia Pérez, Conclave, Anora and The Brutalist in the running for the top prizes. Film acting nominees include Zendaya, for tennis drama Challengers, and Timothée Chalamet for his starring role in Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are both up for their…
Washington Post cartoonist quits after satire aimed at owner Bezos rejected
A Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist has resigned from the Washington Post after the newspaper refused to publish a cartoon satirical of its billionaire owner Jeff Bezos. Ann Telnaes, a long-time Washington Post cartoonist, created a cartoon of Mr Bezos and other tycoons kneeling before a statue of President-elect Donald Trump. She said the paper’s refusal to…
Fears for hiker in ‘bloody tough country’ as Kosciuszko search enters day 11
Hot and humid conditions increase difficulty of finding Hadi Nazari, 23, after he failed to show up at campsite More specialist rescue crews have joined the search for a bushwalker missing in dense and challenging terrain for 11 days. As many as 50 specialist search operators from across New South Wales have been deployed to…
Italy’s Prime Minister Visits Trump in Mar-a-Lago
Trump Transition Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, joins just a handful of other world leaders who have been to the president-elect’s Florida estate since his victory. By Emma Bubola Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy has gone to Mar-a-Lago to visit President-elect Donald J. Trump for an informal meeting being held on Saturday, three…
Director Jeff Baena’s Cause of Death Revealed
Los Angeles officials have released more details about the death of director Jeff Baena, Aubrey Plaza’s husband. More details about the death of director Jeff Baena, husband of actress Aubrey Plaza, have been revealed. The 47-year-old, who was also a screenwriter, died by suicide, according to Los Angeles medical examiner records, viewed by E! News.…
NHS App upgrade to give patients more choice over treatment
Plans for an upgraded NHS App to allow more patients in England to book treatments and appointments will be part of a package of measures unveiled by the government on Monday. The changes will allow patients who need non-emergency elective treatment to choose from a range of providers, including those in the private sector. Ministers…
Slicing veggies, baking cakes – will Meghan’s rebrand work?
It’s the picture of domestic bliss. The Duchess of Sussex, picking flowers, slicing veggies and decorating cakes in a trailer for her new Netflix show. There’s also a scene where she harvests honey, and hugs her husband, Prince Harry. Meghan, it appears, has rebranded herself. Her new look is described by public relations expert Chloe…
Ariana Grande Thanks “Friends Botox and Juvéderm” in Awards Speech
While accepting an award at the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival, Ariana Grande made a joked referencing cosmetic procedures. Ariana Grande uttered two names familiar to much of the Hollywood community after winning her first award of the new year. Upon her acceptance of the Rising Star Award at the 2025 Palm Springs International…
The year China’s famous road-tripping ‘auntie’ found freedom
Sixty-year-old Chinese grandmother Su Min had no intention of becoming a feminist icon. She was only trying to escape her abusive husband when she hit the road in 2020 in her white Volkswagen hatchback with a rooftop tent and her pension. “I felt like I could finally catch my breath,” she says, recalling the moment…
Snow and freezing rain sweep UK with amber warnings in place
Parts of the UK are bracing for considerable disruption as heavy snow and freezing rain hit the country, with amber weather warnings now in force. Areas of northern England, the Midlands and Wales are forecast to be among the worst hit as wintry weather pushes northwards throughout the night, possibly bringing 20-40cm (7.8-15.7in) of snow…
‘We’ve been at this rodeo before’: gun-safety groups prepare for second Trump term
With ‘the best friend gun owners have ever had in the White House’ to return, gun-safety groups eye state level actions Donald Trump’s imminent return to Washington has put gun-safety groups on high alert, as the president-elect once described himself as “the best friend gun owners have ever had in the White House”. Emma Brown,…
Southern Australia swelters through third day of heatwave as fire risk increases
BoM issues heatwave warning for SA, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania, with temperatures set to reach the 40s in some parts of the country on Sunday All eyes are on a bushfire in Victoria that has been raging for weeks as southern Australia swelters through a three-day heatwave. Hot conditions are expected to continue on Sunday…
Angelina Jolie Joined by Daughter Zahara at Palm Springs Film Festival
Angelina Jolie brought along her and ex-husband Brad Pitt’s eldest daughter Zahara as her date to the Palm Springs International Film Festival four days after the former couple settled their divorce. Angelina Jolie made the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival a family affair. The Oscar winner brought along her and ex-husband Brad Pitt‘s eldest daughter…
Man dies after 70-metre fall from mountain ridge in Lake District
Callout ends in tragedy after an as yet unnamed person fell on Thursday and their body was recovered by a rescue team A man has died after falling 70 metres from a mountain ridge in the Lake District. Keswick Mountain Rescue said its first callout of the year ended in tragedy after the man fell…
Fears of unrest as PM considers open prisons for more offenders
Unions concerned about potential rise in violence, drug abuse and the threat of riots at low-security facilities in England and Wales The government is considering relaxing the restrictions on inmates who can be sent to open prisons, despite warnings that the move could increase violence, drug abuse and the potential for riots. Under an unannounced…
Jessica Alba Shares Photos From Family Outing Amid Divorce Rumors
Jessica Alba shared new family pics with husband Cash Warren days after sparking rumors of marital strife. Jessica Alba‘s latest family photos are as sweet as honey. The Sin City actress shared snaps of herself with husband Cash Warren and their three kids enjoying a fun day out with friends at Universal Studios Hollywood. Jessica posted…
Coalition talks between Austria’s two biggest centrist parties collapse
Chancellor Karl Nehammer to step down after failure to form government without far-right Freedom party Talks between the two biggest centrist parties in Austria on forming a coalition government without the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) have collapsed, Chancellor Karl Nehammer said on Saturday, adding that he would step down in the coming days. The announcement…
Referee makes history as first openly gay official
A referee has spoken of his pride at becoming the first openly gay referee to officiate a PDC World Darts Championship final. Huw Ware, from Cardiff, took charge of the second half of the match as Luke Littler demolished Michael Van Gerwen to become the youngest ever PDC World Championship winner. Huw hopes his success…
Prince William Reacts to Death of Ex-Nanny’s Stepson in Terror Attack
Prince William is mourning the death of Edward “Ed” Pettifer, son of his former nanny, Alexandra Pettifer, also known as Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who was killed in the terrorist attack in New Orleans. The deadly New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans hit close to home for Prince William and Prince Harry. London’s Metropolitan Police has…
A Pulitzer winner quits ‘Washington Post’ after a cartoon on Bezos is killed
David Folkenflik A Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist for the Washington Post has resigned after its editorial page editor rejected a cartoon she created to mock media and tech titans abasing themselves before President-elect Donald Trump. Among the corporate chiefs depicted by Ann Telnaes was Amazon founder and Post owner Jeff Bezos. The episode follows Bezos’ decision…
Biden plans to send $8bn arms shipment to Israel
The US Department of State has notified Congress of a planned $8bn (£6.4bn) arms sale to Israel, an American official has confirmed to the BBC. The weapons consignment, which needs approval from House and Senate committees, includes missiles, shells and other munitions. The move comes just over a fortnight before President Joe Biden leaves office.…
Days-long funeral procession for Jimmy Carter begins in south Georgia
Jimmy Carter’s long public goodbye began on Saturday in south Georgia, where the 39th US president’s life began more than 100 years ago. A motorcade with Carter’s flag-draped casket is heading to his hometown of Plains and past his boyhood home on the way to Atlanta. The procession began at the Phoebe Sumter medical center…
Protesters march in London for release of teenage boy in Dubai jail
Marcus Fakana from north London was convicted of having sex with British girl, now 18, when they were on holiday Protesters have marched through central London calling for the release of a teenager in prison in Dubai for having sex with a 17-year-old British girl. Marcus Fakana, from Tottenham in north London, was jailed last…
UK weather: heavy snow and freezing rain set to hit as amber warning issued
Met Office warns of up to 40cm snowfall in northern England and Pennines overnight as temperatures drop to -8.6C Further weather warnings have been issued for England, Scotland and Wales amid heavy snow and freezing rain that has been forecast this weekend. A new yellow weather warning has been issued for rain, affecting Wales, north-west…
Washington Post cartoonist resigns over paper’s refusal to publish cartoon critical of Jeff Bezos
Pulitzer prize winner Ann Telnaes drew a cartoon of the paper’s owner kneeling before Donald Trump The Washington Post’s Pulitzer prize-winning editorial cartoonist Ann Telnaes has resigned from her position at the newspaper after its refusal to publish a satirical cartoon depicting the outlet’s owner Jeff Bezos – along with other media and technology barons…
Demo for teen jailed in Dubai over sex with girl, 17
Supporters of an 18-year-old Briton jailed for having sex with a 17-year-old British girl in Dubai have staged a protest in central London. Marcus Fakana from Tottenham is serving a one-year prison sentence after being convicted of having sex with the girl, who has now turned 18, when they were both on holiday. The girl’s…
Ukraine waits for Trump the dealmaker to broker end of Putin’s war | Shaun Walker in Kyiv
The US president-elect’s policy on the conflict may prove decisive, but appeasing both sides will be a challenge A new year in Ukraine began in much the same way as the old one finished: with deadly Russian drone attacks across the country. In Kyiv, one person was killed and at least six others were injured…
Labour retreats on rape courts pledge amid fears over shortage of lawyers
Labour pledged during the election campaign to use vacant rooms and buildings on crown court sites to fast-track rape cases and reduce the numbers awaiting trial. In its manifesto, Labour said specifically it would “fast-track rape cases through specialist courts at every crown court location in England and Wales”, suggesting it was an urgent priority…
Thousands of rival protesters rally in Seoul after Yoon Suk Yeol avoids arrest
Crowds gather outside South Korean presidential residence where suspended leader is protected by security officers Thousands of rival South Korean protesters have rallied in the capital a day after a failed attempt to arrest the country’s suspended president, Yoon Suk Yeol, for imposing a short-lived martial law decree that led to his impeachment. The country…
How influencers are impacting journalism
By Eric Deggans , Eleana Tworek , D. Parvaz A Pew Research poll taken during the 2024 presidential campaigns showed that 20% of Americans now get their news from social media influencers on various apps. Given the growing role of influencers in the democratic process, it seems we should seriously consider a few things: Should…
‘I’ll never admit I’m the best’ – champion Littler
This video can not be played Luke Littler: I’ll never say I’m the best Newly crowned world champion Luke Littler says he will never describe himself as the best darts player in the world. Littler, 17, became the youngest ever winner of the PDC World Darts Championship with a 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen…
Director Jeff Baena, Aubrey Plaza’s Husband, Dead at 47
Director Jeff Baena, husband of actress Aubrey Plaza, died on Jan. 3 at the age of 47, Los Angeles medical examiner records confirm. The Hollywood community has lost a beloved member. Director Jeff Baena, the husband of actress Aubrey Plaza, died on Jan. 3 at the age of 47, according to Los Angeles medical examiner…
Tributes to ‘much loved and popular’ boy after quad bike crash
Tributes have been paid to a 13-year-old boy who died after a quad bike crash near Newry. Tiarnán Trainor was injured in the incident on Low Road just outside Killeavy on Thursday. He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast but later died from his injuries. St Paul’s High School in Bessbrook described…
UK rollout of eVisas could leave non-EU migrants ‘vulnerable’
Home Office is issuing digital visas without completing necessary checks, Freedom of Information quest reveals The government is pressing ahead with a digital visa scheme to prove the residency rights of millions of people from outside the EU without having completed the necessary checks, campaigners are warning. The Home Office said in response to a…
What Each Sign Needs for Capricorn Season, According to Our Expert
We interviewed Lisa Greenfield because we think you’ll like her picks. Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Learn more. So long Sagittarius season, we’re now in Capricorn territory, December 20 to January 19. And there’s good news and bad news…
Biden awards Wintour, Bono and Soros with Medal of Freedom
Vogue editor Dame Anna Wintour, U2 frontman Bono and billionaire George Soros are among those who will receive America’s highest civilian honour from outgoing President Joe Biden. The Presidential Medal of Freedom will be awarded to 19 people this year, spanning cultural icons, politicians and campaigners. The have been chosen because are they are “good…
Syria to resume international flights at Damascus airport
First commercial flights since overthrow of Assad regime to begin from Tuesday, aviation chief says Syria’s main airport in Damascus is to resume international flights after commercial trips were halted following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad. “We announce we will start receiving international flights to and from Damascus International airport from [Tuesday],” the state…
New Year’s Eve 2025: Photos of Celebrations Around the World
See how people across the globe celebrated. In Photos and Video See how people across the globe celebrated. In Photos and Video Fireworks burst over the Quadriga at the Brandenburg Gate during New Year’s Day celebrations in Berlin.Ebrahim Noroozi/Associated Press By The New York Times In plazas and parks and bars and homes across the…
Syria’s International Airport to Reopen as Government Presses for Stability
Syria’s Civil War Tensions are high on Syria’s border with Lebanon. The ouster of President Bashar al-Assad led to worry that violence could spill over into neighboring countries. By Aaron Boxerman Syria’s main international airport in Damascus will reopen next week, the new government said on Saturday, as it tries to re-establish a sense of…
Jobs of about 280 contractors cut after cancellation of Rwanda asylum scheme
Redundancies follow Labour abandonment of previous government’s plan to send asylum seekers to east Africa Hundreds of guards employed to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda have been told their jobs are being cut, the Guardian has learned. About 280 Home Office contractors were informed on Friday that their roles were being made redundant because Labour…
King saddened by death of ex-royal nanny’s stepson in New Orleans attack
King Charles is deeply saddened by the death of a British man who was killed in the vehicle attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, palace sources say. Edward Pettifer, 31, who was among 14 people killed in the attack, is the stepson of Alexandra Pettifer, known as Tiggy, who cared for Prince William…
In Mexican Desert, Digging for a ‘Miracle’: Bringing the Missing Back Home
Mexico Dispatch Tens of thousands of people have vanished in northern Mexico, many because of cartel violence. An unlikely partnership offers families a form of closure. Mexico Dispatch Tens of thousands of people have vanished in northern Mexico, many because of cartel violence. An unlikely partnership offers families a form of closure. Isabel García, a…
Seeking to heal the country, Jimmy Carter pardoned men who evaded the Vietnam War draft
By Joe Hernandez President Jimmy Carter waves to the crowd while walking with his wife, Rosalynn, and their daughter, Amy, along Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House following his inauguration in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20, 1977. On the following day, he issued a pardon for people who had evaded the Vietnam…
Brazil ex-official returns toilet she had removed from office
A former city councillor in Brazil has returned a toilet and two sinks she had removed from her office after losing a bid for re-election. Footage of one of Janaína Lima’s employees hauling away the facilities was posted online as her tenure as Sao Paulo councilwoman ended. “I decided to donate the equipment I acquired…
What one picture tells us about Trump’s power in Congress
Shortly after Mike Johnson appeared to come up two votes shy of retaining the speakership of the House of Representatives on Friday, Marjorie Taylor Greene – the loyal Trump ally and firebrand Republican congresswoman from Georgia – stood in the middle of the House chamber, intently speaking on her mobile phone. Although she covered the…
Putin Declares ‘Everything Will Be Fine’ Despite Russia’s Growing Challenges
Russia-Ukraine War Speaking on the 25th anniversary of his rule, President Vladimir V. Putin delivered an upbeat and vague New Year’s Eve message that did not address casualties in Ukraine or rising inflation at home. By Anatoly Kurmanaev Reporting from Berlin A quarter century after assuming power, President Vladimir V. Putin told Russians in his…
A Mexican Mayor’s Odyssey: From Undocumented Migrant to Cartel Target
Global Profile A former undocumented resident of California who now runs a town in Mexico, Crispín Agustín Mendoza has survived one assassination attempt. But he says, “I have to learn how to survive.” Armed men tried to kill Crispín Agustín Mendoza, mayor of Alcozauca, Mexico, in his home. But he fought back, and now is…
British man, Edward Pettifer, among 14 killed in New Orleans truck attack
Met police and Foreign Office say they are supporting family of 31-year-old from Chelsea A British man was among 14 people killed in a New Year’s Day vehicle attack in New Orleans, it has been confirmed. The Metropolitan police said they were supporting the family of Edward Pettifer, 31, of Chelsea, who was killed in…
Man charged over alleged rape of Virgin Australia crew member in Fiji
Airline staff were celebrating New Year’s Eve in Nadi when the alleged incident occurred A man has been charged with the alleged rape and sexual assault of a Virgin Australia crew member in Fiji in the early hours of New Year’s Day. The man “will be produced in court on Monday”, after having been taken…
Wednesday Briefing
The end of a turbulent 2024. By Natasha Frost It’s been a year, hasn’t it? There was a lot to cover. Donald Trump stormed back to the White House after his felony conviction. The wars in the Middle East and Ukraine raged on. A.I. became an even bigger part of our lives. Evan Gershkovich, a…
Teenage kicks – what makes history-making Littler so good?
Luke Littler is the youngest darts world champion, taking the record from Michael van Gerwen, who was 24 when he won in 2014 “Every 17 years a star is born.” That was the praise lavished on Luke Littler by his beaten rival Michael van Gerwen after the 17-year-old became darts’ youngest world champion. Littler crushed…
Myanmar junta to free about 6,000 prisoners in annual amnesty, including 180 foreigners
It was not clear whether Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been held virtually incommunicado since 2021 coup, would be among those released Myanmar’s military government will release about 6,000 prisoners and has reduced other inmates’ sentences as part of a mass amnesty on Saturday marking the 77th anniversary of independence from Britain. There was…
Ukraine Halts the Flow of Natural Gas From Russia to Europe
Russia-Ukraine War A transnational pipeline was shut down on Wednesday after Kyiv refused to renew a prewar agreement that allowed for the transit of Russian gas through its territory. By Marc SantoraAndrew Higgins and Jenny Gross Marc Santora reported from Kyiv, Ukraine, Andrew Higgins from Warsaw and Jenny Gross from Brussels. The flow of natural…
Last hope for Indian nurse on death row in Yemen: pardon from victim’s family
Family members of an Indian nurse who is on death row in war-torn Yemen say they are pinning their hopes on a last-ditch effort to save her. Nimisha Priya, 34, was sentenced to death for the murder of a local man – her former business partner Talal Abdo Mahdi – whose chopped-up body was discovered…
Rebels Easily Toppled Syria’s Army. Their Challenge Now: Rebuilding.
Syria’s Civil War The rebels’ path to victory is littered with evidence of Syria’s defeated military. It also reflects the sizable task of trying to put the country back together. The rebels’ path to victory is littered with evidence of Syria’s defeated military. It also reflects the sizable task of trying to put the country…
Chilean president makes historic trip to South Pole
Chile’s President Gabriel Boric has become the first leader in the Americas to visit the South Pole, after arriving at a US base there. The president said his visit to the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station reaffirmed Chile’s own claim to sovereignty over part of the Antarctic. “This is a milestone for us,” Boric said in…
In France, Drug Traffic Spreads to Small Towns
France’s Political Turmoil Even quaint corners of the country are seeing a rise in drug violence and crime. Just ask the mayor of Morlaix, which has a population of about 15,000. By Richard Fausset Reporting from Morlaix, France For centuries in Morlaix, a city of cobblestones and creperies on the Breton coast of France, the…
Why does Britain face flight chaos during bad weather?
Heavy winds and fog led to thousands of flights being delayed or cancelled at the end of 2024 – and wintry weather could bring further disruption this weekend. It can seem a mystery to many frustrated flyers that a brief spell of bad weather can upend schedules, especially since British weather isn’t exactly famed for…
China’s overqualified youth taking jobs as drivers, labourers and film extras
China is now a country where a high-school handyman has a master’s degree in physics; a cleaner is qualified in environmental planning; a delivery driver studied philosophy, and a PhD graduate from the prestigious Tsinghua University ends up applying to work as an auxiliary police officer. These are real cases in a struggling economy –…
How the Islamic State Radicalizes People Today
New Orleans Attack A man who pledged allegiance to the terrorist group carried out a deadly attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. By Alissa J. Rubin The Islamic State has lost thousands of fighters to death or prison and suffered the demise of its self-declared caliphate in Iraq and Syria. But the global…