Drug-related intimidation 'horrendous', says commissioner
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly has said some of the behaviour around drug-related intimidation in Ireland is "absolutely horrendous". [Continue Reading]
Christy Nolan posthumously awarded degree from TCD
Poet and author Christy Nolan, who died in 2009, has been posthumously awarded a degree from Trinity College Dublin (TCD). [Continue Reading]
Heavy traffic across Dublin due to taxi protest
Taxi drivers in Dublin protesting against the introduction of fixed fares by Uber are disrupting traffic in Dublin city centre and at the roundabout beside Dublin Airport. [Continue Reading]
Tusla apologises for statement on alleged sexual assault
Chief executive of Tusla Kate Duggan has apologised for the wording of a statement issued after the alleged sexual assault of a ten-year-old girl. [Continue Reading]
Pope Leo XIV urges peace in Ankara on first foreign trip
Pope Leo XIV has used his first foreign trip to plead for dialogue in the face of global conflict, particularly in the Middle East and Ukraine. [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong fire latest: rescue crews search for survivors as death toll rises to 83 with hundreds reported missing
Three men arrested as 26 rescue teams on site at Wang Fuk Court residential apartment complex in Tai Po districtA visual guide to the fireThe death toll has risen again to 44, fire officials say.Officials said they are still having difficulties proceeding into the upper floors in some of the buildings in the residential complex as the fire continues. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong police say unsafe scaffolding and foam may have spread fire that killed at least 83
Three construction employees arrested as firefighters battle to reach trapped people, with more than 250 still missingHong Kong fire – latest updatesHow the fire unfolded – visual guideHong Kong police have alleged unsafe scaffolding and foam materials used during maintenance work may have been behind the rapid spread of a devastating fire at a group of residential tower blocks that has killed at least 83 people and left more than 250 missing.Firefighters were still battling to reach people who could be trapped on the upper floors of the Wang Fuk Court housing complex on Thursday due to the intense heat... [Continue Reading]
US appears to back plan to divide Gaza, rebuild Israeli-controlled side
Critics worry that the creation of 'alternative safe communities' may tip the enclave into permanent division. [Continue Reading]
US teen Mohammed Ibrahim released from Israeli prison after nine months
Advocates say the 16-year-old's health had been in decline since his arrest in February for allegedly throwing rocks. [Continue Reading]
The numbers behind UN report on women and girls killed
A UN report has found that at least 83,000 women and girls were intentionally killed last year. [Continue Reading]
Robert A.M. Stern, Architect Who Reinvented Prewar Splendor, Dies at 86
He designed museums, schools and libraries before winning international acclaim late in life for 15 Central Park West in Manhattan, hailed as a rebirth of the luxury apartment building. [Continue Reading]
U.S. Has Limited Knowledge of Those It Kills in Boat Strikes
The U.S. military has killed more than 80 people since the campaign began in early September. But it does not know who specifically is being killed. [Continue Reading]
Slot having 'same conversations' at club despite horrendous form
Under-pressure Liverpool manager Arne Slot says talks with the club's owners after the defeat by PSV Eindhoven were the "same conversations" he has had with them since arriving at Anfield. [Continue Reading]
Seventh Met officer sacked after BBC Panorama film
PC Sean Park was shown "expressing discriminatory and disrespectful views about Muslims", the Met says. [Continue Reading]
Chris Mason: Starmer could have scrapped child benefit cap last year - why did he wait?
Keir Starmer has always said he wanted to end the benefit cap but the money was not available - until now. [Continue Reading]
Putin doubles down on demands for Ukrainian territory ahead of talks with US in Moscow
The Russian president confirmed a US delegation is expected for talks in Moscow next week. [Continue Reading]
PS5 repair shop refuses to fix console because there’s something living inside
A repair shop has refused to fix someone’s PS5 because of what's living inside and social media agrees with them. [Continue Reading]
Declan Rice sends message to Moises Caicedo ahead of Chelsea vs Arsenal clash
'An exciting battle... I'll be ready.' [Continue Reading]
Two unlikely Coronation Street residents may save Todd from Theo as suspicions rise
They're close to the truth. [Continue Reading]
Lush Snow Fairy turns 20: The ‘unhinged’ bubblegum scent shoppers still wait all year for
'It smells like you fell into a cotton candy machine.' [Continue Reading]
Commuters warned of heavy traffic due to taxi protest
Taxi drivers in Dublin protesting against the introduction of fixed fares by Uber are disrupting traffic in Dublin city centre and at the roundabout beside Dublin Airport. [Continue Reading]
Afghan national charged over attack on National Guard members in Washington
Two West Virginia National Guard members were ambushed and critically wounded near the White House. Authorities have charged an Afghan national in the attack. [Continue Reading]
Technology must not outpace human learning, Doha education summit warns
Global education systems are falling behind the pace of technology, and leaders meeting in Doha warned that classrooms are changing faster than schools can cope. [Continue Reading]
Daily Mail’s parent company on ‘credit watch’ over Telegraph takeover
S&P Global Ratings warns Lord Rothermere’s RCHL could face credit downgrade as it seeks funding for £500m dealThe Daily Mail’s parent company has been warned it could face a credit downgrade if it loads up with debt to fund its £500m takeover of the Telegraph titles.The US credit ratings agency S&P Global Ratings said Rothermere Continuation Holdings Ltd (RCHL) – the Jersey-based parent company of Lord Rothermere’s assets including the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, Metro and the i Paper – had been put on “credit watch” as it seeks to put a funding package in place to table a... [Continue Reading]
‘Unelected power’ of ultra-rich is reshaping British politics, report claims
Equality Trust study shows how House of Lords appointments, big donations and media ownership affect political decisionsUK politics live – latest updatesStructural corruption and the rise of “conduits for unelected power” are reshaping British politics, according to a stark report from the Equality Trust.Unelected influence has increased over the past two decades, the report claims, driven by the growing political clout of the ultra-rich and the institutions that enable it. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Ministers set aside £75m to fix failures that caused carer’s allowance crisis
Most of money earmarked to fix ‘systemic’ problems expected to pay for officials needed to reassess overpaymentsMinisters have set aside £75m to fix systemic failures that caused hundreds of thousands of unpaid carers to be hit with huge bills after unwittingly breaching complex and confusing benefit rules.A damning independent review, published on Tuesday, found that outdated technology, unclear guidance and a failure of leadership by ministers and senior welfare officials had led to punitive sanctions on vulnerable families. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
France to introduce voluntary military service amid threat from Russia
Macron says plan to introduce 10 months’ service among 18- and 19-year-olds will help France respond to ‘accelerating threats’Europe live – latest updatesFrance is to introduce voluntary military service of 10 months aimed mainly at young people aged 18 and 19, as concern grows in Europe about the threat from Russia.In a speech to troops in Varces-Allières-et-Risset in the French Alps, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, said the service would begin by mid-2026 and help France respond to “accelerating threats” on the global stage. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Anger swelling in Hong Kong over deadliest fire in more than 70 years
Some think that leader John Lee’s focus on blaming bamboo scaffolding deflects from the actual causeThe inferno that engulfed Wang Fuk Court residential compound in Hong Kong is still burning, but questions are already being asked about what the deadliest fire in more than 70 years means for Beijing’s grip on power in the city.The death tolls from the blaze, which tore apart seven of the eight high-rise apartment buildings in Wang Fuk Court, a residential compound home to 4,800 people, has risen to 75. Hundreds of people are still missing. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Pope Leo Lands in Turkey, Planning to Meet Erdogan With a Message of Outreach
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received Leo XIV on the opening leg of a trip that will also include Lebanon. [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong’s Worst Fire in Decades Fuels Scrutiny of Safety Lapses
The authorities said flammable netting and foam boards may have fueled the city’s deadliest blaze in nearly 70 years, killing more than 80 and prompting arrests. [Continue Reading]
Wales captain Morgan to miss start of Six Nations
Wales captain Jac Morgan faces up to five months out after surgery on the shoulder he dislocated in November's autumn series opener against Argentina. [Continue Reading]
Households face 'dismal' rise in spending power, says IFS, as Starmer defends Budget
Average disposable income is set to grow by "only" 0.5% annually over the next five years, the think tank says. [Continue Reading]
'Hang in there': Agonising wait for the missing after Hong Kong blaze
Many residents are determined to look for their loved ones - no matter if they are dead or alive. [Continue Reading]
Keir Starmer’s shock at homophobia is absurd and ignorant
Queer people are simply not feeling safe in the UK. [Continue Reading]
SAS star Ant Middleton ‘gagged’ by judge but denies spilling military secrets
The TV personality attended court today. [Continue Reading]
Who is in the Strictly 2025 Christmas special? Full line-up of confirmed contestants revealed
It's just around the corner. [Continue Reading]
The surprising front door colour loved by celebrities that can boost property value
Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis have front doors in this shade. [Continue Reading]
X Factor star hits out at Simon Cowell’s ‘selective storytelling’ over Liam Payne’s death
Cowell’s team do not accept the criticisms directed at him. [Continue Reading]
Give the gift of gut health this Christmas as Symprove launches huge sale
Happy gut, happy life. [Continue Reading]
Christy Nolan posthumously awarded degree from TCD
Poet and author Christy Nolan who died in 2009 has been posthumously awarded a degree from Trinity College Dublin. [Continue Reading]
Mother of conjoined twins named Carer of the Year
The mother of twin boys who were conjoined at birth has been recognised for the care she has given them amid their "lifelong medical challenges". [Continue Reading]
Hunting knife used in attack on police officers in Derry
Police in Northern Ireland are investigating the attempted murder of one of their officers in Derry last night. [Continue Reading]
Project 2025 Author: "We Won't Let Anyone Stop US from Using Our Oil and Gas"
She's not a big fan of electric cars and solar energy, but she does like coal: Diana Furchtgott-Roth wrote the blueprint for Trump's energy policy in "Project 2025." DER SPIEGEL wanted to know more about how the Heritage Foundation strategist thinks. [Continue Reading]
Inside Lego's festive operation: how the iconic bricks meet holiday demand
Holiday shoppers in Denmark browse new Lego sets as factories in Billund run nonstop to meet seasonal demand. Designers and automated warehouses keep production moving. [Continue Reading]
Debenhams boss could receive almost £150m if he turns around struggling retailer
Incentive scheme for CEO of fashion group, which also includes Boohoo, comes as sales slump 23%Business live – latest updatesThe boss of Boohoo and Debenhams could collect almost £150m in shares if he significantly boosts the value of the struggling fashion group, which is battling to turnaround sliding sales.Debenhams Group said on Thursday that Dan Finley, the chief executive, is in line to receive £148.1m in stock in five years’ time, as part of an incentive scheme for top bosses worth more than £200m. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Willow trees on Prince William’s land in Devon poisoned with herbicide
Exclusive: Unknown culprit suspected of spraying glyphosate on protected trees hoped to stop peat erosion and floodingTrees planted as part of a nature restoration project on Prince William’s land in Dartmoor national park have been deliberately poisoned with herbicide, sparking outrage and a hunt for the culprit.The willow trees, on Duchy of Cornwall land, were planted as part of a project to stop peat erosion, store carbon and reduce the risk of flooding. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Budget tax rises may be ‘fiscal fiction’ as pain delayed for election year, IFS warns
Thinktank predicts backloading may force Labour to abandon tax rises or spending cuts Rachel Reeves has positioned Labour to fight the next general election with tax increases and spending cuts that resemble a work of “fiscal fiction”, an analysis by leading economists has warned.In its verdict on the chancellor’s budget, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said the chancellor had chosen a high-risk strategy by backloading her plans to start just before voters go the polls in 2029. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]