The Loneliness of Using a Faith-Based Chatbot
Faith is not meant to be transactional or tailored to you. [Continue Reading]
Health Care, Ukraine Differences Roil a Chaotic G.O.P. Congress
Republican lawmakers and the White House have unloaded on one another as post-shutdown tension over policy and performance spreads across Capitol Hill. [Continue Reading]
‘In Triage Every Day’: A Beleaguered Speaker Says He’s Overwhelmed
In a podcast interview, Speaker Mike Johnson opened up about the crushing demands of a job that he joked was his in name only. [Continue Reading]
Colorado Judge Tells Immigration Agents to Stop Arrests Without Warrants
The ruling that immigration agents are acting illegally is the latest to rebuke the Trump administration’s tactics, but earlier orders have been blocked on appeal. [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong reels from most severe fire in over a decade - what we know so far
The death toll continues to rise and hundreds are missing, as firefighters struggle to put out the fire. [Continue Reading]
England's Abby Dow on why she's retiring at 28 - despite winning Rugby World Cup
England's World Cup-winning wing Abby Dow announces her retirement from rugby at the age of 28 in order to focus on a career in mechanical engineering. [Continue Reading]
National Guard soldiers shot as ‘gunman’ detained close to White House
A gunman opened fire at people near Farragut Metro station just a mile away from the White House. [Continue Reading]
Peter Kay announces new tour dates after he was forced to cancel shows for surgery
'You don't even have to like me to come.' [Continue Reading]
Keir Starmer’s fury after neice and wife ‘beaten by blokes for holding hands’
'I thought the days of beating up people because they were gay were well behind us.' [Continue Reading]
Two US national guard soldiers shot and suspect in custody in Washington DC
Homeland security secretary says two soldiers were shot, following incident near Farragut West metro stationUS politics live – latest updatesTwo US national guard soldiers were shot on Wednesday near the White House and their conditions aren’t immediately known.“Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington DC” Kristi Noem, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, posted on X, adding that the agency is working with local law enforcement to gather more information. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Trump calls New York Times reporter ‘ugly’ in latest insult to female journalist
In a Truth Social post, the president lashed out at journalist Katie Rogers after an article questioned whether he was slowing downDonald Trump lashed out on Wednesday against a New York Times reporter, calling her “ugly inside and out” in his latest personal insult against female members of the media after last week calling another “piggy”.In a Truth Social post, Trump criticized the newspaper for an article suggesting he was running low on energy in his 80th year, insisting he had “never worked so hard in my life”. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Suspect in custody after two national guard members shot near White House – live
Homeland security secretary Kristi Noem confirmed two guardsmen were shot WednesdayTwo US national guard soldiers shot near White House in Washington DCBloomberg’s scoop showing how Trump aide Steve Witkoff coached the Kremlin on the best way to get into Trump’s good graces is extraordinary for what it tells us about Witkoff’s dubious loyalties, and the Kremlin’s potential influence over US negotiation efforts. But equally interesting is the leaked material itself and where it may have come from.The story covers two intercepted phone calls: one between Witkoff and top Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, and another between Ushakov and Kirill Dmitriev, who... [Continue Reading]
Albanese and Ley to decide members of ‘secret’ new committee set to scrutinise Aukus – but Greens excluded
No more than seven government MPs will be appointed but Greens and independents will not be includedFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Aukus nuclear submarine deal and Australia’s involvement in military conflicts will be considered by a secretive new committee of federal parliament, dubbed a “closed shop” by the Greens over plans to exclude minor parties and independents.Labor and the Coalition are preparing to pass legislation to establish a joint House and Senate committee on defence as soon as Thursday, with a makeup mirroring the powerful parliamentary... [Continue Reading]
Bamboo scaffolding may be to blame for spread of Hong Kong tower block fire
Hong Kong is one of the last places in the world where bamboo is widely used by construction workersDeath toll in Hong Kong tower block fire rises to 36 with 279 reported missingA deadly fire in an apartment complex in Hong Kong appears to have spread in part because the buildings were sheathed in bamboo scaffolding, a traditional building material that the authorities have been phasing out for safety reasons.Dozens of people died on Wednesday in Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades. The blaze tore through the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po, in the northern New Territories.... [Continue Reading]
Death toll in Hong Kong tower block fire rises to 36 with 279 reported missing
Huge blaze broke out at Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po district on WednesdayBamboo scaffolding may be to blame for spread of Hong Kong tower block fireThe death toll from a huge fire that has engulfed several residential tower blocks in Hong Kong has risen to 36, with a further 279 people reported missing, the city’s leader, John Lee, said in the early hours of Thursday morning.A taskforce has been set up to investigate the cause of the fire, which broke out on Wednesday afternoon at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po, in the northern... [Continue Reading]
Trump officials halt protected status for Haitians in US
Homeland security secretary Kristi Noem says allowing Haitians to remain is ‘contrary to US national interest’The Trump administration has once again moved to halt humanitarian protections for Haitians living in the US, this time announcing that their temporary protected status (TPS) will expire on 3 February.According to a new Department of Homeland Security notice issued on Wednesday, TPS for approximately 340,000 Haitian migrants will be terminated next year. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
India ‘examining’ Bangladesh extradition request for convicted ex-PM Hasina
Indian officials say they are examining Dhaka's latest request, made after Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia. [Continue Reading]
Ireland tightens immigration rules to check population growth
The tough new measures come amid record numbers of asylum claims and growing tensions over immigration. [Continue Reading]
Peruvian ex-President Martin Vizcarra sentenced to 14 years in prison
Vizcarra, a leader in the Peru First party, was found guilty of leading a corruption scheme when he was a governor. [Continue Reading]
Larry Bushart Posted a Charlie Kirk Meme. He Went to Jail for 37 Days.
The best way to honor Charlie Kirk is not to criminalize speech. [Continue Reading]
Five-Ingredient, Easy Thanksgiving Recipes
Turkey, potatoes and dessert don’t need to be fussy. Keep the shopping and cooking simple so you can enjoy the day. [Continue Reading]
ICE Detains Mother of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s Nephew
Bruna Caroline Ferreira, the mother of a nephew of the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, was pulled over and arrested on her way to pick up her son from school, Ms. Ferreira’s lawyer said. [Continue Reading]
National Guard soldiers feared shot as gunman sprays bullets close to White House
A gunman opened fire at people near Farragut Metro station just a mile away from the White House. [Continue Reading]
Jean faces even more heartbreak as another exit looms in EastEnders
The Slaters are tormented, and Zoe and Jean point fingers... [Continue Reading]
Emmerdale just planted a major Coronation Street crossover clue – did you spot it?
The big event is getting closer! [Continue Reading]
Kev rocked to the core in Emmerdale as he discovers the truth about Robert and Aaron
They should be worried. [Continue Reading]
Peter Kay adds Irish fundraiser date to sold-out tour
Peter Kay will bring his record-breaking stand-up tour to a close in Dublin next year, with a final 3Arena date added in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. [Continue Reading]
How Rachel Reeves’s budget was leaked 40 minutes early
By the time the chancellor reached the dispatch box, the OBR had accidentally published its verdict in full onlineAt a glance: the key points from the budgetShortly before midday on Wednesday, a series of headlines about Rachel Reeves’s budget began appearing on the Reuters newswire, sending instant ripples though financial markets.The details were jaw-dropping: they appeared to spell out the key policies of the chancellor’s budget more than 40 minutes before she was due to deliver them to a crowded Commons chamber. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Relief for retailers as business rate changes in budget not as bad as feared
Sainsbury’s chief executive says ‘industry concerns have been heard’, although others outside retail industry are left frustrated by changesRetailers have breathed a sigh of relief after changes to their business rates bills in the budget were not as bad as feared, after the industry had warned for months that more punitive measures could lead to shop closures and jobs losses.The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, on Wednesday revealed plans to permanently reduce business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties – although the discounts are not as generous as those that have been in place since the pandemic. About 750,000 properties in... [Continue Reading]
Pam Hogg, fashion designer with a rock’n’roll spirit, dies at 66
‘100% party girl’ and key part of 1980s London club scene designed for Rihanna, Björk, Kylie Minogue and Debbie HarryPam Hogg, the fashion designer who brought together fashion and music on the catwalk in the 1980s, has died aged 66, her family have said.Hogg, whose bold, futuristic designs were worn by stars including Rihanna, Kate Moss and Blondie’s Debbie Harry, died “surrounded by the loving care of cherished friends and family”, her family posted on Instagram. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
OBR warns Reeves’s budget still leaves public finances in ‘vulnerable’ position
Damaging events could knock finances off course, says Treasury’s independent forecaster as it downgrades growth outlookReeves says budget will cut living costs after shock OBR leakBudget 2025: key points at a glanceThe Treasury’s independent forecaster has warned that Rachel Reeves’s tax-raising budget will still leave the public finances in a “vulnerable” position despite her more than doubling the UK’s financial buffer.The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) said the potential for damaging events – such as a global stock market crash or future pandemic – to knock the government’s finances off course remained high, even while the chancellor increased her headroom... [Continue Reading]
Online ‘ghost stores’ capitalising on Christmas and Black Friday sales to lure shoppers, ACCC warns
Consumers advised to be sceptical about sales season discounts as AI makes it even harder to detect scamsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSo-called “ghost store” operators are taking advantage of Christmas and Black Friday to lure shoppers to their websites, as the consumer regulator warns Australians that artificial intelligence is making it even harder to identify deceptive retailers.The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) considers ghost stores – which falsely market themselves as local brands – to be “scam adjacent”, as some send imitation products from overseas... [Continue Reading]
Australia’s emissions from fossil fuels down as electricity from renewables passes 40%
While greenhouse gas emissions fell 2.2% or 9.9m tonnes last financial year, new policies are needed to meet the 2035 targetSign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter hereFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesAustralia’s greenhouse gas emissions fell 2.2% last financial year, in what the Albanese government says is the largest annual drop due to reduced fossil fuel use outside the Covid-19 pandemic.About half of the 9.9m tonnes reduction was due to an increase in solar and wind generation pushing coal-fired power out of the system, according to new government data to... [Continue Reading]
Australia politics live: speculation grows over Barnaby Joyce defection to One Nation; AI ‘nudify’ service blocks Australians
Former Nationals leader could announce his decision to quit as early as today, reports claim. Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastVictoria Police have confirmed they have launched another search for the body of Samantha Murphy, who was last seen alive on 4 February 2024 when she left her home in Ballarat for a morning run.The search began yesterday and will resume today.Since February 2024, police have regularly undertaken a range of enquiries and small-scale searches as part of the current investigation.We are not in a position to supply further specific details of... [Continue Reading]
‘Progress is happening’: gender pay gap narrows but Australian women still earn $28,000 less than men
Western Australian employers reported the biggest pay gap and Tasmanian employers the smallest, but all states reported an improvement, study findsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralia’s gender pay gap narrowed further in 2025, but women still earn on average about $28,000 a year less than men, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency’s latest equality scorecard has revealed.Women earn, on average, 78.9 cents for every $1 men earn, according to the analysis of 5.4 million Australian workers across more than 8,200 employers. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Trump administration nixes temporary immigration protections for Haitians
Homeland Security Secretary Noem determines it is safe for Haitians to return home, despite widespread gang violence. [Continue Reading]
Deadly floods swamp homes in Thailand as residents wait for aid
Heavy rainfall in southern Thailand has caused flooding that left thousands stranded and at least 33 people dead. [Continue Reading]
Man jailed for coercive control of partner in caravan
Antonio Villafane charmed Sally Ann Norman before subjecting her to seven years of violent abuse. [Continue Reading]
'I am devastated': Hong Kong residents in disbelief after fire destroys blocks of flats
Efforts to control the blaze are continuing as locals wait for news of missing loved ones. [Continue Reading]
Mikel Arteta explains surprise team selection for Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
'Everybody has to be at it and alive.' [Continue Reading]
Podcast: The crimes of disgraced surgeon Michael Shine
Today, the Government announced a 16 week scoping inquiry into abuse by former surgeon Michael Shine. [Continue Reading]
Trump calls New York Times reporter ‘ugly’ after branding another journalist ‘piggy’
In a Truth Social post, the president lashed out at journalist Katie Rogers after an article questioned whether he was slowing downDonald Trump lashed out on Wednesday against a New York Times reporter, calling her “ugly inside and out” in his latest personal insult against female members of the media after last week calling another “piggy”.In a Truth Social post, Trump criticitized the newspaper for an article suggesting he was running low on energy in his 80th year, insisting he has “never worked so hard in my life”. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Asylum seekers in UK go on hunger strike over ‘one in, one out’ removals
Many of the 30 people taking part in the protest are scheduled to be forcibly returned to France on ThursdayThirty asylum seekers in detention in the UK have gone on hunger strike in protest against their imminent removal to France under the Home Office’s controversial “one in, one out” scheme.The Guardian understands the group began their hunger strike on Monday and many are due to be forcibly removed to France on Thursday. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
‘A win for nature and people’: Elizabeth line soil used to create Essex bird haven
A record 39,000 birds are overwintering on Wallasea island wetlands thanks to soil transported from London tunnelsAlmost 40,000 birds have made their home on a nature reserve created using soil from tunnel excavations for the Elizabeth line.Three million tonnes of earth were transported from London to Wallasea island in Essex and used to lift the ground level and make wetlands. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Labour’s plan to slash jury trials at odds with Starmer’s past calls to expand them
PM once advocated for all criminal cases to be heard before juries, even those at magistrates court level, it has emergedBudget 2025 – live updatesDavid Lammy’s plans to drop juries for all except the most serious cases will create “further unfairness and miscarriages of justice” for black, Asian and minority ethnic defendants, critics have claimed.A leading barrister and pressure groups have cited the justice secretary’s own 2017 review into prejudice in the criminal justice system as evidence that juries help to root out racism. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Death toll in Hong Kong tower block fire rises to 36 with 279 reported missing
Huge blaze broke out at Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Poin Tai Po district on WednesdayBamboo scaffolding may be to blame for spread of Hong Kong tower block fireThe death toll from a huge fire that has engulfed several residential tower blocks in Hong Kong has risen to 36, with a further 279 people reported missing, the city’s leader, John Lee, said in the early hours of Thursday morning.A taskforce has been set up to investigate the cause of the fire, which broke out on Wednesday afternoon at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po, in... [Continue Reading]
Bamboo scaffolding may be to blame for spread of Hong Kong tower block fire
Hong Kong is one of the last places in the world where bamboo is widely by construction workersDeath toll in Hong Kong tower block fire rises to 36 with 279 reported missingA deadly fire in an apartment complex in Hong Kong appears to have spread in part because the buildings were sheathed in bamboo scaffolding, a traditional building material that the authorities have been phasing out for safety reasons.Dozens of people died on Wednesday in Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades. The blaze tore through the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po, in the northern New Territories. The... [Continue Reading]
Trump officials halt protected status for Haitians in US
Homeland security secretary Kristi Noem says allowing Haitians to remain is ‘contrary to US national interest’The Trump administration has once again moved to halt humanitarian protections for Haitians living in the US, this time announcing that their temporary protected status (TPS) will expire on February 3.According to a new Department of Homeland Security notice issued on Wednesday, TPS for approximately 340,000 Haitian migrants will be terminated next year. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Aftermath of Homs killings may mark turning point for Syria’s government
Syrian government security deployments helped avoid sectarian violence, unlike previous incidents this year. [Continue Reading]
Trump Administration Will No Longer Commemorate World AIDS Day
The State Department warned employees not to use government funds for the occasion and to “refrain from publicly promoting World AIDS Day through any communication channels.” [Continue Reading]