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Post your questions for Martin Clunes

His credits range from Men Behaving Badly to Wuthering Heights, and now he’s playing Huw Edwards. What would you dearly love to know about the actor and documentary presenter? It’s delightful that Martin Clunes has won so many plaudits for his performance in this year’s Wuthering Heights, alongside Margot Robbie’s Cathy and Jacob Elordi’s Heathcliff. He plays Cathy’s drunk but generous, cruel yet humorous father in a part that could easily have drifted into the background. But he makes such an impression that the Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw reckons he “ pretty much pinches the whole film ”. It’s not as if Clunes hasn’t brushed shoulders with the Hollywood A-list before. You might remember him as Richard Burbage, opposite Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes and Judi Dench, in 1998’s Shakespeare in Love – a role with added resonance given that his father, Alec Clunes, who died when Clunes was eight, was a distinguished Shakespearean actor. Other roles include 1992’s Carry On Columbus (the la...

Lord Allen to become latest casualty of horse racing’s intractable politics

It was possible to spin his 2025 arrival as a clean slate but the former businessman soon lost the confidence of key players The wait continues for confirmation that Charles Allen’s brief, troubled – and ultimately ineffectual – tenure as chair of the British Horseracing Authority is over. In racing terms, however, he is nine-tenths out of the saddle, his backside inching towards the turf and gravity is about to take over. Even in the thankless and intractable world of racing politics, few stars have waned as rapidly as that of Lord Allen of Kensington, a former businessman and senior broadcasting executive who arrived in September at the BHA promising to restructure the sport’s governance and, in the words of his day-one mission statement, “develop British racing into a modern commercial and cultural powerhouse”. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/WOa9F4z

The Guardian view on an explosion of solo exhibitions by women: move over old masters | Editorial

From a landmark Tracey Emin show at Tate Modern to the first female painter in the Royal Academy’s main space, the art world is finally catching up “Do women have to be naked to get into the Met Museum?” the feminist art collective Guerrilla Girls asked in their famous 1989 poster . It pointed out that fewer than 5% of the artists in the modern art sections were women, but 85% of the nudes were female. They could have asked the same question of any major art gallery in the world. Four decades later, this year’s biggest UK exhibitions finally show a different picture. Dame Tracey Emin might be naked in many of her self-portraits, but that isn’t what got her into Tate Modern for a landmark retrospective . Rose Wylie , 91, is the first female painter to have a solo exhibition at the Royal Academy . The Colombian artist Beatriz González (who died, aged 93, in January) is at the Barbican . And that is just this week’s openings. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/vXyV...

Son of rapper Lil Jon drowned after ingesting hallucinogenic mushrooms

Body of Nathan Smith, known professionally as DJ Young Slade, was found in pond north of Atlanta in February The son of the rapper Lil Jon drowned after ingesting hallucinogenic mushrooms, officials in the US state of Georgia said. The body of Nathan Smith, known professionally as DJ Young Slade, was found in a pond north of Atlanta in early February. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/FMYgOHt

At least 80 children dead as missile reportedly hits school in southern Iran

The building appears to be among many devastated in Trump’s ‘major combat operations’ as long expected attacks arrive US-Israeli attack on Iran – live updates US and Israel strikes on Iran: what we know so far Iran’s parents had just dropped their children off for class on Saturday morning when they found themselves racing back to school gates, as bombs began to fall across the country in a joint US-Israel attack. At one elementary school, according to Iran’s state-controlled media, they arrived to find devastation. At least 80 children had been killed in the strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran, the IRNA news agency reported, with dozens more unaccounted for. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/EN3j7Mm

UK social media ban for under-16s edges closer with Starmer expected to back it

Liz Kendall to launch consultation next week that will also explore alternatives such as curbs on infinite scrolling Ministers will take another step towards banning social media for under-16s next week as they launch a consultation on the policy, with government insiders increasingly certain Keir Starmer will back the idea. Liz Kendall, the technology secretary, will publish the terms of reference for the consultation, which is expected to explore options including an age limit and less hardline action such as curbs on infinite scrolling. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/bT5jVUZ

Doom Bar maker Sharp’s Brewery in Cornwall to be closed by US owner

Molson Coors says site, as well as national call centre in Wales, ‘no longer financially sustainable’ The Cornish brewery that makes Doom Bar ale is to be closed by its US owner, throwing the popular beer brand’s future into doubt and putting about 200 jobs at risk. The drinks company Molson Coors said it plans to shut Sharp’s Brewery in Rock, Wadebridge, along with its national call centre in Wales, saying it was “no longer financially sustainable”. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/bcdiBDg

Louvre president resigns as jewellery heist inquiry reveals ‘systemic failures’

Laurence des Cars steps down days after parliamentary inquiry called Paris museum a ‘state within a state’ The president of the Louvre in Paris has resigned, four months after a gang of thieves broke into the museum’s Apollo gallery and made off with €88m (£76m) of Napoleonic jewellery in France’s most dramatic heist in decades . Laurence des Cars, who had offered to step down in the immediate aftermath of the burglary, tendered her resignation to Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday in what the French president called “an act of responsibility”, the Elysée Palace said. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/9tacFsq

Ex-Mail on Sunday editor denies misleading inquiry over private investigator

Peter Wright confronted in high court over evidence on newspaper’s relationship with convicted investigator The former editor of the Mail on Sunday has denied claims he misled the Leveson inquiry into press standards over the newspaper’s involvement with corrupt private investigators. Appearing at the high court, Peter Wright, who edited the Sunday newspaper from 1998 to 2012, said some of the allegations aimed at the title – which include landline tapping and bugging – were “just incredible”. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/USwViKW

England to conduct ‘uncomfortable’ review of Six Nations defeat by Ireland

George Ford: ‘We want to get to root of the problems’ Second straight loss destroyed championship hopes George Ford has vowed that England will conduct a “properly honest” and “uncomfortable” review of their Six Nations humiliation against Ireland on Saturday. The hosts collapsed spectacularly in the face of an Irish onslaught at Twickenham, falling 22-0 behind after half an hour, with Ford’s surprising inaccuracy at fly-half exemplifying an error-strewn team display. The Sale No 10 missed two kicks for touch which proved terminal to England’s hopes of applying pressure in the decisive early stages. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/I9Fmu3j

European football: Barça retake top spot, Atalanta fight back to beat Napoli

Fermín López caps 3-0 win over Levante Atalanta strike late to beat Napoli 2-1 Barcelona returned to the top of La Liga with a 3-0 victory over relegation-threatened Levante as Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong and substitute Fermín López struck at Camp Nou. Last season’s champions moved to 61 points from 25 games, one ahead of Real Madrid after their rivals’ defeat by Osasuna on Saturday. Barça had slipped to second following last week’s 2-1 loss to Girona but rarely looked troubled by a Levante side second from bottom on 18 points. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/P15IBU3

Prominent Brits are facing a reckoning over Epstein. In the US, not so much | Arwa Mahdawi

After Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, officials said ‘nobody is above the law’. Sadly that doesn’t seem true Schadenfreude isn’t a particularly noble sentiment. But who cares, eh? These days bad things never seem to happen to bad people; accountability is fleetingly rare. So I think we should all take a moment to really appreciate how glorious the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday was. Not only was the disgraced royal dragged in for questioning like a mere commoner; the arrest happened on his 66th birthday. Instead of birthday cake, he got his just deserts. And, to top things off, the occasion was immortalized with a photo – an instant classic – of Andrew leaving the police station looking shell shocked and decrepit. Arwa Mahdawi is a Guardian columnist Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/CE3ImX1

Mexican security forces reportedly kill drug cartel boss ‘El Mencho’

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was one of world’s most wanted drug traffickers One of the world’s most wanted drug traffickers – the Mexican cartel boss known as “El Mencho” – has reportedly been killed by his country’s security forces. The drug lord, whose real name is Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes , was killed on Sunday in the western state of Jalisco, Mexican newspapers reported, citing government sources. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/wmjc3Mq

Russell inspires Scotland to thrilling Six Nations comeback win against Wales

Wales 23-26 Scotland Finn Russell scores 11 points in second-half turnaround Scotland pulled off a dramatic comeback win against Wales to back up their impressive Calcutta Cup success the previous week. Hosts Wales had the lead at half-time thanks to a spark lit by the wing Josh Adams but the visitors managed to fight their way to victory with a feeling they were lucky to come away with five points. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/dqDK9fC

Scottish Premiership: Islam Chesnokov gets Hearts’ title push back on track

New signing makes mark as leaders see off Falkirk Dundee win at Aberdeen; Kilmarnock snatch draw Hearts got their Premiership title push back on track with a 1-0 win over Falkirk at Tynecastle. The Jambos, beaten 4-2 at rivals Rangers last weekend, broke the deadlock just before half-time when the January signing Islam Chesnokov lashed home his first goal for the club. Hearts held out to move five points clear of Rangers, who travel to bottom side Livingston on Sunday. Ethan Hamilton’s late goal gave Dundee a 3-2 win at 10-man Aberdeen , who had Liam Morrison sent off just before half-time. The Dons had gone in front after 13 minutes when Kevin Nisbet’s shot was fumbled by the Dundee keeper, Jon McCracken, and looked to have gone over the line before Toyosi Olusanya knocked in the rebound. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/FszO5CX

At least five people killed in string of avalanches in Austria

Fatalities and injuries reported in avalanches across Tirol after prolonged snowfall and windy conditions At least five people have been killed in a string of avalanches in Austria, authorities said on Saturday. The government office of the Tirol region said intense snowfall over the last week had led to accumulations of up to 1.5 metres (5ft). Combined with strong winds and weak snowpack below, the conditions were especially susceptible to avalanches, it said. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/1xoO7re

Let a thousand stinky blossoms bloom: how Australia became the world’s corpse flower destination

Australian collections of the endangered and notoriously unpredictable flowers have popped off in recent years, as ‘personas’ like Putricia, Stinkerella and Smellanie prove a hit with nosy spectators Sign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter here From little things glorious fetid things grow. Corpse flower blooms, once vanishingly rare, are becoming more commonplace in Australia. More than a dozen bloomed across the country in 2025, including the infamous Putricia in Sydney , Morpheus in Canberra, Big Betty in Cooktown, and Spud and co in Cairns. But with plants kept in gardens across the country, and blooming more frequently after their first flower, you could catch a whiff of one soon. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/VaQ4Ume

French prosecutor seeks murder charges over killing of far-right activist

Political tensions rise after fatal attack at protest in Lyon as Emmanuel Macron hits out over remarks by Italian PM A French prosecutor is seeking murder charges against seven suspects in the fatal beating of a far-right activist that has fuelled political anger beyond France’s borders, prompting Emmanuel Macron to tell Italy’s Giorgia Meloni to keep out of French affairs. Quentin Deranque, 23, died from head injuries after being attacked by at least six people on the sidelines of a far-right protest in Lyon on 12 February. Most of the 11 suspects who have been detained are from far-left movements. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/EnXTOSb

Bad Bunny set for first lead acting role in historical drama Porto Rico

The Grammy winner will star alongside Edward Norton and Javier Bardem in a film inspired by an early 20th century revolutionary, directed by rapper Residente Fresh off his victorious Super Bowl half-time show, Bad Bunny will take on his first lead acting role. The rapper and sometime actor will star in Porto Rico, a love letter to his home of Puerto Rico directed by the veteran rapper René “Residente” Pérez Joglar. As announced by Deadline , the film boasts a starry cast including Viggo Mortensen, Javier Bardem and Edward Norton, as well as executive producer Alejandro G Iñárritu, director of Birdman and The Revenant. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/Z6T3eC1

The Guardian view on local government elections: fix the system, not the timetable | Editorial

Labour can justify local government reform. It cannot justify delaying elections. Tweaking maps won’t enrage voters; stagnant pay and broken services will Being forced to abandon plans to delay local elections in England with fewer than three months’ notice is not just another policy U-turn by the government. It brings to a head issues of aptitude and judgment. The rationale seemed sound: avoid electing councillors to bodies that would be abolished under Labour’s reorganisation of local government. The political problem was that 21 of the 30 councils were Labour-led. That created a perception – fair or not – of democratic manipulation. The elections should have gone ahead. The Electoral Commission last December warned of “unprecedented” uncertainty around them. The commission was clear: “Scheduled elections should as a rule go ahead as planned, and only be postponed in exceptional circumstances.” Changing course late in the day puts their smooth running at risk and piles pressure ...

Benfica v Real Madrid, Monaco v PSG, and more: Champions League – live

⚽ Champions League updates from the first-leg matches ⚽ Live scores | Follow us over on Bluesky | And email Scott The free kick is just to the right of the Juve box. Gabriel Sara whips it in viciously. All Davinson Sánchez has to do is tickle the ball with his eyebrow to send it across Michele Di Gregorio and into the top left. He couldn’t miss! Sara put that on a plate, a world-class delivery. And the hosts respond to Juve’s turnaround with one of their own. What a match this is! Galatasaray 2-2 Juventus. Juan Cabal brings down Barış Alper Yılmaz, flying down the right, just to the side of the box. Cabal goes into the book, and nearly earns a second booking by pawing at the referee’s arm, Danny Makkelie telling him to get his hands off in angry fashion. And from the resulting free kick … Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/oX07tpO

Grand National field ‘stands out’ in 2026 with elite runners and promising underdogs

Top dozen horses for Aintree all rated 160 or above I Am Maximus is top weight above Nick Rockett The unveiling of the weights for the 2026 Grand National started with a montage of clips from 50 years ago, when the world’s most famous steeplechase was at its lowest ebb, the crowd had dipped below 10,000 and the track was odds-on to be sold off for housing. It was, as Ruby Walsh pointed out on the voiceover, a reminder of how the National has been revived and transformed. A glance back no further than the 2011 Grand National, however, also offers clear evidence of how much the great race has changed, even in the space of 15 years. The field, of course, is now down to a maximum of 34, rather than the 40 runners that we all grew up with, but it is the depth of quality in the names, ratings and weights that were published on Tuesday that stands out. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/O2dJvKV

Keir Starmer buys personalised silver cufflinks given by Trump on state visit

Official rules say government should keep gifts worth more than £140 unless ministers pay the value over that limit Keir Starmer has bought a pair of personalised silver cufflinks which were given to him by Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, according to the latest transparency records . The cufflinks, which were worth more than £140, were an official gift from the Trumps during the US president’s second state visit last September. They were the second gift from Trump that Starmer has chosen to buy, having paid for a personalised necklace last year. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/WIN9GgL

Producer of Israeli spy thriller found dead in Athens hotel

Dana Eden, 52, co-creator of hit TV series Tehran, reported to have taken her own life on Sunday, according to Greek police The co-creator of an Israeli hit TV series has been found dead in a hotel room in Athens where the fourth season of the spy thriller is being filmed. Dana Eden, 52, was discovered by her brother late on Sunday, Greek police said, attributing her death to suicide. Her passing was described as “a moment of great sorrow for the family, friends, and colleagues” by Donna and Shula Productions, the international production company set up by Eden. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie . In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org , or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org Continue ...

US teen who pushed for her father’s release from ICE custody dies of cancer

Ofelia Torres, 16, spotlighted her dad Ruben’s illegal detention last fall during Trump’s crackdown in Chicago A Chicago teenager, whose father was detained by immigration authorities while she navigated cancer, died on Friday, a family spokesperson said. Ofelia Torres, a 16-year-old in Chicago, had been undergoing treatment for an aggressive and rare form of cancer since late 2024. As she and her family struggled with the medical procedures, her father, Ruben Torres Maldonado, was detained by immigration authorities while at a Home Depot in October, leading to a contentious and public case that highlighted the human effects of the Trump administration ’s aggressive immigration crackdown . Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/lK4cZS6

The ‘grey divorce’ phenomenon doesn’t signal a retreat from love. It’s a redefinition of it | Lisa Portolan

Love has long been framed as a pursuit of the young, but this narrative lags behind reality As Valentine’s Day approaches, we are once again flooded with the usual suspects: roses, chocolates, sophisticated dinners and glossy ads featuring young heterosexual couples staring earnestly into each other’s eyes. The problem isn’t just that this version of romance is exclusionary – though it is – it’s that it’s profoundly out of step with how love is actually being lived, negotiated and reimagined in contemporary Australia. Culturally, love has long been framed as a pursuit of the young. From Romeo and Juliet to Normal People, from Bridget Jones to When Harry Met Sally, romantic fulfilment is depicted as something you secure early; ideally before your knees give out or your mortgage locks in. The message is consistent: find love in your twenties or thirties, settle down, and then coast (emotionally paired and narratively complete) until death do you part. Lisa Portolan is an academic. Her...

Assailants kill at least 30 in north-west Nigerian villages, residents say

Residents who escaped violence tell of bandits riding in on motorbikes and shooting indiscriminately Armed assailants on motorbikes killed at least 30 people and burned houses and shops during raids on three villages in north-west Nigeria’s Niger state early on Saturday, residents who escaped the violence told Reuters. The attacks on villages in the Borgu local government area, near the border with Benin Republic, are part of a surge in attacks blamed on “bandits” who have carried out deadly assaults, abductions for ransom, and displaced communities across northern Nigeria. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/BgWF9ip

The Guardian view on Starmer’s trust crisis: it is unlikely to be managed away | Editorial

At a moment of stagnation and political drift, Andy Burnham’s push for a new plan suggests the centre-left debate has moved beyond Downing Street Once a political leader’s net favourability sinks deep into negative territory, recovery is the exception, not the rule. It usually takes an economic rebound, a dramatic political reset or an opposition implosion to reverse the slide. Sir Keir Starmer’s personal ratings are in a danger zone from which few escape. Yet the prime minister, like the Bourbons, has learnt nothing and forgotten nothing. He made a speech this week after coming close to being ousted suggesting he would “ fight ” on. He doubled down in parliament despite glaring errors in judgment. He forced out his cabinet secretary while his own failures remain unaddressed. He seemed to blame everyone but himself. When support slips and a leader answers with defiance, voters don’t see strength – they see denial. Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this arti...

Hull City v Chelsea: FA Cup fourth round – live

⚽ FA Cup fourth-round updates, 7.45pm (GMT) kick-off ⚽ Live scoreboard | Follow us on Bluesky | Email John Seven changes for Chelsea with Cole Palmer, Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez and Joao Pedro all stepping down. It still looks a pretty strong team though how cohesive will the starting team be? Si x changes, and with some regret for Hull , with the EFL a clear priority. Not much magic in a selection that drops Ivor Pandur, Charlie Hughes, John Lundstram, Joe Gelhardt, Oli McBurnie and Kyle Joseph. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/Bto7I1c

China’s Yangtze River shows signs of remarkable recovery after fishing ban

Doubling of fish biomass and rebounding of endangered species shows government measures starting to work, biologists say The Yangtze River in China, which has been in ecological decline for 70 years, is showing signs of recovery thanks to a sweeping fishing ban. The ban was made more effective by the implementation of “evolutionary game theory”, which included finding alternative employment for fishers. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/zToc7hd

Trump officials face tense congressional hearings; president hosts Israeli prime minister Netanyahu – US politics live

US attorney general Pam Bondi and veteran affairs secretary Doug Collins clash with House Democrats; Trump hosts Netanyahu amid Iran tensions Transportation secretary Sean Duffy said the El Paso airport closure was to “address a cartel drone incursion”. “The threat has been neutralized, and there is no danger to commercial travel in the region,” Duffy said on social media. “The restrictions have been lifted and normal flights are resuming.” Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/pkithxT

Prediction market Kalshi reached $1bn in trading volume during Super Bowl

Kalshi says ‘incredible weekend’ after $145m in bets on Bad Bunny’s opening song and guests during half-time show Online prediction market Kalshi hit a daily record on Super Bowl Sunday, surpassing $1bn in trading volume, the company announced on Tuesday. Kalshi’s CEO, Tarek Mansour, called it an “incredible weekend”, telling CNBC that “Kalshi was the biggest brand of the Super Bowl this year, without running a Super Bowl ad”. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/5s4XuiY

Prominent Venezuelan opposition politician detained hours after release

Prosecutor claims Juan Pablo Guanipa was re-arrested due to non-compliance with terms of release One of Venezuela’s most prominent opposition politicians, Juan Pablo Guanipa, has been detained by security forces just hours after being released from prison, as the South American country’s leaders sent mixed signals about their commitment to political reform after Nicolás Maduro’s downfall. Guanipa, who is a close ally of the Nobel laureate María Corina Machado, emerged from nearly nine months’ detention on Sunday – one of at least 35 political prisoners to be freed over the course of the day. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/E0kI6oL

‘It would have been a horrible one to lose’: Curran relieved after England’s Nepal scare

‘You can’t underestimate these guys any more’ Curran’s final-over heroics sealed four-run win England flirted with one of the great T20 World Cup upsets in Mumbai before getting their campaign under way with victory against Nepal by four runs and, although they did not lose the game, Sam Curran insisted they had lost any sense of complacency. “We take those two points and take great confidence, because it wouldn’t have been a nice dressing room this evening,” said Curran, who conceded just five runs in the final over to decide the game. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/P0tLEqS

One battle after another: Sam Darnold’s stubborn route to the Super Bowl

The Seahawks quarterback was once seen as just another high-profile quarterback bust. But now he is one win from clinching the NFL title For the teams, the reality of the Super Bowl hits like deja vu: a ritual they’ve watched and fantasized about for years suddenly arrives, sucking them into its vast, chaotic center. For Sam Darnold, though, it’s a reality come full circle. San Francisco, after all, was the city that gave him a chance after he crashed and burned in New York and washed out in Carolina, long after most around the NFL had consigned him to history’s pile of first-round draft busts. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/KZkBa0w

Actor Timothy Busfield indicted in New Mexico on child sex abuse charges

Acts are alleged to have occurred in 2024 on set of TV drama The Cleaning Lady, which Busfield acted in and directed A grand jury in New Mexico has indicted the actor Timothy Busfield on child sex abuse charges, officials announced on Friday. Busfield was indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child, the Bernalillo county district attorney’s office said in a statement. In the US, call or text the Childhelp abuse hotline on 800-422-4453 or visit their website for more resources and to report child abuse or DM for help. For adult survivors of child abuse, help is available at ascasupport.org . In the UK, the NSPCC offers support to children on 0800 1111, and adults concerned about a child on 0808 800 5000. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood ( Napac ) offers support for adult survivors on 0808 801 0331. In Australia, children, young adults, parents and teachers can contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or Bravehearts on 1800 272 831, and ...

Rio Tinto and Glencore abandon revived $260bn merger plan

After weeks of talks mining companies say they cannot reach a deal that delivers value for shareholders Rio Tinto and Glencore have abandoned plans for a $260bn merger, walking away from a deal that would have created the world’s largest mining company. Rio Tinto said it was no longer considering a “merger or other business combination” with Glencore after it “determined that it could not reach an agreement that would deliver value to its shareholders”. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/K3M9F0J

EU deal on Ukraine loan could boost UK if it agrees to help pay costs

British firms could get more opportunities to supply defence equipment to Kyiv if agreement can be reached The UK could reap greater benefits from a €90bn (£78bn) EU loan for Ukraine, if it agrees to help pay the cost of borrowing, after European countries signed off long-awaited financial aid for Kyiv. British firms could have greater opportunities to supply defence equipment to Ukraine funded by the loan, if the government agrees a “fair” contribution towards EU borrowing costs. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/kjqIrtg

House narrowly passes funding bills to end partial government shutdown – US politics live

House passes package of five funding bills and DHS stopgap measure 217-214; measure now goes to Trump for approval Trump-Petro meeting could end in detente or discord with Colombia leader Donald Trump has continued to sow doubt in the election system. While appearing on former deputy FBI director Dan Bongino’s podcast on Monday, the president called on Republicans to “nationalize the voting,” in at least “15 places”, although he did not clarify which ones. “The Republicans should say, ‘we want to take over’,” Trump said in the interview . Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/fxwapbA

London schools face cuts to staff and budgets as pupil numbers fall

Demand for year 7 pupils is expected to fall by 7.6% over the next four years, with similar numbers expected in primary schools Schools in London could lose £45m in funding over the next four years as pupil numbers continue to fall, with secondary schools facing cuts to staff and curriculum as their budgets dwindle, a report has warned. Until now primary schools in the capital have been worst hit by falling birth rates, leading to around 90 school closures or mergers in the last five years, but the crisis is extending into secondary schools, which are facing large declines in numbers. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/8DOWqQi

Crystal Palace agree £48m deal for Strand Larsen as Mateta heads for Milan medical

Palace’s £48m bid accepted as Mateta ready for move Slot keen on bulking up squad with versatile defender Crystal Palace have had a £48m bid for Jørgen Strand Larsen accepted by Wolves, after the south London club reignited their interest in the Norway international. The striker, who joined Wolves on a permanent deal from Celta Vigo last summer for £23m, has scored one Premier League goal this season. The 25-year-old was a substitute for Wolves’s 2-0 home defeat by Bournemouth on Saturday. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/H5AYNDR

Judge denies Minnesota’s request to end ICE surge in Minneapolis

Federal immigration operation has resulted in government agents killing two people, sparking weeks of protests A federal judge has denied a request by Minnesota’s state government to end the federal immigration operation in Minneapolis that has resulted in government agents killing two people , sparking weeks of protests. The state, along with the cities of Minneapolis and St Paul, had lodged a lawsuit after the death of Renee Good, who was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ) agent this month, demanding an end to the Trump administration’s Operation Metro Surge in the city. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/stNQ894

Sam Curran takes hat-trick before Salt eases England to DLS win over Sri Lanka in first T20

1st T20: England, 125-4, bt Sri Lanka, 133, by 11 runs (DLS) Opener hits 46 as tourists win after rain delay It was an England victory set up by the wily, age-old brilliance of Adil Rashid, the vital part of their hopes for a World Cup triumph in the coming weeks. The masterful leg-spinner took three for 19 as Sri Lanka’s batting lineup collapsed in the first of three Twenty20s, losing five wickets for 22 runs. Sam Curran celebrated a late hat-trick, too, as the visitors were set a target of 134 in a 17-overs-a-side contest after rain delayed the start. They were guided by Phil Salt’s 46, but Tom Banton’s 15-ball 29 provided the real thrust, easing the tension in the middle overs. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/jaceWym

Undertone review – disappointing podcast horror is mostly skippable

Sundance film festival : there are some effective early moments in this ultra low-budget, audio-first horror but deja vu soon replaces intrigue There’s a swirl of creepy noises in A24’s new hyped-up horror Undertone – screaming, gargling, singing, banging – but nothing is quite loud enough to drown out the swirl of films it’s cribbing from. The debut feature from writer-director Ian Tuason, about horror podcasters who receive a set of mysterious recordings, has elements of Paranormal Activity, Session 9, Hereditary, The Ring, The Blair Witch Project and The Exorcist, enough sighs of familiarity to give horror fans a scary case of deja vu. It’s not that total originality is expected at this particular moment (this weekend’s Send Help has been touted as Misery meets Castaway), but given the genre’s overcrowd, it’s hard to see what pushes Undertone above the noise. What it does do is make for an impressively resourceful use of a low budget, the whole thing costing about $500,000. It’s ...

Federal Reserve holds interest rates as Trump piles on pressure

Fed voted to pause cuts to interest rate, which currently sits between 3.5% and 3.75%, after slashing it three times in fall The US Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged after its first rate-setting meeting of the year on Wednesday, resisting enormous pressure from the White House to lower rates. A majority of members in the Fed’s federal open market committee (FOMC) voted to pause interest rate cuts after slashing rates three times in the fall. Rates currently sit at a range of 3.5% to 3.75%. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/blgsv92

Philip Glass withdraws world premiere of his Lincoln symphony from Kennedy Center

Composer says values of Trump-dominated Kennedy Center ‘are in direct conflict’ with symphony’s message Philip Glass , the celebrated US composer, has withdrawn the world premiere of his latest symphony at Washington DC’s John F Kennedy Center in protest of Donald Trump’s presidency. In a statement on Tuesday, the 88-year-old composer said: “After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my Symphony No 15 ‘Lincoln’ from the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Symphony No 15 is a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, and the values of the Kennedy Center today are in direct conflict with the message of the symphony. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/BTbKJqv

Guyanese businessman facing US extradition elected opposition leader

Azruddin Mohamed’s election comes six months after he formed political party that became country’s second largest A Guyanese businessman facing extradition to the US on gold-smuggling and money-laundering charges has been elected as the country’s opposition leader, six months after he formed a political party that quickly became the second largest in the South American country . Azruddin Mohamed, 38, was confirmed as Guyana’s opposition leader after 16 lawmakers from the We Invest in Nationhood party (Win) and another from a single-seat outfit voted in his favor. The tally made Win the second-largest party in parliament, securing Mohamed’s election even as a magistrate’s court hears state arguments for his extradition to the US. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/L046Fuw

The Invite review – A-list ensemble electrify hilarious couples night gone wrong comedy

Sundance film festival: Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penelope Cruz and Edward Norton are exceptional in a smart and funny winner about sex, marriage and partner-swapping Not enough people managed to see last year’s self-billed “unromantic comedy” Splitsville , a shame for how tremendously entertaining it was and for what it represents at this given moment. A seriously well-directed, genuinely funny, relatably messy look at two couples dealing with the maelstrom of non-monogamy, it was the kind of smart, well-crafted film for adults we are constantly complaining we don’t get enough of. I had a similar thrill watching The Invite at its sold-out Sundance premiere on Saturday night. Like that film, it is also about two adult couples negotiating anxieties surrounding sex with other people – and also like that film, it’s really, consistently funny and stylishly directed, made with the kind of care and rigidity that comedies just aren’t afforded now. It doesn’t have the same absurdist slapst...

Syrian and Kurdish forces agree to extend ceasefire as threat of war looms

Ceasefire to be extended for one month to allow transfer of suspected Islamic State members from Syria to Iraq The Syrian government and Kurdish forces agreed to extend a ceasefire on Saturday, according to Syrian diplomatic sources, temporarily staving off a looming war between the two sides in the north-east of the country. Sources told Agence France-Presse the ceasefire would be extended for “a period of up to one month at most”, citing the need to facilitate the transfer of suspected members of Islamic State from Syria to Iraq. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/S2lw03e

Spanish prosecutors drop sexual assault complaint against Julio Iglesias

Court says alleged abuse and trafficking offences occurred outside Spain, leaving it without jurisdiction Spanish prosecutors have shelved a complaint brought by two women who have accused the singer Julio Iglesias of sexual assault and human trafficking , arguing the country’s courts have no jurisdiction as the alleged offences took place outside Spain. Two female former employees who worked at Iglesias’s Caribbean mansions 10 days ago accused the veteran entertainer of sexual assault, saying they had been subjected “to inappropriate touching, insults and humiliation … in an atmosphere of control and constant harassment”. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/jS8vIQ2

My rookie era: I once feared water and frizz, now I’m embracing my curls

I was surprised by the dormant ringlets springing to life as I hunched over the basin, squishing in conditioner to define each tendril Read more summer essentials My housemate has a special phrase for some of my old photos: “Ima’s whiteface era” – hair seared straight down the middle with brassy blond highlights. Where I grew up, in a regional coastal town, the gold standard was sandy blond beach babe. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/17UNKeR

Fans and Welsh rugby chiefs at odds over plan to cut one of four professional sides

WRU chair says ‘system was essentially broken’ in Wales Fan group insists there is ‘no appetite for a merger’ Richard Collier-Keywood, the embattled chair of the Welsh Rugby Union, has insisted he has the support of fans and players in Wales as the WRU attempts to drive through radical plans to cut one of the four professional sides. Giving evidence before the House of Commons Welsh affairs select committee, Collier-Keywood – who is facing the threat of a vote of no confidence in his leadership – said he believed “the rugby system was essentially broken” in Wales before he took over and there was widespread acknowledgment that it needed to change. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/SZgt6HW

Trump doubles down on Minnesota attacks in rambling remarks at White House briefing – live

Donald Trump opens White House briefing touting a stack of papers labeled ‘accomplishments’ on the anniversary of his second inaurguation The supreme court did not issue a decision today on the legality of Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs. It’s not immediately clear the next date the court will issue opinions. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/HmTCtbq

London City sign six-time Champions League winner Delphine Cascarino

France winger left San Diego Wave by mutual agreement Daniëlle van de Donk delights in London City debut London City Lionesses have signed the France winger Delphine Cascarino on a three-and-a-half year deal, the Women’s Super League newcomers continuing their eye-catching recruitment drive by acquiring another highly rated international. The 28-year-old won six Champions League titles with OL Lyonnes. Her most recent club was the NWSL side San Diego Wave, with whom she parted ways on Sunday by mutual agreement, having wanted to move back closer to home. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/zbnkBZY

Aston Villa’s title hopes hit after Thierno Barry fires resolute Everton to victory

Unai Emery did not hold back. In his programme notes – at least the words were attributed to him – the Aston Villa manager turned to caps lock. “THIS MATCH IS CRUCIAL,” he said, spying an opportunity. After Arsenal and Manchester City dropped points, a golden chance to return second and cut the leaders’ advantage to four points. Everton, however, had other ideas and approaching the hour Thierno Barry pounced on a Emiliano Martínez fumble after a Pau Torres lapse to condemn Villa to a punishing defeat. They are almost unheard of around here, this only a third home league defeat since the start of last season. For David Moyes, who bounced back from the setback of Jake O’Brien’s first-half header being disallowed because an offside Harrison Armstrong was deemed to be interfering with play, this was a major triumph. For Villa, this threatened to be a frustrating afternoon from the moment Merlin Röhl clinked a post inside 11 seconds and things went from bad to worse when John McGinn was fo...

Trump buys $1m in Netflix and Warner Bros bonds days after saying he’ll ‘be involved’ in merger

Warner Bros is also being pursued by Paramount Skydance, helmed by David Ellison, son of president’s ally Donald Trump bought at least $1m worth of bonds in Netflix and Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), according to a financial disclosure form, days after he said would “be involved” in a proposed merger between the two companies. The White House released a financial disclosure report on Friday which showed that Trump made two purchases from Netflix and two purchases from WBD, each amounting to at least $502,000. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/s7wakET

Timothy Busfield sexual misconduct allegations mount as wife Melissa Gilbert expresses support

Actor held without bond in New Mexico on child abuse charges stemming from twin brothers’ complaint With allegations of prior sexual misconduct against him continuing to mount, Timothy Busfield received an expression of support from his wife and fellow actor, Melissa Gilbert – as he was also ordered held without bond in connection with on-set child abuse charges in New Mexico. A statement that a representative for Gilbert, known best for her work on Little House on the Prairie, shared with media outlets said she “supports her husband” and was keeping “her focus … on supporting and caring for their … family, as they navigate this moment”. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/b0upCx3

Multimillionaire leader of Reform in Scotland refuses to reveal net worth

Newly appointed Malcolm Offord, who became a Tory life peer in 2021, plans to stand for Holyrood in May UK politics live – latest updates The multimillionaire financier who has been made leader of Reform UK in Scotland has refused to say how wealthy he is, claiming that is a private matter. Malcolm Offord, formerly a Conservative party life peer, was announced by Reform’s leader, Nigel Farage, as the party’s first Scottish leader, 10 weeks before a Scottish parliament election in which Reform is expected to win up to 18 seats. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/8yxSlq1

Cyprus investigates ‘sinister’ death of Russian diplomat said to have been GRU spy

Apparent suicide of Alexei Panov comes after disappearance of oligarch Vladislav Baumgertner and amid corruption scandal Europe live – latest updates Authorities in Cyprus are investigating the “unnatural death” of a diplomat at the Russian embassy. “The incident at the embassy is being treated as an unnatural death because it seems, based on the autopsy, it was a suicide,” said Cyprus’s police spokesperson, Vyron Vyronos. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/m2TOetN

Finn Russell ready for bruising clash with Scotland colleagues against Edinburgh

Bath fly-half up against fellow Scot Duhan van der Merwe ‘I’d imagine there’ll be a couple of late shots,’ he says Finn Russell is braced for a potentially bruising reunion with his Scottish international teammates but is intent on winning the “bragging rights” when Bath host Edinburgh on Friday in their Champions Cup pool decider. Russell has already messaged Duhan van der Merwe to warn him to expect a tough night and says the English champions are seeking to sharpen their attacking game in pursuit of a crucial home draw for the knockout phase. With the victorious side at the Rec set to top pool 2, Scotland’s playmaker is anticipating a physical examination from an Edinburgh team he knows extremely well. “I’d imagine there’ll be a couple of late shots and being held on the ground which is always the case when you’re against your old side,” said Russell, who spent the first half of his professional career at Glasgow Warriors. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://if...

Woman charged for starting GoFundMe posing as father of Texas flooding victim

Maitlin Paige White accused of soliciting donations as Matthew Childress, whose daughter died at Camp Mystic A Florida woman allegedly posed as the grieving father of a teenager who died in July’s deadly Camp Mystic flooding in Texas and tried to raise money, leading to her being criminally charged with online impersonation, according to authorities. According to court records reviewed by multiple outlets, Maitlin Paige White, 28, of Crestview, Florida, is accused of posing as Matthew Childress and soliciting donations in the days after the death of his 18-year-old daughter, Chloe Childress, who was working as a counselor at Camp Mystic in Kerr county, Texas. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/IP8SFrM

How to dress for work without spending a fortune – or sacrificing personal style

Also: advice to reduce screen time, how to maximize your toaster oven, the best gloves and at-home fitness staples This piece was originally published in the Filter US newsletter on buying fewer, better things. Sign up here to get early access to it Each week we cut through the noise to bring you smart, practical recommendations on how to live better – from what is worth buying to the tools, habits and ideas that actually last. At this time last year, I was a full-time student, throwing on the requisite leggings and an oversized sweatshirt for evening classes and late-night library sessions. This year, I’ve joined countless others in office life, zipping in and out of conference rooms and hopping on video calls for interviews and meetings. I love any excuse to shop, but many office-friendly pieces, including pricey blazers and crisp button-downs, are far outside my price range. The 27 best fashion gifts in the US – curated by our favorite stylists and creators Eight winter clo...

Scottish Premiership: O’Neill says Celtic need ‘to get some people in’ despite rout of Dundee United

Celtic win 4-0, equalling biggest victory of the season Bowie scores equaliser as Hibs and Motherwell draw 1-1 Martin O’Neill warned Celtic could be in trouble if they do not strengthen their squad despite resuming his supervision of the team with a 4-0 victory over Dundee United . A dominant display seemingly banished concerns there might be lasting damage from Wilfried Nancy’s brief but torrid tenure , when Celtic lost six out of eight games. O’Neill returned to oversee a first clean sheet since his final game in caretaker charge and equal the two biggest wins of the Premiership season, which also came under his watch. Two first-half goals in five minutes, from Yang Hyun-jun and Arne Engels, sent Celtic on their way, with substitute Benjamin Nygren and Daizen Maeda scoring after the break. “We played really well,” said the 73-year-old. “It was nice to see players performing well, playing with confidence, and it was just nice to win.” This story will be updated Continue re...

Google and AI startup to settle lawsuits alleging chatbots led to teen suicide

Lawsuit accuses AI chatbots of harming minors and includes case of Sewell Setzer III, who killed himself in 2024 Google and Character.AI, a startup, have settled lawsuits filed by families accusing artificial intelligence chatbots of harming minors, including contributing to a Florida teenager’s suicide, according to court filings on Wednesday. The settlements cover lawsuits filed in Florida, Colorado, New York and Texas, according to the legal filings, though they still require finalization and court approval. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/ljaySO3

Minneapolis mayor sharply tells ICE to ‘get out’ of city after woman fatally shot – live updates

Mayor Jacob Frey called the Department of Homeland Security’s justification for the killing of a woman during an immigration operation ‘bullshit’ Minnesota woman fatally shot by ICE agent during raid, video shows Miranda Bryant , the Guardian’s Nordic correspondent, also has written this handy explainer on why Donald Trump is renewing calls for a takeover of Greenland : Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/NUfoMx3

Lego introduces ‘smart bricks’ with sound and light effects to new Star Wars sets

But some argue new ‘Smart Play’ technology undermines the Danish construction toy’s gift for harnessing a child’s own imagination It may be time to retire that hyperspace zoom noise you perfected while playing with Lego spacecraft. No longer must you “pshww-pshww” to convince your playmate their enemy space station has been doomed by your lasers. “Smart” bricks, with play-sensitive miniature speakers, are being added to the arsenal of the Lego enthusiast in a move the Danish toy giant believes will combine creative play with technology without the need for a screen. The smart bricks – in the shape of a normal two-by-four Lego brick – are being launched in three Star Wars-themed sets and are powered by a custom-made chip smaller than a single Lego stud. When installed in Luke Skywalker’s X-wing fighter, they make the required “woosh” noises, depending on how the player twists and turns the craft through the air. The hard-to-impersonate bleeps and blips of the droid R2D2 are also repli...

West Ham v Nottingham Forest: Premier League – live

⚽ Premier League updates from the 8pm GMT kick-off ⚽ Live scores | Follow us on Bluesky | And email Billy The table: Just to underline how important this game is to both sides, this is how the bottom five looks in the Premier League. Defeat for West Ham tonight and it’s a seven-point gap to safety. It is unclear how quickly an agreement will be reached for Wilson to leave West Ham … There are indications the former Newcastle striker’s departure may come towards the end of the transfer window, but is unclear whether as free agent or if West Ham will try to sell him. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/bWrNCPS

Man in custody after attack on JD Vance’s Ohio home, officials say

William Defoor, 26, to appear in court Tuesday after arrest for alleged attack on vice-president’s Cincinnati home A man arrested during an incident where someone appeared to be trying to break into the Ohio house of JD Vance with a hammer is to appear in court on Tuesday. The vice-president on Monday thanked law enforcement in Ohio for arresting someone he referred to as a “crazy person” who had turned up at his Cincinnati home overnight. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/p6Er8tj

Damien Martyn awake from coma in ‘unbelievable’ recovery from meningitis

Cricket veteran in good spirits and hopeful of moving out of intensive care as recovery continues Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Damien Martyn is awake and talking, one week after being placed into an induced coma in a Gold Coast hospital with meningitis. The 54-year-old has been able to talk with friends and family, including ex-teammate Adam Gilchrist, and is said to be overwhelmed with the support offered. “It’s been an unbelievable turn of events in the last 48 hours,” Gilchrist said in a statement. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/h56qnc7

Months in planning, over in two and a half hours: how the US snatched Maduro

The operation to capture the Venezuelan president and his wife involved at least 150 aircraft, months of surveillance – and reportedly a spy in the government It took the US two hours and 28 minutes to snatch President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in the small hours of Saturday morning, an extraordinary display of imperial power that plunges 30 million Venezuelans into a profound uncertainty. But it was also months in the planning. Critical to Operation Absolute Resolve was the work of the CIA and other US intelligence agencies. From as early as August, their goal was to establish Maduro’s “pattern of life”, or as Gen Dan Caine, the chair of the US joint chiefs of staff, described it, to “understand how he moved, where he lived, where he travelled, what he ate, what he wore, what were his pets”. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/f3J8qZW

John McGinn double sinks Forest and provides perfect tonic for Aston Villa

Aston Villa continue to surpass expectations as they bounced back from defeat by Arsenal to cement their place in the top three with an 11th straight home win. Ollie Watkins celebrated his 250th appearance for the club with his fourth goal in three games and John McGinn added two more after the interval. Villa’s ability to score out of next to nothing epitomises their season. They managed this game superbly, inflicting a fourth straight defeat on Nottingham Forest, but if the league table was made up of their expected goals difference they would have started this weekend in 15th place. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/Nq3HsIl

PDC World Championship darts semi-finals: Littler v Searle, Van Veen v Anderson – live

Updates from Alexandra Palace semis, from 7.30pm GMT Follow us on Bluesky | And get in touch: email Niall Luke Littler Age: 18. From: Warrington. Seeded: No 1. Nickname: The Nuke. Title odds: 1-2. Path to the final: R1 bt Labanauskas 3-0, R2 bt Davies 3-0; R3 bt Sulovic 4-0; R4 bt Cross 4-2; QF bt Ratajski 5-0. Best worlds performance: Champion (2025). Ryan Searle Age: 38. From: Devon. Seeded: No 20. Nickname: Heavy Metal. Title odds: 22-1. Path to the final: R1 bt Landman 3-0, R2 bt Dolan 3-0; R3 by Schindler 4-0; R4 bt Hurrell 4-0; QF bt Clayton 5-2. Best worlds performance: Semi-finalist (2026). Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/tIDBgry

Sunderland v Manchester City: Premier League – live

⚽ Premier League updates from the 8pm GMT kick-off ⚽ Live scores | Tables | Follow us on Bluesky | Mail John Sunderland: Roefs, Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Cirkin, Xhaka, Geertruida, Mayenda, Le Fee, Adingra, Brobbey. Subs: Patterson, Neil, Rigg, O’Nien, Mundle, Isidor, Hjelde, Harrison Jones, Tutierov. Man City: Donnarumma, Matheus Luiz, Dias, Ake, O’Reilly, Silva, Gonzalez, Foden, Savio, Cherki, Haaland. Subs: Trafford, Reijnders, Doku, Rodri, Gvardiol, Khusanov, Mukasa, Lewis, Reigan Heskey. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/JzySNrm