EXCLUSIVE: UK snow: Storm Chandra horror as 'very volatile and dangerous' -8C blast leaves maps blueThe UK is facing a "very volatile and dangerous" week after a heavy deluge of snow blanketted the country, with weather maps turning blue ahead of a -8C Arctic blastHeavy snow and icy temperatures could spark the UK's third named storm of the 2024-2025 winter season, it's been claimed. ‌The frozen forecast could see Storm Chandra officially named by the Met Office, claimed British Weather Services' chief meteorologist Jim Dale. "Freezing temperatures, freezing fog, ice, heavy snow, freezing rain, heavy rain, and high winds are all in the mix. There's the possibility of a named storm, Storm Chandra. ‌Amber weather warnings were in place for snow until 10am in parts of Scotland, forecasting "heavy snow" and travel disruption, while yellow warnings for snow and ice still cover parts of the UK.

More than 200 schools in Northern Ireland were closed and transport impacted following a weekend of snow and low temperatures. Northern Ireland appeared to have been most severely impacted with some 210 schools closed according to the Education Authority, and some flights cancelled at Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport. The Police Service of Northern Ireland urged road users to take extra care, especially in areas which may not have been gritted due to wintry conditions. In Northern Ireland, a yellow weather warning for snow and ice covering the region remained in place until midday on Monday. A yellow warning for snow and ice applied to all of Connacht, Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth until the same time.

His own social media feeds include an ad for ‘AI girlfriends’, with sexualised images of a woman and a tagline ‘Build your own AI slut’. But, he said, this was before even seeing the impact AI sex simulators is having. "They need to ban nudification apps — and AI sex simulators that facilitate the use of images of real people — what they facilitate is already illegal." In turn, Coimisiún na Meán said the code made online platforms accountable for how they protect people, especially children, from harm online. But she said it was limited to a number of designated social media platforms rather than AI girlfriend websites.

Unique comedy celebrates the cult classic Father TedBelvedere House, Gardens & Park in Mullingar will host a unique comedy event celebrating the cult classic Father Ted later this month. On Friday, January 16 at 8 pm, audiences are invited to an evening of stand‑up comedy and classic Craggy Island antics featuring Joe Rooney (Father Damo) and Patrick McDonnell (Eoin McLove) in a Father Ted Comedy Night at the Mullingar venue. Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favourite Father Ted character, with a prize for the best costume on the night. “This is a first for Belvedere having a comedy night and we hope to have both Father Ted fans and comedy fans on the night. “Don’t be left disappointed as it’s looking like a sell‑out — a comedy night is a great way to get rid of those January blues.

One of the European Central Bank’s most complex and controversial projects is heading for a crucial test in the first half of 2026, when the European Parliament is expected to vote on the digital euro. Piero Cipollone, the ECB executive board member in charge of the project, argued for the digital euro in 21 speeches, six interviews and two blog posts in 2025. ECB president Christine Lagarde vowed in December to “push as hard and as fast as we can to get [the digital euro] out”. The central bank’s main argument for the digital euro is freedom and sovereignty. Centre-left groups and liberals in the European Parliament back the plan but are more than 40 votes short of an absolute majority.

The Goa Tourism Department has filed a formal complaint at the Calangute Police Station following the alleged harassment of a woman tourist at a beach in North Goa. According to officials, the accused reportedly made lewd gestures, prompting swift action by the department. An FIR has been registered under Sections 74, 75 and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with other applicable provisions. Reiterating its zero-tolerance stance towards any form of harassment, the department said strict action will be taken against offenders. Authorities stressed that ensuring the safety, dignity and positive experience of tourists remains a top priority for Goa’s tourism sector.

Jack (left) and Stephen Teeling of Teeling Whiskey. Photograph: Patrick BolgerProfits slumped at Bacardi-controlled Teeling Whiskey last year during a challenging year for the sector, according to newly filed financial accounts. In the 2025 financial period, the distillery saw its turnover fall to €23.7 million, down nearly 14 per cent. The Irish whiskey sector endured a challenging period due to growing input and labour costs as well as overstocking issues, which was exacerbated by trade restrictions. Bacardi has accumulated substantial debt over the past two years after raising its stakes in Teeling whiskey and Ilegal mescal, bringing its debt-to-earnings ratio significantly higher than the company had targeted.

Heated Rivalry, which has been adapted from a book series by Rachel Reid, has been praised by viewers for its portrayal of gay romance. The HBO series follows rival hockey players Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams, and Ilya Rozanov, played by Connor Storrie, as they begin a secret romance. Heated Rivalry follows two sports stars – Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander(Sabrina Lantos/PA)What book was the series based on? The show is based on Game Changers, a series of books about hockey and queer romance, written by Reid. Heated Rivalry will arrive on Sky and streaming service Now on January 10 in the UK and Ireland.

It may be our special day, but we still have to do the school run, sort the uniforms and hold down a job. Or Women’s Christmas, Nollaig na mBan, by its other name. Not business as usual with a trendy title attached to it. [ Women don’t want a rest on Nollaig na mBan. So for both those reasons, and to be honest largely also because I’m wrecked after Christmas, instead of mounting some sort of Nollaig na mBan 24-hour, chocolate-fuelled uprising, I’m going to make some Nollaig na mBan resolutions to make the rest of my year a little less chaotic.

Here’s a back-to-work parlour game to play: guess how long it would take to build a new M50? The existing M50 technically took 27 years to finish. A ring road around Dublin was proposed way back in 1971, with planning beginning in 1983 and construction in 1987. The only relief will come in reducing the number of vehicles on the motorway through the development of improved public transport. Only additional commuter rail, tram and bus connections will offer motorists alternatives to being stuck on the “motorway of mayhem”.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks to throw in the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio. Photo: Scott Galvin-Imagn ImagesAaron Rodgers threw a touchdown pass in the final minute as the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Baltimore Ravens 26-24 to win the AFC North title. Lamar Jackson had thrown touchdown passes from 50 and 64 yards in the fourth quarter to put the Ravens ahead in the battle for the final play-off berth. Trevor Lawrence threw three touchdown passes as the Jacksonville Jaguars claimed the AFC South title with a 41-10 thrashing of the Tennessee Titans. Jason Dart threw two touchdown passes as the New York Giants ended their season on a high note with a comfortable 34-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Locals say the travellers have been made 'millionaires overnight', adding that the 'treasured green belt land has been transformed into a lucrative asset for those who flouted planning laws'. They have then sought planning permission retrospectively, forcing local authorities to kick them off an area already built over, in frequently lengthy and costly processes. New planning policy announced by Angela Rayner in December 2024 forces councils to release green belt land to travellers if there is an 'unmet need' for pitches. However, residents living close to the traveller pitch in West Malling say the planning process is grossly unfair. 'The occupiers of the site appealed against our refusal and government inspectors granted temporary planning permission to occupy the site in December 2022.

Turki Alalshikh issues brutal Man Utd takeover message as Ruben Amorim sackedSaudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh has taken a rather cheeky swipe at the Glazer family after Ruben Amorim was brutally axed as Manchester United managerView Image (Image: Getty Images)Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh did not mince his words after hearing of Ruben Amorim's brutal sacking. Alalshikh has become a prominent figure in the world of boxing, bringing several world class fights to Saudi Arabia. Alalshikh has grabbed the headlines over the last few months, but not because of his escapades in the world of boxing. In October, the 44-year-old sent United fans into frenzy after claiming a takeover for the club was at an advanced stage. The Times' Charlotte Duncker later revealed how Ratcliffe could be left with no option if the Glazers decided to sell the club.

Bloomfield Hospital in South Dublin has faced criticism in recent weeks after disturbing findings of an independent report. Photograph: Bryan O’BrienThe Quakers in Ireland are to sell Bloomfield mental health hospital due to the ageing profile of the board and the “shrinking size” of the religious community in Ireland. The hospital, a registered charity which was set up more than 200 years ago, cares for people with enduring mental health diagnoses and neuropsychiatric disorders, including Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, dementia and schizophrenia. [ Patients in Dublin mental health hospital left in soiled clothes, slapped and threatenedOpens in new window ]The organisation failed to alert its regulator, the Mental Health Commission, the HSE or Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler to these concerns. In a letter to patient families on November 26th, Joe Kelly, chief executive of the hospital, said the facility was established in 1812 to “address an urgent need in mental health” and since then mental health services have “evolved significantly”.

Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville make feelings clear on Chelsea appointing Liam Rosenior READ MORE :Chelsea went through managers like there was no tomorrow at Stamford Bridge during Abramovich’s reign and there were some pretty strange hires, too. Roberto Di Matteo won the Champions League after succeeding Andre Villas Boas (definitely an odd pick) to be interim manager in 2012. They were gone without a second thought if Chelsea were ever in danger of missing out on a Champions League spot. Maresca won the Club World Cup, a European trophy and qualified for the Champions League. Liam Rosenior is a hell of a gamble and comes from within the Chelsea “family” of clubs at Strasbourg.