Michigan polls closing as Biden faces Gaza protest and Haley hopes to make impact: Live

Veteran left-winger Diane Abbott has criticized Sir Keir Starmer, stating he lacks a feel for politics and the Labour Party, suggesting that his success is due to the skills of those around him. Abbott also revealed that she decided against standing down amid briefings against her by the Prime Minister's team before being suspended from the Labour Party for controversial remarks about Jewish people experiencing racism. Despite not having spoken to Starmer in four years,...

In a Christmas Day sermon, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell called for the Church of England to repent and "be changed" following a turbulent year of abuse allegations. Bishop of Newcastle Helen-Ann Hartley criticized his words as "empty," questioning their sincerity. With Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigning and Archbishop Cottrell set to lead, the Church faces ongoing challenges of addressing historic abuse and seeking redemption. Full Article

In the past year, over 360,000 train services in Britain were fully or partially cancelled due to major staffing shortages, with 208,000 services fully axed and 161,000 part-cancelled, resulting in a reliability score of 4.0% - the joint worst since 2015. Amidst Labour's push to renationalize the railways, the Passenger Rail Services (Public Ownership) Bill received royal assent, leading to the creation of Great British Rail as the new operating body to take over ownership...

Contingency plans are being made in Whitehall for a potential increase in demand for state school places, as private schools may close due to fee hikes. Smaller schools charging less in competitive areas are seen as the most at risk. Labour's removal of VAT exemption and business rates relief for private schools has sparked opposition, with the government estimating the tax will raise significant funds for state schools. Full Article

A 33-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a man in his 30s who suffered a cardiac arrest and died shortly afterwards on Christmas Day in Norton Canes, Staffordshire. The woman has been remanded in custody, and the man's family has been informed. A post-mortem examination is scheduled for Boxing Day morning to further investigate the incident, as confirmed by Staffordshire Police. Full Article

Senior UN officials have been engaging with the new caretaker authorities in Damascus after the ousting of the Assad regime. Today, the Security Council convened in New York to deliberate on Syria's future, receiving updates from the UN Special Envoy and emergency relief chief. Discussions are ongoing to address the transitional period and humanitarian needs in the country. Full Article