The people of Iran have been here before. In 2009, over perceived electoral fraud; in 2019, over fuel prices; in 2022, over the abuses of the morality police. The authorities have honed their playbook, through the thuggery of the revolutionary guard and the Basij militias, the killing of protesters, mass detentions, public executions and the shutting down of the internet. That last point is hugely significant. It means that people don't know if anyone else is going out. They can't connect. They won't know whether it's worth continuing to stick their heads above the parapet after the last two nights of protest, which had been signposted and communicated in advance. The videos they'll see are those on state TV where they'll hear the threats to use the death penalty on protesters dubbed 'vandals' or 'terrorists' and see pro-government crowds, and tempered but still sinister crackdowns. It is hard to keep momentum going across Iran's 31 provinces, especially a protest with no apparent leader (at least within Iran itself), if people are left in an information black hole. Reza Pahlavi, son of the former shah, clearly has some support on the streets, but he is in the US, and his calls for strikes and further protest may have problems filtering through. And of course, the shutdown allows the authorities to crack down as they choose, without the visibility that connectivity would confer on them. That's what happened in 2019 when at least 1,500 protesters were killed. We are still a long way from those kinds of numbers, although given the scarcity of information, it is hard to tell. The one barrier to the regime extending that blackout indefinitely is the economic toll it will take on an already gasping economy. But there is a long way to go in terms of how much they could crack down, and they have shown no sign of relenting. Revolutions would require elite buy-in - for elements of the security apparatus to decide that continuing to defer to the 86-year-old supreme leader no longer makes sense. That doesn't look like it's happening either. Read more:Who is Iran's exiled crown prince?Most serious threat since 1979 revolution The wild card is Donald Trump. He has promised to hit Iran hard if the regime opens fire on protesters. And then there is Israel, too, which might take the opportunity for another strike. Iran's Islamic theocracy is more vulnerable than it has ever been. But it was born of a revolution itself, and the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is not about to show weakness.

A family statement, posted on his website, confirmed Weir - who was diagnosed with cancer in July - died "peacefully, surrounded by loved ones" after developing "underlying lung issues". In a lengthy tribute, the statement added: 'Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose unique artistry reshaped American music." Weir was one of the ⁠group's two frontmen and main vocalists for most of the band's history. Born in 1947 in San Francisco, and originally named Robert Hall Parber, Weir struggled at school, partly due to dyslexia. In 1964, he met folk musician Jerry Garcia, with whom he formed the Warlocks, which morphed into the ‍Grateful Dead. Weir was the youngest member of the original band and was sometimes referred to as "the kid". It was Weir who sang the verses on the band's trademark boogie anthem Truckin' and who wrote such key songs as Sugar Magnolia, Playing In The Band and Jack Straw. After the death of fellow co-founder and lead guitarist Garcia at the age of 53 in 1995, Weir carved out a solo career - much of it with his band, RatDog. He also participated in reunions of surviving Dead members in different configurations. Weir was linked to numerous other rock bands during his career, including Kingfish, Bobby And The Midnites, Furthur and in 2015 formed Dead & Company with a lineup of former Grateful Dead members. Read more from Sky News:Gabby Logan's tribute to fatherFuneral held for Brigitte BardotHottest video games for 2026 The band's colourfully dressed followers became known as Deadheads, who often wore tie-dyed psychedelic clothing - a visual representation of the group's improvisational form of music. Weir's own musical tastes ranged from Chuck Berry to cowboy songs to R&B and reggae. As the band's rhythm guitarist, Weir often played little fills, riffs and figures instead of straight chords. "I derived a lot of what I do on guitar from listening to piano players," he told GQ magazine in 2019. Thanks to relentless touring, constant musical evolution and a passionate fan base, the Grateful Dead - who existed from 1965 to 1995 - ‌did not have to rely on producing hit records. Weir's death leaves drummer Bill Kreutzmann as the only surviving original member. Founding bassist Phil Lesh died in 2024. Weir is survived by his wife, Natascha, and two daughters, Chloe and Monet.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is also expected to end the government's legal duty to automatically support destitute asylum seekers. A Home Office source told The i Paper it would allow the minister to remove accommodation and weekly allowances from some migrants. It is understood Ms Mahmood will target asylum seekers who can support themselves financially but choose not to, those who have a right to work, those who break the law or are working illegally and those who refuse an order to leave the country. The government hopes the move will help to speed up asylum hotel closures this year, with Ms Mahmood looking at further shutdowns by April. Home Office figures from November showed 36,273 people were staying in temporary accommodation in September, while waiting for a decision on their asylum claims. That marked an increase of 13% compared with June. The issue became national news last year in the wake of demonstrations in Epping, Essex, where a series of protests were held over the summer over the sex offender and Ethiopian national, Hadush Kebatu. The government has pledged to end the use of hotels for asylum seekers entirely by 2029, and insists it has halved the number of hotels in use since it came to power, from 400 down to around 200. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told the BBC on Sunday: "I want us to close hotels. I think over coming months you'll see evidence of that." Read more:Who says what on asylum hotels: Numbers, protesters and governmentPeople disappearing 'daily' from asylum hotels, says whistleblower Other measures are set to be introduced, including beginning removals to Syria - now seen as safer by ministers following the revolution that led to the fall of the Assad regime in 2024. Alternative housing for asylum seekers is expected to involve former military barracks, multiple-occupation houses, known as HMOs, and a council housing pilot. The government is also due to expand its 'one-in, one-out' returns deal with France and strike a new one with Germany.

In one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history, National League North Macclesfield, formed five years ago from the ashes of Macclesfield Town, started the day 117 places below Premier League Palace and became the first non-League team in 117 years to beat the FA Cup holders - ironically since then-Southern League side Palace beat Wolves in 1909. While Macclesfield celebrated a well-deserved 2-1 success, Palace boss Glasner looked stunned after seeing his side meekly surrender the trophy they won in May - the club's first major honour - and the Austrian said things need to change. FA Cup fixtures | Latest newsGot Sky? Watch Premier League games LIVE on your phone📱Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW 📺Download the Sky Sports app | Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp Speaking to the BBC, Glasner said: "Congratulations to Macclesfield. We lacked any kind of quality today. Conceding a set-play from a header - we had to do better. The second goal was slapstick. "At the other end, if you can't create clear-cut chances... it's just a lack of quality what we've shown today. We lost and we deserved to lose. "I was looking for quality from everyone. I brought on more attacking players [at half-time], but I have no explanation for what I've seen today. "You don't need tactics in these kinds of games. You just have to show what you're capable of and show a little bit of pride, and you'll perform in a different way. "But today we lacked everything." 'U21s would have done better' When asked what he said to his players in the aftermath of the defeat, Glasner told TalkSPORT: "Not a lot. "I think when you play here against a non-League team, I think you don't need tactics, I think you don't need a manager, honestly. "I was a player for 19 years so I know these things can happen, but the way we played - their goalkeeper could be man of the match and we could be in unlucky situations - but it wasn't that. "So that is what disappoints me most and this is what we have to change, we've seen this in the last weeks as well. "We conceded another set-play goal, so all the things, losing a header because we have no timing and the attack, it's no physicality, no pace, no dribbling, and then it's tough against any team. "But, on the other side, I think our U21s would have done better than we have done today. Therefore, things have to be changed." Crystal Palace are now without a win in their last nine matches in all competitions. They have lost six games in that run with their last victory coming against Shelbourne in the Conference League on December 11, and Glasner is now concerned for his side for the second half of the season. When asked if he was worried about his side's form, he said: "When you ask me straight after this game, yes, massively. "On the other side, I know the team and I know we need players back. "Looks like players who get the chance can't take it, maybe are not good enough, and it means we need all the others back because I've seen, a few weeks ago, a different team playing better. "We can see if we have five, six new players in the squad like we had today, didn't train the last month, then we have no structure and the individual quality is not good enough to win." 'Palace have been an embarrassment' Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison on Soccer Saturday: "Crystal Palace were nowhere near good enough. "Macclesfield were the better team. They were outstanding. "Palace were an embarrassment. I praise them all the time but they need calling out. Nowhere near good enough. "They thought they could just turn up at Macclesfield and win. "It's got nothing to do with the pitch. It's about going there and competing but Macclesfield wanted it more. "It's an unbelievable result for Macclesfield."

Warning: This story contains descriptions some readers may find distressing, including references to self-harm and suicide. He was just 12, going on 13 and in Year 8, when a classmate pushed a phone into his face during breaktime. On the screen was a recording of a live video of a man taking his own life with a gun. It happened in seconds, but the effects have lasted years. "There are no words to express how much of an impact that video truly had on me," Frazer said, "my life would have been completely different if I hadn't seen it." Frazer had already been struggling in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic. But the shock of that moment, and the isolation he felt afterwards, sent him into a spiral. "I felt lost, hopeless," he said. "I didn't want to speak up because my friends would have just been... 'man up'." Over the last few years, his mental health deteriorated. He experienced severe depression and moments of crisis. He even tried to take his own life. His father, Damian, recalls one night when he had to physically intervene to stop his son harming himself. 'He wanted to hurt himself' "He wanted to hurt himself with a knife, a big knife," he said, "I wasn't going to see my son hurt himself or worse." He said he will be "haunted" for the rest of his life by seeing his son "break down in tears". "He hadn't done it in a malicious, nasty way. This was pure desperation." Frazer: 'I'd lash out' It wasn't until last year, four years after he unwillingly saw the disturbing video, that Frazer was diagnosed with complex Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder, directly linked to what he saw at school. He describes "triggers" he still experiences, including the sound of a Nokia mobile phone ringtone from the video. "It would set me off," he said. "It would make me anxious, melt down, I went into a state of uncontrollably not being able to maintain normal behaviour and I'd lash out on people because of it." He also described being affected by "the sounds from the video of the blood running. It resonates with me a lot whenever I hear fountains, water… and those have been key points to show that this video is a big, big, big part of why I was suffering so much." Not an isolated case Frazer's experience is not an isolated case, according to clinicians. Dr Emily Sehmer, a consultant child psychiatrist, said she sees similar stories far too often. "It's very, very common, unfortunately," she said. "Frazer's case did not surprise me… there are a lot of children who have struggled in similar ways and have not come forward. "Our services are not equipped to manage this level of mental health problems, and I don't see that number will reduce if children continue to be exposed to this kind of online content." Last year, she notes, around 500 children a day in England were referred to mental health services for anxiety alone. Frazer and his family are now supporting a campaign to ban smartphones in all schools - not just in classrooms, but on the journey to and from school as well. "There's so much technology in schools today, you don't need phones in school," Frazer said. "It's unnecessary. …in the hands of people who can be naive and irresponsible." "...a few seconds that could completely change someone's life." Read more from Sky News:Legal change to cyber flashing offenceHalf of porn users escaping age checks The current guidance allows headteachers to decide how smartphones are used, but campaigners argue the safest approach would be a complete ban on them in all schools. The Department for Education said that 99.8% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools already have mobile phone restrictions in place and said they "support headteachers to take the necessary steps to prevent disruption backed by our clear guidance". It added: "Through the Online Safety Act, we have taken some of the boldest steps anywhere in the world to ensure children have age-appropriate experiences online, protecting them from harmful content. "We are striking the right balance: protecting children while ensuring they can safely benefit from the digital world, without risking isolation or cutting off access to vital services, especially to the most vulnerable." Officials point to new legal duties requiring social media companies to protect under‑18s from harmful material, including content linked to self‑harm and suicide, with Ofcom able to issue significant penalties for breaches. :: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK

The long-awaited sequel by developer Rockstar Games is expected to drop in November - 13 years on from the record-breaking GTA V. The game was due to be released in autumn 2025 but was pushed back to May 2026 before once again being delayed. Rockstar said the extra time would allow the team to "finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve". Once launched, players will be returning to the Miami-flavoured metropolis of Vice City in the fictional state of Leonida. The Bonnie and Clyde-style story will follow criminal couple Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos - the first playable female character in the series' history. GTA has always poked fun at American culture, with, arguably, some aspects of the nation's past decade of politics like something out of the game. GTA VI looks certain to continue the series' tradition of satire, and from the footage released so far it appears no expense has been spared in regards to bringing the sun-soaked streets of Vice City to life. The GTA series - which was created in Dundee, Scotland - is one of the biggest franchises in the industry. GTA V became the fastest entertainment product in history to make $1bn (in its first three days) and has since sold more than 220 million copies worldwide - making it the second best-selling video game of all time after Minecraft. GTA VI is similarly expected to be snapped up across the globe and achieve colossal sales. If history repeats itself, GTA Online will be the moneymaker. The persistent online world offers endless monetisation opportunities - with gamers enticed to splash out on new vehicles, weapons, properties, businesses and cosmetic upgrades. Expert research analyst Michael Pachter previously told Sky News he believes Rockstar and parent company Take-Two Interactive Software will be able to charge $100 (about £75) for the base game alone with little complaint. However, the GTA series boasts two winning ingredients that some other games do not have - brand power and fan loyalty. If other AAA (Triple-A) game publishers attempt to follow suit and raise their own starting prices, they may find that any accepted GTA increase is the exception rather than the rule. As career criminal and former bank robber Trevor Philips (GTA V character) nicely put it: "I said something nice, not expensive." Fable The long-awaited Fable reboot is expected to drop sometime in 2026 following a delay from its initial 2025 release window. It will be the first new instalment in the action-RPG franchise since Fable: The Journey in 2012. The series has been on a hiatus since Microsoft's cancellation of Fable Legends and the subsequent closure of original developers Lionhead Studios in 2016. Playground Games, behind the successful Forza Horizon series, is developing the reboot for parent company Xbox Game Studios. Still set in the fictional world of Albion, the series will be updated with contemporary gameplay mechanics and visuals in a bid to attract a new generation of players. From the footage released so far, fans can expect a classic fantasy adventure filled with "life and death stuff". The storybook-styled world features scenic horseback riding, magical creatures, playful dialogue, and player-driven choices. As well as action-heavy combat, Fable's signature chicken-kicking option appears to be alive and well. While not much is known about our hero, British comedians Richard Ayoade and Matt King will be playing a giant and a once-great champion turned mentor respectively. The game will release on Xbox Series X/S as well as Xbox on PC and will be playable from day one via Games Pass. Given the IP (intellectual property) is owned by Microsoft, it's unlikely the game will make its way to PS5 any time soon after its initial release. 007 First Light 007 First Light is a James Bond origin story and will follow the resourceful recruit during his time within the MI6 training programme ahead of becoming the world-famous spy we know and love. The action-adventure game is due to be released in May - having been pushed back from March - and is inspired by Ian Fleming's novels and short stories. The original narrative is expected to follow Bond as he embarks on a mission that will earn him his licence to kill. This is the first Bond game since 007 Legends in 2012. The franchise went on an extended hiatus after previous publisher Activision had its non-exclusive licence to produce James Bond video games revoked by Eon Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 2013. IO Interactive, best known for developing the Hitman and Kane & Lynch franchises, is behind 007 First Light. Expect a heart-pumping blend of close-quarters combat, car chases, stealth kills, glamorous locations, gadgets galore, and appearances from the likes of M, Q and Miss Moneypenny. At The Game Awards 2025, famed musician Lenny Kravitz was unveiled as Bond villain Bawma. The "unpredictable and charismatic" antagonist has been described as someone who "rose from nothing, broke free, and built his own Kingdom of Aleph". The game should whet fans' appetite ahead of Bond 26 - which Denis Villeneuve is set to direct and will mark a new era of 007 films following the conclusion of Daniel Craig's run. Resident Evil Requiem Capcom takes us back to Raccoon City with Resident Evil Requiem. The survival horror game is scheduled to be released in February, with the developers promising a "heart-stopping experience that will chill you to your core". Fans will be introduced to a new leading lady - FBI intelligence analyst Grace Ashcroft, who is the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from the Resident Evil Outbreak games. Grace's nightmare begins after she is dispatched to investigate a mysterious death at an abandoned hotel where her mother was murdered eight years prior. As Grace investigates the team's person of interest - Victor Gideon - her path converges with that of veteran agent Leon S. Kennedy. The fan favourite returns to the series as a playable character, with both Grace and Leon forced to face their pasts in a bid to uncover the truth behind the Raccoon City incident that changed the world forever. The game follows on from Resident Evil Village, with players once again expected to go head-to-head with the horrors that await through combat, puzzle-solving and resource management. Previous antagonist Lady Dimitrescu proved to be a social media hit, so the next relentless stalker monster has big boots to fill.

The money, announced by Defence Secretary John Healey during a visit to Ukraine on Friday, will deliver new vehicles, communications and counter-drone protection to ensure troops are ready if required. The government said this will equip UK forces to secure Ukraine's future and reinforce long-term security guarantees, as part of a Multinational Force for Ukraine (MNFU). It follows the declaration of intent signed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris this week, which confirmed UK and French troops will deploy to Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement. Mr Healey said: "As we approach the fifth year of Putin's full-scale invasion, the Ukrainians continue to fight with huge courage - civilians and military alike. "We are surging investment into our preparations following the prime minister's announcement this week, ensuring that Britain's armed forces are ready to deploy, and lead, the Multinational Force Ukraine, because a secure Ukraine means a secure UK. "As we look towards a potential peace deal, we continue to step up for Ukraine in the fight today - strengthening its air defences while backing British industry, jobs and innovation at home." The money is being funded from the government's core defence budget. Sir Keir said this week that MPs will get a vote before troops are sent to Ukraine. The idea for a joint peacekeeping force was first floated last year, after Sir Keir and Mr Macron formed a coalition of the willing. Read more from Sky News:Pope slams how nations use force to assert dominionWhat we know about Russian hypersonic missile Mr Healey discussed further details of the military plans for the MNFU with Mr Zelenskyy during the visit to the war-hit country on Friday. During those meetings, Mr Healey also confirmed that production of British-built Octopus interceptor drones will begin this month, which the government said would boost Ukraine's ability to defend itself against Russian drone attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure. Meanwhile, Russia fired a hypersonic missile overnight at a target in Ukraine near the border with NATO-member Poland. The Oreshnik hit Ukraine's western Lviv region, although officials there did not mention any casualties. Kyiv's European allies said the attack was an attempt to intimidate them from supporting President Zelenskyy. It was only the ​second time that Russia has fired the Oreshnik at Ukraine.

The Panthers battled back valiantly in the face of ominous early Rams dominance as they fought from 14-0 down to lead 31-27 with 2.39 remaining thanks to Jalen Coker's go-ahead touchdown. But Sean McVay's side would shelve their second-half struggles by way of Matthew Stafford's 19-yard strike to tight end Parkinson, who did superbly to high-point his quarterback's pass at the sideline before swivelling, keeping both feet inbounds and reaching for the end zone. Not got Sky? Get instant access with NOW 📺NFL playoffs 2026: All you need to know World Cup and Super Bowl latest - how California is gearing up for historic 2026 of sportWhich teams have reached the NFL playoffs? Extinguished was the electricity of a crowd that dared to believe their team was on the brink of its first playoff win in a decade, having scraped into the postseason as 8-9 NFC South champions. Puka Nacua found the end zone twice for the Rams and accounted for 111 of Stafford's 304 yards, while Coker registered a career-best nine catches for 134 of Bryce Young's 264 yards alongside two rushing touchdowns from Chuba Hubbard. Stats leaders: Rams: Passing: Matthew Stafford, 24/42, 304 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INTRushing: Kyren Williams, 13 carries, 57 yardsReceiving: Puka Nacua, 10 catches, 111 yards, 1 TD Panthers: Passing: Bryce Young, 21/40, 264 yards, 1 TD, 1 INTRushing: Chuba Hubbard, 13 carries, 46 yards, 2 TDsReceiving: Jalen Coker, 9 catches, 134 yards, 1 TD Hubbard gave the Panthers their first lead of the game when he punched in a three-yard touchdown run in the opening seconds of the fourth quarter. Back came All-Pro Stafford on the following possession to navigate an 11-play drive culminating in Kyren Williams' 13-yard touchdown catch to make it 27-24. The Rams defense subsequently forced a three-and-out before another twist ensued when Isaiah Simmons blocked Ethan Evans' punt to set the Panthers up at the 30-yard line. It paved the way for Young to float an expertly-weighted seven-yard touchdown pass into the arms of Coker four plays later, lifting the Panthers to a 31-27 lead with 2.39 left and igniting a hopeful spike in crowd noise. Stafford's reply would see to dampening as much when a 71-yard march ended in his perfectly-placed scoring strike to Parkinson, who evaded Tre'von Moehrig to cross the goalline. Carolina had one last chance to salvage the game only for Jimmy Horn to drop a fourth-and-10 pass from Young as the Rams held on for the win. One-way traffic had threatened a premature conclusion when McVay's side cruised to a two-touchdown lead with 12.16 remaining in the first half after two Panthers turnovers. The Rams opened with a fourth-down stop on the Panthers' opening drive, before Stafford punished by connecting with Nacua for a 14-yard touchdown. Nacua then doubled up to make it 14-0 with a five-yard run in the wake of Cobie Durant's interception. Carolina reduced the deficit to 17-14 at the break following Hubbard's one-yard rushing touchdown and a 16-yard scramble to the house by Young. Nacua could have been in again before half-time but dropped a pass along the right sideline. Watch every minute of the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium live on Sky Sports NFL.