With the penalties for using mobile phones at the wheel doubled and a campaign to highlight the dangers, police had hoped the numbers of ­offenders would be slashed. But as these alarming pictures show, there are many who still flout the law by driving while on devices. Barely a year after the new rules of…

Gianluigi Buffon will not have to worry about battling Wojciech Szczesny for his Juventus starting berth after he returns to training this week, says Massimiliano Allegri. Veteran goalkeeper Buffon has started just two Serie A matches since October due to a calf problem, but Szczesny has been a capable back-up with 10 clean sheets in 15…

South Africa’s most successful Test captain Graeme Smith has raised doubts over Virat Kohli’s ability to get the best out of his players, and wondered aloud if Kohli is a long-term captaincy option for India. Smith also said Kohli needs a person in the support staff who can challenge his ideas and help him grow…

Ashley Judd opened up about her experiences with abuse and gender bias in Hollywood at an emotional panel at the Sundance Film Festival on Sunday. Joined by a group of diverse filmmakers and Hollywood power players, Judd and the panel discussed inclusion in Hollywood, addressing practical solutions to spur change in the industry and beyond.…

Nigel Farage has backed UKIP leader Henry Bolton as he vowed to fight on today despite being hit with a wave of resignations – and having his salary frozen by bosses. Mr Bolton dismissed calls to quit after the party’s executive committee voted for a motion of no confidence in him yesterday following revelations his ex-girlfriend sent…

The UK has already “agreed in principle” to a Norway-style Brexit transition period in which it accepts all EU rules with no power to shape them, a senior figure in Brussels has told The Independent. A key member of the European Parliament’s Brexit team said British negotiators raised no objections to the plans, which would mean accepting free…

Congressional Democrats on Monday, the third day of the government shutdown, completely caved to the Republicans—getting absolutely nothing policy-wise for their efforts. And perhaps they jeopardized their midterm election chances in a volatile voting year, hurting House and Senate Democrats’ chances alike. But it also provides Republicans with a much-needed overarching theme for the midterm…

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media captionWhite House and Chuck Schumer trade barbs over shutdownThe US government partial shutdown is ending after Republicans and Democrats voted to approve a temporary funding bill. Senator Chuck Schumer said Democrats agreed to back the bill if Republicans would address a programme that shields young immigrants from…

Pat Shurmur, who has head coaching experience with the Cleveland Browns, was named head coach by the New York Giants on Monday.

Seit Montag verhandelt der Internationale Sportgerichtshof Cas die lebenslangen Sperren 42 russischer Sportler. Der Bann des Internationalen Olympischen Komitees (IOC) steht auf wackligen Füßen. Schon die Verbände der Bobfahrer und Eisschnellläufer hatten erklärt, die Beweise seien ihnen zu dünn – und ließen die Athleten im Weltcup starten. Gut möglich also, dass der Cas sie auch…