Top Stories
Arctic blast to start new year with snow and ice warnings
Colder weather with snow and ice warnings in force will continue over the next few days.
Government to defend decision to strip Begum’s UK citizenship
The ECHR questions whether it was considered if Shamima Begum was a victim of grooming and trafficking.
Threatening, durable, learning – what makes Starc elite?
Mitchell Starc has tormented England through the 2025-26 Ashes series, so what makes him so good and what new tricks have revived his career?
Eight men’s footballers hoping for a big 2026
BBC Sport looks at some of the players hoping for a big 2026 for various reasons.
Annual Channel migrant crossings highest since 2022
The 2025 total is the highest since 2022, when nearly 46,000 migrants made the crossing.
South Africa’s R241 million military agreement with China
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, provided details about South Africa’s multi-million-rand military deal with China.
Cape Town sounds water alarm before 2026
Just hours before the new year, the City of Cape Town raised the alarm over excessive water use and warned of a dry 2026.
Brazil legend Roberto Carlos recovering in hospital
Brazil and Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos is “recovering well” after undergoing what he describes as “a preventative medical procedure”.
The £3m race to save polar explorer Shackleton’s villa
The building was used as a base by Shackleton while he orchestrated the famous rescue of his stranded crew
Wealthy South African families face a major financial threat
Experts warned that wealthy South African families risk costly conflict, legal battles and losing their assets if they do not implement clear succession planning.
Who might be on move in January in WSL?
With the January transfer window opening in the Women’s Super League, which players could be on the move and who is out of contract?
Murphy ready for England to attack in Sydney Test
Australia spinner Todd Murphy is prepared to be a target for England in the final Ashes Test in Sydney.
Which men’s footballers could be on the move in January?
Antoine Semenyo is widely expected to complete a move from Bournemouth to Manchester City shortly, but which other Premier League players could be on the move in January?
Makhadzi in hospital after car accident
Award-winning artist Makhadzi has been hospitalised after a car accident while travelling from Limpopo to Johannesburg on Wednesday morning.
Ramaphosa reaffirms commitment to rooting out corruption in 2026
President Cyril Ramaphosa has characterised the rooting out of corruption as the government’s overriding priority during his New Year’s Eve message.
Zohran Mamdani sworn in as first Muslim New York City Mayor
The Democratic politician took his oath over a Quran in the disused Old City Hall subway station.
News24 | Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York mayor in ‘honour and the privilege of a lifetime’
Zohran Mamdani, the young upstart of the US left, was sworn to take over as New York mayor for a term sure to see him cross swords with President Donald Trump.
News24 | China hits Australia, Brazil with extra 55% tariffs on some beef imports
China said on Wednesday it will impose additional 55 percent tariffs on some beef imports from countries including Brazil, Australia and the United States that exceed a certain quantity from January 1.
Community key to good healthcare, says incoming Archbishop of Canterbury
Dame Sarah Mullally, a former NHS nurse, said in a New Year address that community can help deal with the “root causes” of many hospital admissions.