Chelsea Faces Defensive Challenges as Transfer Window Approaches
Chelsea FC must address its defensive shortcomings as the January transfer window approaches, according to former player Jamie Redknapp. After a narrow defeat to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final, where Arsenal triumphed 3-2 at Stamford Bridge, Redknapp emphasized the need for a new centre-back to bolster the team's backline. The match featured goals from Ben White, Viktor Gyokeres, and Martin Zubimendi for Arsenal, while Alejandro Garnacho scored twice for Chelsea, showcasing his potential in a team yearning for stability. Redknapp criticized the current centre-back pairing of Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana, highlighting their lack of experience at the elite... [Continue Reading]
Trump prevails in US Senate showdown over Venezuela war powers
US President Donald Trump’s pressure campaign to unify his party behind his takeover of Venezuela succeeded Wednesday when all but three Senate Republicans voted to block a resolution opposing further military action in the country. US Vice-President J.D. Vance broke a tie vote in order to stop the resolution. The 51-50 vote followed fiery phone calls from Trump to Republican defectors who last week voted to advance the resolution. Trump’s success in flipping votes effectively ends one of the... [Continue Reading]
Trump praises 'terrific' new Venezuela leader after call
US President Donald Trump said he had held a "long call" with Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez, the first known contact between the two leaders since the ouster of Nicolas Maduro. [Continue Reading]
Political Pressure Mounts in Australia Amid Legislative Push
The recent political maneuvers in Australia have sparked intense debate and reflection among opposition leaders and lawmakers. As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the parliament would convene for two days to pass crucial laws, the reaction from the opposition has demonstrated a mixture of criticism and regret. This upcoming session follows the tragic Bondi terror attack of December 14, which led to demands for a rapid response to issues of antisemitism and extremism. Initially, the Liberal Coalition was quick to criticize Albanese for not acting sooner, calling for immediate legislative action to address rising antisemitism and perceived threats to national... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine Faces Energy Crisis Amid Severe Winter and Russian Strikes
Ukraine is grappling with an energy emergency, particularly in the capital city of Kyiv, as Russian airstrikes continue to leave thousands without essential services. The harsh winter conditions, with temperatures plummeting to around -20°C overnight, have exacerbated the situation for many residents. Following a special cabinet meeting, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a round-the-clock task force will be established to address the dire consequences stemming from both the ongoing strikes and the severe weather. He accused Russian forces of exploiting the harsh conditions to target Ukraine's critical infrastructure, particularly energy distribution facilities, energy plants, and heating systems. In recent weeks,... [Continue Reading]
What Voters Told Democrats About ICE, Rising Costs and Party Perceptions
In focus groups, swing voters gave Democratic politicians some tough feedback on the party. [Continue Reading]
SpaceX Capsule Returns Early from ISS Due to Medical Emergency
A SpaceX capsule, Crew Dragon, has completed an emergency undocking from the International Space Station (ISS), marking the first medical evacuation since the station's inception in 1998. Carrying four astronauts back to Earth, the return was necessitated by an undisclosed serious medical condition affecting one of the crew members. This sudden extraction reflects the challenges faced in ensuring astronaut health during prolonged missions in microgravity. The Crew Dragon capsule departed the orbiting laboratory shortly after 9:20 AM AEDT (2220 GMT) and is set to splash down in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of California. The crew members include NASA... [Continue Reading]
Record crowds for Australian Open's 'Opening Week' but some fans left frustrated
The Australian Open has smashed attendance records in what is being marketed as "Opening Week", featuring fan events and qualifying matches, but the main draw does not start until Sunday. [Continue Reading]
'Heartbroken' farm workers chase $260,000 in unpaid wages
According to court documents, at least 20 workers are owed money for the work they did in late 2023 on Corrigan's Farm in south-east Melbourne, which experts say is part of a bigger problem that sees tens of millions in missing cash disappear into the black economy. [Continue Reading]
Artwork made more than 70 years ago rediscovered hidden in museum
An artwork drawn by a child of the Stolen Generations has been discovered after decades in the trunk of a regional museum. [Continue Reading]
Woman Killed by ICE Agent Seemed at Fault, N.Y. Republican Says
Bruce Blakeman, the likely Republican candidate for governor, said the killing of Renee Good was just one point of disagreement between him and Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat. [Continue Reading]
Four French Men Charged with High-Profile Burglary Appear in Court
The ACT Magistrates Court has heard a case involving four French nationals charged with aggravated burglary and theft, with the total value of allegedly stolen luxury items, including designer watches and jewellery, now contested. This high-profile case revolves around the theft of more than $10 million worth of luxury goods from a residence in Canberra. The defendants, identified as Ilyes Abdelkader, Mohamed Abdelkader, Mohamed Naimi, and Antoni Voisin, remain in custody following their arrest at a KFC restaurant in Sydney only four days after the crime. The case initially attracted attention due to the scale and intricacy of the alleged... [Continue Reading]
Jailed Chinese AI chatbot developers appeal in landmark pornography case
In a landmark case in China, two AI chatbot developers have appealed against their convictions on pornography charges over software that generated sexual content for paid users. The Shanghai First Intermediate People’s Court began on Wednesday hearing the appeal by the two defendants against an earlier decision by a lower court to sentence one of the developers to four years and the other to 1½ years in prison for “creating pornographic material for profit”. The hearing has been adjourned,... [Continue Reading]
China midwife accidentally severs baby’s middle finger, results in reattachment surgery
Social media in China has been shocked and outraged by a midwife who cut off a newborn baby’s finger when severing his umbilical cord during a caesarean section. The infant boy was born on the morning of December 25, at Xuyi County People’s Hospital in Jiangsu province, eastern China. Two hours later, his father was told by doctors that the child’s left middle finger had been snipped by accident during the surgery, the Red Star News reported. The baby then faced two hospital transfers before... [Continue Reading]
Cassette Boy review – Fez meets The Legend Of Zelda in a new indie charmer
A new Japanese indie game demonstrates a Schrödinger-inspired puzzle system where if you can’t see something it suddenly doesn’t exist. [Continue Reading]
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,421
These are the key developments from day 1,421 of Russia’s war on Ukraine. [Continue Reading]
Major new developments will need to be assessed on River Murray
Environmental protections along a huge stretch of the River Murray will be boosted, following a decision to officially list the area as "critically endangered", the federal government says. [Continue Reading]
After White House Meeting on Greenland, Trump Remains Unmoved
Denmark’s foreign minister left the White House complex saying that his country had a “fundamental disagreement” with President Trump, as several NATO countries sent troops to Greenland. [Continue Reading]
Breaking: Adelaide Festival Corporation apologises to author Randa Abdel-Fattah
The Adelaide Festival Corporation, which oversees Adelaide Writers' Week, has apologised to Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah and says she will be invited to speak at its next event in 2027. [Continue Reading]
Two French men to plead guilty over alleged $10m theft in Canberra
Lawyers say the value of the allegedly stolen luxury goods, including a $5 million Richard Mille watch, is disputed as the case returns to court. [Continue Reading]
US Senate kills resolution that would have limited Trump action in Venezuela
Republicans Josh Hawley and Todd Young flipped after receiving ‘assurances’ from Trump administrationUS politics live – latest updatesThe US Senate has voted against a war powers resolution that would have prevented Donald Trump from taking further military action against Venezuela without giving Congress advance notice.Senators Josh Hawley of Missouri and Todd Young of Indiana, who had joined three other Republicans to advance the resolution alongside Democrats last week, flipped after they said they received assurances from the Trump administration. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Sick astronaut starts journey to Earth from International Space Station
The Crew Dragon capsule has undocked from the International Space Station carrying four astronauts, one of whom has a "serious medical condition", and is on its way back to Earth. [Continue Reading]
Trump says Iran executions ‘stopping’ as Tehran signals fast trials and hangings
President Donald Trump claimed on Wednesday that executions in Iran may have been halted, citing unnamed sources, even as the Iranian government intensified warnings of rapid trials and possible executions for thousands of detainees amid ongoing protests. [Continue Reading]
X announces measures to block Grok from undressing images
Elon Musk's platform X announced measures to prevent its AI chatbot Grok from undressing images of real people, following global backlash over its generation of sexualised images of women and children. [Continue Reading]
FBI conducts raid on Washington Post reporter’s home, seizes electronics
Press freedom groups warn that the warrant to search reporter Hannah Natanson's home establishes a dangerous precedent. [Continue Reading]
Serial houseplant killer? Here's how to keep them alive
The three easiest plants to keep alive and how to make sure you keep them healthy all year round. [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong lawmaker Duncan Chiu leads Legco affluence list with 54 properties
Hong Kong lawmaker Duncan Chiu owns 54 properties at home and overseas, more than any of the other 89 lawmakers, a review of their declaration of interests shows. But Chiu indicated that he is considering selling his properties in the West, citing geopolitical risks and his limited time for managing them. Chiu, the son of the late entrepreneur Deacon Chiu, represents the technology and innovation sector. He is among the five lawmakers who have declared ownership of more than 10 properties, and... [Continue Reading]
China-EU tariff agreement on EVs seen cutting shipments but boosting profitability
A requirement to set minimum prices for their cars in the European Union will reduce sales there for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers, but higher profit margins will eventually improve their bottom lines and brand reputations, according to analysts and industry officials. Assemblers of Chinese pure-electric cars from BYD to Leapmotor will avoid a brutal discount war after European authorities accepted price undertakings to replace punitive anti-subsidy tariffs of up to 35.3 per cent. Minimum... [Continue Reading]
Why the UAE has incurred the wrath of Somalia
The government in Mogadishu has accused the UAE of undermining its sovereignty. [Continue Reading]
Hearts 'underdogs by long shot' but still setting Premiership pace
If it seemed Hearts made a statement by winning with 10 men at Dundee on Sunday, they upped the ante against St Mirren four days later. [Continue Reading]
Zelensky declares state of emergency in Ukraine's energy sector
The move comes as US President Donald Trump said Ukraine is "less ready" than the Russian president to make a peace deal. [Continue Reading]
Senate blocks Venezuela war powers bill after Vance breaks deadlock
The vote failed after two Republicans withdrew their previous support under intense pressure from the Trump administration. [Continue Reading]
Trump sets 180-day deadline to counter China’s control of critical minerals
US President Donald Trump has put allies and trade partners on notice, invoking national security powers to ease China’s chokehold on critical minerals, warning global suppliers to negotiate agreements to secure reliable, diversified supplies for the US or face new trade barriers, including tariffs. In a proclamation signed on Wednesday, the “America first” president declared that the US’ reliance on foreign-processed critical minerals poses a national security threat. He directed US Trade... [Continue Reading]
Morocco beat Nigeria on penalties to reach AFCON final
Morocco overcome Nigeria on penalties, after the match finished 0-0 after extra time, to reach AFCON final. [Continue Reading]
Morocco edge Nigeria on penalties to reach Arica Cup of Nations final
Morocco booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations final after a dramatic penalty shootout saw them overcome Nigeria 4-2, following a goalless draw in a tense semi-final in Rabat. [Continue Reading]
Sanchez mistakes 'on me' - Rosenior defends Chelsea keeper
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior defends goalkeeper Robert Sanchez following two mistakes in his side's 3-2 defeat at home to Arsenal on Wednesday in their Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg tie. [Continue Reading]
Churchill’s desk and rare artwork among items donated to UK cultural institutions
Items worth £59.7m allocated to museums, galleries, libraries and archives as part of Arts Council England schemeWinston Churchill and Benjamin Disraeli’s desk, a painting by Vanessa Bell and a rare artwork by Edgar Degas are among the items of cultural importance saved for the nation this year.The items, worth a total of £59.7m, will be allocated to museums, galleries, libraries and archives around the UK as part of Art Council England’s cultural gifts and acceptance in lieu schemes. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Trump is making China – not America – great again, global survey suggests
Exclusive: US is less feared by its traditional adversaries, while its allies feel ever more distant, results showA year after Donald Trump’s return to the White House, a global survey suggests much of the world believes his nation-first, “Make America Great Again” approach is instead helping to make China great again.The 21-country survey for the influential European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) thinktank also found that under Trump, the US is less feared by its traditional adversaries, while its allies – particularly in Europe – feel ever more distant. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Traces of cancer-linked pesticide found in tests at UK playgrounds
Pressure mounting for use of glyphosate, listed by WHO since 2015 as probable carcinogen, to be heavily restrictedChildren are potentially being exposed to the controversial weedkiller glyphosate at playgrounds across the UK, campaigners have said after testing playgrounds in London and the home counties.The World Health Organization has listed glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen since 2015. However, campaigners say local authorities in the UK are still using thousands of litres of glyphosate-based herbicides in public green spaces. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
NHS corridor care is ‘torture’ leading to patient deaths and staff nightmares
Royal College of Nursing publishes dossier of evidence including case of elderly patient who choked to death in corridorCorridor care is “a type of torture” that is leading to patients dying and causing NHS staff to have nightmares, the UK’s nurses union has warned.In one case, an elderly patient choked to death in a corridor, unseen by staff, according to a new dossier of evidence highlighting the problem published by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Daily horoscope January 15, 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign
Venus in Capricorn and Uranus in Taurus today. This alignment puts you at the centre, so take this opportunity to try something new. [Continue Reading]
Immigration levels overestimated by public, says ESRI
Many people believe immigration is happening here on a larger scale than it really is, according to the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). [Continue Reading]
Japan’s Takaichi faces uphill task in lower house election after ally’s exit
Komeito is emerging as a potential political kingmaker in Japan ahead of a widely expected snap lower house election, three months after the party affiliated with a religious movement announced it was ending an alliance with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party over differences with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. On January 23, the opening day of the Diet, Takaichi is expected to announce the dissolution of the House of Representatives, with polling likely to take place on February 8 or February... [Continue Reading]
Caretaker mode stops progress reports into youth suicide
Fearing more lives will be lost, Kimberley Aboriginal leaders call on the WA government to release updates on parliamentary and coronial recommendations into youth suicide. [Continue Reading]
AFCON 2025 Semi-Finals: Morocco down Nigeria on penalties, Senegal edge Egypt 1-0
Morocco capitalised on home support to stay the course and beat Nigeria on penalties after 120 minutes produced no goals. They'll meet 2021 winners Senegal in the final, after the Lions of Teranga beat the Pharaoh's of Egypt 1-0 thanks to Sadio Mané's late strike from range. Jean-Émile Jammine is joined by sports journalists, Thando Sibiya and Andrea Evagora as well as France 24's Selina Sykes in Rabat. [Continue Reading]
The Papers: 'World on the brink' and Trump intent on 'conquering' Greenland
The global tensions from Greenland and Iran feature prominently on Thursday's front pages. [Continue Reading]
Elon Musk's X to block AI tool Grok from undressing images of real people after backlash
Grok will no longer allow users to remove clothing from images of real people in jurisdictions where it is illegal. [Continue Reading]
Three Palestine Action activists end hunger strikes
Three Palestine Action activists have ended their hunger strike in a UK prison after 73 days, claiming the government has met one of their key demands. [Continue Reading]