A new series of "The Traitors" will start on New Year's Day with 22 contestants. This season includes diverse professionals like a retired police detective, a crime novelist, and a cyber security consultant. Claudia Winkleman will return as the show's host.
Key Facts
The new series of "The Traitors" will launch on January 1st.
There will be 22 contestants from various professions, including a retired detective, a crime novelist, and a psychologist.
Claudia Winkleman is returning as the host of the series.
A new promotional trailer hinted at a major twist involving a red cloak.
The series will air on BBC One and be available on iPlayer.
The celebrity version of "The Traitors" attracted 15 million viewers earlier in the year.
Contestants like Harriet Tyce and Amanda will use their professional skills during the game.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Steve Rosenberg from the BBC asked people in Moscow about their hopes for 2026. Many are concerned about the war on Ukraine and the economic situation in Russia. People are thinking about the future and how these issues might affect their lives.
Key Facts
BBC's Russia editor Steve Rosenberg conducted interviews in Moscow about hopes for 2026.
People in Russia are worried about the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The Russian economy is facing increasing pressure, affecting people's views of the future.
The New Year holiday was a time of reflection for many in Moscow.
Rosenberg's questions focused on personal and national futures amidst current challenges.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The cast of the BBC Radio 4 drama, The Archers, recreated the opening scene of the first episode to celebrate the show's 75th anniversary. The show, which began on January 1, 1951, is known as the world's longest-running radio soap opera and has a significant young audience. Special programming, including a 45-minute drama and a podcast, will air to mark the milestone.
Key Facts
The Archers' cast recreated the first episode's opening scene for its 75th anniversary.
The Archers first aired on January 1, 1951.
The original recording of the first episode did not survive.
The show is the world's longest-running radio soap opera.
The Archers still has a large following among young listeners.
Special programming, including "The Archers: Truth and Lies," will air on New Year's Day.
The Archers Podcast will air on Radio 4 for the first time.
The show tackles issues like domestic abuse, climate change, and modern farming life.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Some children in England from struggling families will receive vaccines at home to help protect them from diseases. The government's plan aims to improve vaccine rates by having health visitors provide the service to families facing challenges in accessing healthcare. Twelve areas in different regions of England will try this new approach over the next year.
Key Facts
The program is for children from families who have trouble accessing healthcare.
The goal is to improve vaccination rates which have declined in the past 10 years.
Health visitors, who are trained nurses or midwives, will conduct the home visits.
The pilot scheme will be implemented in 12 areas across different regions in England.
Families that can regularly visit local surgeries will continue to receive vaccines there.
The government is addressing issues like language barriers and travel costs that prevent access to health services.
No childhood vaccines have met the 95% target rate for children aged five and under recently.
There is an ongoing development of a workforce plan to tackle the decline in health visitors and community nursing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Joe and Kate Duffy campaigned for over 30 years to abolish the "not proven" verdict in Scotland after their daughter Amanda's murder. In Scotland, a jury can find a person "not proven," which means acquittal similar to "not guilty." As of January 1, the "not proven" verdict is no longer used in Scottish courts.
Key Facts
Amanda Duffy was murdered in Hamilton, Scotland, in 1992 at age 19.
The man accused, Francis Auld, was acquitted with a "not proven" verdict.
"Not proven" is an acquittal verdict used in Scottish criminal trials, similar to "not guilty."
Joe and Kate Duffy spent over 30 years campaigning to remove this verdict.
As of January 1, Scottish trials will only use "guilty" or "not guilty" verdicts.
The change means future trials will not have the "not proven" option.
The Duffy family gathered thousands of petition signatures to support abolition.
The "not proven" verdict had no written legal definition, causing confusion.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses how varying parental leave policies and access to childcare in the UK affect young families. These differences, often termed a "postcode lottery," can impact a child's early development and the family's financial situation. BBC Radio 4's Today programme will follow six parents over five years to explore these challenges.
Key Facts
Six parents from across the UK are participating in a study by BBC Radio 4's Today programme to understand the challenges of raising a child.
The study will follow these parents for five years to document their experiences.
Access to childcare and parental leave pay can vary significantly based on where families live.
Employers offer different levels of parental leave pay, which can affect how much time parents can spend with their newborns.
Statutory pay for employed mothers in the UK covers six weeks at 90% of their earnings, then a lower minimum amount for 33 weeks.
Employed fathers receive statutory pay for two weeks, which is considered low compared to other European countries.
Some companies provide more generous parental leave benefits, allowing parents longer paid time off.
The disparities in leave policies can result in some parents returning to work sooner, impacting family time.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Around the globe, people are celebrating New Year's Eve to welcome 2026. Countries in the South Pacific were the first to enter the new year, well before New York City, where preparations for the Times Square ball drop are underway.
Key Facts
South Pacific countries entered 2026 eighteen hours before New York City.
Celebrations included fireworks in various locations such as the pyramids in Egypt and the Parthenon in Greece.
Countries like Iraq, Germany, the Philippines, and Vietnam held large gatherings with fireworks and light displays.
Auckland, New Zealand, was the first major city to greet January 1, 2026.
Celebrations continued with fireworks and festivities in places like Qatar, Zimbabwe, and Pakistan.
Different countries are experiencing New Year's festivities at different times due to time zone differences.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
China will charge a 13% sales tax on contraceptives like condoms starting January 1, while childcare services will become exempt from taxes. The government aims to boost birth rates by encouraging people to have more children, as the country's population has been shrinking. However, some people worry that making contraception more expensive could lead to more unwanted pregnancies and health issues.
Key Facts
China will impose a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from January 1.
Childcare services, marriage-related services, and elderly care will not be taxed.
The change is part of China's plan to increase birth rates and support families.
China's population has been shrinking for three years, with fewer babies born in recent years.
In 2024, China's birth count was about half of what it was a decade ago.
There are concerns that more expensive contraceptives could lead to more unwanted pregnancies and HIV cases.
The YuWa Population Research Institute reported that China is one of the costliest countries to raise a child.
Observers are divided on whether taxing contraceptives will effectively increase birth rates.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
People around the world are celebrating New Year’s Eve as they enter the year 2026. Major cities are hosting events like fireworks displays and large public gatherings.
Key Facts
New Year’s Eve is being celebrated globally as time zones reach midnight.
Cities are hosting fireworks and public gatherings to mark the occasion.
Major cities are the first to celebrate with events on their waterfronts.
America will be among the last to celebrate due to its time zone.
Events are planned in places like Rio de Janeiro and New York City.
Celebrations mark the global transition into the year 2026.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Kenner Elias Jones, known for leading Prince Charles's 1969 investiture procession, later pursued a life of fraud. He committed various cons across three continents, as documented in a new film. Despite early signs of deception, Jones's charm helped him continue his fraudulent activities for decades.
Key Facts
Kenner Elias Jones led Prince Charles's investiture procession in 1969.
Jones began his deception as a choirboy by convincing a bishop he should lead the procession.
He was convicted for fraud in 1973 and 1975 in the UK, and received psychiatric treatment.
Jones married Lee McKenzie in Canada in 1980 and later committed fraud there.
Jones's fraudulent activities spanned multiple continents, including North America and Europe.
He was warned by psychiatrists of having a personality disorder, suggesting potential danger to others.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, in a new year message, pledged to address economic and social issues in Britain by 2026, promising positive changes like improved public services and lower living costs. Other political leaders, such as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, also shared their plans for economic growth. Additionally, other parties like the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK are preparing for the upcoming local elections.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promised to tackle decline and promote unity in Britain by 2026.
Starmer mentioned plans for lower bills, more police presence, and new health centers.
2025 was a challenging year with economic slowdown and high unemployment in Britain.
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, outlined plans to support businesses and improve the economy.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey anticipates election success and aims to bring change.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticized other parties for not embracing new technologies.
SNP leader John Swinney highlighted the impact of global events and celebrated Scotland's sports achievements.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Bulgaria has become the 21st country to use the euro, joining the eurozone despite mixed feelings from its population. The change replaces the Bulgarian lev with the euro and has led to different reactions among Bulgarians. Some are optimistic about the economic benefits, while others are worried about sovereignty and costs.
Key Facts
Bulgaria is now the 21st member of the eurozone, using the euro currency.
The Bulgarian lev, in use since 1881, is being replaced by the euro.
Shops in Bulgaria have shown prices in both lev and euros since August 2025.
Opinion polls show that Bulgarians are divided on adopting the euro.
A confidence vote ousted Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov's government amid protests.
From February 1, 2026, Bulgarians can no longer use the lev for payments.
New euro coins include Bulgarian symbols to address concerns over national identity.
The country has experienced political instability, with seven elections in four years.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A charity is working to preserve a historic building on South Georgia island linked to polar explorer Ernest Shackleton. The South Georgia Heritage Trust is stabilizing a villa used by Shackleton during a famous rescue mission in 1916 and plans to create a digital version for global access.
Key Facts
The South Georgia Heritage Trust, based in Dundee, is leading the preservation project.
The building, known as Stromness Manager's Villa, was used by Ernest Shackleton in 1916.
Shackleton reached the villa after a challenging journey from Antarctica to South Georgia.
The building is in poor condition, with a survey in 2022 indicating it's close to collapse due to rotting wood.
More than £3 million has been raised to stabilize the structure and create a digital "twin."
The project does not aim to open the site to the public due to safety concerns with asbestos and other debris nearby.
Ernest Shackleton's 1916 expedition from the Antarctic to South Georgia is a significant part of his story and continues to inspire many.
Specialists will scan the villa to make it accessible online, potentially using virtual reality technology.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have experienced a strain in their relationship due to conflicts in Yemen. The UAE began supporting a group called the Southern Transitional Council (STC), but Saudi Arabia viewed this as a threat and intervened to stop it.
Key Facts
Saudi Arabia and UAE were part of a coalition to fight Houthis in Yemen for over a decade.
The mission to control the Houthis in Yemen was not successful.
The UAE supported the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in southern Yemen.
The STC gained control of areas near Saudi Arabia's borders.
Saudi Arabia saw this as a security threat and demanded the UAE leave the area.
The UAE agreed to withdraw within 24 hours.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israel plans to ban 37 international organizations that help Palestinians in Gaza, including Doctors Without Borders and the Norwegian Refugee Council. This decision may severely impact the people in Gaza, who heavily rely on aid due to ongoing conflicts and restricted access to resources. Several countries have urged Israel to allow these organizations to continue their work.
Key Facts
Israel will start a ban on 37 international aid organizations, revoking their licenses.
Organizations affected include Doctors Without Borders and the Norwegian Refugee Council.
Israel requires aid groups to disclose details about their staff and activities.
Gaza residents rely heavily on these organizations for medical treatment and basic needs.
Foreign ministers from 10 countries are urging Israel to let NGOs work consistently in Gaza.
Gaza has faced significant destruction, and many people live in makeshift shelters.
The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) criticized Israel's decision as harmful to humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
UNRWA chief stated that the decision threatens humanitarian principles like neutrality and independence.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
NBC's special "A Toast to 2025" will air on December 31, 2025, from 10:30 PM to 12:30 AM ET on NBC and Peacock. The event will feature hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager and include highlights from pop culture, news, sports, and viral moments of the year. The show will combine celebrity appearances, comedic talks, and reflections to celebrate the year 2025.
Key Facts
"A Toast to 2025" is a New Year's Eve special on NBC.
The show will air from 10:30 PM to 12:30 AM ET on December 31, 2025.
It will be available on NBC and the streaming platform Peacock.
Hosts are Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager.
The show will feature highlights from pop culture, news, sports, and viral moments from 2025.
Celebrity appearances include Lester Holt, Savannah Guthrie, Willie Geist, and Kristin Chenoweth, among others.
The program includes a mix of nostalgia, humor, and star appearances.
The special aims to create a positive, reflective vibe as the year ends.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A 23-year-old man was killed in a stabbing incident on New Year's Eve in south-east London. Police have started a murder investigation and have not made any arrests yet.
Key Facts
A 23-year-old man was stabbed on Grove Street in Deptford, south-east London.
The incident happened on New Year’s Eve, and police were called at about 12:30 GMT.
The man had a knife wound to the chest and died despite paramedics' efforts to save him.
The Metropolitan Police have started a murder investigation.
No arrests have been made so far.
Detective Chief Inspector Sam Townsend stated that they are working quickly to understand what happened.
Extra police will be patrolling the area to increase public safety.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A suicide bomber in Aleppo, Syria, killed one police officer and injured several others. The attacker detonated an explosive when officers tried to arrest him in the Bab al-Faraj area.
Key Facts
A suicide bomber attacked Syrian police forces in Aleppo.
One officer died, and several others were injured in the explosion.
The bomber blew himself up as police tried to detain him.
The incident happened in the Bab al-Faraj neighborhood.
Authorities are investigating and have secured the site of the explosion.
The attack occurred as officers were preparing for New Year's Eve festivities.
No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing yet.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Protests in Iran have been ongoing for four days, with demonstrators trying to enter a local government building in Fars province. The protests began due to a steep decline in the Iranian currency's value and have spread to several cities, leading to injuries, arrests, and increased security measures.
Key Facts
Protesters attempted to enter a governor's office in Fasa, Fars province.
Three police officers were injured, and four people were arrested.
Confrontations have also occurred in Hamedan and Lorestan.
Iran announced a bank holiday, closing schools and public offices, which many saw as a way to control the protests.
The protests started in Tehran, fueled by a large drop in the currency's value.
Demonstrations have spread to various cities and involve university students.
The current protests are widespread but not as large as those in 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini.
President Masoud Pezeshkian plans to address protesters' legitimate concerns, but the prosecutor general warned of a strong response to any instability.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Finnish authorities seized a cargo ship called Fitburg that was sailing from Russia to Israel after it allegedly damaged undersea telecommunication cables in the Gulf of Finland. Finnish police are investigating possible criminal damage and interference with telecommunications. The crew, consisting of 14 members from Russia and nearby countries, have been detained.
Key Facts
Finnish authorities seized the cargo vessel Fitburg due to suspected cable damage.
The ship was traveling from St Petersburg, Russia, to Israel.
The investigation is looking into criminal damage and interference with telecommunications.
The crew of 14 includes citizens from Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan.
The cable is crucial infrastructure owned by Elisa, a telecom company, but services have not been disrupted.
Similar incidents have occurred in the Baltic Sea area, raising concerns about security and potential sabotage.
NATO has increased its military presence in the Baltic region amid these security concerns.
Estonia reported a related cable outage, and investigations are ongoing to determine any connections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
