Politics
China Imposes 13% Contraceptive Tax to Boost Birth Rate, Cuts Childcare Costs
China introduces a 13% VAT on contraceptives while exempting childcare services, aiming to reverse a declining population. Experts debate the policy's effectiveness and potential risks.
Culture
Why January is for Comfort Food, Not Reinvention
Forget New Year's diets. This January, embrace nostalgic comfort food like fish finger sandwiches and barley soup as a radical act of self-care and a way to slow down time.
Sports
Chelsea sack Enzo Maresca in shock New Year's Day departure
Chelsea have parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca. The club thanked him for UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup success but said a change was needed. Read the full statement and see the latest odds on his replacement.
Business
British Tourists Among 40 Injured in Deadly Machu Picchu Train Crash
A head-on train collision near Machu Picchu, Peru, has left one dead and dozens injured, including British nationals. The Foreign Office is providing support. Read the latest updates.
Health
Environment
Transport
London Road Closures Jan 2026: Full List
Drivers face major disruption in the Square Mile with multiple road closures in January 2026 due to building and utility works. See the full list and plan your route.
New Year's Day Tube closures and bus diversions in London
Plan your New Year's Day journeys in London with key Tube lines closed, bus diversions for the parade, and special service schedules across TfL networks. Check all the essential travel updates here.
New York City Retires MetroCard After 30 Years
New York City's iconic MetroCard has been officially retired, replaced by the OMNY contactless payment system. Discover the history and what this means for millions of daily commuters.
New Year's rail chaos after 200m of cables stolen
Thieves stole 200m of signalling cables in South Yorkshire, causing major train delays and cancellations for New Year's travellers. Full details on the disruption and impact.
Tractor hits two women in Helmsley, one airlifted
A woman was airlifted to hospital after being trapped by a tractor in Helmsley, North Yorkshire. The incident occurred on Bridge Street. Read the latest updates.