Up to 1,000 people attended a candlelight vigil in Toowoomba for Jana Armstrong, 30, who was allegedly murdered by her partner, Dharminder Singh. Speakers, including her sister Faith Isaacs, urged domestic violence victims to speak up, highlighting community grief and the ongoing issue of family violence.
The UK's honours system is undergoing a "quiet revolution" to become less socially exclusive and more representative of the country. Driven by the Cabinet Office and the Honours Diversity and Outreach Committee, the New Year Honours 2026 saw record levels of recipients from working-class backgrounds and increased geographical spread, though disparities remain.
Kranti Gaud made history at Lord's, becoming the first woman to be named on the Test honours board with a 5/37 spell. Her performance secured India a first-innings lead against England, extending their overall lead to 269 by stumps on Day 2.
Keir Starmer has indicated he might issue a resignation honours list upon leaving Downing Street, contradicting his 2023 pledge not to do so. This comes as Andy Burnham is set to succeed him, having secured overwhelming nominations.
Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup dream ended as Portugal lost to Spain. His hometown, Madeira, celebrated his legacy with a spectacular drone light show, thanking the football icon for his contributions to the island and putting it on the global map.
Renowned Pandavani singer Teejan Bai has passed away in Raipur after a prolonged illness. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed deep grief, calling her death an "irreplaceable loss" to art and culture and stating her performances gave the folk art form global recognition.
Legendary Pandavani folk singer Teejan Bai, a Padma Vibhushan awardee, passed away at 70 in Raipur after a prolonged illness. She was a renowned exponent of the Mahabharata-based folk art form, transforming it into an internationally acclaimed art.
Firefighter Ho Wai-ho, killed in a deadly blaze, posthumously received the Medal for Bravery (Gold). Economist Lawrence Lau Juen-yee, fencer Ryan Choi Chun-yin, and cyclist Ceci Lee Sze-wing were also honored in Hong Kong's 2026 Honours List.
Veteran Tamil filmmaker K Bhagyaraj passes away, prompting an outpouring of grief from the film fraternity and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, who announced state honours for his funeral, highlighting Bhagyaraj's impactful contributions to Tamil cinema.
India A, led by Dhruv Jurel, begins a two-match unofficial Test series against Sri Lanka A in Galle, offering emerging players like Aquib Nabi, Sai Sudharsan, and Devdutt Padikkal a chance to impress for national team selection.
Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, known as Lumumba Vea, finally attended a FIFA World Cup match for DR Congo against Colombia after missing the opener due to quarantine. Famous for his 'living statue' impersonation of Patrice Lumumba, he aims to inspire his team.
Pauline Hanson addresses her new MP's comments on immigration and Indigenous flags. The Albanese government offers concessions on capital gains tax changes. Iran plans maritime fees in the Strait of Hormuz, Ukraine drones strike Moscow, and Lionel Messi's family requests "humanity" amid health reports.
Guardian Australia's Matilda Boseley won for innovative storytelling, while The Sydney Morning Herald's Riley Walter was named Young Australian Journalist of the Year at the 2026 Walkley mid-year media prizes. Other winners included ABC teams for women's leadership and reporting on violence against women.
Portuguese star Bernardo Silva has joined Real Madrid on a free transfer after a nine-year career at Manchester City. The 31-year-old midfielder signed a two-year deal, becoming a key signing under returning manager Jose Mourinho. Silva departs City with 20 major honors, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League.
Gary Lineker holds the record for the highest proportion of a country's World Cup goals (85.71% in 1986). The article also explores players with more international honors than club trophies and traces the lineage of "unofficial world champions" in football.
The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago opens with a focus on art, featuring works by 30 diverse artists. The $850m privately funded center celebrates African American history and civil rights, contrasting with other presidential libraries and implicitly critiquing Donald Trump's approach to culture.
Fast bowler Ashok Sharma has been drafted into the India A squad for the tri-series in Sri Lanka as an injury replacement for Yudhvir Singh. The 23-year-old, who recently switched domestic allegiance to Gujarat, impressed with his raw pace in the IPL.
Kevin Sinfield has been awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours list for his extensive fundraising for motor neurone disease (MND) charities. The rugby league great has raised over £11m since 2020, inspired by his late friend Rob Burrow. Sinfield will continue his support for the MND community.
Kevin Sinfield, Malorie Blackman, and Julia Donaldson lead the King's Birthday Honours list. Sinfield is knighted for his rugby career and fundraising for MND charities, while Blackman and Donaldson are made dames for their services to literature. Several Lionesses, Charlotte Tilbury, Helen Mirren, and Don McCullin also receive honours.
Healthcare campaigner Merope Mills has been made a CBE for her work on patient safety, particularly her advocacy for Martha's Rule. The initiative, inspired by her daughter Martha's death, allows patients and families to seek a second opinion, potentially saving hundreds of lives.
Kevin Sinfield receives knighthood for rugby & MND charity work; 6 England Euro 2025 winners, Luke Donald, Shaun Murphy, Emily Scarratt, & others honoured in King's Birthday Honours
Nauru, the world's smallest republic, is considering a name change to 'Naoero' in a referendum to better reflect its heritage and language. The proposed change aims to reclaim an Indigenous name altered for foreign convenience, aligning with global trends of decolonization and place name revitalization.
Nauru, the world's smallest republic, is considering a name change to 'Naoero' to better reflect its Indigenous heritage and language. The proposal, passed by parliament, will go to a referendum. Experts see this as a move towards decolonization and cultural preservation.
Natasha Stott Despoja, former Australian Democrats leader, is appointed Companion of the Order of Australia, alongside others including Will Hodgman, Prof Terence Tao, and Fran Kelly, for their contributions to various fields.
