World news
- Australia news live: Allan admits ‘more to do’ after byelection collapse in Labor vote; severe weather warnings on both sides of continentby Rafqa Touma on February 9, 2025 at 4:26 am
Labor holds a narrow lead in the Werribee byelection after a large swing against the government, while the Liberals appear to have won Prahran off the Greens. Follow today’s news headlines liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastCoalition backs healthcare packageGallagher welcomed the opposition backing Labor’s package for women’s health this morning. She said on ABC Insiders:We know Peter Dutton wanders around saying he’s going to cut a whole range of things. He’s clear he sees a lot of our investments in Medicare as wasteful spending. But these are really good investments into women’s health. And it will make a difference for millions of people across the country including women who are going through men who really have felt left behind by the health system and hopefully these new measures will address all of those issues.It’s come down quite obviously for women across the country, the use of contraception, going through different stages of your life, including menopause, that these are areas that either haven’t been addressed for decades, or haven’t been met appropriately through the Medicare system. So, you know, we have landed the hospital deal, keep investing in the public health system, we have got a lot of initiatives about strengthening Medicare and this builds on that. Continue reading...
- Woman dies after lightning bolt explodes tree in town near Sydneyby Australian Associated Press on February 9, 2025 at 4:19 am
One woman killed and another taken to hospital with injuries to hands and face, paramedics sayFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA woman has died after being hit by debris from a tree which exploded when it was struck by lightning in a town south-west of Sydney on Saturday afternoon.Paramedics and a medical team rushed to the address in Cawdor about 5.30pm Saturday. New South Wales Ambulance said one woman had been fatally injured by shrapnel from the tree. Continue reading...
- Towns cut off by Queensland floods warned against panic-buying as premier vows ‘resilient’ rebuildby Kate Lyons on February 9, 2025 at 2:44 am
David Crisafulli says infrastructure to be replaced after floods needs ‘greater ability’ to withstand natural disastersFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastQueensland’s premier has vowed to rebuild “more resilient” infrastructure after devastating floods in the state’s north, as Queenslanders were warned not to panic-buy while they are cut off.David Crisafulli said his government was here “for the long haul” of recovery, in an update on the state’s flooding on Sunday.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...
- Emilia Pérez movie wins top Spanish film prize amid Karla Sofía Gascón furoreby Staff and agencies on February 9, 2025 at 1:55 am
Best European film at Goya awards goes to movie at the centre of a storm over past social media posts written by its star, Karla Sofía GascónNarco-musical Emilia Pérez has won best European film at Spain’s equivalent of the Oscars amid the fallout from its star’s past racist and Islamophobic social media posts.Karla Sofía Gascón – the star of the film and the first transgender woman to be nominated for a best actress Oscar – did not attend the ceremony after old social media posts emerged in which she denigrates Islam, China and African American George Floyd, unleashing a scandal that has harmed her reputation and the film. Continue reading...
- Contraceptives and menopause treatments to be subsidised as federal government pledges $573m for women’s healthby Krishani Dhanji on February 9, 2025 at 1:09 am
Birth control devices and HRT therapies to be listed on PBS alongside Medicare and bulk-billing changes, with Coalition immediately backing policyFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralian women will save hundreds of dollars thanks to new subsidies for contraceptive pills and hormone therapy, in a major investment announced by the federal government.The $573m package will put new contraceptive pills on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS) for the first time in decades. The move follows two parliamentary inquiries into reproductive health and menopause.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...
- Fifth ceasefire exchange sees gaunt captives emerge from Gaza and Israelby Emma Graham-Harrison in Jerusalem on February 9, 2025 at 12:10 am
Weakened state of three freed Israelis shocks country, while several released Palestinians also need hospitalisationHamas freed three hostages from Gaza and Israel released 183 prisoners and detainees on Saturday, the fifth exchange under a fragile, three-week-old ceasefire deal.The gaunt appearance of the three Israeli men shocked the country, sparking anger and dismay that could increase pressure on the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to extend the agreement to a second stage, bringing home the remaining Israeli captives. Continue reading...
- Ministry to digitalise property data to speed up homebuying processby Nadeem Badshah and agency on February 9, 2025 at 12:01 am
Project aims to enable faster information exchange among involved parties to modernise ‘cumbersome’ processThe government is planning to digitalise data shared during property sales to tackle delays in transactions and speed up the homebuying process.Labour has announced a 12-week project to decide on the “design and implementation of agreed rules on data” so that it can easily be shared between conveyancers, lenders and other parties involved in a transaction. Continue reading...
- Dreams ‘crushed’ as Ticketmaster cancels fans’ Oasis ’25 ticketsby Nadeem Badshah and agency on February 8, 2025 at 11:54 pm
Those affected were accused of being bots and asked to fill out a form for the tour’s promoters to reviewOasis fans have said their “dreams have been crushed” after Ticketmaster cancelled their tickets to the band’s reunion tour, accusing them of being bots.Several people have received an email from the company that said bots were identified making their purchase for Oasis Live ’25 tickets, and urged them to fill out a form to rectify the issue. Continue reading...
- Real Madrid rescued by Mbappe after Alvarez penalty for Atleticoon February 8, 2025 at 11:17 pm
Real striker Kylian Mbappe's second-half equaliser cancels out Julian Alvarez's penalty for Atletico in Madrid derby.
- Victoria byelections: Liberals to claim Greens seat and celebrate surge in Labor heartlandby Benita Kolovos Victorian state correspondent on February 8, 2025 at 11:09 pm
Greens concede loss to Liberals in Prahran and ALP on a knife-edge in WerribeeFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Greens have conceded the loss of the Victorian state seat of Prahran to the Liberals, while the result in the once-Labor stronghold of Werribee remains too close to call.The Greens leader, Ellen Sandell, said on Sunday the result in the inner-Melbourne seat was close but that it was clear the minor party will “fall just short” when counting resumes on Monday.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...
- Queensland’s ban on puberty blockers and hormones left Liam devastated. A Victorian doctor stepped inby Andrew Messenger on February 8, 2025 at 11:00 pm
Children seeking gender dysphoria treatment are finding care interstate after LNP government’s prescriptions pauseFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA 40-minute video call was all it took to transform 15-year-old Liam’s* mental health.With the support of his dad, Chris*, the transgender Brisbane teen had finally completed the months-long journey to being prescribed hormone replacement therapy.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...
- Hundreds protest against Chinese ‘mega-embassy’ in Londonby Sammy Gecsoyler on February 8, 2025 at 9:49 pm
Demonstrators at the proposed site included Hongkongers who fear it could be used to illegally detain dissentersLarge crowds gathered outside the proposed site of a new Chinese “mega-embassy” in London on Saturday, as politicians and protesters expressed concerns it could be used to “control” dissidents.More than 1,000 people congregated outside the Royal Mint Court, the former headquarters of the UK’s coin maker, near the Tower of London. The site could soon be turned into a Chinese embassy. Continue reading...
Africa news
- Some Afrikaners Cheer as Trump Amplifies Claims of Persecutionby John Eligon and Lynsey Chutel on February 9, 2025 at 4:09 am
An executive order from President Trump on Friday put the weight of U.S. influence behind a hotly disputed claim in South Africa that Afrikaners were the “victims of unjust racial discrimination.”
- Sam Nujoma of Namibia Dead at 95by Alan Cowell on February 9, 2025 at 4:01 am
As the self-exiled leader of the South-West Africa People’s Organization, he directed a guerrilla army in a 24-year war for independence from South African rule.
- Here Is What to Know About U.S. Foreign Aid and the Trump Freezeby Yonette Joseph, Malika Khurana and Adam Pasick on February 8, 2025 at 10:10 pm
Critics say a Trump administration order calls into question the United States’ global standing and reliability.
- News24 | Palestinian prisoners released from jail, but not free to celebrateon February 8, 2025 at 8:10 pm
Fakhri Barghouti grimaced in pain as an exultant crowd lifted him onto their shoulders next to his son Shadi, released from an Israeli jail on Saturday under a Gaza ceasefire deal.
- News24 | United States ready to welcome 'persecuted South African farmers'on February 8, 2025 at 5:43 pm
The United States is ready to resettle "persecuted South African farmers," a State Department spokesperson said Saturday, after Washington froze aid to the country over a law President Donald Trump alleges allows land to be seized from white farmers.
- Trump and Musk Bring Vast Aid Machinery to a Halt in Africaby Declan Walsh on February 8, 2025 at 3:16 pm
The collapse of U.S.A.I.D. at the hands of President Trump and Elon Musk is already leaving gaping holes in vital health care and other services that millions of Africans rely on for their survival.
- News24 | Taiwan sends officials to US to discuss possible Trump tariffson February 8, 2025 at 11:13 am
Taiwan has sent officials to Washington to discuss possible U.S. tariffs by President Donald Trump, and has made preparations should they be imposed, Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei said on Saturday.
- Trump Executive Order Halts Aid to South Africa, Claiming Mistreatment of Afrikaner Landownersby Michael D. Shear and John Eligon on February 8, 2025 at 2:31 am
The president ordered that all foreign assistance to South Africa be halted and said his administration would prioritize the resettling of white, “Afrikaner refugees” into the United States.
- News24 | Trump condemned for ICC sanctions over Israel, US probeson February 7, 2025 at 7:46 pm
The International Criminal Court on Friday condemned US sanctions over probes targeting America and Israel and pledged to press on with its aim to fight for "justice and hope" around the world.
- Congo Buries Its Dead After Rebel Assaulton February 7, 2025 at 4:23 pm
A single image captures the grim task facing those who needed to find space for the dead after a spasm of violence in Central Africa.
- News24 | China puts Taiwan under pressure as six spy balloons, warships and aircraft spottedon February 7, 2025 at 4:17 pm
Taiwan detected six Chinese balloons off the island, the defence ministry said, as Beijing maintains military pressure to push its claim of sovereignty.
- Dozens of Clinical Trials Have Been Frozen in Response to Trump’s USAID Orderby Stephanie Nolen on February 7, 2025 at 3:57 pm
The stop-work order on U.S.A.I.D.-funded research has left thousands of people with experimental drugs and devices in their bodies, with no access to monitoring or care.
SA Breaking news
- Sushi, selfies & serenity: Navigating Japan in the age of Insta-tourismon February 8, 2025 at 10:00 pm
Japan’s quiet lessons to leave a light traveller’s footprint are loud and clear in a time of overtourism and social media oversharing
- 'Diddy: the Makings of a Bad Boy' and more: 5 Things to stream this weekby smitht@sundaytimes.co.za (Tymon Smith) on February 8, 2025 at 10:00 pm
Action, drama and a couple of well-executed celeb documentaries
- 'The Brutalist' offers a monumental take on the American dreamby smitht@sundaytimes.co.za (Tymon Smith) on February 8, 2025 at 10:00 pm
Ambitious in scope and style, 'The Brutalist' has been masterfully constructed to cinematically mirror the epic struggles at its heart.
- Sinners is a new version of fearby smitht@sundaytimes.co.za (Tymon Smith) on February 8, 2025 at 10:00 pm
Director Ryan Coogler's deeply personal, immersive black horror movie is set in Mississippi, in the prohibition era
- Love at first biteon February 8, 2025 at 10:00 pm
The Lifestyle team went in search of the tastiest and best made Portuguese custard tartlets. Pasteis de nata is an addictive delight
- YOUR WEEKLY STARS | February 10-16on February 8, 2025 at 10:00 pm
Wednesday's Full Moon brings wisdom and positive changes
- The wise words of womenby nagela@sundaytimes.co.za (Andrea Nagel) on February 8, 2025 at 10:00 pm
Nokulinda Mkhize is a sangoma, writer, integral coach and an advocate for blending traditional wisdom with modern life.
- What's on in Februaryon February 8, 2025 at 10:00 pm
See what fun events you can catch this week.
- Chefs in Residence in Cape winelandson February 8, 2025 at 10:00 pm
Known for its historic Krone Cap Classique wines, the estate has long drawn artists to their Artists in Residence programme.
- Romance goes gothon February 8, 2025 at 10:00 pm
Tap into a dark, sultry femininity this Valentine’s with gothic whimsy and a floral bouquet of this season’s must-have scents
- Cooked in the Karooby smitht@sundaytimes.co.za (Tymon Smith) on February 8, 2025 at 10:00 pm
'Recipes for Love and Murder' star Maria Doyle Kennedy says the expanding storylines in season two make the fictional town of Eden feel like an actual town
- Five countries around the world with unique Valentine's traditionson February 8, 2025 at 10:00 pm
How you'll be spending the day of love depends very much on your location on the planet
Sport
- Sport | Chelsea crash out of FA Cup at Brighton, Man City survive Orient scareon February 9, 2025 at 6:42 am
Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma sent Chelsea crashing out of the FA Cup as the Japan star sealed a 2-1 win in the fourth round, while Kevin De Bruyne spared Manchester City's blushes in their 2-1 victory at third-tier Leyton Orient on Satur
- Sport | FIRST TAKE | SA20 shows off on perfect night under bright Joburg lights as MI Cape Town triumphson February 8, 2025 at 10:44 pm
Terrible things are happening in South Africa, but the SA20 final wasn't one of them, as MI Cape Town gave the tournament new and deserving winners
- Sport | Stormers boss not blaming Blommetjies after conversion drama in Bulls loss: 'He's very emotional'on February 8, 2025 at 7:44 pm
Stormers replacement back Clayton Blommetjies was in tears in the corridors of Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon after he missed a late conversion which would have seen his side beat the Bulls.
- Sport | Mamelodi Sundowns send strong statement to challengers Orlando Pirates – this is their leagueon February 8, 2025 at 6:26 pm
The message from the first and the final blow Mamelodi Sundowns inflicted on Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday afternoon was loud and clear – this is their league.
- Sport | Nabi is staying: Chiefs coach confirms Tunisia job offer but opts to 'pass on big opportunity'on February 8, 2025 at 12:41 pm
Nasreddine Nabi has put an end to swirling speculation about his future, making it clear that his journey with Kaizer Chiefs is far from over.
- Sport | SA20 final: Three-peat chasers Sunrisers face slick outfit in newbie finalists MI Cape Townon February 8, 2025 at 9:49 am
Saturday's third SA20 final will pit newbie finalists MI Cape Town against perennial winners Sunrisers Eastern Cape at the Wanderers. The sides have taken contrasting paths to the showpiece game.
- Sport | Why Mamelodi Sundowns have more to prove than Orlando Pirateson February 8, 2025 at 6:39 am
They are at the top of the log, six points clear and are the reigning champions, yet Mamelodi Sundowns have more to prove in their league showdown with Orlando Pirates.
- Sport | Manchester United strike late to stay alive in FA Cup after Leicester scareon February 8, 2025 at 6:35 am
Manchester United came from behind to beat Leicester 2-1 on Friday, keeping their FA Cup defence alive and denying Ruud van Nistelrooy a fairytale return to Old Trafford.
- Sport | North v South derby preview: Bulls favourite on paper, but 'fortress' Cape Town Stadium awaitson February 8, 2025 at 6:17 am
With the boot on the other foot in terms of where the teams stand since they last played, Jake White is wary of the Bulls underestimating the Stormers because of where they are on the URC table.
- Sport | New recruit Lilepo scores as Nabi's Chiefs outrun, outfight and outlast Stellenboschon February 7, 2025 at 11:03 pm
Kaizer Chiefs' new recruit Makabi Lilepo announced his arrival in style, scoring a towering header to secure a 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC at a packed Athlone Stadium on Friday evening.
- Sport | Rob Houwing | Fourie's 16-year span in north-south derbies is worth salutingon February 7, 2025 at 8:39 pm
Veteran extraordinaire Deon Fourie carries heavy responsibility in the Stormers' bid to beat their higher-riding Bulls guests, writes Rob Houwing.
- Sport | Miller laments Paarl Royals' lack of punch when it mattered in SA20 knockoutson February 7, 2025 at 8:36 pm
The experienced Joe Root's departure from the Paarl Royals before the crucial stages of the SA20 proved to be one reason their campaign came crashing down after much promise, says skipper David Miller.