A scheme to re-introduce endangered lynx to Spain has proved hugelty successful, but the future is uncertain as funding ceases at the end of this year. Graham Keeley reports from Extremadura, in western Spain

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/lynx-eu-conservation-spain-b2881768.html

#independent

Alpine Resorts Victoria, which manages six snow resorts including Falls Creek, Mount Buller and Mount Baw Baw, is reliant on emergency government funds to stay afloat.

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/victoria/victoria-s-alpine-resorts-on-taxpayer-life-support-amid-privatisation-bid-20260102-p5nr9r.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_national

#brisbanetimes

has made his feelings known about whether , the newly-crowned WBO world champion, should make his first title defence against . The Ipswich man was elevated from interim to full WBO champion towards the end of last year, not long after his 11th-round stoppage victory over Joseph Parker. Prior to their enthralling heavyweight clash in […]The post Carl Froch delivers honest verdict on Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois: “Dangerous fight for him” appeared first on Boxing News.

https://boxingnewsonline.net/news/froch-on-fabio-wardley-vs-daniel-dubois/

Fixture: (6) Joao Fonseca vs Reilly Opelka

https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/brisbane-international-2026-joao-fonseca-vs-reilly-opelka-preview-head-to-head-prediction-odds-pick-betting-tips

#Sportskeeda

YouTube star Jimmy "MrBeast's" reality television show, Beast Games, is returning for the second season this year.

https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/streamers/beast-games-season-2-date-watch-expect

#Sportskeeda

Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kuminga were ruled out with injuries, illness

https://www.marinij.com/2026/01/02/warriors-instant-analysis-with-curry-stars-out-thunder-roll/

#marinij

Ireland South MEP Seán Kelly has called for a change in the nomination process for the presidential election and criticised his party’s moves to block candidates from entering the race.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/good-friends-let-me-down-sean-kelly-criticises-fine-gael-for-blocking-his-presidential-bid/a1428120947.html

Hilda Fay says her decade-long career acting in Fair City helped hone her talent and land major roles in ­Netflix’s House of Guinness and in Channel 4’s Trespasses.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/i-thank-the-lord-for-those-10-years-on-fair-city-says-house-of-guinness-star-hilda-fay/a1449536497.html

Motorists face more penalty points under a graduated system that punishes excessive speeding.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/motorists-caught-speeding-excessively-face-higher-penalty-points-under-planned-new-law/a1523335016.html

A senior garda has said the silence around Imelda Keenan’s disappearance 32 years ago today “remains unbroken” as investigators seek to bring closure to her family.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/crime/we-want-to-give-closure-to-her-family-fresh-appeal-in-missing-imelda-keenan-case-as-gardai-release-new-age-progression-image/a437730888.html

The team behind the Killarney Coffee Cup project are determined to fight for the initiative despite a fall-off in businesses supporting the project.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/kerry-coffee-cup-project-lobbies-taoiseach-on-latte-levy-to-secure-the-future-of-project/a204699491.html

A father of four from Dublin, who was diagnosed with anorexia in his 40s, says his difficult relationship with food stemmed from when he was a child.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/you-cant-have-a-second-without-thinking-about-it-father-of-four-who-was-diagnosed-with-anorexia-in-his-40s/a1475860.html

Police identified a female IRA commander as a key member of the unit responsible for the Enniskillen Remembrance Day bombing, it has emerged.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/female-ira-unit-leader-linked-to-enniskillen-bomb/a552670023.html

The first biography of an Irish sportsman who dominated the world of handball – and who was later honoured by the king of Norway for rescuing eight Norwegian sailors off the Co Kerry coast – has been hailed as the most important book on the sport in more than 40 years.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/he-was-fearless-the-extraordinary-story-of-unbeatable-handball-great-and-hero-priest-fr-tom-jones/a1180760175.html

Every evening, the new­ly­weds sit hold­ing hands, sep­a­rated only by faint can­dle­light.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/crime/michaela-mcareavey-murder-15-years-on-we-have-to-be-realistic-there-may-never-be-justice/a1106440075.html

The popularity of so-called “dumb phones” is climbing, particularly among younger Australians looking for a social media break.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/why-law-student-lucy-replaced-her-iphone-with-a-barbie-flip-phone-20251227-p5nq8z.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

At the start of 2025, 19-year-old Victoria Mboko was ranked No.333 in the world. Now she’s No.18, with wins against Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka and Elena Rybakina under her belt.

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/unknown-canadian-teen-emerges-as-australian-open-threat-20260103-p5nrd2.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

More than 200 people underwent surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity in public hospitals at a cost of almost €3.2m during 2024, new figures have revealed.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/more-than-200-patients-had-surgery-for-morbid-obesity-in-2024-at-a-cost-of-32m/a2127999047.html

The “threats facing all of us have changed”, the British ambassador to Ireland has said, as she declared ­London is “very happy” to partner on ­security issues in the Irish Sea and beyond.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/uk-ambassador-to-ireland-on-irish-businesses-in-england-maritime-security-and-learning-to-speak-as-gaeilge/a1804501755.html

Ireland is set for an Arctic blast as ­temperatures will sink close to -4C over the weekend – with some northern areas facing snow, ice, freezing fog and heavy frost.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/school-reopenings-on-monday-under-threat-as-arctic-blast-to-bring-snow-ice-and-lows-of-4c/a202003516.html

More competition is expected in the home-loans market this year, but mortgage rates are expected to remain stable.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/mortgage-market-set-for-increased-competition-this-year-but-rates-unlikely-to-drop-significantly/a120037188.html

One expert says he warned that the AI chatbot was “a nudification tool waiting to be weaponised”.

https://www.theage.com.au/world/north-america/elon-musk-s-grok-ai-floods-x-with-sexualised-photos-of-women-and-minors-20260103-p5nrdw.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

As far as the Russians were concerned, they had got their man. And they unwittingly delivered the money on his head straight into Ukraine’s hands.

https://www.theage.com.au/world/europe/how-ukrainian-spies-tricked-russia-into-paying-a-us500-000-bounty-20260102-p5nrat.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_world

While Nostradamus and Baba Vanga have become well known for predicting the mysteries the future holds, one local soothsayer has also made their predictions for 2026.

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/15-supernatural-2026-predictions-nostradamus-shipton-vanga-5458503

#yorkshireeveningpost

Strap in for the World Darts Championship - and make sure you know how to watch! 🎯🎯

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/whats-on/darts-final-2026-channel-time-sky-sports-5453829

#yorkshireeveningpost

Riley Gaines recently expressed her interest in two landmark cases that will decide on the participation of transgender athletes in women's sports.

https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/olympics/news-riley-gaines-makes-appeal-ahead-supreme-court-cases-constitutionality-protecting-women-s-sports

#Sportskeeda

The first episode of SmackDown 2026 kicked off with the return of Randy Orton. The Viper made his return and generated a thunderous reaction from the live crowd.

https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/3-reasons-randy-orton-returned-first-smackdown-2026

#Sportskeeda

The WWE Universe was greeted with a shocking return on the latest edition of Friday Night SmackDown. However, the company made a huge botch during the star's entrance.

https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-wwe-botches-major-smackdown-return

#Sportskeeda

WA’s Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages has revealed a shift in the state’s most popular baby names in 2025, with new names entering our top ten lists, and two clear favourites.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/western-australia/wa-s-most-popular-baby-names-revealed-for-2025-20260103-p5nrde.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

The Golden State Warriors are struggling to stay afloat, and now face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder tonight. Unfortunately for them, the matchup is going to be harder than expected because forward Jonathan Kuminga has been ruled out of tonight’s game with a back injury. What Happened to Jonathan Kuminga? Kuminga has already been […]The post Why Is Jonathan Kuminga Not Playing Tonight vs Thunder? Latest Injury Update on Warrirors Star and Expected Return appeared first on EssentiallySports.

https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-active-basketball-news-why-is-jonathan-kuminga-not-playing-tonight-vs-oklahoma-city-thunder-latest-injury-update-on-golden-state-warrirors-star-and-expected-return/

The New York Giants have had another disappointing campaign. They are dead last in the NFC East with an underwhelming 3-13 campaign.

https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-adam-schefter-gives-clear-verdict-giants-gm-joe-schoen-s-job-security-3rd-losing-season

#Sportskeeda

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 17 loss to the Cleveland Browns (6-13) has drastically threatened their seat in the playoffs. While they had their chances of winning the AFC North with a victory over the Browns, their head coach, Mike Tomlin, now has a tricky situation to address. Amid the volatile odds, former NFL safety Ryan […]The post Ryan Clark Expresses Doubt Over Steelers’ Playoff Chances After Making Bold Mike Tomlin Prediction appeared first on EssentiallySports.

https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-ryan-clark-expresses-doubt-over-steelers-playoff-chances-after-making-bold-mike-tomlin-prediction/

Soaring temperatures in enclosed-space fires mean the entire contents of a room can ignite almost simultaneously, with unsurvivable consequences for those inside.

https://www.theage.com.au/world/europe/a-flashover-likely-occurred-during-the-swiss-nightclub-fire-here-s-what-that-means-20260103-p5nrd3.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

Some of the NRL’s top earners are racing the clock for round-one selection.

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-coaches-sweat-on-return-of-injured-stars-worth-more-than-10-million-20260102-p5nr7s.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

#brisbanetimes

Unlike first ladies before her, Melania Trump manages to turn her official role into content for money-making ventures.

https://www.theage.com.au/world/north-america/art-of-the-deal-melania-is-the-first-of-white-house-ladies-to-milk-it-for-millions-20260102-p5nraj.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

The new airport promises jobs and growth for western Sydney, but in the neighbouring semi-rural village of Luddenham, residents say it is pushing their community towards extinction.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/nsw/next-door-to-the-new-sydney-airport-is-a-village-residents-fear-will-soon-cease-to-exist-20251208-p5nluw.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

North Hall, Gainesville lead the way with multiple players on First-Team list

https://www.gainesvilletimes.com/sports/football/high-school-football-players-from-schools-in-hall-earn-all-state-recognition/

#gainesvilletimes

A 33-year-old South San Francisco man has been jailed in a Dec. 23 attack on a good Samaritan who intervened in his alleged harassment of a woman.

https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/02/san-carlos-man-arrested-in-december-assault-at-caltrain-station/

#mercurynews

AS Monaco and Olympique Lyon begin their 2026 fixture list when they lock horns at the Stade Louis II in round 18 of the French Ligue 1 on Saturday.

https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/as-monaco-vs-olympique-lyon-prediction-betting-tips-january-3rd-2026

#Sportskeeda

The trio bribed police, witnessed a suicide attempt, raced at triple-digit speeds over Turkish roads, and invented entirely new ways to lose blood.

https://www.jalopnik.com/2063905/fortnine-round-the-world-race-documentary/

#jalopnik

Campaign group Farmers for Action (FFA) is calling for clarity on directions to the world famous Dark Hedges at Stranocum.

https://www.newsletter.co.uk/country-and-farming/farmers-for-action-call-for-clarity-on-road-directions-to-world-famous-dark-hedges-5461132

#newsletter

“The separation between the haves and have-nots is expanding, and it is being reflected in real estate,” an expert said.

https://nypost.com/2026/01/02/real-estate/ultra-luxury-real-estate-broke-records-in-2025-defying-slow-market/

#Post

In their second year under Mick Cronin, each Bruin is keeping it simple and averaging a career high in points.

https://www.sbsun.com/2026/01/02/uclas-tyler-bilodeau-and-skyy-clark-finding-their-grooves/

#sbsun

The group spent hundreds of millions opposing Democratic candidates in the 2024 election cycle.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2026/01/02/trumps-maga-inc-super-pac-has-300-million-cash-war-chest-for-midterms/

#Forbes

Here’s to a lifetime of pink skiesThe post Country singer Zach Bryan has married Samantha Leonard appeared first on Boston.com.

https://www.boston.com/culture/celebs/2026/01/02/country-singer-zach-bryan-has-married-samantha-leonard/

#boston

The start of any new boxing year brings with it a familiar mix of hope, expectation and lists. Twelve months in which the sport will be celebrated, criticised, dissected and occasionally derided — yet no matter how severely it tests our patience, we always return for more. The action in the ring, however, rarely disappoints. […]The post 5 fights we want to see boxing deliver in 2026 appeared first on Boxing News.

https://boxingnewsonline.net/news/5-fights-we-want-in-2026/