5 h. ago Africa Cup of Nations shunted into margins as greedy game finds no room at top table | Jonathan Wilson

So long as the Premier League invests in its players and Fifa pays it lip service, the continent’s flagship tournament will always struggle to fit inPerhaps attitudes are not quite as parochial as they once were, but it remains true that, in England at least, the Africa Cup of Nations is discussed less as a tournament in its own right than in terms of what it means for the Premier League.There will be the usual harrumphing about why the tournament is played in the middle of our season, but the Confederation of African Football has tried to satisfy European clubs only to be thwarted by Fifa and the increasing demands of the calendar. Continue reading...

Politics

10 h. ago Michael Annett, who made 436 combined starts in NASCAR’s 3 national touring series, dies at 39

Michael Annett, a former racecar driver who made 436 combined starts in NASCAR’s three national touring series, has died

Events

31 h. ago Photos of the FIFA World Cup draw for the 2026 soccer tournament

The World Cup draw determines where teams will play at next year's soccer tournament between 48 nations that will run from June 11 to July 19.

Culture

58 h. ago Everything you need to know about Curacao as tiny nation makes World Cup history

The FIFA World Cup draw in Washington, DC will see the smallest nation to ever qualify for the tournament learn their opponents

Politics

58 h. ago From Otis Redding to Booker T, Steve Cropper was a strong yet subtle force that shaped so many soul classics

The guitarist for Booker T & the MGs defined the sound of original R&B, co-creating soul anthems and proving himself one of the most influential musicians of the 60sSteve Cropper, legendary guitarist for Booker T & the MGs, dies aged 84Steve Cropper stood at the side of musical legends and toiled in the shadows of the studio, never a star. But his work with his fellow musicians and singers at Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee, established him as one of the most creative and influential musicians of the 1960s.Actually, pretty much every rock icon of that fabled decade looked up to Cropper, who has died aged 84. The Beatles seriously considered recording at Stax, and the Stones covered songs he played on and emulated his crisp rhythm and lead guitar playing. As a jobbing musician in 1964, Jimi Hendrix drove from Nashville to Memphis to meet Cropper (they chatted about guitars and jammed), while Janis Joplin insisted her new band play Stax’s Christmas party so as to rub sh...

Politics

68 h. ago How an invasion of purple flowers made Iceland an Instagram paradise – and caused a biodiversity crisis

Nootka lupins, introduced in the 1940s to repair damaged soil, are rampaging across the island, threatening its native speciesIt was only when huge areas of Iceland started turning purple that authorities realised they had made a mistake. By then, it was too late. The Nootka lupin, native to Alaska, had coated the sides of fjords, sent tendrils across mountain tops and covered lava fields, grasslands and protected areas.Since it arrived in the 1940s, it has become an accidental national symbol. Hordes of tourists and local people pose for photos in the ever-expanding fields in June and July, entranced by the delicate cones of flowers that cover the north Atlantic island. Continue reading...

Events

69 h. ago Pubs to go into extra time if England or Scotland reach World Cup latter stages

Boozers could be allowed to serve until 1am so home nations fans watch their team in the 2026 tournament, with games in the USA, Canada and Mexico kicking off late in the night

Politics

3 d. ago Tom Brady leads stellar cast of sporting icons taking part in World Cup draw in front of Trump

A remarkable crossover of sporting icons will take to the stage at the Kennedy Center on Friday to assist with the draw, which will decide the groups for 48 nations for next year's blockbuster tournament.

Politics

3 d. ago Netflix country star dies aged 45 after poignant final message

Netflix star Criscilla Anderson, who appeared on the reality series Country Ever After, has died aged 45 after a long battle with colon cancer.

Events

3 d. ago Serial killer Arnfinn Nesset who murdered 22 patients dies a decades after prison release

Arnfinn Nesset is one of the Norway's most notorious serial killers who was once believed to be responsible for 60 deaths but was only convicted of the murders of 22 patients

Events

3 d. ago Serial killer Arnfinn Nesset who murdered 22 patients dies decades after prison release

Arnfinn Nesset is one of the Norway's most notorious serial killers who was once believed to be responsible for 60 deaths but was only convicted of the murders of 22 patients

Events

3 d. ago Hosts Australia to face New Zealand in Rugby World Cup pool as England draw Wales

Champions South Africa face Italy, Georgia and RomaniaIreland and Scotland in pool with Uruguay and PortugalThe host nation Australia will face their traditional rivals New Zealand at the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027 after the draw was made in Sydney on Wednesday. The Wallabies, hosting a second men’s tournament, were guaranteed to face a top-ranked nation in Pool A due to a current world ranking of seventh, and the renewal of their fierce rivalry with the All Blacks is perhaps the most appetising possible outcome from the draw.The potential for a “Bledisloe Cup” opening match to kick off the global showpiece, on 1 October 2027 in Perth, will be a hugely attractive prospect for fans. Chile, playing at a second Rugby World Cup after their debut in France in 2023, and debutants Hong Kong are also in Pool A. England, who won the men’s tournament in Australia 22 years ago, have been pitted against their Six Nations rivals Wales, with Tonga and Zimbabwe the other sides in Pool F. Wales ...

Politics

4 d. ago From London to Paris: The CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Diaspora Tour Ignites the Road to Morocco 2025

From London to Paris: The CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Diaspora Tour Ignites the Road to Morocco 2025  cafonline.com

Politics

4 d. ago 'Murder' probe as Bristol uni student dies and police make five arrests

Police arrested five men on suspicion of murder after Vijay Kumar, 30, died a day after being found with serious injuries on Barbourne Road, Worcester

Events

8 d. ago Dumfries House ready for Christmas with ‘magical’ display of decorations

The house, saved for the nation by the King, hosts candlelit tours and festive feasts and banquets throughout the season.

Politics

1 week ago Higher fees for foreigners visiting US national parks stokes tourism concerns

A $100-per-person charge for foreigners entering Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and other popular national parks is stoking apprehension among some tourist-oriented businesses

Politics

1 week ago Napoli pay emotional tribute to Diego Maradona on fifth anniversary of his death

Diego Maradona won two Serie A titles during his time at Napoli as he achieved legendary status at the club

Events

1 week ago World Cup 2026 draw – everything Scotland fans need to know ahead of date with destiny

Steve Clarke sealed a dream return for the nation to the biggest football tournament on the planet and the excitement will be cranked up a notch

Politics

1 week ago National Parks to raise fees for millions of international tourists to popular US parks

The National Park Service says it is going to start charging international tourists an extra $100 to enter some of the most popular U.S. parks

Society

1 week ago The Hives review – veteran punk’n’rollers fizz with megawatt energy

Depot, CardiffTwenty-five years on from their first UK tour, the Swedish band are at their cartoonish, snarling best, eager to prove themselves rather than wallow in nostalgia‘I’m powering clothes, that’s how electric I am,” Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist quips, the trim on his LED-encrusted suit glowing as he climbs into the crowd. It’s funny, but on this evidence, it’s not really a joke. As an exhilarating Tick Tick Boom crashes back into the room, it’s easy to believe that the Hives could prop up the National Grid.Twenty-five years on from their first UK tour, the Swedish punk’n’rollers are full of piss and vinegar, reinvigorated after breaking a decade-plus recording hiatus with two well-received albums in three years, all while playing some of the biggest shows of their career, from stadium support slots with Arctic Monkeys to an upcoming night at London’s Alexandra Palace. Continue reading...

Politics