British champion Kristen Spours said she was “grateful” her father could see her perform a final time before retirement at the European Figure Skating Championships in Sheffield.
Spours says she will leave the sport this year aged only 25 after recently recovering from surgery following a spinal injury sustained last March.
Her performance in the women’s short program earned her a spot in the top 24, enough to send her through to the free skate to determine the medals on Friday.
Spours told BBC Sport her still-healing injury was stopping her performing some skills, and she had struggled badly with her mental health during the past year.
“I have really struggled with my mental health, especially getting back on the ice. Getting back has really proved to myself that I can still cope in a high-pressure environment.
“I am really grateful to have my family here. I am planning to retire after [the World Championships in] Prague, so this is the last time my dad will ever see me skate.
“My mum is able to come to Milan [for the Winter Olympics], but my dad has a health issue so can’t fly. I am grateful he can see me one last time.”
Digby and Vaipan-Law set for best European result
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Earlier, home hero Luke Digby and partner Anastasia Vaipan-Law put themselves on course for their best finish in continental competition in the pairs event.
Digby, from Sheffield, and Vaipan-Law are fifth after the short program. Their previous best finish in European competition was 10th in 2023.
Given a noisy reception at Utilita Arena and performing to folk song Lighthouse by Patrick Watson, they executed an error-free performance.
The four-time British champions received a score of 63.98 points. The current leaders are Georgia’s Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava on 75.96.
Metelkina and Berulava performed to Bolero – the song used by Dame Jane Torvill and Sir Christopher Dean when winning Olympic gold in 1984.
It was a doubly impressive showing given the Georgian team only landed in the UK on Tuesday – the day before competition – because of a problem with their visas.
Despite performing with minimal practice, Metelkina and Berulava are ahead of Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin on 74.81.
The Germans are reigning European champions and heavy gold medal favourites but did not have a perfect performance, Hase putting her hand to the ice following a spin.
Wednesday’s short programs focused on technical skills, with the more artistic free skate to come. The total scores from both events will decide the winner.
British champion Kristen Spours said she was “grateful” her father could see her perform a final time before retirement at the European Figure Skating Championships in Sheffield.
Spours says she will leave the sport this year aged only 25 after recently recovering from surgery following a spinal injury sustained last March.
Her performance in the women’s short program earned her a spot in the top 24, enough to send her through to the free skate to determine the medals on Friday.
Spours told BBC Sport her still-healing injury was stopping her performing some skills, and she had struggled badly with her mental health during the past year.
“I have really struggled with my mental health, especially getting back on the ice. Getting back has really proved to myself that I can still cope in a high-pressure environment.
“I am really grateful to have my family here. I am planning to retire after [the World Championships in] Prague, so this is the last time my dad will ever see me skate.
“My mum is able to come to Milan [for the Winter Olympics], but my dad has a health issue so can’t fly. I am grateful he can see me one last time.”
Digby and Vaipan-Law set for best European result
Getty Images
Earlier, home hero Luke Digby and partner Anastasia Vaipan-Law put themselves on course for their best finish in continental competition in the pairs event.
Digby, from Sheffield, and Vaipan-Law are fifth after the short program. Their previous best finish in European competition was 10th in 2023.
Given a noisy reception at Utilita Arena and performing to folk song Lighthouse by Patrick Watson, they executed an error-free performance.
The four-time British champions received a score of 63.98 points. The current leaders are Georgia’s Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava on 75.96.
Metelkina and Berulava performed to Bolero – the song used by Dame Jane Torvill and Sir Christopher Dean when winning Olympic gold in 1984.
It was a doubly impressive showing given the Georgian team only landed in the UK on Tuesday – the day before competition – because of a problem with their visas.
Despite performing with minimal practice, Metelkina and Berulava are ahead of Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin on 74.81.
The Germans are reigning European champions and heavy gold medal favourites but did not have a perfect performance, Hase putting her hand to the ice following a spin.
Wednesday’s short programs focused on technical skills, with the more artistic free skate to come. The total scores from both events will decide the winner.
Kampala, Uganda – It’s the eve of Uganda’s highly contested presidential election, and the country is partially shut down.
The national communications authority has suspended public internet access, the sale and registration of new SIM cards, and outbound roaming services.
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On the streets of the capital city, the move has triggered anger and frustration — especially among young people who rely heavily on the internet for work, communication, and opportunity.
Marvin Masole says he mostly uses WhatsApp to communicate and to do business.
The 27-year-old university graduate has tried repeatedly to find a job — and failed.
Frustrated, he is now looking for opportunities abroad.
“Many of us use WhatsApp. Without internet, we are stuck,” he tells Al Jazeera.
“There are people out there earning money online. I feel if we had a youthful president, he would not have authorised the shutdown. He is marginalising us.”
Masole is gathered with friends at a food stall in downtown Kampala. The group share a famous “Rolex” – a chapati rolled with egg – a popular street delicacy in Uganda.
The oldest person among them is 37 years old. Most are in their 20s.
This mirrors the national average – more than 70 percent of the country is under the age of 35.
But for decades, this youthfulness has not been reflected in the upper echelons of power.
For all their lives, Masole and his friends have known only one president — Yoweri Museveni, now 81, who is seeking a seventh term after nearly four decades in power.
Opposition supporters in Uganda attend a campaign rally at Aga Khan Grounds in Kampala, Uganda, Monday, January 12, 2026 [Samson Otieno/AP]
Tension and uncertainty
More than 21.6 million voters have registered for Thursday’s election.
But for many young Ugandans, the disconnect between them and Museveni’s policies feels both generational and political. They are educated, digitally connected, and facing high unemployment — and many say their voices do not translate into power.
But for other young Ugandans, the generational divide between them and the president does not translate into an ideological one.
Scovia Tusabimana strongly supports the president and his policies. She believes his leadership has benefitted the country.
“I was five years old when Museveni came to power. I’m an orphan. I couldn’t afford school,” she tells Al Jazeera.
“The president introduced universal primary education. He has built roads and hospitals.”
When asked about the internet shutdown and reports of campaign violence against the opposition and its supporters in the run-up to the polls, she says: “I’m not happy with the way things have been going, but I believe there is a reason why.”
Masole says that in an ideal world, he would want to see a peaceful and harmonious transfer of power after the vote.
Yet Uganda has not experienced a peaceful handover since independence in 1962.
For years, elections in Uganda have been clouded by uncertainty and tension.
During the last polls in 2021, election-related violence and a crackdown by security forces left more than 50 people dead, according to rights groups.
Before and since then, Museveni’s government has been accused of fiercely cracking down on its critics.
In recent months, opposition politicians and activists have faced escalating harassment, including arbitrary arrests and detentions on what they describe as politically motivated charges.
Civil society organisations are also under growing pressure, facing tighter regulations and increased surveillance aimed at limiting their ability to influence and comment on the political process.
During campaigning for this year’s election, leading opposition candidate Bobi Wine also warned that the state plans to arrest him again.
This comes as political analysts and observers predict that Museveni is almost guaranteed to win another term – a victory his competitors will likely say was rigged.
Crowds of supporters gather outside the home of Bobi Wine as he prepares to depart for the National Unity Platform’s final campaign rally ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections, on January 13, 2026, in Kampala, Uganda [Michel Lunanga/Getty Images]
‘I dream of a country with good hospitals’
Out on the streets of Kampala, many people say they want to vote — but worry about what comes after the ballot is cast.
Okiya Abdul, a former teacher, says he wants a peaceful outcome. But he insists that the will of the people must be respected.
Frustration and disillusionment run deep, particularly among first-time voters who are questioning whether the ballot can still deliver change.
Sam Muzaale owns the food stall in downtown Kampala.
A former security guard, he worked his way up selling Rolex chapatis. He now employs several people. And for the first time, he plans to vote.
“I dream of a country with good hospitals and enough medicine, schools with teachers, and lower taxes — because taxes keep going up,” he tells Al Jazeera.
Masole, still frustrated by the internet shutdown and lack of opportunities, says he is unsure what the coming days will bring.
“The president knows how to use the military and police to bring peace. He knows how to restore order. I think he will find a way to stabilise the situation,” he says.
“What I fear is what will be done to bring back that stability.”
The daughter of a former Hollywood power couple was back in front of the camera as she posed in a white gown in shallow waters
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The 21-year-old daughter of a huge star has shown her artistic side as she submerged herself in water for a photoshoot. The blonde beauty was seen in a number of poses wearing a flowing white gown in the water.
In one image she looked to be standing on the surface, while another showed her submerged. But can you tell who it is?
The star was involved in her second campaign with London based fashion house Self-Portrait, with images snapped by photographer Ryan McGinley. Alongside stylist Mel Ottenberg, the trio were reunited following working on the nepo baby’s debut campaign in October.
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Have you guessed who it is? Yes, it’s Apple Martin. The daughter of Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay singer Chris Martin looked like a natural in the shots.
Speaking of their connection, Apple said: “My relationship with self-portrait has evolved into something far deeper than I imagined. What started as a collaboration has turned into a true partnership.
“Whenever I am with the team, it feels so familiar and like coming home to a creative family; people who encourage me and celebrate the parts of myself I’m still discovering.
“Their designs carry this beautiful mix of vulnerability and confidence, and working with them has helped me tap into those same qualities within myself. It’s become a shared journey, and I feel honoured to grow with them.”
And the praise was mutual. Han Chong, Founder and Creative Director of self-portrait, said: ‘While our first chapter introduced Apple officially to the creative industry, this new series of portraits show a more reflective evolution of her personality.
“There’s a maturity and steadiness to the imagery which aligns with where she is heading.
“Watching her grow from the sidelines has been one of the most rewarding parts of this partnership; she is a joy to work with, a lot of fun to be around, and a new effortless style icon in the making.”
Despite the huge praise from the fashion label, a pal of mum Gwyneth previously had to stand up for the star amid rude behaviour claims. Reports in 2024 suggested Apple showcased “diva” behaviour at a society ball.
While some have questioned if the youngster showcased evidence of spoiled behaviour at the event, others championed her as the new ‘sassy’ star of the Hollywood set.
And a source at the time told the Daily Mail: “Apple’s more playful and fun and she’s really a total girls’ girl. She would never mean to take the spotlight from anyone, that was not her intention.
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“To characterise her as a mean girl is very untrue. She really had such a wonderful evening and I feel bad that this is even taking away from that because it was such an uplifting evening for her and the other girls.”
The pair looked equally glam in colourful jackets at Cirque Du Soleil tonight.
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Queen legend Sir Brian May posed with his wife Lady Anita Dobson as they enjoyed the premiere of Cirque Du Soleil’s show Ovo at the Royal Albert Hall, alongside stars including TV’s Denise Van Outen, Vanessa Feltz and Dan Walker.
The pair looked equally glam in colourful jackets as they clutched their programme with their arms around one another on the red carpet in a chilly London tonight.
Anita, 76, played Angie Watts in EastEnders in the 1980s. She also performed its iconic theme tune in a version with words, the song Anyone Can Fall In Love, released in 1986. The track was produced by guitar icon Brian, 78, who she went on to marry years later in November 2000.
Their night comes comes after Brian’s new year message which was both enthusiastic and gloomy, wishing fans a shot at “new horizons” and “new opportunities” but added that it was “hard to enjoy anything” without good health.
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Rock star and astrophysicist Brian has endured several health challenges in recent years, including a “scary” stroke that he suffered in August 2024.
The National Judicial Council (NJC), has recommended the elevation and appointment of the presiding justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, Justice Olubunmi Oyewole for appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
Babalola-Ogedengbe said the Council, at its 110th Meeting held on January 13, 2026, and presided over by, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, recommended Justice Oyewole for appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, alongside 35 other candidates for various judicial offices across the country.
Justice Oyewole born on May 13, 1965 is from Ila-Orangun, Osun State and takes the south west slot made vacant as a result of the retirement of the immediate past Chief Justice Of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Apart from Justice Oyewole, 27 others were approved for appointments as Judges of various High Courts.
The breakdown shows that Borno and Plateau states will get six new judges, Ekiti will get five new judges while Niger and Delta will get four each, Benue and Taraba will each get one judge.
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The council also recommended six Kadis for appointment to the Sharia Courts of Appeal in Niger, three for Taraba and two judges for appointment to the Customary Court of Appeal, Delta State.
The Council also recommended the extension of the appointment of the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice I. O. Agugua by three months, just as it called on the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, to immediately commence the process of constituting the State Judicial Service Commission, to enable the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge of Imo State.
The NJC stressed the imperative of prompt appointment of the substantive Chief Judge to ensure stability, safeguard judicial independence, and promote the effective administration of justice in the State.
The Council has also cleared the Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, of all allegations bordering on financial recklessness, diversion of funds, and judicial misconduct.
The Council said it took the decision after considering and upholding the report of a three-member Investigation Committee constituted to probe several petitions filed against the Chief Judge.
In a related development, the National Judicial Council also dismissed a petition filed against a Judge of the Delta State High Court, Justice Gentu E. Timi, over allegations of professional misconduct arising from a chieftaincy dispute.
Meanwhile, the Council has reversed the one-year suspension without pay earlier imposed on Hon. Justice Jane Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division.
Out of a total of 39 petitions reviewed, the NJC Committee dismissed 26 for lacking in merit, recommended seven for further investigation and issued cautions to two judicial officers.
One of the judicial officers was cautioned for delivering judgment in a case outside the constitutionally prescribed 90 days contrary to the provisions of Section 294(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and for the uncouth language he used in his response to the petition against him.
The NJC also reiterated its earlier warning to judges against indiscriminate grant of exparte orders and advised Heads of Court to be circumspect in assigning complex matters to newly appointed Judges.
The Council also constituted a Committee to consider the request for review submitted by the nine (9) dismissed Judges of Imo State Judiciary.
