Wednesday's front pages focus on "stark" infection rates in England, and the vaccination programme.

'Tough curbs for months' and '1 in 50 have virus'

Congress is in the spotlight as it meets in a joint session this week to count the electoral votes.

US Senator Ted Cruz speaks to the crowd during the SAVE AMERICA TOUR at The Bowl at Sugar Hill 3 January

Can rebel Republicans overturn the election?

Colin Bell, who died on Tuesday aged 74, will always be the "king of Manchester City", says their former defender Micah Richards.

'Bell will always be king of Man City'

Mesut Ozil is in talks with DC United, Spurs put Harry Kane and Son Heung-min contract negotiations on hold, Sergio Ramos rejects Real Madrid deal, plus more.

Wednesday's gossip column

Travellers in to the Republic from Britain will be required to produce a negative Covid test.

GB arrivals need negative Covid test for ROI entry

Scotland is due to go to the polls in May - although the election is likely to be very different than usual.

Can Scotland hold an election during the pandemic?

Professor Chris Whitty says the fight against coronavirus has to be a collective effort to work.

'If people stick to the rules...our hope is lockdown will be enough'

President Trump initially accused China of the hack against US government agencies in December.

US intelligence accuses Russia of cyber-hack

Wednesday's back pages

The Newcastle Road in Ballynahinch remains closed following the incident.

Woman dies after County Down crash

More than 46,000 first doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine are administered.

coronavirus vaccine held by blue gloved hand

Almost 10,000 care home residents receive vaccine

Both parents and teachers say they want to know when schools will reopen in Wales.

Parent and business owner Chanelle Taylor describes the difficulties posed by school closures

School closures 'difficult' for parents and staff

A distrust of the electoral process among Trump supporters could have implications for the nation.

Dillard Ungeheuer, shown in Mound City, standing on Main Street

The people who still believe Trump won

A subway conductor and a bus driver in New York share their stories of working during the pandemic.

NY transit workers: 'We're frontline workers, but don't get respect'

A fundraising effort to repair damage to the 500-year-old church has raised £20,000.

All Saints' Church, East Horndon, near Brentwood after rave

Trio arrested over illegal New Year church party

West Midlands universities are mapping out lockdown plans as students threaten to withhold rent fees.

Universities draw up plans for lockdown learning

Colin Purnell lost his partner of 25 years, Bristol nurse Rob Healey, to coronavirus in December.

'Everything seems empty' after nurse's Covid death

Wisconsin's district attorney says no-one will face charges over the shooting of the black man in August.

Image of Jacob Blake supplied by his legal team

No police officers charged in Jacob Blake shooting

Lee McGregor says a second postponement of his European bantamweight title fight with Karim Guerfi is frustrating but "just delaying the inevitable".

McGregor eager for new European date

The Welsh Indoor Championships and Welsh Cross Country Championships will not be held this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Welsh Athletics rules out winter events

Preston sign Brighton and Republic of Ireland midfielder Jayson Molumby on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Preston sign Brighton's Molumby on loan

United States forward Alex Morgan says she and her family "closed out 2020" by contracting coronavirus "while in California over the holidays".

USA forward Morgan contracts coronavirus

Kieran Trippier told a friend to "lump on" over his 2019 move to Atletico Madrid, says the Football Association as it explains why it gave him a 10-week ban.

Trippier told friend to 'lump on' over move

The Williams team will use Mercedes gearboxes from 2022 after agreeing to expand their "technical collaboration" with their Formula 1 rivals.

George Russell of Great Britain driving for Williams Racing

Williams to use Mercedes gearboxes

Watch the late Colin Bell score a superb volley for Manchester City against Chelsea in a Division One match in October 1970.

'What a goal!' - Man City legend Bell scores superb volley

There is a long-running dispute over sovereignty of the uninhabited North Atlantic island.

Irish boat blocked from fishing off Rockall

Around 2,000 students will have their grades decided by teacher assessments instead of exams.

College cancels BTec exams due to Covid fears

The National Assembly had until now been the only institution not controlled by the Maduro government.

First lady of Venezuela, Cilia Flores, and Chavistas leaders Diosdado Cabello and Jorge Rodriguez, among others, participate in a floral offering at Plaza Bolivar in Caracas, Venezuela, 05 January 2021.

Maduro allies take control of Venezuela parliament

Odhran MacNiallais ends his two-year absence from the Donegal football squad in a boost to manager Declan Bonner.

Odhran MacNiallais won Ulster SFC medals with Donegal in 2014 and 2018

MacNiallais returns to Donegal squad

A judge denies child access to a man who repeatedly practised martial arts moves on his ex-partner.

'Abusive' man practised Aikido daily on partner

Residents of a remote village say more than 20 people were killed when a helicopter opened fire.

Mali, West Africa, during the ongoing French intervention against Islamist and tribal rebels in the north of the country, 1 February 2013

France denies reports of airstrike on Mali wedding

Advances in DNA recovery and analysis matched Geoffrey Strike to the fatal stabbing, a court hears.

Knife killer brought to justice for 1994 stabbing

There are plenty of online resources to help while schools are closed to most pupils.

How to be the school of Mum and Dad (again)

Former Manchester City and England midfielder Colin Bell dies aged 74 after a short illness, the Premier League club announces.

Man City legend Bell dies aged 74

Forest Green Rovers extend the loan of Birmingham City forward Odin Bailey until the end of the 2020-21 season.

Forest Green extend Bailey loan deal

A group of 11 men in three cars were fined for driving from London to the Peak District.

Crash group fined for 150-mile Covid rule breach

Two men will spend at least four years in prison and a third will spend up to eight years in prison.

Three men sentenced for Belfast assault

Kasey Palmer's loan spell at Swansea City is over after he was recalled by parent club Bristol City.

Bristol City recall Palmer from Swansea

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer spoke of the need to continue vaccination efforts during lockdown.

Starmer: 'If we pull together as a nation, we can win'

Iftekhar Khondaker allegedy drove at Suel Delgado and two of his friends intending to kill them.

Man killed in 'deliberate' hit-and-run

In a TV address, Labour's leader says millions of doses need to be given each week by the end of January.

Starmer calls for 'round the clock' vaccinations

The retail, hospitality and leisure sectors can apply for government grants of up to £9,000.

Will a government grant keep businesses afloat?

BBC Two and CBBC will show content for primary and secondary pupils to watch without the internet.

BBC to put lessons on TV during lockdown

England's chief medical officer explains how the risk will eventually decrease to a level that "society will tolerate".

'If you don't take this seriously, the risk is extraordinarily high'

Vocational exams such as BTECs are not being cancelled by the lockdown like GCSEs and A-levels.

Female civil engineer working on building site

Vocational exams allowed to go ahead in England

The PM says the government is using "every second of this lockdown to put that invisible shield around the vulnerable".

PM: 1.3m in the UK have been vaccinated

Scotland's first minister said coronavirus rules mean only essential travel is allowed.

'Trump should not visit Scotland to play golf'

Saturday's National League game between Solihull Moors and Dagenham & Redbridge is postponed due to positive Covid-19 cases at Dagenham.

Solihull Moors v Daggers off due to Covid

A single AQE transfer test is now scheduled to be held for pupils at the end of February

AQE plans to hold transfer test in February

New Burnley owner Alan Pace says he will interact with fans and live in the Lancashire town's community after taking over the Clarets.

Burnley owner pledges 'unique' approach

Paul Duncan was found with weapons in his car and home in Erskine, along with a stock of ammunition.

Man found with 'lethal' converted guns jailed

Harrogate Town have signed Forest Green striker Josh March on loan until the end of the season.

Harrogate sign Forest Green striker March

Schools are closed and Wales is in level 4 lockdown. What does this mean for children?

Q&A: What is the latest Covid advice for children?

The palm cockatoo is thought to be the only bird to use tools musically to attract a mate.

Why the unique ‘drumming’ bird is in peril

Bradford City goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell will be out for up to 12 weeks with a torn thigh muscle.

Richard O'Donnell in action for Bradford City

Bradford suffer O'Donnell injury blow

Our expert panel returns to help answer your coronavirus pandemic questions.

Lockdown life: Your questions answered

Professor Chris Whitty said extending the dosage gap would "double the number of people vaccinated."

Prof Chris Whitty defends vaccine rollout decision

That includes some of the most vulnerable patients who should soon have "significant" protection against the virus.

A woman receives the first of two Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine jabs, at Guy"s Hospital

1.3 million in UK have had their Covid vaccine

One hairdresser in Grimsby says she is "devastated" by the latest national lockdown.

Businesses 'crushed' by new England lockdown

Head coach Kevin Stefanski is to miss the Cleveland Browns' first play-off game for 18 years after testing positive for Covid-19.

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski

Browns head coach to miss play-off return

From escapist dramas to a Covid-secure dating show, find entertainment to get you through winter.

Elle Fanning in The Great, Jenna Coleman in The Serpent and Paul Bettany in WandaVision

TV shows and films to help you through another lockdown

Tributes are paid to two 17-year-olds ahead of the gang members who murdered them being sentenced.

Murdered teen's family 'left with life sentence'

Strict measures are being reintroduced after seven new cases of the virus are confirmed.

Isle of Man to enter second Covid-19 lockdown

A sex offender targeted nearly 600 females and some of them sent intimate pictures to him.

'Manipulative' Snapchat blackmailer jailed

Family of missing chihuahua cross Enzo refuse to give up after the tiny dog disappeared at Christmas.

Missing chihuahua Enzo survives 11 freezing nights

Mauricio Pochettino says his first impression of Paris St-Germain is that there is an "amazing squad with unbelievable players" during his first news conference as boss.

First impression of PSG amazing - Pochettino

Livingston sign Gavin Reilly on an 18-month contract as the former Hearts and St Mirren striker leaves Carlisle United.

Gavin Reilly joins Livingston after six months with Carlisle United

Livingston sign Reilly from Carlisle Utd

"We want to be there when restrictions are lifted," says one business owner.

Pub landlords determined to survive new lockdown

Arlene Foster says the threat is due to her support for the family of murder victim Glenn Quinn.

DUP leader 'made aware' of threat from UDA

Schools spent the Christmas break preparing for Covid testing before the shutdown was announced.

Exam confusion and a lack of equipment for schools

Sweden has some of the world's highest taxes, so why is the taxman so popular with the Swedes?

Why the Swedes love doing something that Americans hate

Five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Tuesday evening.

Coronavirus: Evening update

Arsenal's Northern Ireland defender Dan Ballard extends his loan with League One side Blackpool until the end of the season.

Dan Ballard missed four games before Christmas with a muscle issue but has now made eight appearances, helping Blackpool to keep four clean sheets in that time

Arsenal's Ballard extends Blackpool loan

New boss Mauricio Pochettino says "any big player in the world is always welcome at Paris St-Germain" as they continue to be linked with Lionel Messi.

Any big player welcome at PSG - Pochettino

Wycombe Wanderers sign Leicester City striker Admiral Muskwe on loan for the rest of the Championship campaign.

Admiral Muskwe in action for Leicester City Under-21s

Wycombe sign Leicester's Muskwe on loan

Dragons back-rower Aaron Wainwright is happy to be viewed as a number eight by Wales coach Wayne Pivac.

Aaron Wainwright tries to get past Scarlets' Javan Sebastian

'Pivac sees me at number eight and I can see where he's coming from'

All men's rugby league below Super League plus women's and community clubs are asked to halt pre-season plans by the RFL.

Covid impacts RFL's pre-season plans

A Nottinghamshire Police drugs expert made more than £10,000 after selling the items online.

Police officer sold drug-growing equipment on eBay

Talks have started over 80 job losses and closing its new brewery in Cardiff, the company says.

Brains 'may be brewed outside of Wales'

Dr Mi Joo Choi said she was "extremely honoured" to receive the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

Oxford jab roll-out begins in Lincolnshire

The famous building on London's Oxford Street has been put on the market by administrators.

Topshop's Oxford Street store up for sale

It comes as Hartlepool recorded the highest rate of positive cases in the North East.

Health boss issues 'togetherness' lockdown call

Ireland vice-captain Paul Stirling is relishing a return to cricket with seven ODIs against United Arab Emirates and Afghanistan this month.

Irish face 'critical' ODIs - Stirling

Nick Eardley examines how Boris Johnson went from urging parents to send children to school to a strict lockdown.

Why did the PM decide to lock down England?

Full tournamenr results and highest break from the 2021 Masters in Milton Keynes.

2021 Masters: Full tournament results

Baroness Vere of Norbiton told critics in Parliament the closure was a matter for the operator P&O.

Lords' pleas to reinstate North Sea ferry route

Despite rising infection rates and restrictions in the UK, some celebrities have continued to travel.

Stock image of a woman using her phone on holiday

Why Instagram is still full of influencers 'on holiday'

Firms and owners work out how to survive another loss of trade as the new national lockdown begins.

Businesses 'need more certainty over lockdown'

Ahsan-ul-Haq Chaudry died a few days after contracting Covid-19. His daughters, who are doctors, spoke to BBC Breakfast.

'Dad had to choose between breathing and drinking fluids'

Prosecutors open an inquiry after Olivier Duhamel is accused of abusing his stepson 30 years ago.

French intellectual faces probe over abuse claims

The cancellations, although rare, reflect the pressure some hospitals are under from Covid.