South Africa: 97 contacts traced as British patient gradually improves
South Africa is tracing 97 possible hantavirus contacts linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. Here is what the Department of Health has confirmed.
Health
International
Dylan Sprouse and Barbara Palvin announce first pregnancy at Cannes Film Festival
Dylan Sprouse and Barbara Palvin are expecting their first baby, with Palvin showing off her bump at Cannes 2026 in a surprise red carpet announcement.
Technology
SpaceX confirms May 19 launch date for Starship V3, the most powerful version of the rocket yet
SpaceX has confirmed a May 19 launch date for Starship V3, Flight 12, featuring new Raptor 3 engines targeting over 100 tonnes to low Earth orbit.
Viral News
Alex Murdaugh murder conviction overturned, new trial ordered by South Carolina Supreme Court
The South Carolina Supreme Court has overturned Alex Murdaugh’s double murder convictions in a unanimous ruling, citing improper jury interference by the trial clerk.
Technology
Google and SpaceX are in talks to build AI data centres in orbit
Google and SpaceX are in talks to build orbital AI data centres under Project Suncatcher, with 81 satellites and prototype launches by 2027.
Movies
Lupita Nyong’o confirmed for dual role in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey
Lupita Nyong’o is confirmed to play both Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra in Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’, out 17 July 2026 in IMAX.
Local
Tyla confirmed for two FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies
South African star Tyla is confirmed to perform at two FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies in Mexico City and Los Angeles this June.
Health
Hantavirus patient on artificial lung as cruise ship outbreak reaches 11 cases
A French woman from the MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak is on an artificial lung in Paris as the case count reaches 11.
International
Jamie Foxx, 58, is expecting his third child with girlfriend Alyce Huckstepp
Jamie Foxx, 58, is expecting his third child and first with girlfriend Alyce Huckstepp. The couple confirmed the news on 13 May 2026.
Technology
iOS 27 is reportedly getting a full Siri overhaul and a customisable camera app
Bloomberg reports iOS 27 will overhaul Siri with an LLM-powered interface, a customisable Camera app, and new AI photo editing tools ahead of WWDC 8 June 2026.
International
Cannes Film Festival 2026 opens with Peter Jackson’s honorary Palme d’Or and Demi Moore in Jacquemus
The 79th Cannes Film Festival opened with Peter Jackson’s honorary Palme d’Or and Demi Moore on the red carpet. Here’s what happened opening night.
International
Man who stole Beyoncé’s unreleased music gets two years in prison
Kelvin Evans has been sentenced to two years in prison for stealing unreleased Beyoncé music and show files from a dancer’s rental car in Atlanta.
International
Britney Spears breaks silence after DUI and rehab: ‘all a blessing in disguise’
Britney Spears broke her silence after a DUI arrest and rehab stay, calling the experience a spiritual journey and a blessing in disguise on Instagram.
International
The Bear is ending with season 5, and FX just set the final date
‘The Bear’ season 5 is the final season, premiering 25 June on FX and Hulu. South African viewers can stream on Disney+ from the same date.
International
Martin Short breaks silence on daughter Katherine’s death, calls it ‘a nightmare for the family’
Martin Short broke his silence on daughter Katherine’s death in a new interview, calling the loss a nightmare and speaking about mental illness and grief.
News
Western Cape schools closed as Level 8 storm batters the province
All Western Cape schools are closed on 12 May 2026 as a Level 8 weather warning triggers flooding and dangerous storm conditions across the province.
International
Janet Jackson reportedly dating Louis Farrakhan’s son Mustapha as engagement rumours swirl
Janet Jackson Mustapha Farrakhan dating reports are spreading, with engagement rumours emerging ahead of her 60th birthday. Here is what is known.
Movies
Mortal Kombat 2 opens to $63 million globally but gets knocked out by The Devil Wears Prada 2 at number one
‘Mortal Kombat 2’ box office opening weekend hit $63M globally but lost number one to ‘Devil Wears Prada 2’. What the result means for the franchise.
Local
Oscar Mbo buries his mother on Mother’s Day in an emotional send-off
Oscar Mbo buried his late mother on Mother’s Day 2026, sharing an emotional tribute. Read how South Africa’s Afro house star honoured her life.
News
South Africa declares national disaster as storms kill at least eight people across six provinces
Government declares disaster status after severe storms kill at least eight people across six provinces.
International
Kevin Hart and Katt Williams end feud at Netflix roast as Dwayne Johnson crashes the party
Katt Williams and Kevin Hart ended their feud live at the Netflix roast on 10 May 2026. Dwayne Johnson also surprised the crowd with pyrotechnics.
Events
Eurovision 2026 kicks off in Vienna tonight as semi-final one launches the competition
Eurovision 2026 semi-final 1 kicks off tonight in Vienna with 15 countries competing. The live show broadcasts on 12 May, with the Grand Final on 16 May.
Technology
ShinyHunters give Instructure until tomorrow to pay up as Canvas ransom deadline hits
ShinyHunters deadline for Canvas ransom hits 12 May 2026. Instructure has not confirmed payment as 3.5 terabytes of student data hangs in the balance.
International
Dua Lipa sues Samsung for $15 million after company used her face to sell TVs
Dua Lipa has sued Samsung for $15 million after the company used her image on TV packaging without permission. The lawsuit was filed 9 May 2026 in California.
Crime
Mpumalanga man in court after victim found in shallow grave in Bushbuckridge
A Mpumalanga suspect appears in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on 11 May 2026 after the body of Solomon Madonsela was found in a shallow grave.
Lifestyle
Weekly horoscope 11-17 May 2026 – What the stars have in store
Your weekly horoscope for 11-17 May 2026. Taurus season begins, a New Moon arrives, and Pluto retrograde shifts the energy for all 12 signs.
Sports
Sean Strickland shocks the world, becomes two-time UFC middleweight champion
Sean Strickland pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history at UFC 328, beating Khamzat Chimaev by split decision to reclaim the middleweight title.
International
Roman Reigns retains, John Cena drops massive announcement at WWE Backlash 2026
WWE Backlash 2026 delivered big: Roman Reigns retained his World Heavyweight title against Jacob Fatu, and John Cena announced the brand-new John Cena Classic tournament.
Events
Pan-African Film Caravan Cape Town 2026 screens Lemohang Mosese’s debut at The Labia on 29 May
Zeitz MOCAA’s Pan-African Film Caravan Cape Town 2026 screens Ancestral Visions of the Future at The Labia on 29 May. Tickets from R30 on Webtickets.
Local
Spike Lee and South Africa’s Pola Maneli premiere apartheid animated film APART at Tribeca 2026
South African director Pola Maneli and Spike Lee premiere apartheid animated short APART at Tribeca Festival on 6 June 2026.