An acclaimed crime drama is returning but not in a way fans expect

The ‘most compelling drama ever’ is making a comeback but not in the way you think.

Star of Netflix’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story Charlie Hunnam could end up reuniting with Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan for a brand new series inspired by their most beloved characters.

According to Variety, Hunnam, who is set to appear in the streamer’s next instalment of the true crime anthology as Lizzie Borden’s father, is returning to one of his most popular roles. Reports claim that US network FX has ordered a limited series called Legends.

Not to be confused with the other Netflix show of the same name, this will see Hunnam appear alongside several of his Sons of Anarchy castmates, more than 10 years after its final episode.

However, it is not a prequel nor straight forward spin-off. Instead, it will see the stars play fictionalised versions of themselves.

The story will see the cast of Sons of Anarchy reunite at a fan convention for the first time and see the line between life and art blurs, as the fractured brotherhood finds itself up against a real-world threat more dangerous than anything they ever faced in their show.

So far, the confirmed cast set to appear include Hunnam (Jax), Ron Perlman (Clay), Katey Sagal (Gemma), Maggie Siff (Tara), Mark Boone Junior (Bobby), Tommy Flanagan (Chibs), Kim Coates (Tig), and Theo Rossi (Juice).

Many fans have immediately compared the new show’s premise to sci-fi cult hit Galaxy Quest. In that film, Tim Allen teamed up with Alan Rickman as actors who used to star in a Star Trek-like series together.

They then get mistaken for a real life space travelling crew by aliens who recruit them to save them from a dangerous warlord.

Hunnam has developed the show himself alongside with Jonathan Groff (the writer behind Black-ish and How I Met Your Mother, not the musical actor). It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’s Rob Mac is also listed as an executive producer.

It’s been described by the network as “a love letter to the series and a fun meta twist on what fans think they know.”

The original Sons Of Anarchy series was created and largely written by Kurt Sutter. It ran for seven seasons across six years. It boasts an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been described by fans as “one of the most compelling dramas ever made”.

It is not yet known if any other former cast members will feature, whether as guest stars or cameos. However, fans are already shared their hope that Taylor Sheridan, now well known as the creator of Yellowstone and its spin-offs, will appear.

Sheridan played Deputy Chief David Hale in the first three seasons. He was the local police’s second-in-command and a no-nonsense cop who grew up with Jax, Tara, Opie, and Donna but often came up against them.

A fan even joked that Sheridan could play the antagonist in this new series. Some have shared their confusion at the concept, while still admitting excitement.

One said: “No clue what’s going on here, but they already have my viewership.” Another added: “I’m incredibly confused by the premise but I’ll be tuning in!”

Even those that are not familiar with Sons of Anarchy have confessed they are on board. One person posted on social media: “Never watched Sons Of Anarchy but this is so meta and bizarre, I kind of love it.”

Sons of Anarchy is streaming on Disney+

TWO earthquakes have rocked Granada, causing destruction across the region and the closure of popular attractions.

With a series of aftershocks also recorded, is it safe to travel to Spain? Here’s everything you need to know.

Where are the earthquakes in Spain?

Granada in Andalusia has been affected by multiple earthquakes in the last five days.

The first earthquake hit the region over the weekend with a magnitude of 5.0 with its epicentre in Alhendín.

On August 15, a state of emergency was declared in the southern city as parts of buildings collapsed, rocks crushed cars and residents and holidaymakers were evacuated.

The tremor was felt across Andalusia and as far as Madrid, with locals reporting shakes in Malaga, Seville, Cordoba, Jaen and Almeria.

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It was then followed by a series of aftershocks.

On August 18 another powerful 4.6-magnitude earthquake hit Granada which left at least three people injured.

At the very centre of the earthquake was the small town of Gojar, a municipality around five miles south of the city of Granada.

Hotels and council buildings open to the public were forced to evacuate following the scare.

In a statement on X, the Granada City Council said: “In response to the latest seismic movements recorded in the province, the Granada City Council has agreed, as a preventive measure, to the temporary closure of all municipal buildings and facilities open to the public.”

One of the attractions that closed was parts of Alhambra, a fortress which is now a popular tourist attraction.

In Calle Navas, which is one of the most popular tourist streets in the city, bars were closed as authorities were concerned about falling debris.

Granada Cathedral remains closed while its exterior is examined.

Two 4 and 4.2-magnitude aftershocks also hit nearby Churriana de la Vega and Alhendín.

Is it safe to travel to Spain right now?

The travel advice for Spain remains unchanged. You can find all general information on the official FCDO website. 

Are flights still going to Spain?

Yes, Granada Federico Garcia Lorca Airport remains open with flights operating as scheduled.

What if I have a holiday to Spain booked?

As the Foreign Office has not warned against travel to Spain, there are no special circumstances in place for holidaymakers to cancel their trip and receive a full refund.

Depending on what travel insurance you have, your policy might include natural disaster cover.

If so, your insurance policy should cover you for when you are unable to reach your holiday destination due to natural disasters, like wildfires and earthquakes.

So it is worth checking your travel insurance policy.

Can I cancel my trip?

If you want to cancel your trip or holiday, it is best to contact your airline and/or holiday provider.

Companies do not have an obligation to refund bookings unless Government advice changes.

While McDaniel and his system have been a hot topic throughout training camp, he isn’t the only new coordinator in town.

Thursday’s game will offer a similar peek at what Chris O’Leary’s starting defense has in store.

“Overall, we played together; we played fast; we played violent,” O’Leary said of the group’s performance in Houston. “The result was a good result for us. We see a lot of stuff we can clean up along the way.”

O’Leary’s defense followed up a strong opening game by playing well against the 49ers’ offense in Tuesday’s practice.

“Honestly, don’t think it was our best day,” San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy said.

The Chargers would like to hear Purdy — who might play Thursday, according to 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan — say that again.

Aug. 20 (UPI) — Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and their two children are expected to leave their California home of the past six years to move back to Britain within days, British media reported Friday.

The family will move into a private residence somewhere outside London with Prince Archie, 7 and Princess Lilibet, 5, already enrolled in a British school for the start of the autumn term in two weeks’ time, according to The Telegraph, the BBC and Independent.

The surprise development comes six years-and-a-half years after the couple made their “declaration of independence” from the royal family in early 2020 and shortly after relocated to Los Angeles, eventually settling in Montecito in Santa Barbara County.

The couple will not be resuming their previous roles as working members of the royal family and their official status will be that of private citizens.

King Charles, who is living with cancer, was only informed about the move on Sunday but was understood to welcome the decision and with it the chance to spend more private time with the Sussexes, and in particular his grandchildren.

The heir to the throne, Prince William and his wife, Princess Kate, have also been informed of the Sussex family’s plans. The brothers have been estranged for several years and last saw each other at the 2022 funeral of their grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The reason for the move was not clear, but the family reconnected with the king at his Highgrove House residence in July during a visit to the United Kingdom that also saw Harry visit his acestral roots at Althorp in Northamptonshire where his mother, Princess Diana, was raised.

Other outstanding questions include what Harry and Megan will do in Britain. Both are involved in various charity projects, in particular, Harry’s mission for injured military personnel, the Invictus Games.

The other issue is that of security for the family, with Harry waging a long-running battle for state-funded protection for the family during visits to the United Kingdom.

That request was repeatedly denied with the result that the Sussexes never visited Britain as a family until last month, although Harry made dozens of trips for professional reasons and for various legal cases he was pursuing against the press.

The Iran war has pushed the global energy system into a deeper crisis, with the disruption increasingly shifting from crude oil supplies to the refined fuels that power transportation, industry and economies worldwide.

While global oil markets have adapted relatively well to the loss of a significant share of Middle Eastern crude production, the refining industry has had far fewer options to compensate.

That imbalance is already visible in fuel prices.

Brent crude is around $90 a barrel, roughly 25% above its level when the conflict began on February 28 but well below its wartime peak of $118.

Refined fuel prices, however, have remained much higher. European diesel prices have risen more than 70% since the start of the war, while U.S. gasoline prices have increased around 60%.

The growing divergence suggests that the biggest energy shock may no longer be coming from crude oil itself, but from the world’s ability to turn crude into usable fuel.

Why Are Fuel Prices Rising Faster Than Oil?

The key problem is declining refinery capacity.

The International Energy Agency estimates that more than 20% of the Middle East’s 9.6 million barrels per day of refining capacity was knocked out during the conflict.

At the same time, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has restricted fuel exports and disrupted the movement of Gulf crude.

The result has been a chain reaction.

Refineries, particularly in Asia, have had to reduce operations because of difficulties obtaining crude, while damaged Middle Eastern facilities have struggled to return to normal production.

This has created a shortage of diesel, gasoline and other refined products even as crude oil prices have retreated from their wartime highs.

How Has Russia Made the Fuel Crisis Worse?

The Middle East is not the only source of disruption.

Months of Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure have also reduced global refining capacity.

Russian refinery throughput has fallen by nearly 30% in recent months to below 4 million barrels per day.

The decline has forced Moscow to restrict diesel exports, removing another major source of refined fuel from international markets.

The combination of Middle Eastern refinery damage and reduced Russian output has left the global market with fewer alternatives.

That is particularly important for diesel, which is essential for freight transportation, agriculture, construction and industrial activity.

Why Are Diesel Refining Margins Surging?

The shortage is reflected in refining margins.

European diesel refining margins have more than tripled since February, rising above $75 a barrel.

U.S. diesel margins have increased more than 140%, reaching a record $100 earlier this week.

These figures demonstrate how severe the shortage has become.

Refineries capable of producing diesel and other fuels are commanding exceptionally high margins because demand remains strong while available capacity is shrinking.

The problem is that simply increasing refining margins does not immediately create new refining capacity.

Building or repairing refineries can take months or years, particularly when specialised equipment is required.

Have Global Fuel Inventories Been Depleted?

Yes, and that could become one of the biggest problems in the months ahead.

Fuel stockpiles provided an important buffer when the conflict began.

That buffer is now largely gone.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, global oil inventories fell at a rate of around 3.5 million barrels per day between March and July.

Stocks are expected to continue declining through the end of the year.

U.S. diesel inventories are already at their lowest seasonal level in three decades, while gasoline stocks are at their weakest seasonal level since 2012.

This leaves the market increasingly exposed to any additional disruption.

Is There a Global Fuel Production Shortfall?

The data suggests there is.

Global refinery runs during the second quarter were 5.1 million barrels per day lower than a year earlier, according to the IEA.

High fuel prices have reduced consumption, with demand for refined products falling by around 4 million barrels per day.

But that reduction has not been sufficient.

The result was still a shortfall of more than 1 million barrels per day.

The imbalance could become even worse during the third quarter.

Refinery runs are expected to remain 4.1 million barrels per day below last year’s level, while demand is projected to fall by only 2.4 million barrels per day.

In other words, fuel supply is declining faster than demand.

Would Reopening the Strait of Hormuz Solve the Crisis?

Not necessarily.

A diplomatic breakthrough between Washington and Tehran that permanently reopened the Strait of Hormuz could send crude prices sharply lower.

But cheaper crude would not automatically translate into cheaper gasoline and diesel.

The reason is that the refining infrastructure itself has been damaged.

More than 20 Gulf refineries suffered damage during the war, and many require extensive repairs.

Crucial equipment such as compressors, heat exchangers and specialised catalysts can take significant time to obtain.

Lead times for some of these components were already stretched before the conflict.

Consequently, even if crude shipments resume quickly, refinery capacity could remain constrained for much longer.

Why Is China Important to the Energy Crisis?

China’s response could have a major impact on global fuel markets.

China is the world’s second-largest refining centre and sharply reduced refinery processing rates and fuel exports during the conflict.

If Beijing keeps exports limited, the international market will lose another potential source of refined products.

Conversely, an increase in Chinese refinery utilisation and exports could provide some relief.

But China must also balance domestic fuel demand, inventory requirements and its own energy security.

That makes its decisions particularly important for Asia and the wider global market.

Could the Energy Crisis Fuel Global Inflation?

The answer could be yes.

The immediate impact of higher fuel prices is already appearing in inflation data.

U.S. consumer prices rose 3.4% year-on-year in July, with energy costs increasing 14.7% and gasoline prices rising 24.6%.

Euro zone inflation accelerated to 2.9%, driven partly by a 10% increase in energy costs.

Japan’s producer price index rose 7.2% in July.

These figures raise concerns that the energy shock could spread beyond fuel markets.

Higher transportation costs increase the cost of moving goods, while expensive diesel raises costs for agriculture, manufacturing and logistics.

If those increases persist, businesses may eventually pass them on to consumers.

Why Could the Energy Crisis Last for Years?

The central problem is that refining capacity cannot be restored as quickly as crude production.

Oil wells can continue producing once transportation routes reopen.

Refineries, however, require complex infrastructure, specialised machinery, skilled workers and maintenance.

If damaged facilities need major reconstruction, restoring capacity could take years.

At the same time, depleted fuel inventories will eventually need to be rebuilt.

That means refiners could face sustained pressure to process more crude even after the immediate crisis ends.

The result could be a prolonged period of elevated refining margins and fuel prices.

What Does This Mean for Europe and Asia?

Europe and Asia could face particularly severe pressure.

Both regions rely heavily on imported energy and have already experienced increases in refined fuel and liquefied natural gas prices.

For European economies, expensive diesel could increase transportation and industrial costs.

For Asian economies, disruptions to Gulf crude supplies and reduced Chinese fuel exports could create additional pressure.

The combination of higher fuel and LNG prices could therefore create a broader energy inflation shock rather than an isolated oil-market disruption.

Could Consumers Eventually Reduce Demand?

Demand destruction remains one of the few mechanisms capable of restoring balance.

If fuel prices remain extremely high, consumers may drive less and businesses may reduce transportation and energy consumption.

Companies may also delay investment and cut production.

That could eventually reduce demand enough to ease pressure on the refining system.

But demand destruction carries an economic cost.

A reduction in fuel consumption caused by efficiency improvements is very different from a decline caused by households and businesses being unable to afford energy.

The latter can slow economic growth while inflation remains elevated.

Analysis: Why the Refining Crisis May Matter More Than the Oil Shock

The most important lesson from the Iran war energy crisis is that the global energy system is not simply dependent on how much oil exists, but on whether the world can refine and transport that oil into usable fuel.

The crude market has shown considerable resilience.

Refined fuel markets have not.

That distinction could determine how long the current energy shock lasts.

Even if diplomacy reopens the Strait of Hormuz and crude prices fall, damaged refineries, depleted inventories and reduced Russian exports will continue to constrain fuel supplies.

This creates a particularly difficult situation for central banks.

If energy prices rise temporarily, policymakers can theoretically look through the shock. But if fuel shortages persist for months or years, higher transportation and production costs can become embedded across the economy.

That would make the assumption of a short-lived inflation shock increasingly difficult to defend.

The depletion of global inventories is perhaps the biggest warning sign.

Stockpiles normally provide a cushion against geopolitical disruptions. That cushion has now been significantly weakened.

As a result, another major refinery outage, shipping disruption or escalation in the Middle East could produce a much larger price response than it would have before the war.

The world therefore faces a dangerous mismatch: crude supplies may recover faster than the infrastructure needed to turn them into fuel.

That is why the energy crisis could outlast the war itself.

The Iran conflict may have started as a crude oil shock, but its most consequential economic legacy could be a prolonged global shortage of refined fuels, keeping inflation and energy costs elevated long after the fighting ends.

With information from Reuters.

BBC cameras follow NHS staff dealing with everything from stabbings to car crashes

A new BBC series shows the stark realities of working in NHS emergency care.

The six-part docuseries comes from the makers of revered true crime show Murder 24/7, and follows a very similar format. However, rather than showing real-time investigations into crimes, it instead centres around staff dealing with a host of emergency cases at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.

From stabbings and third-degree burns through to car crashes, the talented teams within the emergency department are shown handling each case from the patient’s arrival through to diagnosis and treatment.

The season debut opened with the devastating case of two friends, Luke and Kieran, who were involved in a motorbike crash, leaving both with severe injuries. As the teams treat the pair, they fear irreversible damage to Luke’s nerves which could leave him unable to walk.

Viewers will have to tune in to episode one, now streaming on BBC iPlayer, to discover how the duo’s story played out. Meanwhile subsequent episodes of Emergency 24/7 air every Tuesday at 9pm on BBC Two.

Luke recently appeared on BBC Radio Bristol to discuss his story, sharing: “I don’t remember the actual accident itself.

“I remember picking my friend up and just going out for a ride on the bike.

“He was on the back, I was driving, and then the next thing I knew, I blinked, and about five or six days had gone by, and I was in Bristol ICU.”

Reactions to the new series have been positive so far, with one viewer writing: “I enjoyed it. Really rammed home how busy they are. Also highlighted the rubbish they have to deal with.”

A second shared: “It’s really well done, set over the time period of one shift and follows a couple of patients closely and then you get an update at the end with how they’re doing.

“They also give a good explanation of why hospitals do things like corridor care, what’s being shown on the scan, how the team works when there’s a major trauma, the impact abusive patients can have on the department as a whole by removing staff from other areas to deal with them etc.”

Meanwhile others reported being left in “awe” at the work of the teams featured. A third viewer show fan shared: “Watching #emergency 24/7 #emergency24 on BBC2. I’m in awe of the surgeon putting that spine back together, and all the staff in A and E.”

Emergency 24/7 airs weekly on Tuesdays at 9pm on BBC Two. Episodes are available to stream via BBC iPlayer after broadcast.

Published on
20/08/2026 – 11:18 GMT+2

The US national debt now stands at a record $40 trillion (€34.4tn), while the Treasury has responded to the bond market pressure by pledging to buy back far more of its own older securities.

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Washington’s two announcements landed on the same day and represent two symptoms of the same underlying strain: a government borrowing at a record pace just as buyers of its longest-dated debt are demanding higher returns to keep lending.

Buybacks work like a targeted repurchase. Rather than printing new money, the US Treasury uses cash it already has to repurchase older, harder-to-trade bonds from investors, improving liquidity without changing the total stock of debt.

From 9 September, the maximum size of each buyback operation in the 10-to-20-year and 20-to-30-year markets will at least double, from $2 billion (€1.7bn) to $4 billion (€3.4bn), running through the next quarterly refunding on 4 November.

The US Treasury said the change reflects “strong sponsorship from market participants” in that part of the curve, but the timing of the decision was no accident.

The 30-year yield had climbed on Tuesday to its highest level since 2007 amid what analysts called a buyers’ strike stretching back to late June, aggravated by a swelling supply of corporate debt tied to AI data centre spending.

Yields duly fell after Wednesday’s announcement, with the 30-year dropping roughly 9 basis points and the 10-year around 6, and Wall Street rallied.

Asked whether Americans should worry about the volatility, US President Donald Trump simply said: “No, I don’t think so.”

However, not everyone is convinced the fix goes deep enough.

The size of the increase is modest next to the $32 trillion (€27.5tn) Treasury market it is meant to steady, and notable economist Mohamed El-Erian suggested the outsized market reaction reflected hopes of broader intervention to come rather than the direct effect of the buybacks themselves.

Thomas Simons, chief US economist at Jefferies, said the announcement broke with Treasury’s usual pattern of steady, well-flagged communication about its borrowing plans and felt “shot from the hip”.

How the US national debt reached $40 trillion

The debt figure, confirmed by US Treasury data covering Tuesday, splits into $32.27 trillion (€27.75tn) held by the public and $7.78 trillion (€6.69tn) owed between government accounts.

It arrived roughly two fiscal years earlier than expected as the US Congressional Budget Office projected in May 2023 that the threshold would not be crossed until 2028, and it came remarkably fast even by recent standards: $39 trillion (€33.5tn) was reached only in March, $38 trillion (€32.6tn) the previous October.

The US government borrowed $1.8 trillion (€1.5tn) in the first ten months of this fiscal year alone, already more than it borrowed in the whole of the last one, as spending on Social Security, Medicare, defence and interest payments continues to outrun revenue.

“The national debt is not just a number on the government’s balance sheet,” said David Young, president of the Conference Board’s CEO Center, noting it shapes the financial decisions Americans make daily.

The two stories feed each other.

A bigger debt load makes investors warier about lending long-term, which pushes yields higher. In turn, higher yields then raise the government’s own interest bill, adding further to the debt the US Treasury has to finance next.

Wednesday’s buyback expansion may ease the immediate pressure, but it does nothing to slow the borrowing driving it.

Jerry Buss put together what was then thought to be a wild business deal to purchase the Lakers and related assets for $67.5 million in 1979.

Buss had a degree in chemistry, but his money came from real estate holdings and loans that moved between third parties to help him obtain the Lakers, Kings and the Forum from Jack Kent Cooke, who was going through a costly divorce.

Buss’ vision was to infuse Hollywood glamour into an NBA team few in Los Angeles seemed to care about, win championships and share that glory with his family.

Buss realized his Hollywood dream in more ways than he ever could have imagined, with his death in 2013 from complications from cancer touching off battles among his six children over control of the Lakers.

Lakers owner Jerry Buss, center, with children Janie, from left, Jeanie, Johnny and Jim in 1979.

(Gunther/mptvimages.com)

At least two siblings have tried to oust another from a leadership role. One sibling reportedly said two others never should have been born. And one sibling managed to fire the five others from jobs with the team.

The rifts mirror the HBO hit show “Succession.” Buss’ tenure and the family drama has been direct inspiration for two television shows and was chronicled in a docuseries the Lakers produced.

The latest daggers were delivered this week, with attorneys representing Buss’ daughter, Jeanie, admonishing her five siblings — Janie, Johnny, Jim, Joey and Jesse — for announcing the Buss Family Trust was selling its 17.8% ownership of the Lakers to new buyers Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner.

The sale would yield billions for the trust, with Iger and Kushner set to purchase the franchise at a $12.5-billion evaluation for the majority ownership stake of the team and a tagalong provision extending that price to the minority shareholders.

The Buss children are already billionaires following the sale of their majority stake to previous owner Mark Walter in 2025, but in addition to a big jump in share value, the minority stake sale would remove Jeanie from her coveted role as governor.

Neither side is giving up ground, suggesting lawsuits will soon be filed to resolve the family ownership dispute.

How did we get here?

The roots of the infighting date to the early days of Jerry Buss’ team ownership.

Buss focuses on building a family business

For the first 12 seasons Buss owned the team, the Lakers won NBA championships in 1980 and 1982 against the Philadelphia 76ers, 1985 and 1987 against the hated Boston Celtics, and 1988 against the Detroit Pistons.

Former player and shrewd executive Jerry West helped build the Lakers’ rosters, Pat Riley blossomed into an elite coach, and stars Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led a collection of elite playmakers during the Showtime era.

Jerry Buss, right, talks with his children Johnny, Jim, Jeanie and Janie in 1979.

(Gunther / mptvimages.com)

The Buss family came along for the ride, with each child working on some aspect of the family business. Jeanie notably helped organize events at the Forum and was eager to take on more challenges while honoring her father’s ambition. Her father put her in charge of the team’s indoor tennis franchise when she was only 19.

As Jerry aged and new stars emerged, including Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal and coach Phil Jackson, it was clear the next ownership chapter for the Lakers would be messy.

For one thing, Jerry had trouble letting go of what he built.

“I just can’t visualize myself walking away, relinquishing control,” Jerry told The Times in 2002. “My relationship with this team is a lifelong marriage.”

A clear successor emerges

By the time they reached their 40s, Jeanie took on a greater role on the business side, while Jim became a basketball executive.

Joey and Jesse, the youngest Buss children, learned about scouting and business operations.

Lakers owner Jerry Buss poses with the NBA championship trophy in 1980.

(NBAE / Getty Images)

Jerry’s health challenges could not be denied and at age 69, he scaled back his involvement.

In 2002, Jeanie emerged as Jerry’s clear successor. At the time, her siblings did not seem interested in the role.

Her biggest challenges seemed to be getting the rest of the NBA to take her seriously after previously partying with her father’s girlfriends and posing nude for Playboy magazine. She told The Times she wished the media hadn’t focused as much on her past and stood by her work moving forward.

Soon after the Lakers hired Jackson in 1999, he asked Jeanie on a date. Their ensuing relationship added challenges to business operations, but The Times reported Jerry didn’t oppose it.

Lakers owner Jerry Buss and his daughter, Jeanie, pose for a photo at the Staples Center.

(Michael Kelley / For the Times)

Jeanie joined her father at NBA board of governors meetings for three years before being the Lakers’ sole representative at the gatherings that featured no other women. She handled an array of business challenges, big and small, and helped supervise the team’s move from the Forum to the Staples Center.

In 2002, all her siblings seemed content with Jeanie emerging as the face of the Lakers’ front office. They either were driven to make a name for themselves in other lines of business or had clearly carved out roles within the Lakers organization.

“My dad likes a system of checks and balances,” Jim told The Times. “Jeanie has more of the administrative part. We all have a good relationship. There’s no jealousy or envy. It’s very smooth.”

Buss family hits troubled waters

The smooth sailing didn’t last forever.

Jeanie helped her father navigate a series of difficult decisions. The Lakers agreed with Jackson to mutually part in 2004 amid a feud between Bryant and O’Neal, the first sign Jeanie was willing to part with someone she loved for the sake of the business. Jackson returned to coach the team in 2005 and held the role until his retirement in 2011, guiding the team to five titles.

In 2013, Jerry died and Bryant ruptured his left Achilles tendon. The Buss children reportedly decided against selling the team immediately after their father’s death, with Jeanie a clear vote against the move.

In 2014, coach Mike D’Antoni’s Lakers won 27 games. In 2015, the team won 21. In 2016, the team hit rock bottom with just 17 wins. Jeanie and Jackson broke up in 2016, ending their four-year engagement. She has since married comedian Jay Mohr.

Lakers star Kobe Bryant and Lakers governor Jeanie Buss stand beside each other on the basketball court.

(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

In 2017, the Lakers were headed to another losing season when Jeanie fired Jim, the president of basketball operations, and Mitch Kupchak, the team’s general manager. They were replaced by Rob Pelinka, Bryant’s former agent, and Johnson, the former Showtime star turned businessman.

Shortly after the firing, Jim and his brother, Johnny, tried to remove Jeanie from the team’s board of directors, sparking a legal feud that included Jeanie filing a restraining order while she wrestled control of the team.

“It wasn’t like we were trying to get rid of Jeanie as president of the Lakers,” Johnny said during a docuseries the team produced. “We wanted Jeanie to understand that Dad would not have wanted you to just take total control, hire and fire whoever you wanted, without the rest of us being involved.”

Jeanie countered her father created a trust that put her in control.

“They tried to disregard what their father wanted,” Jeanie said in the docuseries. “That’s a betrayal of all the hard work and what he did on our behalf to make this possible. I felt that there was this desire to remove me or stab me in the heart.”

A court ultimately delivered a ruling that Jeanie is still clinging to today as she hopes to retain the family’s minority ownership of the Lakers and her role as governor.

“The co-trustees are bound to vote the Los Angeles Lakers, Inc. shares to ensure that the minimum 15% ownership requirement is maintained in order to ensure that Jeanie Buss may remain controlling owner,” a letter written this week by Jeanie’s attorney reads, citing a 2017 court ruling outlining her role. “Any attempt by the co-trustees to do otherwise and any attempt to aid or abet the co-trustees as such would constitute a breach of trust, breach of fiduciary duty and be in contempt of court.”

The ruling stipulated that co-trustees “would take all actions reasonably available to them, including voting the trust’s shares to ensure that [Jeanie] is elected as the controlling owner of the Lakers on an annual basis during [her] lifetime.”

A title masks more drama

Soon after the ruling, Jeanie included younger brothers Joey and Jesse in the search for a coach to replace Luke Walton. Her siblings continued to hold roles within the team.

With Jeanie’s power firmly defined by the court, the Lakers signed LeBron James in 2018, traded for Anthony Davis in 2019 and won a title during a season shortened by COVID in 2020. It is the sole championship the team has won since Jerry’s death.

LeBron James hugs Lakers governor Jeanie Buss after winning the 2020 NBA championship.

(Douglas P. DeFelice / Getty Images)

The run to the latest title was far from smooth.

ESPN reported that when Jesse called Jeanie to ask a question about a remark Pelinka made during Davis’ introductory news conference in 2019, she told a story of a promise made between her father and mother that Jerry would never have any other children. Jeanie’s mother reportedly was heartbroken when Jerry and his then girlfriend had Joey and Jesse.

“You should’ve never been born,” ESPN reported Jeanie told Jesse, stunning her younger brother.

The siblings still somehow continued to work in various aspects of the Lakers’ operation.

Jeanie reportedly took intense criticism of the team during the last five years personally and Joey and Jesse wondered whether she might be open to selling the franchise. At the same time, value of NBA teams soared as more billionaires moved into the space. A sale would shift the siblings from millionaires who struggled to invest in growing the Lakers’ operations into billionaires.

A climate opposed to a sale

Jerry created a trust he hoped would prevent his children from feeling pressure to sell the team.

ESPN reported he prepaid inheritance taxes to prevent his children from having to do so upon his death and added provisions to the trust allowing siblings to buy each other out and forcing shares to be redistributed among the siblings when one died rather than passing them on to the next generation of their respective families.

Joey and Jesse began exploring small shares of the team and tried to get other family members on board, ESPN reported. They had not completed their work before Jeanie announced Walter’s offer. Four of the six siblings approved selling 50% of their shares to Walter for a figure that reportedly stunned all of them. Joey and Jesse learned the sale had been approved via a post on X by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Janie told ESPN the Buss siblings were assured their roles with the team would not change for five years.

Walter’s purchase of the majority stake of the Lakers was approved by four of the six siblings in June 2025, with Jeanie endorsing the deal. She was assured she’d represent the Lakers on the NBA board of governors for at least the next five years.

On Nov. 20, three weeks after the NBA approved the sale to Walter, Jeanie fired Joey, Jesse, Jim, Johnny and Janie, who all worked for the team in various roles.

“I don’t think my dad would be happy with the way things just went down,” Janie told ESPN. “Not at all.”

While she disagreed with the way Jeanie handled the firings, her sister said in an interview with ESPN she didn’t think she meant to hurt her family.

“Jeanie doesn’t have a mean bone in her body, and so she just has to make these tough decisions,” Janie told the network. “And she’s been having to make them … I just wish she would’ve done it differently.”

Firing the last Buss family member

Last week, the family drama flared up again.

When Walter, who is facing multiple investigations into his business practices, reached a deal to sell his majority stake to Iger and Kushner, the family resumed conversations about completely cashing out of the Lakers.

Iger pledged to honor Walter’s agreement with Jeanie to remain as governor for at least five years and spoke highly of the Buss family in multiple interviews and statements released after the deal was announced.

Six days later, five of the siblings voted to approve the sale of their minority stake to Iger and Kushner, effectively firing Jeanie as governor.

Rob Pelinka, from left, Luka Doncic and Jeanie Buss pose for a photo in Katowice, Poland, on Aug. 27.

(Marcin Golba / Associated Press)

“We have decided as a family to sell the remaining Buss Family Trust shares to the Bob Iger group as part of the ongoing transaction,” the family’s statement to ESPN read. “We love the Lakers, Laker fans and will continue to support Los Angeles; but it is time to use this opportunity to move on and exit gracefully while we still can.”

Jeanie’s attorney has contested the sale, citing the 2017 court ruling. The attorney’s letter calls out two of Jeanie’s siblings for sending false information to ESPN: “This is just the latest instance of a years-long pattern whereby Joey and Jesse Buss leak false, defamatory and pernicious ‘information’ to Mr. Charania for the malicious purpose of doing harm to the Los Angeles Lakers so long as Dr. Buss’s chosen successor, Jeanie Buss, carries out her father’s wishes.”

Charania said he stands by his reporting.

The Buss Family Trust issued the following statement to The Times defending the five siblings’ right to sell the team:

“The Los Angeles Lakers have never been just a basketball team. They have been one of the greatest privileges of our lives. Our focus has always been on what we believe is best for the Lakers, the fans who have supported this franchise for generations and the greater Los Angeles community.

“Johnny, Jimmy, Janie, Joey and Jesse have made the decision to sell the family’s remaining stake, and we remain united in that decision. We intend to move forward thoughtfully, respectfully and through the appropriate process.

“We have tremendous respect for Bob Iger and Josh Kushner and believe they understand what the Lakers represent to Los Angeles and our incredibly loyal fan base. We are confident they will honor everything this franchise stands for while building upon the foundation our father created.”

It appears the Buss family will soon be headed back to court to decide their future as Lakers owners.

Four-time F1 World Drivers’ Champion’s new deal puts to rest rumours that he would exit the team at the end of 2028 season.

Multiple Formula One world champion Max Verstappen has signed a new contract with Red Bull Racing until the end of 2030, the team announced, ending speculation over his future in the sport.

“Four more years of full send. We are delighted to announce that Max has signed a contract extension with the team until the end of 2030,” Red Bull said on X on Thursday.

The news came with preparations in full swing for Verstappen’s home race this Sunday, the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, and will delight his thousands of orange-clad fans.

Verstappen is one of the most successful Formula One drivers of all time, dominating the sport with four consecutive world championships from 2021.

But results have been harder to come by this season, with the 28-year-old failing to see a chequered flag in the first half of the year and sitting sixth in the drivers’ championship.

“This commitment is about more than continuing an already extraordinary alliance,” the team said in its statement.

“It is a powerful statement of mutual trust and ambition – and a shared decision to shape the future together.”

The uncompetitive nature of the Red Bull car this year has led many to speculate that the mercurial Dutchman could switch to another team or even leave Formula One entirely.

But Verstappen said he was keen to get the team back to winning ways.

“We have the best people and I’m excited to keep working together with everyone to get back to the top again,” he was quoted as saying.

Dutch courage needed this weekend

The news adds even more spice to the last-ever edition of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.

Verstappen was unbeatable on his home track, winning the first three editions since it was reintroduced to the circuit in 2021.

But he has since been chasing McLaren in his own back yard, with Papaya drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri claiming the last two races.

Verstappen is expected to don a special helmet for the occasion, inspired by the famous blue Delft pottery.

The promoters decided not to continue racing at Zandvoort, partly due to uncertainty over Verstappen’s future given his importance for the popularity of the event.

“I have always said it: The team is like a second family for me and I feel very at home,” said Verstappen.

“I came to the team hoping to be able to win races. What we went on to achieve together has been simply lovely,” added Verstappen, using his trademark phrase.

Dubbed an ‘excellent movie all round’, the edge-of-your-seat war drama thriller has completely captivated audiences, with some fans declaring it’s ‘the best movie’ they’ve ‘ever seen’.

If war films and talented actors are your genre of entertainment, we’ve got a movie recommendation that’ll be right up your alley.

Dubbed an ‘excellent movie all round’, the edge-of-your-seat war drama thriller has completely captivated audiences, with some fans declaring it’s ‘the best movie’ they’ve ‘ever seen’.

Eye in the Sky is a 2016 war drama starring British acting royalty — and it’s currently available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer. The modern warfare thriller stars the late great British icon and acting legend Alan Rickman, and is considered his last live-action feature film — having released posthumously on April 15, 2016, just months after Rickman died on January 14 that same year. His last film overall though, is Alice Through the Looking Glass, which features him in a voice acting role only.

Eye in the Sky has been dedicated to the Harry Potter star, and while Rickman is definitely one of the highlights of the war drama, he’s far from being the only scene-stealer.

Directed by Gavin Hood with a screenplay penned by Guy Hibbert, Eye in the Sky stars the legendary Helen Mirren in the lead alongside Rickman. The pair are joined by Aaron Paul, Barkhad Abdi, Jeremy Northam, Michael O’Keefe, Phoebe Fox and Iain Glen in supporting roles to round out a talented cast.

Speaking to Collider about her co-star Rickman, Mirren shared: “I think that Alan would have been incredibly proud that this was his last movie. It is what I love about it, which is that the Alan you see up on screen is much closer to the real Alan Rickman that we all knew and loved. You see his intelligence, you see his wit, and you see his authority. I think that that was very much the Alan that we knew.”

With an almost perfect 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Eye in the Sky seems to be loved by one and all.

One viewer was clear the film belonged to Rickman as they wrote on IMDB: “This is Alan Rickman’s movie. He is the star, the cast person who carries the movie. The movie itself is excellent. It tells a compelling story and succeeds in building dramatic tension without becoming contrived.

“The conflict is presented plainly. Every character plays an important role. Yet, Rickman drives this movie. His performance as the general in charge of the operation should earn him at least consideration for the highest official accolades.”

While another fan of the film said: “Excellent movie all around! I rarely give very high ratings, so take this 10 as solid approval. This is a very well-made movie. It’s dramatic (fitting the occasion), compelling, exciting, interesting, intriguing, well-paced, informative, insightful, well scripted, well acted, evocative, relevant, just, intuitive, comprehensive, and so on.

“All of these. I found it very enjoyable to watch, and I followed along and fully understood the situation presented and all of its challenges. It’s difficult to imagine any ways it could be improved.”

An audience review on Rotten Tomatoes states: “Genuinely one of the best films I have ever seen – could be a fantastic debating resource for schools, colleges and universities. Brilliantly communicated from every angle.”

While one viewer said in a glowing review: “I have to say: This film blows my mind. The combination of the suspense, the back-and-forth, and the frustration exceeds any out-of-the-world action sequences; not to mention Mirren and Rickman being superb as always.”

Critics were left equally impressed, with one writing: “It’s a tight thriller played out smoothly but tying the viewer in moral knots. A film to think about for days, with little hope of finding a comfortable answer.”

While another reviewer said: “Eye in the Sky is a disturbing, intelligent and very well crafted contemporary thriller with a solid screenplay by Guy Hibbert and seamless direction.”

A third critic added: “This is the kind of intelligent, thought-provoking mainstream film that’s in danger of becoming extinct. Eye in the Sky is miles above the average multiplex flick.”

Eye in the Sky is available to watch free of cost on BBC iPlayer.

This charming town offers all the charm of the Cotswolds without the crowds

The Cotswolds might be one of Britain’s most recognisable countryside escapes, but its popularity can make a summer visit feel very different from the peaceful rural holiday many tourists picture when they visit. The area is famous for its charming villages, cobbled streets and of course, its traditional stone cottages – but this fame is a double edged sword.

It might make the area famous – but it also means that the Cotswolds are frequently swarmed by tourists. For anyone hoping to enjoy a slower-paced weekend, battling through crowds can quickly take the shine off a trip. Luckily, you don’t have to give up the quintessentially British village experience altogether.

There are plenty of gorgeous places in the UK to explore that don’t involve doing battle with crowds. In fact, one place offers all the beauty of the famous Cotswolds, including the iconic stone cottages and flower boxes – but you don’t have to spend your holiday dodging crowds.

Travel experts at Parkdean Resorts have revealed this North Yorkshire town as the perfect Cotswolds dupe.

Set in the Yorkshire Dales, it has a traditional cobbled centre surrounded by some of the country’s most impressive countryside. The village square is a natural starting point, with independent businesses and places to eat clustered around its historic streets.

It’s got all the stone cottages, the flower boxes and historic pubs just like the Cotswolds – but you won’t find it teeming with tourists. This charming village is so beautiful it was picked as the main filming location for the fictional village of Darrowby in All Creatures Great and Small.

It’s Grassington in North Yorkshire – and it’s the perfect place to explore for a weekend.

The high street is packed with independent shops where you can pick up home made art and jewellery as well as delicious sweet treats and books.

Grassington is particularly appealing for tourists who want their break to combine sightseeing with walking. Rather than spending the day squeezing through a packed tourist centre, visitors can explore the village before heading out into the surrounding Dales.

If Yorkshire doesn’t tickle your fancy, the experts at Parkdean Resorts do have another destination that they think gives Cotswolds charm without the crowds.

Rye in East Sussex is another destination that rewards visitors who are prepared to look beyond the usual summer hotspots.

The town is packed with historic streets and distinctive old buildings, while independent shops and places to eat make it easy to spend a leisurely day exploring without needing a packed itinerary.

Its biggest advantage, however, could be its location.

Rye provides easy access to the Sussex coast, meaning a short break can include both an atmospheric old town and a day by the sea. Visitors can explore the historic centre in the morning before heading towards the beaches and coastline nearby.

It’s an appealing option for anyone who can’t decide between a countryside escape and a seaside break.

If you’re taking your little ones on a plane this summer, there are some helpful ways to feel prepared, as an easyJet pilot has shared the mistake that parents can easily make

An easyJet pilot has revealed the biggest mistake parents can make when flying with their children.

Jetting off abroad is always exciting, with the promise of touching down at that sought-after holiday destination you booked months in advance. While the flight might provide a little pre-holiday respite for many travellers, with their favourite series downloaded on Netflix or their current read in hand, it can be a whole different experience for parents.

Understandably, children can become restless on flights, particularly if they’ve set off early in the morning or late at night, and even if the journey is just a few hours. In their eyes, they’re in a compact space, unable to run around freely, in a new environment with some loud noises and a change in air pressure.

Parents can certainly have their hands full when flying with kids. But there are some nifty ways to help make the journey smoother, including being organised with what the kids need.

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, easyJet Captain Matt Clutterbuck, said: “When my kids were young, we tried to be as organised as possible, having only the things we needed with us in our under seat bags and we start packing away everything but the essentials when the flight is descending so there’s less to deal with (and forget) when you get off – especially cuddly toys!”

On his own experience of seeing little jetsetters board the plane, the pilot, who is based at London Luton Airport, shared: “When I’m at work I always enjoy meeting our young travellers, so next time you fly with us, please say hello.

“Our cabin crew have Little Traveller’s logbooks so young passengers can keep a record of their travel adventures, and it’s a great way to keep kids occupied while flying. Ask for one next time you are on board, and they can ask the Captain to sign it every flight.”

The easyJet pilot also revealed the destination he’d recommend for family travel. “I think our favourite family holiday destination is Turkey,” Matt said.

“With amazing food, culture and people, we have always had a brilliant time there. It is a very family-oriented culture, and they always make a fuss of the children.”

Last month, the airline and package holiday provider partnered up with Life360, the family connection and safety app, to offer easyJet customers free Teddy Trackers when jetting off on their holidays. The aim of the scheme is to help families keep track of their children’s favourite toys via the Life360 app during their holiday, as 87% of parents said they fear their child losing a toy when travelling, while 49% said they had encountered the heartbreaking ordeal.

On the Teddy Trackers initiative, Matt shared: “I think this campaign will not only help children, but parents too. One of the biggest stresses on our holidays was making sure both kids had their cuddly toys with them. It seemed we were constantly doing a teddy roll call to make sure they hadn’t been left in a shop, on a bench or in a restaurant, and we weren’t alone because nearly 4 in 5 parents say their child’s favourite toy travels with them on most, if not every, family holiday.

“Hundreds of thousands of cuddly toys will travel on holidays this summer, so parents will have that extra peace of mind knowing that their child’s cuddly toy can be tracked, putting an end to the heartbreak of losing them. Hopefully, the Teddy Trackers offer parents extra peace of mind, helping ensure these special companions always find their way home and offer comfort to children knowing their beloved companion will be easily traceable if lost.

“The trackers are now available for free at London Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast International.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

HOUSTON — Ethan Pecko struck out four in his major-league debut, five Houston relievers pitched shutout ball for five-plus innings and Christian Vázquez homered as the Astros beat the Angels 3-2 on Wednesday night.

Pecko, a 2023 sixth-round selection by Houston, was ranked ninth in the Astros’ system by MLB Pipeline. The 23-year-old right-hander gave up three hits, two runs and two walks in 3 2/3 innings. He was the 17th starter used by the Astros this season, tying a franchise record set in 1965.

Vázquez’s solo homer, his seventh of the year, put the Astros ahead in the third inning.

Nick Allen pinch-hit for Jeremy Peña after Peña was hit by a 100-mph sinker on his hand in the first. The Astros said he had a bruised right hand.

In the same inning, manager Joe Espada was ejected after arguing a hit-by-pitch call.

Denzer Guzman put the Angels ahead in the fourth with what initially appeared to be a three-run homer. But, the call was changed to a two-run double due to fan interference.

Houston’s Jose Altuve tied the score with an RBI double in the bottom half of the inning, and Cam Smith put the Astros ahead with a sacrifice fly that scored Isaac Paredes.

Bennett Sousa (1-1) earned the win in relief and Josh Hader earned his 18th save.

Walbert Ureña (8-9) worked five innings for the Angels, giving up three runs and three hits with seven strikeouts.

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Bangladesh is holding its first contested presidential election in 35 years, with the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir pitted against former army officer Oli Ahmad, the nominee of the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party opposition alliance.

A total of 349 members of parliament are eligible to vote in the parliamentary chamber between 08:00 GMT and 11:00 GMT on Thursday, with the result expected hours later, according to Bangladesh’s Election Commission.

The election was triggered by the resignation last month of Mohammed Shahabuddin, who was elected unopposed in 2023 as a nominee of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League (AL) party. He quit halfway through his five-year term after serving through Hasina’s removal in August 2024, the Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration, and the BNP’s return to power in February.

Thursday’s vote will be the first contested presidential election since October 1991, when BNP candidate Abdur Rahman Biswas defeated AL nominee Badrul Haider Chowdhury by 172 votes to 92. Every presidential election since was uncontested.

The outcome, however, is widely seen as a foregone conclusion.

Of the 349 lawmakers eligible to vote, 247 belong to the BNP and 90 to the Jamaat-led opposition alliance, giving Alamgir a decisive numerical advantage.

Still, the vote carries symbolic significance for a country reshaping its institutions two years after the 2024 uprising that ended Hasina’s iron-fisted 15-year rule.

Who are the candidates?

Alamgir, 78, is one of the BNP’s most prominent leaders. He became the acting secretary-general in 2011 and was formally appointed to the post in 2016, emerging as one of the party’s principal public faces during its long years in opposition under Hasina.

After the BNP swept this year’s election, Alamgir became minister for local government, rural development and cooperatives.

At a BNP parliamentary party meeting on Wednesday, he thanked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for nominating him and pledged not to compromise on Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty. Rahman in turn urged BNP lawmakers to vote for Alamgir.

Alamgir’s opponent, retired Colonel Ahmad, 85, is a decorated veteran of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and a six-time member of parliament.

Once a close associate of former President Ziaur Rahman, the father of current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Ahmad joined the BNP in 1980 after leaving the army the year before. He served as communications minister under former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and founded the LDP in 2006.

Ahmad’s nomination is politically striking: his main backer, the Jamaat, had opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 and sided with Pakistan during the war, while Ahmad fought in the Liberation War.

Despite Ahmad’s slim chances of winning, the opposition alliance has hailed him as an experienced and broadly acceptable candidate, ensuring that the presidency will be decided through a vote and not remain uncontested.

Among Bangladeshis, views are divided over the two men’s political records.

For Anwarul Islam, a former Bangladesh Bank official, Alamgir stands out for his personal integrity.

“I visited Mirza Fakhrul’s constituency. People, irrespective of race or religion, have enormous affection for him,” Islam told Al Jazeera. “His integrity is rare among Bangladeshi politicians.”

Abdul Baten, a manager at a construction site in the capital Dhaka, said he preferred Ahmad.

“I would definitely prefer Oli because he is a seasoned politician,” Baten said. “His opponent, Fakhrul, and the BNP did not keep their promises on state reforms.”

Historic, but how important?

Bangladesh’s constitution makes the president the head of state, but grants the office little independent executive authority. Article 48(3) requires the president to act on the prime minister’s advice, except in appointing the prime minister and the chief justice.

Ali Riaz, a political scientist who served as co-chair of the National Consensus Commission on state reforms under the Yunus-led interim government, said the return of a contested election was welcome, but its practical significance should not be overstated.

“It’s good to see that someone who has been at the forefront of the democratic movement and fought against a fascist regime will be occupying the office of the president,” Riaz told Al Jazeera.

“However, the presidential election has very little significance due to the limited powers of the president.”

Riaz said the July National Charter on key reforms agreed by political parties after the 2024 uprising, and ratified through a referendum in this year’s election, proposed that the president be elected by members of both houses of parliament. The plan for an upper chamber of parliament, with significant powers over key constitutional and statutory bodies to balance power, has still not been implemented.

Riaz also questioned the significance of an open vote in which the governing party already has the numbers to win. “The election is more of a ritual than substantive in terms of governance and politics,” he said.

Questions over the process

For the families of more than 1,400 people killed by the security forces during the 2024 uprising, Shahabuddin’s departure and the election of a new president are overdue.

“It should have happened much earlier, but it is still good to see it happening now,” Sanjida Khan Deepti, mother of 17-year-old Shahriar Khan Anas who was killed during the uprising, told Al Jazeera.

But Deepti questioned whether MPs should be bound by their party’s choice.

“If an MP cannot vote for the person they believe is best for the country, then what is the point of holding a vote?” she said. “Our children gave their lives for democracy.”

The election has revived debates over whether Article 70 of the constitution – which can cost lawmakers their parliamentary seats for voting against their party – should apply to a presidential election.

For all its constitutional limitations and predictable arithmetic, Thursday’s vote will mark a rare moment in Bangladesh’s politics: for the first time in more than three decades, lawmakers will have two names on the ballot for the country’s next head of state.

A U.S. Air Force’s new EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare jet made an appearance near the Russia’s Kaliningrad enclave on Tuesday. The flight was part of a large presence of U.S. and NATO reconnaissance and electronic warfare aircraft and Polish ground forces arrayed near the strategic Baltic Sea salient bordering Poland and Lithuania. This took place place against the backdrop of growing concerns about increasing Russian aggression in the region – including a growing fears of a potential limited action against a NATO member and concerning Russian naval operations in the Baltic Sea. However, NATO is downplaying the aerial mission as routine and not a reaction to any particular event.

“On 18 August 2026, NATO deployed a specialized reconnaissance and electronic warfare flight package over the Baltic Sea near the Kaliningrad Oblast,” a Polish military official told TWZ on Wednesday. “This operation involved the deployment of a rare US EA-37B ‘Compass Call II’ electronic warfare aircraft, relocated from Greece to Powidz in Poland, which operated alongside an E-3 AWACS and an ARTEMIS II surveillance plane.”

The Polish military official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss operational details, declined to offer further information about the role of the Polish ground forces, how many there were, or how they were equipped.

A NATO official on Wednesday clarified to us that the activity, which is ongoing, is allied in nature and controlled by the U.S., not NATO. We have reached out to U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE) for additional details.

After open-source flight trackers noticed the increased air activity near Kaliningrad on Tuesday, we reached out to NATO spokesman Col. Marty O’Donnell for comment.

“NATO is a defensive Alliance and Allies are constantly honing their defensive abilities,” he explained. “The Allied activity today in the Baltic region involving U.S. and Norwegian fighter aircraft, Polish ground forces, a NATO E-3A Airborne Warning & Control System (AWACS), and more, which is being overseen by the U.S., is one example of this approach.”

NATO aircraft operating near Kaliningrad is not a unique circumstance. The enclave – separated from Russia and ensconced between two NATO nations and the Baltic Sea – is a key Russian military outpost, hosting an array of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, anti-ship missiles, several squadrons of tactical jets and thousands of troops.It has also been a notorious hub of disruptive Russian electronic warfare activity itself.

However, having an EA-37B operating over the area is of note. This was reportedly the first time one of these highly specialized jets appeared near the enclave. Online flight trackers showed it flying orbits in Polish airspace near Kaliningrad for nearly two hours on Tuesday.

A heavily modified Gulfstream G550 business jet, the aircraft leverages the Conformal Airborne Early Warning (CAEW) configuration developed first for the Israel Defense Forces. The jet packs powerful active electronically scanned arrays is designed to provide critical stand-off jamming support, including against enemy radars and communications systems. The EA-37B also has a secondary intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) function given its ability to spot, track, and geolocate various types of emitters.

The Air Force is planning to procure 10 of these jets to replace the aging and ever smaller fleet of turboprop EC-130H Compass Call planes, of which only four remain. The 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron flew the first training sortie for the EA-37B on May 2, 2025, and flew its first combat missions during the Operation Epic Fury war against Iran.

The Compass Call is one of, if not the world’s most power airborne EW platform and blinding and deafening Russian forces in the enclave would be critical to minimizing any military impact that capabilities based there could have in a contingency.

As we noted earlier in this story, though NATO is downplaying the activity, it comes amid growing concerns about Russian actions in the region and against the backdrop of the still raging war in Ukraine.

Earlier this week, the Russian frigate Admiral Kasatonov escorted the Russian Floating Storage/Production ship Portovyy through the Baltics, according to The Telegraph. It was the second such transit of a Russian warship in the region in recent weeks and part of Moscow’s increasing efforts to protect its energy shipments in the wake of seizures of its shadow fleet vessels by European authorities, the independent Russian The Insider news outlet noted.

Eight episodes are currently available to stream on Netflix

Love Is Blind UK bosses have opened up on a history-making moment that viewers never see on the show.

The third instalment of the hit Netflix show has returned to screens this week with the first eight episodes released in one go yesterday (August 19).

Hopeful singles have once again headed to the Love Is Blind dating pods hoping to find ‘the one’ where they will date potential partners. They will only meet face to face for the first time if a couple decides to take their relationship to the next step and become engaged.

The series has proved a hit with Netflix viewers, but there is a wait on their hands before the next batch of episodes will be released (August 26).

As the new release hits screens, executive producer Nazleen Karim and series editor David Cheesman spoke about one thing that viewers did not see and it is an incredible milestone which has made history.

This time around, there was an unprecedented number of engagements as 14 pairs took their relationships to the next step. However, the show only showed six couples’ journey, meaning there was so much more that viewers didn’t get to see play out on screen.

Nazleen said: “When there are more engagements than we can physically follow, we have to make difficult editorial choices. We’re looking for a range of different relationship journeys and stories that together capture the full experience of the experiment.

“Not being selected isn’t a reflection of the strength of a relationship – many couples continue exploring their connection once they leave the Pods.”

David added: “It’s never an easy decision and we wouldn’t want to diminish the love those other couples have formed. We’ve never had as many as 14 engagements which is why we ended up following six couples this time as opposed to five.”

With a combination of “natural drama and love, sexiness, chemistry and humour”, the series is potentially the strongest so far as David confirmed: “Every season brings something different, but this one has some of the most surprising twists, emotional moments and unforgettable characters we’ve seen.”

Hosts Matt and Emma Willis also touched on the monumental engagements as Matt said: “There are clearly a lot of thirsty people in the UK! I think we both got a strong sense that people really were there to get married.

“They weren’t just going in to see what this was all about – they wanted to find a husband or wife. Maybe the RAYE song ‘Where Is My Husband!’ was the inspiration.”

Although the new episodes follow six potential pairs, viewers will need to tune in to see who makes it to the altar, and who, if anyone, continues their marriage in the outside world.

Love Is Blind UK can be streamed in the UK.

Published on
20/08/2026 – 8:19 GMT+2

Oil prices rose on Thursday, holding near their highest levels in weeks, as the deadlocked standoff between the United States and Iran kept supply concerns elevated in the Middle East.

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Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose 0.3% to $91.90 a barrel, while US benchmark crude edged up 0.2% to $84.57 a barrel.

Prices have climbed steadily since the start of August, when Brent was trading at around $87.38 a barrel, as the standoff over the Strait of Hormuz keeps supply concerns elevated even without any single new escalation.

Both benchmarks remain well above the barrel prices they were trading at before the war began.

Markets rebound on Treasury move

Global shares rallied on Thursday, reversing course after Wednesday’s heavy sell-off in artificial intelligence-related stocks, after the US Treasury Department said it would at least double the size of its buyback operations for longer-dated government debt, to $4 billion (€3.4bn) or more per operation, starting in September.

The move eased pressure on bond markets that had pushed yields to multi-decade highs in recent months, and lifted risk appetite across Asia.

South Korea’s Kospi surged 6.1% to 6,858.91, rebounding sharply after sinking 5.8% on Wednesday. Samsung Electronics jumped 9.7%, while SK Hynix surged 14.1% after the memory chipmaker announced a share buyback plan.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 added roughly 0.9%, while the Topix rose 0.8%, recovering some of Wednesday’s losses. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 1.1% to 25,786.32, and the Shanghai Composite rose 0.3% to 3,905.23. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was up 0.3% to 9,066.40.

Bond yields ease from multi-decade highs

The yield on the 10-year US Treasury fell to around 4.64%, from 4.71% on Tuesday, while the 30-year yield dropped to 5.18% from 5.28% — pulling back from its highest level since 2007.

Yields have climbed in recent months on concerns over inflation stemming from the war in Iran and rising government debt.

Japan’s 10-year government bond yield, which had been trading near a three-decade high, fell to around 2.83% from more than 2.89% on Wednesday.

On Wall Street on Wednesday, the S&P 500 climbed 0.2% for its first gain in four sessions, snapping a three-day losing streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq composite each added 0.2%.

The US dollar rose to 158.60 yen from 158.16, while the euro slipped slightly to $1.1676 from $1.1677.

Additional sources • AP

Locals often spot celebrity visitors such as the Mad Max star Mel Gibson and Dangerous Liaisons actor John Malkovich

Jet2Villas is offering holidaymakers a fresh way to explore Spain. The popular airline has added a new region of Spain to its Jet2Villas portfolio – in an area more and more Brits are heading to instead of Andalucia and the Canary Islands.

The area Jet2 is expanding to is popular with Hollywood film celebrities, who have been spotted in local restaurants. Stars such as Mel Gibson and John Malkovich have stayed in the region on more than one occasion – and it’s becoming increasingly popular with Brits as an alternative to spots like the Balearics.

Jet2Villas announced today that it has added Galicia to its programme for the very first time. The northern Spanish region has joined the Jet2Villas portfolio, as the Which? Recommended Provider continues to broaden its villa holiday range in response to increasing demand.

Situated on Spain’s north-west coast, Galicia is celebrated for its lush landscapes, Atlantic shoreline, beaches and fishing villages, as well as cities such as Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña and Vigo. The region is also well-known for its seafood and culinary delights.

Its blend of coastline, countryside, culture and cuisine makes Galicia ideally suited to families, groups and couples seeking a more independent villa break and the opportunity to experience a different side of Spain, away from the country’s more traditional resort hotspots.

The area is steadily growing in popularity. Last year, travel journalist Simon Calder explored the region’s appeal for the Independent. He spoke to Jessica Harvey Taylor, head of press for the Spanish Tourist Office in the UK, who said: “Obviously we’re well aware that the vast majority of our UK holidaymakers are still visiting our five most popular regions: Valencia, Andalucia, Catalonia, and then our islands, the Balearics and the Canaries.

“But it’s very encouraging to see that there’s increased appetite in our northern regions, namely Galicia, Asturias and the Basque country. I think there are multiple reasons. Obviously climate plays a part and not everybody wants the extreme heat that we’ve seen in recent years in the southern Med.

“But there’s much more to it than that. Increasingly, the UK public is realising that they can supplement a beach holiday with something a little bit more adventurous.”

Hollywood legend Mel Gibson, one of the biggest and best-paid actors of the 1990s, has a soft spot for Spain’s northern towns. El Pais reports that the Mad Max star has been spotted dining at a local restaurant in A Fonsagrada in Lugo, and later in Santiago de Compostela, where he took in the cathedral and stayed at the historic Hostal dos Reis Católicos. John Malkovich is a regular visitor to Ponte Maceira, Costa da Morte and A Coruña, the Spanish newspaper revealed.

In the spring of 2019, he returned once more and enjoyed a meal at restaurant Casa Salvador in A Baña alongside Spanish actress Marisa Paredes. The addition of Galicia forms part of a broader expansion which has seen Jet2Villas add more than 1,000 new properties to its portfolio for Summer 26, bringing the total number of available villas to over 4,000 across more than 52 destinations.

The airline says its villa holidays can offer travellers private pools and outdoor space, multiple bedrooms and generous shared living areas, making them ideally suited to families holidaying together, multi-generational groups and gatherings of friends. Jet2Villas has recorded its highest ever number of villa bookings for a summer season, with over 100,000 customers and counting, highlighting the enduring demand from families and groups for holidays offering the convenience of a package holiday combined with the space, privacy and flexibility of a villa break.

David Hills, Chief Customer Officer of Jet2, said: “We’re delighted to introduce Galicia to Jet2Villas for the first time, giving customers even more choice when it comes to villa holidays in Spain. With more than 1,000 new villas added to the collection and a record number of villa customers for Summer 26, we’re continuing to grow our programme in response to strong demand.”

The Xunta De Galicia tourist information website outlines a host of reasons why visitors might be tempted to head there. It says “Miles of coastline, fine sandy beaches, small fishing ports and outstanding gastronomy make the Rías Baixas one of the favourite destinations for travellers looking to combine nature, culture and the sea.

“A journey through the O Grove Peninsula, the Illa de Arousa or the Muros and Noia estuaries reveals sheltered coves, scenic waterfront walks and viewpoints overlooking breathtaking landscapes. After a day at the beach, there’s nothing better than enjoying fresh seafood and fish by the sea, paired with one of Galicia’s renowned wines with Designation of Origin.”

It also highlights that inland Galicia is home to the spectacular Ribeira Sacra, where the Sil and Miño rivers have carved deep canyons lined with centuries-old vineyards, historic monasteries and forests waiting to be explored.

For further information and to book, visit: www.jet2villas.com

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — Nico Hansen finished with one save and had his third consecutive shutout to help the Colorado Rapids beat LAFC 1-0 Wednesday night.

The Rapids (9-10-1) have won three consecutive games, all by shutout, and four of five since the World Cup break.

LAFC (10-7-4) is winless in three straight for the first time this season.

The Rapids took a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute on an own goal by Jeremy Ebobisse. Youssef Maziz played a free kick from the right side into the area that was redirected by Ebobisse off the back post and into the net.

Cabral Carter made his first start in MLS and finished with three saves.

LAFC and the Rapids played to a 0-0 tie in Los Angeles on April 22.