The first group of White Afrikaners from South Africa, like the ones pictured here, are set to arrive in the United States after receiving refugee status under the Trump Administration. File Photo by Kim Ludobrook/EPA-EFE
May 12 (UPI) — The first set of 49 w\White South African “Afrikaners” granted refugee status by President Donald Trump will arrive Monday to the United States.
The group departed Johannesburg on Sunday night on a private flight paid for by the U.S. government.
They will arrive Monday in Washington at Dulles Airport before being expatriated to multiple states, including Texas, Minnesota, Nevada and Idaho, where they will be on a pathway to U.S. citizenship and eligible for government benefits.
Trump threatened in February to cut all U.S. funding to South Africa seemingly over its land expropriation law, which allows local, provincial and national authorities to confiscate land if it is in the public interest and in few specific cases without compensation.
The American president has claimed without evidence that South Africa is taking land from White Afrikaners, who Trump went on to claim were victims of “racial discrimination” and “large-scale killings” of White South African farmers.
“Your case manager will pick you up from the airport and take you to housing that they have arranged for you,” read a document in part for the arriving South Africans. “This housing may be temporary (like a hotel) while a local organization helps you identify more long-term housing,” it added.
According to the South African government, it has not expropriated any land.
On Monday, South Africa Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said “there is no persecution of White Afrikaner South Africans,” adding how police reports debunked Trump’s false assertion.
The law states property cannot be expropriated arbitrarily and can only be seized if an agreement with the owner cannot be reached, subject to “just and equitable compensation” being paid.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s government said the Afrikaners, who are largely descended from Dutch settlers from the Netherlands in western Europe, wouldn’t be stopped from going, albeit under a false narrative.”
“You are expected to support yourself quickly in finding work,” U.S. immigration documents said. “Adults are expected to accept entry-level employment in fields like warehousing, manufacturing, and customer service. You can work toward higher-level employment over time,” they were informed.
Elon Musk, who was born in South Africa, has accused Ramaphosa’s government of “openly pushing for genocide of white people” despite any evidence.
In March, Secretary of State Marco Rubio expelled South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S. Ebrahim Rasool for “race-baiting” following remarks accusing the United States of engaging in “supremacist” policies domestically and globally as South Africa has joined other nations in accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of committing acts of genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.
“There’s no legal or any factual basis for the executive order sanctioning this action,” Vincent Magwenya, a spokesman for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, told NPR after learning of the granting of refugee status.
“None of the provisions of international law on the definition of refugees are applicable in this case,” he said, adding that South Africa’s sovereignty as a country was being “grossly undermined and violated” by the U.S. in a way that was “disturbing.”
According to the World Bank, inequality is among the world’s highest in South Africa which had segregationist policies via “apartheid” that only began to fully unravel in the early 1990s.
A 2017 land audit report found that White South Africans own 72% of all farm and agricultural land, while Black South Africans owned 15%.
As of 2022, White South Africans account for less than 8% of its population of more than 63 million.
Scores of South African civilians, meanwhile, took to social media to post comedic memes and videos expressing doubt over the plight of the Afrikaners, joking how they will miss “privileged lives, domestic workers and beach holidays.”
Max du Preez, a white Afrikaner author, told BBC that the claims of persecution of white South Africans were a “total absurdity” and “based on nothing.”
A U.S. government employee, while not authorized to speak to reporters, told NPR what they considered this was “immigration fraud” after the Trump administration effectively suspended America’s refugee admission program.
Police are investigating after a fire at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s house in north London in the early hours of the morning.
Damage was caused to the Kentish Town property’s entrance but nobody was hurt, the Metropolitan Police said. A cordon is in place outside the house.
The London Fire Brigade said it had been called to a “small fire” at 01:11 BST which was under control about 20 minutes later.
Sir Keir thanked the emergency services for their work, his official spokesman said. The prime minister – who now lives at his official residence in Downing Street – is understood to still own the property which is being rented out.
“The prime minister thanks the emergency services for their work,” his official spokesman said. “It is subject to a live investigation so I can’t comment further.”
The spokesman declined to provide any further details when asked whether any members of Sir Keir’s family were in the house when the fire started.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Firefighters were called to a small fire outside a property in Kentish town this morning.
“The Brigade was called at 01:11BST and the fire was under control by 01:33 BST. Two fire engines from Kentish Town Fire Station attended the scene.”
The police said: “Officers attended the scene. Damage was caused to the property’s entrance, nobody was hurt.
“The fire is being investigated and cordons remain in place while enquiries continue.”
At one stage the length of the street had been cordoned off.
In an unrelated incident last year, three people were found guilty of public order offences after a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside Sir Keir’s house.
SHOPPERS are racing to Lidl to grab a garden lighting essential that’s perfect for summer evenings – and it’s up to £8 cheaper than similar buys at other big-name stores.
The Livarno Home LED Parasol String Lights are on shelves for just £7.99 and have got garden lovers buzzing online.
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Livarno Home LED Parasol String Lights are on shelves for just £7.99Credit: Facebook/DanswayGiftsandBargainsUK
They feature 72 twinkling mini LEDs, eight vintage-style bulbs, and give off a warm white glow – perfect for adding atmosphere to your patio or balcony.
There’s also a six-hour timer, so you can set them and relax without worrying about turning them off.
They’re designed for outdoor use and stretch 3 metres, so they’re ideal for wrapping around parasols or fencing.
The lights sparked a flurry of excitement on social media after one eagle-eyed shopper posted: “LED Parasol lights spotted at LIDL..!”
The post quickly racked up comments, with one fan writing: “Perfect. Hope they still have them tomorrow.”
Another tagged a mate and said: “I now fully understand why you were so excited… these look awesome!”
A third added: “Ooo these are so cute!!!”
But not everyone was glowing with praise.
One unhappy customer hit out: “This is the most disappointing product I have EVER bought from Lidl.
“The cabling is short, no means of fixing & if you do waste 2 hours of your life persevering in fixing these lights, they then interfere with the operation of the parasol & the cables are sliced.
“Save your money, don’t bother!!!”
Five simple ways to save cash at Lidl
Still, plenty of shoppers reckon they’re a steal – especially compared to similar options:
Amazon’s Smart Garden Altuna Luces DE Cadena 72 LED – £14.50
Parasol String Lights 80 Warm White LED Garden Timer Lights – £15.99
That means you could save up to £9 by choosing Lidl’s version.
Remember to compare prices
It is important to remember to always shop around when buying something like this as you might find a cheaper alternative.
Websites like Trolley and Price Spy let you compare thousands of products across different retailers to find the best price.
Price Spy even lets you see how much an item has cost over time, so you can see if the current price is a good deal.
A quick scan on the Google Shopping/Product tab will also bring up how much retailers are selling a certain item for.
Lidl reduces items at the start of the day, and the best deals can be found between 7am and 8am, when most stores open.
Shoppers can often find cooked meats, salmon fillets and breads reduced by 30% or more.
Not only does Lidl have its own range of reasonably priced alcohol, it also has its own knock-offs of branded favourites – so say cheers to its bargain booze.
Everyone knows about the “Middle of Lidl” – it’s here where you’ll find a load of random stuff you didn’t realise you needed, at decent prices.
But if you are hoping to avoid spending more than you planned, you can check what will be in the “Middle of Lidl” on the supermarket’s website in advance.
The Middle of Lidl is refreshed every Thursday and Sunday.
Shoppers can also keep tabs on what’s appearing in the “Pick of the Week” section on the Lidl website.
The discounts happen every Thursday and are usually on fruit, vegetables, and meat.
How to bag a bargain
SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…
Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.
Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.
Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.
Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.
Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.
When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.
Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.
Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.
And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.
Sunscreen applied to the skin are designed to protect people from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays are harmful because they can damage skin cells, leading to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer
Martin Lewis issued the tips to holidaymakers (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
The money-saving expert has turned his wisdom towards the world of travel cosmetics, offering a tip that could protect tourists’ health this summer. Speaking on his Martin Lewis Podcast, he asked listeners if they knew whether or not their sun cream bottles were in date.
While it may seem like a product that can sit at the back of a cupboard indefinitely without going off, that is not the case. Sun cream products have a shelf life, and they can become much less useful if they are out of date.
Sunscreen applied to the skin is designed to protect people from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays are harmful because they can damage skin cells, leading to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. They can also cause eye damage, including cataracts and macular degeneration. Additionally, UV rays can suppress the immune system.
Make sure your sun cream is in date(Image: Getty Images)
Martin explained to his listeners why it’s worth checking their sun cream bottles and consider throwing them away if they’re out of date. “Just a quick tip on sunscreen. When you get your sunscreen, turn the bottle around because on the back you’ll see a POA number,” he said.
POA stands for ‘period after opening’ and is typically 12 or 24 months. “[When you open the bottle] Put a little note of the date, write that onto the sunscreen and you’ll know if you try to use it in a year’s time whether it’s still valid or not,” Martin advised.
Like most cosmetics, the ingredients in sunscreen degrade over time and become less effective once they do.
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Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist and CEO of BeautyStat, told Vogue that most sun creams are formulated to last up to three years if unopened and stored in a cool, dry environment that is not in direct sunlight. Generally speaking, powdered sunscreen contains minerals that are more stable and longer-lasting, while liquid formulas will be less stable.
According to Ron you might get lucky – some sunscreens can last longer than others. If the bottle is stored in a cool, dry place and shows no visible signs of degradation, it may still offer some protection. However, it is always best to use products that are within date.
A GIANT dragon which fans will recognise from a classic Harry Potter film stunned Londoners today as it roared its way through the capital’s streets.
The 25-foot-long animatronic creature appeared ‘captured’ in chains, snarling past iconic landmarks like Westminster Bridge and King’s Cross Station.
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A 25-ft-long animatronic ‘Hungarian Horntail’ dragon makes its way through London en route to Warner Bros.Credit: Joe Pepler/PinPep
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The animatronic stopped off at St PancrasCredit: Simon Jacobs/PinPep
The theatrical stunt was staged to mark the launch of ‘Triwizard Tournament – Making of Champions’, a new feature at Warner Bros.
Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, which celebrates the 20th anniversary of the cinematic release of Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire.
The Hungarian Horntail, which weighs in at a hefty 1.3 tonnes, recreates the jaw-dropping moment in the fan-favourite film, where Harry battles the beast in the first task of the ‘Triwizard Tournament’.
Replicating the drama of the film, the dragon’s chained journey mimicked its on-screen escape before heading back to Warner Bros. Studio Tour via the Houses of Parliament and a quick pitstop at St. Pancras.
Giant 25ft-long Harry Potter dragon stuns onlookers as it roars through London’s streets
Designed by Harry Potter filmmaker and animatronic designer Joe Scott, the lifelike creature features a moving head, mouth and eyes, and sound effects.
Crafted over 750 hours, the dragon includes a 3D printed head, 25kg of fibreglass, and 119 hand-applied spikes.
Its menacing mouth is lined with 38 resin-printed teeth, recreating the film’s fearsome look in painstaking detail.
Scott drew on original sketches, CGI mock-ups and scans of the original movie model to guide the design process.
He said: “Revisiting the creation of the Hungarian Horntail 20 years on from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire has been magical.
“Creating the dragons for the Triwizard Tournament was no mean feat, with engineers, animatronics, designers and the special effects teams all working together to bring them to life.
“It’s fantastic to see the craftsmanship that went into this on display at the new feature – inspiring visitors with the magic of our filmmaking secrets.”
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The animatronic was crafted over 750 hoursCredit: Joe Pepler/PinPep
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Laura Sinclair-Lazell, Head of Show Experience at Warner Bros. Studio Tour LondonCredit: Simon Jacobs/PinPep
The Triwizard Tournament – Making of Champions exhibit will run from 15 May to 8 September 2025 at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.
Fans will be transported behind the scenes of the iconic Triwizard Tournament, discovering how the thrilling magical challenges were brought to life.
The Studio Tour’s new summer feature invites visitors into the all-new Backlot Stage to explore the Secrets of Special Effects.
The dedicated indoor space includes a digital screen, tiered seating and live demonstrations revealing how filmmakers created the magic.
Among the highlights is a reimagining of the Beauxbaton and Durmstrang students’ arrivals, complete with costumes and choreography.
Visitors will also discover the techniques used to show Harry holding his breath underwater during the second task.
Geoff Spooner, senior vice president at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, said: “We’re excited to launch our brand-new summer feature, Triwizard Tournament – Making of Champions, where visitors can learn behind-the-scenes secrets of the fourth Harry Potter film.
“To celebrate and bring the magic of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London to the streets of the capital, we recreated the iconic moment of the escaped Hungarian Horntail dragon 20 years on from ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”
The beautiful Greek island of Ithaca is known as the home of Odysseus, the hero of Homer’s epic poem, the Odyssey – and it’s the perfect spot for a romantic getaway
The island of Ithaca isn’t as popular with tourists(Image: free3yourmind / 500px via Getty Images)
The enchanting Greek island of Ithaca is steeped in myth and legend, boasting charming villages, idyllic beaches, and verdant landscapes. As the second tiniest of the seven principal Ionian islands, reaching Ithaca involves a flight to Kefalonia followed by a swift 25-minute ferry crossing.
Famed as the homeland of Odysseus, the protagonist of Homer’s renowned epic ‘the Odyssey’, Ithaca symbolises steadfast love and yearning for home, as it was here that Penelope loyally awaited her husband’s return from the Trojan War for two decades. Ithaca’s allure lies not just in its literary ties but also as an ideal spot for romance, embodying the essence of homecoming and familial bonds.
In a piece for The Telegraph back in 2016, children’s author Anthony Horowitz was captivated by its beauty, remarking, “My first impression was that it was far more beautiful than anywhere I’d been in Greece.”
He regretted his brief stay, saying, “I spent just two days there before moving on to Kefalonia but I wish I’d stayed longer.” TripAdvisor reviews echo this sentiment, with visitors hailing Ithaca as “Paradise on Earth” and praising it as “a perfect harbour village”.
One traveller’s experience at Gedaki Beach was glowing: “One of the most beautiful beaches of Ithaca. Great blue close to Vathi. You will fully enjoy it with a boat.”
Houses and church precariously perched above the deep blue waters of Afales Bay in Ithaca (Image: David C Tomlinson via Getty Images)
Vathy, the capital since the 16th century, is a picturesque tapestry of cream, yellow, and pink buildings, reconstructed after the devastating 1953 earthquake that shook many Ionian islands.
Thanks to aid from Europe and the US, Ithaca saw a significant restoration, reports the Express.
The enchanting medieval village of Anogi and the storied Monastery of Kathara are must-sees. Nestled on the southeastern summit of the legendary Mount Nirito, facing the bay of Ithaca’s harbour, the monastery ensures its steeple can be spotted from all over the south side of the isle.
Sadly, the bell tower fell victim to earthquakes but has since been reconstructed. Ithaca boasts a serenity that outshines its larger neighbour Kefalonia, offering minimal nightlife with just a handful of tavernas and relaxed bars scattered about.
Described poetically by Discover Greece: “Symbolic of the promised land for which everyone is searching, magical Ithaca fills you with inspiration on a journey through rich history, majestic scenery and beautiful beaches.”
As the temperatures are set to get warmer, now is the time to get out into the great outdoors and make the most of the weather.
Hereford’s beautiful city centre(Image: joe daniel price via Getty Images)
With the mercury on the rise, it’s the perfect opportunity to embrace the great outdoors and bask in the delightful weather. For those who relish a good stroll, accompanied by tunes, podcasts, or audiobooks, you’ll find that time whizzes by while you’re getting your steps in.
Walking isn’t just a calorie burner; it’s also fantastic for elevating your spirits, enhancing circulation, reducing blood pressure, and increasing your heart rate. Recent findings have pinpointed the UK city that reigns supreme for a leisurely walk. This accolade comes from Injury Claims, who analysed over 200,000 park reviews from 74 key UK cities and towns.
Hereford emerged victorious, with a plethora of Tripadvisor reviews praising its “relaxing”, “peaceful”, “calm”, and “tranquil” ambiance, earning the city an impressive score of 28.88%.
What is there to do in Hereford?
Nestled in Herefordshire, this cathedral city sits gracefully along the River Wye, a mere 16 miles from the Welsh border. Boasting a population exceeding 53,000, Hereford stands as the largest settlement in Hertfordshire, reports the Express.
The city’s crown jewel for nature lovers is Weir Garden, celebrated for its lush woodlands and immaculate gardens. As a proud part of the National Trust, it boasts a stellar 4.5 rating on Google.
Some visitors have left glowing reviews about the beauty of the gardens. One enthused: “Beautiful gardens in any weather, the area down by the river is stunning, also from the top of the hill, the view of the river is great for any photographer.”
Another shared their serene experience: “A quiet walk round the gardens for a moment of reflection. Lovely views from the top of the gardens, looking down to the river Wye.
The River Wye runs through Hereford(Image: Chris Griffiths via Getty Images)
“Quite a few families with their children and people with their dogs, which was lovely to see.” And another commented on their recent visit: “Had a lovely walk here last weekend, really beautiful views of the river and the gardens.
“I also really loved the walled garden here too, lots of plants and vegetables being grown that you can look at as well as a greenhouse you can go in.” Castle Green is another recommended spot – it’s a public park set on the old grounds of Hereford Castle and entry won’t cost you a penny.
This park boasts a stellar 4.4 rating on Google, with one visitor remarking: “Lovely spot on a sunny day. Gardens well tended. Stroll along the River Wye, or walk over the bridge into the bigger King George V Playing fields.
“Huge space, great for picnics, games, relaxing.” Yet another said: “A lovely place to chill out in the sun! Very beautiful.”
And a third added: “Lovely area to relax with a picnic etc. Grassed area where you can sit or play games. Path that goes around the outside so good for jogging.”
They also highlighted its convenience: “Ideally situated as close to town and also other places like swimming pool and Bishops Meadow.”
How to get to Hereford
If you’re planning a road trip from London, it’s a journey of roughly four hours covering 135 miles – though do bear in mind that traffic could add to your travel time.
For those setting off from other major cities, the distances are considerably less: Birmingham is just 58 miles away, Cardiff is a mere 56 miles, and Manchester is a bit further at 138 miles.
Public transport links are also plentiful. Direct trains run daily to Hereford, Ledbury and Colwall from Birmingham New Street Station, and there’s a regular service between Manchester and Cardiff.
And for those in the capital, direct trains from London Paddington to Hereford will get you there in about three hours.
Here are the top 10 places to go for a walk, according to Injury Claims:
The couple knew they didn’t want to live in the UK when they eventually retire, but never realised they would buy a village for less than a house in the UK
The couple found their dream village(Image: Ben Pearson / SWNS)
With house prices skyrocketing and UK salaries not keeping up, this British couple decided to ditch the rat race and follow their dream of moving to France. But they didn’t just find a house – they bought a whole village.
Ben Pearson, 39 and his husband Nathan, 31 had been craving simpler life for a while. And when Ben’s mum, Karen Pearson, 62 moved to France 10 years ago, the idea became more real. On a visit to see her seven years ago, they stumbled across an abandoned farm – one they can now call home.
The farm comes with five outbuildings and two hectares of land, dating back to the 1600s. Eventually, they hope to turn some of the outbuildings into Airbnb’s and guest houses – but for now, the focus is making the house liveable.
Ben has plans to transform it all by himself(Image: Ben Pearson / SWNS)
The property has no heating or even a toilet, but Ben has plans to transform it into a three bed home, all by himself. “It’s getting out of the 9 to 5 rat race in England,” said Ben, an RAF aircraft engineer. “There’s no way we could afford something like that in the UK.”
They started searching for a retirement home three years ago, but nothing felt right. It wasn’t until two years ago, the same farmhouse came back on the market. After two years of paperwork, they finally got the keys in December 2024. “You can barely buy a flat for £80k,” Ben added “it’s a nicer way of life – there’s no running around,” Ben added.
The property goes back to the 1600s(Image: Ben Pearson / SWNS)
The property is the oldest in its little commune. The main house dates back to the early 1800s, and the farmhouse 1600s. Right now, the only source of heat is an open fire. It needs a new roof, septic tank and modern heating but the couple hope to have a liveable room within six months. Until then, they will be living in a caravan.
Inside, the house still holds traces of the past – old pots, pans, and mason jars left behind on the shelves. They plan to preserve as much of the history as they can while restoring it. “We want to keep the grandeur of it all,” Nathan added.
The property still has items from decades ago(Image: Ben Pearson / SWNS)
They sold everything in the UK and are making the big move in July to start working on their retirement home. “When we dreamed of a simpler life, we somehow ended up buying a small village – we wouldn’t change it for the world,” Nathan said
But the couple can’t wait to move and get out of the UK, while some believe French people can be ‘snobbish’, the couple has had a very different experience. “Even when you go to the nearest town the people are friendly and welcoming,” Nathan said. “This is the sort of thing we’d been looking for.”
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SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday again urged California cities and counties to ban homeless encampments, increasing his pressure campaign on local governments to follow the state’s lead and remove tents from sidewalks and other public property.
“There’s nothing compassionate about letting people die on the streets,” Newsom said in a statement. “Local leaders asked for resources — we delivered the largest state investment in history. They asked for legal clarity — the courts delivered. Now, we’re giving them a model they can put to work immediately, with urgency and with humanity, to resolve encampments and connect people to shelter, housing, and care. The time for inaction is over. There are no more excuses.”
The Democratic governor released a model ordinance for local governments to adopt that his office described as a starting point before jurisdictions craft their own policies. Newsom’s plan asks locals to prohibit persistent camping in one location and encampments that block sidewalks. It also requires local officials to attempt to offer shelter before removing a temporary dwelling.
Newsom coupled the announcement with the release Monday of $3.3 billion in funding from Proposition 1, approved by voters in 2024, for communities to expand behavioral health housing and treatment options for their mentally ill and homeless populations. The funding is not contingent on cities banning encampments.
The funding adds to $27 billion the state has already given to local governments to address homelessness, a challenging political issue in California.
Advocates for the homeless repeatedly argue that the state does not have enough supportive housing and shelter beds to funnel those removed from tents and sidewalks into better conditions. The governor often voices his frustration over the lack of progress at the local level, casting homelessness as a humanitarian crisis and a health and safety issue.
Last year Newsom issued an executive order requiring state agencies to remove homeless encampments on state property and similarly urged local governments to do the same.
MaxPreps.com records date to the 2004-05 school year, documenting Reseda High’s baseball team posting one losing record after another. There was 1-18 in 2006, 3-11 in 2013, 3-13 last season.
With at least 20 years of losing records, the Regents have stunned the City Section this season, winning the Valley League with an 11-1 record and going 12-7 overall to earn a No. 13 seed in the City Section Division II playoffs that begin on Tuesday.
Moving from the Valley Mission League has given the Regents relief, but credit also goes to second-year coaches Daniel Swartz and Albert Silvera, former Beverly Hills High teammates from the 1980s who took over a losing program. Silvera was a chef, Swartz a sports producer and together, they’ve helped create a success story.
Teaching a baseball class in the fall got the team better prepared for the spring season, enabling 11 seniors to be part of a special year.
Senior Don Barajas leads the team in hitting with 33 hits, including 10 doubles. He also has struck out 59 in 31 innings.
Reseda used to be part of the West Valley League in the 1990s, having to face Chatsworth and El Camino Real.
…. Southern Section baseball and softball pairings will be announced on Monday.
This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email [email protected].
May 12 (UPI) —Gaza is under the threat of widespread famine as nearly 500,000 Palestinians are facing catastrophic food insecurity, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification reported on Monday.
About 96% of the population in the Gaza strip is facing high levels of acute food insecurity, classified as Phase 4, the organization says. About 22% are classified as facing catastrophic acute food insecurity — Phase 5 — which is described as “an extreme lack of food, starvation and exhaustion of coping capacities.”
“Goods indispensable for people’s survival are either depleted or expected to run out in the coming weeks,” the organization said, according to the United Nations. “The entire population is facing high levels of acute food insecurity. In a scenario of a protracted and large-scale military operation and continuation of the humanitarian and commercial blockade, there would be a critical lack of access to supplies and services that are essential to survival.”
This comes two months after Israel instituted a total blockade of Gaza, cutting off humanitarian aid.
The United States has thrown its support behind a plan to deliver private aid to Gaza, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said on Friday. He did not say when aid will begin to arrive.
“It is going to require the partnership not only of governments but of [non-government organizations], charitable organizations and nonprofits from around the world,” Huckabee said.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification shared skepticism of the plan for Israel to distribute aid into Gaza, citing “significant access barriers for large segments of the population.” It adds that the proposal is highly insufficient.
The organization warns that the Gaza Strip is likely to fall into a Phase 5 risk of famine by the end of September if Israel’s large-scale military operation continues.
“The latest announcements suggest that this worst-case scenario is becoming more likely,” the IPC’s report says.
U.N. High Commissioner for Humanitarian Rights Volker Turk echoed IPC’s skepticism of Israel’s plan. Turk said in a statement that it threatens the existence of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
“This would only compound the misery and suffering inflicted by the complete blockade on the entry of basic goods for almost nine weeks now,” Turk said in a statement. “Gaza’s residents have already been deprived of all lifesaving necessities, particularly food, with relentless Israeli attacks on community kitchens and those trying to maintain a minimum of law and order. Any use of starvation of the civilian population as a method of war constitutes a war crime.”
Israel’s bombardment of Gaza continued throughout the weekend into Monday. A school for Palestinian refugees, operated by the United Nations, was struck in the attacks on Saturday. Four people were killed in a bombing at a United Nations Relief and Works Agency facility in North Gaza on Friday.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports 52,862 Palestinians have been killed and 119,648 have been injured in the conflict.
Tidjane Thiam’s campaign has been halted as presidential candidates are not allowed to hold dual citizenship.
Ivory Coast’s main opposition leader has said he is resigning as party leader but would still lead the fight to win the election, after having been barred from standing in an October presidential vote.
“In the interest of the party, I’ve decided to place my mandate as president of the party in your hands, the activists,” Thiam said in a speech published on social media on Monday.
“This decision does not change the commitment I made in December 2023 to personally lead our party to victory in October 2025.”
President Alassane Ouattara, 83, who has been in power since 2011, has yet to say whether he plans to run again but has said he is eager to “continue serving my country”.
Tidjane Thiam’s campaign for the presidency of the West African country has been mired in tussles over his nationality, as presidential candidates are not allowed to hold dual citizenship.
Thiam was born in the Ivory Coast and renounced his French passport in March to enable his run for the top job. However, a court in Abidjan struck him off the electoral list last month, saying the 62-year-old politician had lost Ivorian nationality when he acquired French citizenship in 1987.
Thiam also faces a legal case against his election as head of the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast–African Democratic Rally (PDCI) after a party member also contested his Ivorian nationality at the time he was chosen.
PDCI deputy president Ernest N’Koumo Mobio assumed the party’s interim leadership following Thiam’s announcement. He appealed for “cohesion, serenity and discipline” and called a party meeting early Monday due to “the urgency linked to the political situation”.
Three other opposition figures have also been excluded from the presidential race, including former President Laurent Gbagbo due to court convictions.
Thiam alleged irregularities on Monday. “While we had the right to hope for inclusive, transparent and peaceful elections, it is clear that the unjustified removal of the PDCI candidate is part of the logic of eliminating the leaders of the main opposition parties to ensure tailor-made elections and a certain victory,” he said.
The authorities regularly reject claims of any political intervention in the electoral process, saying decisions are taken by an independent judiciary.
I was unreasonably elated to discover that the Pasadena Playhouse is test-driving a program that offers Saturday childcare during the May 24 matinee of “A Dolls House, Part 2,” starring Jason Butler Harner and Elizabeth Reaser.
The program is open to kids 5 to 12 and offers theater-based activities inspired by the play and led by Playhouse teaching artists. The cost is $20 per child — far less than what a parent would pay for a sitter for the afternoon — and the group fun takes place on site while parents watch the show.
Here’s hoping more theaters develop similar programs. For so many parents, childcare is the No. 1 barrier to attending live shows and cultural events. A good sitter will set you back $15 to $25 per hour, plus tip. Add the cost of tickets, parking and even a modest dinner out, and a night on the town easily soars past $300.
Pasadena Playhouse is suited to hold such a program since it already runs youth theater classes and has a wonderful group of artists who regularly teach children. (Full disclosure: My daughter attends these classes.) But I can imagine a world in which other theaters, classical music groups and dance troupes begin offering similar programs. They would pay dividends in ticket sales and patron loyalty. There is no more grateful a human than a parent given a much-needed break.
I’m arts and culture writer Jessica Gelt. I came for the childcare and stayed for the show. Here’s this week’s roundup of arts news.
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‘Jeffrey Gibson: the space in which to place me’
(Matthew Cavanaugh/For The Times)
With opening-weekend crowds behind us, now is an excellent time to experience Jeffrey Gibson’s show at the Broad museum, which Times contributor David Pagel noted in his recent profile has the Gibson artworks that wowed visitors at the 2024 Venice Biennale: “a giant, stylized bird, festooned with thousands of glistening beads; a laser-sharp painting, composed of up to 290 supersaturated colors; an array of lavishly patterned flags, from places no one has ever visited; or an evocative phrase, lifted from a novel, a pop song, a poem or a document, such as the U.S. Constitution.” Note that the museum, usually free, is staging this as a special exhibition with admission of $15.
Through Sept. 28, closed Mondays. The Broad, 221 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. thebroad.org
‘Cooley High’
Writer Susan King started a 2019 L.A. Times article with this great lede:
Robert Townsend, the acclaimed director of such films as 1987’s “Hollywood Shuffle” and 1991’s “The Five Heartbeats,” got his start in the biz as a teenager with a one-line role in the 1975 African American teen dramedy “Cooley High.”
“The movie changed my life,” recalled Townsend in a recent interview. “I remember after I made the movie and it finally premiered in the theater in downtown Chicago, I started to cry. It was like this is my life. … [Director] Michael Schultz really changed the landscape of cinema for people of color. He was the first one to paint with that brush of truly being human. We had never seen a movie where there was a young Black man talking about that he wanted to be a writer.”
On Monday, you’ll have the chance to see “Cooley High” on the big screen. The event at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood includes a Q&A with Schultz and actors Glynn Turman and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, moderated by Townsend.
The nonprofit Printed Matter returns with the eighth installment of its fair, which has drawn tens of thousands of fans with booths selling limited-edition prints, handcrafted artist books and obscure titles by small presses. (For a visual sampler, check out Carolina A. Miranda’s amusing photo tour from years ago.) The celebration, formerly held at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Geffen Contemporary, this year moves to ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena. Although the location is different, much of the programming will be the same, including live music performances and the discussion series “The Classroom.”
6-9 p.m. Thursday, 1-7 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday (first two hours Sunday is a mask-required period). ArtCenter South Campus, 870 and 950 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. laabf2025.printedmatterartbookfairs.org
Culture news and the SoCal scene
Remnants of the old Japanese American fishing village on Terminal Island that may be demolished to make way for Port of Los Angeles expansion projects.
(Al Seib / For The Times)
America’s most endangered historic places
The only two surviving buildings from Terminal Island’s days as a thriving Japanese American fishing village in the early 1900s have been placed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2025 list of America’s 11 most endangered historic places. The buildings are in danger of being razed by the Port of Los Angeles, and the hope is that the visibility afforded by the list will help preservation efforts. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Terminal Island was the first place from which Japanese Americans were uprooted and sent to government camps such as Manzanar in the Owens Valley.
NEA grants canceled
The Trumpadministration is attempting to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts in its latest budget proposal, and the NEA recently sent a wave of letters to arts organizations across the country canceling grants. Center for the Art of Performance at UCLA, South Coast Repertory, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, the Industry and L.A. Theatre Works are just some of SoCal nonprofits that got the bad news last week. The loss of this longstanding funding has left many organizations scrambling.
Participatory theater
Features columnist Todd Martens participated in the fourth Immersive Invitational, an interactive theater experience that gives participating companies 48 hours to create a 10-minute production and perform it multiple times on the event’s final day. “With the limited time frame, participating theater crews have to quickly establish a place and a sense of purpose, lending the audience, which must immediately contort to their role as actors, a call to action,” writes Martens of the fast-paced and joyful proceedings.
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Terracotta tiles in Jackie Castillo’s installation evoke the used building materials tossed from a roof, their value and history destined for a dumpster.
(Jeff McLane / ICA LA)
The latest show at Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, is from an artist who has long been compelled by the visible and invisible labor of immigrant communities. Times contributor Tara Anne Dalbow notes how Castillo’s work draws attention to the workers responsible for building construction, maintenance and repair. “Beneath the facade of every home, school, business and community center lie layers of material meaning and memory that bear forth records of the minds and hands that envisioned and assembled them,” Dalbow writes.
Wednesdays-Sundays through Aug. 31. ICA LA, 1717 E. 7th St., L.A. theicala.org
South Coast Rep’s upcoming season
South Coast Repertory announced a 2025-26 season lineup that includes Edward Albee‘s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” and Yasmina’s Reza‘s “God of Carnage,” running from late January to March in rotating repertory.
The season opens this September with the jukebox musical “Million Dollar Quartet,” featuring the music of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. That’s followed by the Lloyd Suh play “The Heart Sellers,” about the chance connection between two immigrant women, one Filipino and one Korean, preparing a Thanksgiving meal. Also on the schedule: SCR’s “A Christmas Carol” tradition, carried on for the 45th year; the Karen Zacarias musical “Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale,” part of the Theatre for Young Audiences and Families programming; two world premieres opening in April, “Fremont Ave.” by Reggie D. White and a second title to be announced later; and “Hershey Felder, Beethoven,” in June 2026, and the one-night-only “Hershey Felder’s Great American Songbook Sing-Along,” on June 14, 2026. More details and production dates are at scr.org.
A few more news bits
Los Angeles Youth Orchestrais holding auditions for new members on Saturday and Sunday at First Presbyterian Church, 4963 Balboa Blvd., Encino. Applicants must have had at least two years of private instruction on their instrument. LAYO has more than 100 student musicians from more 50 schools in the region.
The National Children’s Chorus under Artistic Director Luke McEndarfer has partnered with Compton Unified School District in establishing scholarship-funded vocal training classes at Compton High School. The classes, which began this semester, take place three times per week and include ensemble singing, vocal technique, music theory, sight-singing and performance practice.
Leave it to Baltimore to stage the absurdly funKinetic SculptureRace, hosted by the American Visionary Art Museum. This year’s 25th anniversary event featured a massive pink dog sculpture, “Fifi,” that was part of a group of wild creations to be pushed, biked and otherwise maneuvered on a 15-mile long race track.
— Jessica Gelt
And last but not least
The president and director of the Art Institute of Chicago is taking time off while the museum investigates a news report that he began stripping off his clothes on a flight from Chicago to Munich after drinking alcohol and taking prescription meds.
Pope Leo XIV urged the release of imprisoned journalists across the world, saying their work is essential in defending “dignity, justice, and the right of people to be informed.” He also affirmed the “gift” of free speech and free press.
FURIOUS Charlie Fellowes will lodge an appeal after Shes Perfect was robbed of the French 1,000 Guineas by the stewards.
The 18-1 shot was chucked out after drifting off-line around a furlong and a half out, with hot favourite Zarigana briefly knocked off her stride.
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Charlie Fellowes and Kieran Shoemark’s celebrations were cut short on SundayCredit: Steven Cargill / Racingfotos.com
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Fellowes will appeal Shes Perfect’s demotion in the French 1000 GuineasCredit: PA
Fellowes’ filly held on by a nose under Kieran Shoemark but the stewards turned the result around in favour of Francis-Henri Graffard’s runner.
But replays showed jockey Mickael Barzalona dropped his whip after using it twice – and then slapped the horse down the neck 12 times on the run-in.
France has similar whip rules to Britain, with a limit of six and automatic disqualification is used nine times.
And Fellowes argues that Barzalona’s actions, combined with minimal contact in the straight, is more than enough grounds for an appeal.
He said: “We wanted to let the dust settle and take the emotion out of the situation and think with a clear head before making our decision.
“Firstly, the contact was minimal and it was a long way out, so we think Zarigana had enough time to get past if she was good enough.
“But more importantly we want clarification on the rules about the way he uses his stick twice, drops it then slaps her 12 times.
“It sets an awful precedent and cannot be right. If it’s allowed, what’s to stop jockeys using up their whip count, putting it down then slapping the horse? It’s a terrible look.
“I can’t understand how it can be deemed he didn’t break the rules. It wasn’t mentioned to us when we were invited into the stewards’ room on the day.
“I’m incredibly proud of Shes Perfect and Luther ran a brilliant race in the 2,000 Guineas to be fourth. We only have 40 horses so to have two run so well in Classics is incredible.
“I’m not sure of the timeframe but we have 48 hours to appeal and we will do so.”
The Trump administration announced Monday that it has launched an investigation into California’s Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants, a state program that provides monthly cash benefits to aged, blind, and disabled non-citizens who are ineligible for Social Security benefits due to their immigration status.
The investigation began in Los Angeles, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles field office issuing a Title 8 subpoena to California’s Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants, the Department of Homeland Security said in a news release.
According to the department, the subpoena requests all records from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services, the agency that administers the state program, to determine if ineligible immigrants received supplemental security income from the Social Security Administration over the last four years.
“Radical left politicians in California prioritize illegal aliens over our own citizens, including by giving illegal aliens access to cash benefits,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement.
“The Trump Administration is working together to identify abuse and exploitation of public benefits and make sure those in this country illegally are not receiving federal benefits or other financial incentives to stay illegally,” Noem added. “If you are an illegal immigrant, you should leave now. The gravy train is over. While this subpoena focuses only on Los Angeles County — it is just the beginning.”
According to Homeland Security, its Los Angeles investigations field office is subpoenaing records including applicants’ name and date of birth, copies of applications, immigration status, proof of ineligibility for benefits from the Social Security Administration and affidavits that supported the application.
The investigation comes after President Trump signed a presidential memorandum on April 15 to stop immigrants lacking documentation from obtaining Social Security Act benefits in what he called a bid to stop incentivizing illegal immigration and protect taxpayer dollars.
The memorandum directed the secretary of Homeland Security to ensure unauthorized immigrants do not receive funds from Social Security programs and prioritized civil or criminal enforcement against states or localities for potential violations of Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act.
It also expanded the Social Security Administration’s fraud prosecutor program to at least 50 U.S. attorney ofices and established a Medicare and Medicaid fraud-prosecution program in 15 U.S. attorney offices.
The issue of having to wear a skort whilst playing camogie is not a new one, but there have been growing feelings of discontent with the current rules for quite some time now and recent protests have brought the controversy into the mainstream media.
The current rules governing playing gear for camogie state that it must include a skirt, skort (a pair of shorts with an overlapping fabric panel which resembles a skirt) or a divided skirt.
This is in contrast to women’s gaelic football where shorts are allowed.
A recent Gaelic Players Association survey, external highlighted how 70% of players experienced discomfort while wearing the skort, and that 83% of players wanted an option to choose to wear shorts.
Shorts are generally viewed as more comfortable and practical to wear especially when women are on their period and with the possibility of skorts riding up, they may prove a distraction whilst trying to compete at the highest level.
Cahair O’Kane, a journalist with the Irish News told the Conor Phillips Show that players “have concerns about how skorts appear in images from the wrong angle and skorts coming up”.
“Shorts a lot of the players feel eliminate the issue. What players want is simply the choice to wear shorts or skorts,” he added.
People in Pakistan and India have been celebrating a ceasefire after the most serious fighting between the nuclear-armed nations for decades. Life is slowly returning to normal in border regions as tensions linger.
United States President Donald Trump will undertake a three-day tour of the Gulf for his first state visit since retaking office in January.
The trip begins in Saudi Arabia, followed by Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
It marks Trump’s second foreign visit as president after he attended Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome in April.
Here is what to know about the trip and what is on the agenda:
When and where is Trump visiting?
Trump will fly out of the US on Monday and start his trip in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Tuesday.
He is expected to attend a Gulf summit in the city on Wednesday, visit Qatar later that day and conclude his visit in the UAE on Thursday.
Saudi Arabia was the first country Trump visited during his first term as well, breaking the tradition of US presidents starting with the United Kingdom, Canada or Mexico.
(Al Jazeera)
What is on Trump’s agenda?
His objectives are securing major economic deals and making diplomatic progress on issues that impact the region, including a Gaza ceasefire and stalled Saudi-Israel normalisation talks.
The focus on economic deals comes as the US recorded a drop in its economic output in the first quarter, its first in three years.
US media reported that he may decide to refer to the body of water as the Arabian Gulf or the Gulf of Arabia.
Saudi Arabia: Normalisation, business deals and weapons
Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said the president wants to expand the Abraham Accords, under which the UAE and Bahrain recognised Israel during Trump’s first term, to include Saudi Arabia.
Talks were reportedly under way on Saudi Arabia joining the accords, but after Israel began its war on Gaza in October 2023, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) paused those discussions.
Saudi officials have said they won’t move forward unless there is real progress towards a two-state solution for Palestine, leading to speculation that Trump may propose a US-backed framework to end the war and revive normalisation efforts during this visit.
In a shift from past US policy, the Trump administration has uncoupled discussions on a Saudi nuclear agreement and normalisation with Israel, which US President Joe Biden’s administration had held as a condition for nuclear cooperation.
Riyadh wants US help building a civilian nuclear programme, which Israel has raised concerns about and had wanted it tied to normalisation.
Trump’s main focus will be economic partnerships as he meets with MBS and attends a Saudi-US investment forum. He wants to secure a $1 trillion Saudi investment in US industries, expanding on a $600bn pledge made by the crown prince earlier this year.
Saudi Arabia is also expected to announce more than $100bn in US arms purchases, including missiles, radar systems and transport aircraft.
Other key issues include reviving a scaled-down US-Saudi defence pact.
Trump meets MBS during his first term as US President [File: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters]
UAE: Investment in the US and cooperation on tech goals
In the UAE, Trump is to meet with President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss investment opportunities in sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, energy and manufacturing.
In March, the UAE announced a $1.4 trillion investment plan for those sectors in the US over the next decade.
Meanwhile, Trump is expected to lift Biden-era export restrictions on advanced technology as the UAE seeks US microchips and artificial intelligence technology to support its goal of becoming a global AI leader by 2031.
Qatar: Military cooperation, regional security and Syria
In Qatar, where the largest US military base in the Middle East is located, Trump’s agenda includes meetings with the emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to discuss military cooperation and regional security.
Doha, which has close ties with Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, may also seek Trump’s support in easing sanctions on Syria.
As a key partner in regional mediation, Qatar is also expected to discuss Gaza ceasefire efforts with Trump.
Trump meets Qatar’s Emir at the White House in 2019 [Kevin Lamarque/Reuters]
Why is Israel not on the itinerary?
Trump’s decision to skip Israel during this tour comes amid heightened tensions in Gaza, where Israel’s military has intensified its operations after breaking a ceasefire on March 18.
“Nothing good can come out of a visit to Israel at the moment,” a US official told the Axios news website.
Since it broke the ceasefire, Israel has continued extensive air strikes on Gaza while voicing concerns over what it sees as a decline in US support.
Recent reports from US and Israeli media also suggest growing tensions between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Trump administration signals it may act independently on Middle East policy without waiting for the Israeli leader.
Israeli political commentator Ori Goldberg told Al Jazeera: “At the moment, Israel is at odds with [Trump’s] overall goal, promising continuous fire.
“I think the mistrust between Trump and Netanyahu has been quite extensive for some time.”
How are countries responding to this visit?
In the lead-up to Trump’s visit, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE pledged significant investments in the US, signalling an interest in deepening economic ties.
However, Trump’s trip also follows resistance in the region over his proposal for the US to redevelop Gaza and relocate its residents to other Arab countries.
In a meeting of Arab leaders in Riyadh in February, officials from countries including Egypt, Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait rejected Trump’s plan, emphasising the need for Palestinian self-determination and regional stability.
