Month: June 2026

Plan includes more than 5 billion pounds for drones and autonomous systems over four years, Ministry of Defence says.

Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that Britain will spend almost 300 billion pounds ($397bn) over the next four years to modernise its armed forces amid rising threats.

Starmer, expected to leave office next month after losing the support of Labour MPs, announced on Tuesday that the overall defence budget would increase by 15 billion pounds ($20bn) over the next four years to almost 300 billion pounds as he launched his long-awaited defence investment plan.

“Last year I made the decision in the national interest to reprioritise aid spending towards defence and achieved the biggest uplift in defence spending since the end of the Cold War,” Starmer said.

“That was the right choice because the world has changed. National security is economic security.

“Today we uplift defence spending further – an additional 15 billion pounds worth of funding – by … reprioritising spending across government.”

The plan includes more than 5 billion pounds ($6.6bn) for drones and autonomous systems over the next four years, the Ministry of Defence said in a news release.

The announcement followed months of wrangling within Starmer’s Labour government over the resources required to modernise the United Kingdom’s armed forces in the face of rising threats, including from Russia.

Two defence ministers quit this month in a row over the spending proposals, including Defence Secretary John Healey, who said the plans risked making Britain “less safe”.

Starmer’s pledge came as United States President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged NATO allies to spend more on defence and become less reliant on Washington for security.

Starmer will take the plan, which foresees spending nearly 80 billion pounds ($105.7bn) a year by 2029, to Ankara for a NATO summit on July 7-8. He wants to signal Britain is on track to spend 3.5 percent of its gross domestic product on defence by 2035.

With likely successor Andy Burnham due to take power as early as July 20, Starmer acknowledged new governments could “build” on his blueprint.

Critics said the plan, delayed for more than nine months, was too little, too late.

Apple TV’s new dark comedy thriller series has been dubbed “hilarious” and “brutal” by viewers and critics alike, with many fans claiming it’s “better than Cape Fear”

There’s a vast range of films and TV programmes well worth exploring across popular streaming platforms, from hard-hitting crime dramas and otherworldly fantasy to insightful documentaries, side-splitting comedies, and beyond.

Apple TV has been making quite the impression with hits including the much-loved comedy Ted Lasso, the trippy workplace psychological thriller Severance, sci-fi favourite Silo, the spy thriller Slow Horses, and plenty more.

However, one “hilarious” yet “brutal” comedy thriller series may have passed many fans by. It’s Apple TV’s new show, Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed.

Created by David J. Rosen, the series stars Tatiana Maslany as divorced fact checker Paula Saunders, who becomes embroiled in the criminal underworld after witnessing the abduction of her webcam acquaintance Trevor.

She’s subsequently contacted for ransom money, but police maintain it’s probably a scam – until Trevor turns up dead. Paula is drawn into the mystery, navigating murder and blackmail while grappling with her own personal demons.

The series debuted on Apple TV on May 20, 2026, and boasts an impressive 93% score on the popular review-aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, where critics and fans alike have showered the drama with praise.

One critic said: “It’s breezy, but also brutal. Hilarious, but also horrific. And since each episode runs 30-40 minutes, it’s a perfect little summertime binge.”

Another agreed: “It sticks the landing through the end, and Maslany keeps you watching… even though you’ll want to yell at the screen every time she makes a new risky decision”. A third said: “One of the most captivating shows of the year thus far”.

While a fourth commented: “An utterly delicious thriller with interesting characters, an effectively circuitous plot, fast pacing, engaging comic undertones and terrific writing, ‘Maximum Pleasure’ will grab you from the first moment.”

These views were mirrored by fans over on Reddit. One devoted an entire post to the show, giving it the title: “Don’t sleep on Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed”.

They went on to elaborate: “Everyone loves Widow’s Bay (and they should; it’s great! ) but Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed is also really compelling: good balance of humour/drama/thriller, plot moves along at a good clip, good acting all around (of course Tatiana Maslany is great but Charlie Hall (Julia Louis Dreyfus’ kid! ) makes a fine comedic foil…) I really look forward to each new episode and hope others check it out.”

Fellow Reddit users were quick to share their thoughts in the comments section – and many agreed the programme is well worth a watch.

One viewer said: “Great show that deserves a bigger audience. People always complain that all the services only make safe bets anymore with established IPs etc. Support this, people! And support Sugar season 2, too. All great shows. Apple is on fire this year.”

Another enthused: “I just started this the other night and am hooked. I love Murray Bartlett too lol”.

A third commented: “I’m really enjoying it and I’m always happy to see Tatiana Maslany on-screen again”.

While another shared: “I’m surprised this isn’t bigger on this sub, it’s a fun series, I’m more invested in it than Cape Fear. I think Apple dropped the ball marketing wise.”

To which a fellow viewer fired back: “That’s because it’s significantly better than Cape Fear and seems to involve some actual plot each episode”.

THE UK has issued new travel advice for Brits heading to Spain this summer.

Spain is currently still seeing extremely high temperatures, which has recorded highs of 40C.

This has led to the deaths of 212 people in recent weeks.

And new advice from the UK Foreign Office has warned Brits, especially those with kids, to be aware when swimming to cool off.

The updated advice states: “Every year, people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Spain.

“Always supervise children. Keep small children within arms-reach in and around swimming pools, even if they can swim or there is a lifeguard present.”

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They also issued advice for Brits swimming in the sea.

It continued: “Take care when swimming in the sea. Always supervise children and keep small children within arms-reach.

“Some beaches, especially around Spanish islands, may have strong undercurrents.

“Hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death.

“Do not dive into unknown water and do not swim at beaches where a river runs into the sea.

“If you are walking along unmonitored beaches, be aware that waves can come in further than expected and have strong undertows.”

Spain has a similar flag system to the UK, so if there is a red flag, it means not to swim in the water.

Here is another new Spanish rule you need to be aware of and it affects you at the airport.

A day before turning out for Derbyshire village side, Fuchs had resigned from his role as head coach of Newport County.

While Fuchs’ first senior managerial role saw him win just nine of 31 matches in charge of the Exiles, he got off to a victorious start in cricket whites.

Bowling first, Fuchs returned figures of 2-20 from his 3.2 overs and also contributed to a run out as Grindleford dismissed Riverside Notts for 150.

“His bowling, he was throwing it but it was alright,” Mahmood laughed.

“It was his first game, so it is what it is. We gave him the benefit of the doubt and didn’t say anything to him.”

During the run chase, Fuchs batted at number six, scoring 12 runs off 18 deliveries, including a four and that six as Grindleford triumphed by one wicket.

“When he got out, he was chatting to all of us. He was a very, very nice guy,” added Mahmood.

“It was a surprise to actually see him there because it was so random. It’s a random game on a Sunday and we just see a Premier League winner there.”

Fuchs is not the only former footballer who has swapped between the two sports later on in life.

Former England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn plays for Cornwall’s over-50s side. Ex-Liverpool and Manchester City midfielder Dietmar Hamann once represented Cheshire side Alderley Edge’s second team while still contracted at City.

Current Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff is also spending his summer break playing for Tynemouth in Division 1 of the North East Premier League.

During his football career, Fuchs made more than 650 appearances for club and country that included six seasons at the King Power Stadium.

As well as winning both the Premier League and the FA Cup, Fuchs won 78 caps for Austria and was captain at Euro 2016.

June 30 (UPI) — Britain is challenging Apple and Google for not allowing developers to pull users away from their app stores.

The Competition and Markets Authority said Tuesday that Google and Apple have an “effective duopoly” on mobile phones by not allowing developers to engage with users or make purchases outside of the app stores.

The CMA said at least 90% of mobile devices in the United Kingdom are running on Apple or Google platforms. It said allowing “steering” away from the platforms by developers would increase market competition.

Both companies now charge a commission of up to 30% on in-app purchases. Google said it has already made the changes.

CMA Executive Director Will Hayter said choice is important for competition and consumers.

“We think it is important to give both app developers and users more choice about how they communicate and how they transact,” Hayter said in a statement. “This is not only because choice is inherently valuable but also because we see this as the best way to introduce some competitive pressure in a vital part of the mobile ecosystem that is otherwise sorely lacking such pressure.”

Hayter said the CMA isn’t trying to take away fees altogether.

“While it is only fair for Apple and Google to be compensated for the services they provide, any fees they charge must be justified through a robust, evidence-led framework involving due reference to both cost and value,” he said.

Apple responded that steering will make users less protected from scams.

“When users are directed away from Apple’s trusted payment infrastructure, they lose the protections they rely on Apple to provide. We will continue to make our concerns clear in our ongoing dialogue with the CMA,” an Apple spokesperson told The Guardian.

Check out the full list below – and here on Campsites.co.uk.

East Crinnis Holiday Park – East Crinnis, Par, Cornwall

Park Cliffe Windermere Camping and Caravan Park – Windermere, Cumbria

Lee Meadow Farm – Lee, Woolacombe, Devon

Wooda Farm Holiday Park – Bude, Cornwall

Hill Cottage Farm Camping and Caravan Park – Alderholt, Fordingbridge, Hampshire

Highlands End Holiday Park – Bridport, Dorset

Harford Bridge Park – Tavistock, Devon

Barn Farm Campsite – Matlock, Derbyshire

Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park – Fort William, Highlands

Bank House Farm – Hartington, Buxton, Derbyshire

Lakeside Caravan Park – Brecon, Powys

Trwyn yr Wylfa Camping Site – Penmaenmawr, Conwy

Treloy Touring Park – Newquay, Cornwall

Skelwith Fold Caravan Park – Ambleside, Cumbria

Plas Gwyn Caravan and Camping Park – Llanrug, Caernarfon, Gwynedd

Wallace Lane Farm – Caldbeck, Wigton, Cumbria

Oaklea Camping and Glamping Park – Narberth, Pembrokeshire

Twll Y Clawdd Touring and Camping Park – Llanrug, Caernarfon, Gwynedd

Cheddar Bridge Touring Park – Cheddar, Somerset

Thornbrook Barn – Ingleton, North Yorkshire

Tollgate Farm Caravan and Camping Park – Perranporth, Cornwall

Lynmouth Holiday Retreat – Barbrook, Lynton, Devon

Pen y Bont Touring Park – Bala, Gwynedd

Back of Beyond Touring Park – St Leonards, Ringwood, Dorset

Cummins Farm – Charmouth, Bridport, Dorset

Glyncoch Isaf Farm – Llangrannog, Ceredigion

Tehidy Holiday Park – Portreath, Illogan, Cornwall

Burton Springs Holidays – Burton, Bridgwater, Somerset

Llys Derwen Caravan and Campsite – Llanrug, Caernarfon, Gwynedd

Parkgate Farm Holidays – Irton, Holmrook, Cumbria

Shieldaig Camping and Cabins – Shieldaig, Strathcarron, Highlands

Tregarton Park – Mevagissey, Cornwall

Laneside Caravan Park – Hope, Hope Valley, Derbyshire

Ty Cochyn Caravan and Campsite – Holyhead, Anglesey

Presaddfed – Druids’ Rest – Holyhead, Anglesey

Cwmdu Campsite – Crickhowell, Powys

Greenacres Campsite – Coleford, Gloucestershire

Gatton Waters Caravan Park – Hillington, King’s Lynn, Norfolk

Silver Sands Holiday Park – Lizard, Helston, Cornwall

Mena Farm – Bodmin, Cornwall

Manor Caravan Park – Happisburgh, Norfolk

Howgill Lodge – Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire

Little Acre Holiday Park – Crooklands, Milnthorpe, Cumbria
Brynawelon Caravan and Camping Park – Llandysul, Ceredigion
Catgill Farm Camping and Glamping – Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire
Thorpe Hall Caravan and Camping Site – Driffield, East Yorkshire
Waterrow Touring Park – Wiveliscombe, Taunton, Somerset
Cardinney Caravan and Camping Park – St Buryan, Penzance, Cornwall
Bonnie Park – Bonchester Bridge, Scottish Borders
Low Greenside Farm Campsite – Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria
The Hen’s Dens at Orchard Organic Farm – Stokeinteignhead, Newton Abbot, Devon
Sherwood Pines Campsite – Edwinstowe, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Treveague Campsite – Gorran, St Austell, Cornwall
Somers Wood Caravan Park – Meriden, Coventry, Warwickshire

Westgate Carr Farm Caravan and Motorhome Touring Park – Pickering, North Yorkshire

Pomeroy Caravan Park – Pomeroy, Buxton, Derbyshire

Bryn Ednyfed Caravan Site – Holyhead, Anglesey

Bryndu Caravan and Camping – Llandefalle, Brecon, Powys

Coxhill Camping – Shepherdswell, Dover, Kent

Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park – Gower, Swansea

Bryn Ffanigl Ganol Caravan and Camping Park – Abergele, Conwy

Riverside Caravan Park – Bentham, North Yorkshire

Cobleland Campsite – Gartmore, Stirling and Forth Valley

Linwater Caravan Park – Newbridge, Edinburgh, Edinburgh and the Lothians

Woodovis Park – Tavistock, Devon

Old Oaks Touring Park – Wick, Glastonbury, Somerset

Plassey Holiday Park – Wrexham, Wrexham

Porthtowan Tourist Park – Porthtowan, Cornwall

Higher Trevaskis Caravan and Camping Park – Connor Downs, Hayle, Cornwall

Hallsdown Farm Touring Park – Barnstaple, Devon

Hartington Hills – Hartington, Buxton, Derbyshire

Haw Wood Farm Caravans and Camping – Saxmundham, Suffolk

Ael y Garnedd – Star, Gaerwen, Anglesey

Wildings Holidays – Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire

Eden Valley Holiday Park – Bodmin, Cornwall

Hale Farm Campsite – Chiddingly, East Sussex

Abbey Farm Rhuddlan – Rhuddlan, Denbighshire

Brick Kiln Farm Campsite – Campsea Ashe, Woodbridge, Suffolk

Balloch O Dee – Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Galloway

Machrihanish Holiday Park – Machrihanish, Campbeltown, Argyll

Rydal Hall Campsite – Ambleside, Cumbria

Dwell On The Moor – Holme-on-Spalding-Moor, York, East Yorkshire

Wallsend Guest House and Glamping Pods – Wigton, Cumbria

Ravensdale Glamping Retreats – York, North Yorkshire

Cliff Farm Holidays – Pickering, North Yorkshire

Quarry Park Camping – Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire

The Galloway Steading – Newton Stewart, Glenluce, Dumfries and Galloway

Folly Farm Holiday Park – Begelly, Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire

Pods Pwll Coch – Amlwch, Anglesey

Little Kelk Glamping – Driffield, East Yorkshire

Wold Meadow – Wold Newton, East Yorkshire

Gaerhyfryd Caravan Site – Corwen, Denbighshire

Eden Valley Glamping – Armathwaite, Carlisle, Cumbria

Balloch O Dee – Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Galloway

Carrock Glamping Pods – Hesket Newmarket, Wigton, Cumbria

Cragg Farm Camping Pods – Cockermouth, Cumbria

Gambledown Farm – Sherfield English, Romsey, Hampshire

Newbourne Woodland Campsite – Newbourne, Woodbridge, Suffolk

East Thorne – Bude, Cornwall

High Oaks Grange – Pickering, North Yorkshire

Cwmllwyd Getaways – Carno, Powys

Anti-migrant groups have demanded undocumented foreigners leave the country by Tuesday.

Businesses in South African cities have been shuttered and police have been deployed to the streets as demonstrators gathered at anti-immigrant protests around the country.

Anti-immigrant groups have given undocumented foreign nationals a “deadline” of Tuesday to leave the country. The groups have falsely claimed that undocumented immigrants will face arrest and deportation if they do not leave in time.

The South African government has rejected the groups’ threats as false, but thousands of people have been pushed to flee.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday that the right to protest “does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence”.

“Whatever the motivation, taking the law into one’s own hands is vigilantism,” he said.

Reporting from a protest in Johannesburg, Al Jazeera correspondent Haru Mutasa said the demonstrators were both working-class and middle-class South Africans and from different tribes around the country.

“They all have one goal, which is basically that they want the government to do something about undocumented foreigners in the country,” she said. “They’re saying that they’re frustrated, that they’ve heard promises from the government but they’re not seeing any difference on the ground.

“They’re asking why is it, when some of them have degrees, why can’t they get a job?”

Fears mount amid xenophobic attacks

The protests started as small gatherings of anti-immigrant groups in April but have been growing recently.

The country has seen weeks of xenophobic attacks, with at least two Mozambicans, an Ethiopian and a Malawian killed in anti-immigrant violence, the AFP news agency reports.

Although the groups say they are targeting undocumented migrants, foreign people who are in South Africa legally are also at risk. Thousands of foreign nationals are camping outside consulates and shelters for protection. Others say they have been evicted or fired, their landlords and employers citing fears of fines or attacks.

Many foreign nationals have already fled the country. Some have left on their own, while others have asked their embassies for assistance. Several African countries have sent aircraft and buses to repatriate their fleeing nationals.

While some political parties have been calling for peaceful protests, other politicians have increasingly been using anti-immigrant rhetoric as the country’s November elections approach.

South Africa has a history of anti-immigrant violence. In 2008, 62 people were killed in riots, and more xenophobic attacks occurred in 2015 and 2016. At least 12 people were killed in 2019 when armed mobs attacked foreign-owned businesses around Johannesburg.

Here we go again: Twenty-five years after “Mamma Mia!” premiered on Broadway, the national tour returns to Los Angeles at the Ahmanson Theatre with show-stopping set pieces and a crew that knows the show inside and out.

The beloved jukebox musical, which chronicles a Greek wedding with three potential fathers of the bride, has taken over the Ahmanson through July 19 as part of its 25th anniversary tour, and audience members should expect a full-on ABBA sing-along dance party.

“People come dressed up,” said associate choreographer Janet Rothermel. “There’s a lot of boas, and there’s a lot of spandex, and platform shoes.”

Rothermel is one of many people on the creative team who have worked on the show since its original Broadway run in 2001. Associate director Martha Banta and associate music supervisor David Holcenberg have also seen the musical through its nearly 14-year original Broadway run, national tours and numerous international iterations (Holcenberg was its original music director).

“When we were all back together again in rehearsal, it was an extraordinary feeling,” Banta said. “Not with the same cast, but Janet, David and I and others that have done it for years. With everything that’s been going on in the world in the last three years, it was just a soothing thing to do.”

“We’ve just been embraced beyond what we were used to, which was pretty great,” she added.

Everyone involved in the production echoed a similar sentiment: that the “ultimate feel-good musical” is exactly what audiences want to see during painful or overwhelming times. The show’s traveling costume supervisor and associate designer Eva Maciek put it most bluntly: “I love working on it because nobody dies.”

Rehearsals for the original Broadway run coincided with the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Holcenberg explained, and he was struck by audience members’ emotional responses to the first shows.

“I’d have people coming down to the pit after the show with tears streaming down their faces saying, ‘Thank you for letting us forget the world for a couple hours and just have joy,’” he said. “Because this show is joy. It’s full of joy.”

Beyond the absurdly catchy music and the rom-com story, part of the show’s joyfulness comes from its colorful costumes and beachy aesthetic. The onstage set is relatively sparse, consisting only of a pair of rotating “taverna” walls, but backstage, hundreds of moving parts, including stage mechanics, hand props and costume changes, propel the story forward and keep the production looking effortlessly glamorous.

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Blingy microphones backstage for the “Mamma Mia!” production at the Ahmanson Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.  (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

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Eva Maciek, the travel costume supervisor of the show, shares some wardrobe pieces backstage.  (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

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Ryan Sander, assistant choreographer, left, and Eva Maciek, travel costume supervisor of the show, show off Sander’s “Voulez-Vous” costume.  (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

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Life jackets backstage for a musical number.  (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

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Shelves full of hats are seen during a backstage tour.  (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

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The show‘s stage is seen during a backstage tour of the “Mamma Mia!” theater production at the Ahmanson Theatre.  (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

The obvious choice for coolest costumes, according to Maciek, are the bejeweled jumpsuits worn by titular mamma Donna Sheridan (played by Jessica Crouch) and her Dynamos, Tanya (Jalynn Steele) and Rosie (Carly Sakolove). Each one has hundreds of glittering silver stars attached.

“I’m glad I’m not the one who had to sew them on originally!” Maciek joked. The costumes all originated in London or New York, but they’ve been traveling from city to city in storage “gondolas” since the current tour started in 2023, requiring constant repairs and touch-ups from local stitchers.

Thematically, Maciek said, the costumes’ evolving colors tell their own story throughout the show.

“When everybody arrives at the island, they’re all in beige with a little hint of blue,” she explained. More blue gets added by “Voulez Vous,” and then they transition into jewel tones. “When you get into the wedding scene, everybody is in pinks, soft reds, oranges and yellows,” Maciek said. “So there’s a real color story that goes throughout.”

Ryan Sander, the show’s assistant choreographer, dance captain and current “swing” (an actor covering multiple ensemble roles), has a special relationship to his “Voulez-Vous” costume. He originally wore it as a performer on the national tour more than 20 years ago, and when he was called to come back onstage, he found that it still fit like a glove. The costume, a denim vest and pants set with extremely Y2K lace-up details, is representative of the show’s approach to fashion trends.

“There is something timeless about these pieces that’s just so interesting,” he said. “It is a period piece and we stick to that, but there is something timeless about the costumes.”

Besides the costume racks, another crucial backstage element are the vocal booths, where the ensemble contributes to the musical soundscape from behind the curtain.

“One of the main things about the ‘ABBA sound’ is how they layered the vocals, and we do that all live in our show,” Holcenberg said. “The ensemble works really, really hard, because when they’re not on stage, they don’t get any time off. They’re just singing their little faces off.”

Even though the show has been running for decades, the creative team said each cast brings a new energy and tone.

“Our new Donna, Jess, brings a real rock chick energy to it,” Holcenberg said. “Even though the notes on the page stay the same, the casting and the way they perform it still changes from person to person and night to night.”

According to stage manager Andrew Volzer, the most “unique” aspects of the show are its long history with a tight crew and its multigenerational appeal — “Not only from the audience perspective, but also for the people working on the show. People are always coming and going,” he said.

“We always say, you never leave the island.”

The latest data from the Statistical Centre of Iran (SCI) shows the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the period 22 May–21 June 2026 was 88.6% higher than in the corresponding period a year earlier. In practical terms, a household that spent 100 monetary units on the same basket of goods and services a year ago would now need to spend approximately 189 monetary units to purchase that basket.

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Economists attribute the sharp increase in prices to a combination of long-standing structural challenges and more recent pressures. These include weak economic management, persistent fiscal and monetary imbalances, the continued impact of international sanctions, subdued growth prospects, heightened uncertainty in the business environment and widening fiscal deficits. More recently, military conflict and heightened regional tensions have placed further strain on Iran’s economy by increasing investment risks, disrupting economic activity and adding pressure on public finances.

Statistical Centre versus Central Bank figures

Alongside the figures published by the Statistical Centre of Iran (SCI), the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) has reported different inflation estimates. According to the CBI, year-on-year inflation reached 83.1% at the end of the period 22 May–21 June 2026, while the annual inflation rate stood at 57.7%.

These estimates differ from those published by the SCI, which reported an annual inflation rate of 62.0% and a year-on-year inflation rate of 88.6% for the same period.

The gap between the two sets of estimates amounts to 4.3 percentage points for annual inflation and 5.5 percentage points for year-on-year inflation. Such discrepancies are not unusual in Iran and have recurred over recent years.

The differences largely reflect variations in methodology, including the composition of household consumption baskets, the weighting assigned to individual goods and services, and data collection and sampling techniques. Although both institutions seek to measure changes in the general price level, methodological differences can lead to materially different inflation estimates.

Despite these statistical differences, both sets of figures point to the same underlying trend: Iran is experiencing one of its most severe episodes of inflation in decades. Persistently rapid price growth has become a structural feature of the economy rather than a temporary shock.

Inflation accelerates from 52% to nearly 90%

Recent data indicate that inflationary pressures have continued to intensify rather than ease. Year-on-year inflation increased from 52.6% in December 2025 to approximately 68% in February 2026, before rising further to 88.6% for the period 22 May–21 June 2026.

This trajectory suggests that inflationary pressures have become increasingly entrenched, reflecting deeper structural imbalances rather than a temporary or purely monetary phenomenon.

International forecasts also point to a challenging outlook. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that Iran’s annual inflation rate will average around 68.9% in 2026, placing the country among the highest-inflation economies in the world. At the same time, the IMF forecasts a contraction in real GDP of around 6.1%, indicating continued pressure on economic activity.

Short-term price dynamics are also noteworthy. The Consumer Price Index increased by 5.9% over a single month, from 22 April–21 May 2026 to 22 May–21 June 2026 (the periods corresponding to the Iranian months of Ordibehesht and Khordad, respectively).

A monthly increase of this magnitude illustrates the speed at which prices are rising, making it increasingly difficult for households to maintain purchasing power and plan their finances.

Exchange-rate depreciation and inflation

Iran’s inflation surge – one of the most severe experienced by the country since the Second World War – has been closely associated with the sharp depreciation of the rial. Inflation has eroded the currency’s purchasing power, while successive declines in the rial have, in turn, fuelled further inflation by increasing the cost of imports and raising inflation expectations.

At the beginning of the year, the US dollar traded at around 1.35 million rials on Tehran’s open market. Following the start of US and Israeli air strikes against Iran on 28 February, the exchange rate rose to approximately 1.72 million rials per US dollar.

During the conflict, the exchange rate temporarily strengthened to around 1.46 million rials per US dollar as economic and commercial activity slowed, reducing demand for foreign currency. However, after Donald Trump threatened further US air strikes against critical Iranian infrastructure on 7 April, the rial came under renewed pressure, with the exchange rate weakening to around 1.63 million rials per US dollar.

Following the announcement of a ceasefire, the exchange rate recovered to approximately 1.525 million rials per US dollar. However, as economic activity resumed and Iranian officials estimated war-related damage at around US$300 billion, the rial weakened sharply again, with the exchange rate reaching a record 1.9 million rials per US dollar.

The subsequent signing of a memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington led to a temporary appreciation of the rial, bringing the exchange rate back to around 1.53 million rials per US dollar. Renewed tensions between Iran and the United States, however, pushed the exchange rate higher once again, approaching 1.7 million rials per US dollar.

These developments illustrate the extent to which exchange-rate movements have become a key transmission channel for inflation in Iran. Fluctuations in the rial affect not only the domestic cost of imported goods and production inputs but also the inflation expectations of households and businesses, reinforcing upward pressure on prices.

An uneven burden

Inflation has not affected all segments of society equally. Official data show that lower-income households have experienced a greater erosion of purchasing power than higher-income groups.

Year-on-year inflation reached 108.1% in rural areas, compared with 85.2% in urban areas. This disparity is particularly significant because lower-income households typically spend a larger share of their income on essential goods and services, especially food, leaving them more exposed to rising prices.

From a distributional perspective, inflation acts as an implicit tax, disproportionately reducing the real incomes of households with the least capacity to save, invest or protect themselves against rising prices.

Food at the centre of the cost-of-living crisis

The steepest price increases have been recorded in categories most closely associated with everyday household spending. Official statistics indicate that food prices have more than doubled compared with the same period a year earlier.

Year-on-year inflation reached 173.8% for tobacco, around 178% for meat, poultry and related products, approximately 152% for milk, cheese and eggs, and around 139% for bread and cereals.

Non-food categories have also recorded substantial price increases. Prices for furniture and household equipment rose by more than 111%, while transport costs increased by over 103%.

These figures suggest that the inflationary shock extends well beyond food prices. Alongside the rising cost of everyday essentials, households are also facing substantially higher costs for household goods and transport, further eroding purchasing power and placing increasing pressure on household budgets.

Wages fall behind the cost of living

One of the clearest consequences of sustained inflation is the widening gap between wages and the cost of meeting basic living expenses.

According to the Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA), the official minimum monthly wage for the current year was set at 166.255 million rials (approximately €85), while representatives at a meeting of the Supreme Labour Council on 13 March 2026 estimated that a minimum household living basket would cost around 450 million rials (approximately €225) per month.

On this basis, the official minimum wage covers only around 37% of the estimated cost of a basic living basket, leaving a shortfall of approximately 63%.

The figures illustrate how rapid inflation has eroded real wages. Although nominal wages have increased over time, they have failed to keep pace with the rising cost of essential goods and services, placing increasing pressure on household living standards.

More broadly, Iran’s inflation challenge extends beyond rising prices alone. A combination of persistent inflation, currency depreciation and weakening purchasing power has created a self-reinforcing cycle that continues to undermine household finances and economic stability.

Cardiff loose-head prop Rhys Barratt and Dragons back-row forwards Harri Keddie and Ryan Woodman all made their international debuts in Twickenham, but miss out on the squad for the three Tests.

Wings Gabriel Hamer-Webb and Tom Rogers, centres Bryn Bradley and Joe Roberts, fly-half Jarrod Evans, scrum-half Ellis Bevan, lock or flanker Freddie Thomas and back-row forward Olly Cracknell also miss out.

Leicester open-side flanker Tommy Reffell makes the cut after being overlooked by Tandy for the autumn internationals and Six Nations.

“We have selected a squad of 33 players for the Nations Championship to mirror what will be required for the World Cup in 2027,” said the head coach, who cut 11 players and lost Jenkins.

“We are building a lot of competition among our group of players, which is what we want to have, and there were some tough calls to make.

“We have an exciting opportunity over the next three weeks in a brand-new competition and can’t wait to get our campaign started against Fiji on Saturday.”

Louis Rees-Zammit, Max Llewellyn, Tomos Williams, Rhys Carre, Nicky Smith, James and Reffell could not face the Baa-Baas because they play for English clubs, but all return for the Nations Championship fixtures.

The loss of Jenkins means that Tandy is down to three specialist locks – Ben Carter, Teddy Williams and Adam Beard, who is included fresh from playing for Montpellier in their Top 14 final defeat by Toulouse on Saturday.

The former Ospreys second-row forward, who lost his starting spot to Carter during the Six Nations, came on in the final quarter in Paris.

“He has been with us for two campaigns, is battle-hardened and is really experienced,” said Tandy about Beard.

Wales had already lost centre Louie Hennessey, tight-head prop Keiron Assiratti and hooker Liam Belcher to injury before cutting down their squad.

You could also be hit with some severe penalties

A UK airport has issued a warning that holidays could be “ruined” and flights could be cancelled if travellers fail to adhere to a particular rule.

The One Too Many campaign has been introduced at more than 20 airports nationwide, including London Luton. Airport officials posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday (June 30) to draw attention to the scheme and deliver a serious warning to holidaymakers. The update cautions: “Fly responsibly and avoid disrupting passengers, or you could pay the price”.

A graphic included with the post states that “One too many is all it takes to… ruin a holiday, cause a delay, cancel a flight, divert a plane, [and/or] land YOU in jail.” The Government-backed campaign is urging passengers to “fly responsibly” or risk facing serious repercussions.

While the message was posted by the official London Luton account, the regulations apply to all UK travellers, no matter which airport you’re departing from. Passengers causing disruption on flights could be refused boarding, handed a lifetime airline ban, or hit with fines of up to £80,000 if their behaviour forces a flight diversion.

The One Too Many message is now displayed at numerous major UK airports, including London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester, Liverpool John Lennon, Newcastle International, and Bristol. Karen Dee, the Chief Executive of the Airport Operators Association, said: “UK airports are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers.

“We urge travellers to enjoy their journeys responsibly and not ruin their holidays or the holidays of others. Airports will continue to monitor and act against any disruptive behaviour to ensure everyone’s safety.”

First introduced in 2018 with backing from the government, the One Too Many campaign has received support from both the Department for Transport and the Home Office.

Morocco’s Ismael Saibari embraced his mother after scoring the winning penalty against Netherlands to reach the World Cup last 16. The players danced and cheered in the dressing room after the dramatic win in Monterrey, Mexico.

A man named Daniel took to Twitter to share his frustration after a fellow passenger refused to swap seats with him so he could sit next to his girlfriend on their flight, sparking a viral plane passenger etiquette debate

What would you say if someone asked to swap seats with you on a flight?

It’s a difficult and touchy topic. We live in an age in which most people who fly will play the easyJet and Ryanair lottery, in which seats are allocated to them at random if they opt not to pay a hefty fee to choose where they sit.

That means that if you end up with a solid spot on a flight, you’ve either forked out for it or your lucky numbers have come in.

I recently wrote about how I played the Ryanair roulette during a trip to Athens and ended up with the best seats on the plane, for both the outbound and return flight. You can read about my unproven but promising technique here.

Tensions rose on a recent flight over seats, and specifically, whether it is acceptable to ask somebody to swap with you. It all kicked off when one man took to Twitter to vent his frustration after a fellow passenger refused to exchange seats with him so he could sit alongside his girlfriend.

Their reason for declining? They simply wanted to enjoy the window view.

But who was in the right here, and who was in the wrong?

In his tweet, the man, named Daniel, wrote: “A boomer refused to swap seats on a flight this morning to let my gf and I sit together on the last day before we’re apart for 2.5 months – because they wanted to look out the window. Strong generational metaphor areas, Shane.”

Hundreds liked his post, yet more than 200 people waded in with their opinions in the comments section.

One user branded him an “entitled brat” saying: “Did you stomp your feet like the spoiled, entitled brat you come across as???”

Another fired back: “Your lack of planning is nobody else’s problem.” A third chimed in: “Your petty complaint has no merit and naming him reflects very much on you, not the boomer.”

A fourth person argued that the poster could have taken steps to avoid the situation unfolding. “There are so many steps you could have taken prior to boarding to ensure you sat next to her if you felt it that important. You put yourself in that situation, not the boomer,” they wrote. Some users noted that it was difficult to fully assess the situation without knowing what the other passenger was thinking or going through at the time.

Following the wave of criticism, Daniel decided to launch a poll to settle the debate once and for all. He asked followers to vote on whether or not it’s acceptable to request a seat swap on a plane.

The final results revealed that 64 percent of those who participated considered it a “reasonable request”, while 36 percent felt you’d be pushing your luck by doing so.

Do you think it’s unreasonable to ask someone to swap seats with you on a plane? Let us know in the comments below.

Indonesia court finds former education minister guilty of abuse of authority and of causing state losses.

A court in Indonesia has sentenced former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim, co-founder of the Gojek app, to 10 years in prison on corruption charges.

Judges at the Jakarta anti-corruption court on Tuesday found Makarim guilty of corruption related to the procurement of Chromebook laptops for schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chief Judge Purwanto Abdullah, presiding over the ruling at Indonesia’s Corruption Court in Jakarta, said a panel of judges had found Makarim guilty of abuse of authority and of causing state losses. He was found not guilty of directly seeking to enrich himself.

The court said the case caused state losses of approximately $120m. It also ordered Makarim to pay a fine of Rp1 billion ($55,850) and Rp809 billion (more than $45m) in restitution, or face additional prison time.

The verdict marks a sharp fall for the Ivy League-educated entrepreneur once seen as a symbol of Indonesia’s startup sector.

Makarim, 41, co-founded Gojek in 2010, growing it from a call centre with 20 motorcycle drivers into a major ride-hailing and delivery platform.

He became one of Indonesia’s youngest cabinet ministers in 2019 and served as education minister until 2024.

Prosecutors said his decision to purchase Chromebook laptops, which run Google’s ChromeOS, was linked to the US tech giant’s investment in Gojek.

Makarim has consistently denied wrongdoing and vowed to appeal.

“The judges couldn’t even look me in the eye,” he said, adding he could not pay the amount ordered under the ruling.

The former minister has said the procurement saved money and called the case an “investigative error”.

In his defence this month, he said: “Experts and factual witnesses have stated: there is no element of state loss, no element of violation of the law, no element of self-enrichment, enrichment of another person or company, and no malicious intent or bad intentions.”

Prosecutors had sought an 18-year prison sentence and Rp5.68 trillion (about $313m) in restitution. Google was not charged and has denied any wrongdoing.

GoTo Group, formed after Gojek merged with Tokopedia in 2021, said Makarim had not had a decision-making role since resigning in 2019.

Makarim, whose lawyer father once served on the ethics committee of Indonesia’s anti-corruption body, said he joined the government to encourage professionals to enter public service.

From this week, there will be strict rules on the consumption of alcohol in two popular UK seaside towns, and anyone not careful could face a fine of up to a staggering £1,000

Two popular UK seaside towns have introduced a ‘booze ban’, with the risk of £1,000 fines for anyone caught flouting the rules.

In a bid to help manage anti-social behaviour in Kent, a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) has been approved for three years. Under this order, which will be in force from Wednesday, 1 July, there will be a year-round blanket ban on the consumption of alcohol in Margate and Ramsgate high streets.

Anyone caught breaking a PSPO, which is a criminal offence, could be fined up to around £100. This can be reduced if it’s paid within 10 to 14 days; however, if anyone avoids paying the fine, they could face prosecution and be fined up to a staggering £1,000.

Margate has long been a popular destination in Kent, thanks to its traditional Victorian charm, stretches of golden beach and close link to London, often earning the nickname of ‘Shoreditch-on-Sea’. Ramsgate is just as popular with its sprawling beaches, Royal Harbour and thriving independent food scene.

But it’s not just these seaside towns taking the brunt of the new order.

The PSPO also sets out that in areas across Broadstairs, Cliftonville West, Margate and Ramsgate, there will be bans on anti-social behaviour related to the consumption of alcohol and not handing over alcohol when asked by authorities. It comes after Kent Police said fights had erupted on Broadstairs and Margate beach last week, while people were also assaulted at Margate Railway Station.

Some businesses in Thanet told BBC Radio Kent that they had been forced to close early on occasions due to anti-social behaviour in the area. One even said they were planning to move out of the area as it had become intimidating.

The aim of the order is to “introduce targeted restrictions to curb alcohol-related disorder, public urination, and defecation for a period of three years”, the Thanet District Council website noted. According to the BBC, East Thanet MP Polly Billington said following approval on Thursday: “It’s vital for our economy that people feel confident about keeping their doors open to their shop, and actually, [it’s vital] for the wellbeing of our residents and our visitors that everybody feels safe.”

Meanwhile, before the order was approved, Councillor Heather Keen, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, highlighted: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to share their views. Our communities deserve safe, clean, and welcoming public spaces, and this overwhelming support shows how passionate local people are about protecting their environment.

“If Cabinet agrees to implement these proposals, our safety teams and the police will have an effective tool to address persistent issues impacting our towns. We have listened closely to feedback, and while enforcement would always be a last resort, these measures could significantly improve the quality of life across Thanet.”

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

Kirstie Allsopp has lashed out at BAFTA following the death of ‘national treasure’ Dame Penelope Keith over the weekend, following a battle with cancer

Kirstie Allsopp has been left furious over BAFTA’s tribute to Dame Penelope Keith. The Good Life star died “peacefully” at her home aged 86 on June 29, following a battle with cancer.

“We are deeply saddened to announce that Dame Penelope Keith died peacefully whilst living with cancer at her home in Surrey where she had lived for more than 50 years,” her family said in a statement, adding they were “grateful” for the care and support she received throughout her treatments.

However, after BAFTA issued a tribute to the late actress, Kirstie Allsopp was unhappy that it had chosen to use the word “passing” in its statement. The organisation said on X, formerly known as Twitter: “We’re saddened to learn of the passing of Dame Penelope Keith, aged 86. A familiar face on stage and screen Keith won a BAFTA for her iconic role in the Good Life in 1997 and another for her work in The Norman Conquests and Saving It For Albie in 1978, with a further three BAFTA nominations during her career.”

However, Kirstie was not happy with this tribute. Taking to X in view of her 425,000 followers, she fumed: “It’s ‘death’, Dame Penelope died, she was an absolute national treasure, she lived & worked and was brilliant and then she died. Dame Penelope did not ‘pass’, she was not a car or a bottle of ketchup.”

She later fumed: “When did we move from saying ‘sad to hear of the death of…’ to ‘sad to hear of the passing of’? Is there any way to stop this? We are already bad enough at discussing death in the U.K.”

However, Kirstie’s response was met with mixed responses. One person said: “I think it is a choice of words that different people are comfortable with. You should use what you feel comfortable using and let others use what they prefer. Let’s not judge, it is a personal viewpoint.”

A second added: “Why would you argue with a family about how they express that.” Hitting back at criticism, Kirstie fumed: “The family issued a statement saying that Dame Penelope had ‘died while living with cancer; a particularly elegant way of addressing two issues I felt. I obviously double checked that before telling BAFTA what I felt about their statement.”

She added: “BAFTA is an organisation not a person, and as Dame Penelope’s family statement said she had died, they should have at least reflected their language.” But Jeremy Clarkson was in support of Kirstie, stating: “I loathe ‘passing’. Loathe it’

Paying tribute, Dame Penelope’s family said in full: “We are deeply saddened to announce that Dame Penelope Keith died peacefully whilst living with cancer at her home in Surrey where she had lived for more than 50 years.

“The family is grateful for the care and support she received throughout her treatments, and ask that their privacy be respected at this time.” The Good Life followed the couple Tom and Barbara Good, played by Briers and Kendal, who try to escape the rat race in their suburban house in Surbiton. They try to become self-sufficient, turning their gardens into an allotment and introducing farmyard animals, much to the horror of their neighbours – Margo and her hen-pecked husband Jerry, played by Eddington.

In one of her last TV appearances in October 2025, Penelope fronted The Good Life: Inside Out on U&Gold, looking back on the sitcom’s huge success. Dame Penelope won a BAFTA in 1977 for her role in The Good Life.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

A NUMBER of holiday companies have gone bust this year leaving British travellers with cancelled holidays.

From airlines to Claudia Winkleman-approved sailing trips, the UK has had to say goodbye to many holiday companies this year – so here’s a round-up of all the travel companies that have gone bust in 2026 so far.

Groupia Ltd

Just this week it was announced that group-based travel company Groupia Ltd has entered administration.

The company used to operate group trips such as hen and stag dos, adventure holidays and ski trips.

Any customers who have a holiday booked with the company on or before August 31 will still have their trip as planned.

However, trips from September 1 onwards have been cancelled with the company’s website sharing information on how to get a refund.

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EcoJet

Edinburgh’s EcoJet went bust despite having never launched a flight.

The planned flights included between Edinburgh and Southampton and across Europe.

The company was originally founded in 2023 and aimed to be the world’s first electric airline.

However, in May, liquidators had been appointed at the firm.

A spokesperson said: “EcoJet was a start-up business and has no material assets.

“The members have elected to fund the liquidation process to ensure that the company’s employees receive their full statutory entitlements.”

Regen Central Ltd

Regen Central Ltd used to sell package holidays to Europe and South East Asia.

However the company entered administration in January.

The company was founded in 2011 and used to have package holidays to Italy, Bali, and Thailand, as well as the Middle East, including Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

Tripsmiths (and TS Travel)

Tripsmiths and TS Travel used to operate trips across Europe including getaways to French vineyards, African safaris, Italy’s Lake Garda and city breaks.

However, the company entered administration in May.

Though, for those with trips booked with the company, bookings were being honoured and not cancelled.

Gold Crest Holidays

Also in January, Gold Crest Holidays entered liquidation.

The holiday company used to sell coach tours as well as short breaks to a number of European destinations including major cities and Disneyland Paris.

The 30-year-old company cancelled all future trips at the time of closure.

Salamander Voyages

Based in Belfast, Salamander Voyages used to sell private boat holidays in Turkey, Greece, Italy and Croatia.

According to The Gazette, administrators were appointed on April 22 after 23 years of business.

Luxury holidays with the company weren’t cheap though, costing around £3,000 per person.

Celeb Claudia Winkleman has even previously been a customer, commenting: “The holiday was absolutely amazing. The boat is beautiful and the crew were outstanding.

“The most relaxing week of our lives. We love you Salamander.”

Strachan Travel

Based in Lancashire, Strachan Travel used to operate bespoke holidays.

The company had been operating since 1983, but because they acted as an agent mainly selling holidays with tour operators such as TUI and Jet2, customers’ holidays were mainly unimpacted.

Ascend Airways

Ascend Airways entered liquidation back in April.

The Hertfordshire-based company used to be a ‘wet-lease’ airline, operating mainly out of London Gatwick, Stansted and Southend airports.

Zenith Aviation

Back in May, Zenith Aviation entered administration.

The company used to be a luxury private jet charter operator based at London Biggin Hill Airport.

Customers would include millionaires and businessmen.

Published on
30/06/2026 – 12:27 GMT+2

The EU has allocated import quotas for steel to its trading partners on Tuesday in an attempt to fight growing overcapacity from foreign producers.

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The measure comes amid rising tensions between the EU and china China, where most of the global steel surplus originates.

Seeking to shield its market from global overcapacity, EU legislators agreed last April to increase existing tariff-free steel quotas to 18.3 million tonnes per year while doubling tariffs beyond those quotas to 50 percent

The EU’s closest allies, such as the UK, Switzerland and Ukraine, are concerned that their own exports to the EU could be drastically affected by the new measures, and have heavily lobbied the European Commission in recent weeks for preferential access to the EU market.

“We are providing market participants with predictability through clear and transparent quota distribution rules, while applying a fair and objective methodology,” EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said in a statement.

Protectionist move

The protectionist move comes as global steel overcapacity is expected to grow to 721 million tonnes by 2027, according to the OECD, a volume that could threaten jobs across the entire EU steel sector.

The EU came under even greater pressure last year when the US imposed 50 percent tariffs on steel imports, rerouting the global surplus to the European market.

“They built a wall around their market, steel was hitting that wall and was coming back to our market in greater numbers,” a senior EU official said. “That is why we introduced a safeguard measure which followed an investigation.”

The EU is also fighting unfair trade practices across the board with 80 other measures already in place, among them anti-dumping duties, most of which target cheap steel imports from China.

Pressed by its closest allies to ease the measures to their benefit, the Commission announced on Tuesday that half of the 18.3 million tonnes allowed to enter its market each year will be allocated to partners bound by free trade agreements with the bloc, including India, Switzerland and the UK.

Many of the countries that have clinched a trade deal with the EU will be allocated country-specific quotas proportionate to the volumes traded with the EU between 2022 and 2024.

A special status has also been granted to Ukraine to support the country while it remains at war and ensure a certain level of exports to the EU.

Reporting from Washington — Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, President Trump’s first appointee to the Supreme Court, is proving to be a different kind of conservative.

He is a libertarian who is quick to oppose unchecked government power, even in the hands of prosecutors or the police. And he is willing to go his own way and chart a course that does not always align with the traditional views on the right or the left.

In several of the term’s biggest cases, Gorsuch voted as expected. He joined the court’s conservatives, including Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh, to reject legal challenges to partisan gerrymandering. The two Trump appointees voted in dissent to uphold the administration’s plan to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census.

In the case of whether a giant cross on a Maryland highway violated the separation of church and state, Gorsuch took the most conservative position and said lawsuits filed by people who are “offended” but not actually harmed by such things should be tossed out.

But in the last month, he also wrote several broad and bold opinions — mostly in dissent — urging the court to revive the Constitution’s protections for individual liberty. He did so while taking the side of people not usually embraced by conservative justices, including a sex offender from Maryland, an Alabama man who was prosecuted twice for carrying a gun in his car, and two African American men from Texas who were sentenced to more than 50 years in prison for robbing gas stations.

Jonathan Adler, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, calls Gorsuch “a maverick conservative with a libertarian streak. It’s remarkable that he and Kavanaugh disagreed in 30% of the term’s cases. This shows they are quite different types of conservatives.”

Earlier this year, Gorsuch wrote an opinion clearing the way for long-haul truckers to sue their employers over substandard wages, and he wrote dissents in favor of an injured railroad worker who was battling the train line over the damages he won, and a disabled construction worker fighting the Social Security Administration over disability benefits.

“Walk for a moment in Michael Biestek’s shoes,” he wrote in a dissent in the construction worker’s case that was joined by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and in part by Justice Sonia Sotomayor. “As part of your application for disability benefits, you’ve proven that you suffer from serious health problems and can’t return to your old construction job. Like many cases, yours turns on whether a significant number of other jobs remain that someone of your age, education and experience, and with your physical limitations, could perform.”

At Biestek’s hearing, an expert testifying for the agency said there were 360,000 jobs nationwide that he could perform. “Where did those numbers come from?” Gorsuch asked. When pressed about the source of this data, the expert said it came from a confidential private survey. The agency examiner ruled this evidence was good enough to justify denying Biestek’s claim, and the high court agreed by a 6-3 vote. “Count me” with the lower-court judges who were skeptical, Gorsuch said.

His most important opinion of the term came in a case that was seen as an opening salvo in the war over the “administrative state.” Conservatives have sought to rein in federal regulators, including the Environmental Protection Agency. Liberals are just as determined to defend them. The battle was fought, oddly enough, in the case of Herman Gundy, a sex offender who served five years in prison in Maryland and then moved to New York in 2012.

There, he was charged with failing to register as a sex offender as required under a law adopted by Congress in 2006, two years after his crime. The law said the “attorney general shall have the authority” to decide whether to apply the registration rule to the more than 500,000 offenders like Gundy whose crimes predated it.

Sarah Baumgartel, a federal public defender in New York, appealed Gundy’s conviction, in part, for violating “the non-delegation doctrine.” This refers to the principle that Congress may not delegate its lawmaking power to the president or executive agencies. It’s a doctrine studied in law schools, but not since 1935 has the high court struck down a law on this basis.

But she thought the appeal might interest Gorsuch and other justices, even though it had lost in every lower court. “This has been considered a dead-letter doctrine by many people. But he has a libertarian streak and a greater skepticism about federal power,” she said.

Her instinct was right. The eight-member court heard the case in the first week of October, a week before Kavanaugh was confirmed. But on June 20, the court ruled against Gundy in a splintered 5-3 decision, with Gorsuch writing a 33-page dissent in Gundy vs. U.S.

“The Constitution promises that only the people’s elected representatives may adopt new federal laws restricting liberty,” Gorsuch wrote. “Yet the statute before us scrambles that design. It purports to endow the nation’s chief prosecutor with the power to write his own criminal code governing the lives of a half-million citizens. Yes, those affected are some of the least popular among us. But if a single executive branch official can write laws restricting the liberty of this group of persons, what does that mean for the next?”

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Clarence Thomas agreed with Gorsuch. Justice Samuel A. Alito said he would be willing to accept this argument in a future case. And with Kavanaugh on board, the conservatives would have a majority.

Gorsuch was also on the losing end of an effort to reject the “dual sovereigns” doctrine that allows both the federal government and a state to prosecute a person for essentially the same crime. This double prosecution seems, to some, to conflict with the 5th Amendment, which says: “No person shall … be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy for life and limb.”

The case began in 2015 when a police officer in Mobile, Ala., pulled over Terance Gamble for a damaged headlight and found a loaded handgun in his car. Gamble had an earlier robbery conviction and pleaded guilty to state charges for having a gun in his possession. Later, federal prosecutors also charged him as a felon with a gun, and he was given three more years in prison.

The Supreme Court rejected his double-jeopardy claim on June 17, over dissents by Gorsuch and Ginsburg. “A free society does not allow its government to try the same individual for the same crime until it’s happy with the result,” Gorsuch wrote in Gamble vs. United States. “Unfortunately, the court today endorses a colossal exception to this ancient rule against double jeopardy.… The separate sovereigns was wrong when it was invented, and it remains wrong today.”

But on June 24, Gorsuch spoke for a 5-4 majority to overturn about half of 50-year prison terms given to Maurice Davis and Andre Glover of Texas for robbing four gas stations. They were convicted of the robberies and for brandishing a gun and given long prison terms. They were given an extra 25 years under a 1986 law for conspiring to engage in conduct that, “by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force” will be used.

In United States vs. Davis, Gorsuch said this part of the law is so vaguely worded that no one can tell for sure what it means. “Vague statutes threaten to hand responsibility for defining crimes to relatively unaccountable police, prosecutors and judges, eroding the people’s ability to oversee the creation of the laws they are expected to abide,” said Gorsuch, who was joined by the court’s four liberals. In dissent, Kavanaugh called the ruling a “serious mistake” and said it could mean “many dangerous offenders … might walk out of prison early.”

Brandon Beck, a federal public defender in Lubbock, Texas, who appealed on behalf of Davis, said he tailored his argument to Gorsuch because he “is very concerned by the text and the separation of powers. … He is also very independent, and I have lot of respect for that.”

Progressive lawyers stress that Gorsuch is a reliable conservative on most issues. Brianne Gorod, counsel for the Constitutional Accountability Center, said he “is like the justice he replaced — Justice Antonin Scalia — in more ways than one.”

Gorsuch’s record is exceptionally conservative, she said. But also like Scalia, he has sometimes demonstrated a willingness to part ways with his fellow conservatives in criminal justice cases. “Those votes suggest possible libertarian-liberal alliances may be something to look out for in the terms ahead,” Gorod said.

A Colorado native, Gorsuch has also tilted the court in favor of Native Americans and tribal treaties. In March, he cast the fifth vote with the liberals to rule for the Yakama tribe, which relied on a 1855 treaty in refusing to pay a fuel tax to Washington state for using its highways.

Gorsuch wrote a concurring opinion in Washington State vs. Cougar Den, joined by Ginsburg, to explain the history and closed with this passage: “Really, this case just tells an old and familiar story. The state of Washington includes millions of acres that the Yakamas ceded to the United States under pressure. In return, the government supplied a handful of modest promises. The state is now dissatisfied with the consequences of one of those promises. It is a new day, and now it wants more. But today and to its credit, the court holds the parties to the terms of their deal. It is the least we can do.”

MEXICO CITY — Mexico advances to the second round of the World Cup backed by its strong record in the group stage and a formidable fortress — Azteca Stadium — where it will host Ecuador on Tuesday at 6 p.m. PDT in a knockout match airing on Fox and Telemundo.

El Tri became the first Mexican team to win all three of its group stage matches at a World Cup — a perfect finish accompanied by fan support rarely seen before, with more than 80,000 packing Azteca Stadium for two of its games and more than 800,000 surrounding El Ángel de la Independencia statue to celebrate wins.

Coach Javier Aguirre’s third stint leading the national team, which began in 2024 amid skepticism, has sparked World Cup fever in the streets of Mexico City, which have filled with fans wearing green jerseys, along with their dogs, cats and even ducks decked out in the national team colors.

“We’re motivated, but nothing is decided yet,” Mexico forward Armando González said. “Earning points is useless because now comes the important part — do-or-die matches. We’re focused on that.”

Mexico’s Armando González controls the ball in front of South Africa’s Ime Okon during on a World Cup match on June 11 at Azteca Stadium.

(Eduardo Verdugo / Ap Photo/eduardo Verdugo)

The winner of the match will face the winner of the contest between England and Congo on July 5 at Azteca Stadium.

Mexico has also been solid on defense, keeping three clean sheets while scoring six goals.

“We respect all our opponents,” said Mexico defender Jesús Gallardo, who sat out the last group stage match against Czechia. “We know this is the World Cup and every team is playing to win. We’ve won our three matches, and we’re proud of that. But we haven’t won anything yet. Ecuador has played well. We know they’re a very dynamic, very strong team.”

Erik Lira, Raúl Jiménez and Brian Gutiérrez will join Gallardo returning to the lineup after sitting out Mexico’s last match. Gutiérrez had a yellow card and was held out against Czechia to avoid a second yellow card and suspension. Gilberto Mora, 17, started in place of Gutiérrez and had a tremendous performance.

“We have to focus on what we do on the field; we want the fans to cheer us on,” Gallardo said. “We want to bring them a lot of joy.”

Following the convincing 3-0 victory over Czechia while resting some starters, the atmosphere on the Mexican team has been very relaxed, with several videos showing the players joking around with each other. Some of them have been training together for nearly two months because Aguirre arranged a monthlong training camp ahead of the World Cup.

“That’s why these past few months have gone by so quickly. Even though they’re always joking around, we know that we have a brother right beside us who would give his life for us,” González said.

On the other side, Ecuador arrives after advancing as one of the best third-place finishers, having closing Group E competition with four points — a stark contrast to its performance in the South American qualifiers, where Ecuador finished second only to world champion Argentina.

At the World Cup, Ecuador began the tournament with a tough last-minute loss to Ivory Coast and then failed to score against debutant Curacao. But when Ecuador had its back against the wall and needed to beat Germany in the final group-stage match, it pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the German team 2-1 to secure its spot in the next round.

That inconsistency makes Ecuador a wild card.

Mexico’s Luis Romo celebrates with Jesus Gallardo, Erik Lira and Johan Vasquez after scoring against South Korea during a World Cup match at Guadalajara Stadium on June 18.

(Silvia Izquierdo / Ap Photo/silvia Izquierdo)

“That’s what life is all about — having faith, having confidence. The team is very united,” said Sebastián Beccacece, Ecuador’s Argentine coach. “We’ve always remained calm and cautious in the face of adversity.

“The team is united, obviously full of enthusiasm and energy — like all national teams — but also tired, especially due to the schedule. Still, that’s no excuse. We’re driven by enthusiasm and the desire to make history; we’ll build our efforts on these foundations.”

Ecuador has also had to move quickly to plan for the match against Mexico. Following Thursday’s victory, Ecuador didn’t know it would be facing Mexico until Saturday morning. The team tried to travel to Mexico City on Sunday, but it ran into logistical problems and had to do so on Monday.

“Traveling to the Azteca Stadium is going to be a bit of a challenge,” Agustín Delgado, the all-time leading scorer for the Ecuadorian national team, said in an interview with Claro Sports. “That ultimately takes its toll in a match of this magnitude.

“This generation has what it takes for this World Cup and another one after that. They’re very young players. They haven’t reached their full potential yet; they have a lot to give.”

Unlike the game against Czechia, altitude won’t be as big a factor, since the Ecuadorian national team plays its home games in Quito, which sits at an elevation of 9,350 feet — making it the second-highest capital city in the world and more than 2,000 feet higher than Mexico City. It also has players who compete for clubs accustomed to playing at Mexican altitudes, such as Pedro Vite of Pumas and Enner Valencia of Pachuca.

Ecuador boasts proven talent such as Moisés Caicedo of Chelsea in England; William Pacho of Paris Saint-Germain in France; Piero Hincapié of Arsenal; and Joel Ordóñez of Club Brugge in Belgium.

“It’s a close match; there are star players on both teams,” said Álex Aguinaga, a former Ecuadorian player and Liga MX legend who is now a commentator for Fox Sports. “Ecuador’s defense is much more solid; it has players who handle the defensive zone very well.

Mexico fans cheer during a World Cup game against Czechia at Azteca Stadium on June 24.

(Alex Slitz / Getty Images)

“It’s so close, but I think it’s going to come down to a single goal.”

Ecuador will also try to capitalize on the pressure stemming from the fact that Mexico has won only one match in its entire history in knockout rounds — in 1986 when it played at home against Bulgaria and won 2-0. Between 1994 and 2018, Mexico was eliminated in the second round of the World Cup on each of the last seven occasions it reached that stage.

Mexico has never lost a match at Azteca Stadium in a World Cup, and its last defeat in an official match was against Honduras in a qualifying match in 2013.

“I think right now all the opponents are going to be tough; none of them will be easy,” said Obed Vargas, an Atlético Madrid player who has come off the bench for Mexico. “We’re taking it one game at a time, but for me, we have to make it to the final.”

The Round of 32 has already delivered shocks, shootouts and scenes that will live long in World Cup memory.

After Paraguay stunned Germany and Morocco sent the Netherlands home on penalties, Tuesday brings three more games, with France, Norway and co-hosts Mexico all looking to avoid becoming the next big casualty.

Ivory Coast face Norway, France meet Sweden and Mexico take on Ecuador as three more places in the last 16 are decided.

Here is what we know:

What is Tuesday’s schedule?

• Ivory Coast vs Norway (noon/17:00 GMT) at Dallas Stadium, Texas, in the US
• France vs Sweden (5pm/21:00 GMT) at New York/New Jersey Stadium in the US
• Mexico vs Ecuador (7pm/02:00 GMT on Wednesday) at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico

What is the prediction for Ivory Coast vs Norway?

This will be the first competitive meeting between Ivory Coast and Norway.

Ivory Coast have found European opposition difficult at the World Cup while Norway have traditionally fared well against African teams. They have lost only two of their 19 meetings with CAF nations across all competitions.

The Opta supercomputer calculates Norway as the clear favourites to progress.

Across 25,000 pre-match simulations, Norway won in normal time 56.1 percent of the time, while Ivory Coast claimed victory in 21.6 percent. A draw after 90 minutes, sending the tie to extra time, occurred in 22.3 percent of simulations.

Norway are also strongly backed to reach the Round of 16 and equal their best-ever World Cup finish, while Ivory Coast will need to produce one of the tournament’s biggest upsets to keep their campaign alive.

What is the prediction for France vs Sweden?

France and Sweden are familiar opponents, having met 23 times across all competitions. France hold the advantage with 12 wins to Sweden’s six, while five matches have ended level.

Despite that long history, this will be their first-ever meeting at a FIFA World Cup.

The Opta supercomputer gives France a commanding edge heading into the Round of 32.

Across 25,000 pre-match simulations, France won in normal time 75.1 percent of the time, underlining their status as one of the tournament favourites. Sweden were victorious in just 9.5 percent of simulations, while 15.4 percent of matches were level after 90 minutes and required extra time or penalties.

What is the prediction for Mexico vs Ecuador?

Mexico and Ecuador have met only once before at the FIFA World Cup, with El Tri claiming a 2-1 victory during the group stage of the 2002 tournament.

Recent meetings have been far more evenly matched. The sides are unbeaten against each other in their last three encounters, with all three ending in draws, raising the possibility that this Round of 32 tie could be decided beyond 90 minutes.

The Opta supercomputer gives the tournament co-hosts the edge but expects a competitive contest.

Across 25,000 pre-match simulations, Mexico won in normal time 47.1 percent of the time, compared with 23.7 percent for Ecuador. A draw after 90 minutes occurred in 29.2 percent of simulations, making extra time a realistic possibility.

Factoring in extra time and penalties, Mexico’s chances of reaching the Round of 16 rise to 61 percent, while Ecuador are given a 38.9 percent probability of progressing.

Which teams have advanced to the Round of 16 and who has been eliminated?

The tournament has now moved into the Round of 32.  So far, these teams have advanced to the Round of 16:

• Canada (defeated South Africa 1-0)
• Brazil (defeated Japan 2-1)
• Paraguay (defeated Germany on penalties after a 1-1 draw)
• Morocco (defeated the Netherlands on penalties after a 1-1 draw)

What else is happening?

Morocco stuns Netherlands on penalties

Morocco beat the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout to reach the FIFA World Cup last 16 after a dramatic 1-1 draw following extra time in Monterrey.

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero, saving Crysencio Summerville’s penalty before Ismael Saibari fired home the decisive spot-kick to send Morocco through.

Morocco will now face Canada in the Round of 16 in Houston on Saturday.

The match appeared to be heading for a Dutch victory after Cody Gakpo, playing just days after he and his partner announced the loss of their unborn child, put the Netherlands ahead midway through the second half.

Gakpo’s emotional World Cup goal

Cody Gakpo broke down in tears after scoring for the Netherlands against Morocco, just two days after he and his partner announced the loss of their unborn child.

The forward chose to remain with the squad despite the tragedy and received a standing ovation from Dutch fans when he was substituted in extra time.

Saibari celebrates with his mum

A heartwarming moment goes viral as Ismael Saibari, who scored the decisive penalty kick against Netherlands, celebrates Morocco’s big win with his mother on the pitch.

Germany suffers shock early exit

Germany’s campaign came to a stunning end on Monday as Paraguay pulled off one of the greatest upsets in tournament history, winning a dramatic Round of 32 tie on penalties.

Paraguay took a deserved 1-0 lead into half-time after Julio Enciso headed home from Matias Galarza’s cross in the 42nd minute.

Germany responded eight minutes into the second half when Kai Havertz glanced in Florian Wirtz’s cross to level the match at 1-1.

With neither side able to find a winner in extra time, the tie went to penalties. Havertz missed Germany’s opening spot-kick and the Germans failed to convert three of their five attempts, allowing Paraguay to seal a famous 4-3 shootout victory and book their place in the last 16.

Paraguay declares national holiday after stunning Germany

Paraguay President Santiago Pena declared Tuesday a national holiday after the country’s shock penalty shootout victory over Germany secured a place in the FIFA World Cup last 16.

Paraguay stunned the four-time world champions 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time on Monday, pulling off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.

Paraguay became the second South American nation to declare a national holiday after a surprise World Cup victory over Germany. Ecuador was the first, doing so after its 2-1 group-stage win over the four-time champions.

Translation: Giant Paraguay! Today, an entire country celebrates. It celebrates the victory of a team that represents the deepest part of our identity: the grit, the faith, and the strength of a people who never give up. Thank you, Albirroja, for gifting us this immense joy and for once again uniting millions of Paraguayans under the same flag. Decree No. 6280: the best things are worth the wait. Let’s go Paraguay! 

US homeland security chief celebrates Iran’s exit

US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said he “danced a happy dance” after Iran were eliminated from the World Cup.

Iran missed out on the Round of 32 on goal difference after a stoppage-time winner against Egypt was ruled out for offside, with their elimination confirmed when Algeria and Austria drew 3-3 on Sunday.

Speaking during a World Cup briefing on Monday, Mullin said he was “glad they’re done, and they’re not coming back”, adding he was happy when Iran’s visas were revoked and the team left US soil. He also said Iran had required more attention from US authorities than any other team at the tournament.

The comments add to Mullin’s public dispute with the Iranian team. Earlier in the tournament, he alleged members of Iran’s travelling delegation had attempted to bring someone with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps into the United States, an accusation the Iran Football Federation dismissed as “false, fabricated and entirely baseless.”

THERE’s a beach in one of Europe’s most up-and-coming holiday destinations that makes you feel like you’re in the Caribbean or Thailand.

Montenegro is on everyone’s radar this year as a holiday destination, thanks to new British Airways and Jet2 flights.

And one of the big spots to visit in Montenegro is the seaside town of Budva, one of the original tourist resorts.

Yet most tourists may not realise it has a lesser-popular beach away from the crowds – if you know where to look.

The main beach of the town is Mogren I beach, which can only be reached by a winding footpath through the cliffs.

However, most tourists stop there, not knowing that the local-loved beach is hidden around the corner.

GOING COASTAL

English region nicknamed ‘Cotswolds by the coast’ with beautiful villages

STAYCAY SECRET

One of England’s best Blue Flag beaches that is ‘like visiting the Maldives’

Mogren II beach is even harder to get through, via rickety iron bridge through a rock tunnel.

Yet it is worth the walk. I was greeted by bright blue waters not unlike some of the ones I had recently seen in Krabi, as well as quiet stretches of coastline.

I was there at 8am in the morning and not only did I skip the crowds, but I will enjoyed the already-soaring 29C temperatures.

While not sand – its actually very tiny white pebbles – I still felt like I had been transported somewhere much more tropical.

You can even rent sunloungers for the day which range from £10-£20 a day which includes two sunbeds and an umbrella.

And right behind these is Mogren Beach Bar, serving everything from cocktails to food, either meals or snacks to be taken to your lounger.

Prefer a shady beach? Visit after 3pm as the cliffs then hide most of the sunshine.

Other tourists agreed, with one on Tripadvisor calling it the “one of the best beaches in Europe“.

Another wrote: “One of the beautiful beaches I ever visited.”

To get to Budva, you can fly from the UK with British Airways, easyJet or Jet2 to Tivat, with it another 30 minutes by bus or car.

Here are some other things you can do in Montenegro this summer.