WASHINGTON — Cameron Hamilton, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency, pledged to senators Wednesday to be “fair and reasonable” in assessing requests for disaster aid as he seeks to run an agency roiled by the administration’s threats to dismantle it.
Hamilton appeared before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs at a hearing where lawmakers assessed a group of 10 nominees for administration posts.
“My focus will be to ensure that FEMA is objective, is fair and reasonable, follows the law, and is consistent” in how it reviews disaster declaration requests, Hamilton told Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, the top Democrat on the committee. Peters had asked about partisanship in granting major disaster declarations.
Hamilton had a brief tenure as FEMA’s temporary leader early last year but was ousted after defending the agency’s existence. At a House hearing in May 2025, he said he did not “believe it is in the best interest of the American people to eliminate” FEMA. He was fired the next day.
His nomination comes as the Republican administration has increasingly signaled it is backing away from promises to dismantle an agency that the president has heavily criticized.
If confirmed, he would be FEMA’s first permanent administrator in Trump’s second term. He will need to lead FEMA through what is expected to be a busy summer disaster season, while answering to Trump, who is likely to expect major changes after a council he appointed recommended sweeping moves at the agency that is part of the Department of Homeland Security.
Hamilton distanced himself from some FEMA controversies
Nominees did not give opening statements, but Hamilton received the bulk of lawmakers’ questions while appearing with four others in the first half of the hearing.
His answers suggested a departure from some of the more aggressive policies considered and enacted during Kristi Noem’s turbulent leadership at DHS. FEMA’s workforce has been worn down by mass staff departures, policies that hamstrung operations and a protracted DHS shutdown.
Hamilton expressed faith in the FEMA staff and praised the recent opening of 350 positions to counteract some of the cuts. He said that if confirmed by the Senate, he would do what he could to speed up disaster declaration decisions and reimbursements to states, tribes and territories.
“We owe you answers, I think, much faster,” he told Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo), adding that many FEMA processes needed to be simplified.
Hamilton disavowed a recommendation he included in an April 2025 memo to quadruple the threshold of financial damages a state needed to prove to receive FEMA public assistance. He also noted the importance of resilience funding, despite halting billions in resilience grants during his previous tenure.
Republican and Democratic senators at the hearing expressed support for FEMA’s mission, despite Trump’s early threats to eliminate it. “I think what your agency does is hugely important,” Hawley told Hamilton.
But multiple Democrats echoed Peters’ concern that Trump was approving far more disaster declaration requests from Republican states than Democratic ones.
Of the state disaster declaration requests Trump answered through the end of May, he approved about 82% from states that voted for him in the last election and 44% from states that voted for Democrat Kamala Harris, according to an analysis of public FEMA data by Andrew Rumbach, senior fellow at the nonpartisan think tank Urban Institute.
Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL, has never worked as a state or local emergency manager and has publicly criticized FEMA in the past. He has held positions at DHS and the State Department related to emergency response.
No senator questioned Hamilton’s suitability for the position.
Federal law requires the FEMA administrator to have “a demonstrated ability in and knowledge of emergency management and homeland security” and at least five years of “executive leadership and management experience.”
Criticism over hearing format
Peters criticized the committee chairman, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), for scheduling so many nominees at once, saying that made it more difficult for senators to properly screen them.
“The lineup today severely limits our ability to have transparency for the American public,” Peters said. He noted that Hamilton was among two nominees whose FBI background investigations were not yet complete, and that two others had not submitted their financial disclosure reports.
Others who appeared included Trump’s pick for deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, Hal Duncan, and administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, David Cummins.
Paul said the committee would only vote on the nominees when their financial and background checks were complete.
The first six days of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are over, with the U.S. and Mexico each winning their group stage openers. However, several teams in the World Cup field are still looking to hit the competitive pitch for the first time.
Here’s everything you need to know about matches being played on Wednesday and Thursday in the 48-team tournament across the U.S., Mexico and Canada (all times Pacific).
Wednesday’s Group K games:
Portugal vs. DR Congo
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring during a World Cup qualifying match on Oct. 14.
The buzz: The Democratic Republic of the Congo is back in the World Cup for the first time since 1974 — when the country was known as Zaire — and in its first game it faces fifth-ranked Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo, the greatest goal scorer in soccer history. Ronaldo, 41, is playing in the tournament for a sixth time, and this likely is his last chance to win the one prize that has eluded him — a World Cup title.
As for the Congo, it qualified by beating Jamaica in extra time of an inter-confederation playoff in March. But its final pretournament tuneup, with Chile this month, was canceled in Spain because of health concerns linked to the Ebola outbreak in Congo, then relocated to France, where Les Leopards lost 2-1. Before that, the team’s only two losses in the last year had been to World Cup qualifiers Senegal and Algeria.
Uzbekistan vs. Colombia
Uzbekistan’s Eldor Shomurodov controls the ball during an international friendly against the U.S. in September 2023.
The buzz: Uzbekistan, a former Soviet republic, is another first-time World Cup qualifier, having punched its ticket for the tournament by finishing second to Iran in its Asian Confederation qualifying group. Its best player is forward Eldor Shomurodov, the team’s all-time leader in goals and the active leader in appearances who shared the lead in Turkey’s Super Lig with 22 scores this season.
Colombia is returning to the World Cup after missing the 2022 tournament. That led to the hiring of Argentine manager Néstor Lorenzo, who guided Colombia to a 28-game unbeaten streak between 2022 and 2024.
Wednesday’s Group L games:
England vs. Croatia
England’s Harry Kane takes part in a team training session on Saturday.
The buzz: The last time these teams met in the World Cup was in the 2018 semifinals, where Croatia won in extra time. Since making its first World Cup as an independent country in 1998, Croatia has finished third or better three times, making the final in 2018 and the semifinals in 1998 and 2022. Only France has fared better in the last two tournaments. England, a quarterfinalist in Qatar, made the final of the last two European Championships and, like Croatia, comes into this tournament with an aging core led by captain Harry Kane, England’s all-time leader in goals.
Ghana vs. Panama
Panama’s Ismael Diaz, center, controls the ball during an international friendly against Brazil in May.
(Silvia Izquierdo / Associated Press)
Where: BMO Field, Toronto Time: 4 p.m. TV: FS1, Telemundo
The buzz: Panama made its first World Cup appearance in 2018, and seven players from that team are back looking for their first win in the tournament. Prolific goalscorer Ismael Diaz is one of those holdovers as is San Diego FC midfielder Anibal Godoy, the team captain. Ghana, meanwhile, has qualified for five of the last six World Cups but hasn’t gone beyond the group stage since 2010. Its best player is Leicester City forward Jordan Ayew, Ghana’s all-time leader in caps and its active leader in goals.
Thursday’s Group A games:
Czechia vs. South Africa
Czechia’s Ladislav Krejci, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring against South Korea on June 11.
(Matias Delacroix / Associated Press)
Where: Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta Time: 9 a.m. TV: Fox, Telemundo
The buzz: Both teams lost their openers, meaning neither can afford another setback. But South Africa will be without two key players in midfielders Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane, who both drew red cards in the team’s loss to Mexico. Ladislav Krejci’s second-half goal gave Czechia the lead briefly in its loss to South Korea. It was the country’s first World Cup lead since a 3-0 win over the U.S. in group play in 2006.
Mexico vs. South Korea
Mexico’s Raúl Jiménez celebrates after scoring against South Africa at the World Cup on June 11.
The buzz: After both teams opened their World Cup with wins, a victory here likely will mean advancing to the knockout rounds as the group champion. Mexico has a one-goal lead in goal differential but will be facing South Korea without defender César Montes, who drew a silly red card in stoppage time of El Tri’s win over South Africa.
Thursday’s Group B games:
Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Switzerland’s Breel Embolo scores on a penalty shot against Qatar at the World Cup on June 13.
The buzz: Switzerland dominated its first game, outshooting Qatar 26-6 and putting seven tries on target. But it dropped two important points on an own goal deep in stoppage time, turning a potential 1-0 win into a 1-1 draw. Despite all that offense, Switzerland’s only goal came on Breel Embolo’s penalty shot. Bosnia also let a lead — built on Jovo Lukic’s header in the 21st minute — get away late in its draw with Canada.
Canada vs. Qatar
Canada’s Cyle Larin (9) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Bosnia-Herzegovina at the World Cup on June 12.
The buzz: Cyle Larin scored two minutes after coming off the bench late in the second half of Canada’s opener, giving the country its first point in a World Cup match. A win against Qatar almost certainly would be enough to see Canada through to the second round, but the team once again will be without its best player, injured winger Alphonso Davies. Qatar also earned its first World Cup point against Switzerland, with keeper Mahmud Abunada making five saves, enabling the team to draw on an own goal in stoppage time.
Under the MOU, an initial 60-day negotiation period, which can be extended, will begin once the preliminary agreement is signed.
Published On 17 Jun 202617 Jun 2026
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has said that the signing of a memorandum of understanding in Switzerland, expected to take place on Friday, could take place in the presence of President Masoud Pezeshkian and Donald Trump.
Previously, Iran had said that Washington and Tehran would be represented by Vice President JD Vance and Parliament Speaker and top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, respectively.
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On Wednesday, ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told reporters that Iran’s plans “for the Swiss summit have not changed”.
“Regarding the manner of signing the memorandum of understanding, one of the ideas is for it to be done by the presidents of the two countries, which is currently being considered,” he added.
Speaking at the G7 summit in France earlier, Trump said he expected the agreement with Iran to be signed “shortly” without specifying the exact date.
“The deal we reached with Iran on Sunday will be signed shortly, tomorrow [Thursday], maybe the next day [Friday],” Trump told a news conference after previous announcements that it would be signed on Friday in Switzerland.
Hormuz to be ‘restored to normal’
In a statement, Baghaei added that maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz will be restored to normal within a defined timeframe, while insisting that outside powers will have no role in the process and that managing that process would be handled by Iran alone.
“This is our own task, and we alone will do it, and there will be no need for participation or intervention from other parties,” he stated.
“Iran and Oman will cooperate to develop a mechanism for managing the Strait of Hormuz, and we will exchange views with other countries in the region wherever necessary.
He said that Iran and the US agreed to “negotiate a final agreement within 60 days”, adding that the naval blockade “must end within 30 days.
A senior US official, briefing reporters on Wednesday, said the MOU establishes a new “minimum” threshold for downblending Iran’s stock of highly enriched uranium and contains measures aimed at safeguarding Lebanon’s “territorial integrity” following Israel’s latest strikes on Hezbollah inside the country.
In exchange, Washington would move to waive, though not fully lift, some of its broad sanctions on Iran once the agreement is signed.
The US-drafted text also guarantees toll-free transit through the Strait of Hormuz for a period of just 60 days, and leaves open the possibility that transit fees could be imposed later, the official added on condition of anonymity.
Rangers have appointed Derek McInnes as manager on a three-year contract after agreeing a compensation deal with Scottish Premiership rivals Hearts.
McInnes is the third boss at Ibrox inside a year and replaces Danny Rohl, whose move to Austrian side RB Salzburg was confirmed earlier on Wednesday.
The 54-year-old joined Hearts from Kilmarnock last summer and led the Tynecastle club to a second-placed finish, missing out on the title to Celtic on a dramatic final day, but edging Rangers out of the Champions League qualifiers.
The former Rangers midfielder turned down an approach from the Ibrox club in December 2017 in order to stay at Aberdeen but has now followed Tynecastle captain Lawrence Shankland in moving from Hearts.
“It is a real honour,” McInnes said. “The demands here are clear and our supporters rightfully have high expectations. It is up to me, my staff and my players to meet those expectations, and have this club performing as it should.
“There is a lot of hard work ahead, but already the preparations have begun and I am looking forward to meeting the current squad in the coming weeks and welcoming some new faces.”
Alan Archibald, Paul Sheerin and Craig Clark will assist McInnes.
While Rohl was head coach, McInnes will have the title of manager and was the frontrunner as soon as it emerged that the German was keen to leave for Salzburg.
Chairman Andrew Cavenagh said the Scot is “someone we have always rated highly” and is “exactly what this club needs at this moment in time”.
He added: “His deep Scottish and Rangers experience are important for us. He knows how to win in this league, and he is coming off an extremely strong season with Hearts.”
Rohl, 37, replaced Russell Martin as head coach in October and steered Rangers into a three-way title fight, but a post-split collapse yielded a third-placed finish behind Celtic and Hearts as the Ibrox club ended the campaign without silverware.
Cavenagh – who publicly backed Rohl at the end of the season – thanked him for his “service and commitment to Rangers”.
“He and his staff put in a significant amount of hard work during his time in charge, which we are greatly appreciative of,” he added.
Before the lights dim and the trailers roll, moviegoers will start to see microdrama ads in movie theaters.
National CineMedia (NCM), the company responsible for the pre-show programming on the big screen, announced a new partnership with AI-native microseries studio aTwist on Wednesday. The company will begin advertising aTwist’s upcoming slate of vertical series in theaters later this summer.
“Movie theaters have always been where people go to lose themselves in storytelling,” Mike Rosen, NCM’s chief revenue officer, said in a statement. “This partnership brings new, exciting content to the pre-show experience, and gives brands the opportunity to speak more authentically to an audience that is naturally drawn to compelling, innovative content.”
The partnership was first reported by the Hollywood Reporter.
The deal will feature brand-sponsored series, previews of aTwist originals and a QR code that will take viewers directly to the aTwist platform.
These advertisements will be integrated into NCM’s regular programming, which spans more than 18,500 screens in over 1,650 theaters nationwide. The advertiser works with major movie chains such as AMC, Cinemark and Regal, across 185 markets. NCM was founded in 2002 and is best known for its “Noovie” preshow hosted by Maria Menounos.
ATwist is set to launch later this summer. The Los Angeles-based company, founded by former Hollywood executives Jana Winograde, Susan Rovner and Lloyd Braun, is entering an increasingly competitive format.
Microdramas, which originated in China, have continued to gain traction in the U.S. Some of the industry’s major players include ReelShort and DramaBox. The short-form content, engineered for a vertical phone screen, has drawn comparisons to a new addictive form of soap opera. The vertical video market is expected to generate around $150 billion in revenue this year, according to media consulting firm Owl & Co.
Brands such as Marc Jacobs and Crocs have already positioned the storytelling format as a way to advertise new products and reach new audiences.
By advertising to moviegoers, aTwist is hoping to distinguish itself among its competitors.
“We built aTwist around the belief that great storytelling should meet audiences wherever they are,” Winograde, aTwist’s chief executive officer, said in a statement.
“There is no better partner than NCM to introduce microseries to moviegoers and bring our storytelling into one of the most immersive entertainment environments.”
A former top officer of the Los Angeles Fire Department’s labor union was arrested Wednesday and charged with grand theft and forgery for allegedly stealing more than $82,000 from a charity for injured firefighters.
Prosecutors from the state attorney general’s office announced the charges against Adam Walker, former secretary of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, at a news conference.
Walker “abused a position of trust for personal gain,” Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta said alongside Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman.
Walker opened a foundation bank account and transferred funds to his personal accounts, Bonta said, attempting to conceal those transfers with fake reimbursement records and forging receipts to mislead auditors. He used the funds for personal expenses, including online gambling, Bonta said.
Walker has been under scrutiny since 2024, when the local union’s parent organization, the International Assn. of Fire Fighters, suspended him from his union position and accused him of improperly depositing more than $75,000 of the charity’s funds into his personal accounts from December 2022 to January 2024. The IAFF accused him of using $5,000 for personal expenses.
Walker, who continued to work as a firefighter, told The Times last year that those allegations were false. He said the account he drew from was not for the charity, the UFLAC Fire Foundation, but was set up for two golf tournaments to raise money for a disabled former firefighter. He said all of the deposits were reimbursements for his legitimate out-of-pocket expenses for the tournaments.
“Not one penny of the money was foundation money,” he said. He said he understood that the deposits “look bad” but were a reflection of his “poor bookkeeping” and not any wrongdoing.
The Washington D.C.-based IAFF also suspended Walker from his positions as chairman and director of the foundation, which aids injured firefighters and their families, provides scholarships and is helping firefighters who lost their homes in the January fires.
However, it is understood England manager Thomas Tuchel is likely to select Bellingham, 22, for Wednesday’s Group L encounter in Dallas (21:00 BST).
The Real Madrid star is expected to have Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest alongside him in midfield.
Elsewhere, Ezri Konsa is likely to get the nod at centre-half alongside John Stones – with Marc Guehi in line to start on the bench.
Reece James and Nico O’Reilly are set to start at full-back.
Harry Kane will captain the side and lead the attack. Anthony Gordon is expected to play on the left wing with Noni Madueke in line to play on the right in place of Bukayo Saka, who is working his way back to full fitness from Achilles tendinitis.
June 17 (UPI) — Peru’s Ministry of Culture denounced the total destruction of the Triple Spiral pre-Hispanic geoglyph, a figure more than 1,000 years old linked to water worship, located within a protected archaeological zone in the north of the country.
The agency said specialists and National Police officers confirmed the intentional removal of the geoglyph through manual alteration of the terrain in the Quebrada Santo Domingo Archaeological Zone, in the district of Laredo, La Libertad region, about 350 miles north of Lima.
1,000 AÑOS DE HISTORIA BORRADOS EN UN INSTANTE
El geoglifo prehispánico conocido como “Triple Espiral”, un patrimonio cultural con más de 1,000 años de antigüedad, fue destruido de manera intencional en la región de La Libertad, Perú.
“The sequence of events suggests that this attack may constitute retaliation against the recovery and protection actions carried out by the state in defense of cultural heritage,” the ministry said in a statement.
The destruction occurred just days after an operation conducted by cultural, municipal and police authorities to evict illegal occupants who had installed makeshift structures within the Quebrada Santo Domingo Archaeological Zone.
During the operation, authorities removed improvised shacks and fences and detected suspected illegal agricultural activities inside the protected area. They are also investigating the possible clandestine installation of pipelines to extract water from the Chavimochic canal, one of Peru’s most important irrigation and hydraulic infrastructure megaprojects.
Authorities also identified five individuals who claimed to be guarding the land on behalf of an alleged possessor. The Decentralized Directorate of Culture said those individuals are part of the investigation being conducted by prosecutors.
The Triple Spiral was considered one of the principal archaeological symbols of Quebrada Santo Domingo.
The figure measured more than 65 feet meters in length and 19 feet in width and had been associated by researchers with ceremonial practices related to the management and worship of water among pre-Hispanic societies on Peru’s northern coast.
Sandra Barrantes, deputy director of the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of La Libertad, described the incident as an “irreparable loss” for Peru and for the world’s cultural heritage, according to Noticias RPP.
Prosecutors have opened an investigation to identify those responsible and determine possible administrative, civil and criminal penalties.
Quebrada Santo Domingo covers more than 1,500 hectares protected by the state and preserves evidence of human occupation from approximately 11,000 years ago through the 15th century.
#COMUNICADO | El Ministerio de Cultura, a través de la Dirección Desconcentrada de Cultura de La Libertad, expresa su más enérgico rechazo y condena la destrucción total del geoglifo prehispánico Triple Espiral. pic.twitter.com/cEXEeoSFH8— Ministerio de Cultura (@MinCulturaPe) June 15, 2026
The complex contains petroglyphs, ceremonial roads and remains associated with the Cupisnique, Moche and Chimu cultures.
According to the Ministry of Culture, the Triple Spiral was one of the site’s most representative features, and its cultural significance had been compared to that of the famous Nazca geoglyphs in southern Peru. Its destruction completely erased archaeological evidence linked to the worship and management of water in ancient societies on Peru’s northern coast.
Mangione would face lighter sentencing if jury accepts he was in a state of ‘extreme emotional disturbance’ during act.
Published On 17 Jun 202617 Jun 2026
Luigi Mangione, the man suspected of fatally shooting United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City, will argue a psychiatric defence during his trial.
Judge Gregory Carro said on Wednesday that Mangione’s lawyers informed him that they will assert that their client was in a state of “extreme emotional disturbance” when he allegedly carried out the shooting in December 2024.
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New York state allows murder defendants to make the case that they cannot be held fully responsible for their actions because they were in a state of extreme emotional disturbance at the time of the killing.
Thompson’s slaying, which took place outside a hotel in midtown Manhattan, shocked the United States public. Grainy footage of the act quickly spread across social media.
It also drew attention to the widespread anger over sky-high healthcare prices. Police have said that the terms “delay”, “deny”, and “depose” were written on the suspect’s ammunition, a reference to how health insurance companies avoid paying claims.
If the jury concludes that Mangione was emotionally disturbed at the time of the alleged act, it could move to convict him of manslaughter rather than murder. Such a conviction generally results in a lighter sentence.
Relying on a claim of emotional disturbance means that Mangione would effectively admit that he carried out the act, but that he did so under circumstances of impaired judgement. It differs from an insanity plea, which would allow Mangione to serve his sentence in a psychiatric facility rather than a prison.
Mangione, who sat between two of his lawyers dressed in a blue suit, is set to go to state trial on September 8. The 28-year-old has previously pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges in connection to the killing.
His federal trial, which includes stalking charges, is set to begin on October 13. He faces a potential life in prison if convicted in either case.
US District Judge Margaret Garnett, who is overseeing the federal case, threw out murder and weapons charges against Mangione on technical grounds in January. That ruling eliminated the possibility of Mangione facing the death penalty.
MOLLIE’S is the brand that’s making budget travel chic.
There’s only one problem with its new Manchester site… it’s so fun that you won’t want to leave. So here’s everything you need to know about staying there.
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There are several room styles including bunks and doublesCredit: Unknown
Where is Mollie’s Manchester?
Unlike its two sister hotels in Oxfordshire and Bristol – both of which sit roadside and a short drive from the main hub of the city – the Manchester joint is slap bang in the city centre, close to the upmarket Deansgate area.
It’s a 15 or so minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly train station.
What’s it like?
This is the first hotel in the budget-luxe chain not to operate as a motel and has a slightly more sophisticated feel to it.
You’ll likely spot locals popping in for coffee on their way to the shops, or mooching about in the very stylish lobby-cum-cafe where the atmosphere is reminiscent of a cool, unstuffy members club.
All have the exact same Scandi-esque look no matter which county you’re staying in – think light wooden panels and eccentric lamps.
The Manchester hotel features a couple of roomier options like the Studio, which comes with a lounge and freestanding tub, and several giant suites that boast a proper kitchen and living room plus an in-room Peloton bike.
Other options include doubles, twins and four-person bunk rooms.
Mollie’s diner serves American grub including fricklesCredit: Supplied
What is there to eat and drink?
The American-style motel theme runs strong in the kitchen, with a knock-out menu of burgers, hot dogs and milkshakes at the onsite diner.
Dishes are filling so make sure to come hungry.
I tried the frickles – fried pickles – which came with a zingy dipping sauce and reminded me of the ones I ate in America’s Deep South.
Brekkie is a similar affair: pancakes stacked high and dripping in maple syrup and fry-ups that are piled with some of the best hash browns I’ve ever eaten – fluffy inside, wonderfully crispy on the outside.
What else is there to do?
The hotel has a cool, unstuffy members club feel to itCredit: Supplied
Don’t forget to book yourself into the downstairs cocktail bar where the atmosphere is sexy and sultry.
Studio IV rather accurately describes itself as a “lively living room” – plush velvet sofas are framed around a stage where DJs and jazz musicians perform.
It’s got somewhat of a secret speakeasy vibe to it, with dark corners to cosy up in and space for people to boogie.
The cocktails are very fun and staff are extremely attentive.
How much is Mollie’s Manchester?
Rooms cost from £90 per night.
Rooms are well decorated in a Scandi styleCredit: Supplied
Is it family friendly?
Yes, very much so.
There are plenty of adjoining rooms with twin and double options, as well as bunk rooms that are great for families with more than two kids.
There’s a children’s menu at the diner and games in the lobby that kids will love
Is there access for guests with disabilities?
Yes there are accessible rooms and toilets in the public areas, as well as lifts to all floors.
Red Dwarf star Chris Barrie is set to return to the beloved comedy series as narrator of new prequel
18:26, 17 Jun 2026Updated 18:27, 17 Jun 2026
The Red Dwarf star is set to return to the beloved comedy universe
(Image: UKTV)
A Red Dwarf star has expressed his delight after being confirmed to return to the cherished comedy series.
Chris Barrie is making his way back to the Red Dwarf universe, having been announced as the narrator for the audiobook of the new spin-off novel, Red Dwarf: Titan.
The actor, who famously portrayed Arnold Rimmer in the cult sci-fi comedy, will voice the latest book, written by Red Dwarf co-creator Rob Grant and Andrew Marshall, reports Radio Times.
Discussing his latest project, Chris said: “I am finding Red Dwarf: Titan to be a very entertaining read. Recording any audiobook is always a challenge with so many characters to cover.
“But Red Dwarf: Titan, loaded as it is with laugh-out-loud lines and situations, is simply a joy!”, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The star added: “I’m delighted that the portrayer of Arnold J Rimmer himself, the fabulous multi-voiced Chris Barrie will be reading the audiobook of Red Dwarf Titan.
“And I’m certain that Rob would be too. In fact we would be noisily competing as to whom was the most delighted. Currently that’s me.”
Besides his iconic portrayal of Rimmer throughout Red Dwarf’s 13 series, Chris previously narrated the first two Red Dwarf novels: Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers (1992) and Better Than Life (1995).
Red Dwarf: Titan will serve as a prequel to the BBC sci-fi comedy, which followed Craig Charles’s Dave Lister who wakes after three million years to find he’s the last remaining human.
His sole companions are a hologram of his deceased bunkmate, Arnold Rimmer (Chris Barrie), and a humanoid creature descended from his pet cat (Danny John-Jules).
In conversation with Radio Times just weeks before his death, co-writer Grant revealed of the novel: “It’s Lister and Rimmer before the accident on shore leave on Titan.
“It’s set one universe to the side, so we can have familiar characters but we can do different things with them, because the difficulty was writing something that was going to be original and fresh and using the same characters without breaking the canon. “.
He further disclosed that the tale would see Lister and Rimmer “get a message from the far future warning them that all realities are going to collapse unless they do something about it.
“Grant also assured us that Red Dwarf’s signature silliness is back in full force, with the writer promising that fans will “laugh their little chippers off”.”
Red Dwarf is available to stream on BBC iPlayer and Red Dwarf: Titan will publish in hardback, ebook and audio on July 16
WASHINGTON — President Trump’s remodeled Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool with its “American flag blue” bottom has turned chartreuse from an algal bloom that park service workers struggled to address Tuesday just days after its more than $14 million renovation.
The Washington Monument is once again visible in the refilled pool, but Trump’s vision of an azure expanse between the D.C. landmarks has been complicated by the harsh realities of chemistry and biology known to any backyard pool owner. The work has been confounded by the unique challenges posed by the scale of the structure, bigger than 10 Olympic-sized pools — which Trump has called a lake — and the source of its water: the often-fetid Tidal Basin.
Algae has plagued the site since it opened more than 100 years ago, but Trump set his sights on addressing it as part of his aggressive push to beautify Washington as the country approaches its 250th anniversary. Contracts worth at least $14.8 million have been awarded for the project, announced in April by Trump, who said he was inspired by complaints from a friend visiting from Germany who called the pool dark and disgusting.
Teams of National Park Service employees and contractors deployed chemicals and ozone nanobubbles Tuesday in a bid to keep the algae in check, not dissimilar from efforts to clean the pool before Trump’s renovation kicked off.
“What do you expect?” asked Cochise Wanzer II, president of the Pool Service Company in Arlington, Virginia. “You’re basically taking natural, untreated river water, pumping it in and expecting it to do something different from what it would do out in the open.”
And the new coat of paint on the bottom of the pool has added an additional twist to ensuring the cleanliness of one of Washington’s most memorable destinations: “Now that the bottom is nice and dark, it elevates the temperature and the algae grows better,” said Wanzer.
The chemicals and ozone nanobubbles — a water purification treatment used to avoid some harsh chemicals — were one part of the effort underway to clean the Reflecting Pool. Workers used a swimming pool-type vacuum cleaner to suck up algae from the bottom, leaving behind clean patches of American Flag Blue paint adjacent to enormous swaths of green algae in a pattern familiar to anyone who has ever vacuumed a carpet before.
The park service said in a statement it is also using hydrogen peroxide, a milder treatment than chlorine and one used in spas and natural swimming pools. “There are no harmful side effects to marine life or to the environment,” it said.
As the mitigation work continued, a contractor took off his socks and shoes and rolled up his pants to his knees and proceeded to wade into the pool to place an ozone nanobubble tube as tourists and locals milled about on a sunny morning.
Rick and Ariana Pettit, a couple from Las Vegas who are road tripping in their RV across the United States, posed for photos at the iconic site of protests and marches as cleaning continued. Dressed in American flag-themed leggings and a Make America Great Again leotard, Pettit remarked to her husband, attired in an “Veteran for Trump” American flag button-up: “Look, it’s already looking more blue.”
Wanzer was blunt in his assessment of what it would take to maintain the pool as an algae-free space: “They may want to drain it, hose it all down, and start from the beginning with fresh water and treat it as the water comes in.”
Australia and India continued their dominance at the Women’s T20 World Cup as they thrashed Bangladesh and the Netherlands respectively.
Australia, who hammered 2024 runners-up South Africa in their opening match, overpowered Bangladesh with bat and ball at Headingley, racing to their target of 78 with 10.3 overs to spare.
Fast bowler Kim Garth set the early tone, removing both openers as Bangladesh slumped to 27-5.
They barely recovered from that, eventually limping to 77-8 with Sophie Molineux and Ellyse Perry also taking two wickets each.
Australia, who were missing injured opening batter Phoebe Litchfield and all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, raced to their target in style as Georgia Voll hammered 45 not out off 32 balls, including one glorious straight six.
The six-time winners face the Netherlands at Southampton on Saturday and Pakistan at Headingley on Tuesday.
Litchfield is expected to miss both matches, but Australia hope she will be fit for their final group game against India on 28 June.
Gardner missed the Bangladesh game with an ankle sprain and no timeline has been set for her return.
Trump says plan to keep controversial acting DNI head, Bill Pulte, in role as he pushes for surveillance, voter ID law.
United States President Donald Trump has delayed the confirmation of his nominee for director of national intelligence (DNI), while calling for lawmakers to pass legislation on surveillance and voter identification requirements.
Trump made the announcement in a Truth Social post on Wednesday, saying he planned to keep acting DNI Bill Pulte in the role and postpone the confirmation of his nominee, Jay Clayton.
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Clayton had been scheduled to appear for a Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday afternoon before Trump forced the delay by directing him to not appear.
The president cited his desire to pressure Democrats to pass a controversial surveillance law and a measure requiring voter identification, as well as his wish not to remove Clayton from his post as federal prosecutor until his replacement was confirmed.
“In the meantime, Bill Pulte will remain as the Acting Director of National Intelligence,” Trump said.
The US president’s nomination last week of Clayton had been a welcome relief to many lawmakers, including prominent Republicans, who raised concerns about Pulte and his lack of experience.
A Trump loyalist and housing official, Pulte had never held intelligence or military positions. The DNI oversees Washington’s 18-agency intelligence community.
Clayton, in contrast, currently serves in what is considered one of the Department of Justice’s most prestigious posts: He works as the US attorney for the southern district of New York in Manhattan.
The DNI vacancy emerged after Tulsi Gabbard announced her resignation in May, citing her husband’s cancer treatment.
FISA and voter identification
Clayton’s confirmation was meant to be fast-tracked to win Democrats’ support for a controversial provision of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which is currently up for renewal.
Section 702 of the law allows spy agencies to collect the communications of targeted foreigners located outside the US without first acquiring a warrant. Civil rights advocates have condemned the tool, saying it exposes US citizens to the government indirectly collecting their data.
Democrats had pledged not to renew the provision if Pulte remained in his role.
In his post, Trump maintained that Clayton could be confirmed before the vote on FISA, giving Democrats the opportunity to change their position.
Trump also added another condition, saying he would not approve FISA without lawmakers also passing a law requiring voter IDs in US elections. The legislation has been a key priority for Trump in advance of the midterm elections in November, but he has not been able to overcome a 60-vote threshold in the Senate.
“Therefore, to add a slight bit of intrigue but, for the Good of the Nation, and the People of our Country, I will not approve FISA without THE SAVE AMERICA ACT going along with it,” Trump said in his Truth Social post.
Despite the statements, Republican Senator Tom Cotton, the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, initially said he would proceed with Clayton’s confirmation hearing on Wednesday unless Trump withdrew his nomination or ordered him not to appear.
Trump ultimately did direct Clayton to skip the hearing. That, in turn, forced Cotton to postpone the hearing. Afterwards, the senator issued a statement expressing regret at the circumstances.
“It’s regrettable that the president has directed Jay Clayton not to appear at his confirmation hearing today,” Cotton said in a statement.
“Mr. Clayton is a patriot and a highly qualified nominee, as the president has said repeatedly. While today’s hearing is now unfortunately postponed, I look forward to proceeding with his confirmation in the near future.”
Democrats, meanwhile, described the situation as chaotic.
“At every turn, the president has injected more uncertainty into a process that should be focused on one thing: keeping the American people safe,” Senator Mark Warner said in a statement.
“The president’s latest intervention only underscores a simple reality: the biggest obstacle to resolving these issues has not been Senate Democrats or Senate Republicans. It has been the chaos and confusion coming from the White House itself.”
When dozens of farmers bade farewell to their family members on the morning of Friday, June 12, and headed out in different directions to work on their farms, 17 of them were not lucky enough to return home alive. The farmers were killed after terrorists invaded their fields in the Maradun Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara, North West Nigeria.
Locals say 13 other farmers were injured during the attack, with three of them referred to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) in Sokoto. A survivor of the attack, who identified himself only as Bello, told HumAngle that he was on his farm in the outskirts of Gora in the Maradun LGA, at around 9 a.m., when he heard the first gunshot. He said he thought it was one of the Yan Sakai local security guards, but it became clear that it was a terrorist attack when the gunshot sounded a second time. Yan Sakai security volunteers are young people carrying weapons to protect residents from terrorist attacks.
Bello recalled that he was lying face down while others fled. As the gunfire persisted, he managed to pull himself to the other side of the road before running home. “I was lucky, my farm is right on the side of the road; most of those killed had their farms a little bit away from the road,” he said.
For over ten years, rural terrorism has become widespread and persisted in Zamfara and other northwestern states. In many ungovernable areas, farmers are compelled to pay a farming tax before they are permitted to work on their fields as the wet season arrives. The armed groups also require farmers to make payments running into millions to cultivate their crops. Even after paying, not all communities are granted access to their farmlands. Many communities have been displaced, and food stores have been torched because residents failed to pay the required farming tax.
HumAngle recently reported that about 40 leaders of a farming community were abducted at a peace deal meeting with a terrorist leader in a village in the Maradun LGA. The community leaders were lured into a meeting to discuss how much they would pay to a terror group, only for them to be abducted by the leader of the criminal syndicate. In a separate report, we also documented how farmers were being displaced after paying millions of naira as farming tax to terrorists in Zamfara.
“There were a lot of motorcycles with bandits on top, shooting sporadically, but I managed to escape. The bandits [terrorists] must have divided into groups because there were gunshots from all corners,” Bello said.
The chairman of the Maradun LGA, Sanusi Dosara, stated that the recent devastating attack reflects the ongoing efforts of terrorists to disrupt farming activities in the state. Since early June, there has been an increase in attacks aimed at farmers in Zamfara.
Prior to the latest incident, two farmers were killed while tending to their fields near the Kaya community, not far from Gora in Maradun. Earlier, eight farmers were killed in an attack in Gima village, located in Anka LGA. According to locals, the farmers who lost their lives in the Gima assault were: Sani Kanen Tidurogo, Salisu Kadda, Bello Kyabe, Ibrahim na Yakubu Ziti, Yusuf Malan Rabi, Masaudu Sani Adake, Abdulmajid Sani, and Adamu Dungo.
Funeral for the 17 farmers killed in Gora. Photo provided by Ibrahim Kaya.
“The terrorists are intentional about what they want,” Abdulmudallib Anka, a resident, told HumAngle. His house in Anka is filled with internally displaced persons from Gima and other villages. “The day of that attack, the terrorists circled a group of farmers working on their farms before they started shooting sporadically.”
Abdulmudallib noted that the recurring attacks have shown the terrorists are ready to continue their onslaught against the civilian population, so as to stop them from gaining access to their farms. There have also been reports of attacks in which farmers were killed in the communities of Kaura Namoda, Tsafe, Zurmi, and Birnin Magaji LGAs over the past few days.
Sulaiman Abdullahi, a youth leader in Birnin Magaji, said the situation has forced several farmers to stop going to the farm.
“Early June, farmers were attacked outside Tungar Danjuma and Gidan Kyafda, which led to the death of about six farmers with several others injured,” Sulaiman said. “That same day, farmlands on the Birnin Magaji – Kaura Namoda road were also attacked around 1 p.m.”
In Zurmi LGA, the terrorists struck on June 7 and invaded the outskirts of the town, along the road to Kaura Namoda, killing two farmers working on their farms.
Seventeen farmers were killed, and thirteen injured in a terrorist attack in Maradun LGA, Zamfara, Nigeria. This is part of a broader issue where rural terrorism has thrived for over a decade, forcing farmers to pay exorbitant “farming taxes” to militant groups for access to their fields.
Despite payments, many communities are displaced, and attacks on farmers are increasing, disrupting agriculture activities.
Local security has been ineffective as indicated by repeated incidents, including the abduction of about 40 community leaders under false pretenses. Recent violence has persisted across various local government areas of Zamfara, further highlighted by incessant attacks which resulted in deaths and injuries of numerous farmers.
The ongoing threat deters farming activities and devastates local economies, leaving residents in fear and uncertainty.
The Scream movie series is one of horror’s most successful franchises and has seven films under its belt
17:36, 17 Jun 2026Updated 17:37, 17 Jun 2026
Horror movie star reveals surprising amount they still make from hit 1990s Scream film(Image: Gh0st/YouTube)
A star from the horror film franchise Scream has revealed the surprising amount he still earns from one of the movies.
Back in 1996, the Scream series kicked off with its first instalment. Directed by Wes Craven, the film followed Sidney Prescott and her friends being targeted by a sadistic killer who donned a black cloak and white mask: Ghostface.
Due to the first film’s success, several more movies followed including a sequel in 1997, and a third instalment in 2000. Then, after 11 years Scream 4 was released in 2011.
And more recently, the slasher franchise was brought back in 2022 for a fifth movie and 2023 for a sixth. This year, a seventh film was released which became the highest-grossing film of the series so far.
The satirical whodunnit was a huge hit thanks to a clever script penned by Kevin Williamson and Wes Craven’s direction, while the characters’ awareness and acknowledgement of horror film clichés was uncommon at the time. Scream helped to revive interest in the teen slasher genre.
And this week, a star from Scream 2 revealed his residual pay from the film 29 years after its release. Actor and comedian Craig Shoemaker appeared in the sequel, Scream 2 – which made $172 million at the box office.
Craig played the role of ‘Artsy Teacher’ in the instalment. Taking to his Instagram, he shared a photo of his residuals cheque which revealed he made a total of $34.09.
He captioned the post: “In 1999 | was cast in the role of the film professor in the sequel of the original Scream movie, Scream 2, where I lead a conversation in class about film sequels. The residuals keep rolling in, baby! What should I buy with my 34 bucks?”
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The latest Scream movie, Scream 7, was released earlier this year. The film shifted the focus back to the original final girl, Sidney Prescott – played by Neve Campbell and her teenage daughter Tatum, played by Isabel May.
Neve didn’t appear in the sixth Scream film in 2024, which starred Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera as sisters who discover a serious connection to one of the original Ghostface killers, Billy Loomis.
Neve announced she would be stepping away from the 2024 Scream film after a dispute over pay. She said in a statement: “Sadly, I won’t be making the next Scream film. As a woman I have had to work extremely hard in my career to establish my value, especially when it comes to Scream.
“I felt the offer that was presented to me did not equate to the value I have brought to the franchise. It’s been a very difficult decision to move on,” Neve added.
She continued: “To all my Scream fans, I love you. You’ve always been so incredibly supportive to me. I’m forever grateful to you and to what this franchise has given me over the past 25 years.”
“We have got a few people that the board are talking to that are very exciting and interesting candidates.
“There have been people who we have been linked to, where it says they were the frontrunner or that there was conversations, that were people we have never talked to or never even had a conversation about.”
Khan said: “There have been some rumours, but at the same time, we have had lots of conversations and meetings. We have been actively talking.
“There are two in particular who have had multiple meetings with the board and who we really like, but we are open to more conversations and talking to more people. We are working on that process right now.”
Fulham finished 11th in the table last season, missing out on a place in Europe by two points.
A former defender for both Liverpool and West Ham, Arbeloa was in charge of Real Madrid at the end of last season on an interim basis, having replaced Xabi Alonso – who has been appointed Chelsea‘s new boss – midway through the campaign.
After a successful 13-year playing career at Stamford Bridge, Lampard started his managerial career at Derby before spells at Chelsea, Everton and then Coventry in 2024.
Passengers wait to drop their luggage while traveling during the holiday season at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., on December 22. The airport is scheduled to close for most of July 4 to accommodate events celebrating Independence Day in the capital. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
June 17 (UPI) — Officials at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport announced Tuesday that the airport is scheduled to be closed for much of July 4 amid a predicted record-breaking week of travel for the holiday.
There are no scheduled flights to or from the airport after noon on July 4, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority announced in a release. The day before will also have no flights for several hours in the early afternoon.
The MWAA said the schedule disruption is to accommodate Independence Day celebrations coinciding with the country’s 250th birthday.
“Many events will include downtown flyovers or other aerial displays such as fireworks or parachute jumps, which will affect flights periodically at Reagan National,” the agency said.
Airport officials expected flight operations to return to normal July 5.
AAA projected Tuesday that a record-breaking 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles away from home to mark Independence Day between June 27 and July 5. That’s up from 71.8 million in 2025.
Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said traveling for the July 4th holiday “is tradition.”
“The 9-day travel forecast includes travelers who are vacationing all week and people just getting away for the long holiday weekend,” Barber said. “While the overall number of Independence Day travelers appears to be plateauing, we’re still expecting record volumes this year.”
Among those traveling for the holiday, AAA projected the vast majority — 61.4 million — will do so by car, 5.85 million by air and 4.93 million by other modes of transportation such as bus, train or cruise.
The Top 10 domestic destinations for the holiday week are Seattle; Orlando, Fla.; Anchorage, Alaska; Miami; New York City; Chicago; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Fairbanks, Alaska; Denver; and Boston. The Top 10 international destinations are Vancouver, Canada; Rome; Dublin; Paris; London; Calgary, Canada; Reykjavik, Iceland; Amsterdam; Athens; and Barcelona, Spain.
President Donald Trump and UFC CEO Dana White stand in the octagon after the UFC Freedom 250 event on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, on June 14, 2026. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
A newly emerged video offers what appears to be a first look at China’s R6000 uncrewed tiltrotor aircraft in free flight, marking a significant step beyond the tethered hover tests that had been seen previously. The design has attracted interest on account of its similarities to Bell’s MV-75A Cheyenne II, America’s crewed second-generation tiltrotor. More broadly, the development of this aircraft could have very significant implications for the People’s Liberation Army as well as civilian operators.
The footage, which first appeared on Chinese social media, shows the large drone in vertical flight, making a pedal turn (rotating around its vertical axis in the hover), and in sustained forward flight with its twin proprotors fully tilted. Previous imagery was limited to tethered evaluations that demonstrated basic hover capability. Now, with flight testing advancing, more could be revealed about the aircraft’s performance envelope.
As in the previous imagery, the aircraft’s engines are unshrouded, with their streamlined fairings removed. Like the MV-75, the R6000 features fixed engine nacelles with hinged proprotors, in contrast to the first-generation tiltrotor design found on the V-22 Osprey, in which the entire nacelle pivots up and down as a complete unit.
Previous imagery showing the R6000 conducting a tethered hover test had begun to circulate last November, as we discussed at the time.
An R6000 prototype seen undergoing tethered hover testing. United Aircraft via Chinese internet
While no details have been released about the scope of the current trials, the ability to conduct sustained untethered flight is a key milestone for any tiltrotor program, given the complexity of the aircraft’s aerodynamics and flight-control systems. Tiltrotor designs are especially challenging, as evidenced by the V-22’s checkered record through the years.
In October 2024, a photo emerged showing the first completed prototype of the R6000 at the Wuhu United Aircraft Production Workshop in China’s eastern Anhui province. United Aircraft had unveiled the design, also referred to as the UR6000 and Zhang Ying (or Steel Shadow), at the 2024 Singapore Airshow.
A photo shows what is said to be the first completed UR6000 prototype on the production line at the Wuhu United Aircraft Production Workshop in the Wuhu Aviation Industrial Park in China’s eastern Anhui province. United Aircraft
Developed by the Chinese firm United Aircraft, the R6000 is one of the largest uncrewed tiltrotor designs currently in development anywhere in the world. Combining the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of a helicopter with the speed and range advantages of a fixed-wing aircraft, it is — officially, at least — aimed at logistics, disaster relief, offshore support, and other missions requiring access to areas without prepared runways. United Aircraft has presented both crewed and uncrewed versions of the R6000 in the past.
As we have outlined previously, a crewed or uncrewed tiltrotor in the R6000 class could fulfill various military applications for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Concept artwork of an apparent crewed version of the UR6000 in a generic civil-type color scheme. United Aircraft
This kind of aircraft could support overseas deployments and regional contingencies, including a potential operation against Taiwan, by moving troops, supplies, and equipment between dispersed locations without relying on prepared runways.
In particular, the R6000 would be well suited to operating from the Type 076 amphibious assault ship and other large People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) amphibious ships, greatly extending their reach for logistics, reconnaissance, and other missions.
China’s first super-sized Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan.
As well as logistics, a fully developed R6000 has clear potential as a multi-mission platform. Its payload capacity could also accommodate intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) equipment, electronic warfare payloads, communications relay systems, or potentially even precision-strike weapons. It is worth noting at this point that a special operations version of the MV-75 is already in the works, with a gunship variant likely, and a sea control concept has been displayed, too. China is likely to at least explore similar development paths for its tiltrotors.
A view of Bell’s MV-75 sea control concept model at this year’s Modern Day Marine exhibition. Eric Tegler
In this respect, the R6000 also makes for an interesting comparison with Bell’s V-247 Vigilant, which was originally pitched to meet the U.S. Marine Corps multirole, VTOL-capable drone program, known as MUX. The V-247 has also been pitched to the U.S. Navy, while Bell has presented renderings showing V-247s operating together with the crewed V-280 Valor tiltrotor design, which the U.S. Army’s MV-75 is based on.
Concept artwork depicting V-247s operating together with a version of the V-280 Valor tiltrotor. Bell
At least one picture on United Aircraft’s website shows the UR6000 in People’s Liberation Army markings. United Aircraft
In the vertical-lift segment, China is also busily exploring crewed tiltrotor designs.
Earlier this month, new footage emerged showing what is understood to be China’s first crewed tiltrotor aircraft during flight trials. That aircraft had first broken cover in August of last year, as we wrote about at the time.
A photo that appeared on June 1, showing the crewed tiltrotor aircraft while in flight. Chinese internet via X
Although the R6000 has, in the past, been pitched primarily for civilian applications, the technology has obvious military relevance. Large autonomous tiltrotors could provide rapid resupply to dispersed forces, support operations in remote regions, or deliver cargo to ships and austere bases without the need for conventional runways. Tiltrotors have huge potential for the PLA, which has major littoral mission demands and a growing fleet of amphibious warships to which these kinds of aircraft are especially well suited.
As such, the R6000 is worth watching as another indicator of the Chinese military’s increasingly ambitious vertical-lift programs, as well as its diverse and growing series of uncrewed aircraft.
From a devastating cancer battle to her many failed romances on the street, Sally’s 40 years in Weatherfield have not been short of drama. Especially as her marriage to husband, Tim (Joe Duttine), hasn’t always been smooth sailing.
It’s fair to say Sally is a soap legend and has played a part in several big storylines, and is much-loved for her comedy appeal and status as a street busybody.
Away from the soap, actress Sally is loved up with her husband, Tim, whom she married in 1995. Tim is a successful screenwriter who has worked on the ITV soap Emmerdale, as well as on the TV series The Drowning and Desperate Measures. According to IMDb, Tim has written more than 2,000 episodes of Emmerdale between 1995 and 2016.
His last credited episode aired in January 2016 and followed Diane Sugden (Elizabeth Estensen) as she tried to sell her half of The Woolpack, while Adam Barton’s (Adam Thomas) emotional attachment to baby Johnny Woodfield became a problem.
Sally recently delighted fans after giving them a look into her private life with Tim. Taking to her Instagram, she shared several snaps from their recent trip to Iceland, where the happy couple was taking in the glorious sights.
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She captioned the post: “Well, that was an adventure. What a wonderful, beautiful country Iceland is”. As expected, fans and co-stars were left gushing over the post.
Jane Danson commented: “Pretty special I really want to go again. Glad you had a fab time Sal”. Sally Ann Matthews penned: “Oh wowzers”, while Jude Riordan added: “I’m going next week!”
Sally and Tim share three children together, including daughters Phoebe, 31, and Hattie, 22, and son Sam, 29 Both of the girls have followed in their footsteps and are enjoying careers in television.
Who are Sally Dynevor’s famous daughters?
Hattie Dynevor stars on the BBC drama Waterloo Road, playing Libby Guthrie, the daughter of history teacher Neil (Neil Fitzmaurice), and has so far appeared in series 13 – 17.
She also appeared in the recently released gripping Netflix series Legends as Arabella, which also stars Steve Coogan and Tom Burke.
Hattie’s older sister, Phoebe, also launched an acting career on Waterloo Road, playing Siobhan Mailey between 2009 and 2020.
Bridgerton fans will also recognise the actress as Daphne, the wife of Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, played by Regé-Jean Page, between 2020 and 2022. Speaking to Collider, Phoebe opened up about a possible return to the Netflix period drama.
She said, “When the first season came out, they didn’t know what they needed to put in play. We were the ones that got away, in a certain way.
“I can only speak for myself, I would always come back if I was asked. I have not received a call. When I get that call, I will be there if I can.”
She has since starred in a long list of popular television shows, including The Musketeers, Dickensian, Snatch, and Ten Percent. Away from the small screen, Pheobe has starred in the movies The Colour Room, Inheritance, and Thrash.
AN ABANDONED airport home to one of the UK’s longest runways is set to reopen as early as next year.
Commercial passenger flights at the airfield are expected to restart sometime in the next two years.
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An abandoned UK airport is set to reopen as soon as this yearCredit: AlamyDoncaster Sheffield Airport previously closed in 2022 for financial reasons, but has been undergoing a major redevelopmentCredit: Alamy
The site was previously considered no longer financially sustainable and since closing has remained abandoned and partially derelict.
During this time, regional developers have been pushing for a major overhaul of the former transport hub, costing around £160 million through a public-funded reopening programme.
The proposals have received the support of local councils, and the site is projected to resume cargo operations as early as this year, with passenger flights slated to resume in late 2027 or early 2028.
The airfield also boasts one of the UK’s longest runways, measuring 1.8miles and once operational again, will be the eighth longest commercial runway in England.
The longest runway can be found at London Heathrow, measuring 2.4miles, and runs parallel with the second longest runway also found at the airport, measuring 2.2miles.
Executive director for Airport Operations at FlyDoncaster, Simon Hinchley, said: “As we work towards re-opening Doncaster Sheffield Airport, our focus is firmly on building a safe, efficient and operationally robust airport that is ready to serve a broad range of users from day one.”
Airlines such as TUI and Wizz Air used to be found at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, but currently it has not been confirmed who will be flying to and from the transport hub.
The airport is also keen to showcase the region, having independent vendors on-site rather than larger chains.
The airport will be kitted out with the latest technology and security lanes and systems are expected to move as their original location was in an unideal area of the site.
A project of this size has previously been described as transformative for the area.
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, which is one of the backers on the project, previously stated their rationale for investing in the development.
They said: “Doncaster Sheffield Airport closed in November 2022, leaving South Yorkshire one of the largest UK city regions without an international aviation presence.
“South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, and Council Leaders have taken a historic decision to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport, approving a £160 million funding package that will see commercial flights return to the region.”
Doncaster Sheffield Airport first opened in 1915, and operated as a Royal Flying Corps airfield in the First World War.
The transport hub then served as an RAF base before being transformed into a commercial airport in 2005.
The airport was previously called Robin Hood Airport, referencing the folklore of the region.
IF you haven’t booked yourself a summer holiday yet, or you’re desperate to upgrade your battered old suitcases…you’re in luck.
Top travel brands like Expedia, Eastpak, and On the Beach have launched massive summer sales – and we’ve rounded up the top deals.
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On the Beach are offering holidays at The Villamarina Club hotel in Salou £385pp – saving £107Credit: On The BeachThe Eastpak TRANVERZ M suitcase is down to £99 from its full price of £165Credit: Eastpak
These companies have slashed prices on everything from plane essentials to entire package holidays.
We’ve scoured their websites to find the biggest discounts so you don’t have to.
Here are the top online travel deals you can snap up right now.
Eastpak Luggage Summer Sale – up to 50% off
Need a big, durable suitcase with heaps of packing room inside? Eastpak if your best bet.
Here’s a selection of some of the top deals we could find
Packing cubes – 38% off
This eight peice packing cubes set is on sale for under a tenner at AmazonCredit: Amazon
If you haven’t started using packing cubes yet, now’s the time.
This eight piece set on Amazon is down 38% to £9.95, so you can grab yourself a full kit for under a tenner.
Rolling clothes into these cubes can save on luggage space, plus the kit comes with a dedicated toiletries bag and wet bag for swimwear – all are waterproof.
Not only can they save room in your suitcase, but they’ll save you time, too.
We all know that feeling of rummaging through a huge disorganised pile on the hotel room floor to find what you need.
Save yourself the hassle and keep things organised.
Amazon Travel Packing Cubes – £15.99 NOW £9.95
On the Beach holiday deals – £££ off + kids go free
You can bag a week-long holiday at the 5-star Royal Atlantis Icon in Turkey for £525ppCredit: Expedia
On the Beach have a huge number of package holidays on sale, with destinations ranging from Spain and Greece to Florida.
These holidays include flights and accommodation, and are currently up to hundreds of pounds off full price.
Some of the best deals include a week-long stay in Albufeira for £250pp at the Muthu Balaia Sol hotel, which even has a kids stay free offer.
There’s also a week-long stay at the Villamarina Club hotel in Salou for £385pp, which also offers free kids’ places. This holiday is currently £107 off.
Other holiday deals in the sale include:
Browse their top deals page for more holiday deals.
Noise reduction earplugs – 80% off
These Amazon earplugs are on sale at 80% off full price – you can bag them for £9.99Credit: Amazon
If you’re tired of jamming cheap foam plugs into your ears – wondering if you’re doing actual damage to your ear canals – it’s time for an upgrade.
These Amazon earplugs are currently on sale for a massive 80% off, down from £49.99 to £9.99.
These soft and flexible earplugs are designed to mould perfectly into the ear – much comfier than the free pairs, which also don’t really block any noise.
In fact, these earplugs also provide 40% stronger sound isolation than regular foam alternatives, helping you enjoy the silence and sleep soundly.
Plus these plugs are specifically designed ‘to Block Snoring & Partner’s Noise,’ a saviour if you travel with a loud sleeper.
Amazon FIKSFA Ear Plugs – £49.99 NOW £9.99
Memory foam travel pillow – 20% off
This memory foam travel pillow is moulded to fit perfectly around your neckCredit: Amazon
Gone are the days of trying to get comfortable leaning against the plane window. Or worse, craning your head down onto your shoulder, leading to interrupted sleep and neck pain.
Travel pillows are a must for long haul flights – but not all of them are built the same.
This memory foam neck pillow from Amazon is ergonomically designed to cradle your neck perfectly.
Plus it even comes with ear plugs and an eye mask for optimum sleep, as well as a travel bag to keep it safe and clean.
It’s currently on sale, down 20% to £11.89. Skip the inflated airport prices and grab yourself a deal – and a better night’s sleep, too.
