Month: July 2026

AS a travel writer and a mum of a seven-year-old boy who frequently solo parents on trips abroad, there is no gadget or toy that makes my life easier when travelling than the Yoto player. 

From plane journeys to passport control queues, coach transfers to quiet moments by the pool that allow me to read a few pages of my long-ignored book, the little machine is worth its weight in gold. 

But let’s face it, they aren’t cheap. The Mini Yoto Player costs £59.99 and then you have to pay around £7.99 to £9.99 for every story card.

Still well worth it, in my opinion, but a pain on the purse strings nonetheless. 

So it’s music to my ears, and doubtless millions of other parents to learn that Yoto have released seven hours of free audiobooks for kids this summer holidays, which they’re calling their ‘summer travel audio collections.’ 

Created for kids ages 3-14 and divided into two themed listening experiences – On the Road and A World of Adventure – the collection blends stories, music and educational content curated specifically for travel days.

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The On the Road collection includes: Journey Jams – upbeat music for family singalongs and long drives for kids aged 3-10, Biggest Ideas: Garrett Morgan, Inventor of the Traffic Signal – that introduces kids to the inventor behind traffic lights for kids aged 6-10, and Yoto Classics: The Wind in the Willows  for kids aged 8-14. 

The A World of Adventure collection includes: 5-Minute Stories from Around the World – bite-sized global tales for kids aged 4-7, Songs for Little Explorers – playful music and discovery-themed songs for kids aged 3-10, and Yoto Classics: Treasure Island – the classic pirate adventure reworked for younger listeners, for kids aged 8-14.

Yoto Content Director, Jess Tarrant said: “Travelling with kids can be a lot of fun, but it can also be overwhelming. We know parents are constantly looking for ways to keep kids entertained while reducing screen fatigue during long travel days. 

“Yoto was built for moments exactly like this: helping kids stay engaged, curious, and independent whether they’re in the backseat, at the airport gate, or winding down after a busy day of adventure.”

Yoto’s free summer travel playlist collections are available until September 1 through the Yoto App.

Yoto also has a new free Daily Draw Along collection, themed around rail and holidays, in partnership with Trainline.

The Draw Along collection acts like a creative travel companion for children, with each episode guiding them through a different scene inspired by trains, holidays and the things they might spot along the way.

Young travellers can design their own dream train or an under-the-sea train, head off on a mountain trail or a rollercoaster adventure.

Available until September 1 via the Discover section of the free Yoto app, the collection features 12 guided drawing episodes.

They’re inspired by what children may see or experience as they travel, and you don’t even need a Yoto player to use these guides.

Things took a hilarious turn during one instalment of Channel 4’s Come Dine With Me as one guest pointed out a ‘stolen’ ingredient

A host on Come Dine With Me was savagely called out by one of his guests, as they believed he had stolen an unexpected item for one dish.

The much-loved Channel 4 programme, which sees four or five amateur cooks from the same local area take turns hosting a three-course dinner party in their own homes, was back for the last instalment of the week.

On Friday July 17’s episode, which is a repeat that was set in Cardiff, it was the turn of chiropractor Pete to impress his guests Angharad, Claire, Charlotte and David, with his dishes which included a lemon posset and Glamorgan sausages.

While at the dinner table, Pete also provided “edible flowers” for his guests but the host was unfortunately left red-faced when he was questioned about where he sourced the flowers.

Angharad asked of her flower: “Where did you get this from then?” Pete replied: “This I cropped from near Llandaff Cathedral.” But Angharad was not convinced by Pete’s tale.

She bluntly replied: “You stole it!” Trying to justify where he got it from, stating that he retrieved the flowers from a pathway, David chipped in that he often walked his dog in that direction.

Questioning whether the flowers were clean enough to eat, Claire said: “I hope you washed those!”

This later led to Pete’s guests discovering that he failed to make his own pastries for one of his dishes. But despite calling him out, all the guests agreed that Pete’s food and hospitality was top-notch.

The Cardiff-based episode, which was first broadcast last year, caused quite a stir.

One social media user took to Facebook at the time and wrote: “I love when guests get upset that the host didn’t make their own pastry. Who makes their own pastry? Shortcrust maybe, but I think using store-bought puff & fillo pastry is totally ok!”

Another added: “Competitors do make their own puff, shortcrust pastry but not filo, it is very fiddly I think.”

At the end of the show, the guests found who was the winner of the week and received a cool £1,000 prize.

Come Dine With Me airs weekdays at 6:30pm on Channel 4

No asset manager had ever crossed the $15 trillion (€13tn) threshold before BlackRock confirmed the milestone in results published on Wednesday.

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The rise was driven by market gains and new client money.

Clients handed the New York-based giant a net $192 billion (€167bn) in the second quarter of 2026, capping a record first half in which inflows reached $321 billion (€280bn), more than double the same period a year earlier.

To illustrate the sheer scale of BlackRock’s assets under management, the firm manages more money than the projected nominal annual economic output of every country except the US and China, and nearly three times that of Germany.

However, assets under management represent a stock of investments, while GDP measures economic output over a year.

The surge in assets came during a quarter that was lucrative too.

According to BlackRock’s second-quarter earnings release, revenue climbed 31% year on year to $7.1 billion (€6.2bn), while adjusted earnings per share reached $13.91, comfortably beating expectations.

BlackRock shares jumped about 7% on the day of the release.

“Market fundamentals are strong and well supported, with higher margins and earnings momentum catalysed by new technology,” CEO Larry Fink said in a statement.

“Our momentum is accelerating, and I’ve never been more optimistic about the growth ahead,” Fink added.

Where the trillions actually sit

The first thing to understand is that this is not BlackRock’s money.

It is the pooled savings of pension funds, insurers, governments and ordinary investors, which the firm manages for a fee. Most of the money is invested in shares.

Equities account for $8.9 trillion (€7.7tn), or 58% of the total.

Bonds and other fixed-income investments make up a further $3.4 trillion (€2.9tn), or 22%. Multi-asset strategies that combine different investments hold $1.3 trillion (€1.1tn), or 9%, while cash-management products, such as Treasury bills, account for another $1.1 trillion (€960bn), or 7%of the total.

The headline-grabbing alternative investments, including infrastructure, private credit, private equity and property remain a sliver at $449 billion, roughly 3% of assets, but they generate about 15% of BlackRock’s base fees.

Commodity and currency products hold $152 billion (€132bn), while crypto-linked funds, launched in 2024, manage about $49 billion (€42bn).

The way the money is invested matters as much as the asset mix.

Some 41% of the total sits in exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Fink noted that the iShares ETF range crossed $6 trillion during the quarter, roughly double its size three years ago.

Ports, pensions and politics

BlackRock’s scale has increasingly brought it into deals with geopolitical implications. The dispute over ports at either end of the Panama Canal is one of the clearest recent examples.

After US President Donald Trump claimed China was effectively running the waterway, Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison agreed in March 2025 to sell 43 ports, including terminals at either end of the canal, to a consortium led by BlackRock. The proposed deal was valued at $22.8 billion (€19.9bn) and welcomed by Washington as a step towards restoring US influence over the ports.

Beijing objected and pressed for state-owned Cosco to be included. The sale has yet to be completed.

Panama meanwhile annulled Hutchison’s canal concessions in February, handing interim operations to Maersk and MSC, whose terminals arm counts BlackRock’s infrastructure unit GIP among its shareholders, while talks on the wider portfolio continue.

Meanwhile, Panama’s Supreme Court annulled Hutchison’s concessions to operate container terminals at either end of the Panama Canal in January. The government transferred interim control of the ports to Maersk and MSC in February, while talks over the wider portfolio continued. BlackRock’s infrastructure business, Global Infrastructure Partners, is a shareholder in MSC’s ports division.

Larry Fink’s proximity to the White House was on display again in May, when he travelled to Beijing as part of the corporate delegation accompanying Trump during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Fink joined chief executives including Tesla’s Elon Musk and Apple’s Tim Cook on a visit dominated by trade and technology.

The firm’s reach extends into American retirement policy as well.

An executive order signed by Trump last year directed regulators to broaden access to private-market assets through the country’s 401(k) pension plans. BlackRock had championed the shift and stands to benefit as it develops private-market products for retirement savers, which typically carry higher fees than index funds.

Having always loved the idea of running her own bookshop, Mirror writer Julia Banim spent the night at Read and Rabbit in Loftus, which offers guests the opportunity to try their hand at bookselling

It’s always been a bit of a daydream of mine to run a quirky bookshop, ideally in a suitably pretty location.

So imagine my delight when I learned about Read and Rabbit, a sweet pink bookshop nestled in the quaint village of Loftus, on the very edge of the breathtakingly poetic North York Moors National Park.

It’s here where literary-minded holidaymakers can stay above the shop in the cosiest of surroundings. Best of all, in between curling up with a book and exploring the many charms of the local area, guests can try their hand at running the shop themselves, tallying up change, and greeting customers looking for a good read, and indeed, a good rabbit.

If you’ve been waiting around for your romcom moment, then let this be your sign. I simply couldn’t resist.

Read and Rabbit is the baby of Marta Eleniak, a friendly and likeable host with an encyclopedic knowledge of local haunts. She tells the Mirror: “I love creating experiences for people. Of all the things that I’ve done in my life, it’s when I’ve organised holidays for other people and done things that made them smile, that’s kind, where I feel I’m in my element. It’s like my calling, really, creating experiences for others.”

Before clocking on for my bookshop shift, Marta and I stop by the nearby Cattersty Sands beach, a hidden gem offering enough tranquillity to dislodge even the most stubborn writer’s block. Those with pets will also be pleased to know that it’s dog-friendly.

A relative newbie to Loftus, Marta fell for the area while looking for somewhere new to live, ideally in a friendly, affordable community with woods to walk in and plenty of rolling hills.

While chatting about her search on a Facebook group, a fellow member suggested their hometown of Loftus, with its waterfalls and proximity to the sea. Marta was immediately sold.

Having familiarised myself with lovely Loftus, it was onto my shift. The bookshop itself is a real treasure, with creative displays and even a fun ‘Harry Potter experience’ that young bookworms, and perhaps those not so young, will no doubt enjoy.

Marta learned that the centuries-old shop, previously an artist’s pottery studio, was up for sale through the local walking group, and while she initially had no intention of buying, when she saw it in person, it was love at first sight. It was then that things started to come together.

With this new ‘run a bookshop’ experience, guests staying in the self-catering accommodation have free rein to run Read and Rabbit, should they choose to. If they decide to do so, the only rules are that they open on at least one of the core days between 10 am and 2 pm on Saturday and on one midweek day.

That aside, guests are free to do as they wish and can spend time organising the books, changing up the window displays, and even offering workshops. For those looking for a bit more of a transformative stay, Marta offers buddy-up sessions to help people overcome writers’ block.

For Marta, Read and Rabbit is about more than selling books. From spending time online, she’s come across people who don’t necessarily have many friends in the offline world, and feels a brick-and-mortar bookshop offers that all-important sense of physical connection that’s so often missing in today’s society.

Marta says: “When I was researching bookshops, lots of people who had bookshops said the positive is that bookshops are just happy places for so many people. If you’re neurodivergent, it’s often a place where you feel quite happy and at ease.

“I just thought, I want to make it a happy place for people. And I want to have fun, quirky stuff there that makes people laugh. So even if they come in and something just makes them laugh, and they don’t buy anything, that’s good enough for me.”

There’s a comforting feel to the place, and indeed, Marta herself, that seems to prompt people to open up. While peaceful, Read and Rabbit also gets its fair share of eccentric and interesting customers, including those from North Yorkshire’s thriving artistic community. Often, they’ll stop and chat, sharing their stories, a laugh, and any problems that might be troubling them, big or small.

Profits from book sales go towards creating affordable events for people, with Marta noting: “Meditation is great, but not everybody can afford £10 or whatever it is for a meditation session.” I’m soon getting a feel for the place and the wider village, selling everything from adorable children’s books to humorous cards.

Now, I’ve worked in the trenches of retail before and can assure future guests that this is a far more relaxed experience. As Marta herself put it: “It’s a bit like when you’re a kid, and you play shop, but you actually get a whole shop to play with, but it’s real.”

For lunch, I enjoy a delicious takeaway pie and brownie from the award-winning Willow Cake Shop, a much-loved local establishment that looks like a bakery straight out of a fairytale. It’s a sizeable portion, but I don’t leave so much as a crumb.

After we close for the day, Marta and I take a walk in the local woods, of which there are plenty. Outdoorsy readers will be spoiled for choice with ancient woodland to explore, with plenty of Tolkien-esque trees and dramatic waterfalls to fire up the imagination.

Afterwards, we head into nearby Staithes, a wonderfully atmospheric fishing village with labyrinthine cobbled streets, a rugged coastline, and the saltiest sea air.

Those writing novels populated with old-timey smugglers, crashing waves, and secrets shared in lantern-lit taverns will adore Staithes. Do make sure to check out the Cod and Lobster, which offers excellent fresh seafood and unparalleled views over the harbour.

Lungs filled with sea air, I settle into my accommodation at Read and Rabbit, a charmingly unique set of rooms with plenty of literary touches, from typewriters to, of course, plenty of books. With two rooms to choose from, I went for the larger one with the window seat overlooking the street.

The kitchen is well stocked, with Marta kindly leaving out fresh local eggs and oranges to pop in the press for juice. I particularly love the colourful roof garden, the perfect spot for a morning cuppa. I sleep well and spend the first hour or so reading happily by the window, rain tinkling on the pane outside.

When things brighten up a bit, I say a reluctant goodbye to Read and Rabbit, and head over to nearby Saltburn, a Victorian seaside town famed for its historic pier and surfing. Saltburn has a relaxed, youthful feel, while still maintaining its timeless British seaside feel.

Fish and chips are, of course, a must, and so I stop by The Seaview Restaurant, a popular local haunt where there are queues on an ordinary Monday afternoon. The delicious and generous servings are made all the more special by the sparkling ocean views.

With Wuthering Heights fever having gripped the nation earlier this year, it’s clear that Yorkshire’s wild literary culture is having a moment. Should you want to explore beyond the crowds at Whitby and Howarth, then overlooked yet well-positioned Loftus, and in particular Read and Rabbit, offers the perfect opportunity to do so.

You can find out more about staying at Read and Rabbit here.

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

POKÉMON fans better listen up as there is about to be a shedload of attractions across the UK for you.

This summer, National Trust‘s Summer of Play will feature at 142 locations across the UK, with 27 featuring Pokemon Play Zones.

In each Pokémon Play Zone, visitors can take part in Pokémon challenges, as well as Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution (where a Pokémon can become more powerful) trails at 15 locations.

If you have Pokémon Go, there are also specific National Trust Pokéstops and Gyms to find.

At a select number of locations, families will be able to book Pikachu meet and greets too.

At all of the National Trust’s 142 Summer of Play locations, families will be able to pick up a Pokémon x National Trust sticker book too.

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The experiences are all included with your admission and there is no need to pre-book.

At Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, for example, visitors can enter the Pokémon Play Zone, where they will find a straw bale maze arena to practise their training moves before taking on five themed challenges.

Clumber Park will also have football, cricket, sensory play and creative sessions.

Or at Dunham Massey in Cheshire, there are giant deckchairs to chill out on as well as lawn games and circus skills workshops.

You can try out different Mega Evolution Pokémon activities including striking your best Pokémon pose and attempting ‘the floor is lava’.

Other activities that are part of the Summer of Play include bug hunting, den building and team races.

Carl Greenman, the National Trust’s Programming and Production Manager, said: “There’s such a natural fit between Pokémon and Summer of Play — both are about encouraging families to have fun together and explore the world around them.

“By bringing a globally loved brand, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, into the places we care for, we’re helping more families discover them as spaces for play, adventure and shared experiences.”

Away from the football itself, one of the major stories out of the 2026 World Cup has been the conditions that players – and fans – have faced during matches.

It wasn’t just the heat – humidity, lightning, and rain have all impacted games.

While England did benefit from some fixtures being played in air-conditioned stadiums with roofs, such as in Atlanta against DR Congo, other conditions were less forgiving. Those included the stifling humidity and soaring temperatures in Miami for their quarter-final against Norway.

The much-discussed altitude of Mexico’s Azteca stadium for England’s round of 16 match against the co-host nation was perceived to be a major hurdle for the squad to overcome. That was before you took into account Mexico’s fearsome home record and notoriously raucous atmosphere at the ground.

Despite this, England adapted well and never seemed to be struggling due to the external factors imposed on them during games – or at least, managed to struggle less than their opponents.

While pre-tournament training camps to adjust to the conditions will have helped with preparation, it is testament to the players’ mental and physical strength that they managed to persevere in oppressive conditions better suited to opponents accustomed to playing in extreme weather. That could stand them in good stead for the more familiar conditions that will be present at Euro 2028.

Kashmir clashes have killed 31 since June, leading UN rights chief Volker Turk to appeal for calm

The United Nations human rights chief has called for an independent investigation into deadly unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

On Friday, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, urged Islamabad to launch “prompt, thorough and impartial investigations” into all civilian and security force deaths. At least 31 people have been killed in clashes since last month, in the run-up to regional elections at the end of this month.

The unrest has involved the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), an umbrella group of traders and activists.

While the movement initially formed to protest against rising food prices and utility tariffs, the current flashpoint centres on a legal dispute over legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees. The JAAC demands the abolition of those seats, arguing they allow non-residents to alter local political outcomes.

UN officials expressed alarm over Pakistan’s decision to classify the JAAC as a proscribed “terrorist” organisation under domestic anti-terrorism laws.

The global body warned that utilising anti-terror mechanisms to criminalise peaceful assembly and enforce widespread internet blackouts raises severe freedom of association concerns.

The crisis has amplified the long-running diplomatic feud between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan, which have both claimed the disputed Himalayan territory in full since their independence in 1947.

According to the Pakistani newspaper Dawn, the crisis hit a deadly new peak on July 14 during intense clashes in the Poonch division, where security forces attempted to clear roadblocks ahead of a planned JAAC “long march” to Muzaffarabad. The escalation resulted in nine deaths – seven civil activists and two law enforcement officers.

Defending the state actions during the violence, Poonch Divisional Commissioner Waheed Khan told Reuters that protesters had blocked a security convoy and attacked officials. “Police and security officials responded in self-defence.”

In New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in an official statement released on Wednesday that the unrest was a “direct consequence of Pakistan’s decades-long systemic exploitation” of the region.

Turk has appealed for immediate calm, pushing for “meaningful and inclusive political dialogue” over security-led measures to defuse deep-seated grievances regarding regional autonomy and inflation.

A very large and interesting-looking vessel is taking shape at a shipyard in southeastern China. What can be seen of it so far points strongly to it being the largest naval resupply ship anywhere in the world. A vessel like this would be valuable for supporting the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) growing blue water ambitions. It would be particularly important for enabling the PLAN’s conventionally-powered aircraft carriers, their air wings, and their escorts, to operate for sustained periods of time far from Chinese shores and friendly ports.

The ship is being built at a yard on Longxue Island, which is situated just southeast of the city of Guangzhou. A review of satellite imagery from Planet Labs indicates that it has been under construction since at least Febraury. A subsidiary of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) operates this facility. That firm is currently known as the CSSC Offshore and Marine Engineering Company (COMEC). It was previously called Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI).

COMEC/GSI’s public portfolio is focused on large commercial vessels, including oil and liquid natural gas (LNG) tankers and cargo ships. It also builds specialized civilian designs, such as semi-submersible heavy lift ships and platforms designed to support offshore wind turbine construction.

In recent years, the yard has become well known for the construction of unique and unusual vessels with clear military or at least dual-purpose applications. This includes what may be a one-of-a-kind ostensibly civilian ‘research carrier,’ jack-up barges designed to connect together to support amphibious operations, and a stealthy trimaran drone ship. Soviet-designed Zubr class heavy hovercraft, which China has built examples of domestically under license, are also regularly seen there.

The ship being built on Longxue Island that is now drawing attention is approximately 885 feet (270 meters) long and is 121 feet (37 meters) across its widest (also known as the beam), based on available satellite imagery. There is a superstructure at the bow end with clear wings for a large bridge and a mast on top. There is also a separate superstructure at the stern end with exhaust stacks situated in front of it.

In May, CSSC also released a picture of the COMEC/GSI yard showing the ship from the stern as viewed from near ground level. The image, which was reportedly included in a social media post marking the change in solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar, shows a large hangar with two at the rear of the stern superstructure. A large flight deck and hangar are also taking shape at the stern.

A Planet Labs satellite image taken on July 2, seen at the top of this story and in parts throughout, also shows two large openings on the right side of the superstructure at the stern. These might be for launching and/or recovering small boats, including lifeboats. These could also just be apertures for crew walkways or other workspaces.

However, it is what is seen in between the two superstructures that may be the most notable aspect of the ship. There are several pillar-like vertical structures positioned relatively close to both sides of the hull. This is in line with what is typically seen on naval vessels configured to conduct at-sea refueling and replenishment of other stores. The flight deck and hangar at the stern would also allow for vertical replenishment via helicopters.

“The hull form is broad and slab-sided, with a full midsection optimised for volume rather than speed alone. This is a characteristic associated with large fleet auxiliaries designed to carry fuel, dry stores, and ammunition for carrier strike groups,” according to a report on this ship from Jane’s back in April.

The ship’s design language also follows modern PLAN standards. Its layout, in broad strokes, is very similar to that of the Type 901 replenishment ship in PLAN service now. The PLAN also operates smaller Type 903 replenishment ships that have a roughly similar configuration, as well.

Overall, the new ship under construction at the COMEC/GSI yard looks very much like a Type 901, but substantially scaled up. The Type 901 is quite large already, with a length of around 787 feet (240 meters) and a beam measuring just under 102 feet (31 meters). It also said to displace some 45,000 tons with a full load. As another point of comparison, the U.S. Navy’s newest John Lewis class replenishment oilers are just under 746 feet (227.3 meters) long and have roughly a 105-foot (32.2-meter) wide beam, according to the official fact sheet.

What other, more specific features and capabilities the new ship might have remains to be seen. What kind of armament it might have, even just for localized self-defense, is unknown. The Type 901 has four 30mm H/PJ-13 Gatling-type guns in turrets to provide close-in defense.

At-sea replenishment, in general, is a critical capability for any major navy that desires to conduct sustained blue water operations without having to rely on friendly ports. Even during peacetime in the broad expanses of the Pacific, port facilities of any kind, let alone ones capable of supporting large warships, can be few and far between and under direct threat.

For the PLAN, there is the added demand for at-sea replenishment support that comes from operating a growing fleet of so-far conventionally-powered aircraft carriers. Those carriers require steady streams of gas for their air wings on top of the fuel and other support needed to keep them sailing at all.

The PLAN is also conducting more regular operations involving full carrier strike groups with conventionally-powered escorts that also need refueling and other support to keep up. During combat operations, replenishment ships also bring vital additional supplies of munitions to forward-deployed vessels.

It really cannot be overstressed how important at-sea replenishment is to modern blue water naval operations. This was underscored just earlier this year by challenges the U.S. Navy faced in keeping its conventionally-powered warships in the Middle East fueled amid Iranian attacks on friendly ports.

“So traditionally, for 25 years, we’ve been at war in the Middle East and that war was effectively fought in the parking lot of a giant gas station,” Robert Hein, Director of Maritime Operations for the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC), said during the Navy League’s annual Sea-Air-Space exposition in April. “Iran has effectively shut down that gas station. So we’ve had to come up with really creative ways of, ‘how do we replenish the fleet?’”

You can read more about the “tanker treadmills” the Navy instituted in response, as well as other steps the service is taking now to bolster its at-sea replenishment capabilities and capacity, here.

Replenishments At Sea

It is worth noting here that America’s aircraft carriers are now all nuclear-powered, which eliminates their need to be refueled at sea. However, they still need gas for their air wings and other support to conduct sustained forward operations. Their escorts are all conventionally-powered, as well. As an aside, China may now be in the process of building its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

Other fighting in the Middle East in recent years has also rammed home the vital importance of at-sea rearming capabilities for the U.S. Navy, especially methods for reloading vertical launch system cells on warships that it currently does not possess. Last year, in the midst of operations against Yemen’s Houthis, the service acknowledged that its warships were having to leave their stations in and around the Red Sea for weeks at a time to rearm in ports.

There may be a possibility that the ship under construction at the COMEC/GSI yard could be something other than a huge new at-sea replenishment ship, but this seems extremely unlikely. As noted, the ship has an array of distinct features that are exactly what one would expect to see on a replenishment vessel, and an overall configuration in line with that of the Type 901.

The new ship’s large size, both in terms of length and width, will offer far more internal volume for fuel, munitions, spare parts, food, and everything else needed to keep a carrier strike group operating far out to sea. China has a growing number of other ships that will require blue water support, too. This includes its massive Type 076 amphibious assault ship, which is expected to carry a substantial air wing, as well as a growing number of smaller Type 075 types.

Chinese PLA Navy’s First Type 076 Amphibious Assault Ship “Sichuan” Conducts First Sea Trial

The appearance of this ship at the COMEC/GSI also comes as the PLAN continues to modernize and expand its fleets across the board, in scale and scope, with a clear eye toward more regular and sustained blue water operations. China has been investing heavily in establishing a network of naval port facilities around the Pacific and elsewhere globally to help support these activities, as well. As noted, having to rely on friendly ports is not always desirable or even possible, especially during a conflict when the countries in question may be neutral parties.

The steady flow of warships and other naval vessels, many of them very large, from shipyards across China underscores the PLAN’s broader ambitions. As TWZ regularly points out, this has created an increasingly worrisome disparity between Chinese and U.S. naval shipbuilding capacity, or lack thereof in the latter case. The U.S. government has been trying to reverse this trend, including by leveraging foreign shipbuilders, but significant challenges remain.

Satellite imagery shows significant progress on the new ship of interest at the COMEC/GSI yard since the start of this year. More insights into the design and capabilities of what is likely to be the world’s largest dedicated naval replenishment vessel should emerge as that work wraps up.

Loose Women presenter Kaye Adams confirmed the ITV daytime show will be off air for several weeks.

ITV is undergoing a scheduling shake-up as Loose Women is set to be off air for several weeks.

During the programme on Friday, July 17, presenter Kaye Adams made an announcement and confirmed when the show would return.

The Scottish presenter was back on Loose Women alongside GK Barry, Oti Mabuse and Kelle Bryan, as they marked the end of the week, and the end of the programme for a short break.

Kate shared: “we’re done for the summer. We will not be gone for long though, we’ll be back in September. For now, have a fabulous weekend, a fabulous summer and we’ll see you very soon!”

The scheduling change follows a wave of budget cuts which impacted Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, alongside Loose Women.

It was revealed months ago that Loose Women would now only broadcast for 30 weeks rather than its customary 52, reports the Express.

During the shake-up, Lorraine Kelly’s show has been reduced to 30 minutes, and also operates on a seasonal schedule only.

The biggest change that faced Loose Women was the fact live audiences were scrapped, as well as several behind-the-scenes job.

Presenter Nadia Sawalha previously shared her devastation that warm-up performer Lee Peat was dropped, saying: “I am totally devastated by this fact, I can’t get over it at all. Not only because the audience is so important for the show, but also my dear friend Lee who I work with every day.”

Coleen Nolan also shared her concerns for the cast and crew, calling those redundancies “heartbreaking” and “devastating”.

Loose Women also relocated in January to a basement studio of a former private members’ club in Covent Garden, sharing the venue with This Morning and Lorraine.

Announcing the changes last year, Kevin Lygo, Managing Director of ITV’s Media and Entertainment Division, previously said: “Daytime is a really important part of what we do, and these scheduling and production changes will enable us to continue to deliver a schedule providing viewers with the news, debate and discussion they love from the presenters they know and trust as well generating savings which will allow us to reinvest across the programme budget in other genres.

“These changes also allow us to consolidate our news operations and expand our national, international and regional news output and to build upon our proud history of trusted journalism at a time when our viewers need accurate, unbiased news coverage more than ever.”

Loose Women can be streamed on ITVX

Rising fuel costs are pushing millions of Brits to ditch long drives and holidays abroad in favour of UK summer holidays closer to home.

Staycations are becoming even more local in 2026 – as fuel prices impact summer plans. A survey of 2,000 adults who have enjoyed a UK holiday revealed millions are planning to make the most of their nearby areas – venturing just 85 miles – rather than destinations further away.

According to the findings, one in four of those arranging to go away have switched a foreign holiday for a UK break. But 62% confessed the expense of travel and petrol has been a key factor in bringing this year’s staycation even nearer to home.

A third are reserving a seaside getaway, 27% fancy a countryside camping retreat, and 23% will be savouring day trips from home.

David Howells, camping and travel expert at Halfords which commissioned the study, said: “Summer holidays don’t always have to involve a week-long stay somewhere on a plane, but this year we’re seeing a real shift towards people rediscovering what’s on their doorstep.

“With travel costs front of mind, many are rethinking what a summer break looks like and embracing the charm and convenience of staying closer to home.”

Beyond petrol costs, 32% have had to shorten the duration of their trip, while a further 32% will have to scale back on activities and dining out once they are there.

Nevertheless, the research also discovered there is a bright side as 35% said taking a break nearer to home will lessen the overall stress of it, and 31% can be more adaptable with their plans.

What’s more, 65% said staycationing closer to home will still feel like a ‘proper’ holiday to them, according to the OnePoll.com data.

However, loading up the car appears a distant prospect as those planning a getaway don’t currently possess the necessary essentials such as roof boxes or bars (69%), tents (59%), or folding chairs (23%).

A fifth need to splash out on new purchases specifically for their forthcoming UK holiday, with items like camping stoves (30%), sleeping bags (23%), and cool boxes (23%) on the shopping list.

David Howells added: “It seems people are clearly making more considered choices this summer and cutting back on time away and extras once they get there to keep costs under control.

“However, looking at it more positively, staycations near home are giving people the freedom to be more flexible – whether that’s changing plans last-minute or fitting trips around everyday life.

“A UK break still delivers that all-important sense of escape, proving you don’t have to travel far or spend big to enjoy a proper holiday”.

USUALLY a McDonald’s in the UK is found at a service station or a shopping centre – but around the world there are some very quirky restaurants.

Sun Travel has rounded up some of the weirdest from disused planes to the ‘McBoat’ and one that has DJ sets on the weekend.

Nyugati Railway Station, Budapest

Nyugati Railway Station in Budapest is home to what’s considered one of the world’s most beautiful McDonald’s.

It’s a beautiful spot to enjoy a cheeseburger during the day but at night, it completely transforms.

Every Friday and Saturday, between 10pm and 4am, the Hungarian McDonald’s tuns into a nightclub.

There’s loud music, DJ sets, and a series of light paintings are projected onto its grand ceilings.

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Sand Lake Road, USA

At 6875 Sand Lake Road in Orlando is what’s often called ‘Epic MD’.

It serves up all the McDonald’s staples as well as rare food items like McPizza.

There’s one huge difference though this McDonald’s has the largest PlayPlace in the world.

It has a massive 22-foot-tall tree-house-themed jungle play area and over 100 arcade games.

McBoat, Germany

We’ve all been through the conventional McDonald’s drive -thru – but have you seen one for boats?

In Hamburg, one McDonald’s lets visitors access their restaurant from a river, via a boat drive-thru, or ‘McBoat’.

There’s a small dock at the back of the restaurant where kayakers, paddle boarders and anyone else travelling along the river can order and collect their food.

The dock has been open for 11 years now, after launching in in 2015.

Taupō, New Zealand

In New Zealand, there is one of the most interesting McDonald’s as it’s found inside a decommissioned DC-3 plane.

The original plane stairs lead diners into the restaurant which has room for 20 people across 10 tables – even the plane’s cockpit has been preserved behind a glass wall.

The previous airline name has been replaced with “McDonald’s” and the tail end of the plane features the classic golden arches.

Outside, there’s also a playground for kids.

McDonald’s, Guatemala 

The McDonald’s in Guatemala has been called the ‘prettiest in the world’.

Rather than a plain brick building – this restaurant has scenic views of the enormous Agua volcano.

It has a large beautiful cobbled courtyard full of lush green trees, bright flowers, and tables with sun umbrellas surrounding a huge fountain.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “I guarantee you won’t have seen a McDonald’s like it.“

McSki, Sweden

The ski resort of Lindavallen is home to the world’s first ski-thru restaurant.

McSki first opened in 1996 and has a special service window where skiers and snowboarders can glide up and order food.

So there’s no need to even take off equipment or head inside – unless you want to do so.

Skiers can order everything off the classic menu as well as sweet treats like hot chocolate and warm Swedish cinnamon buns.

Madrid, Spain

This is far from the bleak McDonald’s you generally find in the UK – this one in Madrid is found in a former jewellery shop.

It’s on Gran Via avenue inside a grand cream-coloured corner building and first opened in 1981.

Some of its original features still in the building include a winding staircase, marble pillars and statement chandeliers.

On Tripadvisor, one visitor called it a “beautiful building” with a “superb interior”.

Hangzhou, China

This McDonald’s in the eastern part of China is inside a building previously home to a former Taiwan leader, Chiang Ching-kuo.

He lived there in the 1940s and the exterior remains mostly unchanged since then.

Inside however has now been decorated with posters about Chiang’s life.

If you want a hamburger though it’s worth giving this one a miss as it’s a McCafe rather than a full-on restaurant.

Melbourne, Australia

This Melbourne McDonald’s, or ‘Macca’s’ as they call it, sits inside a beautiful art deco ‘United Kingdom Hotel’.

It was designed in the 1930s by James Hastie and does look like a building you might find in the UK with its curved sides and balconies.

During the evening it lights up and inside is a retro dining room.

Visitors can expect to find all the usual offerings from the McDonald’s Quarter Pounder to milkshakes.

Downey, USA

While it’s not necessarily ‘weird’ but it’s worth an honourable mention is this McDonald’s which is the oldest still in operation.

It’s in the city of Downey in California and first opened in 1940.

It still retains all the history with the huge golden arches and retro-look inside with red plastic chairs.

After grabbing a Happy Meal from its window, take a gander around the free-to-visit museum and gift shop.

What can derail the Dodgers?

From Maddie Lee: Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior was worried. But how worried? He couldn’t say at first.

The team had taken major steps to address Shohei Ohtani’s lingering left knee condition, presenting him with a plan to skip his last start before the All-Star break and have his knee drained that Sunday. And he’d co-signed it.

The swelling in Ohtani’s knee, however, had been more persistent than the team expected. And pitching seemed to irritate it.

“I would say, moderately concerned,” Prior eventually said in a conversation with The Times last weekend. “But no more concerned than I probably am with anybody else who’s had to deal with aches and pains. Hopefully, this break and this rest will get it to calm down a little bit, and then we’ll see where we’re at next weekend.”

Coming out of the All-Star break, the Dodgers face the most pressing question for their second half: Will they be able to manage Ohtani’s knee condition?

Of course, plenty of other questions loom: What approach will the Dodgers take at the trade deadline? Will the pitchers coming off the injured list in the second half provide enough depth? Can they maintain the best record in the majors?

But naturally, Ohtani’s health is tangled up in all those answers.

Continue reading here

Plaschke: Who says they don’t need him? Dodgers need to trade for Tarik Skubal

World Cup: Spain hopes to recapture 2010 magic

From Kevin Baxter: If something happened once, it can happen again. That’s kind of what Yogi Berra was getting at when he said “it’s like deja vu all over again.”

Berra, the late Yankee catcher and once New Jersey’s unofficial poet laureate, spent most of his life within walking distance of East Rutherford, N.J., where history could repeat itself all over again in Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. And that makes his words newly relevant.

Argentina and Lionel Messi, the reigning champions, will be seeking to become the first to repeat in 64 years while Spain will be playing in the title game for just the second time ever. And the similarities to its first trip, in 2010, are uncanny.

Sixteen years ago Spain became just the second reigning European champion to win a World Cup. It will enter Sunday’s game as the reigning European champion.

In the run-up to the 2010 World Cup, Spain ran off a 35-game unbeaten streak, which matched the longest in history at the time. La Roja will enter Sunday’s game with a 37-game unbeaten streak, which matches the current longest streak in history.

Continue reading here

World Cup schedule

All times Pacific
All games on Fox and Telemundo

Third-place match
France vs. England, Saturday, 2 p.m.

Championship match
Spain vs. Argentina, Sunday, noon

LeBron James remains mum on his next team

If LeBron James knows where he will play this coming season, he’s still not saying.

The NBA’s career scoring king and current free agent spoke publicly for the first time in weeks Thursday afternoon, though stopped short of revealing which team he’ll choose to play for this fall — despite at least one cry from someone in a jam-packed room shouting for him to “pick a team.”

“It’s going to be fun wherever I land,” James said.

The four-time NBA champion was recording an episode of his “Mind the Game” podcast alongside guest co-host Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers in New York on the opening day of Fanatics Fest, a four-day event featuring dozens of athletes, celebrities and sports legends. Single-day general admission tickets were sold out, organizers said, and it’s likely that many of those patrons — there were at least several hundred there, phones out to capture the moment — were hoping to hear James’ next decision.

Not yet, he said.

“There’s no decision,” James said.

Continue reading here

This day in sports history

1939 — Henry Picard beats Byron Nelson 1-up in 37 holes to win the PGA championship.

1955 — Beverly Hanson beats Louise Suggs by three strokes in a playoff to capture the first LPGA championship.

1966 — Jim Ryun becomes the first American to hold the record in the mile since 1937. With a time of 3:51.3 at Berkeley, Calif., Ryun shatters Michel Jazy’s mark of 3:53.6 by 2.3 seconds.

1979 — Sebastian Coe breaks the world record in the mile with a time of 3:48.95 in Oslo, Norway. The time is rounded up to 3:49.

1983 — Bobby Hebert passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Michigan Panthers to a 24-22 win over the Philadelphia Stars in the first USFL championship game.

1983 — Tom Watson wins his second straight and fifth career British Open title. Watson shoots a 9-under 275 at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England to finish one stroke ahead of Andy Bean and Hale Irwin.

1994 — Brazil wins a record fourth World Cup soccer title, taking the first shootout in championship game history over Italy.

2005 — Tiger Woods records another ruthless performance at St. Andrews, closing with a 2-under 70 to win the British Open for his 10th career major. He wins by five shots, the largest margin in any major since Woods won by eight at St. Andrews five years ago. He joins Jack Nicklaus as the only players to win the career Grand Slam twice.

2006 — Stacey Nuveman and Lovieanne Jung each homer to power the United States to the World Cup of Softball title with a 5-2 victory over Japan.

2011 — Japan stuns the United States in a riveting Women’s World Cup final, winning 3-1 on penalty kicks after coming from behind twice in a 2-2 tie. Goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori makes two brilliant saves in the shootout. Japan, making its first appearance in the final of a major tournament, hadn’t beaten the Americans in their first 25 meetings.

2011 — Darren Clarke gives Northern Ireland another major championship, winning the British Open by three strokes over Americans Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson.

2016 — Henrik Stenson shoots an 8-under 63 to beat Phil Mickelson by three strokes, becoming the first man from Sweden to win the British Open.

Compiled by the Associated Press

This day in baseball history

1924 — Jesse Haines of the St. Louis Cardinals pitched a 5-0 no-hitter against the Boston Braves.

1925 — Tris Speaker is the fifth player to reach 3,000 hits.

1936 — Carl Hubbell’s 24-game winning streak over two years began as he beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-0 on five hits.

1941 — Joe DiMaggio’s hitting streak of 56 games was stopped by Al Smith and Jim Bagby of the Indians before 67,000 at Cleveland. The Yankees still won, 4-3.

1956 — In the second game of a doubleheader against Kansas City, Ted Williams hit his 400th home run. Williams connected in the sixth inning off Tom Gorman to give the Red Sox a 1-0 win over the A’s.

1966 — Chicago’s Billy Williams hit for the cycle to lead the Cubs to a 7-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in the second game of a Sunday doubleheader. Williams singled in the first inning, doubled in the third, had an RBI-triple in the fifth, homered to center in the seventh and popped out to third baseman in foul territory. The Cardinals took the opener 4-3 in 11 innings.

1969 — Jim Kaat, Gold Glove winner for seven straight years, was charged with three errors, leading to three unearned runs against the Chicago White Sox. Nevertheless, he won the game at Minnesota 8-5.

1974 — Bob Gibson struck out Cesar Geronimo of the Reds in the second inning to become the second pitcher in major league history to record 3,000 strikeouts. Cincinnati beat St. Louis, 6-4.

1978 — Doc Medich of the Texas Rangers saved the life of a 61-year-old fan who had a heart attack just before a scheduled game at Baltimore. Medich, a medical student, administered heart massage until help arrived.

1987 — Don Mattingly became the first AL player to hit at least one home run in seven consecutive games as the New York Yankees disposed of the Texas Rangers 8-4.

1990 — Minnesota became the first team in major league history to pull off two triple plays in one game, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Boston as the Red Sox beat the Twins 1-0.

2007 — Ryan Garko hit a tying pinch-hit home run in the ninth inning and singled home the winning run in the 11th to give Cleveland a 6-5 win over the Chicago White Sox.

2011 — Dustin Pedroia singled with two out in the top of the 16th inning, snapping a scoreless tie and giving the Red Sox a 1-0 victory over the Rays. It was the longest 1-0 game in the major leagues since the Brewers at Angels on June 8, 2004 went 17 innings.

2016 — Starling Marte hit a solo home run in the 18th inning and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Washington Nationals 2-1 in a marathon game that lasted almost six hours. Pinch-hitter Daniel Murphy homered with two outs in the ninth inning for Washington.

2022 — Second-generation players take the first two spots in the 2022 amateur draft as SS Jackson Holliday, son of Matt Holliday, goes first overall to the Orioles, while OF Druw Jones, son of Andruw Jones, is selected second by the Diamondbacks.

Compiled by the Associated Press

Until next time…

That concludes today’s newsletter. If you have any feedback, ideas for improvement or things you’d like to see, email me at houston.mitchell@latimes.com. To get this newsletter in your inbox, click here.

AS A kid, we all dream of going to Disney World, but what if I told you, you could actually live there?

Well, you can in Disney-themed houses littered with subtle details from hidden Mickeys to Beauty and the Beast character door knobs.

Mum and content creator, Cristie Anne, and her family bought a house in Golden Oak at Disney World Florida back in 2020 – the exclusive community that is directly on Disney property.

In fact, it is so exclusive that only residents are allowed into the community where there are 300 homes, as well as a clubhouse, a pool, a coffee bar and a fitness suite.

Cristie Anne of The Traveling Red, said: “Living at Disney World is a little surreal, even after all these years.

“[We’re] surrounded by Disney magic, yet it’s super quiet and peaceful. The homes are beautiful and there’s a great sense of community.

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“We always have neighbourhood events and we have met some of the nicest people there.”

Cristie Anne added: “At the time, Charlie [her daughter] was just two-years-old, so the idea of having a place where our family could spend time together while being so close to Disney felt absolutely perfect.”

And with Mickey Mouse himself as your neighbour, there are obviously some big perks including being just minutes away from both the Epcot and Magic Kingdom parks.

Instead of battling for a car parking space, residents simply make a call to be picked up and then they’ll be dropped directly at the park.

Cristie Anne said: “A Golden Oak van will take us directly to the parks and drop us right at the front entrance. They’ll actually take us anywhere on Disney property.

“Being able to decide at breakfast that you want to spend the afternoon in a Disney park and be there just minutes later is something I never take for granted.”

In addition to a concierge team and a full calendar of events, the community also gets front row seats to the theme park’s daily fireworks, without even leaving their homes.

“Our third-floor reading room has the most perfect view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

“We can hear them a little from inside, but from up there the view is incredible,” she said.

Every house in the community is unique, with Cristie Anne’s home being inspired by Belle’s cottage from Beauty and the Beast on the outside.

On the inside, you can expect a Winnie the Pooh room as well as a bedroom with Bambi-inspired bunk beds, complete with a Mickey seared into the wood.

There’s even a ‘Haunted Mansion’ in one of their walk-in cupboards.

She added: “Some of the themed rooms inside our neighbours’ homes are absolutely incredible and would completely blow you away.”

When asked about the mistakes tourists make when visiting Disney World, Cristie Anne simply replied: “Trying to do too much.”

She added: “People spend months planning and then arrive with a schedule so packed that they’re stressed before they even walk through the gates.”

Instead of checking rides off a list, Cristie Anne recommends slowing down, watching the parade, exploring a resort and hunting for a great meal.

Or she simply lets her daughter lead the day, instead.

“You’ll enjoy Disney much more if you leave room for spontaneity, and if you’re well rested,” she added.

And of all the spots to enjoy, Cristie Anne of course has some hidden gems up her sleeve, confessing that many people don’t leave the parks but should.

She revealed: “Disney’s resorts are attractions in their own right. The lobbies, restaurants, seasonal decorations, and activities create an entirely different side of Disney that most tourists never experience.

“If I had to pick one specific experience, I’d recommend visiting Animal Kingdom in the evening.

“Many guests leave early, but Pandora at night is one of the most beautiful places anywhere on Disney property and feels completely different after dark.

“It’s more romantic and there’s great restaurants. If we just want something quick and simple, we love Nomad Lounge. If we want a full meal, Tiffin’s is fantastic. Animal Kingdom in the evening could be a great date night without all the chaos.”

By the end of this summer, Charlie will have visited 21 countries (a number Cristie Anne admits would be even higher if it wasn’t for the Covid-19 pandemic).

And for those wanting to travel with their kids more, the mum recommends “just doing it”.

She said: “The first few trips may feel overwhelming, but every trip gets easier.

“At nine-years-old, Charlie’s incredibly comfortable navigating airports, long flights, different cultures, and unfamiliar places. She gets excited about trying new foods, meeting new people, and exploring new destinations.

“I truly believe that’s because she grew up doing it. Travel isn’t something intimidating or stressful to her… It’s something she loves.”

She added that travelling with a child allows you to slow down, stay in a place for longer and really experience it – rather than parenthood stopping you from travelling, it just changes the way you travel.

Cristie Anne revealed: “We leave room for pool days, playground stops, long dinners, and spontaneous adventures. Ironically, slowing down has allowed us to enjoy our travels so much more.

“The temporary challenges of traveling with a toddler are far outweighed by the memories you create and the confidence, adaptability, and curiosity that travel helps build in them.”

US marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit have released video showing them boarding M/T Wen Yao in the Gulf of Oman as part of the naval blockade against Iran.

Irish actress Brenda Fricker, who won an Oscar for her role in 1989 film My Left Foot and had well-loved parts in Home Alone 2 and TV’s Casualty, has died at the age of 81.

Fricker won the Oscar for best supporting actress in 1990 for playing Daniel Day-Lewis’s on-screen mother in My Left Foot.

She played nurse Megan Roach in the BBC’s Casualty from 1986, making her final appearance in 2010; and was the Central Park pigeon lady in 1992’s Home Alone sequel.

In a statement, her agent Phil Belfield said: “We will never see her like again and the world is lesser for the lack of her.”

He added: “I was honoured to know, love and work with her and she will always have a place in my heart and in the heart of so many film and TV fans the world over.”

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

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This article contains many spoilers for “Heartstopper Forever.”

In the early minutes of “Heartstopper Forever” — the feature film finale of Netflix’s hit teen romantic dramedy series — Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) notices a crooked photo strip on his boyfriend Nick Nelson’s (Kit Connor) bedroom wall. Gently pulling down the pictures, taken on the beach day they made their relationship official, Charlie smiles wistfully at their younger selves: “We look like babies.”

It’s a line that applies to the characters as much as it does to Locke and Connor. Four years after being catapulted into global stardom, the pair are bidding a bittersweet farewell to the roles that have defined their own coming of age.

“Season 1 does feel like an immensely long time ago that I do look back and think, ‘Yeah, we do look like babies,’” Connor says, with Locke nodding in agreement next to him on a recent video call from London. “‘Heartstopper’ itself was this tiny little show that was clearly something quite special to us, but we didn’t really think or know anyone was going to watch. And, suddenly, it became this thing that was immensely important to a lot of people.”

Adapted by Alice Oseman from her own bestselling graphic novels, which originated as a webcomic in 2016, “Heartstopper” chronicles the endearing love story between high-strung, gay overthinker Charlie and kind-hearted, bisexual rugby player Nick at an all-boys’ school in England.

Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie (Joe Locke) in a scene from Season 1 of “Heartstopper.”

(Netflix)

Upon its debut in 2022, the show was lauded for its unabashedly joyful, tender portrayal of queer youth — a refreshing departure from the trauma-heavy narratives that dominate other teen dramas. Even as “Heartstopper” ventured into darker thematic territory, such as Charlie’s history of eating disorders and struggles with self-harm, Oseman’s writing never lost its deft, light touch.

From the outset, Oseman knew she wanted to end “Heartstopper” with Nick going off to university in Leeds and Charlie, who is a year younger, finding independence as head boy at school. But with her cast growing increasingly more in demand every year, the author-turned-screenwriter says it would have been logistically difficult to make a fourth and final season.

After Netflix greenlit a two-hour finale instead, Oseman elected to zero in on her protagonists — not unlike her comics — rather than give each character their own, heavily condensed arc. “I think that was definitely the right decision, because we really get to spend a lot of time with Nick and Charlie and not feel like we’re missing anything,” she says.

Directed by Wash Westmoreland (“Colette,” “Still Alice”), “Forever” finds the first loves grappling with the reality of an impending long-distance relationship, leading to a rash breakup and, ultimately, an emotional reconciliation. In a surprising role reversal, as Charlie confidently steps into a leadership role as an advocate for other LGBTQ+ students, Nick is left to discover his own identity and self-worth outside of being the protective, supportive boyfriend.

On the set of “Heartstopper Forever” as Connor and Locke film a scene from the movie.

(Samuel Dore / Netflix)

Connor, who also executive produced the film with Locke, felt Charlie and Nick’s romance would be better wrapped up in a feature-length format. “There were a few very important and crucial, but short and intense [plot points] — the breakup and the time apart, and the eventual makeup and the two of them discovering who they are without one another,” he explains. “Doing it in a shorter period, I thought, would make those things hit that much harder and feel that much more visceral.”

Unlike previous seasons in which she could rely on her existing comics as storyboards for the show, Oseman was working simultaneously last year on the sixth and final volume of the “Heartstopper” comics, released earlier this month, and the “Forever” screenplay.

Juggling the same story in two different formats turned out to benefit each end product. “When I finished writing the first draft of the script, it actually made me do a really big rewrite of the comic, because it helped me see which moments were really important and which moments didn’t need to be there,” she says. (One of the pivotal scenes was the Pride parade, filmed on the last morning of production.)

As first-time producers, Locke and Connor also provided script notes that directly influenced the story. For instance, “there was no scene between Charlie and Mr. Ajayi in the original script,” says Locke, referring to the gay art teacher, played by Fisayo Akinade, whose classroom became Charlie’s safe haven from bullying before he befriended Nick. “I was like, ‘That scene in Season 1 with them is so pivotal to the story. It would be really lovely to have just a little moment for them in the film that circles on that chapter of their relationship.’ And straight away, Alice was like, ‘Yeah, great idea. Let’s do this.’”

For his part, Connor always feared that the show’s “rose-tinted” approach, though part of the story’s appeal, “would not be nuanced enough to talk about the complexities of being human and being young.”

Locke says he proposed a scene with Fisayo Akinade, who plays art teacher Mr. Ajayi, as a way to circle back on their relationship.

(Netflix)

“There was one moment where I was like, ‘Oh God, I hope these young people watching “Heartstopper” don’t suddenly forget that these kids are human, and that these kids can make mistakes and still be lovely, delightful and good people,’” Connor says. With Oseman and Locke, Connor was adamant about “finding the place [where] these characters were being treated in a way that we all felt good about.”

According to Oseman, Locke and Connor were also heavily involved in selecting a new intimacy coordinator, Robbie Taylor Hunt. Over the years, the amount of sex — or lack thereof — in “Heartstopper” has been the subject of much discourse. “It always annoyed me slightly that people were like, ‘Oh, this is so unrealistic. They’re not having sex.’ They were underage. What do you want us to do?” Locke says with a wry laugh.

Oseman has learned to tune out that online chatter, accepting that she cannot please everyone — let alone represent the entire spectrum of the young queer experience. With each season and now this film, her creative team chose to age up the story slightly. After Charlie and Nick lost their virginity to each other at the end of Season 3, the film uses physical intimacy to reveal more about their maturing relationship.

Locke says those scenes were necessary to the plot. “The pier sex scene is this carnal lust between these two people who need to get it out. The sex scene in the pillow fort is a moment of connection for them,” he says. “And the big sex scene at the end of the film is the reconciliation of their relationship.”

In the end, Nick and Charlie decide to give their relationship another shot, confident that their love can defy the conventional wisdom that teen romances rarely last. But what they learn during their split is “that you can’t put all of your hopes and dreams, your mental health and your ability to survive into one person, because it’s not fair on yourself and on that other person,” Connor says.

Over the years, the amount of sex, or lack of it, in “Heartstopper” has been the subject of online discourse. The film shows more physical intimacy.

(Netflix)

The film’s epilogue, like in the comics, offers a brief glimpse of Charlie visiting Nick for a weekend in Leeds, ending with the two of them looking through the pages of a scrapbook that still has room for new photos. While Oseman has her own vision of Nick and Charlie’s future in 10 years — they’d be newly married with a dog, she believes — the actors who play them aren’t so sure.

“I feel like the beauty of ‘Heartstopper’ is that we get to see a chapter of these two young men’s lives, and it ends in a way that doesn’t promise anything,” Connor says. “Even if they were to not end up together eventually, it wouldn’t make the experience that they shared together any less special or pivotal to who they are as people. I think that’s kind of beautiful.”

Locke is reluctant to divulge his own interpretation of the characters’ future, preferring instead to let viewers make sense of the hopeful ending. “I hope they’re happy,” he says simply. (But for the record, the actors both believe that Charlie and Nick will stay together. “Of course, we all hope so,” Connor clarifies.)

Although she is ready to tell new stories, Oseman believes that she will be revisiting Nick and Charlie, who first appeared in her 2014 debut novel “Solitaire,” “in small ways for the rest of my life.”

“I think there definitely won’t be another 10-year-long webcomic — probably not — but I love thinking about what Nick and Charlie might be up to when they’re 40 or 60,” Oseman says. However, she adds, “I think the main story of ‘Heartstopper’ has concluded, and I do feel good about that.”

Like their high school characters, Locke and Connor are ready to graduate from the “Heartstopper” universe. Wary of being typecast, they have established themselves as versatile stage actors, making their Broadway debuts in “Sweeney Todd” and “Romeo + Juliet,” respectively. Onscreen, Locke joined the Marvel universe in “Agatha All Along,” while Connor has explored vastly different cinematic genres — his next major project, the film adaptation of the dark fantasy video game “Elden Ring,” will reunite him with “Warfare” director Alex Garland.

Even on the day of our interview, Connor and Locke looked a world away from Nick and Charlie. Locke wore an all-black designer outfit, while Connor — dressed in a light blue striped button-down over a white tank and khakis — had traded Nick’s signature floppy hair for designer stubble. Yet both actors have made peace with the reality that they will forever be linked to each other and their roles. “That’s part and parcel of the job,” Connor says.

Fittingly, the last scene Connor and Locke filmed as Nick and Charlie was the anniversary scene in the park where there is a fallen tree with the letters “N+C” carved into the trunk. “It was lovely because it was back to how a lot of the ‘Heartstopper’ experience has been, which is just me and Joe,” Connor says.

“I love thinking about what Nick and Charlie might be up to when they’re 40 or 60,” says creator Alice Oseman. However, she adds, “I think the main story of ‘Heartstopper’ has concluded, and I do feel good about that.”

(Netflix)

Would they be open to revisiting Charlie and Nick’s love story as older adults? “In 10, 15, 20 years, who knows? Maybe,” Connor says. “Even if Alice were to decide that they wanted to make a TV show about another character in the universe of ‘Heartstopper’ and they wanted us to cameo or something, then, hey, maybe.”

While the “Heartstopper” team expected the series to resonate with younger audiences, they have been particularly moved by the reactions of older queer viewers, who have marveled at the strides in LGBTQ+ representation onscreen. Coming from the world of young-adult fiction — where she notes stories of queer joy are abundant — Oseman recalls being surprised that “Heartstopper” was treated as an anomaly in mainstream media. Still, she is proud to have helped move the needle on LGBTQ+ representation, particularly when such characters remain underrepresented.

“My hope is that people will be able to look back … and say, ‘Hey, “Heartstopper” did really well. Let’s make another queer show that’s got the [same] ‘queer joy’ vibes,’” Oseman says. “I hope it’s been able to give that encouragement to the people in power to let there be more stories out there because we just need more, different kinds of queer stories.”

Connor believes that anyone can enjoy the show because “Heartstopper” simply captures the universality of “human beings being happy and being in love.”

“Obviously, the [queer] representation is incredibly important. I think that the very existence of the show and the comfort and safety that it can bring people is one of the things that makes it so special,” Connor says. And the demand for such stories “isn’t going to change,” he adds. “Queer people are always going to exist.”

WASHINGTON — Democrats are making a growing effort to adopt a pragmatic focus as they campaign on affordability in the midterms, as some within the party push for moving away from ideological arguments.

Across the country, Democratic candidates are trying to win over voters by talking about real-life scenarios, framing other platform issues in economic terms and, strategists say, aiming to shift a perception that Democrats deal in the abstract.

They see an opening created by voters’ focus on the economy and their ability as the party not in power to leverage affordability as the key midterms issue as Trump’s economic approval remains low. Trump has dismissed the issue, calling affordability a “hoax” by Democrats while also promising economic improvements.

“There has been a learning process in being able to take what Trump and the Republicans are doing and make sure that [candidates] are coming back to the real-world economic implications of whatever that might be,” Democratic strategist Alex Jacquez, who served in the Biden White House. “That’s where maybe [Democrats] haven’t always, in the recent past, made the full connection all the way through.”

Now, “the moment is ripe,” he suggested, for the party to shift its image.

The Democrats’ concentration on affordability and the economy has defined their midterm messaging, playing off elevated inflation, the effects of Trump’s tariffs and high gas prices caused by the war in Iran. The party is attempting to capture enough swing voters to win a House majority in November, and some believe the Senate could also be within reach.

Polling shows pessimism about the economy has increased among all Americans and most believe the country is in an affordability crisis. Americans most frequently mention government leadership and economic issues as the country’s most important problems in Gallup polling.

Voters also increasingly disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy, including working-class white voters who make up a key part of his base. In an NPR/PBS News/Marist Poll last month, Americans gave the president his lowest-ever approval rating on the economy at 33%.

Speaking in Pennsylvania on Thursday, Trump said of affordability: “That’s a fake word that they use. They caused the affordability problem. It’s called high prices.”

Rep. Adam Gray, a Democrat who represents a purple Central Valley district and is a member of the center-left Blue Dog Coalition in Congress, said he believes voters have grown frustrated by the failure of Washington lawmakers to pay attention to what the people want out from government.

He pointed to Central Valley growers whose business has been affected, he said, by the rising price of fuel and fertilizer, the squeeze on the labor market caused by immigration enforcement and changes to federal programs.

“How regular people experience politics, it’s not the kind of ideological debates we have in Washington,” Gray said. “It’s the experience of doing something, whether that’s shopping for groceries or going to the lake to go boating with your family and realizing the price of gas is through the roof or the road to the lake is in disrepair.”

At a time when Democrats have debated how to embrace a party identity beyond opposing Trump and intra-party fights between progressive and moderate candidates have drawn attention, some believe the “practical” tactic may offer one key to the party’s path forward.

In Texas, Democratic candidates are pointing to the impact of data centers on water supply or the consequences of the state’s abortion ban, said Matt Angle, director of Lone Star Project, a political research organization that works to help get Democrats elected.

“The fact that Corpus Christi is running out of water … [or] you have women who have died because they were denied abortion services,” Angle said. “It’s very important that those things not be talked about in ideological terms but in practical terms. I think Democrats are doing a better job of that than ever before.”

“Real life is happening on the ground,” Angle added. “I think Democrats see that.”

Republicans pursued a similar strategy successfully in 2024, and their attacks on Democrats for focusing on cultural issues may have been successful in pushing Democrats away from that messaging, said Republican strategist Brittany Martinez.

“They have made it clear that’s the direction in which they’re trying to go,” she said of Democrats. “I also think you have outliers of the party that sometimes suck all the oxygen out of the room and maybe derail that message.”

National Republican Congressional Committee spokesperson Christian Martinez said Democrats’ economic record, including in California under Gov. Gavin Newsom, demonstrates a failure to prioritize working families.

“It’s laughable that Democrats are trying to make kitchen-table issues their brand,” he said. “It only proves their political brand is broken, while Californians continue living every day with the receipts from Democrats’ failed agenda.”

Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters said Thursday at a summit convened by the Washington-based news outlet the Hill that he was confident the party would retain the House and Senate and projected optimism about the economy.

“He’s going to bat for the American worker every single day,” Gruters said of Trump. “He’s going to continue to do everything he can to get the nose of the economy in this country up and to get prices down.”

But as Trump appears to prioritize other issues, Martinez said, Republicans are facing their own uphill battle to win over swing voters.

“When the president has mocked affordability, said it’s not a crisis, I don’t think that helps [Republicans],” Martinez said. “Democrats have an opportunity to capitalize on that right now.”

Both moderate and progressive Democrats see the moment as a chance to define what the party stands for beyond opposing Trump, and both have seized on real-life arguments, though the approaches differ.

Progressives have long framed a spectrum of issues in economic terms, said Usamah Andrabi, spokesperson for the progressive caucus Justice Democrats.

“That has always been the progressive economic playbook, and I think it’s about time that the other wings of the Democratic Party catch up to us,” Andrabi said.

That also means, he said, not backing away from other issues, such as abortion, foreign wars and healthcare.

“It has always been the right that has sought to divide our communities on these so-called culture war issues,” Andrabi said. “Our vision forward should be one that includes everyone… That does not mean simply ignoring some people’s most urgent crises to focus on something else, because these are interconnected.”

Climate advocates, for instance, are “effectively connecting” climate to top midterm issues, including including gas and utility costs, AI data centers and the Iran war, said Jamie Henn, executive director of nonprofit communications lab Fossil Fuel Media, and have encouraged Democratic candidates to do the same.

“Climate, like many issues, doesn’t win itself on its own merits. It’s in the ways that you talk about it and connect it to kitchen-table issues,” Henn said. “Do it in the right way – it’s not a science lecture on global warming, it’s a story about how clean energy can reduce your bills.”

Still, getting more candidates to pick up those messages can be a steep climb, he said. Advocates in some spaces, including climate, have worried about their issues being sidelined.

“There are Democrats that could be threading this needle who aren’t,” Henn said. “We know the issues that climate needs to be connected to, but [politicians] need… to do a better job to clearly articulate the messages.”

The governing body of football in Europe, Uefa, said it was investigating the role of both clubs during the events at the stadium.

It said charges against CSKA Sofia include damage to the stadium, throwing objects, racist and/or discriminatory behaviour, crowd disturbances and violating decent behaviour.

Charges against Derry City include effective invasion of the field of play, throwing objects, crowd disturbances and insufficient protection of the playing area against intruders.

In a statement, Derry City Football Club said it “unequivocally condemns the violence witnessed at tonight’s match”.

“The club is working closely with UEFA, the PSNI, CSKA Sofia and our security partners to establish the full facts surrounding the incidents,” it added.

The BBC has approached CSKA Sofia for comment.

July 17 (UPI) — A 39-year-old man was due in court in London on Friday accused of breaching national security law by assisting Iran’s intelligence service.

Counter-terrorism police charged Vahid Aberi, of Liverpool, with aiding the intelligence service of another country under the 2023 National Security Act after arresting him in Birmingham on Wednesday following an investigation, the Met said in a news release.

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said that while authorities were seeing “a significant and sustained increase” in cases involving national security, there was no threat to the public in this specific instance.

“We have seen a significant and sustained increase in the tempo of our work in national security investigations in recent years. This case is yet another example of where we’ve intervened to disrupt suspected activity linked to foreign intelligence services,” Flanagan said.

“While we can’t comment in detail around the allegations now that a man has been charged, I do want to reassure the public that we have not identified any direct threat to them nor any threat towards a community or individual in connection with this investigation,” she added.

Aberi was held at a West Midlands police station while police carried out raids at addresses in the Birmingham and Liverpool areas. Charges were authorized by the Crown Prosecution Service ahead of his appearance at Westminster Magistrates Court.

The case comes two weeks after a judge at the Old Bailey sentenced two Romanian nationals to 12 and eight years in prison for a knife attack on Iranian independent TV journalist Pouria Zeraati in London in 2024 carried out on behalf of the Iranian state.

Nandito Badea, 21, and George Stana, 25, who were arrested in Romania along with a third suspect, were extradited to Britain to face prosecution.

Following their sentencing, the Foreign Office summoned Iran’s charge d’affairs to demand Tehran immediately cease its attempts “to undermine U.K. sovereignty and security.”

On Monday, the government designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right as national security threats with anyone convicted of supporting the groups facing up to 14 years in prison.

The IMCR has claimed responsibility for seven attacks linked to Jewish and Israeli communities in Britain, including a March 23 arson attack on Jewish volunteer ambulances in Golders Green in north London.

In March, counter-terrorism police in London arrested four Iranian men on suspicion of conducting surveillance on behalf of Iranian intelligence on Jewish-community-linked individuals and locations in the capital.

THIS popular East Yorkshire holiday park has undergone an epic multi-million pound transformation for 2026.

Skirlington Coast holiday park in East Yorkshire has received plenty of exciting additions this year, including a range of new activities – plus a brand new lido and waterpark to splash about in.

Even better, the holiday park is available to book as part of The Sun’s Holidays from £9.50, meaning you can bag yourself a seriously affordable stay to check out all the new upgrades.

The holiday park have invested 10 million pounds into upgrading its grounds and facilities, such as introducing a new bandstand and festival gardens.

But perhaps the most exciting new additions are its waterpark, lido and family activities.

The waterpark spans both indoor and outdoor areas, centred around two large swimming pools.

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Indoors, kids can splash about under the umbrella-shaped water feature, while grown-ups can unwind in the sauna or hot tub.

Outdoors, kids can burn off their energy on the Giant Aqua Bounce inflatable, while adults can sunbathe on a comfy lounger.

As well as the waterpark upgrades, the park have also opened up a brand new lido.

The large outdoor lido is the perfect place to cool off on a sunny day, but if the weather does take a turn, it is sheltered by a large yellow-striped roof.

Next to the lido there are plenty of colourful deck chairs, parasols, loungers and even some beach huts that give the area that seaside holiday feel.

The lido and outdoor waterpark sit in the Festival Gardens area, a brand new section of the holiday park which is filled with brightly-coloured decorations and pretty fairy lights.

Here you can grab a refreshing drink from the Festival Bar and soak up the scenery.

As well as housing the lido and outdoor waterpark, this area is also home to a brand new dog agility park – so if you like to bring your furry friend with you on holiday, this is the perfect place to teach them some new tricks.

The area also includes a new bike pump track, where younger children can zoom around a course and practice their skills on pump bikes that require no pedalling.

The other two zones within the Festival Gardens area are the outdoor playground and the activity tent, where you can have a go at new activities like axe throwing, rifle shooting and firing mini crossbows.

When it comes to food and drink, this park has plenty of options.

Grab a bite to eat at Sea Salt Fish and Chips to keep in line with the seaside holiday vibe, or tuck into a hearty full English breakfast at the cosy Wonky Donkey cafe.

Menus here are made with fussy eaters in mind, so expect lots of familiar favourites like burgers, pizzas, chips and nuggets.

Accommodation ranges from camping and touring pitches to well-stocked holiday homes split up into Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum categories.

The most simple Bronze caravan comes with a roomy open plan design with a modern kitchen and spacious living room, with a sofa that pulls out to turn into an extra bed.

The caravans also all come with central heating, double-glazed windows, Wi-Fi and beds made-up on arrival, so no need to worry about bringing your own linen like elsewhere.

The holiday park sits on Yorkshire’s beautiful, rugged coastline, with popular seaside town Hornsea a 10-minute drive away and Skipsea Beach just five minutes away.