Month: July 2026

A Seoul district court on Monday sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to two years in prison after finding him partially guilty of accepting illegal political funds in the form of free opinion polls from a self-proclaimed power broker.

The Seoul Central District Court convicted the jailed former president on charges of violating the Political Funds Act in a ruling that marked a departure from a separate trial where his wife was acquitted on the same charges.

Special counsel Min Joong-ki’s team earlier indicted Yoon on charges of colluding with his wife, former first lady Kim Keon Hee, and receiving 58 opinion polls worth about 270 million won (US$180,100) in total for free from the power broker, Myung Tae-kyun, between April 2021 and March 2022.

In its ruling, the court recognized that Yoon had received 14 opinion polls from Myung for free over the period, sentencing him to prison and ordering a forfeiture of 13.96 million won.

It recognized the special counsel team’s argument that Yoon had promised to support former Rep. Kim Young-sun’s nomination as a candidate for the conservative People Power Party in the parliamentary by-elections in June 2022 in exchange for the opinion polls.

“The defendant’s actions sowed distrust in politics and undermined the public trust in the development of democracy,” the court said. “A punishment commensurate with the wrongdoing is inevitable.”

The court also sentenced Myung to 18 months in prison on the charges.

The special counsel team had sought a four-year prison sentence for Yoon and a three-year term for Myung.

The ruling diverged from an appellate court’s acquittal of Yoon’s wife on charges of accepting free opinion polls from Myung in a separate trial.

In Kim’s acquittal in April, the Seoul High Court ruled the couple could not be seen as profiting off the opinion polls as Myung had provided them to other people as well. Min’s team has appealed that ruling.

After the ruling, Yoon’s lawyers vowed to appeal, saying the verdict was “difficult to understand” given the former first lady’s acquittal in her trial.

The special counsel team called the latest ruling “very meaningful,” noting the bench appeared to have closely considered the various evidence and arguments presented in its judgment.

It marked the latest conviction for Yoon, who has been standing multiple trials following his failed 2024 martial law bid. In February, Yoon was sentenced to life imprisonment for leading an insurrection through his short-lived imposition of martial law.

Copyright (c) Yonhap News Agency prohibits its content from being redistributed or reprinted without consent, and forbids the content from being learned and used by artificial intelligence systems.

FORGET Cornwall, Suffolk, and Lincolnshire. When it comes to UK holiday counties, one truly has it all.

As a travel writer and devoted local, I’ve explored the country’s top destinations – but nothing beats my home county.

Imagine the coastline and charm of Cornwall, but without the summer crowds.

Devon truly has it all – from the UK’s biggest outdoor waterpark and a stunning National Park to endless coastal paths and top-tier beaches.

And thanks to the Government’s new Great British Summer Savings scheme, spending time in Devon this summer is cheaper than ever.

If you’re planning a staycation, read on for my favourite spots. As a travel writer and a local, I’ve pulled together the ultimate guide to the hidden gems you won’t want to miss.

There are even some of The Sun’s £9.50 holiday parks in here too…

Best pubs

The Drum Inn, Cockington

Nestled in the picture-postcard village of Cockington, The Drum Inn. is a must-visit.

While its giant thatched roof feels like something straight out of a fairy tale, the real magic happens on scorching summer days, as its expansive garden is the ultimate sun trap.

If you need a break from the heat, head inside, where the pub manages to keep its cosy, historic charm alive all year round.

Church House Inn, Marldon

The Church House Inn , set in the village of Marldon, is one of my favourite watering holes.

Steeped in 14th-century history, this award-winning inn is a Devon legend.

It was the first pub in Devon to be listed in the Michelin Pub Guide and has been voted Devon’s Best Country Pub by readers of Devon Life magazine.

While it has a pristine beer garden ideal for soaking up the sun while sipping on a spritz. You can also get cosy and enjoy a roast by the fire in the winter.

Court Farm Inn, Abbotskerswell

The Court Farm Inn in Abbotskerswell has to hands down be one of the prettiest pubs in Devon.

The boozer used to be a farmhouse, built back in the 16th century.

Today, you still see exposed stone walls inside.

Make sure to grab one of the local ciders and head to the garden to enjoy the architecture even more.

The Thatch, Croyde

On a day trip or staycation in Croyde (see beaches section), make sure to drop into The Thatch, which boasts a rather impressive 2,000 four and five-star reviews.

The pub sells both classic dishes and dishes with a twist, and makes for the perfect spot after a day at the beach.

Samuel Jones, Exeter

When exploring the city of Exeter, head into the Samuel Jones pub which sits on the edge of Exeter Quay.

The slightly more industrial-style pub is a great spot for enjoying a pint and either watching sports games on big screens or the swans swimming outside.

The Highwayman Inn, Sourton

The Highwayman Inn is located near Sourton, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.

often dubbed Britain’s most quirky watering hole, – it has a horse-drawn carriage for a front door and is home to a sunken galleon.

The pub, which was first built in 1282, features a Tudor-style exterior and on the inside hosts a fairy tale pumpkin house and a fire breathing dragon.

Inside the hallways are covered in an array of eclectic artefacts and objects, collected over several decades by former landlord Buster Jones.

Oh.. and it’s meant to be haunted too.

Old Fire House, Exeter

In the city centre you should pay a visit to the Old Fire House pub which used to be a 19th century fire station.

You can expect an original vaulted wooden-beamed ceiling and exposed stone walls.

And it hosts great late-night events with oversized 14-inch square pizzas.

Best hotels and holiday parks

Hotel Indigo, Torquay

Hotel Indigo Torquay by IHG is one of the newest hotels on the English Riviera and cost £23million to develop.

Having recently stayed, it is easily in the best location to explore the English Riviera.

The hotel itself looks like a giant cruise ship and sits just across the road from the beach.

Inside the hotel is super stylish, with a modern Art Deco luxury vibe.

Make sure to head to the rooftop bar if you are staying there, with amazing views across the sea and coast.

A standard king-size room for two people including breakfast starts from £83 per night.

Golden Coast Holiday Park, Woolacombe

Woolacombe is a great spot for a family staycation thanks to its expansive beach.

And Golden Coast Leisure Park, which is just five minutes from the beach is a top spot to stay at.

At the holiday park there are high ropes, a climbing wall, adventure golf, go-karts and a whole host of other activities.

If you want to test your surfing abilities, there is even the Wave Surfer.

And running until August 10, you can even book the holiday park with The Sun’s Hols from £9.50 – sign up by joining Sun Club for £1.99 per month, then go to the Sun Club Offers hub and find the Hols from £9.50 page.

Best walks

South West Coast Path

Growing up halfway between the coast and the countryside, I’ve never struggled to find a spectacular walk.

The South West Coast Path – which recently featured in The Salt Path film – can fill an entire day out with tonnes of beautiful beaches to explore.

While some of the path is rocky, most is accessible and one of my favourite things to do is drop in and out of the path to explore different parts of the coast at a time.

Dartmoor National Park

Despite all the incredible beaches Dartmoor National Park is always my preferred spot for a walk.

You could visit hundreds of times (which I have) and never experience the same walk twice.

For an easier or more accessible walk, head to Haytor – it takes about 10 minutes up to the rocks from the lower car park (where you’ll also find a visitor centre) or a few minutes from the smaller, higher car park.

For something more challenging, venture away from the roads and you’ll find stone circles and the abandoned ruins of ancient villages.

Note – if you do venture away from the roads, you should be a confident hiker as the terrain is rough and unpredictable.

But there are also many small car parks on the roads with quick walks to nearby Tors.

Make sure to keep an eye out for the famous Dartmoor Ponies as well.

The best villages & towns

Cockington

Cockington in Torquay was recently named one of the prettiest places for a day trip or staycation in the UK this summer by The Independent.

The publication dubbed it a “chocolate-box village” and said the “old thatched cottages, rural countryside and Cockington Court manor house are sure to charm”.

I always head here in the summer and enjoy looking at the pretty cottages and pristine gardens.

It is only a five minute drive from the seafront as well.

Sat at the crossroads in the middle of the village you’ll find a low-roof thatched cottage selling traditional horse brasses – an item that links to Cockington’s long history as a blacksmith’s forge.

Opposite is Sanctuary Coffee – a small coffee shop that also sells gifts and doggy items, from adorable bandanas to handcrafted toys.

And for my fave spot, head to Weavers Cottage Tea Garden, which sells the best afternoon teas around.

A cream tea costs £7.95 for a fruit or plain scone, with strawberry or handmade raspberry jam and a pot of tea.

Then if you want a cheese tea, this costs £8.45 and you get a choice of cheddar or cream cheese to go with it, as well as either chilli jam or red onion chutney – or without the tea it costs £5.50.

Just remember the golden rule of a Devonshire cream tea is to pop the cream on the scone first, then the jam.

There’s also a visitor centre where you can learn about the history of the village and Cockington Court, which is full of local makers selling everything from baked cakes, jewellery and handmade lamps.

Totnes

Totnes in south Devon is a pretty market town that is full of independent shops and cafes, a thriving market and a motte-and-bailey castle.

Wander up the high street and you will find multiple bookshops, charity shops with great finds, cosy cafes and pubs and a tonne of unique homewares shops.

There’s also Totnes Castle, which is one of the best preserved Norman motte-and-bailey castles in the UK.

Don’t miss the market on a Friday and Saturday either – it brings the town to life with antiques stalls, rug makers, food vendors and more.

Topsham

Topsham is like stepping into a village straight out of Harry Potter, but with a Dutch nod.

Every corner of the town is full of charm and is the ideal place for those who love hunting for antiques.

For example, there’s Quay Antiques which is a huge warehouse with 65 antiques sellers spread across three floors.

The town used to be involved heavily in the wool trade during the late 17th and early 18th centuries and houses along Topsham’s Strand look like Dutch merchant houses.

Babbacombe

Between Dawlish and Torquay, make sure to head to Babbacombe.

Often overshadowed by its more popular neighbours on the English Riviera, Babbacombe used to be a fishing village and today remains a quaint town.

Below the town’s cliffs you’ll find Babbacombe Beach, which boasts shingle and calm waters.

Babbacombe Downs sits above the beach and has a promenade which is thought to be the highest in England.

You can also head to Oddicombe Beach, by hopping on the Babbacombe Cliff Railway, which has been operating for a century.

As a kid, I loved heading on the 200-metre cliff railway that feels like you’re stepping back in time.

Biggest Attractions

Kents Cavern

Explore caves that date back millions of years in Kents Cavern.

Inside the caves, you can learn about their history and even their early inhabitants including woolly mammoths.

And you can sneak a peak at bones discovered in the caves as well.

The best part of the tour? When the guide blows the candle out to reveal just how dark the caves are…

Tickets cost from £21.50 per person.

Crealy Theme Park

Just outside of Exeter, make sure to head to Crealy Theme Park which has over 60 rides and attractions.

My personal favourite is Tidal Wave Log Flume – but be warned you’ll get soaked.

There are also animals to meet and shows to enjoy at the park.

For when the weather isn’t great, you can head indoors for a number of play areas as well.

And to make this summer even better, there is a new ride opening on July 31 called Rotor which will be the South West’s first inverted ride.

Tickets cost £18 per person.

Woodlands Family Theme Park

Woodlands is the largest family theme park in the South West of England, stretching across 100 acres.

And despite having been 20 plus times, I never got bored of the attraction.

Do you know what is even better? The theme park is great whatever the weather.

Inside you will find a number of play areas including a giant soft play for little ones.

Then outside you can expect water coasters, toboggan runs and toddlers’ rides.

My favourite part was always the barn where you could meet farm animals up close.

Tickets cost from £20 per adult and £15 per child.

The Big Sheep

In North Devon, head to The BIG Sheep which is an animal-themed family amusement park, near Bideford.

You can expect funny live shows and large indoor play areas.

The best part is of course, as the name suggests, the sheep sheep racing, live shearing and lamb bottle-feeding – which I can confirm is one of the cutest activities for kids.

For those who like to have their adrenaline pumping, jump on Rampage Rollercoaster which is North Devon’s biggest rollercoaster.

Tickets cost from £14.95.

The Milky Way Adventure Park

The Milky Way Adventure Park near Bideford, also has a great mix of indoor and outdoor attractions.

The theme park boasts a number of outer space-themed rides, including The Cosmic Typhoon rollercoaster which spins around.

There is an interactive play area too called Ziggy’s Blast Quest, which is a laser-shooting ride.

Tickets cost from £17.46 per person.

Splashdown Quaywest

One of my favourite summer days out on the south coast of Devon is at the UK’s biggest outdoor waterpark – Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark.

The waterpark sits on Goodrington Sands Beach in Paignton and is home to 11 slides as well as a giant pirate-themed water playground, which is perfect for kids under 12-years-old.

Shipwreck Island has seven smaller slides, tipping buckets and interactive water features such as spray arms.

Tickets cost from £27.15 per person.

RHS Rosemoor

Who doesn’t love exploring a pretty garden in bloom?

RHS Garden Rosemoor in North Devon is spread across 65 acres, between Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks.

These are 250 different rose varieties in the gardens, as well as the exotic garden which feels more like a jungle.

There is a canopy walk too, with a stream running through it.

Tickets cost from £15.70 per adult and £6 per child.

Free things to do

House of Marbles

The House of Marbles near Bovey Tracey is a great rainy day out.

The visitor attraction is actually at a toy manufacturer that was founded back in the 70s.

Inside, there are traditional board games, glass marbles, classic toys and workshops.

As a little girl I always enjoyed watching the marbles run around different tracks including one of the largest marble runs in the UK.

And you can spend endless time in the four museums which showcase the history of marbles, board games and glassworks.

There’s a great gift shop and an outdoor play area too.

Haldon Forest Park

For more outdoorsy families, Haldon Forest Park is a must.

Around 15 minutes from Exeter, Haldon Forest feels like being somewhere in Europe.

The forest is home to a tonne of trails to explore, among the towering trees.

Lots of the trails are for cycling too and you don’t need to bring your own bike either – you can just hire one.

For those more adventurous there’s also Go Ape courses, play areas and picnic spots.

The Donkey Sanctuary

Who doesn’t think a donkey is cute? And what is cuter than a load of rescued donkeys?

216 in total, to be precise…

Found in the countryside near Sidmouth, the sanctuary makes for a wholesome day out.

After meeting the resident donkeys, you can explore the gardens or head to informative talks.

There is of course a shop and a cafe too.

Geoplay Park

Right on Paignton Seafront, you can head to Geoplay Park, with climbing frames, trampolines, a climbing net and sand and water play areas.

There are a number of picnic benches scattered around too for parents to sit back and keep an eye on their little ones play.

And in addition to being next to the beach, the pier is just over the road for more free fun with lots of 2p slot machines.

Decoy Country Park

In the town of Newton Abbot, you’ll find Decoy Country Park which is a Green Flag awarded nature reserve.

In the middle of the reserve is a huge lake, that used to be a clay quarry and has a depth of 33 metres at its deepest point.

There is a circular walk around the lake which is nice and shady so ideal for hot summer days.

And if you then want to cool off even more, head kayaking on the lake (and enjoy knocking people into the water).

There is also a large playground at the park with ziplines and a splash pad.

And then for older kids, there are a number of BMX tracks to venture off on.

Fossil Hunting

Devon is home to some brilliant spots for fossil hunting thanks to its dramatic coastline.

And one free activity I loved growing up (and admittedly still do now) is fossil hunting.

There are several spots that are well-known for it in the region including Hopes Nose, Croyde Bay, Daddy Hole.

I would recommend checking out ukfossils.co.uk for some great guides on the best spots and what they have to offer.

Lidos

Teignmouth Lido

Recently saved from possible closure, Teignmouth Lido is a great addition to a day trip in the town of Teignmouth.

The lido is surrounded by a patio and grass area ideal for sunbathing and picnics.

The pool measures 25-metres-long and between May and September there are usually a whole host of events on.

If you just fancy a dip, then a two hour block costs £8.40 per adult and £5.40 per child.

Though you can also get a full-day swim pass costing £15.10 per adult and £9.70 per child.

Tinside Lido, Plymouth

Tinside Lido originally opened back in 1935 and is a Grade II-listed Art Deco.

And recently a number of spaces have been refreshed at the lido, including the sun terrace, which now has a café pod and a pop-up event space.

The pool overlooks the sea too and is right by Plymouth Ho making it the ideal end to a day exploring the city.

Beaches

Bantham Beach

When it comes to surfing spots in the county, there aren’t many destinations that are better than Bantham Beach.

Found in the South Hams, the beach is great for both families and budding watersports enthusiasts.

You won’t need to bring your own board either, as you can book lessons and hire boards at the Bantham Surfing Academy.

I’ve been to the beach many times for its waves, and failed many times at managing to stay on my board – but that’s all part of the fun.

The beach also has all the facilities you’d need for a great day out, including cafes and restaurants.

You can even make a trip across to Burgh Island via a sea tractor.

Budleigh Salterton

Budleigh Salterton Beach stretches over 2.5miles long and thanks to being a pebble beach, it has its very own sound as the waves crash against the stones.

It also marks the end of the UNESCO Jurassic Coast in East Devon.

As a result, this has long been a favourite of mine for walks thanks to the dramatic red cliffs and traditional charm.

Sidmouth Beach

Sidmouth Beach is a great option for families, thanks to its long esplanade and watersports activities.

Oh, and the fossil hunting!

At the western end of the beach you’ll find sand which is a great spot for children wanting to play.

Don’t miss the wooden steps from the beach to Connaught Gardens either – they will make you feel as if you have stepped back in time.

Croyde Beach

If you didn’t already have enough spots to head to for a good surf session, then add Croyde to that list.

The sandy beach has great waves that bodyboarders and surfers love – and trust me, part of the fun is falling off.

Around the beach you can venture through the sand dunes as well and explore some of the nearby surfing shops.

Saunton Sands

Beaches don’t get much more spectacular than Saunton Sands – which stretches for over 3.5miles.

Once again, it is another great spot for surfing, but is also dog friendly, so your pooch can have fun too.

It is well-worth extending your time at the beach as well by staying in one of the onsite Saunton Beach Villas which cost from £71 a night.

Woolacombe Beach

Woolacombe is my top pick for families, without a doubt.

The golden sand beach is right by a number of holiday parks, so makes for the ideal staycation.

In fact, there are some you can stay at in Golden Coast Holiday Park from just £9.50 (see hotels and holiday parks section).

As for things to do at the beach, you are spoilt for choice – the flat sand is great for walks and running around alike, as well as building sand castles and you can also have a go at bodyboarding or surfing with one of the local schools that offer lessons.

Torre Abbey Sands

Whilst I do normally avoid this beach in the summer, due to the flocks of families, there is no denying it is great.

The large sandy beach is usually really flat and is right by the road which makes it a great place for being near the car as well as other facilities like restaurants and loos.

Often, you’ll find a local sand artist drawing in the sand, creating some amazing image which can be viewed from the pedestrian bridge overhanging the beach.

Make sure to walk around from the beach to Pier Point to grab some fish and chips, which have previously been awarded the best in the UK.

Preston Sands

Preston Sands is great for those who love beaches with softer sand and spectacular views.

From the beach you can look across the English Riviera bay, which comes alive at night with glowing multi-coloured lights along the promenade.

The beach has colourful beach huts – great for photos.

And make sure to check out the rock pools, where you will often see little fish and crabs.

Anstey’s Cove

Popular with the famous crime author, Agatha Christie, Anstey’s Cove is a spot that most people have no clue exists.

Hidden behind the now abandoned Living Coasts, the small cove features a mix of pebbles and sand but boasts a tonne of history.

It actually used to be the preferred spot for crime writer Agatha Christie to head on a sunny day.

She even once nearly drowned at the beach.

Around the beach you will also find recently installed information boards that tell you about the history, but also the ecology of the area.

Elberry Cove

My absolute favourite beach is Elberry Cove – it often feels as if it has been plucked from a Greek island instead of England’s southern coast.

It’s between Paignton and Brixham and isn’t the biggest of beaches.

It also features pebbles so make sure to bring a chair with you.

There are crystal clear water, with views of a tropical-looking forest on one side and towering cliffs on the other.

The secluded spot doesn’t really get busy, which always surprises me as it has been popular historically.

At the end of the beach you’ll find its main curiosity – a ruined bath house, that used to be three stories tall and was used by Lord Churston in the 18th century.

The sea would freely wash in and out of the ground floor, which allowed the Lord to swim directly into the sea.

It later then featured the early version of the hot tub, with the seawater being heated by a fire.

Brixham Breakwater Beach

While Brixham Breakwater Beach isn’t huge, it is one of the best spots for a beach walk in the county as you often get to see seals playing in the sea.

The breakwater itself has amazing views of the bay and town as well.

This spot also has a blue flag for cleanliness.

Take a wander back to the harbour and you can see a replica of the famous Golden Hinde boat.

Quirky things

Babbacombe Model Village

Babbacombe Model Village is over 60 years old, spread across four acres and boasts hundreds of scenes depicting British life.

From iconic landmarks we know and love, to slightly more tongue-in-cheek scenes, there is something for everyone to see.

One scene is an ‘unaffordable housing development’ and then there’s also a celebrity mansion with the Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Incredibles family playing in the garden.

Included in your admission ticket, you can also watch a film in the attraction’s 4D cinema.

Tickets cost £21.95 per adult and £17.95 per child.

Local Loves & Hidden Gems

Gandy Street, Exeter

J.K.Rowling went to Exeter University, and for years many thought this quaint, cobbled street off of the high street was the inspiration behind Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, sadly the famous author has denied it.

But for me, it remains the most Harry Potter Diagon Alley-style spot I’ve ever seen.

There are some vintage shops to spend some hard-earned cash, as well as great gift shops and cosy restaurants.

Castle Drogo

Sat on the edge of Dartmoor, Castle Drogo is famously the last castle built in England in the 1930s.

It doesn’t look like your usual old stone castle, but instead blends both old and new architecture.

You’ll not see anything else quite like it.

It costs from £9 per child and £18 per adult to visit.

Royal William Yard

Once a 19th century Royal Naval depot, Royal William Yard is now a bustling 16-acre waterfront attraction thanks to years of refurbs and new openings.

You’ll find amazing independent shops and restaurants, galleries, bars, a cinema and of course, the marina.

It is a great place to explore thanks to having Europe’s largest collection of historic military buildings and just marvel at the architecture with a cuppa in hand.

Round Robin Experience

Without fail, if you spend money on one experience in Devon, make it the Round Robin.

Admittedly, it is not the cheapest – and adult ticket costs £43 and a child ticket costs £27.50 – but it is the best way to see pretty Devon town.

Starting on a bus trip from Paignton, you’ll head to Totnes where you then head on an hour-and-a-half cruise to Dartmouth, before hopping on a five-minute ferry to Kingswear.

Then for the final part you’ll jump on a 30minute steam train back to Paignton.

Across the journey you’ll see pretty towns and villages, see the countryside, spot wildlife and have a chance to explore.

Greenway House

Agatha Christie – who was also a born and bred Devonian – has left her mark across Devon.

And one top spot to see associated with the famous crime writer is her holiday home, Greenway House – which she dubbed “the loveliest place in the world”.

Sat on a riverbank in Kingswear, the home is full of items she used to cherish from both her childhood and travels.

Tickets cost from £9 per child and £18 per adult.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has targeted US military facilities in Bahrain, claimed it has destroyed radar systems in Oman and hit Jordan and Kuwait in its latest round of overnight retaliatory strikes against the United States.

Tehran’s attacks on Monday came as a response to Washington’s escalating strikes as prospects of peace between the two countries recede.

Here is a recap of the latest attacks:

Where were the latest Iran attacks?

Oman: The IRGC said it attacked Oman as part of its latest phase of retaliation. It said it targeted “the FPS long-range aerial radar and the vessel detection radar in Oman”, adding that these radar systems were destroyed.

Bahrain: The IRGC also said it launched missile and drone attacks targeting “installations and infrastructure of the aggressive US army” in Juffair, Bahrain.

Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior said on Monday that sirens had been sounded in the country as it warned people to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place.

The IRGC earlier said it targeted several facilities at the Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain.

Jordan: Jordan’s military said on Monday that it intercepted and downed “four missiles that entered Jordanian airspace” and came from Iranian territory.

Earlier, the IRGC said it targeted Jordan’s Prince Hassan Air Base with missiles and drones and set fire to several fuel depots and ammunition storage facilities.

Kuwait: The IRGC said on Monday that it also targeted a US surface-to-surface missile base in Kuwait, “setting fire to two HIMARS missile launchers and missile-packed warehouses, completely destroying them”.

HIMARS stands for high mobility artillery rocket systems, which are mobile rocket launchers manufactured by the US.

Earlier, the General Staff of Kuwait’s Army said air defence systems were engaging “hostile aerial targets” inside the country’s airspace.

It said any explosions heard were the result of air defence systems intercepting the attacks and urged the public to follow safety and security instructions.

Where was Iran hit?

The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) earlier said it hit “dozens of targets at multiple locations with precision munitions to degrade Iran’s ability to continue attacking international shipping flowing through the Strait of Hormuz”.

These targets included “Iranian military air-defense systems, coastal radar sites, missile and drone capabilities, and small boats”, it said.

CENTCOM said it deployed “US fighter aircraft, naval vessels, one-way attack aerial drones, and one-way attack sea drones for the first time”.

Valiollah Hayati, the deputy governor for security and law enforcement in western Iran’s Khuzestan province, told the semiofficial ISNA news agency on Monday that US forces attacked at least eight locations across Khuzestan overnight.

Hayati also said one person was killed and four were injured when a projectile hit an agricultural water-pumping station in Mahshahr, according to the IRNA news agency.

Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported on Monday that a US-manufactured LUCAS (low-cost uncrewed combat attack system) suicide drone was “accurately hit and shot down” in Bandar Abbas, a city on the Strait of Hormuz.

What has each side said?

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on Monday condemning the US strikes on targets in Iran.

US President Donald Trump insisted that the Strait of Hormuz was open during an appearance on the NBC TV network’s Meet the Press programme on Sunday.

“They’re very, very evil and sick people. We had meetings with them. They agreed to a deal yesterday, a perfect deal for us. No nuclear, no this, no that, no nothing. They gave up everything. And then after that, they left the room. And then within an hour, they launched a drone at a ship,” Trump said.

When did the conflict reignite?

On July 6, the IRGC struck three commercial vessels, including a Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker, off Oman. Iran accused the ships of trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without its permission. Tehran’s interpretation of a key clause in the June memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the US gives it the authority to manage traffic through the waterway.

The following day, the US said it carried out strikes on Iranian military targets. Tehran in turn responded with missile and drone attacks on military bases across the Gulf where US forces are deployed.

On Wednesday, Trump told reporters the MoU was over, and on Saturday, the IRGC said the Strait of Hormuz was closed yet again.

How has this impacted the Strait of Hormuz and shipping?

The number of vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz has fallen to its lowest level in five weeks, according to shipping data.

Six ships sailed through the strait on Sunday, according to data from the trade intelligence firm Kpler, including the Humanity and the Capetan Andreas, transporting 2 million barrels of Iranian oil and 500,000 barrels of Kuwaiti petroleum products, respectively.

Three empty tankers also entered the Gulf to load oil, according to the data.

TRIBUTES are pouring in for screen icon Sam Neill, who passed away aged 78 on Monday, July 13.

The acclaimed actor died suddenly surrounded by his loved ones, just months after revealing he was cancer-free.

Sam Neill’s family confirmed the news in a statement: “It is with immense sadness that the whanau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney, Australia.

“Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life.

“The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer-free.

“They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care.

‘ANOTHER DAY’

Final photo shows Sam Neill beaming at awards event weeks before his death

TOUGH LOSS

Richard E Grant & Australian PM lead tributes to Sam Neill after death at 78

“More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute, writing on X: “Sam Neill starred in so many beloved Australian stories and he earned a special place in Australian hearts.

“Wry and dry, thoughtful and laconic, Sam fought illness with the same dignity, humour and conviction that gave strength to his every performance.

“He will be much mourned and long remembered. May he rest in peace.”

Fellow actor Richard E. Grant posted: “Knew @samneilltheprop for 3 decades and finally worked with him on PALM BEACH in 2018. An officer and a Gentleman in the truest sense.

“Guided and helped me through a very difficult time in my Life. Pictured beside producer @deb_bal & @ladyheathermitchell. Sail on, kind Sir.”

While Jurassic World: Dominion director Colin Trevorrow said Sam was “a friend and collaborator at a challenging time”.

He continued: “His strength gave us all strength. I’ll remember him for his tranquility, his love of wine, and for the calm assuredness he brought to his characters.”

Scottish actor Alan Cumming wrote: “Ahhh Sam, what a glorious beautiful man. You are missed. Sorry to the family for your immense loss.”

The Boys’ Karl Urban posted: “Heartfelt condolences to your whanau.
Sam was truly brilliant. An inspiration for many who followed in his trailblazing footsteps.

“A beautiful man, A national treasure who gave so much to New Zealand and the to world. God speed Sam.”

At the time of writing, no cause of death has been given.

Who were Sam Neill’s parents?

Sam was born Nigel John Dermot Neill in Omagh, Northern Ireland, to English mother Priscilla Beatrice Ingham and New Zealand father Dermot Neill, an army officer.

The family emigrated to New Zealand when Sam was seven, settling in Dunedin, and he later went to boarding school in Christchurch.

He took the name Sam when he was a youngster because there were too many Nigels at school.

In his memoir Did I Ever Tell You This?, Sam wrote: “The one thing I resent about my parents, the only thing, is that they called me Nigel.

“Changing my name to Sam at the age of 11 was probably the best decision I made in my life.”

He added: “I found I moved more easily in the world as a Sam. Nigel is an awkward fit in most circumstances. Imagine being a movie actor called Nigel Neill.”

His dad’s family had deep roots in the wine trade, having founded the Dunedin merchant firm Neill & Co generations earlier, which Sam later drew on when he established his own Central Otago winery, Two Paddocks, in the 90s.

Who was Sam Neill married to?

Sam had a long relationship with New Zealand actress Lisa Harrow, whom he met while filming 1981’s The Final Conflict. The pair had a son together, Tim, born in 1983.

Later on life, he went on to marry Japanese make-up artist Noriko Watanabe, whom he met on the set of the 1989 film Dead Calm.

The couple welcomed a daughter, Elena, in 1991, and Sam also adopted Noriko’s daughter from an earlier relationship, Maiko.

Sam and Watanabe separated in 2017.

Who are Sam Neill’s children?

Sam is survived by four children. Alongside Tim, Elena and Maiko, he also had a son named Andrew.

He was placed for adoption when Sam was in his early twenties and was reunited with his father in 1994.

Sam previously told The Times: “I’ve got a slightly unusual family – it’s more extended than most.

“My first son, Andrew, was given up for adoption when he was very small. I was quite small, too – in my early twenties.

“I didn’t see him for 25 years and then we went looking for each other.”

What movies did Sam Neill appear in?

Sam’s career spanned more than 50 years and around 150 screen credits. Among his biggest film roles were:

• Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park (1993)
• Alisdair Stewart in The Piano (1993)
• Vasili Borodin in The Hunt for Red October (1990)
• John Ingram in Dead Calm (1989)
• Damien Thorn in The Final Conflict (1981)
• Michael Chamberlain in Evil Angels (1988)
• Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park III (2001)
• Dr William Weir in Event Horizon (1997)
• Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic World: Dominion (2022)
• Cliff Buxton in The Dish (2000)

On television, Neill played corrupt Major Chester Campbell in Peaky Blinders.

He also featured as Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in The Tudors, among many other roles.

Sam was awarded an OBE in 1991 for services to acting, and in 2022 accepted redesignation as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM), the second-highest grade in the New Zealand royal honours system.

He previously turned down the KNZM when knighthoods were first restored to the New Zealand honours system in 2009.

TWO busy UK train stations will close next week for nearly a month.

Thousands of Brits heading to the capital will have to find different routes next week from both Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations.

The two London stations, which handle millions of passengers each year, will close next Sunday – July 26 – for three weeks.

This is so that both the stations can undergo a £20million makeover.

The stations will then reopen on August 16.

Across the 22-day closure, all services will be cancelled as Network Rail carries out improvements to the stations including replacing a track that dates back to the 1990s.

Read more on travel inspo

STAYCAY

Our travel experts’ best-kept-secret UK holiday spots for summer – from £37 a night

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

Other upgrades include new surfaces and structural repairs to the 175-year-old Hungerford Bridge which takes trains over the River Thames.

Later on this year, there will also be two additional weekend closures between August 22 and 23 and October 10 and 11.

For travellers who usually use Southeastern services from Charing Cross, they will now need to head to either London Victoria, London Cannon Street, London Blackfriars or London Bridge.

Passengers will also be able to use their ticket on alternative routes, the Underground and buses at no charge.

Scott Brightwell, train services director at Southeastern Railway, previously said: “The £20 million investment we are delivering will see 1990s track and platforms upgraded to make journeys safer and more reliable, and Victorian- era structures strengthened to remain fit for the future.

“By consolidating the work into a 22-day closure, supported by preparation and follow-up weekends, we can complete the work more quickly and with less disruption overall than the alternative options of 60 weekend closures or four to five, nine-day closures.”

He added: “We have planned the closure for the summer, when passenger numbers are around 20 per cent lower and schools are closed, to help manage the impact on customers.”

All passengers are now being urged to plan ahead and check before they travel.

Dodgers utility player Kiké Hernández confirmed Friday what he posted as a comment on Instagram: he won’t be going to the White House on July 23, when President Trump will honor the team for its 2025 World Series championship.

Instead, Hernández (strained left oblique) is scheduled to be on a minor-league rehab assignment.

“It’s going to be hard to be in two cities at the same time,” Hernández said. “If I was active, I probably wouldn’t have gone anyways.”

Why?

“I’d rather take a day off than do team activities,” he said.

Last year, Hernández expressed his support for immigrants in Los Angeles on social media amid ICE raids authorized by the Trump administration.

The White House visit will be on a day off in the middle of a nine-game East Coast trip.

“I’m sure a lot of guys are going to participate and be there, and this is an individual choice,” Roberts said. “But I do expect a lot of our guys to be there.”

Scheduling conflicts when the Dodgers played the Nationals in Washington on April 3-5 pushed back the trip.

“This took a long time to get both sides together, and, honestly, like I’ve always said, my company line, my personal line is I hope that we get this invitation every year,” Dodgers manager Roberts said. “Because that’s the goal: to win a championship, to get this invitation to the White House. And I’m not a politician, and I’m doing something that teams have done for decades. And so that’s where I stand, really. I’m a baseball coach. That’s what I do.”

Back in 2019, Roberts suggested that he might not accept an invitation to the White House with Trump in office. But he did attend last year when the Dodgers celebrated their 2024 title.

Roberts said the Dodgers found out earlier this week that the White House visit had been scheduled.

“There was a lot of unknown,” Roberts said. “It’s an off day, and then how could we work this out logistically?”

That set off “a lot of phone calls, texts, and communication internally.”

Hernández’s injury rehab has moved along more quickly than Roberts initially expected. He landed on the injury list in late May after playing in just two games following offseason surgery on his left elbow.

“He looks normal,” Roberts said last weekend. “I’m not saying miraculous, but I’m really in disbelief how well he responded, given the injury.”

Dramatic video captured the moment waves caused by Typhoon Bavi slammed into a house in China’s eastern Zhejiang province. The storm caused widespread power and phone service outages. Authorities had evacuated more than two million residents.

A 93-year-old British woman has died in hospital after suffering burns to about 20% of her body in the Spanish wildfires. Her death was confirmed on Sunday afternoon, bringing the total number of fatalities from the fires to 13.

A stark warning has been issued to Brits travelling to Spain as the country continues to battle ferocious wildfires.

A 93-year-old British woman has died following injuries sustained in the deadly wildfires that tore through southern Spain, authorities confirmed this morning. The Andalusian government revealed the woman was rushed to hospital on Friday after sustaining burns to roughly 20% of her body.

Her death was confirmed on Sunday afternoon, pushing the total death toll from the blazes to 13.

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a travel alert regarding the fires in Los Gallardos, Almería, in Andalucía. It urges those in the area to:

• follow instructions from local authorities and emergency services at all times
• avoid travelling into or through the affected area
• follow updates from the emergency services
• for emergencies, call 112

Have you been impacted by the wildfires? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

The FCDO notes that anyone concerned about someone in the area can call +34 677 904 624 provided by the Psychological Intervention Group for Emergencies and Disasters. English speaking staff are available. Consular assistance can be found by calling +34 917 146 300 if you’re in Spain, and +44 (0)20 7008 5000 if you’re in the UK.

At least four victims in Andalusia are believed to be British, after four bodies were discovered in a burnt-out vehicle with its steering wheel on the right-hand side.

This comes after reports on Sunday that two British hikers were found alive but severely burnt. The man and woman, who remain unnamed, are believed to have suffered burns to 40% of their bodies, according to Spanish national broadcaster RTVE.

The pair was located by a Civil Guard team, who revealed they had already swept the area, but had a gut feeling they needed to return. Speaking to RTVE, the Civil Guard officers described finding the two British nationals alive just as darkness was closing in.

Sergeant Pedro Barre told the broadcaster: “That experience we accumulate over the years is what tells you: take another look, give it one last try, check again just in case.”

He explained that the team called out and blew whistles, before eventually detecting a noise they initially thought might be an echo.

Fellow rescuer Rafael Zea added that given the severity of the couple’s injuries, it must have taken a “Titanic effort” for them to raise their voices loud enough to be heard. Firefighters and emergency services helped rescue the pair after more than two hours trapped.

Both individuals are currently reported to be in a serious condition in hospital, though their lives are not thought to be at risk. Spanish authorities believe all the victims were foreign tourists, who are thought to have attempted to escape on foot after apparently abandoning their vehicles and trying to flee through rugged terrain.

Antonio Sanz, head of Andalusia’s emergency services, previously said that authorities had completed post-mortem examinations and DNA samples were collected to identify them.

Spain has been hit by frequent and severe heatwaves in recent years, with temperatures regularly soaring above 40C. In June, Spain endured several days of record-breaking heat, with more than 1,000 excess deaths attributed to the scorching conditions.

Dr Thomas Smith, Associate Professor in Environmental Geography, London School of Economics and Political Science, explained why Spain is suffering so intensely from the fires.

“The extreme wildfire behaviour we’re seeing in Spain is closely linked to the extreme heatwave weather conditions. Fire behaviour (how quickly a fire spreads and how intensely it burns) is heavily influenced by the weather. Research shows that key measures such as rate of spread and the size of flames increase exponentially as fire weather becomes more severe, meaning that relatively small increases in extreme fire weather can produce disproportionately more dangerous fires,” he said.

“When weather conditions reach record-breaking levels, we should expect the potential for record-breaking fire behaviour, particularly when strong winds are present to accelerate fire spread and make suppression much more difficult.

“Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of the extreme heat and fire weather conditions that create these dangerous environments. While individual fires are influenced by many factors, including ignition sources, vegetation, and land management, climate change is inextricably linked to the record-breaking weather that is driving the conditions for these extreme wildfires.”

The UK has experienced two record heatwaves this year, with temperatures in England reaching 35.1C in May and 37.7C in June.

More than 2,700 deaths across England and Wales have been linked to unprecedented heatwaves in the United Kingdom in May and June, according to new research.

There were 550 heat-related deaths between May 21 and 29, and nearly 2,200 people died between June 18 and 28, scientists estimated in the study published on Monday.

Researchers from Imperial College London, the Met Office and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine used weather data, climate models and studies on excess deaths during the extreme weather to arrive at their estimate.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it would publish its official estimate of heat-related deaths in the coming weeks, based on death records from recent heatwaves.

Climate change driving heatwaves

The UK and much of Europe have already experienced two record-breaking heatwaves this year, with temperatures in England reaching 35.1C (95.2F) in May and 37.7C (99.9F) in June.

“They were extreme heatwaves for the UK, and for all parts of Western Europe, and they’re particularly exceptional for the timing and how early in the year they occurred,” said Mark McCarthy, the science manager at the Met’s climate attribution team.

Scientists emphasised the role of climate change in making heatwaves more intense and frequent.

They estimated that maximum daytime temperatures were up to 4C (7.2F) higher than they would have been without global warming.

The Climate Change Committee (CCC), the body responsible for advising the British government on climate change, warned last year that the UK was “not ready” to deal with the consequences of climate change.

Lea Berrang Ford at UKHSA’s Centre for Climate and Health Security says the study released on Monday would “help illustrate the scale of risk associated with extreme heat and the growing threat climate change poses to our wellbeing”.

In a report published in May, it estimated that 92 percent of British homes could be too hot by 2050.

It said the government should set maximum temperature limits in the workplace, as well as invest in air conditioning for public buildings such as hospitals and schools in preparation for extreme weather.

The research on heat-related deaths in the UK comes as data showed that more than 10,000 excess deaths were recorded across Europe during the heatwaves across the west ⁠of the continent ⁠in late June.

EuroMOMO, a network backed ⁠by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organization, said most of those deaths were among people aged 65 and above, with 9,000 excess deaths reported in that age range.

Scientists pooled national mortality statistics from 27 European countries in June and concluded that, without other notable factors such as COVID-19 outbreaks, the heatwave is most likely to have ⁠contributed to the spike of 10,650 excess deaths between June 22 and 28.

Emmy nominations arrived Wednesday and if you made the cut, it was a magical morning, like you were invited to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding and danced to “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and ate your fill of lobster, sushi and Krispy Kreme donuts, a combination that I’m sure goes well together provided you’ve fortified yourself with a steady stream of the couple’s signature tequila cocktails throughout the day.

And if you didn’t hear your name called, well, you’re feeling like you’re out there on the street behind the police barricade, hot and sweaty, wondering what happened to your dragons and how in this underwhelming Emmy season things could go so wrong.

• Share via Close extra sharing options

With Emmy submissions still down this year, there aren’t as many slots available to salute all the worthy work, leading to some sad omissions — which, for the sake of alliteration and search engine optimization, we’ll call “snubs.” There were also some surprises, some worthy, some about as welcome as the aftermath of a hot dog-eating contest on the Fourth of July.

Now that I’ve whetted your appetite, grab a donut (or a footlong) while I run down the morning’s notables.

SURPRISE: “The Bear” (comedy series)

OK, not that huge a surprise when a series nominated for its first three seasons, and winning for its first, snags another nod. But given the number of people complaining about the show’s pokey plotting, it was fair to wonder if “The Bear” would again make the cut for Season 4. The show dropped its final season three days after nominations voting ended and because things actually happened during this crowd-pleasing conclusion, it’s possible we might be seeing it again here next year too.

SNUB: Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear” (comedy lead actor)

While “The Bear” made the cut for series, the only cast member to join the party was Ayo Edebiri. Past winners White, Liza Colon-Zayas and Ebon Moss-Bacharach were left out, though all will have a shot at returning next year. Whether they will is open to question. Voters seem to have had their fill of the show.

Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri in “The Bear.”

(FX)

SURPRISE: “Your Friends and Neighbors” (drama series)

The Jon Hamm-led Apple crime drama failed to land any nominations for its first season outside a nod for main title music. Now moved from limited series to drama, it inexplicably landed a single nomination for its enjoyable-enough follow-up season — for the big prize, drama series. No other noms. Nothing for Emmy favorite Hamm. It’s almost as confusing as some of the plotting in the show.

SNUB: “Half Man” (limited series)

Richard Gadd’s limited series was provocative with its brutally violent look at male rage and unresolved trauma. But some voters I talked with found it so off-putting that they never made it past the first episode. Could be we’ve had our fill of toxic male behavior in the news without having to endure it on our down time too.

SURPRISE: Riz Ahmed, “Bait” (limited series / TV movie lead actor)

Ahmed created, wrote and produced this limited series about a struggling actor whose life is upended when rumors circulate he might be the next James Bond. His sharp comic timing and affecting vulnerability landed with voters.

SNUB: Cailee Spaeny, “Beef” (limited series / TV movie supporting actress)

OK, you didn’t like her character and you’re still afraid to drink orange juice after watching the show. But to nominate everyone else from the series and omit Spaeny? That feels like a case of Millennials and Boomers taking out their grievances on Gen Z.

Cailee Spaeny, left, with Carey Mulligan and Charles Melton in “Beef.”

(Netflix)

SURPRISE: Richard Jenkins and Joy Sunday (limited series / TV movie supporting actor and actress)

The weird and unpredictable “DTF St. Louis” had one last surprise for us, as voters indicated their enthusiasm for it by nominating not just David Harbour, Jason Bateman and Linda Cardellini, but also Richard Jenkins and Joy Sunday, who were terrific as the mismatched law enforcement partners. “DTF,” not “Beef,” might now be the limited series to beat at the Emmys.

SNUB: “Stranger Things” (drama series)

Nostalgia, it would seem, has its limits.

SURPRISE: Rufus Sewell, “The Diplomat” (drama lead actor)

He’s overly involved on the show, so why not at the Emmys, too?

SNUB: Kathy Bates, “Matlock” (drama lead actress)

Dirty birdies.

Chase Infiniti in “The Testaments.”

(Disney)

SURPRISE: Chase Infiniti, “The Testaments” (drama lead actress)

Infiniti was overlooked at the Oscars for her lead turn in “One Battle After Another,” but Emmy voters did right by her, nominating her formidable work in the sequel to “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

SNUB: Adam Brody and Kristen Bell, “Nobody Wants This” (comedy lead actor and actress)

Though Netflix’s rom-com nabbed a comedy series nomination, voters took the title to heart regarding its two leads, both of whom were nominated for its first season.

SURPRISE: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, “Wonder Man” (comedy lead actor)

A show about a struggling actor navigating the indignities of auditions? No doubt voters found it relatable and Abdul-Mateen II made his anxieties and aspirations vivid.

SNUB: Jenna Ortega, “Wednesday” (comedy lead actress)

Wednesday’s child is full of woe.

Megan Stalter, left, with Robby Hoffman and Paul W. Downs in “Hacks.”

(HBO Max)

SURPRISE: Megan Stalter, “Hacks” (comedy supporting actress)

Stalter’s loud, boundary-pushing nepo baby Kayla on “Hacks” was divisive, but she coasted to her first nomination on the wave of goodwill surrounding the show’s final season. Cringe comedy enthusiasts are celebrating. Now we await a reprise of her jeans and white T-shirt red carpet look from last year.

SNUB: “Saturday Night Live” cast members (comedy supporting actor and actress)

Admittedly it’s a low bar, but “Saturday Night Live” was better this year, not that voters seem to have noticed. Bowen Yang failed to earn a nomination for his farewell season, ending a four-year streak. And breakout cast member Ashley Padilla was overlooked too, her comic timing apparently too absurd for voters’ tastes.

SURPRISE: Dale Dickey, “Widow’s Bay” (comedy supporting actress)

Hopes were high for “Widow’s Bay,” television’s best new comedy, which arrived late in the Emmy season — so late that its last three episodes weren’t eligible for consideration. But that didn’t stop voters from embracing it, giving the show 19 nominations, including one for Dickey’s turn as the gruff town hall worker who is the Spielberg of overhead projector presentations.

SURPRISE: Connor Storrie (comedy series guest actor)

HBO Max’s hockey romance drama “Heated Rivalry” wasn’t eligible for the Emmys because it’s a production of the Canadian TV network Crave, and the television academy requires the U.S.A. be part of a show’s funding to make the ballot. But star Storrie still received an Emmy invite thanks to his impressive comic turn hosting “Saturday Night Live” in February. The guest actor trophies are handed out during the Creative Arts Emmys, a week before the primetime show, but we’ll likely see Storrie and “Heated Rivalry” co-star Hudson Williams show up to present something during the main telecast. They do want people to watch, right?

England are not alone in covering vast distances.

Spain have logged more than 12,000 miles, while Switzerland exceeded 10,000 thanks to what the Swiss Football Association described as “venue hopping” across North America.

Morocco repeatedly returned to their New Jersey base despite fixtures taking them to Boston, Atlanta, Monterrey and Houston before eventually bowing out to France in the quarter-finals.

Belgium’s decision to base themselves in Renton, Washington, kept travel to about 4,000 miles before their exit against Spain.

France’s tally is one of the lowest of any nation at the tournament – with a total below even several teams eliminated after only three group matches.

Long-distance travel is nothing new at the World Cup. Brazil in 2014, Russia in 2018 and even South Africa in 2010 all required teams to cover significant distances.

The first 48-team World Cup, however, has presented a different challenge. With matches staged across three host nations and 16 cities, some teams have spent weeks shuttling back and forth across North America, while others have remained largely within the same region.

England’s route illustrates that contrast better than most. Their journey has already exceeded the total distance of countries at other tournaments.

Retired US General Mark Kimmitt warns renewed attacks in the Strait of Hormuz could push the US and Iran back towards wider conflict.

THE gorgeous Mediterranean village where I’ve camped for 50 years has just been dubbed ‘France’s Favourite Village’ and I am furious!

Bormes les Mimosas beat 13 other exceptionally pretty rural villages in a national TV competition watched – and voted on – by millions of French each summer.

It took the top spot because of its fabulous year-round colours – the hilltop medieval village is swathed in bright yellow mimosa flowers, bursting bougainvillaeas, majestic cypress trees and swaying palms.

The terracotta-roofed historic stone buildings tumble down the hillside,  a labyrinth of cobbled streets and tiny lanes filled with restaurants, boutiques and artist galleries.

And Bormes drew even greater praise for its wild, pristine coastline and immaculately maintained beaches.

Why am I so angry? The village that takes the top spot sees an immediate spike in visitors – often up to 40per cent more – and I’ll be having to fight for the spots at my favourite bars and restaurants when I visit this summer!

Bormes has been a part of my life since I was just seven years old when my family took a chance on an overnight stay at Camp du Domaine, a campsite right on the coast in the shadow of the hilltop village of Bormes.

For our family, it was love at first sight. Unlike the manicured lawns and strict rows of English campsites, Camp du Domaine was gloriously rustic.

Pitches were squeezed haphazardly between umbrella pines and plane trees, tumbling down to a gorgeous swathe of soft, golden sands.

Back then facilities were minimal – a shop, restaurant and shower blocks. But it was a paradise for us kids – we could roam on our bikes, head off on adventures, make friends and explore while my parents soaked up the Mediterranean sunshine.

And over the last 50 years, I’ve returned every year, bringing my own family on annual holidays and creating even more memories.

In my 26 years as The Sun’s Travel Editor, I’ve chatted to Virgin’s Richard Branson on the rooftop of his Caribbean island home, watched flamingos soar over the salt flats of Chile’s Atacama desert and ticked off every major European capital, Mediterranean hot spot and US city.

But nothing can beat the moment I step out of the shower block of my South of France campsite on my own family holidays.

This summer, we’ll pitch our two touring caravans right on the beach for two weeks. These days, my grown-up kids prefer their own space to the tents of their childhood!

The campsite has of course changed over the last 50 years – now there are three restaurants, a tennis club where the bar puts on nightly entertainment, and a gorgeous salon and spa with indoor and outdoor pampering treats.

The tent and caravan pitches at the top of the campsite near the original Chateau have been replaced with pretty – but pricey – bungalows with flower-filled terraces between them.

And some of the caravan pitches now come with their own little cabins containing your own private shower and toilet as well as a kitchen with fridge, microwave, hob, sink and even a dishwasher!

Our campsite sits right next to La Faviere – the port and marina of Bormes les Mimosas and within a five-minute stroll along the palm-tree lined boardwalk, we can enjoy the many restaurants and bars.

Over the last few years, the local authorities have spent huge amounts of time and money bringing back natural plants to recreate the sand dunes and flora and fauna I remember from my childhood.

Now the vast swathe of sandy beach hosts sports tournaments and festivals while the marina – with yet more great restaurants – hosts some stunning yachts and seriously swanky boats.

In summer, there’s a weekly food market in La Faviere every Saturday that is the perfect place to pick up local specialities from dried meats and olives to fresh baguettes and fougasse (a stuffed bread similar to a focaccia).

Twice a week – on Monday nights in La Faviere and Tuesday in the village of Bormes itself in the hills you will find markets selling everything from local pottery to raffia bags.

By day, we love enjoying a casual lunch on the beach at Plage Meynial right by the water’s edge and a two minute walk from the campsite.

By night, my go-to restaurants include Mimosa in La Faviere overlooking the port that has caught the eye of the Michelin guide for its modern Provencal cuisine. Cote Palmier is also great for pizzas and grills under the shade of mature plane trees.

In Bormes village itself, La Tonnelle is a quirky option, its interior decorated with traditional toys. Le Jardin is the stand-out for posh cuisine with set menus from £50pp. For great views, book a terrace table at Le Terrasse de l’Osteria for good value Mediterranean food from around £30pp.

But for the best pizza in the area, it has to be the little red vintage van that sits on Route de Benat, the road to our campsite. It’s been cooking up woodfired specialities for as long as I can remember.

Order in advance – and pick up yourself – and you’ll be rewarded with crispy, thin bases and sublime toppings. My favourite is L’Alsacienne with a creamy creme fraiche white sauce, thinly sliced onions and bacon.

You’re also spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying a glass of classic Provencal rose – the surrounding areas are home to a host of world-class vineyards, many of which offer tastings and tours.

And then of course there’s that glorious coastline. Scuba diving trips depart daily from the port at La Faviere while you can rent standup paddle boards, kayaks, jet skis and more to take to the waters.

Rent a boat and you can discover little coves along the coastline – although don’t stray too close to the impressive Fort de Bregancon, the ancient island fortress is the official summer residence of the French president.

Of course, it’s no wonder that French political royalty spend their summers in beautiful Bormes. I’ve always done the same.

I just hope its new title as the Favourite Village in France doesn’t mean too many others discover its captivating secrets!

GETTING THERE: Fly to Toulon-Hyeres – half an hour drive from Bormes – on Tuesdays and Saturdays this summer with British Airways Cityflyer from London City Airport. Fares from £300 return this August. See britishairways.com.

STAYING THERE: Four night stays at Camp du Domaine in July range from £126 for a non-electric pitch to £630 for a two bed bungalow. See campdudomaine.com.

The football teams of forty-eight countries set out with a chance of winning the World Cup on June 11, and the hopes of just four nations remain alive.

The top four teams in the FIFA rankings, with eight previous titles between them, will lock horns on Tuesday and Wednesday to try to secure a place in what is set to be the grandest of showpiece occasions in sport: the World Cup Final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19.

Al Jazeera ranks the contenders for the title:

4. Argentina

What’s this? The defending champions as the outsiders?

Well, Algeria, Austria, Jordan, Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland must be one of the kindest ever paths to the business end of a World Cup, and La Albiceleste have not exactly been convincing along it.

They were made to sweat by Cape Verde and Egypt in the knockout stages before finding a way to prevail in dramatic circumstances, and the pattern was repeated against Switzerland in Kansas City on Saturday night, when they went almost 90 minutes without a shot on target following Alexis Mac Allister’s early opening goal.

Their ageing side eventually prevailed after 120 minutes in sweltering conditions. Had Switzerland kept 11 men on the field, things might have been very different, but, once again, in the end, the defending champions found a way to win when they were well below their best.

Surely they cannot get away with another performance like that against England? Well, England fans might well be saying the same about the Three Lions. Both Harry Kane and Lionel Messi fell well short of their best in the last-eight matchups too.

The outpouring of emotion from Messi at full-time in the comeback win over Egypt showed just how close the three-time winners came to being eliminated. In an already emotionally charged matchup with England, expect tempers to rise and tears to flow on either side come full-time.

If Argentina, and – in his first-ever appearance against the Three Lions – Messi, are able to rediscover their swagger and win, ousting their old foes from the tournament in the knockout stages for a third straight time, then the confidence and momentum they would take into the final would be huge.

However, nothing they have shown in the US this summer would suggest that is likely to happen.

And even if it did, whether it would be enough to give them the edge against European champions Spain, or a vengeful France side they vanquished on penalties in the epic final of Qatar 2022, is another matter entirely.

3. England

Have we seen the best of England in this tournament? Probably not. And yet, here they are, in the semifinals for just the fourth time ever.

The win over Norway was neither pretty nor convincing, and manager Thomas Tuchel admitted they were lucky to get through, thanks largely to Jude Bellingham putting the team on his shoulders at a couple of key moments once again. Could a midfielder really win the Golden Boot? He is only two behind Messi and Kylian Mbappe with six goals already.

Much to Tuchel’s frustration, bar a 20-minute purple patch in the second half of the 4-2 opening game win against Croatia, England have yet to dominate a team, and relied on counterattacking bursts to give them a 3-2 lead to defend in the epic round-of-16 victory over Mexico in the cauldron of the Azteca.

What they have shown is character, in abundance, and they will likely need plenty more of that if they are to end 60 years of longing for a second World Cup title.

The game against Argentina will be far more than 11 vs 11; the ghosts of football history will line up alongside both teams, and the hype and pressure are sure to be enormous.

A few possible positives for England will be that they have already made par for this tournament: Ranked fourth in the world, they have reached the last four. Anything else would be a bonus. Nobody really considers them a top-two team in the world, which might help to alleviate some of the burden of expectation.

After a trip to the altitude of Mexico City, and the oppressive heat and humidity of Miami, a return to the 22-Celsius (71.6F) climate-controlled confines of Atlanta, where England overcame DR Congo in the round of 32, will be welcome.

They also have no new suspensions to deal with, with Jarell Quansah left with one game of his two-match ban to serve; and there were minutes for Reece James against Norway. England will meanwhile be hoping Declan Rice recovers fully after a 45-minute cameo in which he was patently not fit following illness.

An ageing Argentina side have struggled against the pace, movement and trickery of Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland in the past three rounds, and Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon, and even Marcus Rashford will be even better placed to exploit that.

Beyond Messi, Argentina have not posed too many attacking questions themselves, though Julian Alvarez’s stunning strike against Switzerland might just be the start of his own World Cup.

All things considered, expect England to make it through to the final, but France would likely be a step too far, and even Spain would be a big ask, despite the additional motivation of revenge for their Euro 2024 final defeat.

2. Spain

They are the third semifinalists yet to find top gear at this tournament, bar a one-sided display against Austria in the round of 32.

La Roja’s stoic defence might have been punctured for the first time this summer by Belgium in the last eight, but the 649 minutes that preceded that goal were the longest streak in World Cup history without conceding, and they have still allowed just seven shots on target in their six matches so far.

Though the goal contribution stats might not reflect it, Lamine Yamal has shown flashes of a return to top form after that season-ending hamstring injury in April, while La Roja’s carousel of tricky attackers has posed problems for defences in all six matches so far, and Mikel Merino has written himself into folklore with last-gasp winners against Portugal and Belgium.

Four-goal leading scorer Mikel Oyarzabal has gone off the boil in the past couple of games, however, and is unlikely to strike too much fear into the French backline.

While teenage defender Pau Cubarsi looks at home on the biggest stage of all, he is yet to face the kind of test that Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele will pose.

If they make the final, Spain will be favourites to win it, and they have won the World Cup the only time they previously reached the last four, but despite having beaten France in their past two encounters, a third should be beyond them.

1. France

Before their last-eight matchup with Morocco, we asserted that France were the class of the field with a fearsome foursome in attack and a defence that, although it had not really been tested yet, had only allowed two goals in five matches.

Well, make that two in six, even if they still have not really been tested, such was the Atlas Lions’ toothless attack on the night in their 2-0 defeat.

Mbappe further enhanced his credentials for the Golden Boot and all-time World Cup scoring record with another quality goal against Morocco, and Olise, Dembele, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola continue to threaten across the field in a way no other team on earth can.

Spain, and in particular their defence, will pose a different challenge, and the underworked French defence will likely get their own test this time, too, with the likes of Dani Olmo, Alex Baena, Ferran Torres and Fabian Ruiz getting into promising positions around Oyarzabal, and that’s not to mention super-sub Merino.

Whoever beats France will surely lift the World Cup, but none of the remaining teams can match the dynamism of Les Bleus’ forwards. Although Spain will likely be their hardest challenge, it is one you can expect Didier Deschamps’s men to overcome, not least fuelled by the additional motivation of having lost to La Roja in the Euro 2024 and Nations League semifinals over the past two years.

Welcome to our Who am I? game.

The rules are simple. Each day there’s a new footballer and the challenge is to guess who they are in as few attempts as possible.

After each wrong guess you unlock a new clue. Guess the answer after as few clues as possible to score more points.

Three is a good score, four or five points is exceptional.

So take part and return for more tomorrow.

Today’s player and clues set by BBC Sport’s Adam Millington.

After more quizzes? Go to our dedicated Football Quizzes and Sports Quizzes pages and sign up for notifications to get the latest quizzes sent straight to your device.

July 13 (UPI) — Yulia Svyrydenko has resigned as prime minister of Ukraine, as President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that she would be assuming a new position amid a shift in the war-torn country’s political strategy.

Svyrydenko stepped down on Sunday, five days short of serving a full year as prime minister. No reason was given.

Her resignation came as Zelensky said in a statement that “Ukraine is changing its political strategy.”

Though he did not detail specifically how or why the change was necessary, he indicated the new strategy would prioritize implementing the agreement with the United States for Ukraine to manufacture Patriot missile systems, advancing Europe’s anti-ballistic missile defense project, progressing Kyiv’s European Union membership, improving relations with Poland and Hungary and creating ties with the Middle East for security and economic cooperation and with China to help Russia’s War.

“Accordingly, personnel changes will begin in Ukraine to ensure the implementation of the updated political strategy,” Zelensky said in a statement.

He said he discussed the details with Svyrydenko and together, “we determined that these changes require a renewal of the Cabinet of Ministers.”

“I am grateful to Yulia for her clear, steady and effective work as prime minister, for her years of productive service on Ukraine’s team, and I have offered her the opportunity to lead a new and important area of relations with a key partner,” he said.

“I expect that, together with MPs, we will make the corresponding changes in the government of Ukraine. There will also be changes among the heads of law enforcement agencies.”

Svyrydenko said in a separate statement that she was grateful to Zelensky and was proud to have led the government as the country defended itself against Russia’s invasion.

“At this moment, it is critically important to unite all our strength and resources to make Ukraine stronger,” she said.

“I remain ready to serve the Ukrainian state and carry out every task aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s position, defending our national interests and bringing a just peace closer.”

The announcement also came about seven months after Zelensky’s administration underwent a major reshuffle after 11 officials quit following a mass corruption scandal that rocked the government.

Zelensky separately said Sunday that he met with Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal and Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov, among other officials.

Qatar’s Father Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at the age of 74.

During his 18-year rule, Sheikh Hamad reshaped the energy-rich country’s domestic and global footprint.

When he assumed power in 1995, Qatar’s economy was limited in size and relied mainly on oil, while the vast gas wealth of the North Field site was still in the early stages of development.

In less than two decades, Qatar became the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), the owner of one of the largest sovereign wealth funds and one of the countries with the highest per capita incomes.

This transformation was not just an oil or gas boom fuelled by rising energy prices, but an overhaul of the country’s economic model that was underpinned by a strategy of investing natural resource wealth in building productive assets, financial institutions, infrastructure and human capital.

The economic shift did not begin with Sheikh Hamad’s assumption of power. It was preceded by his appointment in 1989 as chairman of the Supreme Council for Planning, the body then responsible for formulating Qatar’s economic and social policies, which allowed him to oversee the preparation of development programmes before he came to power.

Here, we take a look at Sheikh Hamad’s economic legacy that helped transform Qatar from a small Gulf economy to a major and influential player in global energy and investment markets.

How gas changed Qatar’s economy

The development of the North Field, the world’s largest natural gas field, marked the true starting point of Qatar’s economic transformation.

The decision to accelerate investment and expand gas liquefaction projects during the second half of the 1990s changed the country’s position in the energy market and propelled it towards global leadership.

Qatar went from exporting its first LNG shipment in 1996 to becoming the world’s largest exporter of the commodity in fewer than 15 years.

By 2010, production capacity had risen to 77 million tons per year, according to data from QatarEnergy and the International Energy Agency.

The impact of this boom was not limited to increasing revenues; it also cemented Qatar’s position as a strategic partner in global energy security, especially for the economies of Asia and Europe.

Data from Qatar’s Amiri Diwan reflect the scale of the transformation witnessed by the energy sector, as the added value of the hydrocarbons sector rose from 11 billion Qatari riyals (about $3bn) to 403 billion riyals (about $110.4bn) during Sheikh Hamad’s rule.

Unprecedented economic growth

The gas boom was directly reflected in the performance of Qatar’s economy, which became one of the fastest-growing in the world during the first decade of the millennium.

World Bank data cited by Bloomberg showed Qatar’s economy grew more than twentyfold during Sheikh Hamad’s reign, with gross domestic product (GDP) rising from about $8bn in 1995 to about $199 billion in 2013.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the economy also recorded the highest growth rates in the world during that period, with real growth reaching 18 percent in 2006 before rising to 26.2 percent in 2011, as LNG production projects came onstream.

From gas boom to capital export

The economic transformation did not stop at increased production or revenues, but it also extended to the way wealth was managed.

As part of building a system to manage financial surpluses, Qatar in 2001 established the Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investment under the chairmanship of Sheikh Hamad.

The council was tasked with diversifying domestic and foreign investments “with the aim of developing Qatar’s financial reserves and diversifying sources of income”, according to the Qatari Amiri Diwan.

Four years later, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) was established to manage the financial surpluses generated from oil and gas exports.

Sheikh Hamad implemented a policy based on allocating part of the energy revenues to long-term investment, with the aim of building sustainable sources of income beyond natural resources.

QIA quickly became one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, acquiring stakes in companies such as Barclays and Volkswagen, as well as the United Kingdom-based Harrods department store in 2010.

Qatar’s investment policies expanded to cover almost every continent – from investments in football clubs, to global economic institutions, to London’s Shard skyscraper, among others.

The authority’s assets are now estimated at more than $500bn, according to the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute, making it one of the world’s largest government investors.

Qatari citizens’ rising living standards

The economic growth was reflected in welfare indicators.

According to the World Bank and the IMF, Qatar during Sheikh Hamad’s reign became one of the countries with the highest GDP per capita in the world.

It exceeded $90,000 in terms of purchasing power parity, as it expanded spending on housing, education and health and recorded a steep decline in unemployment rates to very low levels.

Experts believe the rise in income was not solely the result of higher energy prices, but also stemmed from expanded government investment and the creation of jobs linked to energy and infrastructure projects.

Investment in people

In parallel with energy investments, Qatar also moved towards building a knowledge-based economy.

One of the first development decisions after Sheikh Hamad assumed power was the establishment of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development in August 1995 to serve as the main arm for investment in education, scientific research and innovation.

The country later attracted international universities including Georgetown, Texas A&M and Carnegie Mellon, in a move seen as part of a strategy to prepare for the post-oil and gas phase.

The health sector also saw significant expansion through the development of Hamad Medical Corporation and the establishment of new hospitals and specialised centres as part of efforts to improve the quality of public services and keep pace with population growth.

At the same time, the country’s economic openness, coupled with a policy of strengthening its position as a financial and commercial hub in the region, turned the expanding capital of Doha into an increasingly important centre for international economic and investment conferences.

The World Cup and the economy of the future

Gas revenues during Sheikh Hamad’s rule were not limited to financing Qatar’s budget, but were also used for massive infrastructure investments.

That period saw the launch of projects such as Hamad International Airport, Hamad Port, Lusail City and modern road networks, alongside projects that later formed the foundation of the Doha Metro.

These works helped transform Doha from a small Gulf city into a global urban hub, providing the foundation that enabled Qatar to become the first Arab and Middle Eastern country to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

After the country won the right to host the major football tournament, its infrastructure and construction sector witnessed a major boom as the government approved huge spending plans exceeding $200bn in infrastructure, including roads, stadiums, railway lines and the construction of a new airport and port.

An ongoing economic legacy

In 2008, the state launched Qatar National Vision 2030, a strategic plan aimed at building a knowledge-based economy with the goal of ensuring continued prosperity for future generations.

This vision, which continues to serve as the governing framework for economic policies, reflects a direction that began under Sheikh Hamad based on transforming natural wealth into a foundation for sustainable development.

And if the development of the gas industry was the starting point for Qatar’s economic transformation, the most prominent legacy of Sheikh Hamad lies in transforming exceptional energy revenues into long-term development tools.

Through the establishment of institutions such as the Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investment and QIA, the launch of Qatar National Vision 2030 and investments in education and infrastructure, Qatar moved from an economy dependent on oil exports to a model that combines energy strength with global investment influence.

This blueprint still forms the basis of the state’s economic policies that are being pursued to this day by Sheikh Hamad’s son and successor, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

EXCLUSIVE: The Netflix actress unpacked her new crime drama based on a notorious real-life Irish American gang.

Bosch legend Titus Welliver and Ozark star Jessica Frances Dukes have spoken candidly about portraying a detective partnership in a gritty new period drama.

The Westies, a fresh gangster series which arrived on MGM+ (available through Amazon Prime Video) yesterday, features Netflix actress Dukes as Birdie Polk, who is resolute in her mission to shield New York from a sinister criminal underworld.

Meanwhile, Welliver portrays her hesitant police partner Glenn Keenan, whose complex ties with Eamonn Sweeney (J. K. Simmons), head of Irish American gang The Westies, compels him to navigate a precarious balance between opposing forces.

The Westies, co-created by Narcos’ Chris Brancato and Michael Panes, draws from a genuine Irish American gang which operated from Hell’s Kitchen throughout the 1960s until the late 1980s.

Dukes, who portrays Special Agent Maya Miller in Netflix’s Ozark, shared her thoughts on taking on a markedly different kind of FBI agent.

She said: “I’ve been a fan of Chris Brancato and Michael Panes for a while and being able to dive into one of their worlds was something that was a goal of mine, so to be a part of this was really exciting.

“To jump into FBI world again, at first I was like ‘Do I want to do FBI again?’ and then I read it and I was like, ‘Oh, this chick is not Maya Miller’. And so I was so excited to dive into this ballsy woman. It was so much fun – I loved playing her.”

Considering the broader importance of the role, she added: “She’s given this opportunity to bring these guys down and she’s put in this place of power in [the early 1980s].”

She continued: “There is one woman in a sea of men running this show. I feel like Birdie starts the show with the reward and now it’s all about, ‘Is she going to succeed and prove all the naysayers waiting for her failure wrong?’ And I truly believe she’s got the golden ticket with Keenan.”

Get MGM+ free for a week

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

£5.99

£0

MGM+

Get MGM+ here

Telly fans can get seven days of free access to binge top series like Outlander with a free trial of Amazon Prime’s MGM+ channel.

Welliver, who portrays the titular Harry Bosch in Bosch on Prime Video, commented on the new series: “For me, it’s very personal because I’m a New Yorker and I was in and around that time.

“All characters are different and Glenn Keenan is the polar opposite of Harry Bosch if you look at these two guys.”

Discussing his character further and how he engages with Simmons’ Sweeney and Dukes’ Polk, he observed: “The scenes with J.K. were great because those worlds are very markedly different.

“Sweeney and Keenan have a long history together, whereas the relationship with Polk and Keenan is new, but there’s an interesting similarity.

“So they’re both trying to puppeteer Keenan and he is basically saying, ‘Nobody has strings on me.’

“And that’s what I think is the interesting aspect of that character and he emerges with a sense of independence, but at a serious cost.”

The official synopsis for The Westies from MGM+ states: “The Westies is a gritty and kinetic crime drama centering on New York City’s infamously violent Irish gang of the same name.

“The series is set in the early 1980s when the construction of the Jacob Javits Convention Center on the Westies’ home turf in Hell’s Kitchen promises a financial windfall.

“Despite being outnumbered fifty-to-one by the Five Families of the Italian Mafia, the Westies’ legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente.

“But internal conflict between the brash younger generation and the old-school leadership threatens to set a match to this powder keg, which will sweep the Westies into the FBI’s ever-deepening investigation into the Italian mafia.”

The Westies premiered on 12th July 2026 exclusively on MGM+ in the UK.

Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski, caught in limbo for the last week, didn’t make any plans for the All-Star break.

Good thing because on Saturday morning, manager Dave Roberts called to tell him he was added to the National League All-Star Game roster as a replacement player.

“I was actually playing nine holes this morning, just a normal day,” Wrobleski said. “And Doc called me, and [I] actually missed the first call.”

But when Wrobleski called back later, he thanked Roberts for how much the manager lobbied for him to be an All-Star. Then the left-hander called his mom and picked up a call from his dad.

“Everybody’s excited,” Wrobleski said. “I’m excited too. So everybody had good reactions. The team was excited for me. Had a bunch of friends reach out, a bunch of family reach out. Just great.”

A week after being snubbed from the initial All-Star rosters, Wrobleski will replace Reds right-hander Chase Burns.

“I was not happy that I wasn’t going to be a part of it,” Wrobleski said. “And obviously, getting the news that I’m going to be able to go there and do it, it’s super exciting. Wide range of emotions.”

Wrobleski is the sixth Dodger to be named a 2026 All-Star, joining Shohei Ohtani (who won’t be attending), Yoshinobu Yamamoto (also not playing), Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy and Andy Pages.

This is Wrobleski’s first All-Star selection, in his first full season in the Dodgers rotation. His 2.69 ERA ranked No. 8 among qualified NL pitchers entering Saturday. And his 10 wins was tied for No. 2.

“I was elated,” Roberts said. “The game honors you and today the game honored Justin.”

Wrobleski began the season in the bullpen, waiting to join the rotation as its sixth pitcher after the first turn. He and Yamamoto have carried the brunt of the workload for the Dodgers’ rotation over the first half of the season, consistently pitching deep into games.

“I haven’t really had the chance to think about everything yet,” Wrobleski said about his season. “But I’m sure this offseason or whenever, it’s going to hit me.

“It’s super cool. I’m super excited. I’m super lucky and blessed to just have the chance that I’ve gotten this year. And thankfully I’ve thrown the ball well.”

Yamamoto not pitching in All-Star Game

With Yamamoto making his last start before the All-Star break on Saturday, it seemed unlikely he would pitch in the All-Star Game. Roberts made that official on Saturday.

“He’ll get a week off,” Roberts said, noting that he believes the two-time All-Star still plans to travel to Philadelphia for the event.

Díaz on rehab assignment

In a promising sign for Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz’s recovery timeline, he is scheduled to make a rehab assignment with single-A Ontario on Saturday. Díaz made just seven appearances for the Dodgers before undergoing an operation to remove loose bodies from his right elbow in late April.

Blake Snell, who also had loose bodies removed from his pitching elbow, progressed to throwing live batting practice on Saturday.

Roster moves

The Dodgers made a series of moves to add a fresh arm to the bullpen before Saturday’s game.

They reinstated pitcher Landon Knack from the injured list (strained oblique). In a pair of corresponding moves, the Dodgers optioned pitcher Kyle Hurt to triple-A Oklahoma City and designated pitcher Charlie Barnes for assignment.

MLB draft

With their first pick of the MLB draft, No. 40 overall, the Dodgers selected infielder Bo Lowrance out of Christ Church Episcopal School in Greenville, S.C.

“We are ecstatic about landing Bo Lowrance,” Dodgers’ amateur scouting director Zach Fitzpatrick said in a statement. “He was our main target. Bo has the size, the swing, the projection and the drive to be a high-level Major League shortstop.”

The Dodgers only had two picks Saturday. They selected right-handed pitcher Russell Sandefer out of the University of Florida with the 132nd pick.

The draft continues Sunday with rounds five through 20.