Spain argues NATO funding should address real threats, not arbitrary targets, amidst Trump’s tariff retaliation plans.

The European Commission and Spain’s government have dismissed US President Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose higher tariffs on Madrid over its refusal to meet his proposed NATO target for defence spending.

Trump said on Tuesday that he was “very unhappy” with Spain for being the only NATO member to reject the new spending objective of 5 percent of economic output, adding that he was considering punishing the Mediterranean country.

“I was thinking of giving them trade punishment through tariffs because of what they did, and I think I may do that,” Trump added. He had previously suggested making Spain “pay twice as much” in trade talks.

Trade policy falls under the remit of Brussels, and the European Commission would “respond appropriately, as we always do, to any measures taken against one or more of our member states”, commission spokesperson Olof Gill said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

The trade deal between the European Union and the United States signed in July was the right platform to address any issues, Gill added.

“The defence spending debate is not about increasing spending for the sake of increasing it, but about responding to real threats,” Spain’s Economy and Trade Ministry said in a statement.

“We’re doing our part to develop the necessary capabilities and contribute to the collective defence of our allies.”

Spain has more than doubled nominal defence spending from 0.98 percent of gross domestic product in 2017 to 2 percent this year, equivalent to about 32.7bn euros ($38bn).

Defence Minister Margarita Robles said allies weren’t discussing the 5 percent target for 2035 in Wednesday’s meeting because they were prioritising the present situation in Ukraine, but wouldn’t completely rule out a shift in Spain’s position.

Targeted tariffs by the US against individual EU member states are rare, but there are precedents, said Ignacio Garcia Bercero, a senior fellow at the Brussels-based economic think tank Bruegel.

In 1999, the US hit the EU with 100 percent punitive tariffs on products such as chocolate, pork, onions and truffles in retaliation for an EU import ban on hormone-treated beef. But those tariffs excluded Britain, which at the time was still a member of the trade bloc.

The US could impose anti-dumping penalties on European products that are mostly produced in Spain, said Juan Carlos Martinez Lazaro, professor at Madrid’s IE business school.

In 2018, Washington imposed a combination of duties of more than 30 percent on Spanish black table olives at the request of Californian olive growers. Spain’s share of the US market plummeted from 49 percent in 2017 to 19 percent in 2024.

Another option would be moving the naval and air bases the US has in southern Spain to Morocco – an idea floated by former Trump official Robert Greenway – which would damage the local economies through the loss of thousands of indirect jobs.

Diving star Tom has been married to Dustin Lance Black since 2017 and the pair have two sons

Tom Daley is often in the spotlight, thanks to his diving career and now TV fame on Celebrity Traitors.

But when he’s not in the public eye, he lives a quiet family life with his husband Dustin Lance Black and their two children.

The star, 31, has been married since 2017 and became a dad for the first time the following year, and has been open about what family life means to him.

“I used to define myself by diving,” the Mirror quoted Tom as saying in 2021. “If I dived well it reflected on me as a person. Now I’m first and foremost a father and husband.” So who is Tom’s husband?

Is Tom Daley married?

Tom first came out to his fans in a YouTube video in December 2013, in which he shared that his “whole world changed” when he fell in love with a man.

He started dating Dustin, who is a screenwriter, director and producer known for movies such as Milk and J Edgar.

Tom told The Guardian earlier this year that the pair met at a dinner in 2013 and that they “talked and talked until we both realised how similar our lives were”.

“He had just lost his brother; I’d lost my dad,” he said of Dustin, who is almost 20 years older than him. “He had just won his Oscar; I had just won an Olympic medal. It was the first time I could complain about success to somebody who knew I wasn’t really complaining about success.”

The couple revealed their engagement in October 2015 with a traditional wedding announcement in The Times.

They tied the knot in 2017 in Dartmoor National Park, with Tom telling fans on Instagram at the time: “On 6th May 2017, I married the love of my life, @dlanceblack.”

Does Tom Daley have any children?

In 2018, the couple welcomed their son via a surrogate and named him Robert ‘Robbie’ Ray, a tribute to Tom’s dad Robert, who died in 2011.

Second son Phoenix was born in 2023, also via a surrogate.

The following year, Tom announced he was retiring from diving, revealing his decision after the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Tearing up in a moving interview with the BBC, he said: “It’s hard to talk about, it’s emotional… I want to be with my family.”

Celebrity Traitors airs on BBC One

WASHINGTON — Entering the third week of a government shutdown, Democrats say they are not intimidated or cowed by President Trump’s efforts to fire thousands of federal workers or by his threats of more firings to come.

Instead, Democrats appear emboldened, showing no signs of caving as they returned to Washington from their home states Tuesday evening and, for an eighth time, rejected a Republican bill to open the government.

“What people are saying is, you’ve got to stop the carnage,” said Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, describing what he heard from his constituents, including federal workers, as he traveled around his state over the weekend. “And you don’t stop it by giving in.”

Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz said the firings are “a fair amount of bluster” and he predicted they ultimately will be overturned in court or otherwise reversed. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, speaking about Republicans, said the shutdown is just “an excuse for them to do what they were planning to do anyway.” And Senate Democratic leader Charles E. Schumer of New York said Wednesday that the layoffs are a “mistaken attempt” to sway Democratic votes.

“Their intimidation tactics are not working,” added House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. “And will continue to fail.”

Democratic senators say they are hearing increasingly from voters about health insurance subsidies that expire at the end of the year, the issue that the party has made central to the shutdown fight.

Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware said that the impact of the expiring health insurance subsidies on millions of people, along with cuts to Medicaid enacted by Republicans earlier this year, “far outweighs” any of the firings of federal workers that the administration is threatening.

Republicans, too, are confident in their strategy not to negotiate on the health care subsidies until Democrats give them the votes to reopen the government. The Senate planned to vote again Wednesday and Thursday on the Republican bill, and so far there are no signs of any movement on either side.

“We’re barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said earlier this week.

Moderate Democrats aren’t budging

In the first hours of the shutdown, which began at 12:01 a.m. EDT Oct. 1., it was not clear how long Democrats would hold out.

A group of moderate Democrats who had voted against the GOP bill immediately began private, informal talks with Republicans. The GOP lawmakers hoped enough Democrats would quickly change their votes to end a filibuster and pass the spending bill with the necessary 60 votes.

But the bipartisan talks over the expiring health care subsidies have dragged on without a resolution so far. Two weeks later, the moderates, including Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Gary Peters of Michigan, are still voting no.

“Nothing about a government shutdown requires this or gives them new power to conduct mass layoffs,” Peters said after the director of the White House’s budget director, Russell Vought, announced that the firings had started on Friday.

D.C.-area lawmakers see advantages to shutdown

Another key group of Democrats digging in are lawmakers such as like Kaine who represent millions of federal workers in Virginia and Maryland. Kaine said the shutdown was preceded by “nine months of punitive behavior” as the Republican president has made cuts at federal agencies “and everybody knows who’s to blame.”

“Donald Trump is at war with his own workforce, and we don’t reward CEOs who hate their own workers,” Kaine said.

Appearing at a news conference Tuesday alongside supportive federal workers, Democratic lawmakers from Maryland and Virginia called on Republicans to come to the negotiating table.

“The message we have today is very simple,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland. “Donald Trump and Russ Vought stop attacking federal employees, stop attacking the American people and start negotiating to reopen the federal government and address the looming health care crisis that is upon us.”

Thousands are losing their jobs, and more to follow

In a court filing Friday, the White House Office of Management and Budget said well over 4,000 federal employees from eight departments and agencies would be fired in conjunction with the shutdown.

On Tuesday, Trump said his administration is using the shutdown to target federal programs that Democrats like and “they’re never going to come back, in many cases.”

“We are closing up Democrat programs that we disagree with and they’re never going to open again,” he said.

On Capitol Hill, though, the threats fell flat with Democrats as they continued to demand talks on health care.

“I don’t feel any of this as pressure points,” Jeffries said. “I view it as like the reality that the American people confront and the question becomes, at what point will Republicans embrace the reality that they have created a health care crisis that needs to be decisively addressed?”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., held firm that Republicans would not negotiate until Democrats reopen the government.

The firings, Thune has repeatedly said, “are a situation that could be totally avoided.”

Jalonick and Groves write for the Associated Press. AP writer Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report.

A look at this week’s top high school football games in the Southland:

THURSDAY

Los Alamitos (7-0) vs. Edison (5-2) at SoFi Stadium, 5 p.m.

The Alpha League begins with a terrific matchup. Los Alamitos hasn’t played since Sept. 26, so the Griffins might start slow, but their offensive line has been key for quarterback Colin Creason and running back Kamden Tillis. Edison needs a big game from quarterback Sam Thomson, who has nine touchdown passes with one interception. The pick: Los Alamitos.

FRIDAY

St. John Bosco (7-0, 2-0) vs. Santa Margarita (5-2, 2-0) at Trabuco Hills, 7 p.m.

The Trinity League title could be decided in this game. Few teams this season have been able to deal with St. John Bosco’s high-scoring offense and aggressive defense. Santa Margarita showed last week in a 7-6 win over Mater Dei that it has an elite defense. The Eagles will need offensive improvement under first-year coach Carson Palmer. The pick: St. John Bosco.

‘Not only has our past been destroyed but so has our future.’ A Palestinian journalist broke down into tears as he returned to northern Gaza to find his family home as a pile of rubble. Many Palestinians returning to the area are finding nothing left but destruction following Israel’s war.

A car exploded outside a shopping mall in Ecuador’s largest city Guayaquil, killing at least one person and injuring several more. Authorities say the blast was a deliberate act by criminal groups as police hunt for those responsible.

ACTOR Rudy Youngblood has been arrested in Texas after allegedly “choking” a family member.

Belton police took the 43-year-old into custody early Tuesday morning after responding to an incident involving a family or household member.

According to authorities, Youngblood allegedly assaulted the victim by impeding their breathing or circulation.

He was booked into Bell County Jail, where he remains held on a $20,000 bond.

Cops say more trouble could be on the way for Apocalypto star Rudy Youngblood – after a shocking discovery during his arrest.

According to police, the actor and former Belton student had an active warrant out of Travis County when he was taken into custody – and officers allegedly found a white crystalline substance on him at the scene.

The 43-year-old is currently locked up in Bell County Jail, and authorities warn that lab results could lead to even more charges piling up against him.

TMZ has contacted the Belton Police Department for further details, but no additional information has been released so far.

Youngblood shot to fame in 2006 playing Jaguar Paw in Apocalypto, and has since appeared in The Haunting of Hell Hole Mine (2023) and Dandelion Season (2021).

He is set to star in the upcoming period drama La Matadora, currently in pre-production, and has several other projects in the pipeline.

The actor was only recently released from jail in Athens, Greece, after spending a week behind bars following a confrontation with police officers late last year.

The 42-year-old Apocalypto star spent New Year’s Eve in custody after allegedly being intoxicated and threatening officers with a knife during a routine police check in the early hours of December 27.

Youngblood claimed the officers were not wearing identifying insignia and failed to explain his rights during the altercation outside an Athens-area precinct.

The Texas-born actor – who has a previous arrest for being drunk and disorderly in 2017 – was charged with resisting arrest, making threats, and carrying a weapon after police found a pocketknife on him.

He received a 10-month suspended prison sentence but was initially held due to an expired visa, which triggered a deportation order.

He later successfully appealed the deportation and was granted permission to leave Greece voluntarily. Upon his release, Youngblood appeared to be in good spirits and was photographed smiling.

Here’s our initial take on Karooooo‘s (KARO -12.09%) second-quarter financial report.

Key Metrics

Subscription Revenue Growth Accelerates

Karooooo’s overall revenue rose by 21% year over year in the second quarter, a bit faster than the 18% growth rate the company reported in the first quarter. Subscription revenue from its Cartrack vehicle tracking service increased by 20%, also an acceleration compared to the first quarter. Cartrack subscription revenue accounted for roughly 90% of Karooooo’s total revenue.

The total number of Cartrack subscribers jumped by 15% year over year to 2.46 million. The company added 70,740 net new Cartrack subscribers during the second quarter, a slowdown compared to the 89,168 additions in the same period last year. Outside of Cartrack, the delivery-as-a-service offering from Karooooo Logistics saw revenue soar 38% year over year to ZAR139 million. Karooooo owns 74.8% of Karooooo Logistics, while Cartrack is wholly owned.

Overall gross margin dipped slightly in the second quarter, but the company still grew adjusted earnings per share by 13%. Operating margin was 26%, down from 27% in the prior-year period, although Cartrack’s operating margin remained steady at 29%. The company is investing in sales and marketing to acquire new customers, with sales and marketing expenses up 34% in the second quarter. This spending is putting some pressure on the bottom line.

Immediate Market Reaction

Shares of Karooooo were down about 12% by late Wednesday morning. The stock has more than doubled since the start of 2024, so while the company’s results were generally positive, valuation could be playing a role in the decline. Karooooo’s forward price-to-earnings ratio topped 30 earlier this year, and it sits around 25 following Wednesday morning’s slump.

What to Watch

Karooooo maintained its previous guidance for fiscal 2026 after adjusting for the impact of a secondary public offering in June. The company expects Cartrack subscription revenue to grow by 16% to 21% for the full year, while operating margin should come in between 26% and 31%. Karooooo also expects adjusted earnings per share in a range of ZAR32.50 to ZAR35.50.

The lack of a guidance increase or a narrowing of its guidance ranges despite accelerating Cartrack subscription revenue could be one reason why the stock sank on Wednesday. Given the macroeconomic backdrop, caution is likely warranted. Karooooo performed well in the second quarter, but investors may be concerned about how the company’s results will hold up during the rest of fiscal 2026.

Helpful Resources

Although that option is viable, it is much more likely Crocker will either face Benn or enjoy another big night in Belfast for a first voluntary defence.

However, much will depend on the outcome of November’s middleweight rematch between Benn and Chris Eubank Jr in terms of when Benn could be ready to return to the ring and drop back to welterweight.

The updated IBF rankings have former light-welterweight champion Liam Paro in the number two position with Donovan, who is understood to be appealing September’s decision at Windsor Park, in third.

A successful outcome for Donovan would most likely see him retain his high ranking and secure a final eliminator against Paro for the mandatory slot.

“Benn is the fight Crocker wants and he is confident he will beat him,” Conlan confirmed.

“That’s all well and good and the numbers are exciting, but you are putting Lewis’ livelihood on hold in hope of what will happen in another fight [Eubank-Benn II] and it doesn’t work like that, so get something booked for Belfast and most likely that’s what will happen next. If they [Matchroom] control the situation with the mandatory, then it can be pushed off and we can do Benn [after a first voluntary].

“There are still a few moving parts to happen, but I think Paro will fight Donovan or Karen Chukhadzhian next.

“Donovan’s team have appealed so his ranking hasn’t moved. That could be good news for ‘Croc’ as his mandatory will be kept on the long finger if Paro is out in the early part of next year. That could give us the opportunity of two voluntaries before we have a mandatory.”

Oct. 15 (UPI) — The U.S. Senate is expected to vote Wednesday afternoon on a measure that would fund the government, and President Donald Trump said he plans to release a list Friday of “Democratic” programs he’s eliminated.

Today’s vote will be the 10th Senate vote to open the government, which has now been shut down for 15 days. Democrats and Republicans are still at odds on bills to reopen.

The ninth vote on Tuesday to fund the government until Nov. 21 failed 49-45 with six senators absent. To pass, it needs 60 votes.

Trump’s list of cut programs is scheduled to be released Friday.

“We are closing up Democrat programs that we disagree with, and they’re never going to open up again,” Trump said. “We’re able to do things that we’ve never been able to do before. The Democrats are getting killed.”

Though Trump has made funding available for service members to get their next paychecks, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., said it’s a temporary measure.

“If the Democrats continue to vote to keep the government closed as they have done now so many times, then we know that U.S. troops are going to risk missing a full paycheck at the end of this month,” Johnson said at his daily press conference.

Democrats are holding out for healthcare subsidies from the Affordable Care Act, which Republicans recently cut from the appropriations bill, and approval for Medicaid funding. Millions of Americans are expected to see their health insurance premiums skyrocket when the subsidies expire at the end of the year.

The longest shutdown lasted 35 days in December 2018 and January 2019. Johnson said that “we’re barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history unless Democrats drop their partisan demands.”

A house was filmed floating away off Alaska’s coast after Typhoon Halong made landfall over the weekend, killing one person and leaving two missing. More than 1,300 people have been displaced by the storm, with residents saying they witnessed around 20 homes floating out to sea.

WINTER sun can be hard to come by in the Mediterranean, but Sun Travel has found some very popular destinations that are still hot in November.

With travel time less than five hours, highs over 20C and flights for £19.99 or less – here are the places you should look to book for winter getaway.

Marrakech, Morocco

A flight to Marrakech takes up to four hours and is well worth it thanks to the November temperatures of 22C.

The city is known for its souks, historic palaces and bustling medina – so there’s plenty to do on your break even if its not by the beach.

Lisa Minot, Head of Sun Travel, filled us in on her recent trip to the Moroccan city. She said: “I’ve just returned from a wonderful long weekend in Marrakech and the city is as exciting as ever.

“We were sunbathing on the roof of our riad in the Medina in glorious 22 degree temperatures – and I loved the amazing desert landscapes just 40 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the souks.

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“Tourism is booming in the city and while the streets are as colourful and chaotic as ever, the influx of visitors has brought some gorgeous new bars, restaurants and stunning hotels.”

Lisa explored the cuisine of Morocco three-hour food tour of the Medina with Get Your Guide for just £35 per person.

Just an hour outside of the city is the Agafay Desert where you can zoom over sand dunes in buggies and see camels.

Not only are temperatures mild, but Marrakech gets around seven hours of sunshine per day and little rainfall.

In November you can fly from Birmingham, Manchester and London Stansted with Ryanair for £14.99.

Valletta, Malta

The capital of Malta, Valletta, is three and a half hours away; it’s known for its pretty Baroque architecture and the Grand Harbour.

While Valletta doesn’t have beaches per se, it does have great waterfront views, and you can enjoy them in weather that reaches highs of 21C in November.

SEO Editor Nuria Cremer-Vazquez revealed more about the island on her recent trip to Malta, she said: “This tiny Mediterranean country is smaller than the Isle of Wight, which goes some way in explaining why its food goes under many people’s radars; the limited land area means Maltese produce is barely exported, so you have to try it at source.

“One dinner, we could taste the different cultures that have called Malta home over the centuries — Italian in the ricotta parcels and focaccia, Arabian in the date-based sweets and bigilla (a hummus-like dip made from beans), Spanish in the bread rubbed with tomato and drizzled in olive oil.“

Nuria also enjoyed €4 Aperol spritzes and explore the city’s hidden underground tunnels.

Flights from Birmingham start from £14.99 during November with Ryanair.

Brits can also fly directly from Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Norwich, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bournemouth, Nottingham, Bristol and Leeds.

Paphos, Cyprus

While it might not technically be the hottest place in Cyprus during November, it’s much cheaper to get to Paphos than its neighbours Larnaca and Limassol.

Paphos is on the southwest coast of the island of Cyprus and throughout the year has plenty of sunshine – even in November.

It sees around seven hours of sunshine per day with daytime temperatures averaging around 22C, so it’s even warm enough to go sea swimming.

One writer who visited Paphos revealed that the city will really appeal to Brits, he said: “Here, everyone drives on the left and even the cabbies obey the speed limit.

“It’s things like that, along with 300 days of glorious sunshine a year and no real language barrier (and even the fact Cyprus uses the UK three-pin plug!), that make the island so popular with us Brits.

“Paphos’s bars and boutiques are worth checking out but make sure you eat at the fantastic Agora Tavern, a family-owned place on a hill overlooking the sea.

“There are just two things on the menu, the small meze and the large one. Choose your size and enjoy this fabulous array of local delicacies all chosen for you.”

Flights to Paphos start from £14.99 if travelling from Manchester and London Stansted in November and takes around four hours 30 minutes.

Seville, Spain

Seville is the capital and largest city of Andalusia and known for its historic buildings, busy streets full of cafes and ice cream parlours.

There are thousands of street-planted bitter orange trees and you don’t have to walk far to see some authentic flamenco dancing and great tapas.

In November, Seville has average high temperatures of 20C and averages out at having just five days of rainfall.

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey who recently went to the city, revealed how to get free tickets to attractions around the city. She said: “The Royal Alcázar of Seville, a palace dating back 1,000 years, offers limited free tickets on Mondays between 6pm and 7pm.

“Or for Seville Cathedral, there are 100 free tickets a day between 2pm and 3pm.”

Flights from Edinburgh to Seville with Ryanair start from £16 in November – and it’s just a two hour 45 minutes journey.

Palermo, Italy

In just over three hours, you can ditch the dingy UK for the beautiful island of Sicily which has highs of 20C in November.

Palermo is the capital of the Italian island of Sicily and thanks to its seaside location, has the best of both worlds – city and beach break.

One woman who lives in Palermo described the city as the “beating heart of Sicily” and revealed more spots to explore.

She told us: “The capital city still remains authentically Sicilian – only 30 per cent of people there speak English.

“Head to the Via Maqueda where new and exciting cocktail bars sprout up on a daily basis.

“Walk along Via Vittorio Emanuele (the main pedestrian street) until you’ve reached the beautiful Cathedral.

“The entire street has some of the coziest aperitivo spots in the city – whether you like seafood, pizza, or pasta, there’s a bit of something for everyone.”

If you’re after a beach holiday, then head to the village of Mondello or the town of San Vito Lo Capo.

Flights from London Stansted to Palermo in Italy start from £19.99 with Ryanair and takes around three hours.

Funchal, Madeira

Described as the “Hawaii of Europe”, Madeira is a must-visit. It has incredible views, fab beaches and it’s under four hours away from the UK.

The capital of the archipelago is Funchal which is on the main island’s south coast – and where you can fly directly to from the UK.

In November, Funchal has high temperatures of 23C, so it’s pleasant for walking or exploring the beaches.

You won’t get any soft golden sands here though, it’ll be black thanks to its volcanic surroundings – Funchal has a few small beaches, including Praia Formosa and Praia de São Tiago.

For fun, tourists can hike up to the village of Monte, and then take a toboggan down to the city centre.

If you don’t fancy the walk or the toboggan, take the cable car where you’ll get incredible views over Funchal.

When you get into the city, make sure to explore the old town and busy Lavradores market.

Flights from London Stansted to Funchal in November start from £14.99 with Ryanair.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Heading to Tenerife may take a little longer on the plane, around four and a half hours, but you’re likely to get warm weather and plenty of sun.

Temperatures in Tenerife can be as high as 24C in November.

The Canary Islands are generally hot year-round because of their location – it’s on the same latitude as the Sahara Desert.

The most popular places in Tenerife its beaches, when Sun Travel chatted to some locals, they revealed the spot where the locals hang out.

Rick Cosgrove who lives and works on the island said: “La Tejita, near the airport in the south of the island, is the largest sandy beach in Tenerife and used mainly by locals (also one of the island’s windiest, it is popular with windsurfers).

“Two of the favourite black sand beaches among locals are Playa san Juan, up the coast from Costa Adeje, and Las Galletas beach, not far from Los Cristianos.”

Here are lots more ways to enjoy the island from cheap bars serving €2 pints to the ultimate hidden gems.

Flights starts from £14.99 from Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol, Bournemouth and Manchester.

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For more inspiration, check out this hidden winter sun island that feels like stepping back to the 1990s – with £1 beers and free moped rides.

Plus, this is one of the hottest islands in Europe with highs of 27C this month… and flights from £25.

ONE European island with dreamy beaches and a crowd-free city has been named as a top destination for 2026 holidays.

Whilst it is part of Italy, Sardinia is actually located closer to Africa than mainland Italy and as a result, it boasts warm temperatures and exotic fauna and flora.

And now it has been named as a Destination of the Year by Expedia Group’s Unpack ’26: The Trends in Travel report, which gathered data from millions of visitors and revealed that searches for Sardinia holidays have risen by 63 per cent.

Having recently visited, I know exactly why – Sardinia is a Mediterranean gem unlike any other.

Most travellers head to Olbia in the north of the island, but Cagliari in the south – the capital of the island – is also a great destination to explore.

The south of the island and around Cagliari is full of quaint villages, rocky hills and breathtaking beaches.

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I stayed in a small village called Chia, which is home to two Hilton hotels.

The resort has a number of pools to enjoy and there are two hidden beaches resort guests can access, both with crystal-clear warm waters and hardly any people.

Rooms at one of the hotels – the Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia – start from £257 per night, for two people including breakfast.

You can also do a number of activities from the resort, including a two-hour horse ride up into the island’s hills.

It was such an amazing way to see the island and experience a bit of local life.

And from the resort, it took me less than an hour to reach Cagliari.

The city is small, but even on a sunny Saturday at the end of August, its streets were quiet from hordes of tourists.

As well as sitting on the coast with panoramic views of the sea, the city has a great blend of culture and history.

One of my favourite spots in the city is Bastione di Saint Remy – a neoclassical fortress made from white and yellow limestone.

While you do have to climb tens of steps, once at the top of the monument you are treated to spectacular views of not only the city, but the islands stretching coastline.

For a while I just sat enjoying the blazing sunshine and the views, with boats whizzing in and out of the port accompanied by the sounds of bustling cafes on the city’s streets below me.

Around Bastione di Saint Remy, there are many winding streets with quaint shops and cafes to explore, which form the city’s historic quarter.

Prices in the shops and cafes are cheap too, with coffees setting you back around 87p to £1.74.

Food didn’t set me back much either, with a salmon and avocado brunch setting me back less than a tenner at Ex Tipografia.

Cattedrale di Santa Maria, Cagliari’s main cathedral is also worth exploring.

It features a mix of different architectural styles and has a stunning crypt inside – just remember if you are visiting to cover up as this is a place of worship.

Make sure to not miss The Underground Cagliari Tour – this unique activity takes you to three different underground sites across the city.

Stops include the Salesian Institute Tunnel-Shelter, which was used by a school as a shelter during heavy WWII bombings.

The entire tunnel is also lit by candles when you visit.

The second stop is at the Crypt of Santa Restituta – it is a natural cave that has been expanded over centuries and has also served as a place of worship.

Finally, you head to the Archaeological Area of Sant’Eulalia, which sits beneath the Church of Sant’Eulalia in the Marina district and reveals the remains of a Roman road.

The tour costs from £26.61 per person.

If you want to enjoy the Mediterranean weather, make sure to explore Orto Botanico.

It is a huge garden with lots of different varieties of plants and Roman archaeological remains and it costs less than £4 to visit.

Return flights to Cagliari cost as little as £38 in November from London with Ryanair.

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If you are looking for more inspiration for an Italian getaway, then check out this tiny Italian island set to be ‘turned into an oasis’ to escape hordes of tourists.

Plus, the brilliant five-star Italian campsite with beautiful beaches, affordable restaurants and activities for the whole family.

On October 14, 2025, CCLA Investment Management disclosed it had sold its entire position in NICE (NICE -1.26%) in an estimated $120.03 million transaction.

What Happened

According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated October 14, 2025, CCLA Investment Management exited its holding in NICE by selling all 710,865 shares, with an estimated trade value of $120.03 million.

What Else to Know

CCLA Investment Management sold out of NICE, reducing its post-trade stake to zero; the position now represents 0% of 13F AUM.

Top holdings following the filing:

• NASDAQ:MSFT – $369.63 million (5.9% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025
• NASDAQ:GOOGL – $345.87 million (5.5% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025
• NASDAQ:AMZN – $269.0 million (4.3% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025
• NASDAQ:AVGO – $207.92 million (3.3% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025
• NYSE:V – $180.65 million (2.9% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025

As of October 13, 2025, shares of NICE were priced at $132.00, marking a 23.8% decrease over the year ended October 13, 2025. Over the same period, shares have underperformed the S&P 500 by 35.5 percentage points.

Company Overview

Company Snapshot

NICE Ltd. delivers AI-powered cloud software solutions designed to optimize customer experience and enhance compliance for enterprises and public sector organizations worldwide. The company leverages a broad portfolio of proprietary platforms and analytics tools to address complex business needs in digital transformation, financial crime prevention, and operational efficiency.

The company offers AI-driven cloud platforms for customer experience, financial crime prevention, analytics, and digital evidence management, including flagship products such as CXone, Enlighten, and X-Sight.

NICE Ltd. serves a global client base of enterprises, contact centers, financial institutions, and public safety agencies seeking advanced automation, compliance, and customer engagement solutions. It operates a subscription-based business model, generating revenue from cloud services, software licensing, and value-added solutions for enterprise and public sector clients.

Foolish Take

In a recent regulatory filing, CCLA Investment Management revealed that it has completely sold out of its ~$120 million position in NICE, an Israeli software company. This move comes following a tough period for NICE stock.

Over the last five years, the company’s stock has consistently underperformed the broader market. Shares have logged a total return of (44%) over this period, equating to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of (11%). This compares quite unfavorably to the S&P 500, which has generated a total return of 105% over the last five years, equating to a CAGR of 15%.

All that said, NICE’s stock performance doesn’t reflect its underlying fundamentals. Total revenue, net income, and free cash flow have all increased significantly over the last five years, indicating strength in the company’s business model, which relies on artificial intelligence (AI) to power applications serving contact centers, financial institutions, and public safety organizations. Moreover, the company recently announced plans to buy back up to $500 million worth of its outstanding shares, which could help put a floor under its share price.

While CCLA’s recent sale does indicate the deterioration of some institutional support, retail investors may want to take a look at NICE — an under-the-radar AI growth stock.

Glossary

13F reportable assets: Assets disclosed by institutional investment managers in quarterly SEC Form 13F filings.

AUM (Assets Under Management): The total market value of investments managed by a fund or investment firm on behalf of clients.

Quarterly average price: The average price of a security over a specific quarter, often used to estimate transaction values.

Post-trade stake: The number of shares or value held in a position after a trade is completed.

Flagship products: A company’s leading or most prominent products, often representing its brand or core offerings.

Cloud platforms: Online computing environments that provide scalable software and services over the internet.

Digital evidence management: Systems for storing, organizing, and analyzing electronic data used in investigations or compliance.

Financial crime prevention: Technologies and practices designed to detect and stop illegal financial activities, such as fraud or money laundering.

Compliance: Adhering to laws, regulations, and industry standards relevant to a business or sector.

TTM: The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report.

Operational efficiency: The ability of a company to deliver products or services using minimal resources and costs.

A MAJOR cruise line has revealed it will be launching a 124-day voyage around the world in 2028.

The Epic World Explorer will be one of P&O Cruises longest-ever world voyages.

The cruise line’s Arcadia ship will set off from Southampton on January 6, 2028 and finish back in Southampton on May 10, 2028.

The 124-night cruise – which is exclusively for adults – will focus on the Far East with stops in South Korea and Thailand.

It will also call into Japan for the first time since 2019, with a new overnight stop in Tokyo with calls to Kagoshima and Nagasaki.

Other top destinations include San Francisco in the USA, Cape Verde and Sydney in Australia.

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In fact, there are over 30 destinations on the voyage.

Prices for the cruise start from £11,199 per person.

On board the ship, which features an Art Deco domed roof and can accommodate up to 2,094 guests and 866 members of crew, there are 15 bars and restaurants, five entertainment venues and two swimming pools.

Included in the price of the cruise, guests get access to the Palladium, which is a three-tiered theatre that hosts live entertainment.

Shows include Magic Moments – it tells the story of Burt Bacharach’s life and music.

Or you could watch magic show, Unbelievable.

Also included is the Screening Room, which is a 30-seat cinema that shows the latest blockbusters.

For a bit of gambling, passengers can head to the Monte Carlo Casino with classic table games such as blackjack, roulette and poker.

Fancy some late night entertainment? Then there’s The Globe – a circular bar with live music, game shows and ballroom and Latin dance events.

Passengers don’t need to worry about missing the pub either, as they can enjoy The Rising Sun with interiors just like a British country pub.

There are cosy booths, a jukebox, darts, karaoke and even live sports screenings.

For travellers wanting to stay fit during their voyage, there are plenty of opportunities to do this.

In addition to a fully-equipped gym, there is also a sports court on board where passengers can play football, basketball, tennis or cricket.

There are even complimentary fitness classes too.

If treating yourself is more your thing, then there is The Oasis Spa and Salon, complete with a hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room.

Guests can also grab a number of treatments like haircuts, massages and facials.

The ship has a number of pool areas as well – one of which has a retractable roof for all-weather enjoyment.

When it comes to food onboard the ship, travellers will never be short of choice.

At breakfast, The Belvedere offers a casual dining spot with an all-day buffet.

For a lighter lunch or fast food, there is the Neptune Grill which serves hot dogs and classic fish and chips.

Alternatively, you could grab some small plates at the Meridian Restaurant.

Steak lovers should then check out Marco Pierre White’s Ocean Grill.

For a special treat, once a week on sea days the Arcadia serves typically British afternoon tea with cute sandwiches, sweet treats, warm scones and unlimited tea at the Meridian Restaurant.

The speciality restaurants onboard the ship are Marco Pierre White’s Ocean Grill, which serves a number of steaks and fresh seafood dishes and Sindhu, which combines Indian and British cuisine.

There are five types of cabins on board including inside, sea view, deluxe balcony, mini suite and suite.

The most basic cabin, which is inside, is simply inside with a comfy bed, tea and coffee making facilities and White Company toiletries.

There of course is also a TV with free movies and TV shows on.

Sea view cabins then have the added benefit of a window or port hole.

In the deluxe balcony cabins, guests can enjoy a sea breeze in their own private outdoor space.

Mini suites then have an additional lounging area and at the top end, suites have a dedicated butler service as well as spacious accommodation and a large bathroom.

Guests in suites can also enjoy breakfast each day in an exclusive restaurant.

And at the end of your 124-day cruise, if you want to take home a souvenir to loved ones there are plenty of shops on board including jewellery, cosmetics, perfume, clothes and art and collectibles stores.

The sailing has been announced as part of P&O Cruises’ new winter 2027 and spring 2028 programme, which also includes a 75-night Grand Tour of South America.

OMAZE-ING

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Wetherspoons reveals opening dates of 5 new pubs starting next week

In other cruise news, The Sun’s assistant travel editor, Sophie Swietochowski went on the world’s largest cruise ship with Vegas-like casinos, Broadway-style shows and dare-devil slides.

Plus, there is a little-known hack that experts swear by to save you hundreds when booking a cruise holiday.

WASHINGTON  — The Supreme Court may help the GOP keep control of the House of Representatives next year by clearing the way for Republican-led states to redraw election districts now held by Black Democrats.

That prospect formed the backdrop on Wednesday as the justices debated the future of the Voting Rights Act in a case from Louisiana.

The Trump administration’s top courtroom attorney urged he justices to rule that partisan politics, not racial fairness, should guide the drawing election districts for Congress and state legislatures.

“This court held that race-based affirmative action in higher education must come to an end,” Solicitor Gen. D. John Sauer wrote in his brief. The same is true, he said, for using the Voting Rights Act to draw legislative districts that are likely to elect a Black or Latino candidate.

Too often, he said, the civil rights law has been “deployed as a form of electoral race-based affirmative action to undo a state’s constitutional pursuit of political ends.”

The court’s conservatives lean in that direction and sought to limit the use of race for drawing district boundaries. But the five-member majority has not struck down the use of race for drawing district lines.

But the Trump administration and Louisiana’s Republican leaders argued that now was the time to do so.

If the court’s conservatives hand down such a ruling in the months ahead, it would permit Republican-led states across the South to redraw the congressional districts of a dozen or more Black Democrats.

“There’s reason for alarm,” said Harvard law professor Nicholas Stephanopoulous. “The consequences for minority representation would likely be devastating. In particular, states with unified Republican governments would have a green light to flip as many Democratic minority-opportunity districts as possible.”

Such a ruling would also upend the Voting Rights Act as it had been understood since the 1980s.

As originally enacted in 1965, the historic measure put the federal government on the side of Blacks in registering to vote and casting ballots.

But in 1982, Republicans and Democrats in Congress took note that these new Black voters were often shut out of electing anyone to office. White lawmakers could draw maps that put whites in the majority in all or nearly all the districts.

Seeking a change, Congress amended the law to allow legal challenges when discrimination results in minority voters having “less opportunity … to elect representatives of their choice.”

In decades after, the Supreme Court and the Justice Department pressed the states, and the South in particular, to draw at least some electoral districts that were likely to elect a Black candidate. These legal challenges turned on evidence that white voters in the state would not support a Black candidate.

But since he joined the court in 1991, Justice Clarence Thomas has argued that drawing districts based on race is unconstitutional and should be prohibited. Justices Samuel A. Alito, Neil M. Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett dissented with Thomas two years ago when the court by a 5-4 vote approved a second congressional district in Alabama that elected a Black Democrat.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts wrote the opinion. Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh cast the deciding fifth vote but also said he was open to the argument that “race-based redistricting cannot extend indefinitely into the future.”

That issue is now before the court in the Louisiana case.

It has six congressional districts, and about one-third of its population is Black.

Prior to this decade, the New Orleans area elected a Black representative, and in response to a voting right suit, it was ordered to draw a second district where a Black candidate had a good chance to win.

But to protect its leading House Republicans — Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise — the state drew a new elongated district that elected Rep. Cleo Fields, a Black Democrat.

Now the state and the Trump administration argue the court should strike down that district because it was drawn based on race and free the state to replace him with a white Republican.

From Jack Harris: He did not scream. He did not pump a fist. He showed hardly any of the emotions the moment seemed to call for, accomplishing something no major league pitcher had achieved in almost a decade.

Instead, after completing MLB’s first postseason complete game since 2017, and the first by a Dodgers pitcher since 2004, Yoshinobu Yamamoto simply walked around the mound, casually removed his glove, and didn’t break into a smile until he looked back at the center-field scoreboard.

“Wow,” he finally mouthed to himself, as the realization of his nine-inning, three-hit, one-run gem finally started to set in.

The reaction came after his old-school, matter-of-fact performance lifted the Dodgers to a 5-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series.

“I was able to pitch until the end,” Yamamoto said in Japanese afterward. “So I really felt a sense of accomplishment.”

This was a night almost no one saw coming. And not just because Yamamoto failed to complete even one inning in his last trip to American Family Field against the Brewers during the regular season.

In an era of strictly controlled pitch counts and a steadfast reliance on relievers come October, Yamamoto turned back the clock on a night reminiscent of a bygone generation.

Continue reading here

Hernández: The Dodgers’ latest starting-pitching flex? Make the bullpen a non-factor

In this postseason, Dodgers’ offense starts from the bottom

Just how much are the Dodgers charging for World Series tickets?

Dodgers box score

MLB POSTSEASON SCHEDULE, RESULTS

All times Pacific

NLCS
Dodgers vs. Milwaukee

Dodgers 2, at Milwaukee 1 (box score)

Dodgers 5, at Milwaukee 1 (box score)

Thursday: at Dodgers, 3 p.m., TBS, truTV, HBO Max, AM 570, KTMZ 1220, ESPN radio

Friday: at Dodgers, 5:30 p.m., TBS, truTV, HBO Max, AM 570, KTMZ 1220, ESPN radio

*-Saturday: at Dodgers, 5 p.m., TBS, truTV, HBO Max, AM 570, KTMZ 1220, ESPN radio

*-Monday: at Milwaukee, 2 p.m., TBS, truTV, HBO Max, AM 570, KTMZ 1220, ESPN radio

*-Tuesday, Oct. 21: at Milwaukee, 5 p.m., TBS, truTV, HBO Max, AM 570, KTMZ 1220, ESPN radio

ALCS
Seattle vs. Toronto
Seattle 3, at Toronto 1 (box score)
Seattle 10, at Toronto 3 (box score)
Wednesday at Seattle, 5 p.m., FS1
Thursday at Seattle, 5:30 p.m., FS1
*-Friday at Seattle, 3 p.m., FS1
*-Sunday at Toronto, 5 p.m., FS1
*-Monday at Toronto, 5 p.m., Fox/FS1

*-if necessary

From Ryan Kartje: His top two running backs had just been carted up the Coliseum tunnel, a nightmare scenario for a team that finally found its groove on the ground, when coach Lincoln Riley was asked at halftime how USC would move forward without the bulk of its backfield. He grinned.

“I might have to carry the ball some,” Riley quipped during NBC’s broadcast.

USC managed to make it through a win over Michigan without much in the way of reinforcements at running back. But with its backfield depth decimated — and the toughest stretch of the Trojans schedule ahead — Riley and his staff will have to figure out how proceed starting Saturday at Notre Dame.

USC will be without leading rusher Waymond Jordan for at least a month after he injured his ankle during the second quarter Saturday. Jordan, who’s currently third in the Big Ten in rushing, underwent surgery on Monday and is expected to miss four to six weeks.

Continue reading here

SOCCER

From Kevin Baxter: Christina Unkel was 10 when she became a certified soccer referee. And in all that time, she said she can remember just one instance in which she changed a call after being confronted by a group of angry players.

She was 14, working a youth game in Southwest Florida, when she awarded a throw-in. As the team which lost possession protested vehemently, an opposing player stepped into the scrum and sheepishly confessed to touching the ball last.

“I’m like, ‘OK, well thanks for admitting that. I guess we’ll throw it the other way, right?’” said Unkel who, as an attorney in addition to being an official, knows the value of a confession.

Without that admission, she said, the protesting team’s pleas would have necessarily fallen on deaf ears.

Referees know they don’t always get ‘em right, but imagine the chaos if they left every call up for debate. Yet that hasn’t stopped every soccer player who’s ever laced up a pair of cleats from arguing calls.

Soccer is the only major U.S. team sport in which that’s allowed.

Continue reading here

LAKERS

From Thuc Nhi Nguyen: He whipped passes through a sea of outstretched arms. He lobbed up a sky-high alley-oop. He canned a step-back three.

Luka Doncic is so back.

The star guard had 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists in his preseason debut Tuesday, but the Lakers crumbled in the second half of a 113-104 loss to the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center.

Fresh off a quarterfinal finish in EuroBasket, where he led the tournament in scoring for Slovenia, Doncic wowed his teammates by zipping passes through microscopic lanes and chucking up one-legged three-pointers. After Doncic missed a free throw, he saved the rebound blindly over his head and the possession ended in a three-pointer from Nick Smith Jr.

Continue reading here

LeBron out, Luka in: Where the Lakers stand one week from opening night

RAMS

From Gary Klein: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles, is located a short walk from M&T Bank Stadium, where the Rams began an extended road trip on Sunday with a 17-3 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

For much of this week, the baseball stadium will serve as the Rams’ home away from home as they prepare for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London.

This is not the first time that the Rams have played an away game and then remained in the city before traveling abroad.

In 2017, coach Sean McVay’s first season, the Rams defeated the Jaguars in Jacksonville, Fla., and then stayed in town before traveling to defeat the Arizona Cardinals at Twickenham Stadium in London.

Several players said they would rely on the Rams’ training staff to help them modify weekly routines that include massage, acupuncture and other bodywork sessions with California providers outside of the organization.

Continue reading here

DUCKS

Chris Kreider scored his second power-play goal in his home debut with 1:27 to play, and the Ducks beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 on Tuesday night for its 10th consecutive victory in home openers.

Cutter Gauthier and Drew Helleson also scored and Lukas Dostal made 23 saves for the Ducks, who matched Boston and Toronto for the NHL’s longest active victory streak in home openers.

Kreider, who also had an assist, is off to an outstanding start with four goals in three games for the Ducks after the Rangers traded their longtime left winger last June to create cap space.

Continue reading here

Ducks summary

NHL standings

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

1933 — The Philadelphia Eagles play their first NFL game and suffers a 56-0 loss to the New York Giants.

1961 — Mickey Wright wins her third LPGA Championship with a rout, nine strokes ahead of Louise Suggs. Wright shoots a 3-over, 287 at the Stardust Country Club in Las Vegas for her third major title of the year and her tenth tour victory of the season.

1972 — Stan Mikita of the Chicago Blackhawks becomes the sixth NHL player with 1,000 career points. Mikita assists on Cliff Koroll’s goal in a 3-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues at Chicago Stadium.

1983 — The Chicago Blackhawks and the Toronto Maple Leafs score five goals in 1 minute, 24 seconds to set an NHL record for the fastest five goals by two teams. The Maple Leafs win, 10-8.

1988 — Oklahoma rushes for an NCAA-record 768 yards, including 123 by quarterback Charles Thompson. Thompson scores three touchdowns and passes for one in the first period of a 70-24 rout of Kansas State.

1988 — Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins scores eight points — two goals and six assists — in a 9-2 win over the St. Louis Blues at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh.

1989 — Wayne Gretzky of the Kings passes Gordie Howe as the NHL’s all-time leading scorer in a during a 5-4 overtime win over the Edmonton Oilers. Gretzky flips a backhand shot past Oilers goaltender Bill Ranford with 53 seconds remaining to tie the score and pass Howe with 1,851st point. Gretzky wins the game in overtime.

1995 — The Carolina Panthers beat the New York Jets 26-15 for their first NFL victory.

2005 — Michigan gives up a touchdown to Penn State with 53 seconds left, then marches down the field to score on a TD pass from Chad Henne to Mario Manningham with no time remaining for a 27-25 win over the eighth-ranked Nittany Lions.

2005 — USC’s Matt Leinart pushes and spins his way into the end zone with 3 seconds left to cap a chaotic finish to the top-ranked Trojans’ 28th straight victory, a back-and-forth 34-31 win over No. 9 Notre Dame.

2008 — Fabian Brunnstrom scores three goals in his NHL debut to match the league record in Dallas’ 6-4 victory over Nashville.

2009 — Detroit’s Nicklas Lidstrom becomes the first European defenseman and eighth overall to reach 1,000 points, assisting on two goals in the Red Wings 5-2 win over the Kings.

2012 — The Nets bring pro sports back to Brooklyn with a preseason victory, beating the Washington Wizards 98-88 in the first basketball game at the Barclays Center.

2015 — Carey Price makes 25 saves and the Montreal Canadiens make team history by starting a season with a five straight wins, the latest a 3-0 victory over the New York Rangers.

2017 — New England quarterback Tom Brady passes for 257 yards with two touchdowns in the Patriots’ 24-17 win at the New York Jets. Brady, who has 187 regular-season victories, surpasses Hall of Famer Brett Favre (186) and Peyton Manning (186) for the most regular-season victories by a starting quarterback in NFL history.

Compiled by the Associated Press

Until next time…

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

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