Drone footage shows ice building along the shores of Lake Michigan as a powerful winter storm driven by a stretched polar vortex threatens more than 160 million people across the US, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain and dangerous Arctic cold.

Music’s biggest night is just around the corner.

The Recording Academy next weekend will salute this season’s standout music at the 68th Grammy Awards. Last year’s hybrid awards show-fundraiser had its rocky moments but nonetheless raised $9 million for L.A. wildfire relief efforts.

Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s ceremony, from how to watch to which artists to keep tabs on.

How can I watch?

The Grammys return to downtown L.A.’s Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 1. The awards show begins at 5 p.m., broadcasting live on CBS and streaming live (premium subscribers only) and available on demand on Paramount+. The premiere ceremony, which isn’t televised, begins at 12:30 p.m.

Who is performing?

The Recording Academy on Tuesday announced that two-time Grammy winner Sabrina Carpenter will perform on awards night. This year, Carpenter is nominated for six Grammy Awards, including album (“Man’s Best Friend”), and record and song (“Manchild”) of the year.

The ceremony for the second consecutive year has also invited all eight best new artist nominees to take the Grammys stage. This year’s contenders are Leon Thomas, Olivia Dean, Katseye, the Marías, Addison Rae, Sombr, Alex Warren and Lola Young.

The best new artist race is among the 2026 Grammys’ tightest, but Dean’s prospects are rosier after her breakout song “Man I Need” topped Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart in December. If the British artist — or her competitors Rae or Young — takes home gold, it will mark the ninth time in a row that the honor has gone to a solo female artist.

Who is hosting?

Comedian Trevor Noah will host the ceremony for the sixth and final time, capping off a “generational run” with the Grammys.

“I am beyond thrilled to welcome Trevor Noah back to host the Grammys for his sixth, and sadly, final time,” the show’s executive producer Ben Winston said in a statement earlier this month.

Winston called Noah “the most phenomenal host”: “smart, so funny, and such a true fan of the artists and music.”

Noah is up for a Grammy Award this year for his audio narration of his children’s book “Into the Uncut Grass.”

Who are the main contenders?

L.A.’s own Kendrick Lamar led this year’s nominations with nine, including album (“GNX”) and record (“Luther”) of the year. Trailing just behind were Lady Gaga and producers Cirkut and Jack Antonoff, with seven nominations each.

What’s new this year?

While not technically new, the Grammy for album cover will be presented this year for the first time since 1973.

“In today’s digital world, album covers are arguably more impactful than ever,” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. told Grammy.com in June. “Chances are, there’s an iconic cover that’s instantly recognizable to you, even if you never owned the physical album. Their cultural significance is undeniable.”

Nominees in the resurrected category are Tyler, the Creator’s “Chromakopia,” Djo’s “The Crux,” Bad Bunny’s “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” Perfume Genius’ “Glory” and Wet Leg’s “Moisturizer.”

The country album category has also been split into two groups this year: traditional country and contemporary country.

Additionally, Latin Grammy voting members were invited for the first time to join the Recording Academy as part of its 2025 class.

Times staff writer Cerys Davies contributed to this report.

NUUK, Greenland — One year ago, days before Donald Trump reclaimed power, the head of Denmark’s People’s Party took a trip to Mar-a-Lago. Morten Messerschmidt thought he and Trump shared a common view on the perils of European integration. Together, he told local media at the time, they could make the West great again.

In Europe, just as in the United States, Messerschmidt thought it was “nationale suverænitet” — national sovereignty — that had over centuries given countries large and small the tools to build their culture, traditions and institutions. Those were the values that conservative movements across the European continent are fighting to protect.

But Messerschmidt now finds himself on the defensive. The far-right politician is suddenly distancing himself from an American president who, off and on over the last year, has made aggressive plays to annex Greenland, targeting Danish borders that have existed for roughly 300 years.

Trump pulled back from military threats against the island this week. “It’s total access — there’s no end,” he said in an interview on Thursday with Fox Business. Asked whether he still intended on acquiring the island, Trump replied, “It’s possible. Anything is possible.”

Despite Trump’s fixation on Greenland since his first term, he declined to meet with Messerschmidt at Mar-a-Lago last January. Instead, the Danish politician found himself discussing the matter with Marla Maples, the president’s ex-wife.

“Portraying me as someone who serves a cause other than Denmark, and who would sympathize with threats to our kingdom, is unhealthy,” Messerschmidt wrote on Facebook this weekend. “It is slander.”

The Danish People’s Party is one of many far-right groups across Europe, which aligned with Trump’s MAGA movement in their fervent opposition to immigration and related issues, suddenly in rebellion against an administration it once thought of as an ideological ally.

The president’s moves are now compelling them to reconcile their alliance with Trump with a core tenet on the political right, that nationalism is largely defined by people and place over historic stretches of time — or as Trump often said on the campaign trail, “without a border, you don’t have a country.”

“Donald Trump has violated a fundamental campaign promise — namely, not to interfere in other countries,” Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany Party, or AfD, said in Berlin. Her colleague added: “It is clear that Wild West methods must be rejected.”

The rupture could jeopardize the Trump administration’s own stated goals for a future Europe that is more conservative and aligned with the Republican Party — a plan that relied on boosting the very same parties now questioning their ties to the president.

In its national security strategy, published in November, the White House said it would “cultivate resistance to Europe’s current trajectory within European nations,” hoping to restore “Europe’s civilizational self-confidence and Western identity.”

And it is not clear whether the president’s decision to walk back his most aggressive threats is enough to contain the diplomatic damage. “The process of getting to this agreement has clearly damaged trust amongst allies,” Rishi Sunak, former prime minister of the United Kingdom and leader of its Conservative Party, told Bloomberg on Thursday.

Trump’s pressure campaign urging Ukraine to accept borders redrawn by a revanchist Russia had already strained relations between his inner circle and Europe’s far-right movements. But several prominent right-wing leaders say his aggressive posture toward Greenland amounted to a bridge too far.

On Wednesday in Switzerland, addressing growing concerns over the plan, Trump still left threats lingering in the air, warning European leaders that he would “remember” if they blocked a U.S. takeover.

“Friends can disagree in private, and that’s fine — that’s part of life, part of politics,” Nigel Farage, leader of the far-right Reform UK party in Britain, told House Speaker Mike Johnson in London earlier this week. “But to have a U.S. president threatening tariffs unless we agree that he can take over Greenland by some means, without it seeming to even get the consent of the people of Greenland — I mean, this is a very hostile act.”

In France, the head of Marine Le Pen’s far-right party, National Rally, said the United States had presented Europe “with a choice: Accept dependency disguised as partnership or act as sovereign powers capable of defending our interests.”

With overseas territories across the Pacific, Caribbean and Indian oceans, France has the second-largest maritime exclusive economic zone in the world after the United States. If Trump can seize Greenland by force, what is stopping him, or any other great power, from conquering France’s islands?

“When a U.S. president threatens a European territory while using trade pressure, it is not dialogue — it is coercion. And our credibility is at stake,” said the party’s young leader, Jordan Bardella.

“Greenland has become a strategic pivot in a world returning to imperial logic,” he added. “Yielding today would set a dangerous precedent.”

From Broderick Turner: Lakers coach JJ Redick understands there’s a “human element” to players looking for more minutes so they can score more points. He knows future contracts are important and his team isn’t immune to focusing on that.

The Lakers have five players on the final seasons their contracts and three more that have player options, making it eight potential free agents for the Lakers this offseason.

Redick broached this subject of contracts after the Lakers lost 112-104 to the Clippers on Thursday night at Intuit Dome for their sixth loss in nine games.

“Guys are worried about their futures,” Redick said. “And that’s what happens when you got a team full of free agents and player-options. I think it’s just natural that you’re gonna worry about the offense … and I’ve been there. (It gets) in your head a little bit: ‘Played five minutes (and) haven’t got a shot yet.’ And that’s a human thing. It’s not anybody’s fault.”

LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber and Jaxson Hayes are all in the final year of their contracts. Austin Reaves has a player-option for next season, but he’s going to see what he can earn in free agency. The Lakers can offer him the most — up to five years and $241 million.

DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart also have player-options.

When a team is in a tailspin — much like the Lakers, who’ve lost 10 of their last 17 — playing time and points can become major issues for players looking for new contracts.

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Lakers-Clippers box score

NBA standings

From Thuc Nhi Nguyen: LeBron James downplayed any suggestion of a rift between him and Lakers governor Jeanie Buss on Thursday following an ESPN report that detailed how the now-minority owner of the team had started to turn on the Lakers superstar.

“Quite frankly, I don’t really get involved in that, or the reports, or whatever the case may be,” James said after the Lakers lost 112-104 to the Clippers at Intuit Dome.

The report detailed how years of in-fighting between the Buss siblings led to the family selling a majority stake of the team to Dodgers owner Mark Walter last year. As the franchise struggled to recapture the magic established under Jerry Buss, Jeanie had grown distant and resentful, the report said, that James didn’t take accountability for involvement with the decision to acquire Russell Westbrook in 2021. She reportedly floated the possibility of trading James to the Clippers in 2022 and didn’t believe James was grateful when the Lakers drafted Bronny James in 2024.

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Rams have intercepted plans

From Gary Klein: Kobie Turner makes his living as a pass rusher and run defender for the Rams, not a defensive back.

But the last time the Rams played the Seattle Seahawks, the third-year defensive lineman snatched a Sam Darnold pass near the goal line for his first career interception.

“It was like time almost stopped,” Turner recalled Thursday. “It was a perfect spiral. It was beautiful.”

Turner’s turnover was one of seven the Rams forced in two games this season against the Seahawks, including six interceptions.

Of the Rams’ 16 interceptions this season, more than a third came against the Seahawks.

The Rams aim to continue their torrent of takeaways against the Seahawks on Sunday when they play in the NFC championship game at Lumen Field.

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NFL playoffs schedule

All times Pacific
Conference championships
Sunday

AFC
Noon
No. 2 New England at No. 1 Denver (CBS, Paramount+)

NFC
3:30 p.m.
No. 5 Rams at No. 1 Seattle (FOX, FOX One, FOX Deportes)

Super Bowl

Sunday, Feb. 8, 3:30 p.m., NBC, Peacock

Where will Kyle Tucker fit in batting order?

From Ed Guzman: The Dodgers made the signing of free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker official Wednesday, capped off with an introductory news conference at Dodger Stadium.

Tucker’s four-year, $240-million deal included a $64-million signing bonus, and the $60-million average annual value is the second-highest in baseball history, without factoring in deferred money, behind Shohei Ohtani’s $70 million in his 10-year deal with the Dodgers.

Despite lucrative offers from the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays, Tucker went with the two-time defending World Series champions, who made room on their 40-man roster by designating outfielder Michael Siani for assignment.

“It’s a big decision, so you still got to weigh out everything,” Tucker told reporters, “but this team and this city and the fan base kind of makes it a little bit easier to make some decisions. That is just ultimately what we wanted to do, is come here and be part of that and try to win another World Series.”

With Tucker firmly in place, here are three takeaways from Wednesday:

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USC women lose to Michigan State

Kennedy Blair scored 21 points, and the No. 13 Michigan State women held off USC’s late surge for a 74-68 victory on Thursday night.

Michigan State opened the fourth quarter on a 13-5 run to stretch its lead to 66-54 with 5:15 remaining. Jazzy Davidson scored the last five points in a 10-0 run to help pull USC to 66-64 with 4:10 left before the Spartans sealed it from the free-throw line.

Kara Dunn scored 23 points and Davidson added 21 to lead USC (11-8 overall, 3-5 in the Big Ten). Kennedy Smith scored 15 points.

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USC box score

Big Ten standings

Darcy Kuemper cleared to return

Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper, one of three netminders on Canada’s upcoming Olympic hockey roster, has been cleared to return after suffering a neck injury against the New York Rangers on Tuesday.

Kuemper said after returning to practice Thursday that he lost feeling in his arm when Rangers forward Jonny Brodzinski ran into him in the first period of the game. He said he tried to shake it off, but had to be replaced by Anton Forsberg.

“Yeah, kind of got hit on the side of my neck, and it pinched my neck and pinched the nerves, and my arm went dead,” Kuemper said. “So, yeah, wasn’t allowed to come back in until we did some further testing yesterday.”

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This day in sports history

1944 — The Detroit Red Wings defeat the New York Rangers 15-0 to set an NHL record for consecutive goals.

1959 — In the NBA All-Star game in Detroit, St. Louis’ Bob Pettit and Elgin Baylor of Minneapolis become the first co-winners of the MVP award, leading the West to a 124-108 victory.

1979 — Willie Mays is named on 409 of 432 ballots and elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

1980 — George Gervin of San Antonio scores 55 points in a 144-130 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

1987 — Hana Mandlikova upsets Martina Navratilova 7-5, 7-6 to win the Australian Open.

1988 — Steffi Graf wins the Australian Open with a 6-1, 7-6 victory over Chris Evert.

1993 — Mike Gartner of the New York Rangers sets an NHL record when he reaches 30 goals for the 14th consecutive season. Gartner, with three goals in the Rangers’ 8-3 victory over the Kings, surpasses Phil Esposito, Bobby Hull and Wayne Gretzky.

2001 — Sam Cassell scores 22 points and the Bucks hit a franchise record 14 three-pointers to beat the Knicks 105-91 and snap New York’s NBA-record 33-game streak of holding opponents to under 100 points.

2005 — Jennifer Rodriguez becomes the first American woman in nine years to win the World Sprint Speedskating Championship.

2008 — Baylor, which waited 39 years to get back into the Top 25, plays five overtimes in its first win as a ranked team. Curtis Jerrells scores a career-high 36 points, including 11 in the fifth overtime to lead No. 25 Baylor to a 116-110 win over No. 18 Texas A&M.

2010 — Lindsey Vonn makes it five wins in five downhills this season. Her 30th World Cup victory ties her with Croatia’s Janica Kostelic for eighth place on the career list and nearly halfway to Austrian leader Annemarie Moser-Proell’s 62 wins.

2011 — Francesca Schiavone wins the longest women’s match in Grand Slam history — a 6-4, 1-6, 16-14 victory over Svetlana Kuznetsova that takes 4 hours, 44 minutes at the Australian Open. Schiavone saves six match points, then converts on her third match point in the longest women’s match at a major in terms of time in the Open era.

2011 — Aaron Rodgers runs for a touchdown and makes a saving tackle, B.J. Raji returns an interception for a score and Sam Shields has two interceptions to lead the Green Bay Packers to a 21-14 win over the Chicago Bears in the NFC championship game. The Packers, with road wins in Philadelphia, Atlanta and Chicago, become the first NFC No. 6 seed to advance to the Super Bowl.

2011 — The Pittsburgh Steelers advance to their third Super Bowl in six years with a 24-19 victory over the New York Jets.

2012 — Skylar Diggins matches a season high with 27 points and No. 2 Notre Dame routs No. 7 Tennessee 72-44, holding the Lady Vols to their lowest scoring output in modern school history.

2015 — Klay Thompson sets an NBA record for the most points in a quarter, a 37-point third period that powers the Golden State Warriors to a 126-101 victory over the Sacramento Kings. Thompson makes all 13 shots and finishes with a career-high 52 points.

2022 — Buffalo wide receiver Gabriel Davis scores an NFL playoff record four TDs in the Bills’ epic 42-36 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in their divisional-round playoff at Arrowhead Stadium.

Compiled by the Associated Press

Until next time…

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

Jan. 23 (UPI) — Tri-lateral talks on ending the Ukraine war between Russia, Ukraine and the United States were due to get underway in Abu Dhabi on Friday evening, the first time all three countries have been at the same table since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

The meeting follows four hours of late-night talks between U.S. negotiators, led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow that the Kremlin said had been “substantive, constructive and very frank.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has dispatched a negotiating team to Abu Dhabi for the meeting, which he said would last for two days, described the talks as “a step — hopefully towards ending the war.”

Both sides cautioned that there could be no durable peace until there was a resolution to thorny territorial issues, notably the Donbas, where Russia is demanding Ukraine relinquish the remaining land it still controls — about 25%.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said the Russian side had made it clear to Witkoff that no long-term solution should be expected to be achieved in the absence of a territory deal based on the “formula” agreed at the U.S.-Russia summit in Anchorage in August.

U.S. President Donald Trump called the summit to get a cease-fire but ended up with a loose agreement to end the war through Ukraine giving up territory in exchange for Russia agreeing to accept NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine — putting the onus on Kyiv.

Ushakov said Russia was genuine in its desire to resolve the conflict through “political and diplomatic means” but until then it fully intended to continue to pursue the goals of its “special military operation” on the battlefield, where it was winning.

Speaking in Davos on Thursday, Zelensky also said the whole process hinged on land.

“It’s all about the land. This is the issue which is not solved yet. The Russians have to be ready for compromises, not only Ukraine,” Zelensky said after meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, where he claimed post-war security guarantees had been finalized.

He said Friday’s Russia-Ukraine-U.S. talks might produce “variants” on how to solve the issue, referencing the Russian demand for Kyiv to pull back its troops from parts of its Donetsk and Luhansk provinces (the Donbas), on one side, and a U.S. proposal for those areas to form a demilitarized “economic” zone in exchange for security guarantees for Ukraine.

With Russia ruling out a cease-fire in the interim, an end to the fighting could be some way off.

Ukraine’s constitution requires that any deal of such consequence as ceding land must be ratified by Ukrainian lawmakers, and possibly the Ukrainian people in a referendum, while a security guarantee involving the United States would have to be authorized by Congress.

Everton manager David Moyes says it is a “big blow” that on-loan midfielder Jack Grealish has a stress fracture in his foot.

Moyes said he could not give a timescale for Grealish’s recovery.

The 30-year-old, who is on a season-long loan from Manchester City, has made 22 appearances in all competitions for Everton this season.

He has scored two goals and provided six assists.

Grealish played the full 90 minutes as Everton beat former club Aston Villa 1-0 in the Premier League on Sunday.

More to follow.

IN a heartwarming update, Jana Duggar has welcomed her first child with husband, Stephen Wissmann. 

The couple, known for their appearances on the reality TV series, 19 Kids and Counting, announced the arrival of their baby boy on Instagram.

They have affectionately named him Archie Gerald Wissman. 

Jana and Stephen shared their joyous news on social media, expressing their excitement and gratitude. 

In the post, photographed by Justin Sharp, the new mom wrote, “We took some time to settle into our new rhythm before sharing this sweet news. Archie Gerald Wissmann arrived on December 30, 2025, and our hearts have been completely changed. We’re soaking in these early days, full of love, wonder, and so much gratitude.“

Fans chimed in to congratulate the reality TV couple.

“Finally you get your own happy ever after,” one fan wrote.

“I have NEVER been more happy for such a deserving soul,” another fan wrote. “Congratulations to each of you. That little boy is going to be so loved.”

“Ahhh we love Archie so much already and can’t wait to meet him!!” another fan wrote.

Jana is a prominent figure from 19 Kids and Counting, and she often posts updates with her husband Stephen Wissmann.

In August 2025, they announced the pregnancy, marking a significant and joyous milestone in their lives.

In a joint post on Instagram, they conveyed their enthusiasm, saying, “We are so excited, January 2026 is going to come with a little bundle of joy joining our family! We’re counting down the days and eagerly looking forward to this thrilling new chapter in our lives! Thanks to my sister-in-law @firstlens_photography for our beautiful photos!“

The couple shared maternity photos that captured intimate moments of Jana and Stephen as they embraced her baby bump and shared affectionate kisses.

In that post, one fan stated, “Jana is THE Duggar that I have been praying for the most. I wanted her to find happiness and have her own family. I’m so glad it is happening!”

Jana and Stephen opted for a private approach to their relationship, becoming engaged in June 2024 and celebrating their union in a ceremony in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, surrounded by family and close friends. 

The duo has continuously shared glimpses of their journey to parenthood, celebrating milestones along the way, from gender reveals to nursery preparations.

Family has always been a significant aspect of the Duggar household, with Jana often seen alongside her siblings and parents throughout her life. 

The arrival of baby Archie marks another milestone for Jana and Stephen. 

Followers eagerly await more updates as they navigate the beautiful journey of parenthood.

FOR MANY, heading to Japan is a dream come true with the vibrant cities of Tokyo and Kyoto – but from this year, visiting will become more expensive.

Across 2026, several new fees are being introduced in Japan that could see your holiday to the Asian country suddenly become a lot more expensive.

So if you are planning a trip to Japan, you might want to budget a bit extra…

Kyoto hotel tax

From March, anyone visiting Kyoto will have to pay Japan‘s highest-ever hotel tax.

The new system will be tiered based on the prices of rooms, with the fee ranging from ¥200 (93p) per night, to as much as ¥10,000 (£46.73) per night.

The city’s authorities have introduced the tax as a way for tourists ‘sharing the cost’ of tourism.

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The money collected from the new fee is set to go to transport upgrades, campaigns and a new express bus service that will connect the city centre to Higashiyama’s temple district.

It is estimated that the tax will generate around ¥12.6 billion (about £58.8million) each year, which is around double what the city’s previous tax raised each year.

Departure tax

Known as the departure tax, Japan will raise the fee for travellers leaving the country.

The fee will rise from ¥1,000 (£4.67) per person to ¥3,000 (£14.01) in July 2026.

The departure tax was originally introduced back in 2019 and applies to anyone who is leaving Japan.

The fee isn’t paid separately but is usually applied to either a flight ticket or ferry ticket.

However, if you depart within 24 hours of arriving – so let’s say you have a flight stopover – you will not be charged the fee.

The fee will apply to all travellers aged two or older.

Visa fees

Visa fees could also rise under Japan’s 2026 budget.

The plans suggest there could be a ¥15,000 (£70.07) processing fee for a single-entry visa.

This would cost five times more than the current fee, which sits around ¥3,000 (£14.01).

For multiple-entry visas, the fee could even rise to ¥30,000 (£140.13).

2028 introductions

Japan is also looking at introducing even more fees in the future.

By 2028, the country hopes to roll out the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (JESTA) for travellers from visa-free countries.

If this were introduced, it would mean that citizens from 71 countries and regions that currently have visa-exempt short-stays in Japan, would need to get a pre-authorisation to travel.

And this includes Brits.

It would, in practice, be similar to America’s ESTA.

The fee for this could be between ¥2,000 (£9.34) and ¥3,000 (£14.01) per person.

Existing fees

There are a number of fees already in place across Japan including Mount Fuji’s ¥4,000 (£18.70) entry fee which was introduced last summer to limit the issues of overtourism.

The fee applies to all four main trails of Mount Fuji.

In other tourist fee news, the cost of holidays is set to rise at home AND abroad thanks to pricier flights and new tourist tax rules.

Plus, new tourist tax to introduce £76 entry fee at 11 National Parks – while locals have free entry days.

More than 84 million passengers travel through London’s Heathrow Airport every year, making it the busiest hub in Europe

Heathrow Airport has made a major update to rules affecting every passenger. More than 84 million people use the London airport every year, making it the busiest hub in Europe.

It announced it has completed the roll-out of its new high-tech scanners which means major changes to what can be taken through security in hand luggage. The new equipment now allows electronics such as laptops to be left in luggage while clear plastic bags for liquids no longer have to be used.But a new key change is that liquids no longer have to be no more than 100 ml without clear plastic bags being used. Passengers can now carry up to 2 litres of liquids in their luggage.

Heathrow is the latest airport to make the change following the introduction of the high-tech scanners. Gatwick, Edinburgh and Birmingham airports have already upgraded and rolled out the 2-litre limit.

Passengers using most UK airports will still have to follow the rule which means they can keep liquid containers of up to 100ml in their luggage, without having to remove them and use clear plastic bags. Bristol and Belfast airports have also raised their liquid limits to two litres.

Heathrow Airport explains the change on its website saying: “Liquids in containers up to two litres can remain in cabin bags and be taken through security in all terminals (T2, T3, T4 and T5). Remember refillable metal or double walled containers must be emptied but these can be refilled once through security.”

It adds that the following liquids are allowed in the aircraft cabin:

• Baby food or baby milk: breast milk can be carried in the cabin; when it is stored in a clear, transparent container or commercially available storage bag. Metal or double walled containers are not permitted.
• The volume of each container / bag should not exceed 2 litres. Breast milk should be in a liquid format and not frozen. When travelling without an infant, breast milk can be carried in quantities up to 2 litres. This does not apply to formula milk or other baby juice / food. Please check with your airline as individual cabin / hand baggage allowance can vary.
• You may also wish to take advantage of our Reserve & Collect Service for collection by calling us on 0800 678 5324 or online via www.heathrow.com/shopping (Or feel free to use direct page link – Baby Milk – Airport Shopping | Heathrow Reserve & Collect)
• Liquid medicines: You are only permitted to carry quantities of liquid medication in excess of the 2 litre limit where it is needed during the course of your flight. All medication should be accompanied by documentary proof of authenticity, such as a prescription or letter from a medical practitioner confirming that you need them for your journey. Liquid medication that is not required on the flight should be carried as hold luggage. Find out more about travelling with medicines.

However the rule remains that explosive or flammable liquids, and those that are considered toxic, are not permitted in either hand or hold luggage.

Spring in Southern California has a certain rhythm: Dodgers fans return to Chavez Ravine, the jacarandas start to bloom, and L.A.’s mayor gives a speech — usually a long one — about how the city is doing.

Mayor Karen Bass, running for a second term in the June 2 election, is shaking up that routine, by delivering two different State of the City addresses nearly three months apart.

Bass said the first State of the City address, scheduled for Feb. 2, will serve as a countdown to the 2026 World Cup, which will feature eight matches at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium later this year. That speech is aimed at unifying the city, honoring its “people, neighborhoods and cultures,” according to an invitation that went out this week.

“It’s a day to really celebrate our city,” Bass said in an interview. “I mean, last year was very, very tough, and now we’re ready to get things together to welcome the world.”

The Feb. 2 address, planned at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, will spell out the city’s efforts to ensure that everyone in L.A., not just the buyers of expensive World Cup tickets, will have a chance to participate in the global soccer event, Bass said.

The second speech, planned for mid-April, will be more of a traditional State of the City address, focusing heavily on the mayor’s spending priorities and the release of her budget on April 20.

L.A. mayors usually deliver the State of the City address during the third week in April, using them to list their accomplishments and highlight new policy initiatives. In recent decades, they have been staged in the ornate City Council chamber, outside Griffith Park Observatory and even at an electric truck factory in Harbor City.

The speech planned by Bass for Feb. 2 falls on the first day that L.A. mayoral candidates are allowed to file paperwork with the City Clerk declaring their intention to run for that office.

Bass, who launched her campaign in December, is expected to face several challengers, including former schools Supt. Austin Beutner, community organizer Rae Huang and reality television star Spencer Pratt.

Beutner and Huang had no comment on the upcoming speeches. But Pratt questioned whether Bass is using the extra city speech to bolster her campaign.

“It’s no surprise that Karen Bass is using her position as the incumbent mayor to promote her re-election,” Pratt said in a statement, “but two state of the city speeches does seem excessive given that each event will cost taxpayers resources which could better serve the community elsewhere.”

Bass pushed back on that idea, saying the extra speech is not connected to her campaign, which already had its public kickoff.

“Every press conference — anything I do right now — could easily be attached to that, and it’s not true,” she said.

In recent weeks, Bass stayed mostly behind the scenes as the city marked the one-year anniversary of the Jan. 7, 2025, Palisades fire, which destroyed thousands of homes and left 12 people dead. Although she did attend some events marking the anniversary, those were not part of her public schedule.

As an incumbent, Bass will always have the advantage of her City Hall bully pulpit, said Fernando Guerra, political science professor at Loyola Marymount University.

“People will say she’s using her position, and the speech, to get more attention and publicity,” he said. “That’s her job, to be out there. She should be talking to the city.”

Interim manager Darren Fletcher started the 20-year-old in the FA Cup third round defeat by Brighton this month and Mainoo kept his place for Michael Carrick’s first game in charge as United beat Manchester City convincingly in last weekend’s derby.

Carrick first came across Mainoo towards the end of his time as a player with the club.

“This club needs young players coming through,” said Carrick.

“They are the foundation of the club – they understand what it means – and for the supporters as well.

“It’s something we need to keep building on and Kobbie is a prime example.

“I was working with him at 13 or 14 when I was doing my (coaching) badges.

“To come through so quickly, have such a rapid rise and play in some big games at such a young age shows a lot of quality in terms of his character and being able to handle it.”

Mainoo signed a contract in 2023, but it was thought a new deal would be agreed after his goalscoring contribution to United’s 2024 FA Cup final win over City, which was followed by his starting England’s Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain.

However, there was no agreement, and the treatment he received following Amorim’s arrival left the Mainoo camp wondering whether United value him.

The underrated theme park has won awards for its theme park and Sooty Land attraction, and it’s now adding two new thrill rides to its line-up for the 2026 season

A prize-winning theme park in Devon is set to bolster its collection of family attractions in 2026, with the announcement of two fresh rides launching in spring and summer.

Crealy, located in Clyst St Mary, Exeter, scooped awards for Best Theme Park for Families (Small) and Best Theme Park for Toddlers (Small) for its Sooty Land experience at the 2025 UK Theme Park Awards.

The pair of new attractions will complement the existing portfolio of more than 60 rides and experiences at Crealy, including the beloved Tidal Wave log flume and the distinctive Roman-inspired Maximus Rollercoaster.

Come spring, the park will unveil Pirates’ Plummet, destined to be the South West’s loftiest drop tower adventure. The attraction previously operated at Paultons Park in Hampshire under the name Magma.

It’s now relocating to Devon with fresh pirate-themed styling, offering excitement for guests measuring over 110cm tall. Young people and teenagers must exceed 130cm to experience it alone, reports Devon Live.

The summer months will witness the debut of Rotor, promoted as the South West’s inaugural inverted attraction. This high-speed adrenaline ride will rotate and flip passengers around, giving them the sensation of overcoming gravity.

Limited details have been disclosed about this attraction so far, although preview images of the proposed ride display participants secured in their seats. Crealy’s theme park first welcomed visitors in the late 1980s and has remained a beloved family destination ever since.

In a statement, the park revealed its ambition to “expand its appeal to older children while continuing to offer memorable experiences for all generations.”

The attraction has introduced numerous additions in recent years. Back in 2022, it launched Sooty Land, Britain’s first theme park area devoted entirely to the cherished children’s programme Sooty.

The land features The Sooty Show Live, where visitors can watch Sooty, Sweep, and pals perform on stage in a production designed to delight multiple generations.

Four Sooty-inspired rides were also introduced, such as Sweep’s Flying Circus and Izzy Wizzy Let’s Get Dizzy, whilst youngsters can snap pictures with their favourite characters during special meet-and-greet sessions.

Back in 2012, the park introduced on-site lodging options, encompassing lodges, glamping facilities, and camping pitches. Families can opt for stay-and-play packages combining accommodation with unlimited park entry throughout their break.

Basing yourself at Crealy provides convenient access to Exeter, where historic landmarks like Exeter Cathedral and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, housed in a magnificent Victorian edifice, await exploration. Venture towards the coastline and you’ll discover the seaside resort of Exmouth, boasting a gorgeous expansive sandy beach and classic British seaside charm.

Exmouth also boasts the World of Country Life, a farming museum featuring both indoor and outdoor attractions, alongside the delightful Exmouth Museum, where visitors can discover the rich history of South Devon.

Forward Trinity Rodman’s new three-year deal to remain with the Washington Spirit has brought to an end months of speculation about the Olympic gold medallist’s future in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). It has also shattered the wage record for a female footballer.

The Spirit announced the signing in a statement on Thursday evening, calling it “one of the most significant contracts in the NWSL and the women’s game worldwide, reflecting both Rodman’s elite status and the Spirit’s role as a global standard-bearer in women’s football”.

The deal has not been without controversy, though. The furore over Rodman’s future with the Spirit spurred criticism of the NWSL salary cap and whether it hampered the league from attracting and maintaining top players.

Al Jazeera Sport takes a look at the deal that split the sport in the United States, but has now set a new bar for women’s football across the world.

How did Rodman’s NWSL deal hit the headlines?

The 23-year-old Rodman became a free agent at the end of last season after five years with the Spirit. One of the biggest stars in the NWSL, keeping her in the league was considered vitally important as other US national team stars, including Naomi Girma and Alyssa Thompson, opted to play in Europe.

As the failure to agree to a new deal dragged on last year, with her previous contract ending on December 31, Rodman, too, drew interest from European teams that don’t have a salary cap. Months of speculation ensued, in particular that teams from England were heading the list of suitors on the continent who were prepared to step in and meet her wage demands.

What is the value of Rodman’s new Washington Spirit deal?

The financial terms of Rodman’s contract were not disclosed.

It is understood, however, that Rodman’s deal is worth more than $2m annually, including bonuses.

“Trinity is a generational player, but more importantly, she represents the future of this club and the future of women’s soccer,” Spirit owner Michele Kang said. “This agreement reflects our belief that elite talent deserves elite commitment.”

How did Rodman’s deal first court controversy in the NWSL?

The Spirit and Rodman had previously struck a multi-year deal that both parties maintained was in compliance with the salary cap, but it was rejected by the league.

The NWSL’s salary cap is $3.5m for each team for the 2026 season, which brought Rodman’s salary sharply into the spotlight and remains an awkward sum, although the cap will increase each year until it hits $5.1m in 2030.

NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman, who vetoed the deal at the time, reportedly believed it violated the “spirit” of league salary rules.

With the initial rejection, the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association filed a grievance claiming that the NWSL’s rejection of the contract violated Rodman’s free agency rights and violated the collective bargaining agreement.

How was Rodman’s deal resolved with the NWSL?

To address the salary cap issue, the NWSL in late December adopted a “High Impact Player” mechanism that allowed teams to spend up to $1m over the cap to sign players that meet certain criteria. Those included metrics like national team minutes, inclusion among the 30 candidates for the Ballon d’Or or player rankings by outlets like The Guardian or ESPN.

The NWSLPA filed a grievance over the rule, claiming it violated the collective bargaining agreement and federal labour law because player compensation must be negotiated. The NWSLPA maintains the league had no authority to “unilaterally create a new pay structure”.

Spirit President of Soccer Operations Haley Carter said the High Impact Player rule figured into the contract Rodman ultimately agreed to. Carter also said the grievances would not alter Rodman’s deal.

What have Rodman and Washington Spirit said about the deal?

“I think I’ve always had a vision and an idea of what I wanted my legacy to be,” Rodman said at Thursday evening’s event in Los Angeles to announce her new deal. “And for me, we’re doing that and I’m so grateful for that.”

For Washington Spirit, losing Rodman was an unpalatable scenario.

“I can’t think of the Washington Spirit without her,” Spirit owner Michele Kang said of the new deal. “And I hope she can’t think about her career without the Washington Spirit. So this is really monumental and it was really important, not only for the Spirit, especially for our fans who expect to see her. They come to Audi Field and that’s where Rowdy Audi clearly came out.”

Was a move away from the NWSL a real possibility for Rodman?

“Making my decision, the one question I was asked was: ‘Do you feel like you’re finished with the Spirit? Can you say that and feel confident leaving?’” Rodman said.

“I didn’t even need half a second, and I was like, ‘No, I’m not. I don’t feel ready to make a different decision.’ That’s just, again, getting drafted here and developing and maturing and learning – and failing – at the Spirit, in DC, it’s become so much of my legacy and my story. But on top of that, I still feel like there’s so much more I have to give and so much more that I want to do.”

Is Trinity Rodman the daughter of NBA legend Dennis?

Yes. Rodman, whose Olympic gold was secured with the United States at the Paris Games in 2024, is the daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman.

She was drafted at the age of 18 in 2021 and earned Rookie of the Year honours as the Spirit won their first NWSL title.

Rodman has since won 47 appearances and 11 goals with the US national team, more than any other player on the latest roster. She only played in one US match last year, a 2-0 victory over Brazil in April, because of injuries.

Rodman is currently with the national team in their annual January training camp in Carson, California. The team plays a match there against Paraguay on Saturday and then plays Chile on Tuesday in Santa Barbara.

UK politicians have accused Trump of avoiding military service during the Vietnam War.

United States President Donald Trump has drawn criticism from British politicians after claiming that NATO forces stayed away from the front line during the war in Afghanistan.

The US president made the remarks in an interview with Fox News, a US broadcaster, where he again questioned the value of the military alliance and suggested that NATO allies would not come to Washington’s aid if requested.

Speaking on Thursday, Trump said the US had “never needed” NATO and claimed allied forces remained “a little off the front lines” during the Afghanistan conflict.

The comments prompted a backlash across the UK political spectrum, with critics pointing to the scale of NATO casualties during the 20-year war and raising questions about Trump’s own military record.

Allies’ losses

The United Kingdom lost 457 service personnel in Afghanistan. More than 150 Canadian soldiers were killed, along with 90 French soldiers. Denmark lost 44 soldiers – one of the highest per-capita death rates among NATO members – despite the country recently facing continued pressure from Trump to sell its semi-autonomous territory of Greenland to the US.

Stephen Kinnock, a junior British minister, described Trump’s remarks as “deeply disappointing” and said European forces had paid a heavy price while backing US-led operations.

“Many, many British soldiers and many soldiers from other European NATO allies gave their lives in support of American-led missions in places like Afghanistan and Iraq,” Kinnock told the UK’s Sky News broadcaster on Friday.

“I think anybody who seeks to criticise what [our armed forces] have done and the sacrifices that they make is plainly wrong,” he added.

‘How dare he’

Kinnock also noted that the US remains the only NATO member to have invoked Article 5, the alliance’s collective-defence clause, following the September 11, 2001 attacks, prompting allies to rally behind Washington.

He said NATO was the most successful international security alliance “in the history of the world”, with the US and its European partners, including the UK, playing a central role.

Other UK politicians highlighted Trump’s history of avoiding military service during the Vietnam War. Trump received multiple draft deferments, including one based on a diagnosis of bone spurs in his heels – a medical claim that has previously been questioned.

“Trump avoided military service 5 times,” Ed Davey, leader of the UK’s Liberal Democrats, wrote on X. “How dare he question their sacrifice.”

AGELESS pop legends Sinitta and Heather Small looked incredible as they stripped down to their bikinis and heels.

Both Sinitta, 62, and Heather, 61, sent their fans into meltdown with their sizzling holiday snap, as their followers rushed to brand them “perfect”.

80s pop icon Sinitta, who shot to fame with her hit So Macho, was seen with 90s star Heather.

The two women looked incredible as they showed off their toned figures.

Wearing white bikinis, they struck a fierce pose as they enjoyed some time together.

The two star friends paired their sexy look with high heels.

REUNITED!

80s icons Martin Kemp, Sinitta, and Toyah Willcox reunite to work in call centre

AISLE SAY!

Simon Cowell’s friend claims he has secretly married partner Lauren Silverman

Both Sinitta and Heather looked exactly the same as they had during their pop heydays.

Posting the incredible snap on social media, Sinitta teased: “New Girl Group Alert!! Black Girls in White Bikinis @heathersmallmpeople.”

Fans were quick to hail the pair “perfect” and “timeless”, as they praised the duo on how incredible they looked.

SINITTA’S SPLIT

The new pic comes just a few weeks after Sinitta revealed she had split from her mystery man, who she met in Miami a few years ago.

During their time together she never revealed her boyfriend’s identity.

Taking to Instagram at the beginning of the month, Sinitta, who previously appeared on Celebs Go Dating, told fans : “There is nothing wrong with starting the year single.

“Being Alone is also a gift. time to reflect, learn and grow peacefully and in
Your own time.

“Some relationships are not meant to be forever in the same mode, they turn into friendships and some fade to pleasant memories.”

Sinitta’s love life has been a hot topic over the years.

In the late 80s she famously dated Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt.

Sinitta is also well known for very close friendship with Simon Cowell, who she briefly had a relationship with.

However, the pair are now described as “the world’s most friendly exes”, and can often be seen holidaying together.

80’S POP ICON

Sinitta shot to fame in the 1980s with hits like Right Back Where We Started and Toyboy.

It all started when she signed with Stock Aitken Waterman’s famous ‘Hit Factory’.

Following a string of Top Ten hits, Sinitta soon became a household name.

It was during this time that she became good friends with music mogul Simon.

MOVING ON UP

Meanwhile, Heather originally found fame with M People.

Throughout the 90s the band’s dance tracks, including Moving on Up and Search for the Hero, helped the them sell 10 million records.

However, Heather decided to pursue her own solo career towards the end of the decade, and in 2000 released her solo album, Proud.

The lead song, which has the same title, has received wide international acclaim for its positive message of being proud of your achievements.

Shows in the US including the Oprah Winfrey Show and The Biggest Loser have used it as their theme songs.

She has been married to David Neita since 2012, and she has a son, named James, from a previous relationship with rugby union coach Shaun Edwards.

Back in 1963, Richard Nixon needed to rehabilitate his image after he lost his race for California governor. He went on the “Tonight” show with Jack Paar and played the piano.

Bill Clinton’s appearance on “The Arsenio Hall Show,” where he delivered a rendition of “Heartbreak Hotel” on the saxophone, was considered a breakthrough moment in his successful 1992 campaign for the White House.

Those memorable segments demonstrated how the desk-and-sofa format could be a tool in the politician’s arsenal for shaping public opinion away from the pesky probing of journalists. It became a way to reach viewers who did not regularly watch TV news.

But those days may become a relic of broadcast history as Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr is calling for stronger enforcement of a broadcast regulation rule requiring TV and radio broadcasters to offer equal time to all legally qualified opposing political candidates.

With the new guidance — which legal and media experts said would be hard to enforce and could stifle free speech — the FCC questioned whether late-night and daytime talk shows deserve an exemption from the equal-time rules for broadcast stations using the public airwaves.

It’s the Trump White House’s latest salvo against the network late night talk show hosts, primarily Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers and Jimmy Kimmel, who pound away at President Trump nightly in their monologues and offer ample airtime to his political opponents. The rule also would affect daytime shows such as ABC’s “The View,” which is under the purview of the Disney-owned network’s news division.

The equal-time rule has been around for decades but rarely has been enforced in recent years. It did come into play during the 2024 presidential campaign when NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” booked Democratic candidate Kamala Harris to appear in a sketch.

NBC filed an equal-time notice with the FCC stating that Harris had appeared on the network for one minute and 30 seconds. Campaign officials for Trump contacted the network and asked for time and they were given two free 60-second messages that appeared near the end of its telecast of a NASCAR playoff race and during post-game coverage of a “Sunday Night Football” telecast.

Experts consider the rule to be antiquated, designed for a time when consumers were limited to a handful of TV channels and a dozen radio stations if they lived in a big city. The emergence of cable, podcasts and streaming audio and video platforms — none of which are subjected to FCC restrictions in terms of content — have greatly diminished traditional broadcast media’s dominance in the marketplace.

“I think it’s very hard to look at trying to regulate over-the-air broadcasters in the same way today as the FCC would have done, you know, 50 years ago,” said Jeffrey McCall, a communications professor at DePauw University. “The rule was put in place in an era of scarcity which we really don’t have anymore.”

Michael Harrison, a media consultant and publisher of the radio trade journal Talkers, said the equal-time rule will unfairly burden radio and TV broadcasters that are struggling to compete against tech companies that largely have unfettered access to consumers and are not subject to FCC rules.

“Carr’s plan would even further handicap federally licensed television and radio platforms that are already facing an existential crisis as they are being eaten alive by unregulated digital media in an increasingly noisy marketplace,” Harrison said. “Carr’s plan is just rhetoric to give the impression that the FCC still has relevance in programming regulation.”

McCall expressed doubts as to whether the equal-time law would stand up if it were challenged in the courts.

“The Supreme Court, under Chief Justice Roberts, has been pretty supportive in providing robust 1st Amendment protections,” McCall said. “I think they would say free speech is free speech. The media landscape has changed so much over the years and we don’t want the government trying to make decisions as to what counts as political speech and what doesn’t and what counts as fairness and what doesn’t.”

No network executive contacted was willing to comment on the record, but privately they say it’s an attempt by Carr to use the government’s regulation of the free public airwaves to keep the president’s critics in line. Trump has frequently called for TV licenses to be pulled when he’s unhappy with a network reporter’s question or a late-night monologue.

They also believe that Carr wants to create a wedge between the broadcast networks and their affiliate stations, which are responsible for providing equal time if a candidate makes a request. Carr has said he wants to examine the network-affiliate relationship and how much influence is exerted by Hollywood and New York on local broadcasters.

Enforcing the rule also would be a major headache for TV stations as all legally qualified candidates on minor party tickets could ask for airtime. Under the rule, if a candidate appears on a TV or radio program, their opponents have seven days to request equal time.

“It can be a headache for sure,” said one TV station executive not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

At Trump’s behest, Carr has been aggressive in suggesting the use of FCC rules to punish late-night hosts in Trump’s crosshairs. He threatened the TV station licenses of ABC in September after Kimmel made remarks on his program about slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk that upset conservatives. Two major TV station groups pulled the program and the network suspended Kimmel‘s program for a week.

Trump on Wednesday posted a link to a news story that said the FCC was focused on ABC daytime talk show “The View” and ABC late-night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”

Carr’s call for greater enforcement of the equal-time rule also could have an effect on conservative-leaning broadcasters. Although right-leaning hosts are largely nonexistent on broadcast network TV, they are the dominant draws on talk radio. Those hosts would also have to abide by the rule as well when they give unfettered platforms to Republican candidates.

“If the FCC pushes this on the television and not radio, they’re going to be opening themselves to all kinds of claims of trying to protect certain messages, but not others,” McCall noted.

Conservative Fox News host Sean Hannity, who does a daily radio program carried on more than 500 stations across the U.S., told The Times in a statement that he is opposed to further government regulation of broadcast content.

“Talk radio is successful because people are smart and understand we are the antidote to corrupt and abusively biased left wing legacy media,” Hannity said in a statement. “We need less government regulation and more freedom. Let the American people decide where to get their information from without any government interference.”

Interestingly, it’s the rise of Trump and his unorthodox approach to campaigning and governing that has made political commentary and humor such a dominant part of late-night TV. His emergence as a presidential candidate after being a major prime-time TV star through NBC’s reality hit “The Apprentice” pushed politics into the center of the national pop culture conversation. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) has been a guest on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” 19 times.

In a fragmented media landscape, politicians have become some of the most broadly recognizable figures on TV and have since become fixtures as late-night guests. For years, the executive producer of Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show,” was Chris Licht, whose background was in news. He left the job to briefly run CNN.

Trump himself was a beneficiary of the late-night platform. He hosted “Saturday Night Live” twice — even in 2015 when he was already running for the Republican presidential nomination.

History is expected to happen this weekend for Rolling Hills Prep boys’ basketball coach Harvey Kitani. The only question is whether it takes place Friday or Saturday.

Kitani has 999 career coaching victories and has two opportunities to reach 1,000 with games against Bishop Gorman on Friday at Mater Dei and Hawthorne Math & Science Magnet on Saturday at Harbor College.

Only two other coaches in California history have reached 1,000 wins — Gary McKnight at Mater Dei and Mike LeDuc at Damien, according to stats compiled by CalHiSports.com.

“You kind of are trying to comprehend that,” Kitani said. “It’s nothing I signed up for. You hear the old coaches say you’ve been coaching a long time. It’s just unbelievable being fortunate to be healthy and my support system at home has allowed me to do that stuff.”

Most of Kitani’s wins came coaching 35 years at Fairfax. He left the City Section after the 2015-16 season to coach at Rolling Hills Prep, where he has won four section titles. It’s 15 minutes from his home and two of his sons attended Rolling Hills Prep.

One tidbit from Kitani is that he spent one season — 1979-80 — coaching at San Fernando. He said he probably would never have left, but he got displaced, leaving him with no teaching job. He spent 1980-81 helping coach at Cal State Dominguez Hills and taking classes to become a special education teacher. Then he ended up at Fairfax and never left again until retiring from teaching.

Former Westchester coach Ed Azzam holds the City Section record for most coaching victories.

This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.

LOVEHOLIDAYS has revealed the top picks of the most loved hotels by Brits in destinations like Malta, Costa Brava and Tenerife.

If you’re struggling to book a summer break – these are the places that are consistently raved about that are genuine gems.

One of the most loved hotels and the cheapest is the three star Mayflower Hotel in St Paul’s Bay, Malta.

It has comfy rooms with air con, minibar, TV and en-suite – it even has a rooftop pool with views across the ocean.

From the hotel, the cities of Mdina and Valletta are easily reachable by car.

Guests can dine daily on the buffet-style breakfast or head to one of the two bars for an evening tipple.

GO SEA IT

£9.50 holiday spot with shipwrecks, seals offshore & horseshoe-shaped waterfalls

FALL FOR IT

Why Sun readers love Wales – their favourite waterfalls & TV-famous castles

You can get seven night packages starting from £149pp which works out at £21pppn in February 2026.

Also included in the sale is the three star Pateo Village Apartments in Albufeira, Portugal.

The three star hotel is a great spot for families thanks to its big swimming pool.

There’s also plenty of activities like a games room, tennis court and evening entertainment.

The hotel is right by the Albufeira old town, with lots of restaurants and bars lining the cobbled streets.

Just a short walk away is the beautiful Praia dos Pescadores Beach with golden sands and crystal-clear waters.

Seven night packages start from £159pp or £22pppn in March 2026.

Over on the Costa Brava in Spain is the four star Miramar where seven night packages start from £199pp or £28pppn in March 2026.

The hotel sits on the sandy beach in the popular resort of Lloret de Mar in front of the Trajo de Vila Avall beach.

It has a rooftop swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers, parasols and there’s a sauna too.

The hotel has a restaurant serving breakfast and dinner for guests who choose to go half board.

For any fan of the Canary Islands check out the three star Casablanca hotel in Tenerife.

The three star Casablanca hotel is located in the lively resort town of Puerto de la Cruz.

The family-friendly beach hotel has 287 studios and apartments that surround a heated outdoor swimming pool and a dedicated kids’ pool.

During peak season there’s a kids’ club, along with billiards, darts and bowling.

During the evenings, there’s lots of entertainment like live music and plenty of professional shows.

A seven night package starts from £199pp or £28pppn in May 2026.

Over in the Golden Coast of Spain, the Costa Dorada, is the three star Ohtels Belvedere.

It has lots of rooms with all the essentials, along with an outdoor pool and a kids’ pool surrounded by sun loungers.

In the hotel, there is also a gym and sauna – there’s also a playground and a kids’ club too.

When it comes to food the hotel has a buffet-style restaurant offering lots of Spanish and international dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

There’s also a bar and a coffee shop serving delicious drinks and light snacks.

Seven night packages with breakfast included start from £239pp or £34pppn in September 2026.

The loveholidays sale is live until midnight on February 8, 2026 with lots of deals.

You can save up to £600 off selected holidays (based on holidays over £750).

Check out all deals in the loveholidays at www.loveholidays.com.

For more on travel deals, check out these 20 Blue Monday holiday deals you can bag with £169 all-inclusive beach resorts and £81 city breaks.

Plus, Sun Travel tested out Skyscanner’s new package holiday package tool – it’s great for some destinations.

With a faster internet speed, higher standards of living, vibrant main cities and stunning scenery, it’s no wonder this city is attracting a younger generation

A staggering two-fifths (39%) of Gen Z and Millennials planned to live or work abroad last year – and there was one European country that was top of the list for younger expats to go.

With a score of 7.88 out of ten based on affordability, healthcare, broadband speed and other areas, Scandinavian country Denmark polled number one as the best place for expats to relocate.

Just under two hours away from the UK, Denmark has a high income economy, a significantly quicker internet speed than average and policies including the 11^th hour rule which ensures every employee has a minimum of 11 hours’ rest within 24, contributing to a high standard of living for its residents.

Research by international health insurance specialists, William Russell, analysed other factors including environmental performance and LGBT+ equality to find the leading Gen Z relocation hotspot.

In addition to the practicalities of Denmark for people looking to move there, it is also jam-packed with stunning natural beauty.

This includes untouched dunes, twisted forests, traditional seaside villages, the famous white cliffs of Møn, Jaegersborg Deer Park, which has around 2,000 deer, and many other diverse, scenic landscapes on its 70 inhabited islands.

Denmark is also home to the second longest bridge in Europe – connecting to Sweden. People can also experience the buzz of its vibrant capital city, Copenhagen. Mixing modern architecture and culture with sustainable living and royal history, the city described as ‘Northern Europe’s cosiest capital’ is packed with cafes, shops and fabulous restaurants.

If Denmark doesn’t quite hit the spot, other countries in the top 10 had various areas with impressive stats for potential expats to ponder. Iceland ranked as the safest destination for young expats, with a Global Peace Index score of 1.1 and the Netherlands healthcare score index was one of the highest scores in the dataset. The top 10 relocation destinations for Gen Z Brits were predominantly European with Canada the only place further afield.

You can check out the top 10 list below…

1. Denmark
2. Netherlands
3. Luxembourg
4. Iceland
5. Spain
6. Austria
7. Finland
8. Belgium
9. Norway
10. Canada

Have you moved abroad because you found a better quality of life outside the UK? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

Jan. 23 (UPI) — Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi formally dissolved the House of Representatives on Friday, triggering a snap general election scheduled for Feb. 8 in a move aimed at securing a public mandate for her administration’s policy agenda just months after she took office.

The dissolution of the lower house came at the opening of the regular Diet session, a step not seen at the start of a session in roughly 60 years, according to news agency Kyodo.

In an official statement released by the Cabinet Secretariat, Takaichi argued that major policy shifts — including her administration’s economic measures to counter persistent inflation, structural fiscal reforms and national security initiatives — require direct public endorsement.

“Now that we have implemented immediate measures, we need to step up our efforts to realize a major policy shift,” Takaichi said in the statement. “If we do not begin implementing bold policies and reforms now, it will be too late.”

Following the Cabinet decision, the House speaker read the imperial dissolution proclamation at a plenary session, formally disbanding the 465-seat lower chamber. Official campaigning is expected to begin Jan. 27, setting one of the shortest election timetables in postwar Japanese history.

Takaichi is Japan’s first female prime minister. She took office late last year after winning a leadership contest within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party following the resignation of former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, whose public approval had fallen sharply.

Since assuming office, Takaichi has sought to consolidate her authority within the party and its governing coalition, projecting a more assertive leadership style while pushing to advance her economic and security agenda.

The hardline conservative leader has maintained high approval ratings of around 70% amid a rightward shift in Japan, although the LDP’s support lags significantly below that of her personal numbers.

Opposition parties criticized the timing of the dissolution, accusing Takaichi of placing political strategy ahead of parliamentary deliberations on the fiscal 2026 budget. They argue the accelerated schedule leaves voters little time to assess competing policy proposals.

The ruling coalition, comprising Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party, holds only a razor-thin majority in the lower house and remains a minority in the upper chamber, forcing it to rely on opposition cooperation to pass legislation.

Public broadcaster NHK reported that inflation and cost-of-living pressures are expected to dominate campaign debates. Political funding scandals that have dogged the LDP in recent years are also likely to feature prominently, alongside debates over foreign residents, tourism policy and Japan’s security posture amid heightened tensions with China.

The previous lower house election was held in October 2024.

Exhausted by war, Damascus longs for unity as ceasefire sparks hope. But questions of integration and stability remain.

Damascus, Syria – Damascus had breathed a sigh of relief when a ceasefire between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) was announced on the night of January 18. Fireworks lit up the sky, car horns blared and Syrians gathered in Umayyad Square to dance in jubilation.

The hope was that the conflict that flared up in the past few weeks in northern Syria was now over, and that the country had resolved one of the major issues still dividing it in the year since the overthrow of longtime leader President Bashar al-Assad.

“It’s a beautiful feeling, and I am sure it exists in every Syrian … we wish for all of Syria to be united,” said one Damascus resident, Saria Shammiri.

Yet the celebration was short-lived.

Fighting resumed the next morning as the government’s lightning push forced SDF leader Mazloum Abdi to accept less favourable terms: a withdrawal from Raqqa and Deir Az Zor, in northeastern Syria, further east towards Hasakah, a new ceasefire, and a four-day ultimatum for the SDF to fully integrate into state structures.

Anger towards the SDF

As the clock ticks down on that deadline, in Damascus and other areas outside SDF control, frustration towards the Kurdish-led forces has hardened after 15 years of division.

“The terrorist SDF doesn’t belong to this land … they are not Kurdish. They are occupiers,” said Maamoun Ramadan, a 75-year-old Syrian Kurd living in Damascus.

For many here, the SDF is no longer seen primarily as a force that fought ISIL (ISIS) at the height of Syria’s war, but as an actor that entrenched a parallel authority backed by foreign powers, such as the United States, keeping large parts of the country beyond the central government’s reach.

In cafes, taxis and government offices, the language is increasingly blunt. The SDF is accused of delaying reunification, monopolising oil and agricultural resources in the northeast, and shielding itself behind US support while the rest of the country endured sanctions, collapse and war. The renewed fighting has reinforced a belief among many Syrians that the standoff could only ever end through force or submission. But, still, many want a peaceful resolution.

“Dialogue is the foundation of peace,” said Sheikhmos Ramzi, a butcher, “the solution lies at the negotiation table. Violence only brings more violence.”

Anxious wait

There is also an undercurrent of anxiety. While the prospect of reunifying territory is popular, few in Damascus are blind to the risks. A prolonged confrontation could draw in regional actors, unsettle fragile border areas, or reignite communal tensions in the northeast, where Arab tribal communities, Kurds, and others coexist uneasily after years of shifting alliances.

Some residents privately express concern about what integration will actually mean on the ground. Will SDF fighters be absorbed into national forces, sidelined, or prosecuted? Will local administrations be dismantled overnight? And can a central state, stretched thin after years of war and economic crisis, realistically govern and stabilise territory it has not controlled for more than a decade?

For now, however, those questions are largely drowned out by a dominant mood: impatience. The ceasefire was welcomed not as an endpoint, but as a step towards what many here see as an overdue resolution. The government’s advances are framed as restoring sovereignty, not opening a new chapter of conflict.

In Damascus, unity is the word repeated most often. But it is a unity shaped by exhaustion, resentment and the desire to finally close one of the last unresolved fronts of Syria’s long war.

A former Coronation Street star appeared on BBC Morning Live where they revealed an unusual injury

BBC Morning Live hosts, Holly Hamilton and Rav Wilding, were left gobsmacked over a former Coronation Street star’s unusual injury on Friday’s show.

During the latest instalment, Holly and Rav caught up with actor Nigel Havers, who played Lewis Archer on and off from 2009 until 2019. He’s also appeared in the likes of Finding Alice, The Gentlemen, Brothers & Sisters, Dangerfield, The Good Guys and Don’t Wait Up.

Nigel’s film roles also include Dr. Rawlins in the 1987 Steven Spielberg war drama Empire of the Sun and Ronny in the 1984 David Lean epic A Passage to India.

During Friday’s appearance, Nigel was on the programme to talk about his second touring show, where a synopsis reads: “Join me, a stage, and a lifetime of gloriously ridiculous stories to share with you. You’ll get the full Havers experience: charm, wit, and absolutely no running in slow motion.”

Talking about what viewers can expect, Nigel, 74, spoke about his time filming British film Chariots of Fire, which earned him a BAFTA nomination for his role as Lord Andrew Lindsay.

However, Nigel soon left hosts Holly and Rav gobsmacked when he revealed an injury he sustained from the film, which he kept hidden for years.

Nigel said: “When I did Chariots of Fire, we learnt how to be a professional athlete, really. We had a trainer for five months. I had to learn to hurdle.

“I could run at school. I was quite good at running. But I looked at hurdling and I thought, ‘No, that looks really uncomfortable.’ But I had to learn to do it because that’s the character I was playing.

“I was showing that to [co-star] Ben Cross, ten days before we started filming, how good I got. And I clipped the last hurdle. And I stuck my hand out and I dislocated my shoulder… and I broke my wrist.

“But I couldn’t tell anybody because I thought if I broke my wrist I wouldn’t be in the film. So it mended on its own, in a very sort of strange way.”

Nigel then pulled up his sleeve to show the way his broken wrist healed to which Holly gasped and a shocked Rav exclaimed: “So that’s still there to this day?” with Holly adding: “That’s because you just ignored it? Tried to let it heal by itself” to which Nigel confirmed.

The actor explained: “I’ve lost all feeling in my thumb and stuff! But no one’s ever noticed!” to which the hosts joked “until now”

BBC Morning Live continues on weekdays at 9:30am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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