THE top 50 cities to visit in 2026 have been revealed, and the UK hasn’t done too badly.

Time Out has teamed up with Intrepid for its annual Best Cities of 2026, speaking to 24,000 people living in cities around the world.

A panel of 100 Time Out city experts were also asked about the most exciting cities in the world, looking at data from 44 different criteria.

This includes food and drink, green spaces, culture, sense of community and Gen Z appeal.

While Melbourne came out on top, Edinburgh came in third, followed by London in fourth.

Edinburgh was praised for its famous Fringe Festival, as well as its “cherry-blossom-lined parks, cobbled alleyways and distinctive neighbourhoods that offer hours of exploration”.

KIDDING AROUND

The best cheap city break for every month that even kids love – from £114pp

LET’S GO

I live in Britain’s best smallest city that ‘invented tourism’ – it beats Paris

It was also one of the happiest cities in the survey, with it highly rated for both food and green spaces.

When it comes to London, its the new attractions that were praised such as the Museum of London in Smithfield.

And 99 per cent of Londoners praised its art and culture.

Bath snuck into the full top 50 at number 26, praised for its new hotels, good community feel and the celebration of 20 years of the Thermae Bath Spa.

Time Out Travel Editor Grace Beard said: “Every year, we survey locals in cities all over the planet to create our definitive annual ranking.

“Now in its tenth anniversary year. Time Out’s Best Cities with Intrepid Travel is not only a global snapshot of city living, but a celebration of the fun, culture and community that defines urban life.

“For 2026, we expanded our survey to reach 150 cities and added questions that dig deeper into the everyday lives of locals, including new categories for love, romance and community feel.

“The result is a truly diverse and exciting list of destinations, deeply informed by local insight and Time Out expertise, with smaller and second cities slotted between the world’s major metropolises.”

Outside of the UK, the highest rated city in mainland Europe was Zurich, coming in 11th place.

This was followed by Copenhagen (13), Krakow (16) and Porto (17).

The Spanish cities of Madrid and Valencia snuck into the top in 19th and 20th, respectively.

For long-haul destinations, New York, Bangkok and Tokyo all made the top 10.

Shanghai was praised for being easier to travel to this year, following the scrapping of visas until the end of 2026, while Seoul was one of the most popular with Time Out staff.

Another study named the 100 best cities in Europe, featuring 17 in the UK – here’s the full list.

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor has been to more than 100 cities around the world and has named her favourite ways to do it on a budget.

And London was even named the world’s best city by Tripadvisor so we rounded up all of our top things to do in the capital.

Amazon slashes Ryanair-friendly cabin backpack

Amazon has slashed the cost of an underseat cabin backpack, which is designed in line with the airline’s new free luggage rules.

Pack your luggage in this to avoid getting hit with those pesky extra fees at the gate.

• Taygeer Underseat Cabin Bag, from £18.99 (was £29.99) – buy here

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Located an hour from London, this National Trust village features half-timbered Tudor buildings and a grand castle with world treasures

Venture just an hour from London to discover this fairytale village, transporting you backwards through time as its period buildings recreate a world from centuries past that has largely vanished today.

Chiddingstone stands as one of Britain’s finest preserved Tudor villages, making it an exceptional discovery for heritage enthusiasts and anyone seeking respite from life’s relentless pace.

The settlement is largely owned and maintained by the National Trust, helping safeguard its centuries-old structures and character which consistently attract inquisitive travellers.

This Kent village is cherished for its unmistakably English charm and period architecture, featuring half-timbered properties with stone-hung gables and red-tiled roofs. What’s more, it boasts an impressive castle and a bustling high street, perfect for leisurely wandering.

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The castle

Whilst the castle’s exterior presents stunning architecture, typical of what you’d anticipate seeing across England, its interior offers quite the juxtaposition.

What renders the structure so distinctive is its museum, which houses collections from across the globe spanning different eras and civilisations – Japanese, Egyptian, Stuart and Jacobite and Buddhist. Everything is accessible to visitors between March and October, allowing them to experience an entire world under one roof.

Beyond its impressive collections, the venue itself is steeped in history and magnificence, as guests explore the corridors of a 16th-century residence. Within, they can admire the Great Hall, discover a Victorian kitchen, library, and servant’s hall, and delve into its fascinating past in the Streatfeild room.

Henry Streatfeild was the figure who dramatically transformed the property during the 1800s, moving away from its Tudor design to mirror that of a mediaeval fortress.

Though, it was collector Denys Eyre Bower whose stewardship of the castle witnessed it evolve into a cultural landmark, sharing his passion with visitors worldwide.

One guest commented on TripAdvisor: “What a lovely property, from the massive holdings on display throughout the home to the acres of relaxing grounds. The reception gal was quite informative upon our arrival as to the layout for our self-guided tour as well as answering our questions post-tour. Don’t miss this gem.”

This year, guests can purchase a day ticket and enjoy complimentary returns for an entire year. Current door prices are £15.25 for an adult and £10.50 for a child, with reduced rates available for those who book online beforehand.

High street and village

With its genuine half-timber Tudor structures and cobbled walkways, wandering along the high street of Chiddingstone Road feels like stepping back through the centuries. Notable highlights include a café, shop and the 15th-century pub.

The historic Chiddingstone Stores and post office, which dates back to 1453, is situated within a traditional Tudor building and continues to function as such today.

Similarly unchanged is the village pub, known as the Castle Inn, boasting a welcoming atmosphere and superb beer garden.

It retains its Grade II*-listed status with numerous original features intact, including delightful fireplaces, tiled floors, oak panelling and bars. One visitor described their experience at the Castle Inn as ‘atmospheric’.

They commented: “If you’re looking for a traditional, friendly, country pub, this is it. Clean and friendly, with everything you need on your doorstep that goes with a village pub. Highly recommend.”

The village name, Chiddingstone, is believed to originate from the enormous sandstone located outside the settlement. Whilst unconfirmed, the ‘Chidding Stone’ is thought to mark where it all started, with several folklore tales surrounding its origins.

Sitting in a glacial valley surrounded by vast farmland is an area that offers tranquillity and a true sense of England’s countryside with historic villages and walking trails

For those seeking a sense of peace and tranquillity, this glacial valley, encircled by expansive farmland, delivers precisely that – an authentic taste of England’s rural heartland.

Littondale is a small and peaceful dale in Yorkshire, nestled in a classic u-shape, with deep historical roots and a flavour of country living from a bygone era.

Visitors to the dale experience a feeling that time has stood still, as its hamlets and way of life remain quintessentially English in every respect.

Indeed, archaeologists have discovered numerous prehistoric and later settlements that once inhabited the length of the valley. Their extensive findings also showed that throughout the mediaeval period the dale was predominantly managed by several monastic houses.

The dale now consists of several settlements, including Hawkswick, Arncliffe and Litton. Each is characterised by farmhouses dating back to the 17th century.

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Contributing to its peaceful atmosphere is the stunning river which famously winds through the valley before eventually merging with the larger River Wharfe.

Shallow yet flowing with remarkably clear waters, the River Skirfare meanders through the farmlands and valley floor, vanishing for portions of the year.

As seasonal conditions shift, the stream trickles away and disappears beneath the ground, near Litton, revealing an unusual limestone landscape below.

Arncliffe

Arncliffe stands as one of the principal villages in the region, and despite its compact size, it boasts considerable fame. Recognised by countless households across Britain, it served as the original backdrop and filming location for the much-loved soap Emmerdale Farm.

The village pub, called the Falcon, was even featured as the Woolpack Inn. The traditional inn, according to visitor feedback, has seen better days.

However, one guest commented on TripAdvisor: “We had read about this tiny pub. It had been featured on the TV soap Emmerdale many moons ago, and it did not disappoint! The landlord was straight out of central casting.”

The area still comprises the most enchanting stone cottages, alongside a delightful church, the Church of St Oswald. Constructed sometime between the 16th and 18th centuries, the building remains a listed structure, believed to have been developed from an original Saxon place of worship.

Positioned at the centre of the village, the church continues to attract curious visitors and was once a location regularly visited by the renowned poet and novelist Charles Kingsley.

His time there during the Victorian period was believed to have influenced his celebrated children’s story, The Water Babies, penned in 1873.

Walking

Many people choose to treat the area as a base for rambling, parking in one of its villages and tackling the Yorkshire Dales terrain. Most of these trails are circular, returning you directly to your starting point, whilst exploring the valleys and peaks en route.

The Littondale to Kettlewell walk is a well-loved route, starting in the village of Arncliffe, leading you across the shoulder of Birks in Kettlewell, where you can pause for refreshments, before returning into Littondale.

Alternatively, some choose the slightly over five-mile walk that takes you from Arncliffe to Litton and loops back round.

The two-hour ramble provides a leisurely countryside stroll as you soak up the picturesque beauty of Yorkshire, with the chance to make a stop, or two, at the charming village pubs.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONALS

TUESDAY’S RESULTS
FINALS

BOYS

OPEN DIVISION
#1 Sierra Canyon 63, #2 Harvard-Westlake 57

DIVISION I
#6 Damien 48, #4 St. John Bosco 41

DIVISION II
#3 Bakersfield Christian 59, #8 Palisades 57

DIVISION III
#3 Birmingham 73, #5 Colony 58

DIVISION IV
#3 San Juan Hills 74, #1 Tulare Union 66

DIVISION V
#2 Sylmar 66, #1 Coalinga 58

GIRLS

OPEN DIVISION
#2 Ontario Christian 73, #4 Sage Hill 51

DIVISION I
#5 Corona Centennial 81, #2 Rancho Christian 61

DIVISION II
#2 Santa Maria St. Joseph 60, #4 Saugus 55

DIVISION III
#2 Placentia El Dorado 61, #5 Leuzinger 56

DIVISION IV
#5 Palisades 54, #2 Godinez Fundamental 38

DIVISION V
#4 Laguna Hills 43, #6 Schurr 24

Note: State Championships are March 13-14 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

A residential building in central Beirut was seen with flames erupting from a hole in its side after what appears to have been another Israeli strike.

We are getting our first look at a B-21 Raider refueling in mid air. With two B-21s undergoing flight testing, the program is said to be moving fast and the Pentagon is now growing production in order to get more Raiders faster. As it sits now, the USAF is targeting 2027 for its entry into service.

A number of images hit the net today showing the B-21 refueling behind a KC-135R. In this case it is a ‘Ghost Tanker’ stationed at Edwards AFB that works directly with the flight test community to provide aerial refueling support.

One image was posted by X user @minor_triad, showing the KC-135R plugged into the B-21 over the Mojave Desert. The B-21 appears to be the first aircraft to fly as it features an air-data boom jutting out from its nose.

Another set of photos comes to us from photographer Ian Recchio, who goes by the handle @Lookunderocks on Instagram. It shows the B-21 behind the KC-135R. It also shows a business jet-like aircraft passing underneath the two. It isn’t perfectly clear if the aircraft was working directly with the B-21 on this test flight, but it seems likely.

Another image shows the B-21 being chased by an F-16, which is customary for test flights.

@JarodMHamilton also captured a video of the refueling:

The images also give us a good comparison of the size of the B-21 compared to the KC-135R, which has a wingspan of around 131-feet. As we have said nearly since the B-21 was unveiled, estimates as to its wingspan on the internet are significantly distorted, with some putting it at remarkably small size, around 125-feet. Our estimates stand that is significantly larger, around 145-155-feet. The larger B-2 has a wingspan of 172-feet.

A lot of people think the B-21 is a lot smaller than it actually is. I love seeing graphics that show like 125 foot wingspans. Not even close. Yes it’s smaller than the B-2 but not that much!

— Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) August 25, 2025

Regardless, it’s great to see the Raider moving forward and aerial refueling will only increase its time aloft for prolonged testing, which is critical for its extremely long-range mission set. It’s also probable that the B-21 has been refueling via tanker for some time, but this is the first time it is caught on camera.

Contact the author: Tyler@twz.com

Back in the early 2010s, the music industry was at a low point.

Piracy was rampant. Compact disc sales were on a steady decline. And the then-new audio streaming services, like Spotify, were taking hits from creators for paying low royalty rates.

Today, Spotify has grown into the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service and the highest-paying retailer globally — paying the music industry over $11 billion last year. The Swedish company said in a recent post that the payouts aren’t strictly going to ultra-popular artists, but that “roughly half of royalties were generated by independent artists and labels.”

“A decade ago, a lot of the questions were really fair. Spotify had to be able to prove out if it could scale as an economic engine. People didn’t know if streaming would scale as a model,” said Sam Duboff, Spotify’s global head of marketing and policy of music business.

Duboff said Spotify’s payouts aren’t “plateauing — we’re still growing that royalty pool on Spotify more than 10% per year.” He credits the streaming platform’s growth to “incentivizing people to be willing to pay for music again” by providing personalized experiences and global accessibility.

The company, founded in 2006, serves more than 751 million users, including 290 million subscribers, in 184 markets.

“The average Spotify premium subscriber listens to 200 artists every month, and nearly half of those artists are discovered for the first time,” Duboff said. “When you build an experience where people can explore and fall in love with music, it inspires them to upgrade to premium and keep paying.”

The platform offers a wide variety of playlists, curated by editors like the up-and-comer-driven Fresh Finds or rap’s latest, RapCaviar. There are also personal playlists generated for users, such as the weekly round-up Discover Weekly and the daily mix of tunes called the “daylist.”

The streamer considers itself the first step toward “an enduring career” for today’s indie artists. Last year, more than a third of artists making $10,000 on the platform in royalties started by self-releasing their music through independent distributors.

“Streaming, fundamentally, is about opportunity and access. It’s artists from all over the world releasing music the way they want to and reaching a global audience from Day One,” Duboff said. He adds that when fans have a choice, they will discover new genres and music cultures that may have otherwise languished in obscurity.

In 2025, nearly 14,000 artists earned $100,000 from Spotify alone. The streamer’s data also show that last year the 100,000th highest-earning artist made $7,300 in Spotify royalties, whereas in 2015, an artist in that same spot earned around $350.

The company, with a large presence in L.A.’s Arts District, emphasizes that the roster of artists on its platform who earn significantly more money — well into the millions — is no longer limited to the few. A decade ago, Spotify’s top artist made around $10 million in royalties. Today, the platform’s top 80 artists generate over $10 million annually. Some of 2025’s top artists globally were Bad Bunny, Taylor Swift and the Weeknd.

Spotify claims those who aren’t household names can earn six figures, with more than 1,500 artists earning $1 million last year.

For some musicians, the outlook is not as clear

Damon Krukowski, a musician and the legislative director for United Musicians & Allied Workers, argues that Spotify’s money isn’t necessarily going to artists — it’s going to their labels.

Those without labels usually upload music through distributors such as DistroKid and CD Baby. These platforms charge a small fee or commission. For example, DistroKid’s lowest-level subscription is $24.99 a year, and the site states users “keep 100% of all your earnings.”

”There are zero payments going directly to recording artists from Spotify,” Krukowski asserts. “Recording artists deserve direct payment from the streaming platforms for use of our work.”

The advocacy group, which has mobilized more than 70,000 musicians and music workers, recently helped draft the Living Wage for Musicians Act to address the streaming industry. The bill, introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives last fall, calls for a new streaming royalty that would directly pay artists a minimum of one penny per stream.

In the Q&A section of Spotify’s Loud and Clear website, the streamer confirms that it “doesn’t pay artists or songwriters directly. We pay rights holders selected by the artist or songwriter, whether that’s a record label, publisher, independent distributor, performance rights organization, or collecting society.”

Instead of following a penny-per-stream model, Spotify pays based on the artist’s share of total streams, called a “streamshare.”

“Streaming doesn’t work like buying songs. Fans pay for unlimited access, not per track they listen to,” wrote the company online. “So a ‘per stream’ rate isn’t actually how anyone gets paid — not on Spotify, or on any major streaming service.”

WINNIPEG, Canada — Ryan Poehling had a goal and an assist to lead the Ducks to a 4-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night.

Alex Killorn and Jackson LaCombe also registered a goal and an assist. Tim Washe also scored for Anaheim. Lukas Dostal made 12 saves for the Ducks, who extended their lead in the Pacific Division to three points over Vegas.

Morgan Barron scored for Winnipeg. Connor Hellebuyck had 30 saves for the Jets, who saw their three-game win streak and six-game point streak halted.

After a scoreless first period in which Anaheim outshot Winnipeg 8-2, the Jets opened the scoring at 5:04 of the second when Barron notched his 10th of the season, assisted by Elias Salomonsson and Cole Perfetti.

The Ducks quickly flipped the script, scoring three times in less than two minutes. Washe tied it at 6:24 and Poehling gave Anaheim the lead just 14 seconds later. Killorn added the insurance marker at 8:08 to give the visitors a two-goal lead.

The Ducks outscored the Jets 12-6 in three games this year. Dostal has won 13 of his past 15 games.

March 10 (Asia Today) — President Lee Jae-myung said Tuesday the government may prepare an early supplementary budget to cushion the economic impact of rising energy prices linked to the Middle East conflict.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting in Seoul, Lee said additional fiscal measures could be necessary to support small businesses, struggling companies and vulnerable households if global energy shocks continue.

“To provide fiscal assistance and support for small business owners and vulnerable firms, we may inevitably need an early supplementary budget,” Lee said.

Lee also called for targeted support for lower-income households rather than a blanket reduction in fuel taxes as oil prices surge.

The president instructed officials to accelerate additional financial and fiscal measures, including a petroleum price cap system, adjustments to energy taxes and direct assistance to consumers.

“We must mobilize all national capabilities to minimize the impact of external shocks on people’s livelihoods, the economy and industry,” Lee said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Koo Yoon-cheol said the government could potentially finance the supplementary budget without issuing new government bonds.

He cited improving conditions in the semiconductor industry and increased fiscal resources linked to stronger activity in the stock market.

Lee also addressed concerns over reports that United States Forces Korea may remove some air defense assets from the country amid the regional conflict.

“If you ask whether this seriously undermines our deterrence strategy against North Korea, the answer is no,” Lee said.

He acknowledged that South Korea had expressed opposition to the partial withdrawal of air defense systems but noted that the United States may reposition some assets based on its broader military needs.

Foreign media have reported that systems such as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system and Patriot missile batteries could be redeployed.

Lee emphasized that South Korea’s defense spending remains among the highest in the world and said the country’s military readiness remains strong.

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260311010002954

Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi also says Qatar and Oman cannot act as mediators while under attack.

Qatar’s minister of state for foreign affairs has called for a de-escalation in hostilities across the Middle East and urged Iran and the US to return to the negotiation table for a mediated solution.

Speaking to Al Jazeera in an exclusive interview, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi said that Iran’s attacks on its regional neighbours bring “benefit for no one”.

Iran has responded to a nearly two-week-long bombardment campaign from the United States and Israel by firing missiles and drones at its neighbours in the Gulf region and beyond, causing casualties, damaging critical infrastructure and severely disrupting the region’s energy-driven economy.

Al-Khulaifi said Qatar remains “extremely worried” about the wider range of attacks, including against civilian infrastructure.

“It’s unfortunate where we are standing right now,” the minister said.

“We also believe that there is no pathway to a sustainable and long-lasting solution other than returning to the negotiation table,” he told Al Jazeera.

Qatar condemns in the “strongest terms, the unjustified and outrageous attacks on the state of Qatar that directly impact its own sovereignty”, he said.

Doha will continue to take “every possible and legal measure to defend and practise its exercise of self-defence against this aggression”, he added.

Al-Khulaifi said the conflict demands a “global solution” to ensure that the Gulf’s energy supply chain keeps moving through the Strait of Hormuz, where global traffic has been severely disrupted by the conflict.

Ensuring freedom of movement through the waterway is “very critical,” he noted.

It is notable, Al-Khulaifi pointed out, that Iran has targeted countries such as Qatar and Oman, which had previously served as regional mediators and tried to “build bridges between Iran and the West”.

Neither country can play that role as long as the attacks continue, he said.

“We will not be able to fulfil that role under attack, and that’s something the Iranians need to understand.”

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani tried to convey those points during a phone call with Tehran several days ago, the foreign minister said, when he urged Iran to cease attacks on its neighbours.

“The regional countries are not an enemy of Iran, and the Iranians are not understanding that idea,” Al-Khulaifi told Al Jazeera.

Doha also remains in contact with officials in the US and has encouraged US President Donald Trump to cease hostilities, he said.

“Our line of communication is always open with our colleagues in the United States, and we keep encouraging and supporting the pathway of peace and resolving conflicts through peaceful means.

“We really hope that the parties can find that pathway, end military operations, and return to the negotiation table.”

All episodes have found a new home on the streaming platform

What some consider as the ‘best series ever made’ that is based on an award-winning novel is now streaming on Netflix.

In the latest significant update for the streamer’s library, all episodes of The Man In The High Castle have been added to the service. While it was originally a Prime Video exclusive released back in 2015, running for four season until 2019.

It is an alternate history period drama, loosely based on the novel of the same name written by Phillip K. Dick. The author was one of the most celebrated sci-fi writers, with many of his works adapted for the screen including into films such as Blade Runner, Minority Report and Total Recall.

The story takes a look at what the world might look like had the outcome of World War II turned out differently. In this dystopian scenario, the Axis powers won the war, leading to the United States being divided into three parts, an area controlled by the Japanese, a Nazi-controlled section, and a buffer zone between the two.

Despite the oppression, a new hope emerges when films turn up that seem to show a different world. A woman believes the films contain the key to freedom and is determined to find their mysterious guardian as she begins to build a network of resistance.

The series was created for television by Frank Spotnitz who previously worked as a writer for The X Files. Alien director Ridley Scott served as an executive producer.

It boasts an 84% rating on website Rotten Tomatoes. One reviewer claimed: “a superb, frightening experience filled with unexpected twists and (some sci-fi) turns.”

A different critic penned: “unlike anything else on television, impeccably acted and packed with vivid, multi-layered characters, gut-wrenching twists and dark, dark moments of human misery”.

It would go on to last for three more seasons and years after the final episode released, many fans still hail it as one of the more superior historical fiction shows. One went so far as to post on Rotten Tomatoes declaring it as “one of the best shows ever made.”

Another added: “a haunting alternative history vision implemented in a extremely authentic fashion.”

While a third confessed how they were hooked upon discovering the series for the first time. They said: “Beyond impressed, stayed up until 2am on a week day… I decided to squeeze in the pilot. Needless to say, seven episodes later I was still watching.”

They continued: “The storyline is incredible. The acting is great. The emotions that it brought out of me was real and raw. It made me appreciate and think differently about the word/idea/concept that we all throw around ‘FREEDOM'” Yes, it’s fictional, and yes it’s just a TV-show, but boy they hit on something, at least in me. I’m beyond impressed!”

Someone else commented: “This is the best series since Breaking Bad. I think every one under the age of 40 needs to see this.”

The Man In The High Castle is streaming on Netflix.

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new ** Everything Gossip ** website.

A lesser-known Spanish resort is shaping up to be one of the more affordable escapes, with £3 pints and £15 flights, combined with its allure of reliable sunshine and dramatic landscapes

A beautiful Spanish region that enjoys a tropical climate is ‘cheaper than Costa del Sol’ with £3 pints and £15 flights, just three hours from the UK.

Costa del Sol is a popular tourist destination, with the city of Marbella attracting thousands of holidaymakers each year, yet it’s not always the cheapest. While there are more affordable areas to visit in Costa del Sol, there’s another beautiful resort in Spain while worth exploring, and it could save you almost £300.

Known as the ‘desert coast’, Costa de Almería offers almost year-round sunshine and is one of the driest climates on the continent, so you’ll rarely need to worry about the weather. With stunning volcanic beaches, azure waters and desert landscapes, it’s a haven for travellers seeking a quieter escape from the tourist crowds.

READ MORE: Stunning remote island where you can live for free if hired for one jobREAD MORE: Simon Calder shares ‘absolutely magical’ seaside town perfect for pensioners

Often overlooked by Brits, Costa de Almería has been hailed by the experts at First Choice as “significantly cheaper than Spain’s main holiday hotspots”. First Choice found that a seven-night stay at the four-star Best Oasis Tropical hotel in Almería during early May costs £281 per person, including flights – that’s around £290 cheaper per couple than a similar break in the Costa del Sol.

The travel experts also found that a beer could set you back just £3 (€3.50) in Almería, compared to the holiday hotspots of Marbella, which could cost as much as £5.19 (€6) per beer.

They also found that a three-course meal for two in Almería would typically cost between £25 (€30) and £30 (€35). This is in stark contrast to the same meal in Marbella, which could range from £51 (€60) to £86 (€100), saving around £61 (€70) per meal in Almería, and a total of £427 (€493) during a seven-night stay.

If that wasn’t enough to tempt you, Costa de Almería welcomes more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and only sees around 26 days of rainfall a year. It also receives 93 per cent less rain in May than the Costa del Sol, averaging just 1mm compared to 15mm.

Thanks to its location near the Tabernas Desert, the experts at First Choice say the region enjoys a warmer climate and sun-soaked rays “weeks before neighbouring areas.” Alongside its tropical climate and cost-cutting benefits, Almería offers plenty to explore, including diverse landscapes and golden-sand beaches.

The protected Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park is well worth a visit, with its volcanic cliffs, hidden coves and some of the most picturesque Spanish beaches. There’s also the stunning Tabernas Desert to explore on a guided day tour, as well as the charming whitewashed hilltop village of Mojácar.

Some may recognise Mojácar, which was famously used as the backdrop for major Hollywood movies, including Indiana Jones, as well as the hit TV series Game of Thrones. For film buffs, there’s the opportunity to visit the preserved Wild West film set of MiniHollywood Oasys, with shows and attractions, to feel as though you’ve stepped directly into Indiana Jones.

As a lesser-known destination compared to the Costa del Sol, there are few high-rise hotels towering over the beach, and quieter beaches, so you’ll often be able to find the perfect sun-soaked spot. What’s more, flights from London Stansted to Almería start from as little as £15 one-way, according to Sky Scanner.

Kevin Nelson, Managing Director at First Choice, said: “Costa Almería quietly delivers some of the most reliable spring sunshine in mainland Europe, yet it hasn’t caught up in price. That gap between weather and cost is what makes it stand out”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

BOSTON — Charlie McAvoy scored 39 seconds into overtime and Jeremy Swayman stopped 14 shots on Tuesday night to earn the Boston Bruins their 13th straight victory at home, 2-1 over the Kings.

Mason Lohrei scored midway through the third period to break a scoreless tie. But the Kings tied it five minutes later when Drew Doughty’s shot from the blue line deflected off the heel of Bruins forward Elias Lindholm and into the net.

It was the seventh straight time the teams had gone to overtime in Boston.

In the overtime, Mark Kastelic blocked a shot in the defensive zone and made a long pass to David Pastrnak, who waited for McAvoy to come into the zone. The Bruins’ defenseman and U.S. Olympian, who went to the locker room at the end of the second period after taking a puck off his mouth, skated in on Darcy Kuemper and went to his backhand for the winner.

Kuemper stopped 21 shots for the Kings, who entered the night one point out of the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. The victory kept Boston in possession of the East’s second wild-card spot.

Swayman tied his career high with his 25th win of the season. The Bruins haven’t lost at the TD Garden since before Christmas.

After the game, Kings forward and future Hall of Famer Anze Kopitar stayed on the ice to shake hands with the Bruins after what is expected to be his last game in Boston.

A group of Democrats in the United States Senate is demanding public hearings on the country’s war against Iran after receiving a series of classified briefings from officials in President Donald Trump’s administration.

Lawmakers say the White House has not clearly explained why the US entered the conflict, what its goals are, or how long it may last.

Republicans currently hold a narrow, 53-47 Senate majority, which gives them the power to control what legislation comes to the floor for debate.

Some Democrats have expressed frustration after the latest closed-door briefing. Trump has not ruled out sending US ground ⁠troops into Iran.

“I just came from a two-hour classified briefing on the war,” Senator Chris Murphy from the state of Connecticut said on Tuesday. “It confirmed to me that the strategy is totally incoherent.

“I think this is pretty simple: if the president did what the Constitution requires and came to Congress to seek authorisation for this war, he wouldn’t get it – because the American people would demand that their members of Congress vote no,” he added.

Here is what we know:

What has happened so far?

Since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have held several closed-door meetings to brief Congress members on the military campaign and its progress.

Because the meetings are classified, lawmakers are restricted in what they can publicly disclose about the information they received.

What are Democrats saying?

Several Democratic senators have said they left the briefings frustrated, arguing that the administration had not provided clear answers about the war’s objectives, timeline or the long-term strategy guiding their approach to the conflict.

Earlier this week, six Democratic senators also called for an investigation into a strike on a girls’ school in Minab, in southern Iran. Reports indicate the attack, which investigators say involved US forces, killed at least 170 people, most of them children.

“There seems to be no endgame,” Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal said. “The president, almost in a single breath, says it’s almost done, and at the same time, it’s just begun. So this is kind of contradictory.”

Senator Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts raised concerns about the cost of war.

“The one part that seems clear is that while there is no money for 15 million Americans who lost their health care, there’s a billion dollars a day to spend on bombing Iran,” Warren said on Tuesday.

“The one thing Congress has the power to do is to stop actions like this through the power of the purse,” she added.

Others seem worried that a ground deployment could take place.

“We seem to be on a path toward deploying American troops on the ground in Iran to accomplish any of the potential objectives here,” Blumenthal, of Connecticut, told reporters after Tuesday’s classified briefing.

“The American people deserve to know much more than this administration has told them about the cost of the war, the danger to our sons and daughters in uniform and the potential for ⁠further escalation and widening of this war,” he added.

What are Republicans saying?

Republicans, who have slim majorities in both houses of Congress, have almost unanimously backed Trump’s campaign against Iran, with only a handful expressing doubt about the war.

Some Republican leaders say the strikes are necessary to curb Iran’s military capabilities, missile programme and regional influence.

They have also argued that the operation is limited in scope and designed to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten US forces and allies in the region.

Republican Representative Brian Mast of Florida, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, last week publicly thanked Trump for taking action against Iran, saying the president is using his constitutional authority to defend the US against the “imminent threat” posed by Tehran.

But some Republican members of Congress have voiced concerns.

Representative Nancy Mace from South Carolina said she did “not want to send South Carolina’s sons and daughters into war with Iran”, in a post on X.

Rand Paul, a Republican senator from Kentucky, accused the Trump administration of changing its narrative and rationale for the war on a daily basis.

“We keep hearing new reasons for war with Iran—none convincing,” he wrote on X. “‘Free the oppressed’ sounds noble, but where does it end? We’ve been told for decades Iran is weeks from a nuke. War should be a last resort, not our first move. A war of choice is not my choice.”

Why does the debate matter?

The dispute has revived a long-running debate in Washington, DC, about the limits of presidential war powers.

Under the US Constitution, Congress has the authority to declare war, but modern presidents have frequently launched military operations without formal congressional approval, often citing national security or emergency threats.

The law allows the president to deploy US forces for up to 60 days without congressional authorisation, followed by a 30-day withdrawal period if Congress does not approve the action.

Some lawmakers and legal experts say the war on Iran highlights the need for stronger congressional oversight of military action.

“In the 1970s, we adopted something called the War Powers Resolution that gives the president limited ability to do this,” said David Schultz, a professor in the political science and legal departments at Hamline University.

“And so, either you could argue that what the president is doing violates the Constitution by… not [being] a formally declared war; or b, it exceeds his authority, either as commander-in-chief or under the War Powers Act,” he added.

“And therefore, you could argue that domestically, his actions are illegal and unconstitutional,” Schutlz said.

The Trump administration has argued that the February 28 strikes were justified as a response to an “imminent threat”, a rationale often used by presidents to justify military action without prior congressional approval.

However, US intelligence agencies had themselves said before the start of the war that they had no evidence of an imminent Iranian threat to the US or its facilities across the Middle East.

The armed wing of Hamas, Al-Qassam Brigades, released a video message on Wednesday afternoon showing an Israeli captive currently held in Gaza, the Palestinian Information Centre has reported. The footage shows Omri Miran lighting a candle on what he described as his “second birthday” in captivity.

“This is my second birthday here. I can’t say I’m celebrating; it’s just another day in captivity,” said Miran. “I made this cake for the occasion, but there is no joy. It’s been a year and a half. I miss my daughters and my wife terribly.”

He addressed the Israeli public directly, including his family and friends. “Conditions here are extremely tough. Thank you to everyone demonstrating to bring us home safely.”

The captive also urged Israelis to stage a mass protest outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence. “Bring my daughters so I can see them on TV. Do everything you can now to get us home. Netanyahu’s supporters don’t care about us, they’d rather see us dead.”

Screengrab from footage shows Israeli captive Omri Miran

He asked captives released in previous prisoner exchange deals to protest and speak to the media. “Let the people know how bad it is for us. We live in constant fear of bombings. A deal must be reached soon before we return home in coffins.

Miran urged demonstrators to appeal to US President Donald Trump to put pressure on Netanyahu: “Do not believe Netanyahu. Military pressure is only killing us. A deal — only a deal — will bring us home. Turn to Trump. He seems to be the only powerful person in the world who could push Netanyahu to agree to a deal.”

He also mentioned the worsening humanitarian situation: “The captors told me the crossings are closed; no food or supplies are coming in. As a result, we’re receiving even less food than before.”

In conclusion, the captive sent a pointed message to the Israeli leadership: “Netanyahu, Dermer, Smotrich, Ben Gvir — you are the reason for 7 October. Because of you, I am here. Because of you, we’re all here. You’re bringing the state to collapse.”

READ: US synagogues close their doors to Israel MK Ben-Gvir

Matt Tebbutt will not return to MasterChef The Professionals after just one series at the helm, it has been reported. He stepped in to replace axed Gregg Wallace

Matt Tebbutt is reportedly not returning to MasterChef The Professionals after just one series at the helm. The TV chef was drafted in to replace Gregg Wallace, who was axed from the show over misconduct allegations.

It has been reported that the popular TV host will not be returning to the BBC professionals series when this one wraps – with just Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti hosting the show.

Sources claim that the decision for Matt not to return is nothing to do with the presenter and more so because of the closeness with Monica and Marcus, who have been on the show since 2014 bar a brief hiatus for Monica.

“There might be a few eyebrows raised that Matt isn’t staying on given he has just joined. He didn’t do anything wrong and will definitely come back to the series as a guest in the future,” a source told The Sun.

“But bosses simply realised that they could get away with just having Marcus and Monica at the helm, especially as their chemistry is great and they have a tight relationship. Three was a bit of a crowd. Matt has taken it all in his stride and has plenty of other work to keep him busy. The whole experience was brilliant exposure for him.”

A Banijay spokeswoman said: “No decisions have been made yet about the presenting line up for the future series of MasterChef. We won’t comment on speculation.”

When Matt joined the show last year, he described it as an “absolute honour”. Announcing the exciting news, he said: “It’s an absolute honour to be working alongside these two titans of the food world. Their knowledge and uncompromising attitude is now the stuff of legend and I look forward to them taking me under their wing and seeing the chefs get off to a flying start in the competition!”

Matt previously confessed it was difficult stepping into Gregg’s shoes. He explained: “Stepping into someone’s TV shoes is a difficult position to be in. But I did it before – under totally different circumstances, of course – when James Martin left Saturday Kitchen.

“I just try and make my own mark without making too many waves. I’ll be as safe as houses on MasterChef: The Professionals! It’s fair to say the ‘Good Cop’ would apply here. My two grown-up kids, for instance, call me ‘GI Dad’ but the ‘GI’ refers to ‘give in’ rather than the GI Joe reference that I’d hoped they meant. Seriously, though, I think I’ll be pretty fair but expect high standards – after all some of these contestants are at the top of their game.

“It’s all been very exciting and I was very chuffed to be picked for The Professionals. I was pretty surprised to be honest but I think they wanted to get someone with as much experience as possible so they could drop them in at the deep end! And the fact that my name also begins with a ‘M’ maybe helps. A bit of alliteration never hurts.”

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PHOENIX — It hasn’t been the smoothest spring training for right-hander Roki Sasaki as he prepares for his second season with the Dodgers.

Sasaki’s first two starts in Cactus League play featured some problems with command and plenty of hard contact. But with left-hander Blake Snell and right-hander Gavin Stone sidelined with shoulder issues, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts left no doubt where Sasaki stood as he got ready to pitch in a B-game against White Sox minor leaguers on Tuesday.

“Having Blake [Snell] late to the season, which we know, [and] Gavin Stone, late to the season, as we know, we’re going to need Roki,” Roberts said. “With the buildup, I just don’t see a world in which he doesn’t break with us as a starter, and so, we’re going to need those innings.”

Sasaki took a promising step forward on a minor-league field at Camelback Ranch.

The hard-throwing right-hander threw 59 pitches, 40 for strikes, across four innings while striking out nine of the 13 batters he faced and allowing two to reach base.

Although Roberts did not see Sasaki’s outing, he heard rave reviews from members of the organization who attended.

“They said it was electric,” Roberts said after the Dodgers’ 4-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Camelback Ranch. “They said [he was touching] 98 to 100 [mph]. The fastball was spraying a little early, but then he locked it in. And then the split was on-play, short, lot of swing-and-miss. Couldn’t have asked for a better day.”

Sasaki surrendered a single through the right side of the infield to the first batter he faced, then proceeded to strike out the next seven batters. His only other hiccup came in the third inning, when he hit Jason Matthews with a stray breaking ball on a full count.

“I actually felt pretty bad the last couple days, but today I was able to make an adjustment, so that’s what I really need for right now,” Sasaki said via an interpreter after his outing. “I think I can keep moving forward.”

Sasaki was shelled in his second Cactus League start last week, yielding four runs, three walks, a single and a grand slam to the Cleveland Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark. He was lifted from the game without recording an out, only to get re-inserted in the second inning to complete two scoreless innings.

Sasaki noted mechanical issues as the reason for his struggles after the game. Tuesday, he said he felt much better, focusing on his core and obliques.

“I was actually focusing on core, oblique stuff,” Sasaki said. “I think it’s all about mechanics. If my mechanics are really good, my command is good too.”

Roberts took away plenty of value from the outing, even one against a lineup of minor leaguers.

“There’s still value in getting hitters out and seeing guys swing and miss,” Roberts said. “I think we accomplished what we wanted to today, we built him up. Obviously, built up some confidence. So, just go from there.”

March 10 (UPI) — President Donald Trump posted on social media that the United States has destroyed 10 inactive mine-laying vessels on the Strait of Hormuz while the White House cleared up a claim by another administration official.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that the U.S. Navy did not escort an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz after Energy Secretary Chris Wright claimed it did on social media.

Leavitt said President Donald Trump may consider using Navy escorts for oil tankers on the strait but that has not happened yet.

“The U.S. Navy has not escorted a tanker or vessel at this time,” Leavitt told reporters during a press briefing Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, Wright posted that the U.S. Navy “successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure oil remains flowing to global markets.”

Leavitt said she was “made aware of this post,” but had not spoken with Wright about it.

The post was later taken down.

The price of crude oil fell below $80 per barrel briefly following Wright’s post. It climbed again after the post was deleted.

Iran has taken measures to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil trade route, since the United States and Israel launched strikes on Feb. 28.

To combat the impact the military conflict with Iran will have on the global oil market, the United States has discussed plans to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. However, retaliatory strikes by Iran have demanded more military resources, Wright previously said.

Footage from the ground in Erbil, Iraq shows several drones over the city’s airspace and the wrecking of a drone falling through the sky onto the city.

SINGER Anne-Marie has sparked concern after branding herself a “wreck” in a new social media message.

The star tweeted a lengthy message in which she also suggested people “wouldn’t care” about her “emotional” struggles.

Anne-Marie, 34, took to X earlier today to share the rare personal message in which she also addressed her parenting struggles and ‘mum-guilt’ amid attempts to revive her fledgling music career.

The star began by writing: “Feeling emotional today. Sorry I been distant.

“Not sure if you care but I do. I’m working really hard to get this right.”

Her concerning post continued as she addressed her compromising work-life balance.

TOUGH TIME

Anne-Marie says she felt ‘mad’ & like a ‘bad mum’ but was scared to ask for help

CIAO OLD ME

Anne-Marie promises ‘spicy’ new album and reveals star she turns to for advice

The Ciao Adios singer penned: “Still figuring out how to be a good mum AND write the best album you’ve heard from me. It’s intense.

“I want to post, but I look and feel like a wreck most of the time.”

She added: “I know you don’t care about that though hahah.

“I miss you all so much and hope you are feeling as happy as you can be.”

Anne-Marie signed off her message by posting: “A cuddle is needed.”

The mum-of-two’s post sparked worry among her fans as many rushed to check in on the performer and insist they “do care” after her troubling words.

One said to her: “Anne marie you never ever need to apologise for being distant. You’re balancing being a mum, being human, and creating something beautiful for all of us that’s a lot for anyone.”

Another echoed: “We all care about you so much. You prioritise yourself, your health and your family.”

Another alarmed fan penned: “I’m proud of you. Speaking out is already so brave.”

Before a fourth went on to comment: “You didn’t have to force yourself, we care about it and care about you. Take care yourself and kids love u.”

Anne-Marie welcomed her first child with rapper husband Slowthai in February 2024 months before he faced a trial relating to charges of rape.

Her partner faced a criminal trial later that year whilst she was pregnant with their second child.

Slowthai was ultimately found not guilty of the crimes.

The couple’s second child was born in April last year.

The singer has been attempting to head back to the top of the charts after her latest single released failed to make a dent on the singles charts.

Her latest single, Depressed, managed to reach number 41 – a far cry from her top ten streak of hits eight years ago.

A collaboration with Aitch, also released last year, also failed to chart.

Speaking to The Sun last year, she affirmed her plans to continue working on her fourth album despite recent setbacks.

She told us: “Next year there will be new music.

“I think I need to switch it up a bit… Will I be rapping? Who knows.

“I am definitely switching it up.

“I need to make it exciting again, you know.

“I can’t just come back as the same Anne Marie I have been for ten years.

“I am going to do a little spice.”

HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders said Baltimore has backed out of the trade that was supposed to send star pass rusher Maxx Crosby to the Ravens for two first-round draft picks.

The deal was agreed to last Friday but couldn’t be finalized until the start of the league year on Wednesday. The Raiders announced Tuesday that Baltimore backed out of the deal. The team said it had no further comment.

The trade was called off after Crosby didn’t pass his physical, according to multiple reports.

Crosby underwent surgery in January to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee and would have needed to pass a physical for the deal to be finalized. He missed the final two games of the season because the injury despite wanting to play through it at the time.

Crosby said on a recent appearance on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” that he was “ahead of schedule” in his rehab.

The addition of Crosby was supposed to be the piece to help lift the Ravens over the top, with the draft picks expected to be part of a rebuilding effort for the Raiders.

The 28-year-old Crosby had 10 sacks and a career-high 28 tackles for loss last season, and has reached double- digit sacks four times in his seven seasons.

Baltimore, which has a first-year coach in Jesse Minter, is in a win-now mode with three-time All-Pro quarterback Lamar Jackson. Crosby would have been a significant boost for a defense that finished tied for 28th in the league in sacks with only 30 last season.

The Raiders own the No. 1 pick in the draft and are widely expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Las Vegas has been extremely aggressive at the start of free agency, agreeing to deals with several new players and agreeing to trade quarterback Geno Smith to the New York Jets, according to several people familiar with the moves who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deals can’t be finalized until Wednesday.

The biggest move the Raiders made was agreeing to a deal with three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum. He gets a three-year, $81 million contract with $60 million guaranteed to leave Baltimore and join Las Vegas.