SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday morning said he was not surprised the Trump administration blocked his appearance at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland the day before, saying it was another example of the president trying to stifle dissent.

“Is it surprising the Trump administration didn’t like my commentary and wanted to make sure that I was not allowed to speak?” No,” said Newsom, who is weighing a 2028 presidential run. “It’s consistent with this administration and their authoritarian tendencies.”

The Democratic governor spoke Thursday morning in Davos, less than a day after his scheduled conversation with Fortune at USA House was canceled. Newsom said the event had been positioned as a discussion following Trump’s speech at the global forum. However, Newsom said the Trump administration “made sure it was canceled.”

“That’s what’s happening in the United States of America,” said Newsom, whose Thursday appearance speaking with Semafor’s Ben Smith was at a different location. “Freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of speech — it’s America in reverse. They’re censoring historical facts. They’re rewriting history.”

The USA House is a privately run and corporate sponsored venue serving as the official United States hub at the Global Economic Forum. The venue featured several Trump administration speakers this week.

Newsom’s office said they were told last minute that a “venue-level decision” had been made to “not include an elected U.S. official” in the programming. A spokesperson for Fortune, which was hosting Newsom’s fireside chat, said USA House “determined it would not be able to accommodate the governor’s participation and communicated that decision to Fortune.”

White House officials declined Wednesday to directly address whether the administration had played a role in blocking Newsom’s appearance, instead issuing a statement attacking the governor personally.

“No one in Davos knows who third-rate governor Newscum is or why he is frolicking around Switzerland instead of fixing the many problems he created in California,” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in the statement.

Newsom noted he looked at the list of people attending his appearance Thursday, which he said included major businesses like Microsoft, before he accused corporate America of falling in line rather than challenging Trump’s rhetoric and policies. At one point, Newsom held up a pair of red knee pads featuring Trump’s signature — a prop he has used to point to an excessive deference to Trump.

“Many American universities are selling out, and yes, many corporate leaders are selling out to this administration,” Newsom said. “Selling out our values, selling out our future, selling out what makes America great and (it) breaks my heart. People need to stand up.”

UFC star Justin Gaethje reveals he was born short-sighted in one eye and long-sighted in the other, which severely affected his depth perception for the first half of his career.

He also recalls the “life-changing” surgery that he had in 2016 which enabled him to see clearly again.

Live text commentary of UFC 324 will begin from 03:00 GMT on BBC Sport website and app.

HOTELS are stripping bathroom doors from rooms – creating a privacy nightmare for guests.

The bizarre cost-cutting ploy has enraged customers who say they’re being treated like barnyard animals.

Traumatized travelers are increasingly demanding hotel bosses “bring back proper doors.”

Unfortunately, old-fashioned solid doors are being replaced with “sliding barn doors, curtains, strategically placed walls and other replacements” such as glass, according to an investigation by the Wall Street Journal.

“Hotels are stripping away the only thing separating us from the animals: the bathroom door,” its probe revealed on Tuesday.

The only problem is that – apart from the obvious lack of privacy – replacing proper doors with inferior alternatives “aren’t as proficient in the art of noise and smell containment,” the WSJ warned.

“I’ve been married for 25 years, I love my husband, but I don’t want to see him use the restroom,” complained Denise Milano Sprung.

She and her husband had stayed at the Calgary Airport Marriott, where she was unimpressed with the hotel room’s frosted bathroom door.

Experts told the paper the move was to axe costs amid soaring employment, building and energy prices. And door handles, which might fall off or become stuck, add to that financial burden.

Some hotel guests don’t care though, particularly if they are traveling alone.

“If the toilet is in the middle of the room, I don’t really care, so long as I’ve got a comfy bed to sleep in,” said Jonathan Grubin, who often stays at CitizenM, which offers compact rooms.

Are you ready for your partner to know when you’re doing a bowel movement?

Comedian Becca Herries

There are also plenty of holidaymakers poking fun at the lack of privacy, and the potential impact on relationships.

Comedian Becca Herries, for example, has racked up hundreds of thousands of views of a video featuring her standing near a cheap-looking barnyard-style sliding door in a hotel, and weighing up the pros and cons.

“So when designing this, we wanted a door that allows you to both see and hear everything that’s happening behind this in an effort to create openness and transparency with our guests,” the comic stated, deadpan style, in the TikTok video.

“The person who decided it was a good idea to put a sliding door in every hotel room… [it’s] designed to either move your relationship forward or end it.

“Because hotels are not about relaxing, OK? It’s about, are you ready for your partner to know when you’re doing a bowel movement, cause if not, then maybe that’s not who you should be with.”

DIGNITY

Meanwhile TikToker Sadie Lowell (@bring_back_doors) is “on a mission to protect everyone’s dignity,” reported the Daily Dot last October.

She’s had enough of bathrooms without real doors or having see-through glass, which she slammed as an “invasion of privacy.”

“Bring bathroom doors back to hotels!” the digital marketer demanded.

“The commodification of privacy ends here. I will continue to name and shame hotels in 2026 and beyond if they decide a bathroom door isn’t needed,” she vowed.

“I get it, you save a few inches on every room and eventually you get to make an extra room without any noticing. That doesn’t mean I accept it.”

Her videos feature a horrifying array of bathrooms without proper doors, including a ceiling-to-floor glass version while staying at the Empire Hotel in New York City, NY.

And guests’ privacy is not just sacrificed in the States – it’s happening worldwide, warned Sadie’s hotel reviews.

“Nothing says romantic mini-break like struggling to defecate quietly in a glass box as your beloved turns on the TV and tries desperately to dissociate,” joked the Guardian newspaper in the UK.

“Sliding barn doors – what are we, animals, forced to do our business for all to see?”

Yet hotels have increasingly been ditching bathrooms over the past few years.

The U.S. Sun reported in August 2024 that bosses have been axing them as hotel rooms are getting smaller.

Sadly for desperate guests, it can force them to suddenly bolt to an alternative – and more private – restroom if they’re sharing their room.

Sliding barn doors – what are we, animals, forced to do our business for all to see?

The Guardian

Some have even been forced to use the bathroom in the hotel lobby on more than one occasion.

Or, visitors are forced to use swimming pool toilets.

One woman said she had a “frosted glass door” to the bathroom when sharing with a friend – only for one of them to get food poisoning.

HAVE you ever been worried your getaway will be ruined by rain and you’ll be stuck in your room watching Netflix?

Well, the UK gets its fair share of rain and if you don’t want your holiday to be ruined, you might want to consider a holiday park with lots of indoor activities and attractions.

From heated pools to soft play, there are some great holiday parks across the UK with indoor attractions – and some are even available this month and in February.

Cheddar Wood Resort & Spa, Somerset

Down in Somerset, you could head to Cheddar Wood resort & Spa with Darwin Escapes.

The countryside resort features a number of different lodges to choose from and activities for all ages.

When wet and miserable, head to the resort’s pool tables and two-lane bowling alley for a bit of competitive fun.

Read more on travel inspo

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

DRINK UP

I tested the Butlin’s £30 all-inclusive drinks package to limit – was it worth it?

Alternatively, head to the indoor heated pool for a splash about.

As part of the Go Active programme, families can have a go at a number of indoor and outdoor activities.

For indoor options, check out the sea scooter sessions at the pool or get stuck into a craft session.

Adults can even get some R&R at the Eden Spa where you can get a muscle massage from £50.

A three-night stay from January 30 for up to eight people costs from £399.

Parkdean Resorts’ Trecco Bay in Wales

Over in Wales, you could head to Parkdean Resorts’ Trecco Bay.

At the park, visitors will find a Splashland, which boasts an indoor swimming pool with a huge waterslide.

If you prefer your kids to keep dry, then head to the Arts and Crafts Den, which runs creative activity sessions throughout the day including painting pottery or building a bear.

There’s a sports dome too, which hosts a number of activities for kids to enjoy.

And for older kids who enjoy video games, there is a VR experience to test out.

A three-night stay from February 26 for four people costs from £141.

Butlin’s Minehead

Butlin’s is a great option if you want to stay inside.

Over at the biggest Butlin’s site – Minehead – visitors can enjoy various restaurants, a vintage fairground, the Skyline Pavilion and even a Chapel.

There is the indoor swimming complex with a Master Blaster flume, Black Hole and Space Bowl slides and a Blue Comet flume.

In the Skyline Pavilion, there are a number of bars, restaurants, shops, arcades and even the Skyline Stage where guests can catch a range of entertainment.

For little ones, there is also soft play.

Minehead has two soft play areas, one for kids up to the age of 14 and the other for toddlers.

For something calmer than running around in a play area, Butlin’s Minehead has shows you can catch as well, including Peppa Pig and the Dinosaur that Pooped.

And who doesn’t love a good arts and crafts session?

The resort hosts sessions for kids of all ages led by their trusty Redcoats.

For example, there can be painting sessions lasting an hour.

A stay at Butlin’s Minehead for four-nights from February 2 costs from £39, which is just £2.44 per person, per night.

Sandymouth Holiday Resort, Bude, Cornwall

If you love a Cornish getaway, but are scared the weather could ruin it – head to Sandymouth Holiday Resort.

Located in Bude, the holiday park is the perfect base to explore Cornwall but also stay at when the weather takes a turn.

There’s a heated indoor pool, with a separate shallow pool for little ones to splash in.

And you can use sea scooters, mini jet skis and Waterwalkerz in the pool too.

For dry fun, there is an indoor soft play area with a shipwreck, hidden slides and blocks to build your very own ship.

In the evenings, the holiday park also hosts dance sessions, music and family games.

Kids even get the chance to meet Charlie Bear for a hug and a photo.

A three-night stay for four people from January 23 costs just £125, which is equal to £10.42 per person, per night.

Center Parcs, Woburn Forest

Located an hour from London, Center Parcs Woburn Forest in Berkshire is the perfect escape from the city when the weather is grim.

The site is one of Center Parcs’ newest villages and is home to a number of accommodation types, as well as activities and restaurants.

One of the main attractions is the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, which has a number of rides and slides.

For adults wanting a pamper session, there is the Aqua Sana Forest Spa with 25 experiences including the world’s first Mineral Room.

Kids over 12 years old can enjoy Interactive Darts, where there is a high-tech dartboard that tracks your throws.

There is also Interactive Shuffle, where your scores are automatically tracked as you try to make the perfect shot.

If you enjoy mini golf, Puttify is a mini golf course on the next level with neon lights and technology features throughout.

For kids over the age of three, there is a Gamebox too, where you play games in immersive worlds with your body as the controller.

A three-night stay costs from £699 in February.

For more holiday park news, we reveal the nine most popular Hols From £9.50 holiday parks of last year – as booking opens for 2026.

Plus, one of the UK’s most popular holiday parks reveals mega £50million expansion.

United States President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he had reached a “framework of a future deal” on Greenland with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

He also withdrew his threat to impose 10 percent trade tariffs on eight European nations objecting to the sale of Greenland to the US – set to rise to 25 percent later in the year if no deal was reached.

Greenland is a self-governing territory which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Both Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly stated that the island is not for sale.

In a bid to defuse rising transatlantic tensions, Rutte met with Trump in Davos, Switzerland, during the annual summit of the World Economic Forum. During his speech at Davos on Wednesday, Trump reiterated that he wants to acquire Greenland, but ruled out taking the Arctic island by force.

On Thursday, Rutte told reporters that NATO countries would ramp up security in the Arctic as part of the agreement.

What has Trump said about the ‘framework’ for a future deal?

In a Truth Social post on Wednesday, Trump said that following a “very productive” meeting with Rutte, he had formed the “framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region”.

Trump added that, under this deal, he would not impose tariffs on the eight European countries that have opposed his attempt to acquire Greenland.

He added that additional discussions are being held about “The Golden Dome as it pertains to Greenland”.

The Golden Dome is Washington’s proposed multilayered missile defence programme, which is designed to counter aerial threats. Trump announced the project in May 2025. Under it, the US will deploy missile interceptors in space to shield against ballistic and hypersonic threats. The project is set to be completed by the end of Trump’s term in 2029.

In his post, Trump said more information about the framework would be made public as negotiations progress. These talks, he said, would be led by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on the US side.

“We have a concept of a deal,” Trump told CNBC later on Wednesday.

But he offered no further details about what these negotiations, such as dates or venues for upcoming talks – would involve, nor specifics on who from Europe would join.

Why is the US at odds with Europe over Greenland?

On January 17, Trump announced that from February 1, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland would be charged a 10 percent tariff on their exports to the US.

On June 1, the tariff was to be increased to 25 percent, he said. “This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

One day after he made this threat, the 27 members of the European Union convened for an emergency meeting to discuss their options. While many wanted to try to resolve the dispute via diplomatic efforts, some called for the implementation of a never-before-used “bazooka” package of retaliatory tariffs and trade restrictions. However, this could take up to a year to fully implement.

But following his meeting with Rutte on Wednesday, Trump withdrew his threat of tariffs and said a “framework for a future deal” had been reached.

Why does Trump want Greenland?

Trump, and US presidents before him, have coveted Greenland for its strategic position.

The sparsely populated Arctic island of 56,000 people – mostly Indigenous Inuit – is geographically in North America but politically part of Denmark, making it part of Europe.

Greenland’s geographical position between the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans provides the shortest air and sea routes between North America and Europe, making it crucial for US military operations and early-warning systems, especially around the Greenland-Iceland-United Kingdom gap, according to the Trump administration.

Greenland also has plentiful deposits of minerals, including large amounts of untapped rare earth metals, which are required for the production of technology ranging from smartphones to fighter jets. With global warming, more shipping routes around Greenland are opening up as the ice melts, making it of greater interest to many nations.

Did the US ever own Greenland?

During his speech in Davos on Wednesday, Trump said: “After the war, we gave Greenland back to Denmark. How stupid were we to do that? But we did it. But we gave it back.”

The US occupied Greenland in 1941 following Nazi Germany’s invasion of Denmark during World War II. It established a military and radio presence on the island, withdrawing following the end of the war. However, US forces have maintained a permanent presence at Pituffik Space Base, previously known as the Thule Air Base, in Greenland’s northwest ever since.

Denmark and the US reached an agreement in 1951, which allows the US to maintain military facilities in Greenland as part of mutual defence within the NATO framework.

Despite its presence on the island during World War II, the US never actually possessed the territory and its 1951 agreement with Denmark did not pass sovereignty of Greenland to the US.

What do we know about the framework of Trump’s future deal?

Specific details of the “framework” are unknown.

But Trump has described it as a pathway towards a “long-term deal”.

And he has specified some elements of what he expects from that deal. “It puts everybody in a really good position, especially as it pertains to security and to minerals,” Trump told reporters.

“It’s a deal that’s forever.”

On Thursday, Rutte told Reuters that will demand NATO countries ramp up Arctic security swiftly, as part of the security element of the agreement.

“We will come together in NATO with our senior commanders to work out what is necessary,” Rutte said.

“I have no doubt we can do this quite fast. Certainly, I would hope for 2026; I hope even early in 2026.”

But experts say not much else about the framework is known.

“We still don’t know what ‘framework’ actually means: is it political signalling, or does it contain concrete commitments, timelines and legal hooks? We also don’t know who the real parties are [US-Denmark only, or US-Denmark-Greenland] and what Greenland has formally endorsed,” Christine Nissen, the chief analyst at the Copenhagen-based Think Tank Europa, told Al Jazeera.

It is unclear whether Greenland has agreed to the framework of any deal or whether Greenlandic or Danish authorities were even consulted.

“There can’t be a deal without having Greenland as part of the negotiations,” Sascha Faxe, a member of the Danish parliament, told Sky News on Wednesday.

“We have a Greenlandic MP in Denmark and she’s very clear that this is not a prerogative of Rutte and NATO,” Faxe said, referring to Aaja Chemnitz Larsen, who represents one of the two parliamentary seats for Greenland in the Danish parliament.

She added: “They are very clear – Greenland is not for sale, they are not for negotiations – so it’s not real negotiations, it’s two men who have had a conversation.”

On Wednesday night, Larsen wrote in Danish in a Facebook post: “NATO in no way has the right to negotiate anything on its own about us from Greenland while bypassing us. Nothing about us, without us.”

In an X post on Wednesday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen wrote: “The day is ending on a better note than it began,” welcoming Trump’s ruling out the European tariffs and taking Greenland by force. “Now, let’s sit down and find out how we can address the American security concerns in the Arctic while respecting the red lines of the [Kingdom of Denmark].”

It is also not clear which other European leaders are on board with the deal. EU leaders are convening in Brussels on Thursday for emergency talks over the matter.

In an X post on Wednesday, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed Trump’s decision to not charge tariffs on European countries. “As Italy has always maintained, it is essential to continue fostering dialogue between allied nations,” she wrote, without specifying details about Greenland or the deal.

If Washington ends up owning parts of Greenland as American overseas territory, it is not clear whether Denmark will hand over the land or whether the land will be purchased at a price. It is also not known what this hypothetical price would look like.

What natural resources does Greenland have?

Greenland is incredibly rich in minerals, including rare earth minerals used in the manufacture of batteries and high-tech industries crucial for defence. According to a 2023 survey, 25 of 34 minerals deemed “critical raw materials” by the European Commission were found in Greenland.

Greenland does not carry out the extraction of oil and gas, and its mining sector is opposed by its Indigenous population. The island’s economy is largely reliant on its fishing industry.

However, during his speech at Davos, Trump said that it was national security, and not minerals, that made it imperative for him to own Greenland.

“To get to this rare earth, you got to go through hundreds of feet of ice. That’s not the reason we need it. We need it for strategic national security and international security,” Trump said.

Referring to Trump during an interview with Fox News’s Special Report with Bret Baier on Wednesday, Rutte said: “He is very much focused on what do we need to do to make sure that that huge Arctic region – where change is taking place at the moment, where the Chinese and the Russians are more and more active – how we can protect it.”

Amid global warming, the vast untapped resources of the Arctic are becoming more accessible. Countries like the US, Canada, China and Russia are now eyeing these resources.

Russia and China have been working together to develop Arctic shipping routes as Moscow seeks to deliver more oil and gas to China amid Western sanctions, while Beijing seeks an alternative shipping route to reduce its dependence on the Strait of Malacca.

“Negotiations between Denmark, Greenland and the United States will go forward aimed at ensuring that Russia and China never gain a foothold – economically or militarily – in Greenland,” Reuters news agency reported, citing an unnamed NATO source.

On Wednesday, Russian news agencies quoted Russian President Vladimir Putin as saying: “What happens in Greenland is of absolutely no consequence to us.”

What about the ownership of Greenland?

On Wednesday, Rutte said during the interview that the issue of whether Greenland will remain Danish territory did not come up during his discussion with Trump.

When Rutte was asked whether Greenland would remain under the Kingdom of Denmark, he responded: “That issue did not come up any more in my conversations tonight with the president.”

Trump has previously said that Washington needs to own Greenland, rather than lease it.

“You defend ownership. You don’t defend leases. And we’ll have to defend Greenland. If we don’t do it, China or Russia will,” Trump told reporters at the White House on January 9.

During his speech at Davos, Trump reiterated that he wants Washington to own Greenland, despite the US military presence there under the 1951 agreement.

Nissen, of Think Tank Europa, explained that this agreement already grants the US very extensive operational rights in Greenland pertaining to construction, movement and logistics. But, she added, the arrangement is not territorial, and sovereignty sits with Denmark and Greenland’s self-government.

“The US cannot exercise civil authority, change laws, control borders as a state, or transfer the territory. So Denmark and Greenland’s hard red line is straightforward: no ‘ownership’ and no territorial transfer through a deal.”

On Wednesday, The New York Times, however, cited three unnamed senior officials involved in the latest Greenland talks, reporting on the possibility that the framework could involve conversations over giving Washington sovereign control over small pockets of Greenland for military bases.

In theory, these pockets would be similar to the concept of the UK’s bases in Cyprus, which are regarded as British territory, one of the officials told The Times, while another confirmed this.

The UK has two Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) inside Cyprus, namely Akrotiri and Dhekelia. These are legally British-owned territories within Cyprus.

SBAs are purely for military use and governed almost entirely as military installations, where authority is essentially military and centralised.

“There are rumours that Trump may still imagine some form of US ownership of a very small piece of land, but Rutte has indicated that this was not substantively on the table,” Nissen said.

“If any element of the deal were to involve even a symbolic transfer of territory, that would cross a red line for Denmark, Greenland and Europe, and would set a dangerous precedent for sovereignty and the Western order.”

Nissen explained that even if there is a framework, Denmark and Greenland have legal options to constrain US ambitions for the island.

They could insist that US influence is limited to “rights of use” to territory rather than anything resembling sovereign control or exclusive jurisdiction. Essentially, she argued, they could use bureaucracy to bolster their positions.

“They can use governance tools that matter in practice: consultation clauses, joint oversight bodies, transparency requirements, clear review points and meaningful termination options – plus domestic law and permitting [land use, environment, infrastructure approvals] that can shape or slow what ambitions become on the ground.”

She explained that a likely outcome could involve strengthened US access to Greenland and an update to the 1951 defence deal — with more NATO branding, extra infrastructure and investment, and limited, targeted cooperation on minerals.

What are some overseas territories?

Greenland is actually one of two Danish self-governing overseas territories, the other one being the Faroe Islands.

The Arctic island was a Danish colony in the early 18th century, after an expedition led by Danish-Norwegian missionary Hans Egede arrived in 1721. In 1979, it became a self-governing territory. Since 2009, Greenland has the right to declare independence through a referendum.

The UK has 14 overseas territories across the Atlantic, Caribbean, Pacific and polar regions.

The inhabited ones, including Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar and Montserrat, are mostly self‑governing, with the UK responsible for defence and foreign affairs.

The US has five permanently inhabited territories — Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands — all with local governments but limited federal representation, and Puerto Rico is the largest as a self‑governing commonwealth.

Washington also controls nine mostly uninhabited islands used mainly for military or strategic purposes.

France has 13 overseas territories spread across the Atlantic, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Pacific and South America. China has two Special Administrative Regions (SARs), Hong Kong and Macau, which are generally autonomous in terms of political, economic and legal systems.

Australia, the Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand and Portugal also have overseas territories in different parts of the world with different arrangements for self-government.

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

Amanda Holden appeared in EastEnders as Carmen, working alongside Ian Beale at a clothing stall, but fans are only just discovering the role and are amazed at how little she’s aged

EastEnders fans have been stunned after learning that Amanda Holden once appeared in the BBC soap.

The Heart Radio host, 54, has recently made a return to the small screen alongside her best friend, Alan Carr, for a new overseas property renovation programme.

Amanda and Alan’s Greek Job is currently broadcast on BBC One every Friday and chronicles the duo as they spend a summer on the Ionian island of Corfu.

They’ve purchased a somewhat more modest property than in their previous series, but they’re facing a significant challenge.

Amanda’s professional career took off when she became a judge on the ITV reality programme Britain’s Got Talent in 2007 alongside Simon Cowell, reports OK!.

However, she previously pursued an acting career and featured in EastEnders long before becoming a household name.

In 1993, Amanda appeared in Albert Square as the youthful Carmen alongside Ian Beale actor Adam Woodyatt.

Carmen was employed at the clothing stall at Bridge Street Market and was keen to secure a permanent position there.

Her primary involvement centred around selling heart-patterned boxer shorts, which were anonymously delivered to Richard Cole, played by Ian Reddington, the market inspector, as a prank he found rather unamusing.

Amanda only featured in five episodes of EastEnders before departing Walford and moving on to a stellar showbiz career.

She previously discussed her brief role with her Heart Radio co-presenter, Jamie Theakston.

She revealed: “When I left drama school, EastEnders was one of the first jobs I got. I had to look after someone’s stall for half an hour, which was like four episodes or something. I was opposite Adam Woodyatt, your ex-flatmate! That’s not true.”

Amanda continued: “Ian Beale, I looked after a jewellery stall, and he had his fruit and veg, there was a lot of messing around with rude fruit, that’s all I’m going to say. I had a lot of fun; it was a nice show to do.”

EastEnders fans were taken aback when they discovered Amanda’s stint on the soap, with one Reddit user posting: “Another surprise! Another celebrity (before they were famous) appeared in EastEnders that I didn’t know about! 1993 – A teeny tiny Amanda Holden!”

Another chimed in: “Wow. I never knew about this one, it almost feels unusual to look at haha”, while another added: “I thought the same thing. Especially when I heard her speak. She had exactly the same voice as she has now lol.”

One fan commented: “Interesting I had no idea that she was in it before she got famous”, while another remarked: “Wow she hasn’t aged at all in 30 years.”

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer

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

Egypt’s iconic pyramids are a must-see for many, but one group of tourists has found out the hard way that they might be better viewed from afar, as they ‘regretted’ going inside

For globetrotters eager to witness the world’s most spectacular sights, Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza undoubtedly feature prominently on their must-see lists. These ancient burial chambers for royalty trace their origins back to approximately 2580 BC, and remarkably remain as the sole survivor among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Exploring these pyramids certainly ranks as a dream experience for most travellers fortunate enough to get the opportunity, but as one tourist group recently found out, admiring these magnificent monuments from the exterior might be the wiser choice. They were left terrified by one detail as they explored the monuments, and said going inside isn’t for everyone.

A TikTok clip posted this month by a user called Aish captures her ascending the extremely steep internal stairway of the Great Pyramid at Giza – steps that normally guide visitors either downward from the entry point to the underground chamber, or upward towards the Grand Gallery and the King’s Chamber.

However, as she navigated the cramped passageway, a voice from behind could be heard announcing their intention to retreat, unable to cope with the confined conditions.

Initially, Aish pressed forward a few more steps, determined to continue her journey, but ultimately conceded defeat herself, stating: “Yeah, I think I’m going back, too. I’m going down.”

Text overlaying her footage read: “POV [point of view]: You went inside the pyramids and regret it instantly.”

Her caption served as a cautionary note, suggesting the pyramids might prove unsuitable for those suffering from claustrophobia, which is an overwhelming fear of cramped or enclosed environments.

Viewers of Aish’s video were divided on her choice to retreat. Some felt she had “wasted” the opportunity by not experiencing everything the pyramids offered, whilst others who’d tackled the challenging ascent previously insisted it wasn’t “worth” the ordeal of the journey, regardless.

One viewer remarked: “I did it (traumatised) and the room when you go into was not even worth it… just an empty room with an empty tomb.”

However, another countered: “There should be a sign saying once you enter, you commit to the entire climb.”

A third person supported this view, saying: “If people are claustrophobic, they shouldn’t go in, because that just ruins it for everyone else then.”

Whilst countless tourists fantasise about venturing inside the Great Pyramid, the cramped conditions can prove shocking to many expecting the interior to match the grandeur of the exterior. According to Britannica, the Great Pyramid contains “very little open space” once inside, and temperatures can be sweltering.

To access the Grand Pyramid, visitors must initially scale 59 feet on the outside. From that point, you navigate down a descending passageway until it divides into one route continuing down to the subterranean chamber, and another ascending towards the Grand Gallery, along with the Queen’s Chamber and the King’s Chamber.

A Time Out journalist who previously explored the Great Pyramid described it as “one of the most magical experiences” of her life, yet stated she would “absolutely” never attempt it again.

She wrote: “The tomb itself is tiny, and there’s not much to do apart from stand there feeling pink, sticky and overwhelmed, while a lone security guard offers to take your photo and tells you to keep the noise down.

“Is it one of the most magical experiences of my life? Yes. Would I do it again? Absolutely not.”

A highly toxic pesticide that was banned in California more than two decades ago is still widely used across the state, potentially endangering communities near farm fields and bustling shipyards, according to a new study.

For much of the 20th century, methyl bromide, an odorless and colorless fumigant, had been touted as a miracle product for its effectiveness in killing pests, both on farms and in the shipping containers that conveyed produce across the world. But research later determined that the neurotoxic gas also can cause serious health issues in humans and contributed to the depletion of the ozone, ultimately leading to its ban under the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty, in 2005.

However, researchers from UCLA and UC Irvine recently found that methyl bromide remains in use in 36 of 58 California counties, according to data collected by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation over the last decade. From 2016 to 2023, more than 12 million pounds of the pesticide were applied in these counties, according to those data. And more than 200 fumigation facilities had active permits to emit methyl bromide statewide during that eight-year span.

How is this possible?

Well, the international ban, it turns out, included broad exemptions.

The counties with the highest methyl bromide use — Siskiyou and San Joaquin — were made up of mostly rural communities that were using it for exempted agricultural purposes, such as soil fumigation for specialty crops without feasible alternatives or in greenhouse nurseries.

Los Angeles County ranked fifth, with 725,000 pounds of methyl bromide used. That was mostly due to it’s ongoing use to sterilize container cargo moving through the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles — another exemption to the Montreal Protocol.

As a consequence, communities near the ports — which already bear the brunt of diesel and air pollution — have been exposed to another toxic pollutant.

Because the pesticide’s use is exempted, the risks are unaccounted for in CalEnviroScreen, the tool the state uses to evaluate a community’s exposure to several types of pollution.

“These communities, like West Long Beach and Wilmington, they were already then designated as a disadvantaged community by the state of California,” said Yoshira Ornelas Van Horne, the study’s co-author and an assistant professor of environmental science at UCLA. “So I think this just underscores that there’s potentially even more environmental burdens that weren’t even being accounted for, unfortunately.”

From January 2023 to April 2024, an air monitoring station just north of Long Beach’s Hudson Elementary School, which is downwind of two fumigation sites that handle the imported goods, found that the average levels of methyl bromide were 2.1 parts per billion — twice as high as the state’s threshold exposure for long-term health risks. In early 2024, hourly concentrations surpassed 960 parts per billion, just shy of the state’s short-term exposure benchmark.

Since then, the Los Angeles County agricultural commissioner has been collaborating with the fumigation facilities on ideas to reduce risk from the pesticide, including installing higher smoke stacks to disperse emissions and prohibiting fumigation during school hours.

And on Jan. 29, the South Coast Air Quality Management District will convene a public meeting to discuss how methyl bromide and other fumigants might be regulated in the future.

Theral Golden, a longtime resident of West Long Beach, said he plans to attend the meeting and will call for an outright ban of methyl bromide unless fumigation facilities can demonstrate that they can contain the harmful emissions.

“The building should be airtight,” Golden said. “It should not escape into the atmosphere at all. It may cost a lot of money. But that’s the cost of doing business. It’s costing us our lives.”

More recent air news

A deal to shut down Washington state’s last coal plant has been thrown into turmoil after the Trump administration ordered it to stay open for 90 additional days, according to New York Times climate reporter Claire Brown. The move is part of a broader effort by the Department of Energy to keep multiple aging coal plants operating nationwide.

A surprisingly small group of companies is driving most of the world’s carbon emissions, climate journalist Dana Drugmand writes in Inside Climate News. A new analysis finds that just 32 oil, gas, coal and cement producers were responsible for more than half of global fossil CO₂ emissions in 2024, with many of them actually increasing output while lobbying against climate action.

Air pollution isn’t just bad for our health, it’s bad for the economy. Shoppers Stop, a popular department store in India, pointed to poor air quality as a factor behind flat sales and falling earnings in late 2025, according to Lou Del Bello, Bloomberg’s energy and commodities editor.

A few last things in climate news

One year after the deadly Eaton fire, survivors are pushing back against California laws that shield electric utilities from paying the full cost of wildfires sparked by their equipment, Los Angeles Times investigative reporter Melody Petersen writes.

The world is dangerously overdrafting its freshwater, Los Angeles Times environmental reporter Ian James writes, as U.N. scientists warn that humanity has entered an era of “global water bankruptcy.” The report finds that rivers are running dry, lakes and wetlands are disappearing and groundwater is being pumped faster than it can be replenished — putting billions of people and much of global food production at risk.

Back in my home state, Detroit’s auto show is looking a lot less electric these days, Associated Press climate reporter Alexa St. John writes. The shift follows President Trump’s rollback of electric-vehicle incentives and fuel economy rules, moves that have already cost U.S. automakers billions, slowed EV sales growth, and, industry experts warn, could leave them falling behind as China and Europe race ahead on EVs.

This is the latest edition of Boiling Point, a newsletter about climate change and the environment in the American West. Sign up here to get it in your inbox. And listen to our Boiling Point podcast here.

For more air quality news, follow Tony Briscoe on X and Linkedin.

ONE city in the Scottish Highlands has seen a huge surge in train travel this year and there’s plenty to do from exploring castles to enjoying £3 lagers.

According to Trainline, there has been a 23 per cent surge in train passengers heading to Inverness making it the most popular major Scottish city to visit.

Sarah Helppi, UK Country Director of Trainline said: “Ahead of The Traitors finale on Friday, we’ve seen a 23 per cent uptick in passengers travelling to Inverness, both week on week and year on year.

“In fact, compared to the same time in 2025, Inverness has seen a greater uplift in passengers than any other major Scottish city.”

Inverness is the biggest city in the Scottish Highlands and has plenty for visitors to explore.

There’s the city centre full of local shops, food stops and bars, plenty of museums, boat trips on Loch Ness, or heading to the Cairngorms National Park.

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

If you fancy seeing a castle, just 30-minutes away from the city centre is the ruins of Urquhart Castle on the edge of Loch Ness.

It was once one of the largest castles in Scotland and was used as a medieval fortress for 500 years.

Standard admission tickets start at £14 for adults and £8.50 for children between 7-15.

Another is Cawdor Castle, a traditional Scottish castle lived in by the Cawdor family for over 600 years.

The closest one to Inverness is Inverness Castle – although it was never a castle.

Instead it was two towers and even served as a prison at one point.

Admission costs £20 for adults and £14 for children between 5-15.

If you don’t head to Inverness by rail, you might head there by car to head on the North Coast 500 (the NC500).

It’s a famous scenic route that winds around the north coast of Scotland which starts and finishes in Inverness.

Some of the most notable spots are Ardvreck Castle and the mountainous Bealach na Bà track.

There’s also the Summer Isles archipelago of around 20 islands near Ullapool where you can spot seals, dolphins and plenty of seabirds.

Some of the best beaches near the Scottish Highland city are Nairn Beach with views of Moray Firth or visit Dores Beach at the top of Loch Ness.

You can also explore Fortrose Beach and walk to Chanonry Point which is a great place for dolphin spotting.

Castle Leod is 35-minutes from the city centre and is one of the best preserved historic castles in the Scottish Highlands.

It was the real-life inspiration for Outlander‘s Castle Leoch and is surrounded by parklands.

It has public open days throughout the year where you can explore the building and its grounds with entry from £14.

There are plenty of other nearby sights like Loch Ness which is just 30 minutes away from the city.

One writer, Janice Hopper, hit the streets of Inverness with one of her favourite stops being Hootananny pub where she picked up a lager for £3.

As for the shops, she headed to Isle of Skye Candle Company, the Inverness Victorian market which has “30 independent sellers and food stalls”.

If you need a place to stay in Inverness, Janice has a suggestion, she said: “I’m cosying down at the four-star Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, a stylish bolt-hole overlooking the River Ness.

“The Eight On The River restaurant and terrace makes the most of the riverside vistas, where I tuck into fresh pastries and fruit to start the day.

“There’s also a swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna and steam room, which I enjoy before indulging in a 30-minute aromatherapy massage, £46, at the Sleeping Beauty Spa.”

Double rooms at Inverness Palace Hotel start from £87.90.

One of the quickest ways to get to Inverness by train if you’re in the south of the country is from London Kings Cross with a short transfer at Edinburgh (Waverley).

This is the shortest route taking eight hours 31 minutes with tickets starting from £70.60 in January on Trainline.

Here are the top Scottish Castles you can reach by train…

Trainline reveals the top Scottish Castles you can reach by train…

Stirling Castle

Only 50 minutes from Edinburgh Waverley, Traitors fans can hop off and hit the road to experience this historic juggernaut. The childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots, and the preferred residence for the majority of medieval Scottish monarchs, this castle is steeped in history and has stunning scenic views.

From Stirling train station, the castle is a short (but steep) 15 minutes’ walk.

Dumbarton Castle

Moving closer to Glasgow, Dumbarton Castle guards the point where the River Leven joins the River Clyde. You can climb the White Tower Crag for incredible views, which can stretch as far as Loch Lomond on a clear day.

Getting there: Take a train to Dumbarton East station and then it’s just a 16 minutes’ walk from the station.

Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle is one of the most striking and northernmost castles in Scotland, located near Golspie on the east coast of the Highlands. With a design that’s reminiscent of a French château, it’s the historic seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland.

Dating back to the early 1300s, the castle was extensively remodelled in the 19th century by architect Sir Charles Barry (who also designed the Houses of Parliament). Inside, visitors to the castle can explore grand Victorian rooms filled with period furniture, portraits, and tapestries.

Getting there: Take a train to Dunrobin Castle’s namesake station – but make sure you request this stop.

Blair Castle

In the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Blair Castle is the ancestral seat of the Clan Murray and home to the Dukes of Atholl for over 700 years. The castle’s architecture is a blend of medieval fortress and Georgian mansion, with its origins dating back to around 1269.

Getting there: If you’re recreating this year’s incredible mission train heist to Inverness, then it’s worth a stop at Blair Atholl station – from there the castle is just a five minutes’ walk.  

Linlithgow Palace

Our final Traitor’s worthy stop is Linlithgow Palace, which whilst technically not a castle is still a historic – and impressive – building against the same epic Scottish backdrop.

Linlithgow Palace is a magnificent royal residence in ruins, located between Edinburgh and Stirling and beside the beautiful Linlithgow Loch. It was built in the 15th century by King James I and expanded by the Stewarts – it was also the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Getting there: Take a train to Linlithgow – from there the palace is just five minutes away.

For more on Scotland, this off-the-grid UK road trip that includes peaceful treehouses, quiet lochs and woodland trails.

And these are the best family attractions in Scotland whatever the weather, from castles to magical bluebell woods and adventure parks.

After addressing their two biggest needs this offseason, the bullpen and outfield, via free agency, the Dodgers appear to be relatively set with their roster a little more than three weeks before pitchers and catchers report to spring training in Arizona.

“There’s still some things we’re kicking around and some conversations that have been ongoing for a little bit that we’re going to continue to enhance and build up depth,” Friedman told reporters.

Asked if the Dodgers still are in the market for starting pitching, Friedman said: “We are not.”

That appeared to play out Wednesday night when the Mets acquired starting pitcher Freddy Peralta in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers.

The 29-year-old right-hander had been someone the Dodgers were interested in, the Athletic reported this week. Considering their rotation already projected to feature Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow and Roki Sasaki, the reported interest in Peralta was surprising.

But coming off a grueling postseason in which the starters, Yamamoto in particular, carried a heavy load, the Dodgers already were thinking about ways to navigate next season — especially with the World Baseball Classic in March.

Last month during winter meetings, Roberts hinted at a six-man rotation as a way to give starters extra rest over a long season. Among the Dodgers’ four starting pitchers during the postseason — Yamamoto, Snell, Glasnow and Ohtani — only Yamamoto pitched the entire season. Snell and Glasnow spent significant time on the injured list, and Ohtani didn’t make his pitching debut until June.

The Dodgers have plenty of young pitchers who could step in, from ascendant minor-league prospect Jackson Ferris, to returning 2024 breakout rookies River Ryan and Gavin Stone, to the more-established Justin Wrobleski and Emmet Sheehan.

Settler violence in the occupied West Bank has emptied nearly three-quarters of the Palestinian Bedouin village of Ras Ein al-Auja, forcing hundreds to flee. Residents who remain say they are being deliberately pushed out of their homes, with nowhere else to go.

Bangladesh have reiterated their stance on not travelling to India for the T20 World Cup and will, once again, request the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate their games to Sri Lanka despite the global cricket body’s refusal to change the tournament’s schedule.

“We will go back to the ICC with our plan to play in Sri Lanka,” BCB President Aminul Islam said after a meeting between BCB officials, Bangladeshi cricketers and representatives of the government in Dhaka on Thursday.

The announcement came a day after the global cricket body warned the BCB that expulsion from the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 could take place should it not agree to play its matches in India, with Scotland replacing it in Group C.

The ICC asked the BCB to review its decision with the Bangladeshi government and give a response within a day, following which a final decision would be made.

“They did give us a 24-hour ultimatum, but a global body can’t really do that,” Islam told reporters.

“We want to play the World Cup, but we won’t play in India. We will keep fighting,” he added.

The BCB chief said the ICC would stand to lose if Bangladesh were expelled from the tournament.

“The ICC will miss out on 200 million people watching the World Cup,” he said.

Bangladesh are scheduled to play on the opening day of the tournament, on February 7, when they face the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. They are set to play two other group-stage games at the same venue before their final Group C fixture against Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

However, the BCB has refused to send its team to India, citing concerns over players’ safety and security.

The move followed the abrupt removal of star fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL) upon instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), due to the ongoing political tensions between the two nations.

The ICC said, on Wednesday, that it had shared detailed independent security assessments, comprehensive venue-level security plans and formal assurances from the host authorities with the BCB and that all reports concluded “there is no credible or verifiable threat to the safety or security of the Bangladesh team in India.

“Despite these efforts, the BCB maintained its position, repeatedly linking its participation in the tournament to a single, isolated and unrelated development concerning one of its players’ involvement in a domestic league,” an ICC spokesperson said after the global body’s board met via video conference to discuss the issue.

“This linkage has no bearing on the tournament’s security framework or the conditions governing participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” the ICC spokesperson added.

Asif Nazrul, a youth and sports adviser in the interim Bangladeshi government, dismissed the ICC’s claims, saying it had failed to quash Bangladesh’s concerns.

“The ICC has failed to convince us on the security question and has taken no stand on our grievances,” he said.

“Even the Indian government did not communicate with us or try to assuage our fears.

“We are hopeful that ICC will give us the opportunity to play in Sri Lanka. It is our government who has decided not to go to India.”

Before the latest round of talks, Bangladesh captain Litton Das had expressed concerns over the uncertainty surrounding his team’s participation.

“From where I stand, I’m uncertain; everyone is uncertain,” Das told reporters after a domestic cricket match on Tuesday.

Diplomatic relations between the once-close allies have been sharply tested since August last year, when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to New Delhi from Dhaka after an uprising against her rule.

Bangladesh blames India for a number of its troubles, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s support for Hasina when she was in power.

During the World Cup, Bangladesh will hold its first elections since Hasina’s ousting.

AS the dust settles on Brooklyn Beckham’s spectacular fall-out with his parents, some have questioned Nicola’s role behind the scenes.

The aspiring chef, 26, shared a furious tirade on Instagram in a move to defend his wife and himself, amid a bitter family feud on Monday.

In six blistering posts on his Instagram stories he claimed dad David and Victoria have been trying to “endlessly ruin my relationship” with Nicola alongside a raft of other bombshell accusations.

Brooklyn also blasted claims that Nicola, 31, is stopping him having a relationship with his family.

The Beckhams’ eldest son said: “The narrative that my wife controls me is completely backwards. I have been controlled by my parents for most of my life.

Instead he slammed his parents for being the ones trying to control him and the family as a whole.

However, The Sun has revealed that Nicola did in fact play an role in the ongoing family feud by inviting him to see inside her world.

And insiders close to the Peltz family have accused Nicola of quietly fanning the flames of the increasingly bitter rift.

Is Brooklyn being manipulated by wis wife? Have your say in our exclusive poll.

Love to debate? Join Sun Club for just £1.99 a month for the boldest opinion on the issues shaping Britain.

In a country like Venezuela, the Hydrocarbons Law is the legal instrument that defines the rights and obligations of the State and the private parties, pursuant to the constitutional principles. There are two things to have in mind on the Venezuelan Constitution of 1999: oil reservoirs are the sole property of Venezuela and Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA) cannot be transferred or sold to private parties. 

The Hydrocarbons Law of 2001 (amended in 2006) allows private participation in exploration and production activities through joint ventures (empresas mixtas).  These joint ventures are under the operational control of the Venezuelan State (i.e. PDVSA) and are considered state-owned entities in accordance with the Public Administration Law of 2014. The Hydrocarbons Law limits private participation in exploration, production, and commercialization activities of liquid hydrocarbons and associated natural gas. Other regulations enacted sometime after restrict private participation in a number of other issues, such as the performance of certain services agreements.

Right at this moment there seems to be an initial consensus among the political and economic actors on the need to have a renovated legal framework for the oil industry, for the purpose of enabling new investments and boosting oil production. Because when things are not working well in a strategic and major industry, some legislative action is desired.

Delcy Rodríguez, who took over after the extraction of Nicolás Maduro, mentioned the matter in her address to the National Assembly on January 15^th, announcing partial reforms in the oil sector. At the time of writing, we’ve not had the possibility to review the draft bill. As a result, we haven’t figured out yet where this reform is heading. But we do know what Rodríguez said in her speech, calling for the incorporation of the productive models outlined in the Anti-Blockade Law of 2020, thus, allowing investment flows into new fields. The reform of the Hydrocarbons Law is now considered a priority in the extensive 2026 legislative agenda of the National Assembly, and no one is talking about the National Assembly giving an enabling law to the acting President to grant her the legal power to pass legislation.

In the event that private investors own a majority of the stake in the joint ventures under the new Hydrocarbons Law, the end-result would be that they will no longer be considered Venezuelan state-owned entities.

The Anti-Blockade Law was conceived as a response to international economic sanctions against Venezuela. Without a doubt it has promoted private investments in the country. But for various reasons, this statute has not attracted enough interest from investors. Some argue that its provisions are in collision with the ones set forth under the Hydrocarbons Law. It is also feasible that if the economic sanctions are lifted in the future, the Anti-Blockade Law will lose significance.

Key questions

So, in our view, there are key questions for the new hydrocarbons legislation. First, what will happen to existing joint ventures between PDVSA and Eni, Chevron, CNPC, Repsol, Maurel & Prom, and Roszarubezhneft—among other current players? We don’t know for sure if private investors will be allowed to become majority shareholders in these existing joint ventures or whether there will be a different contractual scheme.

We also ignore what will happen to new joint ventures in terms of private investors’ participation, or about the existing contracts on production, signed in recent years between PDVSA and private investors in accordance with the Anti-Blockade Law. Such contracts might be converted to production sharing contracts, services at risk contracts or other types of contracts. Private investors or joint ventures might be entitled to commercialize liquid hydrocarbons, associated natural gas, and/or by-products.

Another aspect to consider in new legislation is oil royalties, how flexible they will become, with distinctions between greenfield and brownfield projects. Will the government’s take be reduced, and the income tax lowered with the amendment of the Income Tax Law as well? Will there be any tax breaks for new investments?

In the event that private investors own a majority of the stake in the joint ventures under the new Hydrocarbons Law, the end-result would be that they will no longer be considered Venezuelan state-owned entities, as such entities are defined under the Venezuelan legal framework. Furthermore, in this case such joint ventures will not be subject to the 50% OFAC rule, which predicates that any entity directly or indirectly owned 50% or more by PDVSA is automatically deemed sanctioned and blocked, even if not explicitly listed by OFAC, prohibiting US persons from any transactions with that entity.

The weight of experience

The truth is that Venezuela has an extensive, complex, and valuable experience in dealing with oil projects and private investments for more than a century. We have to learn from past lessons, if history has any relevance at all. 

Three milestones should be mentioned in Venezuelan oil history: the Hydrocarbons Law of 1943; the Oil Nationalization Law of 1975; and the migration process to mixed joint ventures of 2006-2007, supported by the Hydrocarbons Law still in force. 

In 1943 occurred the convalidation of concessions defects and the conversion of all existing concessions to new ones under a new single legal framework. In 1975 the foreign oil companies were given the opportunity to sign technical assistance agreements and commercialization contracts with the recently created PDVSA, following their compensation. In 2006-2007 the private companies with operating services agreements, strategic associations, and profit sharing agreements were given the chance to migrate to joint ventures as minority shareholders. 

There will be better chances to attract these investments if the reform provides fiscal benefits, regulatory advantages, and favorable contractual schemes.

In all those processes, with greater or lesser success, the intended purpose of Venezuela was focused on keeping the relationships with the oil companies, with all the pros and cons that those decisions entail. 

Today there is little certainty about which legal instrument will be sanctioned by the National Assembly, and which private companies will decide to invest in the country. The only certainty is that the reform will not hinder private investments, it will promote them. In this sense, the companies already in the country have an advantage over those that are beginning to put their technical and legal teams together to make their first evaluations and studies. 

In order to have massive investments in the oil sector, an important reform of the Hydrocarbons Law is definitely the first step going forward. There will be better chances to attract these investments if the reform provides fiscal benefits, regulatory advantages, and favorable contractual schemes. Nonetheless, any reduction of the government stake to attract investments will require the modification of the Income Tax Law as well. 
The technological, human, and financial resources for the industry will hopefully come in great numbers and capabilities to Venezuela following the enactment of new legislation. The economic and legal challenges for the Venezuelan oil industry are huge and must be treated with a sense of urgency for the benefit of the country and its people.

I’m standing in the northern section of MacArthur Park with City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, and the modern-day struggles of the historic space is all around us.

People lie on the sidewalk or stand hunched over and motionless. Others lounge on spotty lawns near overflowing trash cans. Graffiti besmirch trees. Police and firefighter sirens wail in the distance.

So much to see, so much to consider in a place that has transformed into a Rorschach test for how some people see the challenges of Los Angeles. And what Hernandez initially wanted me to pay attention to were … faded red curbs.

“We redid all of them in this area,” the first-term council member proudly said. “And you’re probably thinking, like, ‘Girl, like, that does not look like it’s redone.’ But the amount of labor and resources that we had to put in to get this done, even if it’s not pretty anymore, that’s just a little tiny bit of the work you do around MacArthur Park.”

What I was thinking, in fact, was that I was quite underwhelmed by the faded red curbs as a signpost for progress.

For decades, dispatches from here — in mainstream and social media — have depicted an out-of-control park two steps away from “The Walking Dead.” The area is so nationally notorious that the Border Patrol chose it to stage an invasion here in July, complete with a literal cavalry of agents trotting down a soccer field where kids usually play while National Guard troops sat inside armored Humvees on Wilshire Boulevard.

It’s a shame, because MacArthur Park is the backyard for one of the densest neighborhoods in the United States, a modern-day Lower East Side of immigrants and their children. A succession of council members have worked for generations to keep these 35 acres free from troubles only to see it crash down on their political reputation.

The latest one is Hernandez, who’s running for a second term against a slew of opponents trying to hang MacArthur Park like an albatross around the neck of the 35-year-old politician.

Old-line liberals have blasted the democratic socialist for de-emphasizing a police presence in favor of volunteers and contract workers armed with little more than overdose kits, notepads and phone numbers. The New York Post, scheduled to launch a California edition next week, has printed at least seven anti-Hernandez stories since December, including one that described MacArthur Park as a “zombie drug den.”

She accepted my invite to take me around it for an hour and show what she has done to improve it, what still needs work and whether voters should judge her performance solely on this sliver of the 1st District, which goes from Pico-Union all the way to Glassell Park.

“MacArthur Park is experiencing” problems, Hernandez acknowledged shortly after we met at its community center on 6th Street. “Is it everything? Absolutely not. And it’s a shame. With that hyperfocus, you throw that neighborhood away instead of seeing its potential and value.”

Los Angeles City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, center, talks with homelessness outreach workers Katharine Murphy, left, and Karen Bracamonte at MacArthur Park on Jan. 15, 2026.

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

MacArthur Park is L.A.’s Norma Desmond — a place long lionized as a former jewel supposedly ruined by waves of newcomers and apathetic politicians. Throughout my life, I’ve known the place as gritty on its best days. I saw the worst in February, when I walked to Langer’s after a visit to the Mexican Consulate and saw groups of people smoking God-knows-what while bored law enforcement officers stood around.

I repeatedly asked Hernandez what she was seeing as we strolled past scenes of human misery. Past fenced-off sections of Alvarado Street, where vendors once sold their wares. Near a soccer match where the players brought in their own goalposts because the city can’t provide any.

“I see a lot of people, see a lot of potential, a lot of green space, a lot of spaces to activate,” Hernandez said.

The scent of urine wafted around us.

“It’s beautiful for everybody to care so much about it.”

She then threw the same question back at me.

“I see beauty,” I responded. “I also see a lot of people that need help.”

I see progress.

Over her three years in office, $28 million has been spent on MacArthur Park through city, county, state, federal and private funds. People reliant on social media reels might think it all a waste.

But the more we walked, the more I was seeing — dare I say — a change for the better.

Near a statue of St. Oscar Romero, Karen Bracamonte and Katharine Murphy helped a man fold his clothes and place it in a laundry cart. They’re members of the city’s so-called Circle team, mental health professionals tasked with checking in on unhoused people.

“We cover a lot of ground, but, you know, we can’t get everything,” said Murphy, 40. She started at MacArthur Park last summer. “There was a bad batch of tranq last week, so we had to deal with that instead of helping people with regular stuff.”

Bracamonte has worked at MacArthur Park for three years. Her son is unhoused. “Some aspects are better,” the 54-year-old said. “Because there’s more teams out here that can assist. But is it really better? Because now where do we put people up? There’s not enough beds. There’s not enough food. There’s not enough everything.”

Across the corner from us was Langer’s, whose owner made national news in 2024 when he vowed to close his famed delicatessen if MacArthur Park didn’t improve. Workers power-washed the sidewalk as Hernandez and I ambled on. Nearby, people huddled around a car handing out groceries.

What about critics who say the self-described police abolitionist should work closer with law enforcement to clean up the park, I told her.

“The heaviest hands have been representing this area before me, and what did they have to show for it? Nothing,” she responded as we made our way down to the lake. Hernandez brought up “The Rent Collectors,” a 2024 book by former Times reporter Jesse Katz that covers the history of MacArthur Park through a gang murder.

“It’s easy to blame me for the dereliction of duty that has been going on here for many, many years before I came into office,” she continued. “And part of my time in City Hall is trying to get the city to do things differently because for so long, they’ve been doing things the same way and expecting different results. And what do we have? A crumbling city…This neighborhood, these people, they deserve nice things.”

We now by the edge of MacArthur Park’s lake, which Hernandez hopes to improve its water quality so people can use pedal boats on it for the first time in two decades. For a good three minutes, the scene around us looked like a slice of Irvine.

Hernandez walks past artwork painted on planters surrounding the lake at MacArthur Park.

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Canada geese honked and waddled across stretches of grass where I saw condoms and broken glass pipes last year. Birds relaxed on the water. Senior citizens did their morning circuits. There wasn’t a single distressed person to see. It was still grimy, but MacArthur Park’s famed beauty was there, a beauty unmatched by newer parks — if only Hernandez and others could burnish it.

“See that playground?” Hernandez said, gesturing toward a jungle gym near Park View Street.

The one damaged by an arsonist in the fall of 2024 shortly after a multimillion-dollar refurbishment?

“We fought hard for that to be fixed ASAP, and now there’s a little bit of protection around it,” pointing at a small fence. She then looked at streetlights. “They’re solarized. We put them up late last year. It’s twofold. It gets us closer to our sustainability goals. And it also is far more resilient to copper wire theft.”

Hernandez plans more improvements for MacArthur Park and its surrounding streets. Trees. Spots for food vendors. Programming with local nonprofits beyond the Levitt Pavilion bandstand that hosts summer concerts. A $2.3-million fence proposed by the Los Angeles Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners last fall that would encircle it and which Hernandez supports because “the park does deserve what state historic park gets, which is to close down and refurbish.”

We crossed Wilshire Boulevard and ran into David Rodriguez and Diego Santana, who serve as so-called peace ambassadors, an Hernandez initiative that contracts nonprofits to help patrol the district. Both grew up in the neighborhood and have lived through MacArthur Park’s travails. Below us was the soccer field that the Border Patrol trampled over half a year ago.

“You see a lot of kids nowadays,” said Santana, 35. “And it wasn’t like that in recent years.”

Rodriguez waved toward a gated pathway. “There was a 5K run that it was opened for,” said the 42-year-old. “You didn’t see that before.”

“It’s much cleaner,” Santana added. “There’s still issues, but it’s getting better.”

Peace ambassadors Diego Santana, left, and David Rodriguez explain to Hernandez and Times columnist Gustavo Arellano, not pictured, how they believe the park has improved.

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

A man named David approached us.

“You live around here?” Hernandez said.

“I’m homeless,” he responded.

“Do you need any help?”

“I need a job.”

Santana and Rodriguez walked away with him to take down his information and direct him to resources. Hernandez beamed.

“I think people and conservative media — and oftentimes even, you know, not conservative media — they paint MacArthur Park as if the sky is falling,” she said. “I hope people also see beyond the crises that this is a jewel. There’s so much life. But people shrink it down to problematic substances.”

We walked back to the community center but not before Hernandez stopped me from stepping on fresh dog poop as she said, “I’ve had to fight for every single penny and investment and resources that are in this neighborhood in my term. And I will continue to do so because they deserve it.”

An overdose team was checking in for the day. I asked the council member whether she was willing to stand by MacArthur Park under her watch as she campaigns for four more years.

“Every day with my whole chest, 10 toes down,” Hernandez replied. “And that’s why I keep coming back. I don’t run away from problems. I could have easily forgotten about MacArthur Park because, you know, that’s what traditionally has been done. But no, I ran to it.”

There’s still a long way to go, I thought — but Hernandez is getting there. She certainly seems to be trying, despite what her haters insist. The council member got in her SUV and drove off, but not before rolling down the window to shout out one more message:

“You can tell everyone that the sky isn’t falling here and we’re just getting started.”

Monte Marcaccini was one of the best basketball players in Sherman Oaks Notre Dame High history, leading the Knights to a 1993 Southern Section Division III-A championship. He was a 6-foot-5 guard who turned down a scholarship to Indiana to play club ball in Italy, then ended up at Pepperdine and later Virginia before playing overseas.

Now Marcaccini, 51, is back in high school basketball, serving as an assistant coach at Oaks Christian High, where his son, James, is a 6-3 freshman playing for the 20-4 Lions.

“He loves the game and works hard,” Monte said. “I was a lot smaller than he was. He’s a much better player than I was as a freshman.”

Monte was known for being a little flamboyant and trash talking with the best. He’d tell anyone and everyone he could beat you one on one.

So who wins when it’s father vs. son these days?

“Now it would be pretty close,” the father said. “I would be worried now.”

Monte started a private business 25 years ago using his Italian roots — gelato, a frozen dessert.

Monte played for coach Mick Cady at Notre Dame. Cady also was the high school coach in Northern California for Oaks Christian coach Mark Amaral and recently dropped by to give a pep talk to the Oaks Christian players.

The big question is whether the son talks more than the father.

“I talked way more. He’s much more of a gentleman,” Monte said.

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

A ‘ghost’ town in Dorset perfectly captures the moment it was abandoned in the 1940s when villagers gave up their homes and lives to help the war effort

In 1943 time stood still in Tyneham, Dorset when all residents swiftly abandoned their homes, school and church, leaving their village behind, completely deserted.

They had been forced to leave because of the second World War and were given just 28 days’ notice to pack up all their belongings and evacuate. Despite being promised their sacrifice was temporary and they would be able to return, the government permanently seized the village and it remains empty today.

Due to the hurried nature in which the villagers left, there are still poignant reminders of the families who once called it home, some for many years.

A heartbreaking message was attached to the church entrance, which pleaded: “Please treat the church and houses with care. We have given up our homes where many of us have lived for generations, to help win the war to keep men free. We will return one day and thank you for treating the village kindly.”

The land surrounding Tyneham was already used as a firing range but the government decided the village and its fields were needed to train troops before the D-Day landings.

While the area was deemed essential for national defense by the British Army during the war, residents believed they would be able to go home afterwards. However, despite their campaigns Tyneham was permanently taken over by the military for live firing exercises when fighting had ceased and it remains part of the Armoured Fighting Vehicles Gunnery School.

However, it is possible to visit the village which now acts as a snapshot of a time gone by. More than 80 years later, it serves as a “thought-provoking and interesting” tourist attraction and opens periodically throughout the year, offering tourists a fascinating glimpse into the lives of its former inhabitants.

Some of the original dwellings such as a row of terraced houses, the restored church and school buildings are still intact and have exhibitions about the village and its former residents. At Tyneham Farm, some of the outbuildings have been restored and there is also a picnic area. For those wanting to enjoy the nearby stunning Jurassic coast, Worbarrow Bay is around a 20 minute walk away from the village. The World Heritage Site is off the beaten track so remains uncrowded.

One visitor shared their experience on Tripadvisor: “When you visit Tyneham, it is like you are stepping back in time to the 1940s as it has pretty much remained the same since its requisitioning by the Ministry of Defence in 1943 in preparation for the D-Day landings,” they wrote. “It is rather interesting reading about the story of the village’s buildings and the people who were displaced by the MoD. The church is a highlight thanks to how well preserved it is, and I would recommend it to anyone in the area.”

Another said: “This deserted village has such an interesting history. The boards within the church detailing the villagers fight to be allowed to return to the village and the current position are very moving.”

In 2024 the last living resident of Tyneham, Peter Wellman, made his final visit to the village where he was born and raised. He spoke about his recollections of his childhood there to the Dorset Echo: “We had no electricity, no mains gas and no running water – we had to pump that from near the church,” he said.

“I remember going to the beach and fishing and we often had mackerel. We were happy until we got moved out..” Sadly he passed away last year at the grand old age of 100.

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With a picture perfect harbour, pretty cottages and cobbled main street, a visit to an enchanting village in north Devon where cars are banned feels like stepping back in time

It wasn’t until the middle of the 19th century that the outside world even learned of the beautiful village of Clovelly. Its isolated location on the north Devon coast meant it was guarded by the sea and there is a steep, cobbled route up to the main town which is built into the 400 foot cliffs.

Historically donkeys were used to transport goods from the harbour to the village but these days they have a much easier life in their stables where children can visit them and sledges are mainly used to drag food and supplies to shops and homes.

Cars are not allowed in at all which makes for a rare and unique atmosphere that only adds to the ancient village’s magical charm that inspired author Charles Dickens and artist J.M.W Turner.

READ MORE: ‘Real-life fairytale village’ has visitors feeling like they’ve travelled back in time

There is evidence of human habitation in the area from the Iron Age but William the Conqueror acquired Clovelly from its Saxon owner after the Norman invasion in 1066. The manor was bought by judge Sir John Carey in the late 14th century and it stayed in his family for 400 years.

In the late 16th century George Carey created the harbour by having a formidable stone breakwater built which provided the only safe haven for ships along the rugged coast. He also had cottages and fish cellars erected at the base of the cliff, which transformed the village’s income base from agriculture to fishing.

In the early 1700s, the estate was bought by the Hamlyn family and it was Christine Hamlyn who renovated many of the old cottages and built a car park at the top of the village where vehicles could be left.

The car park is still used today and John Rous – a descendant of the Hamlyn’s – privately owns all of the houses and buildings in the estate as well as the surrounding land. Visitors are encouraged but everyone must pay an entrance fee, which helps maintain the village for future generations.

There are plenty of attractions for tourists to wonder at once inside Clovelly. There is one main cobbled street, which is extremely steep and the reason residents still use sledges to drag shopping home. Quaint whitewashed cottages line the route, most of which are listed buildings.

The 12th century grade 1 listed All Saints Church sits in the grounds of Clovelly Court on the site of the original Norman church. History buffs may want to pop into the Kingsley Museum and the Fisherman’s Cottage which provide a true glimpse at what life was like for villagers in times gone by.

Fishing continues today but on a sustainable basis. The locally caught crab, lobster and herring can be sampled at the annual festivals and a wander along the quay to admire the immense structural achievement of the village’s men who dragged the huge boulders into place, is a must. Tours of the historic lifeboat station are available to book where you’ll learn about the heritage of the vital facility and why locals fought to keep it.

Shops sell unique handcrafted products from silks, to pottery and soap. The brewery at the top of the village offers a large range of local Devon beers, ciders, wines and spirits as well as gift ideas to take home. The Mermaid’s Purse is a gallery and shop in the heart of the village selling original artwork and prints.

There is a rich heritage of Clovelly inspiring artists that goes back many years. J. M. W. Turner painted the harbour around 1822 and his piece hangs in the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin. Charles Dickens also wrote about the village in A Message From the Sea in 1860.

Recent fans of the breathtaking ocean views and picture postcard lure have shared their experiences on Tripadvisor. One wrote: “We had a great visit to this lovely village cut into the hillside overlooking the harbour. Properties are interesting, with a great history and back story. Staff and residents were friendly and welcoming and with pubs, tearoom and ice creams available along the way, what’s not to love.”

Another who described it as “the best day out ever” added: “All I can say is wow, what a gorgeous day out and what a sensational place and felt like we’d been transported back in time. We had a cream tea and coffee in the tea room and saw dolphins in the bay in large numbers. After we walked down to the pub and had a few beers and sat outside enjoying more views of dolphins and seals.”

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Corfe Castle in Dorset has been dubbed a ‘fairytale’ village by visitors who say it feels like stepping back in time – with its picturesque ivy-covered cottages and thousand-year-old castle ruins

A quaint village that looks to have leapt straight out of a fairy tale has been praised by visitors, many of whom feel as though they’ve stepped back in time when arriving. And it’s right here in the UK.

Corfe Castle is a charming village nestled in Dorset, situated on the site of a ruined castle bearing the same name. Perched atop a gap in the Purbeck Hills, it offers a truly breathtaking destination for your next day trip. Additionally, there’s an awe-inspiring, historical castle just a stone’s throw away. Built in 1107 by King Henry I, Corfe Castle served as a crucial Royalist stronghold during the English Civil War.

One visitor, Hannah, is among the many who have been captivated by this historic village and is now encouraging others to follow suit. As a renowned travel influencer boasting more than 208,000 Instagram followers, Hannah brought her camera along on her journey to the Dorset village to capture its unique charm.

“A real-life fairytale village, tucked into the Dorset countryside,” she wrote in her post’s caption. “This is Corfe Castle, where ivy-clad cottages nestle beneath the ruins of a thousand year old castle and time stands still.”

In her accompanying video, Hannah shared drone footage soaring above the castle and village at sunset, casting them in an even more enchanting and picturesque light.

The castle is currently under the stewardship of the National Trust and is open to the public, having only opened in December 2024 after being closed for 400 years. The charity also operates a shop and a tearoom within the village.

The village sits in the valley beneath the castle, roughly four miles south-east of Wareham and four miles north-west of Swanage.

Several homes and cottages throughout the village are constructed from the same stone, establishing it as one of Dorset’s most picturesque and photographed villages. Following the partial destruction of the castle in 1646, much of the stone was repurposed to construct the neighbouring village. Today, the village boasts several independent shops, pubs and tea rooms, offering visitors a wealth of choices during their stay.

“Come for the history, stay for the tea rooms, and that unmistakable feeling that you’ve stepped into another era,” Hannah said. “If fairytales had postcodes… this would be one of them.”

Hannah wasn’t alone in her enthusiasm for the village, as numerous viewers flocked to the comments section to express their own admiration.

“Amazing. I am adding this to our list of must visit places if we can get back,” one viewer wrote. Another said: “A dream to visit!!!”

“Have been lucky enough to visit the area with my family, and it is a beautiful and amazing place and makes you proud of our great country,” a third person said.

Another viewer recommended: “You must visit at Christmas, the whole village is lit up, so pretty. Dorset is a beautiful county and Corfe is one of our loveliest villages.”

Taking centre stage is Josh Paul, former director of congressional and public affairs at the US Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. In 2023, Paul resigned in protest over the US’s role in enabling Israel’s war on Gaza. Since then, he has co-founded A New Policy, a political organisation pushing for change in US policy towards Palestine and Israel.

Paul discusses his resignation, whether Washington has learned anything and if the US is doomed to repeat its mistakes.