Mérida, January 21, 2026 (venezuelanalysis.com) – The Venezuelan government launched a series of initiatives over the weekend to support communities affected by the January 3 bombings carried out by the United States.

On Friday, January 16, folk artists performed at the Rómulo Gallegos Urbanization in La Guaira state, where US forces struck the local port. The attack destroyed a medical supplies warehouse and a residential building, killing an elderly civilian woman.

During the event, Venezuelan singer-songwriter Benjamín Zambrano said that music helps restore collective spirit and identity. “Through song we invoke our roots, our conscience, our way of life, and our right to live in peace,” he stated.

Cultural events continued Saturday at the Ezequiel Zamora Urban Complex in Ciudad Tiuna, Caracas, organized by the Venezuelan Housing Mission and the Ministry of Culture. The large-scale housing complex is adjacent to Fuerte Tiuna, the capital’s main military headquarters where most of the US strikes took place.

During the recreational activity, Culture Minister Ernesto Villegas said the government has a responsibility to help more than 10,000 families recover from the impact of the January 3 attacks. The US operation likewise included the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.

Multiple Venezuelan artists performed in Ciudad Tiuna on Saturday and Sunday as well.

On Saturday, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez also visited Ciudad Tiuna, where 463 apartments were reported damaged.

She called for swift efforts to restore the affected homes and emphasized the importance of supporting children. “We wanted to hold special events for our children, including psychological support sessions,” the acting president told press.

“The Venezuelan people should know that there is hope and a future for our children,” Rodríguez added, noting that recreational activities will continue over the coming weekends. The visit additionally provided a food market as well as healthcare and psychological services.

Rodríguez expands on upcoming economic reforms

The Ciudad Tiuna visit likewise saw Rodríguez comment on announced economic reforms, including two “sovereign wealth funds” to manage oil revenues. The acting president announced the initiative during her 2026 annual address before the National Assembly. 

“The first fund will focus on social protection to improve workers’ incomes,” she affirmed. “This will ensure that foreign currency goes directly to hospitals, schools, food programs, and housing.” 

The second fund will focus on “water, electricity, and road infrastructure.”

Over the weekend, Rodríguez also led a meeting of the National Productive Economy Council with representatives from private sector associations. She presented the 2025 economic growth forecast and the strategic roadmap for the current year. 

Alongside the sovereign wealth funds, she outlined a package of legislative initiatives scheduled for the coming months. The government’s plans include a reform of the Hydrocarbon Law designed to “integrate the advances made under the anti-blockade law” in order to improve conditions for foreign investors.

According to Rodríguez, when the current law was enacted in 2001, Venezuela had “mature and developed oil fields to attract investment,” but now seeks to bring capital to “virgin or green fields.”

Former President Hugo Chávez implemented key changes to oil regulations in 2001 and 2006 to increase the Venezuelan state’s role in the sector while also raising tax and royalty payments to sustain social programs.

Acting President Rodríguez went on to present legislative projects to defend socioeconomic rights and streamline bureaucratic procedures. 

In addition, she proposed creating “a national committee to defend Venezuela’s economic rights worldwide,” with representation from the national executive branch and sectors including oil, agriculture, industry, commerce, banking, non-oil exports, and community organizations.

“This committee,” Rodríguez argued, “will defend Venezuela’s economic rights in multilateral organizations and international forums, traveling the world to promote and uphold those rights.”

Edited by Ricardo Vaz in Caracas.

AMANDA Holden’s daughter Lexi just celebrated turning twenty, and looked stunning dressed up as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader in a throwback snap posted for the big day.

The much-loved TV personality, 54, took to her Instagram page to mark Lexi’s birthday, sharing the gorgeous snap alongside one of Lexi as a child.

Lexi, who signed her first modelling contract last year, looked effortlessly beautiful in the iconic outfit – a throwback picture of her in her Halloween outfit.

Holding a blue and white cheer pom pom above her head with one hand, the stunner smiled at the camera.

The second snap of her as a child sweetly shows Lexi holding her arm in the air in a similar way, sitting outside in the snow.

“Put your hand up if you’re 20 today!!!,” Amanda wrote in the post’s caption.

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“Mama and Dada love you so much – our strong, bright, kind, loyal, funny girl!!! Little Lexi Lou.”

Amanda finished off the caption with a small black heart.

Fans of the family praised Lexi, as well as being stunned how fast she seems to have grown up.

“Oh my goodness. Beautiful!,” said one user.

“Wow what a beauty babe,” said another to Amanda. “I remember her being that tiny.”

A third added: “OMG 20??? How??? Happiest of birthdays beautiful Lexi.”

The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders (DCC) became famous in the late 1970s, but thanks to the 2024 Netflix docuseries America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders they’ve gained renewed global fame.

The show follows the team selection process and documents the daily life of the thirty-six person cheer squad.

Amanda is also a proud mother to daughter Hollie, 13.

A large, shiny pub with a thriving clientele appears to be doing well, but is the most f****d pub in London, according to a new, alarming study into the UK’s pubs

As you walk into the Spread Eagle in Wandsworth, it’s not completely obvious that it’s f****ed.

In fact, it seems like a perfectly nice pub. The bar staff are cheery, the Guinness is delicious and the place is generally spic and span. It’s early on a Thursday evening in January, but the drinkers are out in decent numbers. A sandwich board out front promises Six Nations fixtures will arrive in a fortnight to break the winter’s gloom.

The Spread Eagle is the kind of pub that offers a bit of something for everyone. When I visited, present was a lone man reading a book and tucking into one of the menu’s ‘traditional pub classics’; two mums cradling their children; and a group of marketers discussing Q2 strategy.

While calm enough on a Thursday evening, I get the sense that the Spread Eagle becomes a pretty lively place on a Saturday night when the rugby crowd piles in. Although probably not so lively as to disturb the guests staying over in the 21 ‘eclectically’ decorated rooms upstairs.

Overall, it is a fine-looking place that serves three regular cask-conditioned beers and has ‘an historic pub interior of national importance’, according to CAMRA. It’s not at all obvious that the Spread Eagle is f***ed, but it is. In fact, according to a new study, it is the most f***ed pub in the whole of London.

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The Young’s-run boozer has been handed that unfortunate title by Ben Guerin, a digital comms expert and coder who has built ismypubf***ed.com.

“My friends and I were talking about where to go to the pub, we said we should go to somewhere that’s been affected by the changes. We both run businesses and have been affected. I had the idea on Thursday morning at 11am, had the website live at 7pm. It takes a spreadsheet from 2023, which has every single business in the UK, and another from 2026. You can group those together to work out the change. More than 42,000 pubs were analysed, of those, 78% or 80% were facing increases. 12% were either f***ed or absolutely f***ed, meaning their increase has doubled or more between 2023 and 2026,” Ben told the Mirror.

Based on business rates alone, the Spread Eagle is in an unenviable spot. Its rateable value is due to increase by 622%, from £16,750 in 2023 to £121,000 this year, pushing its annual tax bill up by 833% to £46,452, according to Ben’s analysis of publicly available data.

While the Spread Eagle is the worst hit percentage-wise in London, it is just one of 5,000 pubs across the UK facing a doubling of property tax.

Last week, the head of the Valuation Office Agency told MPs that 13 per cent of pubs – a total of 5,100 – have been hit with a 100 per cent rise in their so-called ‘rateable value’, which is used to calculate their business rates bill.

The average pub faces paying £1,400 a year more, rising to £12,900 over three years. Those with the largest rises in property tax valuations face even bigger increases. The Bertie Arms in Stamford, Lincolnshire, faces a near 2,000% rise – the biggest in the country.

Katie and James Genever, the landlords of the grade II-listed thatched village pub, told the Telegraph that the change would almost totally wipe out their profits. “It just feels like we are being targeted and come at from every angle. Hospitality is being whacked from all sides and used as a cash cow,” Ms Genever said.

The gloomy financial prospects of many pubs is difficult to overstate. A report by UK Hospitality has warned six venues will close every day this year without support – a total of more than 2,000. That far outstrips the 378 that closed in 2025, according to the Institute for Licensing. The British Beer and Pub Association worries pubs will need to sell an extra 1.3 billion pints of beer a year to offset surging taxes.

For Ben, who moved from New Zealand to the UK around a decade ago, the perilous state of the Great British pub is a major concern.

“Pubs are the heart of the local community. One of the things I’ve always loved about the UK in general. Everyone has a charm and heritage. Whether standing out on a pavement on a cold, wet January, or sitting in a beer garden in the summer. It’s really sad so many of them have been shutting down in recent years,” he said.

After weeks of fierce campaigning from pub supporters, Labour now seemed poised to row back on rates increases and offer some support to boozers that have faced a toxic cocktail of cost rises in recent years including: an increase in employers’ national insurance, the minimum wage, energy costs, business rates, inflation, new workers’ rights legislation and a rise in alcohol duty.

The government is expected to announce an overhaul to the way it calculates business rates for pubs within days, which it says will help soften the sharp hikes that a majority of the embattled sector faced in the aftermath of the Budget.

According to multiple reports, Treasury officials have conceded its overhaul to business rates – the commercial equivalent to council tax – left many local pubs facing a huge hike in their overall bill, despite the hospitality industry technically being offered a 5p cut.

At November’s Budget, the Chancellor scaled back the business rate discounts that businesses have enjoyed since the pandemic. It also confirmed the results of a much-anticipated re-evaluation of so-called rateable values, a central government estimate for the amount of rent a site will pay in a year, which left pubs across the country facing considerably larger bills.

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Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, hailed the government’s decision to reopen the business rates increases, branding it a “huge win for pubs across the country”. She added: “This could save locals, jobs, and means publicans can breathe a huge sigh of relief. The BBPA has worked closely with ministers on a pub-specific solution that would ensure that bills are reduced in line with the government’s previous promise to pubs.”

Young’s declined to comment.

Experienced pair Jonny Gray and Dave Cherry return to the Scotland squad in time for this year’s Six Nations, while there are places for young Edinburgh duo Liam McConnell and Freddy Douglas.

The 40-strong squad chosen by head coach Gregor Townsend, comprises 23 forwards and 17 backs.

Adam Hastings and Fergus Burke will provide competition and cover for star fly-half Finn Russell.

Ben White and George Horne are the scrum-halves, with Jamie Dobie an option at number nine but thriving on the wing for Glasgow Warriors.

Captain Sione Tuipulotu is joined by Glasgow team-mates Huw Jones and Stafford McDowall and Northampton Saints’ Rory Hutchinson as the specialist centres.

The back three selection will come from Blair Kinghorn, Tom Jordan, Kyle Rowe and Ollie Smith, who are all options at full-back, along with Duhan van der Merwe, Darcy Graham, Kyle Steyn and Dobie.

McConnell, 21, and Douglas, 20, each have one cap and join Magnus Bradbury, Jamie Ritchie, Josh Bayliss and Glasgow trio Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge and Jack Dempsey in the scrap for back-row places.

Cherry, 35, playing in Pro D2 in France for Vannes, is chosen along with fellow hookers Ewan Ashman and George Turner.

There are three loosehead props; Pierre Schoeman, Rory Sutherland and Nathan McBeth, with Elliot Millar Mills and D’arcy Rae supporting standout tighthead Zander Fagerson.

Bordeaux’s Gray, with 81 caps, joins fellow stalwarts Grant Gilchrist and Scott Cummings as Max Williamson and Alex Craig bid to break the established order in the second row, along with Gregor Brown, who also operates at blindside flanker.

Scotland open the tournament in Rome on 7 February, then host England before a trip to Cardiff on three successive Saturdays.

France visit Murrayfield on 7 March and Scotland are in Dublin for the final round of fixtures seven days later.

Scotland finished fourth last year, with third place in 2023 and 2018 their best showings in Townsend’s eight previous attempts.

A HOLIDAY with kids can be costly, especially when you factor in flights, luggage, hotel and spending money.

As a single mum, I have to watch every penny, so when someone shared The Sun £9.50 holidays in our mum Whatsapp chat, it seemed too good to be true.

My friend Cherisse had been collecting tokens in The Sun every day and she booked a weekend away in the UK with her three children for less than £10.

They had booked a caravan for three nights, including use of the park’s facilities – an indoor pool, club house with nightly entertainment, kids activity sessions and a large playground.

We had all been saying that it would be fun to do a group holiday together, but with the cost of living crisis, we’d yet to get that out of the group chat.

But at £9.50 for a weekend away, I signed on straight away.

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Gradually, other families decided to go for it too and eventually all 10 families in our friendship group had booked on.

We were all buzzing for our group trip and the kids were giddy with excitement. There were actually 40 of us in the group, in total.

When I was a child, we’d often go to holiday parks with our friends and my school friends and I still talk about those trips 30 years on.

I was excited to be able to give my kids the same experience.

To get the best deal, we booked early in the season, selecting holiday cabins at Park Dean Kessingland Beach Holiday Park in Suffolk.

It was the first weekend in March and absolutely freezing! But the kids didn’t care.

They were just all excited to get away and spend the weekend together. Us parents were too.

Packing was easy since I could just throw everything in the car, including footballs, colouring books and the kids’ scooters.

As soon as we arrived, the kids were all outside playing together so the parents could unpack and have a cup of tea.

Our cabins weren’t all next to one another, but we were all on the same pitch and it was very safe for the kids to play on the grass outside, with at least one parent being able to see them from every angle.

Some of the families had teenage children with them, so we had built-in babysitters too (thank you Freya, Ava and Harrison).

This was how the weekend continued, only really seeing my children when they wanted food, snacks or money for the arcade.

Much easier for me, as a solo mum, than taking my two children on holiday by myself. It was actually relaxing and I came home feeling like I’d actually had a break.

The old saying ‘it takes a village’ was definitely true here.

It was my first time at a holiday park as an adult and I was really impressed with the caravans. We had a two-bed comfort caravan, which was spacious and very clean.

There is a large living area with a sofa and a small table and the heating, thankfully, was good, so it was really cosy.

I even had a partial view of the sea.

During the day, the kids joined in with craft and sport activities, all included with the price.

There were also more extreme activities like Nerf Gun battles and slime workshops, but these cost a bit extra.

To use the indoor pool, you had to book a session and because there were so many of us, we filled up the pool capacity and had it to ourselves for two hours.

It’s not often you get a stay with a private pool for less than £5 per person for the whole weekend. Plus, since we were the only ones there, the staff let the kids play with the inflatable jet skis – usually these would cost extra.

It was brilliant.

In the evenings, there is a quiz night, kids disco, karaoke and a full cabaret show.

The site has a few low-cost options for dinner including a pub in the clubhouse, a pizza takeaway and fish and chips.

However, most of us opted to cook in our cabins to keep costs down. A quick pasta and my kids were itching to get back to clubhouse to hang out with their mates and play on the arcades.

Us mums enjoyed the evenings too,as the pub even sold cocktails (only £7 each).

Even though it was cold, we still enjoyed rounders on the beach and two of the mums even went for a cold-water sea swim.

It really reminded me of the wholesome holidays of my childhood and everyone agreed it was a brilliant weekend. As we packed up the car to start the convoy home, we vowed to do it again every year.

And we have!

The following year, we paid a bit extra to go to a bigger resort, which has a wider range of activities, a huge adventure playground and a pool and water park.

The cost for the weekend was still less than £150 for a family of four.

I took the kids to Tenerife and Florida the same year and they still said this was their favourite trip.

I think a holiday with 20 of your mates is just brilliant for kids – and the mums!

This year we have booked to go again. This will be our fourth caravan trip. I can’t wait.

Following the very public Beckham family drama that dominated headlines this week, holiday experts at On the Beach have unveiled a brand-new booking perk aimed at easing pre-holiday chaos

Families who fall out can take solace in a thanks to a new ‘ Beckham Clause’ launched this week by a package holiday company.

Following the very public Beckham family drama that dominated headlines this week, holiday experts at On the Beach have unveiled a brand-new booking perk aimed at easing pre-holiday chaos. The move comes after Brooklyn Beckham went nuclear online, publishing a six-page Instagram statement that laid bare a deep family rift and reignited the internet’s obsession with celebrity fallouts.

On the Beach’s new clause applies to family holidays where one member suddenly drops out due to a feud, argument, or full-blown emotional meltdown. Under the new policy, if a family member pulls out before departure, their share of the hotel booking will be refunded rather than leaving the rest of the group to foot the bill.

The perk, officially titled the ‘Family Fallout Refund’ and already nicknamed the ‘Beckham Clause’ by bosses, aims to give holidaymakers peace of mind that no matter how messy things get at home, their getaway won’t suffer.

Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach, said: “We love family holidays, but we’re also very aware that family fallouts cam hamper plans. The ‘Beckham Clause’ is there for those moments when someone decides they’d rather cool off at home than by the pool. Our new perk means that if a family feud takes place and one person drops out, the rest of the group can still head off, relax, and enjoy the holiday they were looking forward to.”

Family fallouts aren’t just limited to celebrities. Every year, hundreds of holiday bookings need amending with sons, daughters, and partners dropping out due to feuds. The new perk is available on family holidays with 5 people or more and the claim needs to be made at least 60 days before departure.

It’s not the only free perk being made available on holiday bookings in 2026. Anyone holidaying with On the Beach in 2026 and booking up to 60 days before departure is guaranteed a perk.

One of either free lounge access, free gadget insurance, free weather protection or a £50 amazon voucher plus Price Drop Protection. Even better, all bookings will receive 1GB of free mobile data.

The T&Cs

Any family member who withdraws from the holiday due to said fallout will have their portion of the accommodation cost refunded to the lead booker, regardless of who started it, who’s telling their side, or who last posted a cryptic caption.

The party needs to contact On the Beach via its chat, tell them they have had a family feud, inform them which party member is dropping out, and the cash refund will be processed.

Applies to new and existing bookings departing on or before 31 August, 2026. Cancellation must be requested 60 days prior to departure. Refund will be returned to the last card used on the booking. 1 cancellation per booking. Excludes Cruises. OTB fees for cancelling hotel will be waived. Cancellation fees will still apply to the flight element, transfers and any extras booked. Save for the above changes to cancellation fees, OTB’s standard terms and conditions apply to bookings – see www.onthebeach.co.uk/terms-and-conditions for details.

After United States President Donald Trump threatened a trade war against European countries which oppose his bid to acquire Greenland, Europe is now considering deploying a “trade bazooka” – a powerful, multilayered instrument in its arsenal of economic deterrents.

Norway says its prime minister has received a message from Trump hinting that Oslo’s failure to award him the Nobel Peace Prize is at least partly to blame for his stance.

Here is more about Trump’s tariff threat to Europe, alongside Europe’s response.

What was in Trump’s Norway letter over Greenland?

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store’s office confirmed on Monday that he had received a message from Trump in which he wrote: “Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace.”

Trump added: “Although it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America.”

Trump reiterated that he does not believe Denmark can keep Greenland secure from Russia or China.

“The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland,” he wrote.

What tariffs has Trump threatened against Europe?

In a post on his Truth Social platform on January 17, Trump wrote that he had subsidised Denmark and other European Union countries by not charging them trade tariffs.

He wrote that, starting from February 1, exports to the US from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland would all be subject to a 10 percent levy.

On June 1 this year, the tariff would 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.

“The United States has been trying to do this transaction for over 150 years. Many Presidents have tried, and for good reason, but Denmark has always refused.”

Danish and Greenlandic leaders have repeatedly stated that the autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark is not for sale, and recent demonstrations on the island have opposed Trump’s push to acquire it.

Why does the US want to buy Greenland?

The US interest is longstanding: after buying Alaska in 1867, Secretary of State William Seward unsuccessfully tried to buy Greenland. In 1946, President Harry Truman secretly offered Denmark $100m for Greenland, but Copenhagen refused, and the proposal became public only decades later.

During World War II, the US occupied the island and built military facilities, maintaining a presence today at Pituffik Space Base.

Greenland, a 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 withdrew from the European Community (EC/EU) in 1985 after it gained home rule, but maintains a special association with the EU as an Overseas Country and Territory (OCT), which grants limited internal market access and EU citizenship to Greenland’s residents through Denmark.

Its 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-UK gap, according to the Trump administration.

Greenland’s economy relies mainly on fishing, locals oppose large-scale mining, and there is no oil or gas extraction. However, it has large deposits of minerals, including rare-earth metals, which are necessary for the manufacture of technology, including smartphones and fighter planes. The island has therefore drawn increasing interest from leading powers as climate change opens up new shipping lanes in the Arctic.

How has Europe responded to Trump’s tariff threat?

Many nations in Europe want to pursue diplomatic options with the US before retaliating with tariffs of their own, but have not ruled it out.

“Our priority is to engage, not escalate. Sometimes the most responsible form of leadership is restraint,” European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill said on Monday.

However, Gill warned that “the EU has tools at its disposal and is prepared to respond should the threatened tariffs be imposed”.

The 27 members of the EU convened for an emergency meeting on Sunday to discuss their response to Trump’s threat.

In a joint statement on the same day, the eight countries targeted by Trump with new tariffs said they “stand in full solidarity” with Denmark and the people of Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.

“Building on the process begun last week, we stand ready to engage in a dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we stand firmly behind,” Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK said in the statement.

“Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. We will continue to stand united and coordinated in our response. We are committed to upholding our sovereignty.”

During an address to the nation on Monday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK believes Greenland is part of Denmark and its future must be determined by Greenland and Denmark only.

“Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong. We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US administration,” Starmer said. However, he stated repeatedly during his address and questions from the media afterwards that, for now, he is not in favour of launching retaliatory tariffs against the US. “A tariff war is not in anyone’s interests.”

This week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also urged dialogue, warning that a tariff war would hurt both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

“We want to avoid any escalation in this dispute if at all possible,” Merz said. “We simply want to try to resolve this problem together.” He did not rule out using tariffs if absolutely necessary, however.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa wrote identical, but separate X posts, saying: “Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty.”

Some European leaders have been more bullish about how to respond to Trump’s threats, however, and called on the EU to activate a never-before-used economic tool designed to face down coercion from states outside the EU.

David van Weel, the foreign minister of the Netherlands, said during an interview on Dutch television on January 18: “It’s blackmail what he’s doing … and it’s not necessary. It doesn’t help the alliance [NATO], and it also doesn’t help Greenland.”

“The Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), designed precisely for such cases, must now be used,” German MEP Bernd Lange, who chairs the European Parliament’s trade committee, said in a post on X.

“I call on the European Commission to activate it immediately.”

During the emergency EU meeting on Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron also requested that the bloc activate the ACI, also known as a “trade bazooka”, according to news reports.

What is the ACI, or trade bazooka?

The trade bazooka is a legal mechanism that the EU proposed late in 2021 and adopted in 2023 to protect European countries from economic pressure by non-EU countries.

By the end of his first term in January 2021, Trump had launched a trade war against several of Washington’s leading trading partners, including the EU, which faced US tariffs on steel and aluminium exports.

In December 2021, China blocked Lithuanian goods from entering Chinese ports after Lithuania was deleted from China’s electronic customs declarations system. This was in retaliation for Lithuania’s decision to allow Taiwan, which China considers its territory, to open a de facto embassy in Vilnius under the name “Taiwanese Representative Office”. China’s block also applied to exports from other EU member states when the goods contained Lithuanian components or were linked to Lithuania.

The bazooka idea was proposed in the EU on December 8, 2021, as China was blocking goods.

It was, therefore, adopted in 2023 with countries like China in mind, rather than allies like the US, Erica York, vice president of federal tax policy at the Tax Foundation, told US media.

“The ACI restricts the access of US corporations to sell products in the European market. This is the European Union’s most powerful economic weapon,” Jo Michell, a professor of economics at the University of the West of England in Bristol, told Al Jazeera.

“It includes fees and charges on imports of goods and services, restrictions on US investment into the EU and a possible ban on public sector contracts for US companies.”

Essentially, the trade bazooka involves a series of measures, including steep retaliatory tariffs and increased customs duties. If applied to the US, the EU could limit or block access for US goods, services or companies to its single market.

It could also place restrictions on exports and imports through quotas or licences. Additionally, the EU could impose measures restricting the US’s use of EU‑based financial infrastructure, increasing funding costs for US banks and firms which depend on doing business in Europe.

How would the ACI be implemented?

A last‑resort deterrence measure, it has never been implemented before. There are several steps that must be taken before it can be deployed.

The process begins when a company, another party in the EU or the Commission itself files a complaint alleging economic coercion from a country outside the EU. The European Commission then launches a formal investigation into the allegation, which it is supposed to complete within four months.

If the commission finds that economic coercion is indeed taking place, it will first try to resolve the issue through diplomacy. If those efforts fail, the EU can move towards activating the ACI.

To do so, a “qualified majority” – at least 15 of the EU’s 27 countries representing at least 65 percent of the bloc’s population – must support the move. This gives countries with larger populations, such as Germany, France and Italy, significant influence.

Once a proposal to trigger the bazooka is on the table, member states have up to 10 weeks to say yes or no. In total, the entire process can take up to a year before the bazooka fully comes into effect.

“The EC may be able to move relatively quickly given the urgency of the situation, but the implementation vote may be months rather than weeks away,” Michell said.

What effect could the ACI have on the US and Europe?

The US runs a significant trade deficit with the EU in terms of goods. This means it imports more from the EU than it exports.

In 2024, the EU exported 531.6 billion euros ($603bn) in goods to the US and imported products worth 333 billion euros ($377.8bn), resulting in a trade surplus for the EU of almost 200 billion euros ($227bn).

The picture is different for services, however. The US had a surplus of more than 109 billion euros ($124bn) in services as of 2023, with notable IT exports, led by large US tech companies, intellectual property and financial services.

The bazooka could therefore hit the US where it hurts, allowing Europe to go beyond traditional tariffs on goods and restrict or tax US services instead.

“Imposing restrictions on the large US tech companies would be particularly painful for the US, and would likely hit share prices. The US is also exposed in areas such as pharmaceuticals and aerospace,” Michell said.

However, the bazooka would hurt workers and consumers in Europe as well. Restrictions on services would mean limited choices or higher prices for US services. Additionally, retaliatory tariffs on US goods as well would mean increased prices for those, too.

What will Europe choose to do?

UK financial media reported this week that the bloc is considering imposing 93 billion euros ($108bn) in tariffs on US goods.

“Imposing 93 billion of tariffs is the first line of defence,” Mohit Kumar, chief European economist at New York-based investment banking and capital markets firm Jefferies, told Al Jazeera.

“Anti-coercion measures need a qualified majority [in the EU]. Germany has already said that it would prefer negotiations. Hence, my base case remains that the bazooka is unlikely to be used,” Kumar said.

“My base case remains that cooler heads will prevail. A solution where the US gets exclusive mineral rights and increased military presence in Greenland but its sovereignty remaining as is could be a way forward,” Kumar said.

A doctor has appeared in court accused of more than 40 counts of sexual assault against hospital patients including children.

The charges faced by Nathaniel Spencer on Tuesday relate to 38 patients at Royal Stoke University Hospital and Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, between 2017 and 2021.

The 38-year-old of Great Hampden Street, Birmingham, appeared at North Staffordshire Justice Centre where he was released on conditional bail until his next appearance set for Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on 20 February.

Some of the patients over whom he is accused were under 13 at the time of the alleged offences.

Wearing a grey suit and white shirt, Spencer spoke only to confirm his address and date of birth during a short hearing in front of District Judge Joseph O’Connor.

Spencer was a former resident doctor, previously known as a junior doctor, at the University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) NHS Trust between August 2017 and August 2020.

He later worked as a resident doctor on a placement at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust from August 2020 to April 2021.

He is charged with 15 counts of sexual assault, 17 of assault by penetration, nine of sexual assault of a child under 13, three of assaulting a child under 13 by penetration, and one of attempted assault by penetration.

Marilyn’s face is omnipresent more than 60 years after her death. She is one of the few who can be immediately recognized by first name only, in the ranks with Madonna and Mary. Her films are cult classics, her performances still lauded. So it’s no surprise that with the 100-year anniversary of her birth looming in June, readers are being treated to not one but two (at least) novelizations of her life and tragic death.

Other novels have come before — Joyce Carol Oates’ memorable if wildly fictionalized “Blonde,” for example — not to mention the avalanche of nonfiction that has been written since Marilyn burst onto the scene. But two new ones break new ground (or try to).

The first I picked up, “The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe,” promises readers a “true crime thriller” that explores whether Marilyn’s death was really a suicide. Written by Imogen Edwards-Jones with James Patterson, it starts like many thrillers: Marilyn Monroe’s housekeeper finds her dead body and calls her doctors. Each has a meltdown worthy of a telenovela, messes with the crime scene and hours later the police are called.

I expected, given the title and the opening scene, to read a novel that picks from the popular theories of Marilyn’s death and fictionalizes how those could have happened. Maybe the doctor was paid by the FBI to kill her? Maybe the housekeeper, a plant of the obsessed doctor’s, did it?

Instead, the book spends over 300 pages meticulously detailing abusers, lovers, film schedules, fashion fittings, trips, rivalries and acting lessons. (The source list for the novel runs to an impressive 10 pages.) Told in Patterson’s signature snappy chapters, it is an absorbing read, but I kept wondering when the villain would show up. Unfortunately, he never does.

Marilyn Monroe on the set of her last movie, “Something’s Got to Give,” in Los Angeles.

(Associated Press)

Despite being called “The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe,” the 400-plus-page book spends less than 100 pages on the last year of Marilyn’s life and less than 10 pages on the day she died. It doesn’t follow any thriller genre formula or true crime genre format. It’s a biography. A fictionalized one that draws from real newspaper clippings, Marilyn’s own writings and interviews with her friends. As a fictional biography, what Edwards-Jones and Patterson have created is engaging and sympathetic. Edwards-Jones’ journalism background shows up — it’s well researched and presented with tact.

The cardinal sin of “The Last Days” is that it doesn’t choose a storyline. Despite promising to explore what happened to Marilyn, there is no clear crime or criminal in thriller style.

Another issue is that there is no protagonist. There’s an omniscient narrator who plops down the facts of Marilyn’s life, vignette-style. But there’s no perspective. There’s no one investigating her death or questioning the official theory. And there were options — her longtime friend and gossip journalist Sidney Skolsky makes a great possible narrator. The real assistant coroner, who claimed he was forced to sign the certificate calling her death a suicide, is another possibility that never materialized. (A book that does almost exactly this, if you’re looking for it, is J.I. Baker’s “The Empty Glass.”)

Thankfully, Lynn Cullen’s novel about Marilyn, “When We Were Brilliant,” dodges all these myriad bullets. It’s told from the point of view of Eve Arnold, the groundbreaking, famous-in-her-own-right documentary photographer — and only female photographer to have ever extensively photographed Marilyn. Throughout the novel, the two women bond and build each other up, each supporting the other as they ascend to previously unrealized heights for women.

It’s an empathetic novel, told by an author whose care for each of the figures she portrays shines through on every page. Finally, Marilyn is not presented as a cipher to be solved or quarry to be caged. She’s a woman. A dizzyingly beautiful one and a disarmingly talented one — with all the accompanying cunning, love complexity and joy it means to be human.

Marilyn Monroe in court testifying against men accused of trying to sell “indecent” photos of her in 1952.

(Los Angeles Times)

There’s probably an essay to be written here about the male gaze versus the female gaze in fiction (despite the female author partnering with Patterson). Where “The Last Days” is nearly toxic in its masculine telling, bullying through the facts of a woman’s life without consideration or delivery on promises made, “When We Were Brilliant” is an homage to female friendship and ambition. Eve Arnold is the perfect lens to view Marilyn through because she can show us who Marilyn might have been when there weren’t any men around. Cullen’s protagonist describes Marilyn both on stage and off, where a more personal view of her shines through. A significant part of Arnold’s astounding talent as a photographer was her ability to get her subjects to trust her and show her their true selves; that talent is convincingly resurrected by Cullen here, this time with Arnold as a narrator and arbiter of truth.

Inspired by Eve Arnold’s recollections of Marilyn later in her life especially in her photographic book, “Marilyn Monroe: An Appreciation” — Cullen’s novel goes beyond exploring Marilyn. It‘s also a loving portrayal of Eve Arnold’s life and career. We celebrate with Arnold the day she’s admitted as a full member into the Magnum Photos agency — and join in her despair when her marriage begins to fall apart in response to the demands of her work. In one heartbreaking chapter, Arnold takes a two-week assignment for Magnum, during which she covers a family living on an island off the shore of Cuba. When she mentions that the family’s 8-year-old daughter, Juana, is lovely, the parents try to give her to Arnold. In slow revelations, it becomes clear that they’re worried that if Juana remains on the island, prostitution will be her only future due to their bad economy. Arnold’s relationship with her own son is imperfect and her family falling apart; still, she can’t fathom taking a child away from her mother.

Motherhood is another recurring theme — Arnold’s alleged failure at it and Marilyn’s desperate hope for it. The two characters have miscarriages around the same time; they weep together in a moving scene before the actress has to go be “Marilyn Monroe” again for the cameras. Through these shared battles, we get the picture that Arnold may have been the only person who witnessed Marilyn for who she really was. It’s also through Arnold’s eyes we get a real theory about what happened the night Marilyn died — and it’s a sympathetic one, even a logical one.

Despite the tragedy of Marilyn’s early death, I closed “When We Were Brilliant” feeling like I was walking away from a celebratory dinner with friends; even days later I’m wistful about the experience.

Castellanos Clark, a writer and historian in Los Angeles, is the author of “Unruly Figures: Twenty Tales of Rebels, Rulebreakers, and Revolutionaries You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of.”

Published on 20/01/2026 – 13:18 GMT+1
•Updated
13:22

European markets are weathering their second day of heavy losses this week, with sell-offs persisting as EU-US trade tensions simmer.

At around 12pm CET, France’s CAC 40 was down 1.28%, Germany’s DAX slid 1.52%, Italy’s FTSE MIB dropped 1.49%, while Spain’s IBEX 35 fell 1.66%. The UK’s FTSE 100 was down 1.11%, while the broader STOXX 600 dipped 1.23%.

Investors are watching nervously as world leaders gather in Davos for the World Economic Forum’s annual summit, and US President Donald Trump doubles down on his intention to conquer Greenland — threatening extra tariffs on eight European countries that stand in his way.

While the targeted nations are mulling their retaliatory options, Trump added extra fuel to the fire on Monday evening. Following reports that French President Emmanuel Macron had rejected an invitation to sit on Trump’s so-called “Board of Peace”, the US leader commented: “I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes and he’ll join.”

The Board of Peace was an idea initially proposed by President Trump as part of his plan to end the war in Gaza, although the initiative now seems to be aimed at mediating global conflict more broadly.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has branded Trump’s tariff threats “a mistake”. “The European Union and the United States agreed to a trade deal last July. And in politics as in business — a deal is a deal,” she said during a Davos address on Tuesday.

In light of the recent threats on winemakers, major French beverage firms saw their stock suffer on Tuesday. LVMH, which owns Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, and Veuve Clicquot, dropped 2.57% in Paris, while Rémy Cointreau fell 2.83%.

The losses came after a rocky day of trading for European firms on Monday, with the luxury goods and automobile sectors taking a significant hit.

On Tuesday, the STOXX Europe Luxury 10 was trading 1.88% lower, and the STOXX Europe 600 Automobiles & Parts Index fell 0.89% by just after midday.

Is ‘Sell America’ back?

Ahead of Tuesday market opening in the US, S&P 500 futures were down 1.53%, while Dow Jones futures slipped 1.38%. Nasdaq futures tumbled 1.91%.

Against the euro, the dollar fell 0.71% to 0.8523. The Dollar Index, which tracks the greenback against six other currencies, traded 0.9% lower at 98.340. Such movements have once again raised fears of a ‘Sell America’ trade, meaning a major investor retreat from US assets, repeating a narrative that emerged last year in the wake of Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent nonetheless sought to ease jitters at Davos on Tuesday. “I am confident that the leaders will not escalate, and that this will work out in a manner that ends up in a very good place,” he said.

“This is the same kind of hysteria that we heard on April 2,” he said. “There was a panic. And what I’m urging everyone here to do is sit back, take a deep breath, and let things play out.”

Yields on US bonds jumped on Tuesday, with the 10-year Treasury yield trading around six basis points higher at 4.291%. 20- and 30-year Treasurys also increased — making it more expensive for the government to service its debts.

Meanwhile, heightened demand for safe-haven assets gave a boost to precious metals, with gold and silver rising 3.04% and 7.97% respectively.

Only a select number of European stocks managed to escape the wider downturn on Tuesday. One standout performer was British fintech Wise, which rose around 14% after a strong earnings report. The firm said it was looking to move its primary listing to the US in the first half of this year as it seeks partnerships with American banks.

An Eastern European resort has been named Europe’s most affordable ski resort in easyJet’s new index

If you’re keen on skiing but worried about the cost, this handy guide will help you find a holiday that fits your budget. Researchers have compared average prices for lift passes, ski hire, hotels, transport, and even beer to create a list of the top 10 affordable ski destinations.

Bansko in Bulgaria takes the top spot. Just two hours from the capital Sofia, this resort sits at the foot of the Pirin Mountains and is recognised as Europe’s most budget-friendly ski destination. Here, you can enjoy £1 beers, slope access for less than £50 a day, equipment rental for around £15, and accommodation for about £45 a night.

Białka Tatrzańska, located a couple of hours south of Kraków in Poland, is another great choice, especially for beginners, families, and groups. The resort is known for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent value for money.

Borovets, also in Bulgaria, ranks third. As the country’s oldest ski resort, Borovets offers 58 kilometres of slopes spread across three zones in the Rila Mountains. It’s particularly popular with intermediate skiers looking for wide, well-maintained runs.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK country manager, said: “As people start to look at booking a break on the slopes, we hope that our new index spotlights just some of the resorts where equipment hire, hotels and hospitality can be found for fantastic value.”

Italy’s Bardonecchia comes in fourth. Despite hosting events during the 2006 Winter Olympics, its scenic slopes—such as Colomion and Les Arnauds—are often overlooked. Daily costs here remain under £50.

The Andorran resort of Pal-Arinsal is easily reached via flights to Barcelona or Toulouse. It’s a fantastic option for those seeking affordable après-ski, lower altitudes, and a taste of tapas. Pal offers broad, gentle slopes ideal for beginners, while Arinsal provides higher altitudes and more challenging red runs for intermediates.

Sauze d’Oulx, in Italy’s Via Lattea (Milky Way), is known for its sunny weather and lively mountain atmosphere, perhaps helped along by plenty of Aperol Spritz. This resort has welcomed British skiers for decades.

If you prefer classic Alpine destinations, French resorts Les Deux Alpes and Morzine also make the list. Both offer authentic Alpine experiences at competitive daily costs of around £80.

“With a flurry of snow set to dust Europe in the coming weeks, last-minute ski getaways are sure to be top of mind for many,” added Kevin.

“Direct flights from 13 airports across the UK make all ten destinations easily accessible, offering more choice and connectivity for snow sports lovers looking to discover some of Europe’s best hidden-gem resorts.”

CHEAP SKI INDEX – RANKED

1. Bansko, Bulgaria

Lift pass & ski hire: £63 | Hotel & transport: £79 | Beer: £1.23

Flights starting from £34.99

2. Białka Tatrzańska, Poland

Lift pass & ski hire: £48 | Hotel & transport: £95 | Beer: £2.20

Flights starting from £30.99

3. Borovets, Bulgaria

Lift pass & ski hire: £57 | Hotel & transport: £91 | Beer: £1.54

Flights starting from £34.99

4. Bardonecchia, Italy

Lift pass & ski hire: £63 | Hotel & transport: £95 | Beer: £3.87

Flights starting from £23.99

5. Pal-Arinsal, Andorra

Lift pass & ski hire: £59 | Hotel & transport: £105 | Beer: £2.58

Flights starting from £27.99

6. Sauze d’Oulx, Italy

Lift pass & ski hire: £66 | Hotel & transport: £102 | Beer: £3.87

Flights starting from £23.99

7. Sestriere, Italy

Lift pass & ski hire: £72 | Hotel & transport: £102 | Beer: £3.87

Flights starting from £34.99

8. La Molina, Spain

Lift pass & ski hire: £65 | Hotel & transport: £124 | Beer: £3.01

Flights starting from £27.99

9. Les Deux Alpes, France

Lift pass & ski hire: £80 | Hotel & transport: £163 | Beer: £5.16

Flights starting from £21.49

10. Morzine, France

Lift pass & ski hire: £81 | Hotel & transport: £190 | Beer: £5.16

Flights starting from £23.99

When Emma Hayes took the reins of the women’s national soccer team in 2024, one of her first goals was to plumb the depths of the team’s talent pool. She knew what she had on the surface with veterans such as Rose Lavelle, Naomi Girma, Lindsey Heaps and Trinity Rodman. But what about the players under them? Who could step in in case of injury, absence or a lack of form?

Twenty months later, Hayes still hasn’t reached the bottom of that pool, making this month’s training camp in Carson an important one with World Cup qualifying looming in the fall.

“Some of the pool players are going to get an opportunity to shine,” she said. “Some are high-potential prospects. I think about Hal Hershfelt or Croix Bethune, players who have not had a lot of opportunity with us. I get a chance to really see where they’re at.

“My message is these players really have to take these opportunities because they will become few and far between.”

Hayes has given 27 players their senior national team debuts and has used 50 different starters in her 30 matches as coach. No other U.S. manager has named more than 36 starters over a similar span. And the number of debutantes could grow since three of the 26 women called up are still looking for their first international cap — something they could earn this month since the training camp will end with friendlies against Paraguay on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park and Chile at UC Santa Barbara on Jan. 27.

Saturday’s matinee will include a pregame tribute to Christen Press, a two-time world champion who announced her retirement last fall.

But as valuable as the continuing auditions may be, the decision to call up a roster of young, NWSL players was made out of necessity, not design. Because the camp falls outside a FIFA window, Hayes was unable to summon European-based players such as Girma, Heaps, Alyssa Thompson, Crystal Dunn and Catarina Macario. Also unavailable were Jaedyn Shaw, Jaelin Howell, Tierna Davidson, Emily Sonnett and Lavelle, U.S. Soccer’s women’s player of the year, who will all be playing for Gotham FC in next week’s FIFA Women’s Championship Club in England.

U.S. coach Emma Hayes, center, speaks with players after an international friendly match against Italy in December.

(Rebecca Blackwell / Associated Press)

“If the European-based players and the Gotham-based players were here, this would be a completely different roster,” Hayes said. “But that’s not the case.”

It’s also nothing new. The coach hasn’t had what she considers her first-choice roster since taking over the national team.

Injury kept Macario off the team that struck gold in the Paris Olympics, Hayes’ first tournament as coach, while forwards Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson have been on maternity leave since the Olympics. Injuries have limited Rodman, another forward, to one game over the past 18 months.

Despite that, the U.S. has lost just three of 20 games since climbing off the medal stand in Paris. So while she would prefer to start the new year with the veteran core of her 2027 World Cup roster in uniform, that didn’t happen. Instead, the 26 invited players — among them Rodman, Angel City defender Gisele Thompson and Santa Clarita’s Olivia Moultrie — average 24.1 years of age and 6.6 caps of senior-team experience.

“What I’ve learned since the Olympics is I can never, ever pick the best roster because I’m always going to be without players,” she said.

With the World Cup a year away, the tryout period will soon be ending. Hayes said she and her staff have mapped out how they’d like to see 2026 unfold, and that plan includes narrowing the potential player pool to about 35 women ahead of the SheBelieves Cup in March.

“Once we get to SheBelieves, if everyone is available to me, it will be the group that are strong candidates to be [part of World Cup qualifying],” she said. “It will be an extremely competitive roster.”

Yet it will be one that still won’t include Wilson or Swanson, who combined for seven of the team’s 12 goals in the Olympics. Wilson gave birth to a daughter in September, two months before Swanson did the same. Hayes, who had a son in the spring of 2018, doesn’t plan to rush back either player.

“I know how long it takes to recover after having a baby. That’s why I don’t like putting time frames on it,” she said. “Hormones play a big part of it. And you don’t actually realize that until you’ve had a baby.

“For some the recovery is quicker than others. Depends on your age, depends on type of birth, sleep. Loads of things.”

In the meantime, Hayes will keep dipping into the talent pool she has.

⚽ You have read the latest installment of On Soccer with Kevin Baxter. The weekly column takes you behind the scenes and shines a spotlight on unique stories. Listen to Baxter on this week’s episode of the “Corner of the Galaxy” podcast.

HAVE you ever flown to an airport and realised you’re nowhere near the city it’s named after?

These seven airports have the name of the city in the title, but in some cases are as far as 78 miles away from their namesake.

Airport transfer experts, SCS Chauffeurs, have flagged several European airports where the name can be misleading for first-time visitors.

Furthest away from its namesake is Frankfurt-Hahn Airport which is 78 miles away from the German city.

In fact, it’s closer to Luxembourg in location.

Holidaymakers who land in Frankfurt-Hahn Airport will then have to take an hour and a half car journey to get to the city centre.

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If you’re wondering why airports don’t use more local names – it’s actually designed to help recognition when booking flights.

And being so far from the actual city does have some perks, like cheaper flights as you’ll find that lots of airlines heading to these airports are the likes of Wizz Air, and Ryanair.

In January, a one-way direct flight from London Heathrow to Frankfurt am Main Airport right in the city centre starts from £70 with British Airways.

Whereas a flight in January to Frankfurt-Hahn Airport from London Stansted starts from £15 with Ryanair.

Another is Oslo-Torp Airport which is 68 miles southwest of Oslo.

So if you fly there for an easy trip to Norway‘s capital, expect an extra hour and a half transfer on top of it.

In Germany, Memmingen Airport which is sometimes called ‘Munich West’ is 72 miles away from the centre of Munich.

A one-way ticket from Manchester to Memmingen Airport in January can cost as little as £13 with Ryanair.

Whereas if you fly straight into the city from Manchester landing at Munich Airport, the cheapest one-way ticket is £47 with easyJet.

It’s similar for Stockholm Skavsta Airport which is 62 miles south of Stockholm.

Over in Spain, Barcelona-Reus Airport is also 62 miles outside of the city.

However in this case, it’s worth just heading straight to Barcelona Airport as flights are as little as £17 with Ryanair in January.

Meanwhile, Barcelona-Reus Airport doesn’t operate flights until March which start from £18.

If you’re heading to Paris, check whereabouts you’re flying into as Paris–Beauvais Airport (BVA) is 53 miles away from the capital.

The closest airport to the centre of Paris is Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Another is the Düsseldorf-Weeze Airport which is 50 miles outside of the city – very close to the border with Holland.

From this airport it would take just under an hour to get into Düsseldorf both on the train or by car.

For more on budget airlines, here are six new holiday destinations getting Wizz Air flights – and one is a UK-first.

And here are cheap long-haul destinations to visit in 2026 with £119 flights and £8 hotels.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has deployed a military radar in the Somali region of Puntland as part of a secret deal, amid Abu Dhabi’s ongoing entrenchment of its influence over the region’s security affairs.

According to the London-based news outlet Middle East Eye, sources familiar with the matter told it that the UAE had installed a military radar near Bosaso airport in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region earlier this year, with one unnamed source saying that the “radar’s purpose is to detect and provide early warning against drone or missile threats, particularly those potentially launched by the Houthis, targeting Bosaso from outside”.

The radar’s presence was reportedly confirmed by satellite imagery from early March, which found that an Israeli-made ELM-2084 3D Active Electronically Scanned Array Multi-Mission Radar had indeed been installed near Bosaso airport.

READ: UAE: The scramble for the Horn of Africa

Not only does the radar have the purpose of defending Puntland and its airport from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, but air traffic data reportedly indicates it also serves to facilitate the transport of weapons, ammunition, and supplies to Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), further fuelling the ongoing civil war in Sudan.

“The UAE installed the radar shortly after the RSF lost control of most of Khartoum in early March”, one source said. Another source was cited as claiming that the radar was deployed at the airport late last year and that Abu Dhabi has used it on a daily basis to supply the RSF, particularly through large cargo planes that frequently carry weapons and ammunition, and which sometimes amount to up to five major shipments at a time.

According to two other Somali sources cited by the report, Puntland’s president Said Abdullahi Deni did not seek approval from Somalia’s federal government nor even the Puntland parliament for the installation of the radar, with one of those sources stressing that it was “a secret deal, and even the highest levels of Puntland’s government, including the cabinet, are unaware of it”.

READ: UAE under scrutiny over alleged arms shipments to Sudan

Former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher and his wife, Liz, explain on James Martin’s show how pandemic visa issues derailed their American move, leading to their farming series

Kelvin Fletcher and his wife, Liz, harboured ambitions of relocating to America before opting to manage a farm, though their plans were scuppered by the COVID pandemic. During an appearance on James Martin’s cooking show, the pair revealed that running their own farm had never been part of their original vision.

When James offered his congratulations on their new series, Kelvin shared: “The back end of last year, we finished series three, and then we’re already straight on with series four, so that’s coming out very soon.”

The TV chef remarked: “So you can’t really complain about it because it was your idea to do the filming in the first place.”

The former soap star responded: “We just kind of thought, it’s hopefully of interest. It’s interesting to us and our journey into farming and to this new life, and then, we kind of pitched the idea, and thankfully, ITV thought it was a good idea, too, and four series later, we’re still doing it.”

Shifting focus to their abandoned American dream, James noted, “Just to recap, the reason why you got the farm in the first place was no reason whatsoever. You were originally going to go to America. This was a life-changing thing you decided, and you got the visas and everything, didn’t you?”, reports the Express.

Liz interjected: “As two actors, we thought, you know, Kelvin had been in Emmerdale for 20 years, and we kind of wanted to try something different, and as two actors, we thought, ‘Well, why not? Let’s go to Hollywood and LA and see what happens’.

“And we only had two children at the time, but unfortunately, Covid stopped that, and they actually stopped the visas. We never got the visas completed because they said, ‘There’ll be a pause on this for at least two years’.

“But we’d mentally moved on, hadn’t we? We sold the house, and we were like, ‘Well, what are we going to do now?’ And that’s when we saw the farm, and it’s literally that that sprung the idea.”

Despite portraying a farmer in Emmerdale, Kelvin admitted they had no prior farming experience whatsoever.

“That’s the irony, James, is that I was playing a farmer for 20 years, but as you’ll know, with soaps, we did very little farming,” he revealed.

“It was more, I think, shooting people with shotguns, going to prison, getting married three or four times. That I was more accustomed to, but when you think of it like that, it sounds crazy, but kind of life has imitated art, and that’s a little bit of what people used to say, there’s an obvious connection there.

“You played a farmer in Emmerdale, you’re not living this farming life, and we’d never seen it like that.”

Kelvin continued, “You know, as Liz said, we’d had this dream of going to America. It didn’t kind of pan out. And from Los Angeles to the Peak District, it’s probably not an obvious connection.”

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

Reporting from Phoenix — Retired astronaut Mark Kelly, who rocketed to the national spotlight when his wife, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, was shot in a failed assassination attempt, announced Tuesday he’s running to finish John McCain’s last term in the U.S. Senate.

Kelly, 54, is a top Democratic recruit to take on Republican Martha McSally in one of the most closely contested Senate races of the 2020 election.

McSally is a former Republican congresswoman who was appointed to McCain’s seat last year after she narrowly lost to Democrat Kyrsten Sinema. McSally leaned heavily on her record as the first woman to fly a combat mission as a fighter pilot, but she was hurt by her embrace of President Trump.

If Kelly is nominated, the race would pit a Navy veteran and astronaut against a trailblazing Air Force pilot in the contest to replace McCain, a legendary Navy flyer who was famously shot down and held captive.

Democrats are eagerly watching the Arizona contest, having already defeated McSally in a Senate race just a few months ago.

Kelly and Giffords have for years pushed Congress to enact gun control measures, with little success. They shifted their focus to state legislatures in recent years, helping to strengthen background checks and domestic violence protections, among other modest protections.

Giffords was severely wounded in a mass shooting on Jan. 8, 2011, at a meet-and-greet event outside a grocery store in Tucson that left six dead and 13 injured. Shooter Jared Loughner was sentenced to life in prison.

Republican Gov. Doug Ducey appointed McSally to the vacant Senate seat after his first appointee, former Sen. Jon Kyl, resigned after only a few months in office. The seat is a top target for Democrats because McSally just lost a Senate race in November and Democrats posted a strong showing in the November election, winning three statewide contests and picking up legislative and congressional seats.

The 2020 election will decide who finishes the last two years of McCain’s term. The winner would have to run again for a full six-year term in 2022.

U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego of Phoenix is also considering a Senate run, which would likely set up a tough fight for the Democratic nomination.

Former Arizona Atty. Gen. Grant Woods, a lifelong Republican who became a Democrat and a fierce critic of Trump, announced last week that he wouldn’t run, saying he didn’t want to fight in a contested Democratic primary.

The NBA is planning to launch an independent European league under the working title of NBA Europe.

Talks remain ongoing, but plans lead towards it starting as a league of 12-16 teams that could include a merit-based qualification system as well as promotion and relegation.

London, Manchester, Paris and Berlin are expected to have teams in NBA Europe.

The league is expected to consist of existing teams, new sides and football clubs that currently do not have associated basketball teams.

Talks are in preliminary stages, but there is optimism around the plans and, under the NBA’s running, they have the potential to transform European basketball’s landscape.

London is being tipped to be among the key cities for the NBA’s European hopes, despite its lack of basketball presence.

It is unlikely that London will be a franchise that is part of a football team, with the city earmarked to become a model city to be emulated at other NBA Europe locations.

This is also in part because of London’s global appeal to US audiences, and infrastructure that includes the O2 and a reported new indoor arena in the process of being built.

“We know that here in London in particular, in many ways we think this market is tastemakers for much of Europe,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

“The last I looked, I think the O2 is the leading arena throughout Europe and, from a revenue standpoint, exceeds most arenas around the United States.

“Culturally, all the top acts come through there. There is this New York-London connection from a fashion and music standpoint.”

An increasing number of international players in the NBA, a growing viewership in the league across Europe, and the fact that five of the NBA’s past seven Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards have been won by Europeans point towards a prime opportunity for the NBA to capitalise.

The NBA has worked on European plans in collaboration with the International Basketball Federation (Fiba), the sport’s international governing body.

As well as Silver describing interest from potential investors and sponsors as “significant”, current and former players have been showing their support for a European NBA league.

“The NBA has been such a successful brand and they have talked about expansion for 20 years ever since I was in the league, so I’m excited that this next step is finally here,” Dirk Nowitzki, the first European to win the MVP award, told BBC Sport.

“If the NBA normally does something, they do it right. Hopefully it is going to be good for European basketball and exciting.”

WHEN it comes to planning the ultimate holiday, no one does it better than cabin crew.

With a superior knowledge of secret beachside restaurants and where to find the best weather in January, they know it all – and that includes Jet2 cabin crew Gio Michalakis who recently made his TV debut on ITV’s The Great Escapers.

If you’re still struggling to find a destination for your 2026 break, Jet2‘s Gio Michalakis says there’s no place better than his favourite Greek island, Rhodes.

Talking to Sun Travel, he said: “I know Rhodes like the back of my hand, it’s my second home.

“I go back every year, it’s where my family are from. Last year I was there for 10 days in August, and I’m planning on going back this July. If I can fit it into my work schedule, I try and visit over winter too.

“There’s a gorgeous beach restaurant in Rhodes – and when I say beach restaurant, you’re right on the rocks.

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“It’s called Tambakio in the town of Lindos. It’s absolutely stunning, and great vibes whether you go in the morning for breakfast, brunch, afternoon or evening.”

The restaurant sits on the shore of St Paul’s Bay offering classic mezze dishes, fresh seafood and plenty of local wine.

Rhodes itself is the largest of the Dodecanese islands famous for its pretty UNESCO Old Town, ancient ruins and party scene in Faliraki.

The average flight time from the UK is four and a half hours with flights from £43 in June and July according to Skyscanner.

When it comes to food and drink, the average cost of a pint is around €4 (£3.48) and a glass of local wine is around €3 (£2.61).

A meal for two can be as little as €20 (£17.39) making it much more affordable than some of its well-known neighbours like Mykonos and Santorini.

Let’s not forget the weather. While it might not be as lively with certain places closed for off-peak season, Rhodes can see highs of 18C in January.

In the months of July and August the island sees average highs of 30C.

Another Greek island that Gio recently visited was Kos.

He said: “I’d never been before and surprisingly, it was quite different from Rhodes. Although it’s still a Greek island, it’s different in its own right.

“While I was there I actually I spoke to the Jet2 rep there who was fantastic and recommended we go horse riding.

“We went across the beach as well which was a big highlight and something I wouldn’t normally do – I quite like to sit and do nothing when I go on holiday.”

Gio recently made his TV debut on ITV‘s The Great Escapers, which starred the likes of Loose Women’s Katie Piper and Denise Welch.

Four groups of celebrities competed to create the best holiday experience with unique excursions from joining in a human tower festival to racing buggies around the Algarve.

Gio was there to help and oversee it all and out of all the Jet2 Holidays excursions he helped pick out, one took the biscuit.

He revealed: “It was 100 per cent the catamaran trip that Katie Piper organised on the Costa Brava.

“It was meant to be work, but I genuinely felt l was on holiday, and I got to go along too. The Loose Women were filming on one side and I was on the other – that’s the magic of TV.

“I’d love to do it again although I’m not sure I could charter a whole boat. Maybe that’s one for a big friend holiday.”

When it comes to going on holiday, Gio said there is one easily avoidable mistake that lots of travellers make.

He said: “Don’t try out a TikTok holiday because it gives a false sense of reality – and you might not get what you want out of a break.

“Instead, speak to your Jet2 customer helper because they genuinely know the hidden gems – it’s much better than using Google search.

“They can tailor experiences to what you want and their local knowledge is fantastic.”

For the series, Gio travelled across Europe including his favourite island of Rhodes, but there was another Mediterranean destination that impressed him too.

Gio said: “I didn’t realise how much Malta had to offer.

“It’s not a place that’s been on my radar but it has a great bar scene, places to relax, it’s gorgeous.

“I think the island is suited for everyone too: couples, families, or friends’ holidays. I’d love to go back with my partner and explore the streets of Valletta properly.

“When I was filming with the celebs we were on such a tight schedule, so I’d love to go back. I passed so many hidden bars and restaurants, down the side streets – and you’re pretty much guaranteed good weather all year-round.”

Watch all episodes of The Great Escapers on ITVX.

Katie Piper reveals the ‘hidden gem’ in Spain that’s her new favourite family holiday spot…

Katie Piper ditched the gloomy UK weather for a slice of Spain alongside Sunetra Sarker and Denise Welch for The Great Escapers – and discovered a hidden gem along the way.

Katie stayed in Tossa de Mar, on the Costa Brava coast which has pretty beaches, coves and is centred around a walled medieval old town.

Katie is a mum of two, Belle, 11, and Penelope, 7, and heading to the Costa Brava has meant it’s been added to their family’s travel list.

She said: “I think I’ll go back with my girls, the kids will watch the show and go ‘it’s so unfair you got to go’. It’s affordable and accessible, you can go self-catering or stay in an Airbnb – I think we will plan a trip there.”

“I’ve been to other much more touristy Spanish places, like the Costa del Sol. The Costa Brava is a bit of a hidden gem, it’s touristy enough to take your kids out and walk on foot to restaurants.

“But it’s not lost its culture, like along the strip there’s lots of architecture like gorgeous churches, cliffs, castles – it’s not neon signs and karaoke. It’s a great place for families as well because it’s such a short flight.”

For more on Rhodes, check out what Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire made of her recent family holiday where she found Ibiza-style beach clubs.

Plus, discover the four less-popular Greek islands are set to be huge in 2026.

Many travellers have been sharing their tips on how to get an upgrade on a flight, but a flight attendant has debunked some of the most popular hacks

A flight attendant has lifted the lid on the reality of securing an upgrade, debunking popular social media myths in the process. For those of us relegated to economy, the allure of premium or business class can be tantalising – yet expensive.

In response, globetrotters have taken to TikTok to share their supposed secrets for bagging that coveted upgrade. These range from donning smart attire to lavishing cabin crew with gifts and coffee.

But now, a Virgin Atlantic crew member has set the record straight on what actually works when it comes to securing a superior seat, reports the Express.

Popular social media myths debunked

Smart clothes

Countless social media profiles advocate dressing sharply if you’re hoping to nab a superior seat. The theory goes that you should dress for the cabin you aspire to be in.

Yet the flight attendant revealed: “The rumour we hear all the time is that if you dress really smart, you’ll get upgraded. It’s a fun idea, but honestly, it’s pretty outdated.

“Upgrades these days are all down to things like availability and booking details, not whether you’re wearing a blazer. Looking nice never hurts, of course, but it’s definitely not your golden ticket to a free seat in a higher cabin.”

Presents for crew

Passengers have achieved viral fame on social media by bringing small tokens such as chocolates, coffee or gift vouchers to distribute amongst onboard staff. Some employ this tactic hoping to charm flight attendants and boost their upgrade prospects.

An anonymous Virgin Atlantic crew member has shed light on the common misconception that bringing treats for the crew can lead to free upgrades. They said: “Bringing treats for the crew is always such a kind surprise, and it genuinely brightens our day, but it won’t lead to free upgrades or anything like that.”

However, they did admit that when passengers show extra kindness, the crew are inclined to reciprocate in small ways, such as offering additional snacks or meals from another cabin.

Special trips

If you’re jetting off for a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, you might assume your chances of an upgrade are higher. However, the flight attendant confessed that this “rarely happens”.

They explained: “Upgrades are generally based on availability, loyalty status, and operational needs. That said, on very rare occasions, the crew onboard can make exceptions for genuinely special circumstances.”

Injury

Some travellers have claimed on social media that mentioning an injury led to an upgrade. The flight attendant clarified to Travel Insurance specialist InsureandGo that while they can reseat passengers for comfort, it doesn’t equate to a luxury upgrade. Moreover, passengers must still meet the “fit to fly” requirements to be allowed to travel.

Frequent flyer programmes

Loyalty truly does have its perks, particularly when it comes to bagging an upgrade. In fact, it remains one of the most reliable tricks in the book.

The flight attendant revealed: “We really do look after our top-tier members. If there are spare seats and the situation allows, we’ll always try to get our gold-card passengers into their preferred spot.”

How to actually secure an upgrade

According to the flight attendant, the most foolproof method of securing an upgrade is being prepared to pay for it. Complimentary upgrades are few and far between, so stumping up a bit of cash dramatically improves your odds of switching cabins.

The most affordable and efficient approach is to enquire whilst already on the aircraft. They explained: “If you’d like to upgrade once you’re on board, you can simply ask any member of the cabin crew. We’ll check the availability and the cost, and if you’re happy with the price, we can take payment and move you as soon as possible. Upgrading on board is often one of the cheapest options.”

Butlin’s in Skegness has been voted in the top 10 ‘happiest’ destinations in the world – beating out all other seaside resorts in the UK

The UK’s ‘happiest’ seaside resort has been revealed – and it’s got cheap family getaways and a no frills attitude.

Butlin’s in Skegness, Lincs., has appeared in a top ten list of the world’s happiest destinations beating out all other seaside stays in the UK – and fans of a beautiful beach and a low-cost family break are encouraged to beat the January blues by booking a holiday there.

Research done by AttractionTickets.com revealed that four of the top 10 happiest places in the world are in the UK. While the Eiffel Tower in Paris beat everywhere to number one, Butlin’s, Skegness took seventh place.

With a possible top score of 25 on the happiness scale, Butlin’s Skegness got 22.95 – with perfect 5 out of 5s in ‘happy’ and ‘perfect’ review scores. Butlin’s Skegness was where the holiday camp’s story began after being founded by Billy Butlin in 1936.

Now, 90 years later, it’s as popular as ever and families can book short breaks from as little as £39pp during quieter periods – we even found some working out at £107pp for a family of four in August, during the school holiday dates.

On site, there’s heaps for families to explore including the impressive Butlin’s Skypark attraction – a large, inclusive outdoor playground designed with kids of all ages in mind – and Splash Waterworld – 3,000sqm of flumes, rapids and pools. Then there are the shows, games and jam-packed programmes with fun activities to ensure you’re not ever sat twiddling your thumbs.

Butlin’s also has holiday parks Minehead and Bognor Regis but it was Skegness in particular that was voted the ‘happiest’ resort in the UK. With its traditional seaside fun, Skegness has a mixture of nostalgic, traditional attractions and vibrant, family-friendly things to do.

Its beach holds the prestigious Blue Flag award, meaning it’s among the cleanest in the world, and Skegness Pier – built over 100 years ago – was the fourth longest in England at the time of its build.

Tripadvisor reviews tell the story of a popular town with one commenter writing: “Skeggy is THE seaside town to visit’.

They added: “It has everything that you expect from a trip to the coast – but the best part was the beach, immaculate golden sands with plenty of places to buy ice cream, fresh food and drinks.”

Another reviewer wrote: “Skegness is a town that is worth a visit whether you are a family with kids or adults looking for a bit of fun, there is an endless choice of things to do.”

Other top areas of happiness in the UK, according to AttractionTickets.com are Warner Bros, Studio Tour in London which came in at number 3, Center Parcs at Longleat Forest at number 6 and the Natural History Museum in London at number 10.

Is there town you think we should be shouting about? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

A BALKAN resort has topped an index of Europe’s most affordable ski destinations – boasting £1 beers and slope access for under £50 a day.

Bansko in Bulgaria took the top spot after researchers compared average prices for lift passes, ski hire, hotels, transport and beer.

The resort, just two hours from the capital Sofia, sits at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, where skiers can hire equipment for around £15, with accommodation costing roughly £45 a night.

Białka Tatrzańska, a resort tucked away just a couple of hours south of Kraków, is regarded as a good option for beginners, families and social groups.

The site is known for its down-to-earth atmosphere and ability to make the pound – or złoty – stretch.

Borovets, which ranked closely behind in third place, as part of easyJet’s Cheap Ski Index, is Bulgaria’s oldest resort and offers an impressive 58 kilometres of slopes.

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It is divided across three zones in the Rila Mountains, Borovets is a favourite for intermediates seeking broad, well-maintained pistes.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK country manager, said: “As people start to look at booking a break on the slopes, we hope that our new index spotlights just some of the resorts where equipment hire, hotels and hospitality can be found for fantastic value.

“So that Brits can comfortably experience the beauty of some of the most underrated mountain towns.”

Italy’s Bardonecchia claims fourth place, often flying under the radar, it offers a high-Alpine ambiance and Olympic heritage.

Its panoramic slopes such as Colomion and Les Arnauds are often overlooked despite the resort’s role in the 2006 Winter Olympics and total daily costs remaining under £50.

Reachable by flights to Barcelona or Toulouse, Pal-Arinsal is the Andorran resort for those wishing that the Alps came with cheaper après, slightly less attitude and a touch of tapas.

Offering up a tale of two resorts, the Pal side is a welcome sight for beginners with wide slopes and soft gradients, whilst Arinsal offers up more dramatic altitudes and lively red slopes for intermediates seeking a challenge.

Tucked away in a vibrant corner of Italy’s Via Lattea (the Milky Way) is sun-soaked Sauze d’Oulx.

Praised for its lively mountain atmosphere energetic mountain buzz – perhaps fuelled by Aperol Spritz – Sauze is proudly Italian and has been welcoming Brits into its glittering amphitheatre of slopes for decades.

For those drawn to more familiar Alpine destinations, French resorts Les Deux Alpes and Morzine appear, proving that authentic Alpine experiences need not come with luxury price tags.

In these resorts, flexibility and value are at the heart of the offering, with daily costs remaining competitive at £80, compared to neighbouring ski areas.

Kevin Doyle added: “With a flurry of snow set to dust Europe in the coming weeks, last minute ski getaways are sure to be top of mind for many.

“Direct flights from 13 airports across the UK make all ten destinations easily accessible, offering more choice and connectivity for snow sports lovers across some of Europe’s best hidden-gem resorts.”