The provided text features an article from the Occasional Digest that details the cultural and historical significance of Novruz in Azerbaijan. This ancient festival, which translates to “New Day,” marks the arrival of spring and the Persian New Year through rituals of renewal and purification. The source describes traditional customs such as spring cleaning, honoring ancestors, and preparing elaborate festal meals centered around symbolic decorations like wheat sprouts and painted eggs. Additionally, the text highlights the holiday’s resilience, noting its transition from a prohibited celebration during the Soviet era to its current status as the nation’s most vital publ … 

CAMPING in the great outdoors is not everyone’s cup of tea – but what if you could have a glass of cider instead?

This campsite in Dorset is set within the grounds of an apple orchard used to make award-winning cider.

Called Dorset Nectar Orchard Campsite, the site has room for just 14 tent pitches, so each is spaced out and fairly private.

There won’t be any children running about either as guests staying here have to be over 20-years-old.

For cider fans, this campsite is the dream stay as it’s set within an orchard with over 3,000 apple trees that forms part of the cider farm.

The main building at the campsite is a taproom where campers are welcome to buy and try 13 types of award-winning cider on offer.

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It also sells apple juice, craft beers and apple cider vinegar.

You can sip away on a tasty cider at one of the picnic benches while enjoying the spring sunshine.

There’s also the chance to barbecue or cook up a storm by your tent at one of the raised firepits.

Campers can join a tour of the cider farm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays too.

Along with the taproom and tours, the campsite has a hot food spot called Oliver’s Kitchen which opens on Saturdays offering hot food like cider sausage baps.

On Saturdays, there’s also live music in the Cider Garden.

For nature lovers, head out on one of the footpaths through fields and down to the River Brit.

For those who want to take home a souvenir, there’s a cider shop which sells biscuits, chutneys, jams, sausages, craft ales, local wines and of course, apple-related products from the orchard.

When it comes to pitches, it has to be a tent which sleeps up to a maximum of six people.

Prices start from £34 for a one night stay for two adults – or £17 per night.

When it comes to reviews, lots have praised the campsite particularly for its cider experience.

One wrote: “We loved the quirkiness of camping between the orchard rows. The trees give your pitch separation and privacy and it’s so peaceful!

“Added bonus having a taproom just up from the pitches with a wonderful beer garden with lots of space in the sunshine.”

Another said they loved the “relaxing live music and fab homemade Burgers on the Saturday as well as sampling their delicious ciders.”

Dorset West Bay beach which sits on the Jurassic coast is just a 15-minute drive away.

The beach might be recognisable to TV fans as it’s where the ITV drama Broadchurch, starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman, was filmed.

It’s known for its sweeping golden sands with enormous cliffs in the background.

The campsite reopens on March 27 with the bar open between April 1 and August 15, 2026.

Here are the UK pubs that have their own campsites with cheap pitches.

And here are more campsites that are affordable with some of the country’s best views.

Henderson’s rink – Lisa Davie, Hailey Duff, Katie McMillan and Watt – are competing in their first World Championships after their recent national championship win in Dumfries. Sophie Jackson’s rink, who represented Great Britain at the Winter Olympics, were absent from that competition.

“This week maybe wasn’t about making play-offs for us, it was more about gaining the experience and enjoying the week as a whole, so we will want to finish out strong against Norway and are just out to try our best and enjoy our last game,” added Watt.

Having beaten Australia so comfortably earlier in the day, the Scots looked to be heading for another victory when they led Italy 4-1 after five ends.

But Stefania Constantini’s rink struck back with a three at the sixth end and, although the Scots took a single to lead 5-4, the Italians scored at the final two ends to secure a victory that keeps them in the running for a play-off place.

Switzerland, who lead the way with nine wins and one defeat, hosts Canada, Japan and Sweden have secured their places in the play-offs.

South Korea, China, Turkey and Italy are vying for the two remaining places.

Intelligence briefings have warned of the potential for extremists and criminals to target ⁠the FIFA World Cup 2026 at a time when hundreds of ⁠millions of dollars of approved security funds have been delayed, causing United States preparations to fall behind.

The previously unreported briefings from US federal and state officials and FIFA, the international federation overseeing the World Cup, outlined the risk of extremist attacks, including attacks on transportation infrastructure and civil unrest related to President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

The football World Cup, one of the ⁠globe’s biggest sporting events, will be held in June and July this year across three countries – the United States, Canada and Mexico.

While security at such events is always intense, US law enforcement officials have been on especially heightened alert since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran, and have raised concerns over retaliatory threats.

Officials working to prepare for the World Cup in the US have increasingly sounded alarms in recent weeks over a stalled $625m in ⁠federal security grants for the event that were part of a Republican-backed spending bill passed in July 2025.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, tasked with distributing the money, said in November that it was expecting to allocate the funds no later than January 30.

Following inquiries by Reuters this month after officials and organisers complained that they had still received nothing, FEMA announced on Wednesday that it had awarded the grants, saying the money would “bolster security preparations”.

With the first matches kicking off in Mexico on June 11 and then the US and Canada the next day, states and cities hosting the events are deep into planning, including how to safeguard from possible attacks. The delayed funding and threat warnings have compounded ‌an already complex process, multiple officials involved told Reuters.

The grant money distribution process normally takes months, and efforts to buy technology and equipment can take even longer, according to Mike Sena, president of the National Fusion Center Association, which represents a network of 80 information centres across the US that facilitate federal, state and local intelligence sharing.

“It will be extremely tight,” he said.

A December 2025 intelligence report from New Jersey looking at potential threats to matches in the state – which will include the final – flagged recent domestic attacks, disrupted terror plots and a proliferation of extremist propaganda. The report also noted the possibility of spontaneous gatherings related to tensions between countries.

Another intelligence report, dated September 2025, described an online post appearing to encourage attacks on railroad infrastructure during the World Cup that said there were “plenty of opportunities for us to knock it off the tracks” and highlighted matches on the West Coast of the US and Canada. The documents were obtained through open records requests by the transparency nonprofit Property of the People.

Delayed funding risks lead to growing concerns, while ICE worries mount

Democrats have blamed outgoing US Department ⁠of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for delaying the release of the money. Under Noem’s leadership, the DHS also withheld hundreds of millions of dollars in homeland security funds last ⁠year from a dozen Democratic-led states and Washington, DC, while pressing them to increase immigration enforcement.

In response to a request for comment, White House spokesman Davis Ingle faulted Democrats for the delayed funding, citing disagreements over immigration enforcement tactics.

“The president is focused on making this the greatest World Cup ever while ensuring it is the safest and most secure in history,” Ingle said in a statement. “The Democrats need to stop playing games.”

Trump’s immigration crackdown has already cast a pall over the event and raised concerns about the presence of US ⁠Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Since Trump took office in January 2025, masked immigration agents have rounded up suspected immigration offenders in US cities and detained some tourists at airports.

That has coincided with a Trump-era dropoff in overall international visitors, according to US Commerce Department data. Early signs have, however, indicated still strong appetite for flight bookings ⁠and ticket sales for the tournament.

In a FIFA weekly intelligence briefing dated January 28, analysts warned that anti-ICE activism in US cities in response ⁠to immigration enforcement could lower the barriers “to hostile actions by lone actors or extremist elements”.

Trump has also placed full or partial travel bans on nationals of more than three dozen countries, including Iran, which is in talks with FIFA to move its matches to Mexico due to its current conflict with the United States. Three other countries whose fans face Trump travel bans – Haiti, Ivory Coast and Senegal – have also qualified for the tournament.

Security concerns extend to FIFA World Cup 2026 fan events

Several World Cup and state officials have said “FIFA Fan Festival” events are of particular concern. The events ‌allow large numbers of people to watch matches together on open-air screens.

A Fan Festival event that had been planned in Liberty State Park in Jersey City for the duration of the tournament was cancelled unexpectedly last month and replaced with smaller gatherings.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said at the time that many smaller events would allow more people in the area to enjoy the experience. Security concerns also factored in the decision, a person familiar with ‌the ‌planning said.

US Representative Nellie Pou, a Democrat representing a district in New Jersey that includes MetLife Stadium, one of the sites where games will be played, said that each of the World Cup’s 104 matches would be equivalent to a Super Bowl.

“Local government, local law enforcement, will certainly have their hands full,” Pou said. “They need every single dollar that they are eligible to receive, and they need it now.”

Israeli and US air attacks pound Iran as assassination campaign of country’s leadership continues.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson has been killed in overnight strikes carried out jointly by the United States and Israel, the IRGC reported, the latest in a mounting toll of senior officials assassinated since the war began.

Ali Mohammad Naini, a 68-year-old brigadier general who took up the IRGC spokesman role in 2024, “was martyred in the criminal cowardly terrorist attack by the American-Zionist side at dawn”, the IRGC said in a statement on Friday.

His death came just hours after he appeared on national television to insist that Iran retained full capacity to manufacture missiles, even under wartime conditions.

“Our missile industry deserves a perfect score … and there is no concern in this regard, because even under wartime conditions we continue missile production,” Naini was quoted by the Fars news agency as saying.

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that “Iran no longer has the capacity to enrich uranium and manufacture ballistic missiles”.

The Israeli army said on Friday that it was carrying out strikes across eastern Tehran, as the country marks the Persian New Year, Nowruz, which this year coincides with Eid al-Fitr.

Al Jazeera’s Mohamed Vall, reporting from Tehran, described the mood in the capital as “hushed”, with none of the customary festivities visible on the streets.

Naini’s killing is the latest in a string of high-profile assassinations that have gutted Iran’s establishment in under three weeks.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the opening hours of the joint military campaign. He has since been replaced by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei.

Earlier this week, Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and one of the most influential figures in Iran’s establishment, was killed in a strike along with his son and several aides.

The head of the Basij paramilitary forces, Brigadier General Gholamreza Soleimani, and Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib were also confirmed dead within the same 48-hour period.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made little effort to conceal Washington’s glee, saying on Thursday that “the last job anyone in the world wants right now” is a senior leadership role in the IRGC or Basij.

However, other US officials appeared to suggest that Washington and Israel’s aims in Israel were not aligned.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told the House Intelligence Committee this week that US and Israeli objectives “are different”, adding that while Israel had been “focused on disabling the Iranian leadership,” Trump’s goals were to destroy Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities “and their navy”.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has cast the killings as a means of opening a path for Iranians to reclaim their country, saying on Wednesday the campaign against the country’s leadership “will not happen all at once” but that persistence would give Iranians “a chance to take their fate into their own hands”.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US and Israel had still failed to grasp that Iran’s political structure does not rest on any single person.

“The presence or absence of a single individual does not affect this structure,” he said.

Spring is the season of creation, a time of renewal and new beginnings. In Los Angeles, alas, we were, last spring, a city of cinders. It was a time to mourn.

A hard year followed with floods, ICE, AI, etc., menacing our native optimism. Making matters worse, in December we lost L.A.’s grand visionary vizier, the architect who time and again built us out of civic funk and transformed L.A., inspiring the city he so loved to look good, feel good and do good.

But that is still the case. So many plans Frank Gehry imagined for L.A. still remain. Gehry bequeathed blueprints and models, sketches and concepts, for his large and devoted team of younger architects and next-generation visionaries equipped to fabricate our way out of angst.

Isn’t there supposed to be an Olympics on the way for which the city appears ill-prepared? Spring 2026 is the time to build.

A couple of springs ago, L.A. County dubbed the blocks around Gehry’s masterpiece, Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Grand Avenue Cultural District. This includes the rest of the Music Center, Museum of Contemporary Art, the Broad and Colburn School. The Grand, Gehry’s resplendent complex across the street from Disney, had recently opened and ground was about to be broken for the Colburn Center, a 1,000-seat concert hall equipped to also serve dance, opera and whatever yet-to-be-invented genres Gehry designed it to enable.

The Colburn Center is well on its way to completion next year. Bits of the building’s pink skin have started to peek out like spring blossoms on the construction site at 2nd and Olive. The Broad has begun an expansion. But after two years, nothing else has been done to make this the cultural district it must become, one unlike anything else in any city.

Four springs ago I toured Grand Avenue with Gehry to gather what he had in mind for an arts district. When Disney Hall opened in 2003, it instantly became an enduring symbol of L.A., overtaking the Hollywood sign in many cases. The Dodgers want to parade joy in winning their second World Series in row last October, where else but in front of Disney? But not in front of all Gehry had in mind.

We will soon have a pair of futuristic new museum buildings to show off this year: the David Geffen Galleries, the controversial Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Peter Zumthor building (I predict it will prove a sensation), and the new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art (no predictions on that one) next door to the Coliseum. But the fact that each is a 15-minute ride away from the cultural district’s new Metro station only makes the district even more of a center.

A center, indeed. Gehry’s vision included completing the original plans cost-cut out of Disney a quarter-century ago, along with new modifications and much more throughout the area. Some are more costly than others. Enough could be done on Grand Avenue in time for the Olympics to make a difference if we begin this minute.

Since its opening, Disney has been — shamefully — the most poorly lit building of its stature in the world. Gehry had chosen the specific steel for its capacity to reflect light. His idea was to project on the building whatever concert was taking place that night. No sound, just imagery. Belt-tighteners didn’t want to commit the $2 or $3 million or whatever and go through the trouble.

It was spectacularly tested at the hall’s 10th anniversary, but with tacky prerecorded video and crummy amplification. Facilities are now included in the Grand for projectors. It would have been amazing in 2003 and will be amazing now. The Grand has been disappointingly slow to attract the restaurants, bars, cafes and shops it needs to create a scene. The projections could change all that and even create enough of a ruckus to get a reluctant, car-crazed city to make that Grand Avenue block pedestrian.

There is much more for Disney. Gehry wanted to turn BP Hall, where preconcert talks occur, into a small chamber music hall with a suspended balcony. He had plans for reconfiguring the seldom-used small outdoor Keck Amphitheater into an enclosed jazz club for Herbie Hancock and turning the little-used 1st Street entrance into a glass-enclosed bar that would be named the Ernest, in tribute to Ernest Fleischmann, the L.A. Phil executive director who was responsible for building Disney.

Disney was supposed to have a pit for the orchestra, allowing for staging opera and dance. The plans exist. That could be done in a summer for a couple million. Bottom-liners had also nixed Gehry’s original design for a more gracious lobby with a cafe out front, not the gloomy one installed against his will.

The Colburn Center has the potential for being another game changer for the area, a vibrant new hall where we are promised upward of 200 events a year from all walks of musical life, local and international. But Gehry had in mind even more.

He intended to lower the steep and pedestrian unfriendly 2nd Street hill, so that it would be an easy walk from the new Metro station two blocks away, and add two more pedestrian blocks by diverting traffic to the 2nd Street tunnel. This would connect the cultural district with Grand Central Market on one end and the Broad on the other. Then 2nd could itself become a lively street with the stores and restaurants a “district” needs.

A model of architect Frank Gehry’s design of an addition for Colburn School.

(Christina House/Los Angeles Times)

The extraordinary original plans for the Colburn Center included turning the parking lot across 2nd from the hall into a public plaza with a giant video wall and high-end outdoor sound system, for projecting nightly concerts in the hall. Gehry was a devoted outdoor-indoor architect, and he designed for the hall a balcony on which musicians can perform.

That initiative has thus far been blocked by City Hall officials, fearful of the tunnel’s aging infrastructure. Although if that’s the case, I’m not all that eager to be in the tunnel as it currently is when the Big One comes along. This is where L.A. shows its moxie. Upgrade the tunnel. Now! If this were Beijing, New Delhi or Hanoi, it would be a no-brainer.

Gehry next proposed building low-cost artist housing in Grand Park directly across from the Music Center, which would further create a true arts community. There has been talk of renovating the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for three decades and that’s all it’s been. The corporate-esque recent Music Center plaza could use a little excitement, maybe a Phase II.

Arts make a city. The Edinburgh Festival in Scotland was created after World War II to help bring the city back to life. After its fire-bombing, Tokyo founded a bevy of symphony orchestras as a phenomenal experiment in mass antidepression. Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony played no small role in lifting the collective mood, preparing Tokyo to create what now feels like the world’s most arresting capital.

Unlike Scotland, unlike England, unlike Germany, unlike France, unlike Italy, unlike Poland, unlike Russia, unlike Finland, unlike the Czech Republic, unlike China, unlike any number of countries, America has no major international arts festival these days. We had one in L.A. in 1984 with the Olympic Arts Festival. The Cultural Olympiad in 2028 has shown no bones. But if we make the cultural district what it could be, there would be no better place anywhere for a major festival.

We have the goods. L.A. artists helped make the modern Salzburg Festival the meaningful model for all others. In 1992, the summer before Esa-Pekka Salonen became music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, he and the orchestra were invited to shake up clinging Austrian tradition. With the help of director Peter Sellars, they staged Messiaen’s epic opera “Saint François d’Assise,” with pyramids of televisions, resulting in music and monitors upending, in Mozart’s hometown, the role of the modern opera and, so to speak, the sound of music.

Over succeeding decades, both Sellars and Salonen have been Salzburg Festival lodestars. Last summer they were back staging two monodramas, Schoenberg’s “Erwartung” and “Abschied” (the last movement of Mahler’s symphonic song cycle “Das Lied von der Erde”). Conductor and director looked with shocking depth into the “Expectation” of death and gave a “Farewell” to the “Song of the Earth” we all await. I saw it twice and can’t imagine how anyone came away from it quite the same person, not more alive, not more fragile. Art on the stage doesn’t get deeper than “One Morning Turns Into an Eternity,” as Sellars named the production. Salonen, who conducted the production with Vienna Philharmonic, is now about to become the L.A. Phil creative director in the fall and will bring the production to Disney with the L.A. Phil next season. It is thus far the most important opera news of next season in America. All the more reason to build that pit in the hall and get started on much bigger plans.

Salzburg, which manages to come up with around $80 million from here and there, also helped with the question I’ve evaded: Who’s going to pay for all this? I’ve evaded it because it’s the wrong question. Money only started pouring into the building of Disney Hall when people got wind of what it was going to become. Five years ago, Crypto.com paid more than $700 million to change the name of Staples Center. That amount, which created nothing but an advertisement for a product of dubious value to society, is the price of two Walt Disney Concert Halls and probably all of Gehry’s projects put together. It is the amount that could fund nearly nine Salzburg-scale festivals.

If we let ourselves believe that L.A. wealth only cares for mega-crypto advertising, mega-mansions and mega-yachts, then L.A. is over. It isn’t. Do we want to show only that to the world? Downtown, and prominently Crypto.com Arena in L.A. Live, have been designated a center for LA28, as we’re calling the Olympics. That makes a graciously glorifying cultural district, which functions as creation being existential not commercial, just up the road from L.A. Live, L.A. live.

When one morning turns into an eternity, you don’t ask for the bill.

More than 2.5million Brits visited Portugal last year, and it could be even more popular in 2026 due to the Iran conflict

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel guidance for those heading to Portugal. The update was released today (March 20).

Fresh information has been provided for individuals seeking to remain in Portugal beyond 90 days under exceptional circumstances. The updated guidance states: “If you’re visiting Portugal and need to extend your visa-free stay for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, you must apply to AIMA using their contact form (access is only available to users in Portugal). If you’re in Portugal with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.”

It adds: “If you’re in Portugal with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.”

For British passport holders, visas aren’t required for short visits to EU nations or Schengen zone countries provided both conditions are met:

Your combined stay within the Schengen zone must not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period. The number of countries visited is irrelevant. The 180-day timeframe continuously ‘rolls over’, reports the Liverpool Echo.

EES

Since October 2025, the European Union has implemented the Entry/Exit System (EES), requiring travellers to provide fingerprints and photographs upon initial entry to or departure from the Schengen zone. It is scheduled to be fully operational by 10 April. However, the system has been plagued by teething problems, resulting in many travellers waiting for hours at airports. Because the system requires non-EU visitors – including Brits – to register their fingerprints and take a photo in person at the border, the additional registration time is already causing massive queues for non-European passengers at airports across the region.

It has caused such disruption that some locations have temporarily suspended its use. The European Commission has suggested that border authorities may pause the new system for up to six hours during peak travel times until September to help ease congestion.

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Portugal

More and more Brits are booking flights to Portugal as the conflict in the Middle East continues. Destinations like Cyprus, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and Dubai are being viewed as increasingly risky, so travellers are opting for safer alternatives like Portugal and Spain.

Bookings to Portugal had increased by 42% over the two weeks to 13 March, according to Thomas Cook – the largest rise in any of the countries they arrange holidays to. It was followed by the Balearic Islands (40 per cent) and the Canary Islands (16 per cent).

TravelSupermarket shared data on online search interest, which it said demonstrates a “clear surge” for European and Atlantic destinations and away from the Middle East.

It could be worth checking your passport now

People who are planning to go on holiday this year may want to check their passports now, with some at risk of being hit with a £239.50 fee.

The price of a new or replacement passport is set to rise next month, and everyone in the UK needs a passport for overseas travel. According to Gov.uk, you can apply for a British passport if you’re a British citizen, a British overseas territories citizen, a British overseas citizen, a British subject, a British national (overseas), or a British protected person. HM Passport Office issues these documents, which currently take around three weeks or less to be delivered.

If your passport is damaged, or has expired, you will need to order a replacement one in order to travel overseas. Most people will need to pay a fee to renew an existing passport or to obtain a new one, including those for children.

At present, a standard adult passport, for those aged 16 and over, costs £94.50 when applying online, or £107 when applying via the paper form – but these charges are set to climb to £102 and £115.50, respectively.

Additional price hikes that will come into force on April 8 include the charge for a standard child’s passport increasing from £61.50 to £66.50, or from £74 to £80 for a postal application. If you need a new passport quickly, you can currently use the Premium Service (for a passport within one day) for £222.

However, from April 8 this cost will jump up to £239.50. For those applying for a UK passport from overseas, the cost will increase by £8.50 – from £108 to £116.50 – for adults, and by £5.50 – from £70 to £75.50 for a child’s passport.

The cost of overseas standard paper applications will also go up from £120.50 to £130 for adults and £82.50 to £89 for children. While the majority of folks will have to pay for their passports, there are a select few who can get one for free.

If your birth date falls on or before September 2, 1929, you’re eligible to apply for a new British passport or renew your existing one without spending a penny. You can also take advantage of the Post Office Check and Send service at no charge and benefit from free secure delivery.

THE Sun’s travel team are sharing the holiday destinations they’ll be heading to this summer to help you find the best deals to get away for less.

To do this, we have rounded up our absolute favourite spots for summer 2026, including family-friendly holiday parks, sunny Spanish resorts and the very best in cruises.

Whether you’re hunting for a cheap UK break or a dreamy island retreat, we’ve got your travel inspiration for 2026 sorted.

From Skegness to Seoul, here’s where the Sun Travel team recommend – and are actually heading to – as the weather hots up.

Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel – Digital

UK holiday – Butlin’s, Skegness

I am ashamed to say that in my nine years as a travel editor at The Sun, I’ve not yet made it to Butlin’s.

Well, not after this summer. I’m heading to their Skegness resort with a school mum and our kids, in the seaside holiday park’s 90th birthday year.

I’m not sure who is more excited – the adults or the kids.

My parents were camping-in-France-type people, so I never did any of the UK holiday parks growing up.

But now I have a kid of my own, the idea of free fairground rides, water slides and TV-quality evening entertainment is deeply appealing.  

I’m particularly looking forward to the Masked Singer Live, and my son is very excited about the Maximum Pro Wrestling.

Plus, we’ve got the all-inclusive drinks package, which means we can sip on a cold wine and natter while the children tire themselves out with all the activities.

Given we’ve got the dining package too, it’ll be interesting to see quite how much we can see, do and eat in a 3-night break, without spending any extra money.

They’ve got 3-night breaks in May half term from £188 and the school summer holidays from £207.

Medium haul break – Bodrum, Turkey

I’ve managed to visit a new part of Turkey each year since Covid ended, ranging from Istanbul and Izmir to the Turquoise Coast, and this year I’m ticking Bodrum off the list.

Turkey is one of my favourite countries to visit with my seven-year-old.

For a start, the food is so kid-friendly that eating out is a dream. Halloumi, olives, flatbreads, hummus, baklava… what’s not to love?

Plus, they’ve really nailed the all-inclusive hotel experience.

This year, we’re staying at the Titanic Luxury Collection Bodrum – a five-star property on the Pina Peninsula with 11 restaurants and its own white-sand beach.

Week-long, all-inclusive stays at this five-star resort start from £910pp with On the Beach.

Short haul break – Eurocamp: Les Prairies De La Mer Resort, France

Kate Moss, Elton John, Beyonce and Leonardo DiCaprio all love St Tropez, and it’s about to become even better-known soon, as the next White Lotus TV show is being filmed there.

But just 15 minutes down the road is Les Prairies De La Mer Resort  – one of Eurocamp’s top holiday parks that they rate as five stars. 

But when we fancy a bit of the A-List lifestyle, it’s super easy and cheap to get to either St Tropez or St Maxime

Forget Club 55 and superyachts, here it’s all about the park’s own beachfront cafe, mini golf and the two pools.

Oh, and an early morning walk to the on-site supermarket for freshly baked croissants. 

But when we fancy a bit of the A-List lifestyle, it’s super easy and cheap to get to either St Tropez or St Maxime.

They’ve got 7-night breaks in May half term from £1,707 and school summer holidays from £2,349.

Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

British seaside – Suffolk, UK

As much as I love going abroad, sometimes you can’t beat a British summer.

I’ll be visiting Suffolk later this year to explore its seaside towns and hopefully enjoy some sunshine along the way too.

I’ll head to Aldeburgh first to see its colourful homes and stretching shingle beach.

I’ll try a Noon Tart too – it’s a local delicacy, essentially it’s a savoury pastry made from smoked haddock, smoked cheddar cheese, cream, eggs, and mustard in a flaky pastry.

Half an hour away from Aldeburgh is Framlingham Castle, which was Ed Sheeran’s inspiration for his song ‘Castle on the Hill’.

Neighbouring seaside towns include Thopeness and I might even stop by my favourite place along the Suffolk coast, Southwold.

I’ve been going to Southwold for years, playing games at the arcades, crabbing off the pier and popping into its independent shops along the high street.

I’ll be staying at The Brudenell Hotel, which sits on the seafront of Aldeburgh, and offers rooms from £137 per night.

Short haul sunshine – Menorca, Spain

Lots of Brits head to the Spanish islands during the summer – and I hope to be one of them, although I’m going to one that has fewer crowds.

The island of Menorca, next to the well-known Majorca, welcomes much fewer tourists each year, making it an ideal place to relax – it’s even been called “Ibiza’s chilled-out sister”.

It’s easy to navigate too, as it’s much smaller, so it has short airport transfers, and is generally cheaper.

I’ve got my eye on Cala Macarella, a beach on the south of the island with white cliffs and turquoise waters.

Another spot that I’ve been told about is Cova d’en Xoroi, which is a bar that’s built into caves on the cliffs.

During the day, it’s a chilled bar, and in the evening, it holds sunset sessions with live music.

To make it easier, the likes of TUI and Jet2 organise package holidays.

You can book a 7-night room-only break at Menorca’s Colina Village from £262.26pp with TUI.

English adventure – Jurassic Coast, UK

In my 28 years of living in the UK, I’ve never taken a stroll along the Jurassic Coast, which is why I intend to head there this summer for a weekend away (at least).

Chesil Beach near Weymouth is the longest in the UK, stretching for 18 miles from West Bay to the Isle of Portland.

And I hope to walk the beach and stop by The Cove House Inn on the north of the Isle of Portland, which was named as one of the best beachside boozers last year by Big 7 Travel.

Lots of visitors compliment the views from the pub, which sits on the promenade, and some have even spotted dolphins and whales in the water there too.

Of course, the famous Durdle Door is another stop high up on my list, as is Kimmeridge Bay.

Premier Inn’s Weymouth hotel offers spacious, comfy rooms from just £57 per night.

Lisa Minot – Head of Travel

Short haul success – Malaga, Spain

I’m heading to the southern Spanish gem of Malaga in early June for a long weekend.

The city ticks all the boxes when it comes to an easy-to-reach, reliably sunny destination that can combine a quick cultural hit with fabulous food and a captivating coastline. 

And travelling in early June, hopefully, will mean fewer crowds while still benefiting from warm sunshine.

I’ll be ticking off big hitters like the Picasso Museum and the 11th-century Alcazaba palace, but also on the agenda will be some serious relaxation.

I’m staying 20 minutes from the city centre at the Higueron Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, set between the Mediterranean and the Mijas mountains.

Its rooftop pool and terraces will be perfect for sunbathing and cocktail sipping, and there’s a spa and superb sports facilities for some proper me-time too.

The glamorous hotel offers breaks from £184 per night, but its budget-friendly little sister, the Hilton Garden Inn Malaga, also makes for a fantastic stay from £95 per night.

French fancy – Bormes Les Mimosas, Cote d’Azur

It will come as no surprise to those who know me that, yet again, my priority this summer will be spending time with family and friends at my own caravan in the South of France. 

I’ve visited Camp du Domaine in Bormes les Mimosas almost every year for the last 50 years, and this summer will be no different.

The site tumbles down pine-clad hills to its own gorgeous sandy beach, and days will be spent relaxing on those soft sands, swimming in the warm waters and cooking up a storm with the purchases bought in local markets, from fresh fish to ripe Provencale tomatoes and of course, the odd rose!

Set between Toulon and St Tropez, it’s a great site for those who have their own van or camper, but there are bungalows for rent too.

Another good bet nearby is the Eurocamp sites in Grimaldi and Frejus.

A basic pitch at Camp du Domaine starts from £28.50 per night, with options for one-bedroom bungalows starting from £60 per night. See campdudomaine.com.

Long haul leave – Seoul, South Korea

I’m making my first trip to the current global capital of cool, Seoul, as Virgin Atlantic launch new direct services.

With all things K-culture from the massive success of K-pop to the likes of Squid Game and BTS, the city promises an irresistible blend of ancient palaces, surprising green spaces and intoxicating 24/7 high-tech culture.

Of course, top of the list will be visiting Olive Young, Korea’s biggest beauty store for skincare essentials.

But I’ll also find time to wander and window-shop in the wealthy neighbourhood of Gangnam, famously mocked in original K-pop star PSY’s signature tune.

And then there’s the exciting food scene – from spicy street food to Korean barbecue, I can’t wait to indulge!

Virgin Atlantic flights to Seoul start from £757 return.

Once you’re in Seoul, there are plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options.

A night at the glitzy Moxy Seoul Insadong starts from £100 per room, whilst backpackers love the H HOSTEL Itaewon (from £23) with its social rooftop bar.

Jenna Stevens – Travel Reporter

British break – Cley next the Sea, Norfolk

I’m lucky enough to say that heading back home for me is like going on holiday.

North Norfolk is brimming with picturesque seaside towns and quaint fishing villages, so many that I’m yet to set foot in them all, despite growing up there.

This summer I’ll be heading east along the coastline to Cley next the Sea, a charming coastal village known for its seal trips, pretty marshland and its Grade II-listed windmill facing the sea.

Overnight stays are best taken in cosy pubs with rooms, which are abundant in the area

I’m looking forward to getting stuck into harvesting fresh samphire from the shores, then washing off my wellies and heading out to local restaurants to sample the seafood.

Cley is also home to quaint pottery shops and art galleries with work from local artists. Plus, the coastal walking routes are perfect for twitchers who want to spot species like marsh harriers and bitterns.

Overnight stays are best taken in cosy pubs with rooms, which are abundant in the area.

This makes evenings effortlessly easy, as you only have to head upstairs to retire after spending the night sipping Norfolk ales and chatting with locals.

Although if you want something truly special, you can choose to stay inside Cley Windmill itself.

Inside the mill, there’s a unique circular sitting room, decorated with antique furniture and an open fire, plus a dining room dating back to 1713.

Pair this with upper-floor bedrooms looking over the marshes, and you’ve got yourself a truly unforgettable staycation.

B&B stays at Cley Windmill start from £184 per night.

Or if you prefer a more rustic stay, you can go lakeside glamping close to Cley Marshes Visitor Centre from just £40 per night.

Euro city-break – Barcelona, Spain

Despite being one of Spain’s number one fans, I’ve somehow never made it to buzzy Barcelona.

I’m looking forward to heading there this summer to soak up the coastal city’s high-energy feel, whether its by boat trip, bicycle or bar-hopping.

This year marks Gaudi’s centenary: the anniversary of 100 years since the death of the famous architect.

To celebrate, the streets of Barcelona will be alive with various street celebrations, concerts and exhibitions taking place throughout the year.

Plus, the construction on the Sagrada Familia is set to wrap up in 2026, and with the completion of a spire back in February, the church building officially became the tallest in the world.

To add to the celebrations, Barcelona has been named the World Capital of Architecture this year.

Not only is there the impressive Sagrada Familia to admire, but I’m looking forward to ticking off Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, too.

Throw in some Spanish wine tasting and plans to eat my body weight in jamon and patatas bravas, and it’s fair to say I’m excited to finally experience Barcelona this summer.

City breaks to Barcelona are a very affordable option if you’re looking for a weekend away in Europe. TUI offer a 2-night stay in June at Hotel Acta Voraport hotel from just £266pp, and that’s with return flights included!

Southern Europe scorcher – Quinta do Lago, The Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve has long been a popular destination for Brits seeking sunshine, and I’m excited to head to the sporty resort of Quinta do Lago to catch some rays myself.

If you’re a fan of golfing with gorgeous coastal views, it doesn’t get much better than Quinta do Lago.

The North, South and Laranjal golf courses are renowned for their manicured, championship-grade greens.

In fact, the South golf course at Quinta do Lago has hosted the Portuguese Open no fewer than eight times.

Plus, the sporty adults’ playground offers more than just golf, too.

Whether you’re into pilates, padel or Portuguese cuisine, there’s something for everyone.

I’m very much looking forward to rewarding myself for the workouts with a frozen cocktail and lazing out on the golden sands of Quinta do Lago beach.

A top hotel on the resort that balances stylishness and affordability is The Magnolia Hotel, which offers rooms from £138 per night.

Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Train trip – Disneyland Paris

A theme park is a great option for a weekend away, and that is exactly what I am planning with Disneyland Paris.

By the end of March, Disneyland Paris will have opened its newest land: World of Frozen.

Now, I may be 25, but nothing excites me more than seeing Olaf come to life, waddling around and making his cute chuckles.

The new land is meant to look just like the Arendelle Kingdom as well, so I am excited to feel as if I am stepping into the movie itself.

One of Disneyland Paris’ biggest appeals is its proximity to the UK and the ease of travel there.

I will take the Eurostar from London St Pancras, which alleviates the stress often felt when travelling through an airport.

By making this trip a weekend break, I don’t have to take any annual leave, so it is a win-win.

You can book a 3-night stay at the Staycity Aparthotels Marne La Vallee from just £229pp on Loveholidays – it’s only seven minutes from the attraction, and it has its own outdoor pool to cool off in, too.

Atlantic adventure – The Bay Area, California, USA

I’m no newbie when it comes to California, having visited San Francisco twice, Yosemite and Los Angeles.

But I stand by the fact that the American state is one of the most exciting and diverse places to explore.

This summer, I will focus on the Bay Area, which comprises regions bordering San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay and Suisun Bay.

The different regions include Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, and San Francisco.

For this trip, I will focus on Marin — home to one of America’s 10 National Seashores — and Santa Clara, where you will find Silicon Valley and San Jose.

When people think of California, they often imagine LA and San Francisco, perhaps with chic surfer dudes.

However, this trip will focus on exploring the hidden parts of the Bay Area, including the location where George Lucas created Star Wars and Indiana Jones.

You can bag return flights to San Francisco from just £444 on Skyscanner, the cheapest deals are often found flying with SWISS airline.

Scottish summer – Glasgow, Scotland

Over the past few years, I have visited several destinations in Scotland and have to admit, they are to date some of the best places I have travelled to across the entire globe.

Scotland’s landscape is like nowhere else, and its cities are full of fascinating history and architecture.

That’s why this summer I will be heading to Glasgow. I haven’t visited before, so I am super excited to see how it compares to Edinburgh.

Glasgow Cathedral and Botanic Gardens are definitely at the top of my list of places to check out.

What is even better about this trip is that train operator Lumo has just launched a route from London to Glasgow – so no extra luggage costs for me!

Glasgow is full of affordable accommodation options, such as the ever-reliable easyHotel Glasgow City Centre from just £43 per night.

Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Medium haul trip – Marrakech, Morocco

Despite being known for its affordable flights, easyJet has recently launched its new Luxury Collection holiday offerings.

So I’ll be trying it out for myself on a trip to Morocco, spending a few days in Marrakech. 

I haven’t been to the city since 2018, and even then, it was on a budget, so I am excited to see the fancier side of it with a stay at the famous La Mamounia.

However, that won’t stop me from trying to hunt out a bargain in the souks, in the form of pretty kitchen bowls and candle holders.

And with 3 hr 40-minute flights and 25C weather in April? Sign me up!

You can fly to Marrakech from London from just £19.99 each way with easyJet.

Long haul adventure – East coast of Thailand

Twenty-one-year-old Kara’s biggest adventure was travelling to Asia, her first stop being a month exploring the popular Thai islands.

I’m as surprised as you are that, 12 years later, I have yet to return to the beautiful country.

So this summer, I have made it my mission to explore the parts that I forgot about as a budget traveller.

This time, I will be heading to the east coast, forgoing Bangkok and Chiang Mai for the nightlife of Pattaya.

Not only that, but my trip will also take me to Koh Chang, right by the Cambodia border.

Said to be less crowded and like going back to Thailand decades ago – I’ll be gorging on £1 Pad Thai and cheap Singha beers.

There’s plenty of luxurious hotels for affordable prices in Thailand, especially in Pattaya. Easy Planet Pattaya offers rooms from just £15 per night!

Eurotrip – Bilbao, Spain

My love of a Spanish city was only further proven last year, after falling for both Seville and Madrid after spending a long weekend in each.

So this year I’m taking myself to Bilbao for a long weekend.

It is one of the closest Spanish cities to the UK – flights are just 1hr45 – and TUI has recently launched new city break packages too.

Great tapas will be on the menu, with some of the finest in Spain, as well as soaking up some culture at the famous Guggenheim Museum.

You can visit Bilbao with TUI for a 3-night city break staying at the Occidental Bilbao from just £280pp, including return flights.

Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Holiday at sea – Oceania Allura Cruise

I experienced Oceania’s glamorous Allura when she first debuted in the Med last year.

I loved her sleek cocktail bars and quality restaurants so much that I’m considering returning for a voyage in the coming months – only this time it’ll be for longer.

This summer, the 1,200-passenger vessel will be cruising between the Greek isles, sun-drenched shores of Croatia and bustling port cities in Turkey.

And with the temperatures likely to sizzle in the low 30s, there’ll be plenty of opportunity to take advantage of its sun decks.

Either flopped on one of the huge daybeds with an icy margarita, by the main pool or – my personal favourite spot – in the mellow spa at the back of the ship where you can watch the engines carve a foamy path in the sea.

In the evening, I’ll be making a beeline for Jacques, Oceania’s famous French restaurant that dishes up classics of beef tartare and wobbly cheese souffles.

I’ll be washing it down with a good bottle of red, obviously – just as the French would – before following it up with a dirty martini in Martinis.

I’ll take mine with Grey Goose, please.

A Greek island tour on Oceania’s Allura starts from £1,979 per guest for a 7-day voyage.

The most affordable Oceania cruise currently is a 7-day voyage from Rome to Barcelona, from £942 per guest.

American adventure – New York, USA

I could never tire of New York City. The Big Apple is a destination that will welcome you with open arms, whatever the weather – and one that feels endlessly full of possibilities.

I’ve returned almost every year for the past five years, and each time, I’ve experienced something new.

Things move at a fast pace, and museums, restaurants and attractions are opening on a weekly basis, making this city a revolving door of fun.

Sadly, many experiences here will burn a hole in your wallet, but there are ways of cutting back on spending.

Oyster happy hours are top on my list for summer, where participating restaurants serve up the fishy, and normally rather pricey, snack for around $1 a pop.

I’ll be scouring discount site Today Tix (todaytix.com) for bargain, last-minute tickets to Broadway shows.

And as for exploring? Some of the best activities in NYC are free.

Who can resist a stroll around Central Park? This lush, green space is so vast that it took me an hour to find my way out and back onto the urban streets on my first visit.

There are also free museum days, while trips to famous department stores like Macy’s needn’t cost you a penny.

That is, unless you fall in love with a stylish handbag or pair of shoes…

On the Beach offer week-long trips to New York, including return flights and a stay at a hotel in in Times Square, from £1,085pp.

British break – Salcombe, Devon, UK

I’m already counting down the days until I return to the South West coast of England.

Cornwall is my usual haunt, and I know its windswept coastlines, sandy bays and rugged walking trails like the back of my hand.

So, I’m mixing things up a little this summer and moving a fraction to the east, where a gorgeous holiday home in Devon’s Salcombe is awaiting my arrival.

The scenery will be familiar, but – note to self – it’s cream first, then jam, on this side of the border.

On top of jaw-dropping views, Salcombe promises scenic adventures on the water.

The destination is a renowned sailing hotspot, hosting various dinghy races throughout the summer.

Boats can be hired for private excursions with or without a skipper, depending on your experience and knowledge.

The harbour town is also home to a rather charming gin distillery, which hosts tours and tasting sessions from £50pp.

Don’t fancy gin? There’s rum, too.

You can book a stay at The Sloop Inn, a charming 14th-century seaside pub with rooms, from just £88 per night.

Israeli air strikes target army camps in response to alleged attacks on the Druze community in Suwayda on Thursday.

Israel’s military has said it struck Syrian army camps overnight in response to what it claimed were attacks against the Druze community in the south of the country.

“This was in response to yesterday’s events, in which Druze civilians were attacked in the [Suwayda] area,” the Israeli military said in a post on Telegram on Friday.

“The [Israeli military] will not allow harm to come to Druze in Syria and will continue to act for their protection.”

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor reported on Thursday that fighting broke out between government forces and fighters from local tribes against opposing Druze factions in the western countryside of Suwayda.

The fighting began after mortar shells fell on areas under the control of Druze factions.

The shelling later hit residential neighbourhoods in the city of Suwayda, sowing panic and fear among residents, the Syrian Observatory said.

Syria’s state-run SANA news agency did not acknowledge the fighting in Suwayda or the Israeli attack.

Violence first erupted in Suwayda on July 13 between Bedouin tribal fighters and Druze groups.

Government forces were sent in to quell the fighting, but the bloodshed worsened, and Israel carried out strikes on Syrian troops and also bombed the heart of the capital, Damascus, under the pretext of protecting the Druze.

Israel had already pushed deeper into Syrian territory following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, occupying the buffer zone and saying the 1974 deal with Syria had collapsed.

The latest flare-up between the neighbouring countries comes as war roils the Middle East after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.

In a speech delivered after the Eid al-Fitr prayers on Friday in Damascus, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said he is working to keep Syria out of any conflict.

“It is important to remember that Syria has always been an arena of conflict and strife during the past 15 years and before that, but today it is in harmony with all neighbouring countries regionally and internationally,” he said.

He added that Syria stood “in full solidarity with the Arab states”.

Slovenia heads to the polls on Sunday in a closely contested race between incumbent Prime Minister Robert Golob and right-wing former Prime Minister Janez Jansa.

Opinion polls currently suggest no clear winner between Golob’s Freedom Movement (GS) and Jansa’s Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), with the outcome likely to hinge on smaller parties and coalition-building.

Jansa has served three times as prime minister, between 2004-2008, 2012-2013 and 2020-2022.

Golob’s domestic agenda has been broadly reform-driven and welfare-focused, with a mix of social policy, green transition, and institutional reforms, something Jansa has promised to reverse by introducing tax breaks for businesses and cutting funding for welfare programs.

The election will also decide which direction the Alpine nation, which gained independence in 1991, will take on foreign policy, especially given the wildly divergent views on Israel and Palestine.

Slovenia’s government has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s war; in contrast, Jansa is a staunch supporter of Israel.

Diverging views on Israel-Palestine

For a small nation – roughly the size of New Jersey in the United States – home to two million people, the Israel-Palestine conflict has played a significant role in its politics.

Slovenia’s current government has openly criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, even introducing a ban on imports of goods produced in the occupied Palestinian territory.

In May 2024, the country recognised Palestinian statehood, raising a Palestinian flag alongside the flags of Slovenia and the European Union in front of a government building in downtown Ljubljana.

In May 2025, Slovenia’s President Natasa Pirc Musar told the European Parliament that the EU needed to take stronger action against Israel, condemning “the genocide” in Gaza.

Later in the year, it banned far-right Israeli cabinet ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country and became the first country in the EU to ban all weapons trade with Israel over its genocidal war on Gaza.

It has also backed Slovenian International Criminal Court (ICC) Judge Beti Hohler, after she was sanctioned by the US for her role in issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

In a letter sent to the EU heads of state on March 13, Golob and Musar warned that Europe’s refusal to condemn the sanctions indicated that “concern for economic consequences has taken precedence over a principled defence of judicial independence and international justice … at a moment when armed conflicts rage, when international law is being violated, when the victims of the gravest crimes look to the ICC as their last hope for justice.”

Nika Kovac, a Slovenian sociologist and cofounder of the 8th of March Institute, a nongovernmental organisation focused on human rights, told Al Jazeera that support for Palestine is in part rooted in the fact that Slovenia is “a very young country”, which means “there is … solidarity with countries that want to be independent, and they cannot be.”

However, the country’s approach to Palestinian rights could shift if pro-Israel Jansa were to be elected.

Jansa has been a close ally to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and lambasted Slovenia’s decision to recognise the state of Palestine, with a statement from his party claiming it was tantamount to “supporting the terrorist organisation Hamas”.

Accusations of ‘foreign information manipulation’

In the lead-up to the election, a series of covertly recorded conversations was published online, featuring a Slovenian lobbyist, a lawyer, a former minister and a manager.

The videos purportedly show the individuals discussing ways to influence decision-makers in Golob’s coalition to expedite procedures and secure contracts.

On Tuesday, Golob accused “foreign services” of interfering in Slovenia’s elections, after a report by the 8th of March Institute and investigative journalists claimed that representatives of the Israeli private spy firm Black Cube had visited the country in December and Jansa’s headquarters in the weeks leading up to the leaks.

On Wednesday, Slovenia’s Intelligence and Security Agency confirmed the arrival of Black Cube representatives in Slovenia and presented a report on foreign interference in elections, which the agency’s director said was alleged to have been carried out at the behest of people in Slovenia.

The State Secretary for National and International Security in the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Vojko Volk, made a statement following the announcement, saying, “According to information available to date, representatives of Black Cube have stayed in Slovenia on four occasions over the past six months.”

On Thursday, Golob sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen notifying her of “alarming information regarding what appears to constitute a grave instance of foreign information manipulation and interference currently unfolding in the Republic of Slovenia”.

French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters on Thursday that Golob “was the victim of clear-cut interference” by “third countries”.

“Today, in every election in Europe, there is interference that disrupts electoral processes,” Macron said.

Jansa has admitted to meeting with a Black Cube representative but denied any wrongdoing.

The winners of Jonathan Ross’ new Channel 4 reality series, Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing, appeared on Friday’s Good Morning Britain

Channel 4 recently aired a new reality series that saw 18 people chained to someone who is their polar opposite for as long as they can manage, all in an effort to win a £100,000 prize.

Hosted by Jonathan Ross, Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing, saw nine couples forced to spend their every moment together, bound by a pair of handcuffs.

They slept in the same bed, showered together and even used the toilet in close proximity with their new companion.

Earlier this week, viewers saw Staffordshire porn star Rob, 32, and West Sussex homemaker Charlie, 44, who is a self-professed prude, make it all the way to the end, winning the show and a suitcase bulging with £100,000.

Appearing on Friday’s Good Morning Britain, the duo spoke about their time on the show and winning the programme. As per the reality series, GMB decided to handcuff the duo together for their interview.

Host, Ranvir Singh, said: “I’m afraid we’ve handcuffed you again… to really, like, hammer home the point that you were handcuffed.”

Talking about how they got involved with the show and if they knew what it was about, Charlie admitted: “I didn’t find out for quite a while!

“They approached me, found me on TikTok, and said, ‘We’re casting for a social experiment. We’re bringing two opposing worlds together, and we think you’d be great.’

“So I said to the family, ‘I’ve just had this message, what do you think?’ They were like, ‘Yeah, you’d be great, mum, go for it!’ Then it was down the line, weeks down the line, they said the show was called Handcuffed.

“[I thought I was getting involved in] a social experiment to bring two different worlds together and see if they could work together. I knew it would be a challenge, but I didn’t realise…”

It was a similar story for Rob, who recalled: “I was reached out on Instagram and I was like, in 2025, for me, was a Yes Man year. I don’t know if you’ve seen the film Jim Carrey Yes Man.

“That year, for me, was just like, whatever comes at me, I’m going to say yes to it and I did. I thought, you know what, I don’t care what it is, I’m just going for it and that’s what I did.”

Talking about why they think they won the show, Rob said: “Respect! Respect and communication, I think they’re the two biggest things.”

To which Charlie added: “And kindness. Rob was really kind and thoughtful and made the whole thing easier from the first moment.”

Good Morning Britain continues on weekdays at 6am on ITV and ITV X.

When the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz—the narrow waterway through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil passes each day—effectively ceased to function as a shipping corridor. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps responded by warning off tanker traffic, and within days maritime transit had fallen to nearly zero. The consequences were immediate and severe: Brent crude has not dropped below the $100 threshold since March 13 and touched $119 on March 19 following Israeli strikes on Iran’s South Pars gasfield and retaliatory Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure in Qatar and the UAE. For Venezuela, a country sitting atop the world’s largest proven reserves but producing around 900,000 to one million barrels per day (a fraction of its historical capacity of over 3 million in the late 1990s) the disruption arrived at a peculiar moment. It was not a crisis of Venezuela’s making. But how Caracas responds to it may define the country’s energy trajectory for years to come.

On paper, the arithmetic is striking. Alejandro Grisanti, director of Ecoanalítica, estimates that Venezuela receives approximately $400 million in additional revenue for every extra dollar in the average crude price. This figure, at current price levels, represents a fiscal windfall without precedent in the post-Maduro transition. Venezuelan crude exports had already rebounded sharply in February to around 788,000 barrels per day (up from a depressed 383,000 bpd in January, when the post-Maduro-arrest disruption had frozen trade flows), with US refineries absorbing the majority of shipments directly through Chevron or energy intermediaries. Of course, production and exports are different things: Venezuela produces roughly one million bpd but consumes some 230,000 bpd domestically, meaning effective export capacity sits considerably below gross output.

The Hormuz disruption accelerated the export recovery dynamic: with Gulf supply stranded and Asian buyers scrambling for alternatives, Venezuelan crude became a more attractive proposition. Washington has responded in kind. On March 18, the US Treasury issued a broad license authorizing established American entities to conduct transactions with PDVSA directly, a landmark shift after years of near-total sanctions isolation, explicitly framed as a supply-side response to the Iran war. There are structural constraints baked into the relief: payments cannot flow directly to sanctioned Venezuelan entities but must pass through US-controlled accounts, and transactions involving Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, or designated Chinese entities remain prohibited. The US will allow the oil trade, but it will control the cash flow.

The production ceiling, however, remains a formidable obstacle, and not merely a financial one. Venezuela’s Orinoco Belt produces extra-heavy crude with an API gravity typically in the 8–16° range and high sulfur content, which cannot simply be blended into a market substitute for the medium-sour grades displacing from the Persian Gulf. To reach export markets, Orinoco crude must either pass through an upgrader—facilities like Petropiar, which converts it to a synthetic crude of around 26° API—or be diluted with imported naphtha or lighter crude to create exportable blends like Merey. This means Venezuelan barrels serve a specific refinery profile: predominantly the cooking-capable refineries along the US Gulf Coast, which are well-suited to process heavy, sulfurous feedstocks. They are not a drop-in replacement for Middle Eastern crude, but a complementary supply for a defined segment of global refining capacity.

The US military backstop, the reformed hydrocarbon law, and now the broad PDVSA sanctions relief have together reduced the perception of expropriation risk and policy reversal that kept capital at bay for two decades.

ExxonMobil, whose assets were expropriated twice under chavismo, announced it would send an evaluation team to Venezuela within weeks, with Senior Vice President Jack Williams acknowledging the company’s heavy oil expertise from Canadian operations in Kearl and Cold Lake. The caveat was pointed: “Today it’s uninvestable,” CEO Darren Woods had said in January, and Williams’ more cautious optimism reflects the institutional memory of a company burned twice.

Chevron and PDVSA have meanwhile agreed on preliminary terms to expand Petropiar into the adjacent Ayacucho 8 block of the Orinoco Belt, while Shell is in advanced talks to develop the Carito and Pirital fields in eastern Monagas. These are among the few areas that produce the light and medium crude needed as diluent and blendstock for Venezuela’s heavy exports. Delcy Rodríguez has projected fresh oil investments of $1.4 billion for the year under the amended hydrocarbons law. These are meaningful steps. But a preliminary deal and a production ramp are different things. Rystad Energy estimates that simply holding production flat at around 1.1 million bpd requires $53 billion in upstream investment over 15 years, and getting to 2 million bpd by 2032 would demand $8–9 billion per year in sustained capital.

What has shifted—materially and quickly—is market sentiment about Venezuela as an investable destination, and the trajectory is meaningfully positive. Dozens of US hedge funds, asset managers, and energy investors are organizing trips to Caracas in the coming weeks: Signum Global Advisors is running a two-day conference in Venezuela from March 22–24 with 55 participants, roughly half of whom are bondholders who own or have recently purchased Venezuelan government and PDVSA debt (both in default since 2017).

Separate delegations invited by Trans-National Research and other groups are arriving, with agendas featuring meetings with Rodríguez and PDVSA CEO Héctor Obregón. The interest marks a sharp break from the isolation of the Maduro years. Country risk, while still elevated in absolute terms, has been repriced substantially since January: the US military backstop, the reformed hydrocarbon law, and now the broad PDVSA sanctions relief have together reduced the perception of expropriation risk and policy reversal that kept capital at bay for two decades.

Venezuela’s challenge is to use this window of geopolitical necessity to lock in investment commitments, debt restructuring negotiations, and production agreements that survive the normalization of oil markets.

What investors are now stress-testing is no longer whether Venezuela is open for business, but whether the legal and institutional architecture is durable enough to support long-horizon commitments. As analysts at Debatesiesa have noted in examining Venezuelan financial markets, sentiment can shift on headlines, but binding investment decisions require structural reforms and credible enforcement mechanisms. The framework is improving; the question is whether it improves fast enough, and on a stable enough trajectory, to convert this geopolitical moment into a genuine investment cycle.

The deeper question the Hormuz crisis forces is one of timing and durability. Oil prices are now trading above $110 per barrel and analysts at Wood Mackenzie and Rystad are no longer dismissing scenarios above $150 while the conflict shows no sign of imminent resolution, with Pete Hegseth signaling the “largest strike package yet” against Iran on March 19. The EIA, in its latest forecast issued prior to these newest escalations, projected Brent to remain above $95 through the next two months before falling below $80 in the third quarter of 2026 if supply flows gradually normalize. Whether that normalization materializes is the variable on which everything else depends. Venezuela’s challenge is not simply to capture today’s price premium, but to use this window of geopolitical necessity to lock in investment commitments, debt restructuring negotiations, and production agreements that survive the normalization of oil markets.

The country has rarely faced a more favorable confluence of factors: surging global demand for its barrels, a reformed legal framework for private investment, an unprecedented degree of US political and financial backing, and prices that make otherwise marginal projects viable. Whether Caracas—and the Rodríguez administration in particular—has the institutional bandwidth to convert a crisis into structural recovery, rather than another cycle of windfall and waste, is the defining question of Venezuela’s energy sector in 2026.

EGYPT has seen a fall in tourism due to the ongoing Iran conflict – despite it not being affected.

In response, tour operators are dropping prices of all-inclusive holidays – with some savings racking up to over £2,000.

Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Brits have been avoiding travelling to the surrounding countries, including Egypt.

Last week, On The Beach confirmed that they had experienced a drop in demand for popular holiday destinations including Egypt as well as Greece, Turkey and Cyprus.

Despite this, its airspace remains open and the travel advice to popular tourist spots along the Red Sea coastline hasn’t differed from the being safe for travel.

What has changed, is that the price of all-inclusive holidays has plunged.

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The CHEAPEST all-inclusive holidays in May half term – from £259pp and kids go free

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The ‘cheap luxury’ beach resorts under 4 hours from UK with breaks from £75pp

For families wanting to go on holiday in the coming months to enjoy Egypt‘s highs of 30C, there are some incredible deals out there.

Coming in at the lowest price is a deal with loveholidays which starts from £239 per person for an all-inclusive holiday for a family of four.

The 3-star New Badawia Resort in Sharm El Sheikh is slightly inland but still has a swimming pool for cooling off in the warm weather.

For those who want to explore the beach, one is just a seven-minute drive away.

Between April 22 – 29 loveholidays is offering an all-inclusive package including flights from London Gatwick from £956 – or £239 per person.

Another cheap offer is a seven-night all-inclusive stay at the Falcon Naama Star hotel in Sharm El Sheikh from as little as £265 per person.

This price is from On the Beach for a stay from April 22 to April 29 and includes return TUI flights from Manchester Airport.

easyJet Holidays has some impressive deals too.

An all-inclusive break at the Xperience St. George Homestay, in the coastal neighbourhood of Hadaba in Sharm El Sheikh, starts from £424 per person.

This includes flights from Liverpool John Lennon Airport on May 11 and the return journey on May 28, 2026.

A TUI holiday has dropped by nearly 70 per cent, with a three-night all-inclusive stay next month at Sindbad Club just £347pp – down from £1017pp.

Or a family of four can have an all-inclusive stay across seven-nights at the Coral Sea Water World in Sharm El Sheikh for just £1,576 – or £525.46 per person (and down 60 per cent).

The trip with TUI from April 22 to April 29, 2026 is all-inclusive and includes return flights from Manchester Airport.

Brits unsure about booking holidays should remember that the package holidays are ATOL-protected – so if they get cancelled, you get all your money back.

For more on Egypt, here’s an affordable beach destination with 77p beers and cheap seaside resorts.

And hear more from one writer who found the “perfect Egyptian destination for families seeking adventure” from scaling pyramids to snorkelling and desert safari.

Our favourite Egypt holiday deals

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue.

New Badawia Resort, Sharm el Sheikh

This hotel in popular resort Sharm el Sheikh has a large outdoor pool, waterpark and its own private beach area to cool off from the Egyptian sun. There’s traditional evening entertainment to bring the kids along to, and plenty to do in the local area like snorkelling and dipping into local bars and restaurants

BOOK HERE

Jaz Makadi Saraya Palms, Hurghada

With five swimming pools, six bars and six restaurants, you won’t get bored of this sprawling resort. The resort sits in the town centre of Makadi Bay, with plenty of dining and shopping options on your doorstep. The best part? Makadi Water World is just minutes from the hotel, famed for its 50 water slides and wave pool – and guests staying here get free entry.

BOOK HERE

Jaz Grand Marsa, Marsa Alam

The 4-star Jaz Grand Marsa has its own private beach with a coral reef, as well as five pools, three of which have sea views. The spacious grounds feature gardens and water fountains, plus tennis courts.

BOOK HERE

Coral Sea Water World, Sharm el Sheikh

This all-inclusive resort is built for families, with a huge entertainment programme and an on-site waterpark with 18 slides. You can expect a buffet that’s anything but repetitive, as the theme and food line-up change daily. If you can bring yourself to leave the all-inclusive waterpark-come-resort, there’s the King Tut Museum, plus the Red Sea is world-famous for snorkelling.

BOOK HERE

I’ve seen enough. It’s time to revise our expectations about the midterms.

For more than a year now, conventional wisdom has been that Democrats would take back the House — but not the Senate — in the November midterms.

That’s because this year’s Senate map would require Democrats to win numerous seats in red states.

In fact, if you had asked me a couple of months ago, I would have told you that, yes, Democrats have a shot at the Senate, but in the same way my teenage son has a shot at someday dating Sydney Sweeney. Which is to say, technically possible but cosmically unlikely.

But recent developments (such as President Trump’s plunging approval ratings on the economy) are encouraging me to revise my thinking.

I’m not alone. Independent journalist Chris Cillizza recently observed that for the first time ever, prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi showed Democrats with a narrow edge.

Now, prediction markets are not scientific. Neither, for that matter, is licking your finger and holding it up to the wind — but both have outperformed political polling at various times in the last couple of years.

The difference is that in prediction markets, people are wagering actual money, which tends to sharpen the mind in ways that answering a pollster’s call during dinner does not.

Of course, you probably haven’t heard much about this revised political outlook. That’s because nobody has any incentive to shout it from the rooftops.

Democrats don’t want to inflate expectations and risk turning a solid win into a perceived disappointment. Republicans, meanwhile, are not eager to advertise that their Senate majority is wobbling like a shopping cart with a bad wheel. And we pundits, chastened by having been burned, are reluctant to get too far out over our skis.

Even Cillizza still leans Republican on balance. But if I had to bet today — and I tend to define bet as “regret later” — I’d put my chips on the Democrats. Not because it’s a sure thing, but because almost every political and economic development seems to be trending in their direction.

History helps. The “out” party in the midterms usually does well. Current events help. Policies, including the war in Iran and rising gas prices, tend to sour voters on whoever’s in charge. And candidate quality helps. Voters do occasionally notice who’s actually on the ballot, and Democrats are serving up a semi-respectable offering.

Let’s pause to appreciate what’s at stake. Control of the Senate isn’t just about who gets the nicer office furniture. It determines judicial confirmations, including the possibility that Trump could fill a fourth Supreme Court vacancy (if one opens up in 2027 or 2028).

Now, it would be irresponsible of me to just drop this idea without delving into some logistical details.

For Democrats to flip the Senate, they need to net four seats. That means defending everything they already have while winning four more. The encouraging news (if you’re rooting for the Democrats) is that there are at least eight plausible opportunities for that to happen.

In North Carolina, incumbent Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, is widely expected to win. In Maine, Republican Sen. Susan Collins once again finds herself in a political knife fight — her natural habitat, though perhaps not her preferred one. She will face Maine’s current governor or a flamboyant and controversial oysterman. I’m not sure who’d be the tougher opponent.

Out in Ohio, former Sen. Sherrod Brown benefits from the rare political skill of being a Democrat who still seems at home in Ohio.

The Democrat running in Alaska is a former member of Congress (and the first Alaska Native elected to Congress). And for the open seat in Iowa, Democrats seem likely to nominate a two-time Paralympic gold medalist who represents the reddest state house seat held by a Democrat.

Then there’s Texas, the perennial Democratic mirage — always shimmering on the horizon. But this year, it might come into clear view. James Talarico has emerged for Democrats, while Republicans are stuck choosing between scandal-plagued Atty. Gen. Ken Paxton and incumbent Sen. John Cornyn — a process that currently resembles a family feud conducted with vicious attack ads.

Meanwhile, in Nebraska and Montana, Democrats aren’t even pretending to compete. Instead, they’re relying on independents who — like Sens. Bernie Sanders and Angus King — would likely caucus with them.

In Nebraska, independent Dan Osborn already proved he can make it close: He lost in 2024 — a bad year to run against a Republican. And in Montana, the sudden announced retirement of Sen. Steve Daines has created an opening that didn’t exist five minutes ago (in political time).

Let’s not get carried away. The idea that Democrats could sweep all these races is still the kind of thing you say after your third drink. But winning half of them? That’s no longer fantasy. That’s … plausible. Maybe even more likely than not.

This isn’t a safe bet. It’s not even a comfortable one. But for the first time, it’s starting to look like smart money isn’t laughing at the idea anymore — it’s quietly sliding chips across the table.

Matt K. Lewis is the author of “Filthy Rich Politicians” and “Too Dumb to Fail.”

A travel vlogger visited a stunning island nation in Southern Europe with a historic capital city he described as “one of the most beautiful places” he’s ever seen

A vlogger who enjoyed a trip to an English-speaking island boasting 20C warmth in April has hailed it as “one of the most beautiful places” he’s ever been to. Alex Daltz, a YouTuber on a quest to chronicle his worldwide travels “one vlog at a time”, recently visited a spectacular European nation merely three hours from the UK.

Starting off, Alex pointed his camera towards the stunning panorama from his hotel room balcony, featuring undulating hills and a peaceful expanse of water in the distance, set against brilliant sunshine and clear blue skies.

Switching to a street view, Alex disclosed he was in the ancient capital of Malta, the 16th-century city of Valletta. An island nation in Southern Europe, Malta is positioned south of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea and north of the north African coastal country of Libya.

SkyScanner reports that the average flight duration from the UK is 3 hours and 16 minutes, with prices beginning at just £29 at the time of writing. TUI suggests travelling between April and October, with April temperatures varying from 15 to 20°C.

A fortified city and UNESCO World Heritage site, Valletta was designated Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2018. Alex swiftly highlighted the city’s cultural appeal, evidently captivated by its characteristic Baroque architecture.

Indeed, he described the capital as “beautiful” with a “chilled out touristy vibe”. He said: “We have just made it to Valletta. One of the most beautiful places I think I’ve ever been because it’s so, so medieval, the whole place.”

Alex added: “It’s literally like you’re walking through the 1500s. I already get like a chilled out touristy vibe already, and I’ve been here like five minutes.”

Venturing out to find water, Alex could be spotted outside St. John’s Co-Cathedral, a landmark that houses two masterpieces by the renowned Italian painter, Caravaggio, The Beheading of St John the Baptist and St Jerome Writing.

Alex displayed the bustling Valletta streets and subsequently found himself near Fort St Elmo – constructed in the Early Modern period – and the National War Museum, which provides visitors with 7,000 years of Maltese military history.

Among the museum’s highlights are the Gloster Sea Gladiator N5520 FAITH aircraft, Roosevelt’s Jeep “Husky”, and, as pointed out by Alex, the George Cross, the nation’s honour for gallantry during the Second World War.

Subsequently, Alex visited the city of Mdina, another breathtaking Maltese location that functioned as the country’s previous capital. Also referred to as the “Silent City”, inhabitants have resided in the area since before 4000BCE.

Throughout the centuries, the city has been controlled by Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and even the Normans. For Alex, who recorded himself as he wandered the honey-coloured streets, it was “astonishing” and “mind-blowing”.

Other Maltese highlights showcased by Alex included local catacombs and the Blue Lagoon, where the fortunate YouTuber experienced some of the “most blue water” he’s ever seen.

Luka scores 60, LeBron ties record

From Thuc Nhi Nguyen: On the same night he tied Robert Parish for the NBA record in regular-season games played, ageless wonder LeBron James had a 19-point, 15-rebound, 10-assist triple-double in Thursday’s 134-126 win over the Miami Heat. The 41-year-old playing in his 1,611th game helped the Lakers (45-25) win their season-best eighth consecutive game while star guard Luka Doncic poured in a season-best 60 points, including 20 points in the final quarter.

James became the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double, besting the mark he set last month.

“He’s a psycho,” coach JJ Redick said with affection, awe and respect.

James, Doncic and guard Austin Reaves were all questionable to play in their second game in as many nights. Doncic was dealing with right hip soreness and Reaves was battling a right forearm contusion after Wednesday’s physical win over Houston. James, who took a hard spill in the fourth quarter and banged his right elbow, was officially nursing left foot arthritis. Earlier this season, James characterized his ailments as being simply “old.”

But before Redick could even check on the status of his stars Thursday afternoon, he learned they already decided on their availability. The players huddled in the locker room after Wednesday’s game before the coaches entered and decided they would all play against Miami (38-32).

“When he said he was playing, I was like, I can’t let a 41-year-old play and I not play,” said Reaves, who battled through a bruise on his shooting wrist to finish with 18 points. “So [I] signed up to play and so did Luka and we went and grinded the win out.”

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Lakers box score

NBA standings

Clippers lose to Pelicans again

Trey Murphy III scored 27 points and the New Orleans Pelicans extended their home winning streak to seven games with a 105-99 victory over the Clippers on Thursday night.

Saddiq Bey had 20 points and Zion Williamson added 15 for the Pelicans, who swept the two-game set against the Clippers after a 124-109 win, also at home, on Wednesday night.

Dejounte Murray was held out to rest as part of his comeback from a ruptured Achilles tendon. He had 17 points and a season-high 11 assists Wednesday night in his ninth game since making his season debut last month.

Derrick Jones Jr. scored 22 points, John Collins had 18 and Bogdan Bogdanovic added 16 for the Clippers, who lost their fourth in a row.

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Clippers box score

NBA standings

Kings lose to Flyers

Trevor Zegras and Matvei Michkov scored in a shootout to give the Philadelphia Flyers their fourth victory in five games, 4-3 over the Kings on Thursday night.

Noah Cates had a goal and an assist, Travis Konecny and Travis Sanheim also scored, and Samuel Ersson made 22 saves. The Flyers remained six points behind Boston and Detroit for the two Eastern Conference wild-card spots.

On Wednesday night against the Ducks, Cates scored in overtime in the Flyers’ 3-2 victory.

Adrian Kempe and Artemi Panarin failed on their shootout attempts for Los Angeles, though the Kings still moved into the second wild-card in the Western Conference.

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Kings summary

NHL standings

USC reaches settlement

From Ryan Kartje: USC has settled a lawsuit with a former high-ranking athletic department official who alleged the university allowed former athletic director Mike Bohn to racially harass and discriminate against her, then fired her when she voiced concerns about Bohn’s behavior.

Joyce Bell Limbrick was the highest-ranking Black and female official in USC’s athletic department when she was fired by the university in September 2023, four months after Bohn resigned amid an internal investigation into his conduct and the culture of the department. Bell Limbrick filed suit early last year, accusing USC of wrongful termination.

That dispute was settled out of court this week. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

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This day in sports history

1897 — Yale beats Penn 32-10 in New Haven, Conn., in the first men’s intercollegiate basketball game.

1918 — The Toronto Arenas (who would become the Maple Leafs) are the first NHL team to play in the Stanley Cup Final. Toronto’s Reg Noble scores two goals with an assist in the first period of a 5-3 win over Vancouver of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association.

1939 — In a game of unbeaten teams, Long Island U. defeats Loyola of Chicago 44-32 to win the National Invitation Tournament title.

1954 — In the first televised NCAA championship game, La Salle defeats Bradley 92-76 and sets a record for most points in the title game.

1965 — Gail Goodrich’s 42 points lead UCLA to a 91-80 victory over Michigan in the NCAA basketball championship.

1965 — St. John’s sends Joe Lapchick out a winner, as the Redmen beat Villanova 55-51 to win their fifth National Invitation Tournament championship.

1965 — Bill Bradley scores 58 points to lead Princeton to a 118-82 rout of Wichita State in the NCAA third-place game. UCLA beats Michigan 91-80 to win its second National championship.

1968 — Dave Bing of the Detroit Pistons finishes the season with a league-leading 27.1 average, becoming the first guard in 20 years to lead the NBA in scoring.

1969 — Less than two months after she becomes the first woman to ride in a pari-mutuel race in America, Diane Crump rides her first winner at Gulfstream Park.

1976 — Boston’s John Havlicek becomes the first NBA player to score more than 1,000 points per season for 14 consecutive years.

1988 — Mike Tyson knocks out Tony Tubbs in the second round to retain his world heavyweight title in Tokyo.

2005 — Liz Johnson becomes the first woman to advance to the championship match of a Professional Bowlers Assn. tour event, but loses by 27 pins to Tommy Jones in the final of the PBA Banquet Open.

2005 — LeBron James, 20, becomes the youngest player to score 50 points in an NBA game, when he scores 56 in the Cavaliers’ 105-98 loss to the Raptors.

2006 — Japan beats Cuba 10-6 in the title game of the inaugural World Baseball Classic.

2010 — Northern Iowa pulls off one of the biggest NCAA upsets in years by knocking No. 1 overall seed Kansas with a 69-67 win. Ali Farokhmanesh buries an open three-pointer with the shot clock still in the 30s to give the Panthers a four-point lead with 35 seconds left.

2014 — Bernard Tomic loses the shortest completed ATP match on record, lasting only 28 minutes at the Sony Open in his first tournament since having surgery on both hips. Ending a two-month layoff, Tomic wins just 13 points and loses to Jarkko Nieminen 6-0, 6-1. It’s the quickest match since the ATP started keeping such records in 1991.

2020 — After 20 years with the New England Patriots, six-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Tom Brady officially agrees to move to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Compiled by the Associated Press

Until next time…

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

March 20 (UPI) — At least five people were injured Friday after a Delta Air Lines flight hit severe turbulence on its final approach to Sydney, Australia.

Delta told the BBC that Flight 41 from Los Angeles with 160 passengers and crew on board “encountered brief turbulence” as it landed at Sydney Airport, injuring four flight attendants.

The Airbus A350 touched down “safely and normally,” said a Delta spokesperson.

Three of the injured were taken to hospital by ambulance crews waiting on the tarmac after sustaining what paramedics determined were “musculoskeletal and lower back concerns.”

“I believe five were assessed; in total three were transported to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital with minor injuries,” said Lisa Frow, manager of NSW Ambulance’s Mascot station.

Delta said none of those hurt were passengers, but Australian media listed two 71-year-olds, a 60-year-old-woman and a 37-year-old woman among the injured.

In July, more than two dozen passengers aboard a Delta Air Lines Airbus A330 were hospitalized after it was buffeted by “significant turbulence” en route from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam.

The flight diverted and landed safely at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport with 25 passengers taken to area hospitals.

In June, five people were injured when an American Airlines Airbus A321 hit “unexpected turbulence on flight from Miami to Durham, N.C.

Three flight attendants and two passengers were taken to the hospital.

Passengers reported an unconscious man, a flight attendant with a broken arm and another burned by hot water from a drinks cart.

The American Airlines incident is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration, as is standard for incidents where there are injuries.

In May 2024, one person died and 71 were injured, seven critically, aboard a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore that ran into unexpected extreme turbulence when it was at cruise altitude.

The flight deck declared an emergency, but landed the Boeing 777 safely at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Health officials determined that Briton, Geoff Kitchen, died of a suspected heart attack.

The incident prompted Singapore Airlines to revise its seat belt policy so that it would no longer provide hot beverage or meal service when the fasten seatbelt sign was illuminated

While strong or severe turbulence — where disturbed air pitches an aircraft violently upward or downward, creating G-forces of up to 1.5 — is on the increase, it remains extremely rare, with only one in 7,000 flights affected.

However, experts warned that flying was likely to become rougher more often in the future due to climate change as temperature changes and shifting wind patterns impact atmospheric conditions.